#how do you queue good sirs and madams

[regrettablewritings]

Preference: What Strange Being Are They?

Characters: Jaskier, Honey Lemon, Benoit Blanc, Finn, Geralt

Jaskier - Spring Court Fae

Fae of the Spring Court (or the Seelie, as they are more formally called) are known for being one of the two more benevolent classes of fae. Generally polite and bright-eyed with a love for what the world has to offer, they typically come equipped with a twinge of mischief when it comes to interacting with humans. Otherwise, they just leave them be.

But Jaskier loved humans just a bit too much to keep proper distance.

While Solitary Fairies weren’t unheard of, it was extremely unusual to hear of a fae abandoning their court in favor of wandering around without any particular allegiance.

So it might’ve ruffled a few wings when the local fairy viscount and viscontess’ son decided to up and leave to “travel the world”, armed only with his admittedly limited magicks and a lute. But Jaskier didn’t care: All he wanted at this point was to be up close with humans, to entertain them, to have their eyes on him, for them to be ensorcelled by him . . . Perhaps even enough to copulate with him.

Because make no mistake: Benevolent or not, a fair folk is still a fair folk. And the fae have never been the type to shy away from mischief. Which was probably why you knew you were in trouble the moment those blue eyes landed on you . . .

Honey Lemon - Witch

While witches need no introduction, there is still a certain . . . aesthetic, we shall say, that tends to go along with the image. Because for as black sunhat-wearing and crystal-collecting as the image has become in more recent years, no one could deny the traditional associations: Cottages that looked cobbled together, nestled deep within gnarly woods; cauldrons bubbling over with green concoctions; battered grimoires and parchment strewn about and stacked haphazardly along stale, wooden shelves; figures cloaked in black enigma, hidden away from the prying eyes of society.

Nobody tends to think of a small apartment in the shadier side of town; Bunsen burner sets heating away at beakers of bubblegum-pink, perfume-y something-or-other; spells and brews written on flowery stationary, filed away neatly in polka-dot binders and Hello Kitty folders and assembled on a shelf ordered from IKEA; and an energized young lady with long, blonde hair that paled in comparison to the bright, glorious smile she wore.

Suffice to say, Honey Lemon is not the traditional image of a witch. But this never stopped the rumors from floating around the city, onto college campuses filled with students eager and desperate.

“If you go to 1234 Blahblahblah with a roll of cute washi tape or stickers, a witch there will give you a potion to help you pass your exams,” they said. Which was ridiculous, of course: It was just another local legend started by grad students, passed down to undergrads desperate enough to believe anything.

And, unfortunately for you, you were an undergrad desperate enough to believe anything . . .

Benoit Blanc - Dhampir

The occurrence of a successful pregnancy between a vampire and a human was not a particularly common one. That the progeny might grow up to be anything other than a vampire hunter or even something of a bon vivant was rarer still. And given that he was blond with piercingly blue eyes -- rather than the usual deep brunette and brown-eyed package -- it was fairly apparent that Benoit was a somewhat unusual example of dhampir. Nor that he much cared.

He was far too old to care in his personal opinion. Besides: He’d learned long, long, long ago to stop worrying so much about his oddities (it saves time), especially given that some evidence of his more vampiric lineage never quite took. For example, while his senses of sight, smell, and even hearing to a point managed to be more heightened than that of his human kin, his speed and strength just barely stood out as being any better than the average man’s. Nor did his agility, for that matter.

But he was more than happy to take what skills and knowledge he did have and put them to good use elsewhere: Eagle eyes for scanning and noticing the teeny, tiny details; a good sense of smell, which could be far more useful than one might think when observing certain crime scenes; and an assemblage of knowledge and experiences collected from over the last three centuries. They didn’t make much for a hunter of the unnatural without the strength and speed, but they suited detective work just fine.

All topped with a bow of wit and charm, aged like wines he’d outlived, and Benoit Blanc appeared to be a man just ever so slightly out of sync with the modern era. Not concernedly so, but just enough for him to eventually earn the title of “The Last of the Gentleman Sleuths” during one of the very, very few times he allowed his presence to be more widely known to the public.

It was his diction, his style of dress, and the overall air he exuded, really -- it might not have been intoxicating in the same way that a full-blooded vampire might draw in company, but he did, without a doubt, possess some draw to him.

Well, at least he did to you . . .

Finn - Alien

In a galaxy far, far away . . . FN2187 was just another extraterrestrial living amongst the stars. In the middle of a war. A war he wanted nothing to do with, but was dragged into anyway. Admittedly, he didn’t have any real stance on the matter. After all, as a soldier, was he really supposed to? Well, regardless, he eventually got one: He didn’t like it. At all. What was this all even for? Liberation? Conquest? Just to prove a point? It didn’t matter: The horrors had become etched into his brain, the burden of his connection to it all too much for even his hearts, multiple as they were, to bear. 

And so he escaped, stealing a ship and flying off into the big, black unknown.

However, that FN2187 was not a particularly skilled pilot. In fact, he wasn’t trained to be a pilot at all! It was an honest to The Maker miracle that he’d managed to even get as far as he did, even if it ended in him crashing the stolen craft.

Unfortunately, crashes of any kind have never been subtle events, no matter how low of a profile the alien might’ve wanted it to have been. Authorities had been alerted, and it was only a matter of time before he was discovered by either his own officers, or these...Terranian ones. He knew he could handle the latter, but why take the risk?

Besides, he was already lucky enough to have you be the first to find him (lucky him, crashing in the patch of trees nearby your house). You, on the other hand . . . You wouldn’t consider yourself unlucky, per se. But you did consider yourself in a jam. After all, there was no handy dandy manual for how to keep the alien you’ve taken home under wraps . . .

Geralt - Faoladh

There are werewolves, and then there are the Faoladh. A werewolf is a beast that turns from man to monster on every full moon, more often than not devolving into a fit of heightened savagery in the process. The ire from this is consequential.

The Faoladh, however, are nearly the exact opposite.

Rather than wait for a moon phase to dictate their form, they can simply change as they like, so long as they’re equipped with the wolf pelt that gives them beastly form. As a result, they retain their humanity and reason, which has served them well in legends, where people have called them heroes of war, recruited by the king. Some even designate them patronage over children, the wounded, and lost souls.

However, it is perhaps because of their rarity that their name had fallen from most memories, their notable benevolence along with it. Because how could something so large, so brutal, and so terrifyingly dangerous be capable of goodness and protection? Though, for the remaining few that knew otherwise, there were still some good wolves out there.

And the village insisted that it was lucky to have one of them wandering around in its history. You, of course, had some doubts . . .

[thr-333]

Mismatch- Part 1

Bio Dad Bruce Wayne Month 2020

Just found out this is a thing! I have a couple of  miraculous fics like that (all of them, not really but still!)

Next

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“We’re late, we’re late, we’re going to be so late,” Ladybug mutteres to herself, as her earrings beep again.

“Yeah, late for our three hour wait,” Chat Noir jokes, running alongside Ladybug. “Which, by the way, is in place so no one is late,”

“Not the point! We still haven't packed!” Ladybug threw her yo-yo out.

“Oh dear if only we had a super convenient way to instantly travel between continents,” Chat Noir teases, landing next to Ladybug.

“We cannot use the horse miraculous for selfish reasons,” They could see the bakery now and sped up before they transforming back.

“Selfish?” Chat calls from behind, the window was open so they jump straight down onto Marinette's bed, “We couldn’t pack cause we spent all afternoon saving Paris, how is that selfish?”

Marinette’s transformation fall as she speeds down the stairs into their room, throwing clothes in her pink polka-dotted suitcase.

“Marion, I don’t have time to argue about this, now pack,” Marinette commands.

“Yes sir,” Marion jokingly salutes as he drops his transformation, giving Plagg cheese before he could complain.

Marinette did her best to quickly fold the clothes, which ended up in a jumbled mess regardless. Marion didn’t seem to care either way and just stuffed whatever clothes he could find into his suitcase.

“Nette, are we putting the Miracle box in a suitcase or carry on?” He asks, pausing before he packs more.

“Better do carry on, we can tell security it's a gift for Aunt Selina that we didn’t want to lose,” Marion nods and shoves an armful of clothes into the suitcase.

Marinette starts rooting around for something, Marion hands her a sketchbook filling her face with relief. The two work frantically for the next ten minutes, Marinette reading off a checklist. She double checks both their bags despite Marion's protests.

“Are you two ready to go, the taxi’s here!” Their Papa calls from downstairs, as Marion is packing his laptop into a backpack.

“Just a minute!” Marinette assures, rushing to the Miracle box to safely zip it into a secret compartment underneath her bag, covering the pocket up with her tablet, another sketchbook and water bottle.

Marion opened up his satchel for Plagg and Kaalki, double checking he had his passport, phone and wallet, Marinette doing the same. Once they were set they gave each other a nod, grabbing their bags to take downstairs.

“Do you have everything?” Their Maman asks, as they struggled to take their heavy bags downstairs.

“Everything that's important,” Marion answers cheerfully.

Sabine nodded with a smile, very used to the panicked calls telling her they forgot something at home.

“Well this isn't a tour bus so make sure you have your toothbrush,” Sabine takes the suitcase from Marion easily.

“Ah!” Marion dashes upstairs to their joint bathroom, fond but exasperate looks following him.

“Now remember to have fun,” Tom tells Marinette, “This isn’t work, make sure to spend time with your friends,”

“Well it’s a little work,” Marinette smiles, it had seemed like a waste to go to Gotham without having a concert. They plan on going to a few more cities in the states after the rest of their class goes back to Paris.

“Make time for fun anyway,” Sabine gives her daughter a hug.

“We will,” Marion runs back downstairs, quickly unzipping his suitcase. Marinette cringed at the mess of clothes all spilling out and was sure a toothbrush wasn't the only thing he forgot.

Marinette gave her Papa a goodbye hug as Sabine helps Marion close his overflowing suitcase. Marion starts to say his goodbyes as Marrinette goes downstairs to promise the taxi driver they're coming. Tom follows shortly, carrying down their suitcases.

“You stay safe ok, Gotham is dangerous,” Tom warns, as their bags are loaded into the car.

“We will, promise,” Marion assures, knowing full well there were two costumes upstairs they plan on using in Gotham, at least they are bullet proof, “Love you,”

“We love you too,” Sabine squeezes them into a tighter group hug.

“I love you too, but we’re really late,” Marinette tries to wriggle out of the hold.

“Make sure you call us,” Tom laughs, letting them go.

“We will,” They get in the taxi, rolling down the window to wave goodbye as they speed down the street.

“Well, I haven’t got any messages demanding to know where we are so that's good, right?” Marinette scrolls through her phone.

“Everything is going to be fine,” Marion rolls the window back up. “We’ve been hours late before and they waited,”

“That was because we were-” She casts a look at the driver, “That was different, I doubt they’d do it again,”

“They better, you're the only reason the class gets to go on this trip,” Marion starts rooting through his carryon, probably double checking everything.

“You helped,” Marion snorts at that.

“I proofread,”

“You gave me lots of ideas, and helped me write it, and you were the one that suggested it in the first place, and-”

“Ok, ok stop,” Marion playfully places his hand over her mouth, and they both brake down in giggles.

They arrive at the airport probably quicker than they should have and unload as fast as they can. They rush inside looking around for the class. They are gathered in a group with Miss Bustier at check in, somewhere around the midway point. The twins walk over to them, remaining on the other side of the tape, not in line.

“Oh good you're here,” Madame Bustier clasping her hands, “I’m afraid you’ll have to go to the back of the line, we can all meet up before security,”

“Looks like you got what you wanted, now we’re all going to be late,” Lila sneers from the crowd around her.

Most of the class gave them slight glares, the others avoiding them. Alya rolls her eyes at them and turns back to Lila asking another question about her newest tall tale. Marinette tries to ignore the sting and Marion rolls his eyes right back at her, Chloe was having a bad influence on him.

“We won't be late for anything,” Kagami speaks up, making her way towards them, “We have plenty of time before the flight leaves, I’ll join you two,”

The twins smile as Kagami ducks underneath the tape, pulling her comparatively smaller suitcase with her. The three walk together asking each other how packing was, Kagami cast them an unsurprised look when they told her what happened, omitting a few details.

“Can’t you use the first class line,” Marinette asks, as they reached the back of the check in queue.

“I was here before Madame Bustier, she insisted we stand together in line so the others could find us and not get confused, many joined us late,” Anyone could hear the venom in her voice at the hypocrisy.

“Don’t worry about it,” Marion tells her, “We wouldn’t have cut in anyway, it’d be rude to the people behind us,”

Marinette nods scanning the people around them.

“Adrien is over there,” Kagami tells her, Marinette blushes but looks to where she's pointing.

Adrien was talking with Nathalie, there was no luggage around them. They watch as Nathalie leave, an outsider wouldn’t be able to guess they knew each other. Adrien looks around, probably for the class, but saw Marinette waving instead and waves back.

“Hi,” He smiles a smile that could almost beat the twins pure sunshine. They do their greetings, or Kagami and Marion do, Marinette babbles nonsense.

“Did you already check in?” Marion asks.

“Yeah, but I’d rather stand in line with you,” Adrien smiles, no one but Marinette missing how he glances at her.

“So where's Gorilla?” Marion shuffles forward with the line a bit.

“MDC and MCD specifically requested that he go with them on their tour of America, so-”

“That means you're free to do whatever the check you want,” Marion finishes, giving his shoulder a light punch.

“Yeah- did you just sensor ‘heck’?” Adrien puzzles.

*gasp*”Watch your mouth Agreste,” Marion mocks, a smile giving him away. They both smile knowing full well that Gorilla wouldn't be guarding anyone until the end of the class trip, so would have lots of free time for a mini vacation.

“You’re Father is an irrational man, insisting on a bodyguard to everywhere but one of the most dangerous cities in the world,” Kagami says bluntly, Marinette cringes as Adrien's face falls.

“That's because he knows you’re going to be there, Gotham should be very afraid,” Marinette tries to cover up, making Adrien smile slightly.

“Plus a bodyguard signals someone worth something, probably better to have a Kagami,” Marion helps along. Kagami seems to find this acceptable, given that she tries to hide her blush, and drops the topic.

They continue chatting about what they were most excited for in Gotham. Marinette mentions that she was dying to see the botanical gardens, Marion could almost hear the cogs in Adrien's brain turning. A familiar voice interrupts yelling across the busy airport.

“Chloe we’re over here,” Adrien waves his arms for the blonde looking around.

She turns and waves back. Marinette is surprised to see she was carrying just one suitcase, but understands as her butler follows with several more.

“You’re going to be over the limit,” Kagami simply states as Chloe pushes her way to them, not seeing or ignoring the irritated people around.

“So what?” Chloe asks, as he suitcases are placed around her.

Kagami looks like she was about to continue, but stops as Adrien just placed a hand on her shoulder and shakes his head. She sighs and ignores Chloe's smug look, everyone knew that argument would go nowhere.

Adrien and Marion both happily greet her. Kagami and Marinette, less enthusiastic but still friendly. Chloe starts on a tangent about how she was stuck on what outfit to wear on the plane, because it had to be comfortable but also had to be fabulous enough to be her introduction to America. Marinette at least had to admit she was good at filling silence.

They make their way slowly to the front of the line. Luckily with minimal complaining from Chloe, who they distracted each time she got restless, with questions about her of course.

When they reach the front of the line Adrien stands to the side while they checked in. The only one who runs into problems was Chloe who predictably had to pay a fee for more bags, and overweight bags. Marinette fears how it will be coming back.

After they’re all checked in, they find the rest of the class waiting by the security, sitting down on the chairs around. They ignore Lila's comments about them taking too long while Madame Bustier does a headcount.

“Ok, now that everyones here I would like to remind you all that this trip is a great honour granted to us by the Wayne Foundation and I expect you all to be on your best behaviour. Now Gotham can be quite dangerous so it is important you all stay close and don’t go wandering off without telling me…” The speech goes on awhile longer before they were allowed to get in line for airport security.

“I’m telling you Chloe they will make you take it off, just do it now so you don't hold up the line,” Marinette reasons, as they shuffle forward after the rest of the class.

“Believe me once they see how fabulous I look, they won't,”

“That’s not how it works,” Marinette bites out.

“Rules were made to be broken,” Chloe dismisses, looking at her nails.

“This is airport security,” Marinette is close to tearing her hair out. Seeing this Kagami sends Chloe a death glare over Marinette's shoulder.

“Fine,” The blonde huffs out, reaching up to unclasp her necklace.

“Oh I’m just not sure,” Lila pouts much louder than needed. “The plane could make my tinnitus so much worse,”

“Excuse me Lila but didn’t you say Ladybug cured your tinnitus?” Max asks, holding his pile of technology that has to be scanned separately.

“Well I didn’t want to mention it but it came back a while ago, I guess the cure was only temporary,” Lila covers for herself.

“Oh dear,” Rose says with unfortunately genuine concern. “I wish you’d have told us we could have helped,”

Alya, Sabrina, Mylene, Kim, Juleka and Ivan all nod or voice their agreement.

“Oh you guys that's so sweet, I’m sorry I just didn’t want to bother you,” Lila says, queuing up her fake tears.

“Don’t worry about it girl, you could never bother us,” Alya assures, giving Lila a hug. Lila's victorious smirk would have been directed at Marinette if Kagami wasn't blocking her.

As they get closer to the check Marinette and Marion send their Kwamis off with their miraculous quietly. Marion pretending to put his glasses in his bag. They get through the check fine until Chloe... surprisingly doesn't set off the alarm, but that doesn't stop security from pulling her aside to check her bags after noticing some concerning items.

“Well yeah, who doesn't take hairspray on a plane?” Chloe challenges the tired looking security guard.

“This could take awhile,” Marinette whispers to the group who nod in agreement. The class had already gone ahead, Madame Bustier telling them to be at the gate at least twenty minutes before boarding.

They need to look for their Kwamis. They left Chloe to argue with the guard, telling her they would be at duty free just up ahead.

They pursue through the duty free, which teenagers doing might seem strange. They can't call out with Kagami and Adrien so close. Marion spots the candy section, tugging on Marinette's sleeve.

Marinette sighs knowing Tikki will definitely be there. The two sped off leaving Kagami and Adrien wandering behind. There was a kid there looking at the candy, but went running off when their parents called them.

“Tikki,” Marinette whispers, searching through the blocks of chocolate.

“Down here,” Plagg answers instead. The twins bend down, yelping when their heads knock together. Rubbing their heads they saw Tikki hugging a giant Toblerone block like the Kwami's life depended on it. Plagg was off to the side looking pouty, Kaalki looks indifferent. They fly over to Marion who slid his ring back and glasses back on as his Kwamis hide.

“Tikki let’s go,” Marinette whispers, Marion standing to look at the other chocolate.

“No,” Tikki said stubbornly, as Marinette puts on her earrings.

“Why can’t I find a block of camembert that big,” Marinette hears Plagg whine to Marion.

“Comeon Tikki, please,” Marinette begs, trying to tug the block away.

“Because no one but you would eat it,” Marion tells Plagg.

“I’ve never seen one this big before,” Tikki whispers with stars practically dancing in her eyes.

“Exactly it's perfect,” Plagg gushes, Marinette could feel the eye roll.

“Plleeeeeeeeaassssse?” Tikki gives Marinette the biggest baby doll eyes the small Kwami could manage, this was a losing battle.

“Every time,” Marinette sighs, picking up the large block. Tikki cheers flying into her purse.

She goes to the counter to reluctantly pay for the block. Then joins Marion where he was now standing with Kagami and Adrien.

As Marinette walks over Adrien's eyes practically light up at the sight of the giant Toblerone block. Marinette had already opened it, slipping a piece to Tiki. She sees the awe on Adrien's face.

“Um, would, would you like some?” Marinette asks, blushing at her stammering.

“Can I?” Adrien wonders, as if she is offering him some sort of treasure.

“Of course!” Marinette exclaims, breaking him off a piece immediately, smiling brightly.

Adrien starts to blush at her smile, then combusts as she hands over the piece, their fingers accidentally brushing. He fumbles trying not to drop the piece.

“Thank you so much,” Adrien smiles and Marinette might be clinically dead.

“Sorry-I mean thank you- I mean good-I,” Marinette stutters.

Both Marion and Kagami smirking. Marion notices Kagami looking a little jealousy at the block, but both are unwilling to interrupt(or save Marinette) from this little scene. So he sneaks off and buys another block, breaking off a piece and handing it to her. Kagami looks surprised, then smiles, accepting it with a thank you as they both watch the two blushing disasters. Marinette notices Marion holding another block and looks confused.

“You could have asked,” Marinette offers, holding out her block.

“But then I would be left without a weapon, engard!” Marion shouts, dropping into a not-at-all-correct fencing pose. Marinette catches on, hitting her block against his as fake swords.

The two are left pretending to be bad at swordplay, much to the amusement of the actual fencers. They ‘fight’ to a more open area away from the duty free, into a corner viewing the security check. Chloe casts them a confused look before rolling her eyes at their antics. When Marinette boinks Marion on the head he over dramatically collapses with a gasp.

“Adrien-A-Adrien are you there,” Marion reaches out blindly.

“I-I’m here,” Adrien drops down to his knees, clasping Marion's hand.

“Adrien, Adrien listen… no matter what… you must avenge me,” Marion gasps out, while Marinette is trying not to deflate into giggles.

“I-I don’t know if I can,” Adrien cries.

“You can, I know you can… I… believe…. In………. You……………. Blegh,” Marion sticks his tongue out, the universal sign of being dead.

“NooooooOOOOOooooooooOOOooooo,” Adrien yells, except not really because this is an airport and that would be rude so he whispers. At that Marinette starts crackling with laughter, no longer being able to hold it in.

“You think this is funny you-you monster,” Adrien bellows, as dramatic as possible, picking up the Toblerone. Marinette can’t answer as she just starts laughing harder.

Adrien ‘lunges’ at her, pretending to miss as Marinette tries to dodge through her laughter. The two keep ‘fighting’ every time Marinette starts to recover; she just breaks out into more giggles.

“You should probably get off the floor, it’s dirty,” Kagami tells Marion, who is still playing the part and not at all calling out ‘avenge me’ every ten seconds to make Marinette start giggling again.

“Oh shine your right,” Marion scrambles to stand up.

“Oh no a zombie,” Kagami says, montone, but Marion can tell she's trying.

“Brrrrains,” Marion groans out, making Kagami's lip twitch.

“At last!” Adrien calls out in victory, holding his ‘sword’ over Marinette who has completely cracked up and is curled over on the floor “I have defeated you,”

“Not so fast,” Kagami interjects picking up Marinette's dropped block, “I challenge you for the life of this mortal,”

“Oh great one,” Adrien calls, Marion doubts even he knows what he's talking about. “I must slay them to avenge my fallen brethren,”

“Thats me!” Marion exclaims, too happily for a guy that just died. Marinette starts laughing harder, Marion is concerned she's not breathing.

“You will have to defeat me first,” Kagami lunges at Adrien with the actual skill of an accomplished fencer.

Marion watched the two in awe as they somehow manage to make fencing with Toblerone blocks look cool. Marion walks over to Marinette, who is still laughing.

“You ok?” He asks, causing Marinette to start laughing harder. “Right got it,”

Marion sits down and rubs her back to help her calm down as she takes gasping breaths. Breathing out how her ribs hurt through the laughter. She starts to calm down into smaller giggles and sits up with Marion to watch the two fencers. They had even managed to draw the attention of some people around them, mostly the bored people waiting in line.

They both start getting more intense. Adrien lunges just a little too forcefully and the silver covered chocolate goes flying out the cardboard across the room. That is officially too much as the twins start howling with laughter. Adrien is frozen for a moment before he doubles over with laughter. Kagami even joins in, quietly chuckling. There are some people around them who are either laughing or smiling with them.

Once Adrien calms down a little he walks over to where the chocolate flew. Someone who had witnessed the 'fight' had picks up and hands it to the laughing boy as he comes over, chuckling themselves. They all gather to sit together and calm down their laughter. They try to keep quiet by each time someone starts to giggle again they all break down laughing. It takes some time but they all calm down.

“Sorry about that,” Adrien says, handing the chocolate back to Marion.

“Don’t ever apologise for something that makes us laugh that hard,” Marion smiles back, then descends into another bout of giggles,

They wait for Chloe a little longer until Kagami gets impatient. She marches over to where Chloe is still ‘talking’ with the guard. The others can’t hear what she says, but she pushes the pile of unauthorised stuff to the guard, closes Chloe's bag, and drags her away in little under thirty seconds.

“I really liked that nail polish,” Chloe pouts as they walk over to the others, who are grabbing their bags.

“Why would you bring it in carryon?” Kagami takes her bag from Marinette.

“I wanted to paint them on the plane,” Chloe looks at her nails sadly.

“Chloe you had ten vials!” Kagami accuses, as they started to walk.

“I couldn't decide which color,” Chloe pouts as they walk through duty free.

“They were the same color,”

“No they weren't! You take that back!” Chloe shouts, outraged.

“No,” Kagami states calmly, as they leave duty free.

“First of all how dare you I had canary, lemon, dandelion, honey-” Chloe starts counting out on her unpainted fingers.

“Those are all yellow,” Kagami fumes.

“They’re actually very different,” Marinette interjects, Kagami giving her a look of betrayal, but the girl is a fashion designer, what can you do?

“See? Marinette gets it, why can’t you?” Chloe asks, throwing out her hands.

“Why do I have to ‘get’ anything?”

“Because it's important to me,” Chloe sniffs, turning away.

“And why would I care?”

“Because- Oh my God look at those sunglasses!” Chloe cuts in front of Kagami to look at the pair on display in one of the airport’s shops. The group follow, still having plenty of time before they had to be at the gate.

“I like this pair,” Chloe says, looking at herself in the mirror.

“But this pair's shape suits your face shape much better,” Marinette hands Chloe another pair that she swapped over.

“Hmmmm, you’re right, what do you think Kagami,” Chloe poses for the girl.

“I don’t care either way,” Kagami answers truthfully.

“Hmph,” Chloe turns back around to admire her reflection.

“We are going to Gotham, I don’t think they get a lot of sun there,” Adrien pipes up, wearing a pair Chloe insisted he try.

“Doesn’t need to be sunny to look fabulous Adrien,” Chloe places another pair on his head.

“Is that the only word you know?” Kagami mutters.

“What was that?” Chloe asked, eyes narrowing.

“Nothing” Kagami answers shortly.

“How about we exchange some money?” Marinette suggests, cutting Chloe's comeback off.

“I don’t need to, I have a credit card,” Chloe says, flaunting her purse.

“It's always good to have some on hand,” Marinette plucks the glasses off her head and puts them back on the stand as Marion guides the protesting blonde away.

They exchange the cash, Marinette and Marion having to prevent Chloe from exchanging more than was actually necessary. They tuck it safely in their respective wallets letting their Kwamis watch over it.

They decide to get some food, Marinette and Marion immediately giving way to Adrien's excitement over eating Mcdonalds. Chloe refuses to go near the fast food place, and Kagami also refuses. So Chloe ends up dragging Kagami to look at more shops.

They take their food to an empty table. Adrien having a pile of food while the twins have a burger each and fries to fight over, not that they would have it any other way. Marinette watches completely spellbound at Adrien's simple excitement as he tried all the junk food. She vows to herself that she would take him everywhere in Gotham that sold something deep fried. Marion was slightly scared Gabriel would kill them after this trip, but it would definitely be worth it.

Marion decides to scroll through MCD’s social media before he has to turn his phone off. Marion smiles to himself at all the people in Gotham excited about his upcoming concert. He would be using the newly adapted outfits of all Gotham’s heroes that Marinette had finished weeks prior. It would be a nice surprise as everyone thought he was just going to wear the ones they already made.

“Hey Nette, do you think we can hold a meet and greet in Gotham?” He whispers so Adrien can’t hear. Although it is doubtful he would be able as he slips into a food coma, refusing to stop.

“Mmmmhmmm,” Marinette hums, as she keeps looking at Adrien with heart eyes.

Marion shrugs and sends their manager a quick email. She was a friend of Penny’s who had helped them out ever since they were small-time, despite being skilled enough to get jobs with much bigger celebrities. He gets an email back almost immediately telling him it would be hard to set up but she would try.

They spend as much time as possible away from the gate. Adrien had gotten a stomach ache and Marinette was rubbing his back as he groaned into the table. Marion offered the untouched food to surrounding people. Pointing to Adrien as he explains. Most people laughed and accept the food with thanks. Marion was glad he had a friendly disposition, he somehow doubted people would take the same food from Chloe.

Kagami and Chloe eventually come back. Kagami seemingly defeated, helping Chloe carry some bags. Marion smiles at the two but knows better than to say anything. Chloe sees Adrien's state and starts ranting, in her own caring way.

“Just the sight of that stuff is enough to make me sick, imagine what actually eating it does to you, oh, I don’t have to because you’re demonstrating that quite well,” Chloe gestures wildly.

“I think it’s more the volume that's the issue here,” Marion placates.

“Peasant food,” Chloe sneers, Marion smirks at her and they both start giggling.

“Oh that reminds me,” Chloe says, pulling out her phone still giggling. “I was filming your little scene,”

Marion shifts closer to Chloe, Kagami and Marinette watching over their shoulders. They don’t have audio but they see Marion as he dramatically falls down, causing Marinette to start giggling. They all start laughing as the chocolate goes flying out the wrapper, the angle showing just how far it went.

“Send me that,” Marion giggles, under 5 seconds later his phone beeped, “Witchcraft,” He whispers.

“You better believe it,” Chloe smirks.

“We should head to the gate,” Kagami was looking at the time on Chloe's phone screen. “Adrien can you move?”

Adrien groaned into the table, which probably meant ‘of course I’m raring to go!’.

“There's barf bags on the plane,” Marinette supplies, in what was trying to be helpfully. It likely just made Adrien die inside at the fact that Marinette had now envisioned him puking.

They manage to pry Adrien off the table. Making their way to the gate where the rest of the class was. Most of the class are sitting together, besides Max, Nathaniel and Alix who all sit alone. Well Max did have Markov.

Lila is concocting some story about the heroes from Young Justice fighting over her last time she was in America.

“Oh wow, maybe you can introduce me, I’m dying to get some interviews for my blog,” Alya babbles.

“Maybe, I’m just worried they’ll be fawning over me instead of paying attention to you,”

They walk right past the group and go towards the window. They settle down for the remaining wait looking out at the planes flying in and out. Marion and Marinette point out each time a new plane is arriving or departing. They watch with interest as smaller vehicles dart around the large plane delivering luggage and fuel. Kagami gladly listens to the twins chatter. Adrien is just glad to be looking out the window. Chloe is trying to savour her last moments with her phone.

----

Heres a bad comic

[jovialyouthmusic]

Kiss from a Rose

A Valentine’s Day adventure

Pairing - Bastien Lykel and Sophia Turner from my TRR AU of Protect and Serve and Silver Service. 

This is a three part fic, the final chapter will be posted on Valentine’s day. Exceptionally fluffy with a good dose of smut in the final chapter - so 

NO UNDER 18s PLEASE

This chapter features my good Tumblr friend @drakeandcamilleofvaltoria​ or Erin, as it’s set in her home city, Edinburgh, which I visit regularly. Many thanks to her for letting me know the trendy places to go. I hope you enjoy it, darling xx

If you haven’t read any previous works with Sophia and Bastien, all you need to know is that this takes place after Anton has been on trial and locked away. Riley ended up with Drake and Liam is involved loosely with Olivia. Sophia is a member of staff at the Royal Palace in Cordonia who joined shortly before the social season that Riley took part in. She is English and the devoted LI of head of the King’s Guard Bastien Lykel. 

Word Count 4027

1 Athens of the North

‘What do you mean, you’ll be passing over us?’ Sophia’s mother’s voice was shrill at the other end of the phone line. ‘Are you flying in the Royal Jet?’ Sophia squeezed the bridge of her nose.

‘It’s okay Mum, don’t get so excited. King Liam will be visiting Queen Elizabeth at Holyrood later this year, and Bastien has to go over to liaise with her security team. I’m going with him – and yes, it will be in the Royal Jet so I’ll be in Edinburgh next week. I’m sorry we won’t be able to stop off and see you, time is tight - but if you want to fly up…’

‘Me, fly again?’ her mother’s voice was still shrill ‘I still haven’t got over that ghastly flight over the Alps in December’ Sophia groaned. Her mother was not a good traveller at the best of times, and Christmas time had not been a good choice. Her father had told her of the turbulence they had encountered on the way back, which made her mother fear another trip.

‘Well never mind, perhaps we can come and visit you later in the year’ Sophia sighed. Bastien frowned at her and tapped his wrist. ‘I’m sorry Mum, I have to go. Give my love to Dad – yes – love you lots – bye…’ She dropped her head in frustration.

‘I’m sorry theá mou, that didn’t sound harmonious’ Bastien said

‘No, she’s still going on about the flight back last time’ Sophia sighed ‘But it does mean we’ll have some time to ourselves in Edinburgh’ In the back of her mind she wondered what might be on the itinerary, as they would be there for Valentine’s day. She didn’t presume that her lover would do anything to celebrate it as he would be working a lot of the time, but she knew he never missed an opportunity to make her feel special. He walked over and drew her into his arms.

‘I’m sorry Sophia, I don’t know how much time I’ll have to spend with you’ he replied.

‘It’s fine, Erin and I can catch up. It will be good to see her again, and I can see my friend Les too’

She knew the city well, having spent some time researching for her college thesis in the library there and taking a job later on in her career. It would be cold compared to Cordonia, and possibly wet and windy, but you never could tell with British weather. They might be lucky and hit a mild spell, or it could very well feel like all four seasons in one day. The city wasn’t big, and a shopping trip or a tour of Art galleries were both possible in bad conditions. She was excited to be going back there with Bastien and her friends.

------

Sophia settled down into the plush leather seat and buckled herself in. It was her first time on the royal jet, and she was delighted to have so much space. Bastien sat facing her, and Drake and Riley had seats on the other side of the aisle. They would be staying in Edinburgh at a different hotel before carrying on to a regular flight to New York afterwards. It was the day before Valentine’s Day.

‘This is rather special’ she smiled, and Bastien squeezed her hand. She was not a nervous flyer, and looked forward to looking out at the view when they took off.

‘I barely travel on regular flights’ Bastien said ‘I must admit it’s good not to have to queue or check your bags in, and to have plenty of leg space.’

Happily, a plane journey with Bastien was more pleasant than a road trip. He pointed out various landmarks as they flew toward the English Channel, when she was thrilled to fly over the island where her parents still lived, and on which she grew up. After that it was Sophia who pointed things of significance out to the other three. Bastien smiled to see her so excited to be visiting her home country. She had been born in the Midlands and she and her parents had moved to the tiny island in the English channel when she was little. She had gone to university in the north of England, and worked in Scotland before she had applied for the job in Cordonia. Despite the length of the journey, it didn’t seem long before they were taxiing along the runway. They were only a short tram ride away from the city centre, but they took a taxi which dropped Drake and Riley off at their hotel on Regent’s Terrace before taking Bastien and Sophia to the prestigious Balmoral Hotel right in the centre of the city on the main thoroughfare, Princes Street.

Bastien would be visiting the palace the next day to liaise with his counterpart there, but they had the afternoon and evening to settle into their hotel and perhaps do a little sightseeing. The car drew into a service entrance before they could get out, and their luggage was whisked away to their rooms while they checked in at reception. Sophia was delighted with their suite, which looked out over the famous Edinburgh Castle and along Princes Street, taking in the tall monument to Sir Walter Scott, famous writer of many books in his time. They had their own lounge as well as a huge bathroom with a walk in shower and corner bathtub.

As soon as the door had closed, Sophia flung her arms around Bastien’s neck for a passionate kiss.

‘My goddess’ he smiled as they stopped for air ‘I feel you’re very eager to put me through my paces’

‘We didn’t manage to join the mile high club’ she said in a sultry tone ‘So the least you can do is make love to me in a five star hotel with a stunning view of a historic landmark or two’

‘Nothing would give me greater pleasure’ he growled, loosening his tie.

------

Sophia had a glow and a spring in her step as she and Bastien made their way up the steep steps of Calton Hill which overlooked the city and held the famous national monument, observatory and Nelson’s Tower. The observatory at the very top had been developed recently and featured a new restaurant with extensive views through a huge ninety degree picture window, and Bastien had booked a table for the two of them.

Sophia caught onto Bastien’s arm as he negotiated the steps with his cane, but it was more to offer support if he needed it than to drag at him. He smiled, knowing her little trick and appreciating how caring she was. The higher they went, the more his thigh ached, but it was not challenging enough to slow him down much. He believed it was improving, and were he to come in a year’s time, he might make it to the top without any discomfort.

They were soon sitting overlooking the lights of the city as the light faded. The sun had set quietly and without spectacle. The hill was very popular with tourists and photographers alike, and many a photo had been taken and posted online and shared around the world. Perhaps the morning would bring colour in the sky, or the next afternoon – as it was February the sun would set in the late afternoon and rise around eight in the morning, so it wasn’t challenging to try and catch a spectacular shot.

‘This place was more or less derelict when I worked here’ Sophia explained to Bastien. ‘This is such an improvement. I’m looking forward to seeing inside the observatory in the morning.’ Bastien was reading the menu, and she reached toward him over the table. He took her hand without even looking away from the menu. Her eyes prickled, her heart skipped a beat and she squeezed his fingers. He looked over at her, puzzled.

‘What?’ he asked.

‘I love you, Bastien Lykel’ she said softly. She picked his hand up and kissed it and he responded by taking hers and drawing it to his chest.

‘And I you – with all my heart, my goddess’ he affirmed. They smiled fondly, lost in each other’s gaze for a few moments.

‘Sir, Madam, are you ready to order?’ Sophia jumped as the waiter spoke. She wondered how long he had been standing waiting for them to notice him. She had barely skimmed the menu, but Bastien had it all under control

‘We’ll have a bottle of champagne – the Veuve Cliquot - and the tasting menu’ he said. The waiter nodded and turned away. ‘The tasting menu has a small portion of everything to try’ Bastien explained in a low voice. ‘The couple on the table in the corner have it – the portions aren’t over generous but I’m sure you won’t mind that’ His eyes sparked, and she coloured, knowing that he wasn’t talking about sating just one appetite. She rarely over ate because it meant less opportunity to make love – a full belly was not compatible with their libidos.

‘I don’t know’ she said in a low tone ‘we need to keep our strength up’ Underneath the table she stretched out her leg and rubbed his ankle with her foot.

‘Room service is available twenty four hours’ he rumbled, leaning toward her. At that point the waiter arrived with the champagne and poured a little for Bastien to test, and he leaned back in his chair.

‘For the lady too?’ the waiter asked when the guard looked up at him and frowned slightly. He nodded and poured a little for her too. There was a flash of amusement in Bastien’s eyes as they both sipped.

‘What do you think, my sweet?’ he asked, and she furrowed her brow, pausing for a moment as she kept the wine in her mouth and rolled it around. She wasn’t sure if it was the correct procedure for champagne, but she hoped her bluff convinced the waiter. She swallowed, making a face of approval. She certainly wasn’t about to spit it out as she had seen some doing. Casting her mind back, she remembered Riley had lessons in wine tasting with the Beaumonts back when she was representing them in the social season. She resolved to ask her about it later.

‘Acceptable’ she nodded gravely, and the waiter poured more for both of them before leaving them to drink it. The main feature of the menu was that every ingredient was locally sourced, and it made for a very interesting range of dishes. Before long, the starters arrived – three small plates bearing food, and an empty plate each to sample the dishes. The waiter described the dishes for them, and instead of serving any of it out onto their plates, Bastien gave her a little to taste. There was a dish of trout with an accompanying relish, one of artichoke, ricotta and hazelnuts, and one of raw beef with wild garlic. She decided she liked the trout best and the beef least, so Bastien served her a little of the beef, halved the artichoke dish, and gave her most of the trout.

The food was not over generous as Bastien had said, but what it lacked in quantity it more than made up for in taste and texture. Sophia rolled her eyes and curled her toes at the delicately balanced flavours. Bastien looked at her in amusement.

‘What is it?’ she asked. His eyes flashed with amusement as he leaned closer to speak quietly.

‘You made that face only a couple of hours ago in our hotel suite’ Her eyes widened.

‘You mean – that’s my…’ she stopped ‘I make that expression when I…’ Bastien was trying hard not to laugh out loud, but he was very amused as his goddess flushed red. ‘You’re teasing me’ she hissed, but he shook his head and put his hand on his heart.

‘I speak the truth’ he whispered, and Sophia huffed.

‘Well you taste it’ she said, slightly miffed. Bastien was still trying not to laugh, but he took a small mouthful, rolling his eyes and mimicking her expression. She kicked him under the table, making sure it was his ‘good’ leg.

‘Just like that’ he teased. He gathered himself together ‘I’m sorry Sophia’ he said ‘Truly, it’s not exactly the same, but it is very similar’ She scowled a little, and he reached across the table to take her hand ‘It’s wonderful’ he said ‘I love that face. It means you’re happy, and if you’re happy, so am I’ Sophia tilted her head to the side, her expression softening a little.

‘Okay, I’ll consider forgiving you for laughing at me’ she said reluctantly. The waiter reappeared to clear their plates away, and it wasn’t long before the main course came. This time the options were scallops, crab and langoustine, and wild duck. Sophia was pleased at the selection of seafood, and this time Bastien just split each dish evenly. At the first taste, Sophia rolled her eyes again, but this time she exaggerated it, and under the table she slipped her shoe off and rubbed Bastien’s ankle. She made a sound of appreciation, and was rewarded by watching him nervously try to loosen his tie, looking sideways at the other diners.

‘This is divine’ she breathed, putting as much feeling into her words as she could. Bastien swallowed and his eyes darkened. He leaned over the table toward her

‘I think you’ve paid me back with interest’ he said quietly ‘any more of that and I’ll be tempted to clear the table and…’

‘Is everything okay with your meal, Sir?’ The waiter appeared at Bastien’s side, and he jumped. He recovered quickly, clearing his throat and answering

‘Yes, it’s excellent – pass our appreciation on to the chef please’

‘Certainly Sir – more champagne?’ he asked, as although their glasses were full, the bottle was empty.

‘No thankyou, but if you have a bottle of Glenkinchie I’ll have a glass with water on the side please.’ He glanced at Sophia ‘Will you try a glass of whiskey, my dear?’ Sophia smiled sweetly.

‘Of course, darling’ She gave Bastien’s ankle another nudge, and he drew it back out of her reach with a stern look. She sighed and carried on eating and sipping at the cool effervescent wine, savouring every mouthful. They finished their main course in silence, but they had attained a truce for the moment. The champagne finished, the whiskey was brought over in cut glass tumblers with a jug of water. Bastien took a tiny sip of the neat spirit before adding a drop of water, picking the glass up again and inhaling the aroma.

The dessert menu arrived, and Sophia beamed with anticipation. She had a sweet tooth though Bastien did not, but he often shared dishes with her, making the excuse that it would keep her waistline trim.

‘Though I would love you whatever shape you were’ he would affirm, and Sophia would eye him warily but say nothing. She looked at the menu in confusion. Bastien cocked an eyebrow at her. She leaned over and whispered

‘I have absolutely no idea what any of these things are’ she confided ‘or at least I can recognise the words – it is English after all – but it doesn’t sound very inspiring’ she looked down the list ‘What on earth is ‘Elric’s log’? I can’t tell you what I think it might be.’

‘I’m sure the waiter will enlighten us’ Bastien assured her, but she made a face. At that moment, Bastien’s phone chimed with a text message. He looked at it briefly, seeing it was a text from Drake. Sophia spoke before he could tell her.

‘Can we leave dessert?’ she asked, keeping her voice low ‘I have a much better idea’ Bastien frowned, but he saw her earnest expression. He looked over at the waiter and raised a hand to beckon him over.

‘Can we have the bill please?’ he asked

‘But sir, you haven’t had dessert yet’ Bastien pursed his lips and looked at his phone

‘Unfortunately I’ve been called away on important business, I have to go as soon as I can’

‘I’m so sorry Sir.’ The waiter said with concern ‘I’ll get the bill immediately’

 Minutes later, the two of them walked back down the hill arm in arm. Sophia was used to the cooler climate and wore a tweed jacket and a knitted cashmere hat, but Bastien found it cold and wore a stylish Italian wool coat that just skimmed his knees, and a woollen hat and thick scarf, whereas Sophia’s scarf was more for show than warmth. Their breath showed in the cool air, but it was still and the stars shone brightly.  

‘I’m sorry Bas – I know you’re not fond of dessert anyway, but it was just so - pretentious. I hope they didn’t charge you’ Sophia said apologetically

‘No, but they were a bit stressed trying to work out the new charges’ he said ‘I tipped them so they got almost the same as if we’d had everything and not tipped, so they can’t be too upset.’ He squeezed her hand ‘So, what was your idea for an alternative?’

‘Gelato’ her eyes shone ‘There’s an Italian restaurant very close – not even as far as the hotel – that makes award winning gelato’

‘I’m actually very partial’ he smiled. Her eyes it up

‘That’s wonderful! I used to go with Mark for pizza’ she said thoughtfully ‘The portions were so generous I never had room for gelato’ Bastien felt an unaccustomed stab of jealousy at the mention of her former lover. She felt him tense, and hugged his arm tighter.

‘I’m so happy to be here with you’ she said ‘There are lots of places to show you – we can make new memories together’ He smiled fondly, reassured of her affection.

‘I hope I won’t be kept too late tomorrow. You can show Drake and Riley round if you like, and with luck I’ll see you for dinner’

‘I’ve seen round Holyrood Palace’ she said ‘But of course you’ll be working in the parts the public don’t get to see’

‘I’m sorry they won’t allow me to take you round’ he said ‘They are extremely strict as to who enters, and with good cause’ Sophia shrugged as they came to the restaurant. The décor was oddly reminiscent of an American diner, but the staff were all Italian, and the menu was too.

‘Here we are’ she said, ‘Let’s hope they aren’t busy, it’s too cold to wander the streets with gelato’ Luckily it was quiet and they were able to take a table after ordering a scoop each. Sophia chose prosecco and strawberry and Bastien had panacotta and salted caramel, and they shared.

‘Really you can’t beat mint choc chip’ Sophia asserted ‘but I can’t resist trying this one’

‘I favour double chocolate chip’ Bastien said ‘but this is acceptable’

‘I’ll come in with Les tomorrow and try a sundae’ Sophia said ‘I don’t have room for one right now.’

‘That’s an excellent idea’ Bastien smiled ‘Drake and Riley are at a place called the Black Bull just around the corner, we can pick them up there. Where are we going next?’

‘We’re meeting Erin at a place called Tiger Lily on George Street’ she said ‘It’s about ten minutes’ walk away. I’ve not been there – it’s new, but places open and close all the time’ The two finished their dessert and met Drake and Riley at the Black Bull, which turned out to be similar to the place Riley used to work at in New York – a creditable dive bar frequented largely by bikers in studded leather jackets - before they set off across the city. Although the shops were closed, there were plenty of revellers walking around going to the many bars and restaurants and clubs. Soon they had reached their destination and her friend stood up from their table to wave them over. She was blonde and petite, and had similar looks to Sophia. Her partner was much taller – about the same height as Bastien. His hair was lighter, his shoulders as broad as the older man’s.

‘Sophia – it’s so good to see you’ Erin cried, throwing her arms around her before pulling away to introduce her partner ‘This is Sean – Sean, Sophia’

‘Nice to meet you’ Sophia replied, shaking his hand, and indicated the others ‘This is my partner Bastien, and I told you about Drake and Riley’ Erin’s eyes flicked to Bastien, and he reached out his hand and shook hers firmly. Her eyes widened a little in awe before she turned to Drake – and flushed red to the roots of her hair. Their handshake lingered a little longer, and Sophia nudged her, clearing her throat. She seemed to be having trouble tearing her eyes away from him, but at last she did, turning to Riley, who gave her a sharp look as they clasped hands. Erin looked back to Sean and took his arm affectionately as if to reassure him as he in turn shook hands with the others, and Riley visibly relaxed.

‘How are you finding Edinburgh? asked Erin as they all sat

‘I’ve been before, very briefly’ said Bastien. ‘I find it intriguing – the old town and the new town.’

‘It’s an incredible place’ Riley affirmed ‘It’s just oozing with history – and I can see where JK Rowling got her inspiration for Harry Potter’

‘You have some great dive bars’ grinned Drake ‘and the whiskey…’ he rolled his eyes ‘I’m in heaven’

‘This is a lovely place’ Bastien waved around at the plush surroundings – notably the ceiling covered in decorative cherry blossoms, the marble bar and dark wood tables, low walled booths upholstered with padded leather, the pillars covered with mosaic mirrors, the bright modern lighting.

‘It’s rather special’ Erin smiled, and looked thoughtful for a moment ‘I don’t know what you’re used to, but there’s no table service here - you need to go to the bar to order drinks’

‘Oh, I see - I’ll get the next round’ Bastien offered ‘What do you want, ladies?’ Sophia was looking at the cocktail menu, perplexed, but Erin was ready  

‘I’ll have a glass of Chardonnay please, Bastien’ He nodded and turned to Sophia

‘There’s far too much choice’ she said ‘I’ll have a glass of prosecco, that shouldn’t be too challenging’

‘Sophia honey, you need to live a little!’ cried Riley ‘Bastien may have to work tomorrow, but the rest of us are as free as birds, it’s the weekend’ She nudged her ‘I’ll choose for you, darling’

‘Really, I’ve already had champagne and whiskey’ she protested ‘and I hate hangovers, they’re such a waste of time’ She looked at the list again. Bastien was beginning to realise that Sophia was often overwhelmed when given a choice – the menu at the restaurant had been too much for her as well.

‘Have an old fashioned’ Bastien suggested ‘That’s whiskey based, but with soda so it’s a longer drink’

‘I’ll have a Manhatten’ grinned Riley

‘You should try a Gentleman’s Agreement, that’s whiskey based’ Sean piped up ‘I tried it first time I brought Erin here. It’s the best I’ve ever tasted’

‘It was our first date’ she smiled, squeezing his hand.

‘Thank you Sean, I like the name’ Bastien responded. ‘Does that sound good to you?’ he asked Drake, who nodded enthusiastically, and Bastien rose from his seat ‘I’ll be back shortly’ Sophia shifted toward the end of the leather upholstered bench.

‘I just need to go to the Ladies’ she said ‘Where is it, Erin?’

‘It’s past the bar to the right’ she replied, and Sophia made her way past the bar to find the bathroom.  She soon came back out to see Bastien still at the bar, waiting for his order. She was about to make her way over to help him carry the drinks back to their table, when she heard a familiar male voice that froze her in her tracks, hair on the back of her neck prickling.

‘Sophia? Sophia, is that you?’

[returnn-of-the-mac]

Companions try to throw a sticky grenade, but they fuck up and throw it onto a wall right in front of them. SS is silent and gives them a blank stare, and then they say, “That was the worst throw ever... Of all time.” How would they react?

I’m 99.999% sure I did this one right. I always misread your requests for some reason and I’m sorry about that lol. But this one was really fun to write so. I’ve been trying to get these reacts out of my inbox cuz they’ve been sitting there for a while. I could *technically* queue them but that’s not as fun as spam publishing! Anyway, please enjoy!😊

FO4 Companions React: Companions Throwing Sticky Grenade At Wall In Front Of Them

Sole and their companion were fighting a raider gang in Backstreet Apparel when suddenly, [companion] pulled out a sticky grenade. As [he/she] attempted to throw it at a group of raiders in front of them, the grenade got stuck and landed on the wall directly in front of the pair.

Sole stared at their companion in disbelief, before finally speaking: “That was the worst throw ever...of all time.”

Gage: It ain’t my fault! Those sticky ones are stupid pieces of shit.

MacCready: [annoyed at Sole] Think you could do better, wise guy?

Ada: I apologize, [sir/ma’am].

Longfellow: Well, that’s an achievement in and of itself. Can we drink to that?

Preston: Yeah...that was bad, wasn’t it?

Hancock: Yeah...wasn’t exactly on my A-game today, was I?

Danse: [annoyed at self] Can’t say I disagree with you, soldier.

Piper: Hey, I tried my best! It just got stuck!

X6-88: Yes. It very well could have been.

Cait: Shut ye damn mouth! You do it next time, then!

Deacon: At least I broke some kinda record! Hope that means I’ll get some recognition.

Nick: That’s unfortunate.

Curie: Yes, that was quite a bad throw. I apologize, [Madame/Monsieur].

Codsworth: Oh, phooey. I’ll do better next time.

Strong: Strong smash. Strong good at smash. And kill. No know how to throw grenade.

Suddenly the grenade started beeping furiously. Sole and their companion nervously glanced at each other.

Gage: We’re fucked, boss.

MacCready: This...this might hurt a little bit.

Ada: This is not going to end well.

Longfellow: We’re about to enter a world of pain [holds up whiskey bottle] Cheers!

Preston: Oh shit...

Hancock: [hits Jet] High or die.

Danse: Godammit! Brace yourself.

Piper: Oh no...that’s not good.

X6-88: Remain calm.

Cait: Shite! Not how I envisioned my death.

Deacon: Well, I always said I wanted to go out with a bang.

Nick: Rest in pieces.

Curie: Oops.

Codsworth: Maybe we should start running?

Strong: SMASH GRENADE BEFORE BOOM!

As soon as the beeping started, it died down. It was a defective grenade.

Gage: Damn. We lucked out there, boss.

MacCready: Phew. I thought we were goners.

Ada: The chances of that happening were astronomically low. We were fortunate.

Longfellow: The pain never came and now I’m tipsy. I’d say it’s been a pretty good day.

Preston: We were so lucky, General.

Hancock: Damn. Good thing I got high.

Danse: Crisis averted. Are you okay, soldier?

Piper: Oh my god. I’m still shaken up, Blue.

X6-88: Incredible.

Cait: Thank god. I was scared my brains would havta be scraped off the walls!

Deacon: Boo! What a letdown.

Nick: We’ve been spared...thank god.

Curie: Oh, thank goodness. Are you okay, [Madame/Monsieur]?

Codsworth: Thank heavens we’ve been spared!

Strong: See? Strong save human!

[k-popmakesmyday]

Hi! Can I make a request? It's a fem reader x Johnny. The fem reader are very innocent girl and whatever she does always make Johnny laugh and lover her even more. In the end she asked for a first kiss but she's too shy to ask. And if u don't mind, can u make the story is a bit longer and full of fluff? Thank u! Take ur time! 💕💕

Thank you for requesting lovely!

Rules for requesting are here

[Monday, 1:02 pm]

“so.. that’s how it happened?” Your best friend, Ten asked you as he sipped his coffee while you told him the events of two days ago

“It was magical Tennie, he asked me to be his girl/boyfriend in front of the fountain and it was like time stopped”

You sighed as you mindlessly played with the spoon that danced around your mug of hot chocolate, Ten laughing slightly at your wonderous antics

“I didn’t think Johnny to be the sentimental and sappy type,” you pouted before Ten shot you a cheeky smile “but I’m happy for you, baby”

Before you could reply to the smirking boy your phone buzzed with a notification

New text from Johnny💝: I’ve been thinking of you.. would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?

You typed back a quick yes before blushing profusely and giggling out what just happened to the black-haired boy who sat across from you.

[Tuesday, 12:05 pm]

You checked your outfit in a stores window as you passed by practically bouncing along to see your favourite boy, you couldn’t stop thinking about his text since you had recieved it, so you were essentially buzzing.

Smoothing down your clothes before you stepped into the park that Johnny told you to meet him at, you felt your breath hitch upon the sight of him and the surroundings.

The chestnut-haired boy sat on a red-and-white checkered blanket payed over some grass by the lake. The blanket littered with various dishes and cutlery that your heart melted at the sight of. Johnny himself was dressed in a simple shirt and jeans but still wore a jacket despite it being the end of summer, still he was the epitome of perfection.

He met your surprised glance and gave you his signature warm smile before making his way over to you, he enveloped you in a warm hug engulfing your smaller figure with his tall one. You sighed contently as you rested your head on his chest.

“Hey you,” you could hear him smile in his voice “I hope you’re hungry”

You nodded feverishly before pulling away and looking at the beautiful spread that lay out before you

“You did all this?” You blinked in utter awe at the boys effort

“Of course,” he replied “you deserve the best and now that I can call you mine, that’s what I’ll give you”

You blushed an embarrassing shade of red before settling down on the soft blanket, your knees tucked under your body to the side. Letting your gaze wander to the nearby lake and how it glistened in the afternoon sun, you watched the many couples and families ride on various swan boats, not noticing that Johnny had sat down beside you and was carefully unpacking all that he had brought.

When you looked back your eyes widened in surprise, seemingly endless plates of triangular-shaped sandwiches with the crust cut off (just how you liked them) lay before you with various meats, spreads and veggies filling them. There was freshly baked scones with cheese and fruit and little cupcakes with pastel frosting of all colours.

“Wow,” you gasped “did you make all these by yourself?”

The boy giggled sheepishly before replying

“Well I had Kun send over some recipes but mostly, yeah. Do you like it?”

“Like it?” You scoffed “I love it, thank you”

“Well, Bon appetit, madam/sir”

And that you did, you devoured the various treats, each one tasting better than the last with every flavour blending perfectly together. Perfect, just like the boy who made them.

On the other hand, Johnny simply sat back and watched you enjoy his culinary creations with a childish delight sporting your features. He sweared he fell in love with you more with each bite you took as endless ‘thank you’s and ‘this is so good!’ Spilling from your lips every few seconds.

[Wednesday, 9:28 pm]

“And then, he took me on a swan boat ride across the lake all through the park. Although a duck flew in the boat once and he was so scared we almost capsized!” You giggled upon remembering the endeavour

“I would’ve payed to see that” Ten chuckled from beside you as the both you layed on your couch upside down in strange positions.

It was a tradition with your one and only best friend to meet up and have a movie night every Wednesday since Ten was off work and you didn’t have any class that day. Pizza was ordered, shows were binged and tea was spilled, a lot of tea.

“Is it bad that I already miss him Tennie?” Your best friend rolled his eyes before taking a bite of his pepperoni pizza, purposely avoiding the slices with bell pepper with a disgusted glance (look I know it’s fruit he hates but I refuse to put pineapple on pizza I’m sorry it’s just w r o n g and I can’t handle it)

“Y/n, you know I love you, but if you keep pining over my best friend I will throw up on you”

You pouted up at the dark-haired boy before shifting your gaze to the rom-com playing on the tv while taking a sip of your drink

“-plus I invited him over for movie night because I knew you wouldn’t do it”

Your eyes widen before spitting your drink all over your bewildered best friends face, the liquid burning your throat and your nose.

“WHAT!?”

Ten glared at you before wiping his face with nearby napkins, originally for your greasy pizza hands, before continuing;

“I invited him over because I knew you’d never have the guts”

“He’s my boyfriend, Tennie, of course I would’ve invited him.. but movie night is always just me and you”

Ten rolled his eyes playfully before shrugging

“Kun hyung invited me out for drinks so I think I’ll live”

“Why didn’t you tell me~~” you shook your best friends shoulders lazily before you heard a melodic knock at your door, and you froze

“That’s my queue to leave, babe” Ten grinned at you before kissing your cheek and heading to the door and giving Johnny a quick hug before leaving.

You silently padded over to your boyfriend as he wrapped you in a warm embrace, you instantly relaxed

“Hi” you squeaked, in such a child-like tone Johnny swore his knees almost gave way

The brown-haired boy chucked before answering you “hey, you”

[Thursday, 7:04 am]

You awoke to the smell of toast being cooked in your apartment before a smile spread across your face. Due to the lack of wanting to leave your boyfriends warmth last night, you whined at him until he agreed to sleepover.

“Good morning” you mumbled while taking a seat on the kitchen counter as your beloved boyfriend buttered two pieces of toast.

“Morning, sunshine,” your boyfriend smiled upon taking in your dishevelled appearance, his love struck grin grows wider when he remembers how you fell asleep so peacefully in his arms last night causing him to ever so carefully carried you to bed while he slept on your couch (not before sneaking a small kiss to your forehead but you didn’t hear it from me) as your relationship was still new. “I know it’s not fancy pancakes or anything, but I thought you’d appreciate your apartment not burning to a crisp”

Your heart flutters st the thought of your caring boyfriend even considering making breakfast for you, and you shook your head.

“No, it’s perfect. Besides this is fancy toast,” you smirked as Johnny raised an eyebrow at you

“Really? How so?”

“They were made by the Johnny Seo, this is the finest piece of toast in all the land” you dramatically gestured with your hands before Johnny swept you off of the counter, twirling you around your kitchen, causing you to giggle like a five year old.

“Only the best for the prince/princess of the land”

After breakfast you gathered all of your things for class before practically running out the door

“Y/n, wait!”

You whipped your head around, what could possibly be so important that it risked you being late for your lesson

“Yeah?”

“You forgot your keys, silly” the giggling boy said before you grabbed your keys that were dangling off of his index finger

“Thanks, you’re a lifesaver!”

“You’re welcome. Have a good day, angel”

“You too! Love you!” You said before rushing out the door.

It took a few minutes to register what you had just said. You just told Johnny that you loved him. Was it too early for that? You had only been official for a week! You cringed as you shoved the thought to the back of your mind.

[Friday, 10:29 am]

You shifted your weight from either foot as you awkwardly rubbed your elbow with your other hand. Staring down your boyfriends dorm door-bell with rage ad you tried to force yourself to announce your presence. You mentally counted down from three before squeezing your eyes shut and pressing the doorbell and hearing the echo from inside the dorm.

Your breath hitches and your panic level rose as you heard what seemed to be a stampede towards the door, followed by a lot of bickering and shushing.

The boy who opened the door was ineffeably beautiful, ‘it must run in the group’ you thought as the light haired boy stuck his hand out for you to shake, you glanced over the boys shoulder to see 7 seven pairs of eyes peering right back at you in wonder

You timidly shook the boys hand as he smiled brightly at you

“You must be Y/n, right? We’ve heard a lot about you from Johnny-”

“Yeah, a lot” a sarcastic voice erupted from near the back of the sea of boys, he was shorter than the others and had sun-kissed tan skin

Taeyong sighed, “you’ll have to excuse them, they’re idiots.” he shot the boy a glare before looking back at you “Come in, won’t you? Johnny will be home soon, he’s out running some errands”

You smiled slightly at Taeyong before stepping into the dorm as you took in your surroundings. The entire place reeked of boy, the floor littered with clothes and the coffee table scattered with unfinished drinks and dishes.

“I’m so sorry,” Taeyong muttered as he rushed around the living room, picking up various bits of trash and throwing them away “I thought I told someone to clean up as we had a guest coming over” he seethed through gritted teeth

“Oh, it’s okay” you giggled “it’s not like I���m used to a bit of mess”

Over the next twenty minutes, you learned the names of the other boys and you fell in love with their friendship as a group. Even if Haechan, the boy who made the previous remark, drove them insane. You helped them clean up the dorm despite Taeyongs protest by the experience found to be quite enjoyable in the end.

When Johnny returned home from his errands, he smiled at the sight of you laughing along with his members. If he was being honest, he was slightly nervous for you to meet them due to the fear of you not liking their rowdiness. He stood in the door waiting for you to notice him for about two minutes before he became too impatient and maybe even a tad jealous.

You yelped at the feeling of arms wrapping around your waist from behind, relaxing instantly when you saw your boyfriends smug expression

“Guys~ stop stealing my girl/boyfriend, they’re mine”

The boys ‘ooh’d and hollered at you and Johnny rolled his eyes at them and carried you off to his room

“I’m sorry you had to go through that” he rolled his eyes playfully at you

“It’s okay! They’re actually really nice.. and not scary at all”

“Scary?” Johnny cocked an eyebrow at you

“I was kind of nervous to meet them to be honest” you giggled sheepishly

Gazing at Johnnys endless brown orbs as they sparkled when he talked about his members, your eyes carefully studied his features until they landed on his perfectly plump lips. You watched in amazement as he formed each syllable flawlessly, all you could think about was kissing him.

“Johnny?” You whispered, your voice barely audible

The boy stopped his rambling and gave you a soft glance

“Yes, y/n?”

“Could you- um- c-could you-”

You struggled to force out your request as your eyes flickered from the boys confused gaze and his lips, until a knowing expression washed over his features.

“A kiss, baby? Is that what you want, hm?”

You shakily nodded as the boy cupped your cheek and leaned in, pressing his pillow-like lips to yours for a few seconds before pulling away and smirking.

“How was that?”

“Hm.. one more time to make sure”

Your lips met once again like two puzzle pieces that were made for each other as Johnnys hands went around your waist as he gently brought you closer to him. When he pulled away you chased his lips, making Johnny giggle.

“Y/n?”

“Y-yeah?”

“I love you too”

You couldn’t wait to tell Ten. Although, on second thought, maybe you’d keep this one between you and your beloved Johnny.

K so this turned into a fic in the end lmao, we’re not gonna talk about how long this took bye hope you enjoyed -Em

[hankyaraha]

✨Holiday✨

*It was a fine day he walked down the street under the sun that warmed up his skins. Routines that have helped us to be in vibe for the whole thinkers he. *

Sarah:Hey you!!!.

Sam:Hey Sarah... What are you doing here!?

*Sarah and Sam were working on a project for Samsons.*

Sarah:Well I ditched the bus today and decided to walk.

Watchmen:Hello sir and Madam what are you guys doing here today.. It's a holiday right!?..

Sarah and Sam: What the fuck!!!..

Sarah: come on I walked all the way till here and it's a holiday you gotta be kidding man..

Watchmen: Well since you are here I'll open the cubicles...

*Sam and Sarah walked it setup there workstation and started. They worked silently for a couple of hours.*

*

Sarah:Does your team hate you for sending you to a new project as a temporary resource..

Sam: I don't know man. But they are really great.. they really helped me at times..

Sarah:Well now you are here and we are not that nice..

Sam:Haha right on.. It was time for lunch and well both of them relaised that they had completed the whole weeks work in that span so deceided to head back to home.

Sarah:Let's go man we don't wanna be too ahead cause if something comes up it would be a mess...

Sam: Right on.. Let's go also let's get luck on the way back.. They started to find a place but the difference in tastes was something they hadn't considered so they went on.

Sam: We should do this more often going to find lunch and ending nowhere..

Sarah: Well you can do that but I'm leaving this place in a month..

Sam: Oh really where are you going!??

Sarah: Well I decided to start a nursery..

Sam: So you love kids!??

Sarah: No not the school the nursery with plants..

Sam: Oh that explains the Forest around around space..

Sarah: Well.. Sam:I always wanted to ask one plant cause in front of your office mine looks like Sahara Desert.. They both laugh as they wind down the street. They reached and ordered and started to chit chat..

Sam: So why are you starting a nursery by leaving this job!?

Sarah: Well everyone has there passion and mine is to start a nursery.

Sam: Wow.. I've never met anyone like you...

Sarah: I'll take that as a compliment!??

Sam:It is a compliment if more people start thinking like you the world will be a better place to live!!

Sarah: Thank you!!!!!

Sam: Well make nurseries not war..

Sarah:*smirking* Ohhh Godddd.. well what is your passion Sam!?

Sam: Well you know I was came across this machine today.. and I wanted to take some cash and within a few press of the buttons bommm I had cash in my hand..

Sarah: Wow You know how to use ATM..

Sam:Well see within a few presses of buttons cash comes out and take mobile as an example with a touch I'm able to send a message to a person living a light year away.. and A remote within a press you stream your favourite channel.. and you can do that because there are thousands of lines of code and scripts which are written by a 9-5 working person sitting in a cubicle coding the shit out in a routine and that's when I feel happy understanding that my code has made someone happy and you people go around places and see a thing and they say oh wow that's so beautiful.. but only we engineers can say Oh well I can make it better..

Sarah: Wow sounds amazing man..

*Well they talked on and on as they sunlight set the mood the afternoon was now the evening they laughed they sang they shouted to the cirucitary of AC/DC even if they were tuning to highway to hell they knew it was a stairway to heaven there was nuance in the way they saw each other from the start. They felt it and they walked on to see the sun setting on the beach they knew what they had to do.. Breezy with a bit of chill from the winter they satrted walking on the beach They sat down with a chilled beer that they got from the store they revered the moments and each wave coming and touching their legs and reclinling back to the brine. Sam took out his earphones.*

Sam: You wanna hear some music!?

Sarah: Hell yeah!

He took his playlist and kept it on shuffle

*They talked on..*

Sarah: Don't you feel trapped in this routine!?

Sam: I assume your nurseries are fun!?

Sarah: Well.. Fun fact apricots Apple peaches and strawberries are part rose family.

Sam: What really..

Sarah: Yeppp..

Sam: So on Rose day can I gift an apple to girl!?

Sarah: Ok let's make a rule don't even intrest me in a joke until I leave ok!??

Sam: I don't think that's possible

Song on the queue

*I might lose my mind*

*Waking when the sun's down*

*Riding all these highs*

*Waiting for the comedown*

*Walk these streets with me*

*I'm doing decently*

*Just glad that I can breathe, yeah*

Sarah: Ain't this all beautiful this wind this song this moment

Sam:Well..

Sarah: Gosh I will miss this when I'm gone.

Sam: And I will miss you too...

*The waves gushed through the beach as they both were sitting and trying to comprehend about the moments passing by..*

.

Tell you I'm sorry

You don't know how lovely you are

I had to find you

.

.

.

Nobody said it was easy

It's such a shame for us to part

Nobody said it was easy

No one ever said it would be this hard

.

.

*As Coldplay resonated with the waves they heard a symphony that was mastered for them at the moment they sky pouring out the milkyway, it was star studded today They shined bright and illuminated each other face's enough for them to hitch together and the song changed as they kissed...*

.

.

.

*Happy times together we've been spending

I wish that every kiss was never ending

Oh, wouldn't it be nice?*

Sarah: Wouldn't it be nice...

Sam:Maybe if we think and wish and hope and pray

It might come true.

.

.

.

*They went home after the song they progressed through the streets blushing.. They didn't talk.. They had talked enough for the day.. Each passing step was like a new joy for them with each other.. It felt nice.. They reached the junction.*

.

Sam: My house is that way..

Sarah: Mine is the other way..

They knew they had to part but the general inkling didn't let them..

Sam: Well I have a RSS feed to make..

Sarah: Don't forget to add the tuple at the bottom

Sam: Yeah..

The Beach Boys were still on with *Wouldn't it be nice*.. and both looked at each other and turned telekinetically saying bye... As they walked he heard the boys going

.

.

Good night, oh baby

Sleep tight, oh baby

.

.

Sam:I hope she heard this..

.

.

.

Sarah: Good night, oh baby

Sleep tight, oh baby

.

.

.

Based on The Cubicles...

[coreshorts]

Chance

Wind whipped through the drahn’s hair, violent and unabating. The smell of the sea, the silence of the rock, of the motionless water, washed over her senses. She descended rapidly, eyes closed to the blinding, unnaturally-radiant light that suffused the sea around her and her horns, through the whipping of the wind, the shouts and angry clamour of men from above as it grew more and more distant, eventually drowned out entirely by the rush of air.

Below her lay not water, but rock. She knew well where she was destined to touch down, headfirst. She knew she would not survive. Doubts welled in her mind, but she tamped them down. She wanted to struggle, to stop her descent, but failure, in her mind, rage in her soul, and a horrible, aching corruption welling in her body for not the first, but the second time, all told her one thing: death was her best chance.

Taking a breath as the rocks grew closer, she held it, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt the presence of the ground drawing near…

Holly Morningtide, known once as Hali Naras, or even Asashio no Haruhi, had been given an assignment: as a guard of the Crystarium - the last bastion on Norvrandt against the force of primordial Light and its terrible sin eaters, creature much like voidsent, but aspected to the light, rather than a corrupted, dark nothingness - she was tasked with gaining information on Eulmore.

Tensions had been growing thicker over the last few years, Eulmore’s trade becoming somewhat-strangled by its lord, Vauthry, whose decree had been to focus on enjoying the supposed last days the world had. Eulmore’s Free Citizens and their “Bonded” - indentured slaves, as Holly understood it, bound to their masters for a chance at a “better life”, or at least to spend their last days in relative comfort as they worked for those who did nothing - made the woman somewhat ill, the more she watched them. They had no interest in trade, anymore, but, military might they once were, some still engaged out of courtesy. She was to figure out why things had taken such a turn. No other could enter - not without becoming a citizen - and so it was that she would become one… after gaining entrance.

Trained as a shinobi, a ninja, she made a good spy for the Crystarium Guard. She touted her skill and showed it well, earning her a place of importance as the first of the Crystarium’s agents to sneak into the island. She was to observe the citizenry, to emulate them and take on a persona for as long as she could that would get her ingratiated, then slip away once she could find any information on the goings-on.

For three days, by her reckoning, did she watch the city, hiding amongst the shantytown nearby, watching and listening. She gathered information as best she could. The city itself was accessed by a single bridge, leading to a guarded stairwell. The beach around the small islet was best by yet more of the shantytown: The Derelicts, she learned. She’d find no allies, here. To a man, she surmised, any of them would sell her out for their place amongst the elite, living easy in the gaudy city above. Swimming up to the shore would be difficult without being seen. However, there would be no easy way to get past a guarded gate with nothing but cliff to either side. Being noticed would not be to her advantage, and she was not to cause a fight. Thus, for two more days, she waited…

After nearly a week of camping in squalor, dirty and uncomfortable, she witnessed a ceremony at the gates that drew her attention and gave her what she needed: her in. A pair of jesters, dressed in red and blue and speaking in insufferable rhymes, presented themselves to the shantytown’s residents like saviours, handing out a strange food that felt strange to her. It felt of nothing, and even beholding it from afar, it turned her stomach. They called it meol, and the people were elated. They lined up for it, then they performed, promised, begged to be let in, to earn their keep. In the end, one was chosen: a young drahn girl - a Xaela, she’d have been called back home - was taken in for her cooking skill, presenting a dish she’d made from gathered herbs, meats and vegetables. It was deliciously fragrant, gaining the attention of quite a few, given the living situation. She had to have been saving those ingredients for some time. Holly gazed on from her place in the shadows and felt a pang of familiarity with the girl. Despite the ragged ingredients, the dish was expertly-made. For a moment, she even felt proud of the girl. Then, she was let in. At that point, the guardswoman followed from the shadows. Following them might be her way in, so long as she could remain unnoticed.

Undetected she remained. Up through the doors into the bottom level, she had to take a moment to slip aside and allow herself a moment’s respite from the culture shock. In an instant, she had passed from broken stone and wooden planks from the derelict military ships that once served as part of the nation’s great navy to a decadent, colourful - garish, even - and altogether clean place. All-too-suddenly was she aware of the smell she’d accumulated while hiding with the paupers of the shantytown for so long. Stealth would avail her no longer if she could be sniffed out. She would have to make her entrance somewhere…

She found it. A queue for registration. It was unsupervised once behind the city walls, and so she slipped into the line where a gap formed only briefly, just behind another blonde woman. She quickly patted her hair about to make it as close to identical as she could, given her silver streaks, and there she stood. She encountered little resistance, the man seeming to be preoccupied with the riches that had already surrounded him - promises of a better life… while it lasted - and before long, she was at the registration booth. The other drahn girl had already come and gone, hurried along to meet with her new “owners,” as Holly understood it.

“Name?” rang the bored, vapid question, rousing her from her thoughts. She found herself before a rather well-to-do-looking mystel man with blue hair and very a look on his face of boredom surpassing even his tone.

“...Leah,” she spoke quickly, assuming a familiar role - the anxious, shy girl, so similar to how she’d been so many years ago - before she cleared her throat and stuttered, “L-Leah Arlon.”

“Talent?”

The first word to her mouth wanted to be “chef,” but with the dark-scaled girl having come and gone, that might be too soon…

“Songstress.” This gained a pause from the man, who checked his records then shrugged. Holly’s heart raced.

“Uh… to whom?” he asked, gaining a bitten lip from her in response.

“I-I don’t remember, sir, I… I-I-it was… only mentioned once.”

The man sighed, then pulled up a monocle to check the papers, muttering, “...well, we’ve… two Citizens expecting a songstress. In high demand of late, aren’t you…? Anyhow, you’re either for Ryn-Tokka or Madame Haylin.”

“O-oh! I- I was to see M-Madame Haylin,” she says quickly, “S-sorry, I, ah-”

“Mgh,” the man muttered, looking irate, “You weren’t scheduled until the morrow… Well, whatever. I can take it up with them later. Go on, then. Get yourself made proper. Madame Haylin is on the north terrace, all the way up the stairs once you’re… presentable.”

The man’s disgusted face at her made her want to snap back, but she kept the persona intact, nodding and sputtering apologies before being lead, blessedly to a room with showers and fresh changes of clothes, where some other number of Bonded milled about, ushering those who had been registered along. She, too, was hurried on and shown to a shower and given new clothes into which she could change with some additional commentary on her state of cleanliness. Again, though, she bit back comments and hurried along, eager, really, to get cleaned and refreshed. When she changed her clothes, she bundled up her old pauper disguise and left it. It had nothing she needed, given her gear and weaponry were hidden beneath, in bands of kunai and shuriken. She had elected not to carry any larger weaponry, given the nature of the mission.

So it was she was shown up to the upper levels… and that was where she disappeared once again. The Mistress to whom she was supposed to report, undoubtedly wouldn’t know any better, though she had to feel sorry for the registration clerk who had to explain the next day why a slot had already been filled by someone who wasn’t there. Regardless, she had her mission. It was time to find what she needed to blend in.

A trinket here and there, stalk this woman or that man, then take a bauble or an outfit from their drawers when they’re not looking… and there she was. In just under a couple hours, she’d assembled the perfect look for a free citizen. She restyled her hair, pulling it back out from the long ponytail it’d been in before and up into a tight Ishgardian-style chignon that Dahlia - Odellia, here - had taught her, and, with a bit of pilfered makeup, she was a different woman. Finally, the air was hers to take, and so she puffed out her little chest, lidded her eyes ever-so-slightly, batted her eyelashes and took to a confident swagger around the city. 

The difficult part of the mission was over. She was in, engaging in small talk with the citizenry, snooping with what her sense for aether could tell, every little detail finely standing out for inspection in such a barren, sleeping world, so frozen as it was by the Light, and taking notes in private. A day passed, and she remained awake for the whole time. Exhaustion wore heavy, but she continued with her mission. 

She’d learned much, and all of it was written in her notes. She was resolved to hear more of their Lord Vaurthy, though, and so she stayed a bit longer… and then she saw her once more: the waifish, black-scaled drahn girl - the chef - from before was being lambasted by a lanky man with a grating voice and an all-too-familiar sneer, both speaking on a nearby balcony.

She knew the sneer. A man, once, with such foul intentions as to traumatise her at every turn, to belittle and crush her as best he could with every step, had worn the same. She dared not recall the name for the fury it brought in her. Fury, however, would not be denied.

“And you expect to call yourself a chef?” the man asked, a mixed drink in his hand, freshly delivered by the girl, “The dodo was good, of course...”

The girl looked confused, piping up as if to ask for clarification, a confused look on her face. She didn’t get a word in before the drink was splashed on her, staining her shirt, soaking her hair, and pelting her with ice. She gasped, flailing as if to try and defend herself against the liquid offence.

“Do I look like I want good, girl?” the man hissed in her face as she began to sob, shaking her head and giving a choked “no, sir,” as she reeled from the suddenness of the assault.

“I want phenomenal. We are going to have another talk,” he said, grinning sadistically, pointing to her, then grabbing her roughly by the wrist, which, Holly noticed, was already bruising, the girl’s pale blue skin already mottled with a few bruises that briefly flashed in the part of her dress as she was yanked along.

Fury, however, would not be denied. She was too tired, too worn from the atrocious, ignorant opulence of the place. To see such an abuse, the threat of more atop it, brought back memories within her that brought a terrible flame to her heart, dark and angry and vengeful.

Vengeance, too, came quick, nor would it be denied. She’d already drawn stares as she felt herself move. She was no longer in control. The dark craved vengeance. It called for blood. The girl was no longer real, but a spectre of her past, whimpering and struggling, soaked in alcohol and fruit juices. The man became as Crawford.

The drahn saw her advance first, eyes wide at the woman who approached, wreathed in darkness that drew hushed stares from nearby and eyes ringed with hateful red that caused people to part like butter for a knife. A knife.

That was all it took. With one practised, fluid motion, she loosed a kunai into her hand and let it fly with deadly aim. As the man turned to see the cause of the hush, he found himself struck dead, a black, foreign blade lodged in his temple and out the eye of the other side of his head. His grasp fell limp and the girl was the first to scream. As she scrambled, a panic ensued, and guards came storming the area, several spears thrust within inches of her head before she could react. 

The Might of the Eulmoran military… she thought to herself, then raised her hands in obedient surrender.

“Move!” She was jabbed roughly in the back. Though it didn’t tear cloth, it hurt.

“Now!” A soft cry rang out from elsewhere.

“Take them to Lord Vauthry!”

Them? she thought, then froze, realising the other cry, causing her heart to skip a beat and her blood to chill. Looking toward the girl, she, too, had been surrounded by guards, and in much the same manner. There was no choice but to go along. She would damn the girl if she fought, let alone her mission. Even if she escaped, which she could have, the innocent girl whose life she had just taken from bad to worse in the sake of deluded vengeance would suffer even more. Slowly, she began to march in time with the soldiers, on across the balcony, up a lift, and toward a massive room.

Her senses burned. Sin eaters were surrounding the room. Sin eaters. At the other end, across a vast, empty floor, sat a man more gargantuan and more grotesque than some monsters she had seen: Lord Vauthry sat, reclining against a great, winged lion of an eater, another stroking its plaster-like mane softly.

“Hm-hrmh?!” the man exclaimed in surprise, massively obese form wobbling from the shocked motion he made as the doors were flung open, “What is the meaning of this? Explain!”

“My Lord,” the guard at the head explains, “This woman has murdered a fellow Free Citizen in cold blood. The deceased’s Bonded was brought, as well.”

“Well, what do you expect me to do about this, hrm?!” the man rumbled irritably, “You are here for a reason!” “Y-yes sir, but… she is clearly guilty. Many here witnessed it. It was done in plain sight.”

“Wha- how unbelievably brazen! I can’t believe my ears! You! Woman! What is your name? Speak, this instant!”

She spat the first pseudonym that came to mind: “Vivian Blake.”

“And why, Miss Blake, are you under the presumption that your magnanimous lord would allow you to… to murder another? In my paradise?”

She remained silent, the red still burning in her eyes, ever so faintly. The man felt an awful presence. It was like he was part sin-eater, though, with the whole room practically withered with static, Light-seared aether, it was hard to tell.

Vauthry flailed his meaty arms in anger, setting himself aquiver again, “Answer me, you harlot!”

“I beheld… a wicked man who would harm an innocent. A criminal in, as you say, your paradise,” she said in a low rumble.

This brought a befuddled noise from him, though he looked no less angry.

“You are not here to serve as a guard, woman!” he shouted, already throwing aside her name, “You are here on my good graces to live out your remaining days in PEACE! PEACE! And you have the gall to bring violence upon another? Bring her to me! At once!”

“W-what of the girl, Lord Vauthry?” asked one of the guards. 

The globular man turned his head back to look at the guard with a suddenly-bored expression, then grunted, “There’s no more use for her. There is no place in my paradise for the worthless and the craven. She goes over.”

The girl began to weep bitterly, begging for her life, and as she was ushered out into the room and beyond the line of lounging eaters toward the edge of the open-air room’s edge, Hali shot forward an ilm before she was clubbed on the back of the head and sent staggering forward, dazed.

“Ohoho! So eager to see the death of the girl you damned?” crooned Vauthry, “No. You must be… redeemed…! Come! Come to me, my pet.”

At his command, the eater that had been stroking the lion rose and gracefully stepped through the air as if walking on land to float at the grotesque lord’s side.

“You-... this is… insanity…” Holly grunted as her head spun.

“No, my dear Vivian,” the man retorted as his guards escorted the girl to the edge, “This… is paradise.” 

A trailing scream from off the side of the balcony was suddenly met with a sharp one from Holly as the eater reached out and sunk spindly, gold-tipped fingers into her chest as though they were knives. They felt like knives - worse than knives - and she knew what was happening immediately: she was being corrupted.

“Leave her with me,” Vauthry commanded, “I will watch her redemption… myself.”

The hand pulled back and she slumped forward, gasping for breath as the guards filed out of the room in an orderly fashion. A hand gripped at her chest, no open wounds of which to speak as the gleaming, burning light from the touch faded.

“What- what did you do?” she barely wheezed. Her chest burned within like something had been left in her.

“Redemption, dear Vivian, is an agonisingly slow process, normally, but within my company, and that of my sin eaters, you will turn more quickly,” the man explained with a ferocious grin that plastered his several chins together against his chest and spread his overfull cheeks into a bizarre mockery of a hume’s face, “Oh, it will be gruesome and painful, but when it is done, you will have atoned for your grievous sin… this… atrocity that you have committed against me. Then, you will ascend.”

The Seed of Light, as it was called, was a slow and torturous way to die, body and soul. Those afflicted were doomed to spend days, weeks, even months, sometimes, in horrible agony as their skin began to petrify and their minds slipped away. It was so similar to that day that she had met an eater bearing what felt like a fragment of herself. She had died, then, too, infected with the Light, only saved by her wife’s grief and rage, destroying both Holly and her killer and fusing them back together in a maelstrom of tormented magicks. She had no such saving grace, this time.

“Holly,” Vauthry cooed. She looks up, only to see him, hands resting on his gargantuan gut, a smug look of satisfaction on his face.

“Yes? If you wish to thank me for this chance, you may,” he said, then chuckled, wobbling about as he did.

“-Holly.”

Before she could retort, she heard her name called again. Looking out of the corner of her eye toward where she thought she’d heard it, she spied a brief glimmer.

“Mum!”

“Mum…!” “Hali. Mes etoiles. Come home safe,” Dahlia cooed softly as Light began encroaching upon her vision. Two young half-drahn girls stood with her, one on either side: their twins, Suisei and Ryuusei. When she looked straight at them, they vanished.

Vauthry laughed, “Yes. She’s gone. Over the edge to oblivion, if she’s lucky. Go. See for yourself... while you can.” The smug look made her want to drive a kunai right between his eyes, but she barely lacked the strength to stand.

She glanced back once more. The images were gone, likely a hallucination from the searing pain blossoming in her chest. However, the flame was lit once more. With a groan, she lifted herself to her feet and began to stagger over toward where the girl was thrown. Slowly, she paced toward the edge and leaned against the railing. The girl was gone.

“You see? Consider yourself lucky,” Vauthry said from behind her, still lazing where he was on the great bed-like couch.

One foot made it up onto the railing.

“What are you doing?”

She pulled herself up to kneeling.

“Get down from there.”

She turned. “What are you doing?!”

She looked directly at Vauthy and croaked through the searing pain climbing up her throat from her chest, “Defying you… my Lord.”

“What?!” Vauthry roared in anger, his corpulent arms slamming down on either side of him, causing a surprising amount of rumbling that caused Holly to stumble, “You would cast aside this gift?! My mercy?!”

“Oh... Just... you... watch me,” she rattled, arms outstretched… and plunged backwards off the balcony, eyes closing…

Taking a breath as the rocks grew closer, she held it, squeezing her eyes shut as she felt the presence of the ground draw near. Was it too late? Would she turn anyway? Would she come back at all this time?

No, she thought, No time for questions.

Her final thoughts had her body dashed against the rocky beach below, a gruesome cacophony of crunching and splattering heralding her end. Then, moments later, in wisps of darkness like smoke, all that she was coalesced into a barely-visible ball of writhing darkness that drifted off to sea… and down into it.

Within time, her soul found what it sought: the girl, half-drowned already, her body beaten and bruised as if from a bad impact from the water, and her leg twisted and maimed. She would die within minutes just from the lack of air.

There were no thoughts that passed through her disembodied soul. She had no time to deliberate in that strange liminal space in which she existed. A moment of thought could be hours that the girl could drift if she was unlucky. Within the space of a moment, the soul met the body of the younger drahn… and flesh began to twist. Slowly, painfully, it reorganised itself. Slowly and painfully, the leg mended wrong. Slowly and painfully, lungs filled with water began to function in a new way, for which she had to thank the Kojin of the Blue and her history in Blitzball back in their old home, wherever - or whenever - that was.

Pain shocked her awake as she drifted. Reforming a leg so had left it still mostly shattered and even more deformed. She swam as she could for the surface, but with the strength that she had expended to get where she was in the first place, she couldn’t keep going. As her arms gave out, unable to be aided by one twisted leg, all went black.

“You,” said a familiar voice, “You ruined my life.���

When she opened her eyes again, all around her was yet another familiarity: a manor room, massive and sprawling in every direction. Behind her was a long carpet, two bodies lying on it, spaced out a ways behind her, one crystalline and the other a mangled form of burning, gleaming light that barely looked human. More littered the carpet much further back, but they were shrouded in a strange shadow.

“Are you listening to me?” came the voice - her voice.

She turned forward and peered down at herself. This version of her was slightly shorter, hair tied in a chignon, makeup running, glasses broken, and a simple, but almost gaudily-ornate sundress, splattered with stains of alcohol and fruit juice. Her horns were adorned at the base with golden earrings, set in the centre with black pearls with an amethyst and ruby dangling from the hoop of each. Beneath her were two legs, on which she could only stand on one, the other mangled and twisted.

“You ruined my life,” the smaller Hali repeated.

“I… I’m sorry,” she replied, looking visibly confused.

“I’d waited to get in for so long,” the younger said, and, as realisation dawned, she found herself looking at a different figure altogether: the black-scaled girl, “Why? Why did you kill him?”

Hali found herself unable to respond.

“I didn’t need saving. I… I could’ve made it.”

Hali nodded in concession, sighing and looking away, “I… suppose I should understand that.” “Then why, damn you? How could you do such a thing? Even if he was cruel to me in that moment, you didn’t know him! He was a person, just like you or I were!”

She didn’t have a chance to respond before the girl cried out, accusingly, “Revenge! Is that all you cared about then? Was I just… just some bystander for you to toss aside?”

“No, I-”

“Am I just some body for you to claim?”

“N-no! Listen-”

“What gives you the right?” the girl spat, gritting her teeth and taking a step forward on that maimed leg as if nothing was wrong with it at all.

“I’ve-”

“Got a family. You’ve your… your wife, your children. I see that, now. You do it because you can, because you’re some… bloody pompous immortal creature. How are you any different than the people up there? Better than people like me because you have what I wanted! What I could have had!”

“No, you don’t-”

“No, I get it. Deny it all you like. I see you now, Hali Naras,” the girl seethed, “That was your name right? Your original name. Not any of those fake ones you spout.”

“How do you-?!”

“Know? You made me part of you,” the girl said through clenched teeth, though her lips quivered, betraying the tears that would start soon.

“Not your soul!” Hali protested.

“No, but mine isn’t gone yet… Not yet... “ the girl relented, taking a step back, then asked again, “What… gives you… the right? I didn’t want this…”

“Nothing,” came Hali’s voice again, though it came from beside her.

She turned and saw a most horrifying sight: the remains of her last body, seething with darkness, nought more than splatter and gore with clothes loosely fitted around it, though it soon began to congeal into a single creature. That creature, however, was decidedly not her, but the elven bandit whose body she last stole.

“You have no right,” the man said in Hali’s voice, “Don’t deny your guilt. You’ve gotten too good at forgetting, Hali Naras.”

“Too good. Too good for us, too good for anyone,” the younger girl continued, “What happens to your family? Will you be too good for them, too?” “No!” Hali spat in anger, now, “How dare you!” “How dare I?” the girl said in shock, “How dare you! Thief of flesh, murderer!”

“Murderer!” the elven man echoed.

The guilt was overwhelming and the darkness in the room grew thicker. She sank to her knees and looked up. For the first time, she saw what was behind the girl: a door. A great door that once stood chained before her. She had broken those chains long ago, but still, she had no way of opening it.

“Murderer! Monster!” the two chanted, their voice beginning to echo with the phantom of others’ from long, long ago that she didn’t even recognise.

“I’m sorry… I’m sorry… I… what choice did I have?”

“Let go, Hali Naras,” the bandit said softly.

“N-no… no, I- why damn myself when…?” she practically wept in grief over the guilt weighing on her, crawling across her back and threatening to crush her wholly.

“Why damn us?”

“I- I didn’t want to! I didn’t! I- y- you were- the things you did! A-and you would’ve died in any event!” she protested in tears, pointing at each of the two.

“That does not make us yours,” the girl said.

“No… It… it doesn’t…,” she conceded, “It doesn’t…”

There was a long pause where the two left her to weep, her sins weighing on her as she was lost to reflection, before the girl spoke again, “I cannot stop you.”

“Just as I could not,” the bandit added.

“So what will you do?”

“What?”

Hali knelt on that carpet in silence, darkness closing in as she muttered, shaking her head, “I don’t know…”

“Your selfish fear and desire for vengeance nearly drowned you once,” the bandit spoke, “Look around you.”

Raising her head, the drahn peered about, watching as the room was slowly being devoured by writhing black darkness, as if smoke filled with hues of crimson and violet had begun to choke out all in sight.

“You would return to your family. We no longer can,” the elven man said, shaking his head.

“Remember us, Hali Naras,” the girl said, “Remember that we lived.”

Every life is sacred, she had been taught by Kaori long ago, Even if you can’t comprehend them, you must respect them. From her knees, she fell prostrate, forehead touching the blood-stained carpet as she wept, “Forgive me…”

“Forgive yourself,” the two said in unison before, though she couldn’t see, she knew, they crumbled to black ash, leaving two more bodies behind her, “Learn...”

Slowly, she rose, a hand over her face.

No more, she thought to herself in that encroaching darkness, No more. Their names… their faces… I can’t let them be lost. Not like they were. No matter who they were. They died so I could live. No more.

The guilt weighed heavy on her as she stood straight again, saying aloud, “I won’t be a monster to protect those I love. I’ll live to protect them. I’ll live to honour those who I took away that I could live.”

With a shuddering crack from before her, a flood of darkness came pouring out of the great manor doors as they came slowly swinging open, the doors themselves just barely brushing past Hali. The wave of darkness washed over her, but beyond, she saw that flame once more. Crimson and violet in the black, burning bright, were four figures: Dahlia, Vivian, Suisei, and Ryuusei - her flames, her life.

She reached for them, staggered forward against the flood of darkness that threatened to devour her for her avarice, her hubris, and all faded to blinding white.

“Hali, mes etoiles,” echoes Dahlia’s voice in the recesses of her mind, “Come home safe.” Then, white melted away and left only the cold blackness of oblivion.

The door is open, but, this time, I have to earn this chance.

[didiwritethis]

Cupid Flies Commercial (1/7)

Emma Swan is having the worst trip of her life, only to have a sexy Irishman come along and make it worse. He's rude, he's arrogant, and Emma can't stop fighting with him. When their antagonism somehow lands them in bed for a very steamy layover, Emma just thinks it's a one-time thing. And that's all it was--until he shows up on her doorstep.

Inspired by Samantha Young's Fight or Flight.

Read on AO3 

Emma Swan was already having a terrible day before her flight was cancelled. She’d woken up late, nursing a bad hangover, and in her rush to make her (now cancelled) flight, she had to forgo a cup of coffee. She’d barely made it in time, sprinting to her gate, only to arrive just as they started to announce that the flight was cancelled, due to ‘weather conditions’ out East.

She let out a big sigh, unwilling to wait until the end of the announcement. Since the passengers would be rebooked, she figured she’d get ahead of the rest. She slung her backpack over her shoulder, and started striding over to the attendant at the gate, who was beaming her direction. The attendant, a small brunette, was overly smiley for someone who’d have to deal with over a hundred disgruntled passengers, but Emma shrugged it off.

Just as she neared the desk, she was rudely shoved by a hefty laptop bag and its owner. He was a tall, raven-haired man who took her place, and probably didn’t even realize that he had hit her.

“I need to be rebooked through to Boston, please. Upgrade me too.” He said in a gruff Irish (or so Emma thought) accent.

The brunette blushed, and fluttered her eyelashes at him. “Of course, sir. Let me just check…We’ll have to reroute you through Chicago, and it’s an overnighter, I’m sorry…but you’re in luck, Mr Jones. I can upgrade you to the last remaining seat in first class.”

Emma was furious. Not only did this guy shove her out of the way and not apologize, he took the last first class seat (that she was hoping to convince the attendant to upgrade her to for free).

“It’s fine.” He said, waving it off. “I’ll take it. Just so long I’m getting out of Tallahassee today.”

“What?” Emma said, shoving her way up to the counter.

The rude Irishman (the name Emma had been calling him in her head) turned to face her, and Emma had to suck in a breath.

The man was gorgeous. Model gorgeous. A thick growth of dark hair that fell artfully across his forehead, he had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen- even bluer than Elsa’s, if that was possible. He had sharp cheekbones, and a hint of a handlebar moustache around his (unexpectedly) full lips. She couldn’t decide if it was more than just scruff, but it looked good. Even his outfit – tailored navy suit – screamed model. No wonder the attendant was so eager to please! Still, it would take a lot more than a pretty face to rattle Emma Swan.

“What?” he said, staring at her as if she were a crazy person.

“You,” she said, jabbing a finger at him, “shoved me out of the way and took the seat I wanted. It should have been mine.”

He blinked once and waved his hand dismissively at her. “You’re mistaken, lass. I didn’t see you. I got this seat fair and square.” He then turned back around to take his new boarding pass and his passport from the attendant. “Excuse the shrieking lady.” He told her.

Emma’s fury turned into blind rage and it took all the strength that she had not to deck the man across his stupid, attractive face.

“Excuse me?!”

He turned around and looked at her again, this time with a sneer of condescension.

“Sorry, Princess. Guess you won’t get your way this time.”

And with that, he strode off.

Emma wanted to scream. She wanted to storm off and shove the man into the nearest potted plant. Alas, her rational brain told her to get her ticket and then run off to maim and murder the man. He as bad as some of the perps she dealt with!

She’d get the last word.

“Whatever, dick!” she yelled at his rapidly retreating back. She hoped he had heard.

She then took a deep breath, and turned to the desk.

“I need to be rebooked to Boston, please.” She forced a smile at the attendant, who stared at eye with wide eyes.

“Right. Um, sorry about that. I did see you approach, but he happened to get in front.”

Happened? The attendant was acting like he had power-walked ahead of her instead of practically throwing her out of the way.

“So we’re rerouting a lot of the passengers through Chicago. And the connection leaves the next day, sorry. I’ll put you on our waiting list for first class, though. In case something opens up.”

She paused.

“We’re really sorry.” And she sounded like she meant it.

Emma smiled genuinely at the attendant, who smiled sheepishly back.

“Thank you,”-she peered at the name badge-“Aurora.”

She took her ticket and vouchers, stuffing them all haphazardly into her bag.

At least the day couldn’t get any worse.

Her flight was rerouted through O’Hare, with an overnight stay at the airport hotel. She didn’t want to spend any more time away from Boston, and it was at least a 3 hour flight, but at least it would be a nice break. And the airline was paying for it, so even better.

The one other small silver lining was that now she had a little time to go grab a coffee. Spying a coffee cart with a short line, she hurried over. The flight to O’Hare was boarding in 15 minutes, and there were only 5 people in line. Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she spied someone heading towards the same line.

That someone was the Rude Irishman. Suddenly Emma’s anger was back.

She sprinted to the line, just managing to make it in front of him.

“You snooze, you lose.” She shot over her shoulder.

“Real mature.” He shot back.

“Doesn’t matter. Here’s one line you can’t shove your way through.”

“You really are crazy.”

“You really are a dick!”

“You’re weirdly obsessed with my dick.”

She spun around in indication.

“Those are insults. Surely you must get a ton of those a day.”

“Perhaps, but none that are that specific.”

Without meaning to, Emma’s eyes drifted to the very subject matter they were discussing, but she caught herself quickly. She couldn’t stop the blush though.

“It hurts to be objectified like this.”

She glared at his smug face.

“Whatever. Dick.” She smirked at him. “I’m still ahead of you.”

He didn’t respond, just strode out of the line, heading towards the front.

Emma’s jaw dropped. Was he just going to cut in front? Oh hell no! She took off after him.

He reached the front of the line when Emma caught up to him. Why’d he have such a long stride?

“Excuse me, madam, my flight is departing soon. Would you mind if I cut in?” He said to the older lady in front of him, turning on the charm.

She smiled at him, clearly affected by his dumb cute smile. “Of course, dear.”

She stepped aside and let him get in front.

“I love your accent. Where’s it from?”

“Ireland.” He responded with a smile.

You can’t just cut the line like that! There are other people waiting! Emma wanted to yell. Instead, she turned to the woman with a charming (or so she hoped) smile of her own.

“I’m on the same flight as this man, would you mind letting me jump ahead as well?”

The Irishman snorted, and she glared at his back.

The older lady, frowned, and tapped his arm, and he turned around to face her.

“Do you know this woman?” she asked.

He glanced over at Emma, a blank expression on his face.

“I’ve never seen this woman before in my life.”

Emma’s mouth fell open.

The older lady’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t think so, missy. Back to the line with you.”

Emma glared at the Irishman, wanting to scream at him, but he smirked at her.

“Better hurry, lass. There’s quite a queue forming.”

She whirled around to confirm, and somehow, ten other people had joined the line! There was no way she was getting her coffee now.

“Thanks, dick!” She yelled, as she stormed away, but not before noticing his shoulders shake from a silent laugh.

She headed to her gate, and proceeded to the counter to see if maybe, just maybe, she could snag a first class seat. She really needed a win.

She smiled at the attendant as she approached, a kindly looking man with red curls and wire-rimmed glasses.

“Hi, I’m on the waiting list for first class…and I was wondering…” she trailed off and smiled hopefully.

The man smiled back.

“Of course miss, let me check.” He gestured for her boarding pass, which she gratefully handed over.

She heard him tap away at his computer for a few minutes, his expression unreadable.

Then his head shot up and he grinned widely at her.

“You’re very lucky, miss Swan. We’ve had someone cancel, so I’m able to book you all the way through to Boston on first class.”

She could have kissed the man.

“Thank you, thank you! You don’t know how much this means!”

He laughed softly and shook his head.

“Just doing my job, miss. Have a great flight.”

“You have got to be kidding.”

She had lingered a bit before boarding, sequestering herself in a corner so that she could fire off texts to David and Elsa to update them of the situation. When she finally did board, she was faced with a nasty surprise.

Her seatmate was none other than the Irishman. What had she done to deserve this?

To his credit, he didn’t look happy to see her either.

“Are you following me?” he asked, with a quirked eyebrow.

Emma snorted in disgust.

“Hell no. I’d rather throw myself off a mountain.”

“Bit harsh, love.”

Emma scowled at him.

“I’m not your love, and my seat is the window, so move, buddy.”

He stood up and moved to let her in, wordlessly gesturing to her seat.

She made her way in, plopping down in her seat.

“Give me your bag.”

“What?” she asked in confusion.

He sighed.

“Your bag. I’ll put it in the bin for you.”

Emma deflated a bit.

“Oh. Err, thanks.”

She held her bag out to him, and he reached up to put it in the overhead bin. Somewhere along the way from stealing her coffee and boarding the plane, he’d ditched his jacket, rolled up his sleeves to his elbows, and also managed to untuck his shirt. A shirt that happened to rise up when he stretched, giving Emma a quick glance that confirmed what she already suspected – he had a nice body. Emma shook that thought out of her head.

He settled back down next to her.

Emma decided that she would just ignore him for the duration of the flight, but couldn’t help but get distracted by his arms. Was that a tattoo peeking out from one of his sleeves? Her eyes drifted up. Had his first two buttons always been undone? There was some chest hair that curled out at her. He was also wearing, she realised, a necklace with a skull and crossbones pendant. Who was this guy? A pirate?

He confused her – his outfit screamed business, but his necklace and tattoos screamed biker bad boy, and Emma never had a good encounter with either.

“See something you like?”

Emma’s eyes snapped up to meet his. Sure, there was a divider between them with a cup holder, but it was a lot smaller than she had assumed. There was no escaping each other’s gazes. Slightly embarrassed she was caught staring, she countered back.

“You wish.”

And then he surprised her by laughing.

“God, you’re a tough lass.”

Before Emma could respond, the flight attendant came by.

“May I offer you something to drink, Mr. Jones? Some champagne, perhaps?”

He tilted his body towards her.

“Two fingers of rum, if you’ve got it. Thanks.”

She nodded and looked over to Emma.

“And for you, Ms. Swan?”

“Coffee, please. But maybe the champagne too.”

Emma wasn’t going to turn down free champagne on her first (and probably only) first class experience.

They were each handed their drinks in turn, with the flight attendant promising to be back with Emma’s coffee.

Emma downed hers in one shot, and the Irishman shot her a bemused look.

“What?” she said defensively. “It’s been a long day.”

“Aye, that it has, love.”

“Not your love.”

His grin faded.

“Are you always ready for a fight, or are you just particularly determined to vex me?”

Emma bristled.

“I’m just not chummy with rude strangers who think it’s okay to shove people around.”

He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration.

“Christ, we’ve been through this. I didn’t see you. And you have admit, you were acting a bit mental.”

“You were unbelievably rude! And you basically called me a princess who always gets her way!” she shot back.

“Oh, and your actions weren’t the actions of a woman who always gets her way? I thought you were going to throw a tantrum right there.”

“That’s rich coming from a prissy pretty boy who thinks he can flirt his way into everything.”

He snorted.

“Like you don’t bat your eyelashes and make men fawn all over you? I’m surprised you didn’t call up a sugar daddy and ask him to buy you a private plane!”

Emma was now more than enraged. No one had ever accused her of being spoiled and privileged. No one would after they found out what she’d been through. She leaned forward and across the divider to jab his arm with a finger.

“Listen buddy, I don’t have a sugar daddy, nor do I need one. I don’t need a man, full stop.”

She paused, thinking of something to throw back at him, to hurt him, but she couldn’t think of one. She was so angry and flustered by his words, she wasn’t sure what to say next. Plus, she thought, it would be an even longer fight if she kept bickering with this man.

“You don’t know me, okay? You don’t know my life.”

He raised an eyebrow at her.

“Look, it’s been a very stressful trip and I….I don’t have to explain myself to you.” She finished, realizing that she was about to bring up the specifics of her trip, which wasn’t something she’d want to share with a stranger.

The Irishman said nothing, but continued to stare at her.

“You certainly don’t, lov-Swan.” He said finally.

And suddenly he was (kinda) nice again. What was his problem? He surprised her when he took her bag for her, and she was almost sure he was flirting with her when he caught her staring at him earlier, but his rapid switches in mood were giving her emotional whiplash. Still, better to keep things positive.

“Thanks, Jones.” She returned.

“Killian will do.”

“Oh. Okay.”

“And this is the part where you tell me your name.”

“Swan is fine.”

He just rolled his eyes and shook his head at that.

The flight attendant was back, handing Emma her coffee and taking her empty glass.

“We’ll be taking off soon.” She told them both.

Emma nodded, and warmed her hands with her hot cup. She lifted it to her nose and inhaled the rich smell. She took a sip and let out a happy sigh. As soon as they were in the air, she’d pop an Advil and pass out.

She’d be on her way home soon, if Killian Jones didn't give her an aneurysm first.

[rose-of-fair]

A Night Adventure

A self-insert with Julian for @brigette-loves-cats for the wonderful donation <3 Thank you so much!

The night sky littered Vesuvia with its first snowfall of the year, just a couple weeks before the Holiday festivities. Of course for the city of Vesuvia, there was no such thing as celebrating too early. It was a quiet but joyous night for the citizens of Vesuvia, all who were drinking merrily and buying gifts for their loved ones. It was the perfect night except for one man who seemed to be losing his composure in the city market. That man was Julian Devorak.

The tall doctor wrapped his black cloak closer to his frame as he continued to inspect the items at each stall. A stuffed bear? No. Hmm, what about jewellery? No, no, too typical. While he didn’t celebrate Christmas he knew how important it was for his love, Brigette. He sighed in frustration as he looked the same display twice over. The owner of the stall, a fragile old woman smiled patiently at Julian.

“Is there anything, in particular, you are looking for, sir?”

Julian returned the smile but with less enthusiasm.

“I’m afraid not, madam. Picking out the perfect gift can be so challenging.” A puff of warm air escaped his breath as he chuckled in defeat. The cold wind sending a shiver down his back.

The shop owner smiled ruthfully at him.

“Let me guess, you are trying to find the perfect gift for your lover but don’t know what to look for?”

Julian’s shocked expression told her everything she guessed as correct. His face reddened as he stammered out his reply.

“Was it so obvious?”

“Well yes, it was, dearie.”

“Oh.”

Julian was at a lost of words for once. The usually recovered and charismatic doctor always had something witty to say but at a time like this, he wasn’t sure if he should just run away out of embarrassment or face it directly. He took a gulp of air as he thought of Brigette. Just thinking of her warm curly brown hair framing her perfect smile was enough to give him the strength in his dire need. With a charming smile, he leaned down to the shop owners height.

“What do you propose I should get for my partner?”

She smiled as if waiting for this very moment.

“How do you feel when you are with them?”

“How do I feel? Well,” Julian pondered the unexpected question for a brief moment before snapping his fingers, “I feel happy and safe around her. Never is there a dull moment when she is around. If I hadn’t met her, I wouldn’t have become the man I am today.”

Julian smiles with a new found love and excitement in his eye.

“She is my comfort and my strength.”

The woman nodded, pleased with his answer.

“Excellent! Now go find something that represents what you just described to me.”

Something that represents how I described her?

A sudden thought came to mind.

“I know exactly what to get her now. Thank you very much, madam!” Julian pulled her in a tight an unexpected hug. The woman laughed.

“Glad I could help. All you needed was a little direction.” She turned around and reached for something in her bag and pulled out a knitted red scarf.

“Here, dearie. I don’t want you to get cold. A cloak isn’t going to keep you from getting sick.”

Julian took the scarf in his hands and wrapped it securely around his neck. He gave his thanks to her and was carried away but a sudden crowd of shoppers. Julian tried to not trip or push against anyone as he cut through the crowd like a thief in the night. Or in this case a man on a mission. His feet dragged him through the dark and snow-covered alleyways until he stood in front of the infamous Rowdy Raven. The tavern was as noisy and rowdy as any other night. Brushing the snow off his cloak Julian walked through the rather small doorway into the bustling bar life. Upon his arrival, many of the regulars cheered and hollered for him to join for a drink but he politely refused. If he wanted to get a gift for his partner he needed to have...special access to a certain market.

To not bring any attention onto himself, Julian casually made his way to the bar and ordered a pint of beer. Taking the first sip of the watered down beverage, Julian went to the back of the room and called out of the owner of the tavern who was a few feet away serving customers.

“I got a business meeting to attend to!” Julian said loudly.

The owner just nodded his head and gave a thumbs up. It was a normal interaction the two developed over the years. Julian was always the talking one and the battle-scarred tavern owner always communicated in gestures. Of course, if something were to go wrong Julian could trust his old pal to help him out of it. Through the dusty and unkempt room lied a black door that only a few could enter freely. Unlocking the small hatch lock Julian descended what felt like an endless staircase to the underground market. He shivered at the sudden drop of temperature.

Well, they always said that hell was a cold place.

As soon as Julian made it down the steps he was greeted by a stretched out market line of stalls. Similar to the marketplace above but it contents was beyond extraordinary. Well, that’s if it was real of course. It was no surprise to the doctor to see bustling crowds of people down here. Without a moment's notice, he weaved from stall to stall inspecting the contents without giving direct eye contact to the owner.

Rule #1: Never look directly in the owner's eye or else they will try and exploit your weakness.

Anxiety bubbled in his chest when he couldn’t find what he was in search of until one stall shattered his worries. Before him, he saw the most beautiful plum coloured blanket. Perhaps the richest and beautiful blanket he had ever seen. He had to get it. He stood tall and slicked his hair down before walking up to the stall that was being run by a mysterious man in a mask. Julian pretended to be interested in anything but the blanket.

Rule #2: Don’t show interest in one item or else they might exploit you of everything you have until you get what you want.

The masked man with dry gravelly voice spoke with a tone of excitement to his newfound customer.

“Ah, my friend. Welcome, welcome to my humble stall!” His pudgy arms gestured to the tight and unimpressive stall.

“Thank you, dear fellow. I am simply browsing.” Julian gave his best signature smile.

“Of course. Don’t let me hold you back. Browse away to your heart's content.”

He nodded at the masked man and picked up a small ceremonial knife. It looked too precious to ever be used for combat. Julian could sense that the owner was watching him with careful eyes.

“That knife belonged to a royal family, the Far East from Vesuvia.”

“Oh really?” Julian raised a brow.

“Yes, yes! It’s quite a rare find.”

“Indeed it is,” Julian concluded and put down the knife where it belonged. He was no fool that such extravagant looking items were fakes, stolen property, or both.

“My friend how much for that blanket?”

“Huh? This one?” said the masked man.

“Yes, the plum coloured one. I would like to purchase it. 30 gold coins will do right?” Julian leaned across the stall from the man and mustered up the most confident look.

“Oh, no this blanket is made out of the finest rich textiles from the south. It would cost you 50 gold coins for it.”

Julian clicked his tongue. This was going to be a bit difficult. He dropped his pouch of coins onto the table and with a firm voice spoke.

“Where from the south was this from, hmm?”

“Uhh from a city you wouldn’t know, sir.” The man’s brown eyes looked anywhere but Julian’s face.

“Try me, my good friend. I have travelled all over the place. If you cannot identify the origins of this blanket than the value is lower than what you are bargaining for.” Julian snickered. For a moment he thought he would be dealing with a very difficult and persistent dealer but from the nervous looks the masked man was portraying, he was new to this game.

The dealer looked down with defeat.

“I don’t know.”

“I could tell.”

“Really? How?”

Julian leaned back to stroke his chin thoughtfully. Pretending to think this over.

“The moment I questioned the origins of the item you were looking rather nervous. You didn’t look directly at me, meaning that you were lying. A good dealer never shows his unease to his customers. Though I will give you extra points for covering your face so I couldn’t read your expressions easily.”

The dealer was silent, his eyes widen in shock. Julian didn’t hesitate to ask again.

“Now would you be a good fellow and let me purchase it for 30?”

“Over my dead body.” the angry dealer spat out.

Time to queue in the drama.

Julian leaned back covering his eyepatch with one hand and groaned.

“Oh, sir you wound me! Do you not have any sympathy for the ill?”

“What are you talking about? You don’t look ill at all!”

Julian stopped mid-action and looked at him directly in his eyes.

“Are you so sure about that? I assure you, my friend, this eyepatch is not for maintaining my dark and mysterious aesthetic.”

“Prove it then!” The dealer barked. Unimpressed by his acting.

Silently Julian removed his eyepatch and pulled his bangs to the side, revealing his red eye.

“Do you see now good dealer? I carry the plague with me wherever I go.”

In a fit of panic the masked men squealed and moved back against the wall.

“Get away from me! Please, I beg of you, take it and leave.”

Check and mate!

He gathered the blanket under his cloak and turned on his heels, not before turning back to wink in the dealer's direction.

“Keep my money. Nice doing business with you.”

A rush of relief and excitement coursed through Julian’s body as he practically skipped his way back to his lovers home. Exiting out of a different entrance Julian was bombarded with a snowstorm. He ran through the thick snow as fast as he could until he arrived at her door covered in head to toe with snow. He knocked twice on the door and waited patiently. Julian still didn’t feel comfortable enough to walk right into her home, despite the one time he did break into her home.

Finally, the door opened to Brigette. She raised an eyebrow at his appearance.

“Why are you covered in snow Julian?”

“Oh, uh, I was making snow angels!”

“Snow angels huh?” Brigette pulled him into her home. The warmth of the fireplace was absolute heaven to the bone chilled doctor.

“Welcome home, Julian.” Brigette smiled at him and leaned up for a quick kiss on his lips. Julian’s face flushed red with embarrassment. He leaned in close to her face.

“Close your eyes.”

Brigette closed her eyes and waited. Julian carefully placed the blanket in her hands.

“You can open your eyes now. Merry Christmas, my love.”

Brigette opened her eyes and smiled brightly at the plum coloured blanket in her arms.

“Julian, this is so soft and beautiful. I love it.” She threw the blanket around herself and rubbed her face against the soft fabric. All of his anxiety washed away in an instant at the sight of her smile. Seeing Brigette so happy made his heart flutter in his chest. Brigette moved to allow Julian to remove his wet cloak and boots.

“Get warm by the fire, Julian and I will make both of us a hot cup of hot chocolate.”

Julian nodded and got cosy by the fire. The warmth soothed him into a drowsy comfortable state until he felt a light touch on his shoulder. Looking up was Brigette, wrapped in her new blanket and holding two cups of hot chocolate. He took one cup for himself as the two moved to the small couch which could fit the two of them perfectly. Brigette quickly unwrapped herself from her cocoon blanket and draped it over them. A relieved sigh escaped Julian’s lips as he leaned his head on Brigette’s shoulder and relished the warmth of the blanket and his body next to hers. Brigette turned her head to give Julian a quick peck on the cheek. To her amusement, Julian pouted.

“What is it, Julian?” Brigette said smiling innocently at him. Or at least that’s how it appeared but he knew looks can be deceiving.

“Care to spare me another kiss? I went through many trials to bring back this treasure.” He gestured to the blanket they were currently sharing.

Brigette rolled her eyes but her constant smile indicated that she wasn’t bothered by the request. She carefully pulled Julian’s face closer to hers and kissed him on the lips. Julian felt like he was in heaven as he was mesmerized by her chocolate brown eyes that burned with an undying warmth. The kiss was warm, careful but sweet from the hot chocolate. He wanted more and took what he could get. As Brigette pulled away Julian went on the attack and peppered her face with kisses; eyelids, forehead, cheeks, jaw, every surface his lips could touch. The warmth of her skin was more than enough to keep him warm and content. When the two finally parted Julian gave her a wink and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her onto his lap as the two basked in the warmth and sound of the crackling fire. Julian's eyes began to close with drowsiness when he felt Brigette’s foot hit against his. Out of instinct, Julian did the same right back and soon afoot battle commenced. The two laughed as they would fight on who would win dominance of the epic foot battle, but to Julian’s dismay, Brigette won.

“Oh, my dear! I have been slain.” Julian pretended to be lifeless on the couch with his arms outstretched. Brigette laughed.

“Come on, Julian. No one died from a foot battle. But I guess since you claim to be dead that means that I can’t show you your Christmas present?”

Julian opened one eye.

“A Christmas present? For me? Oh, you shouldn’t have.”

Julian felt a rush of excitement when Brigette got up to retrieve his gift. I wonder what it could be?

Brigette came back with a big red envelope and gave it to Julian. Opening the paper carefully he pulled out a drawing of him and Brigette together. For a moment he was speechless. Seeing the artwork of them being happy and merry brought him to the brink of tears. This is the life he had always wanted. This is the life he dreamed of for many, many years. Finally, he could look up into Brigette’s eyes and know that she loved him from the bottom of her heart just as much as he loved her. Their love was mutual and lasting. Julian spoke once he got his emotions in check.

“Brigette, this is the most lovely gift I have ever received. The artwork is beautiful! I must frame this masterpiece. You are the only one who could draw this handsome face accurately.” Julian and Brigette laughed in unison as she took the drawing back to the table and placed herself back on his lap and up underneath the blanket. It was times like this that Julian felt so blessed to have the love of his life right here in his arms. Brigette was the perfect present for him.  All was quiet until Brigette broke the silence.

“Julian, I forgot to ask, why aren’t you wearing your eyepatch?”

Oh.

“Funny story…” Julian trailed off. Should he tell her the truth? No no, I will tell her everything. Except for the part that I threatened the merchant for the blanket.

The infamous doctor gave her one of his signature smiles and a little eyebrow wiggle.

“I got the most amazing story to tell you, my dear.”

“Oh, I hope so! Please don’t tell me it has to with anything illegal.”

Julian coughed. “Of course not! I am a civil man who obeys the law. Now be prepared to be blown away with what I have to tell you.”

With that Julian spent the rest of the night telling his story of how he got the blanket in a completely legal method. It was simple moments like being together with a loved one that evoked happiness and bliss. For these two, they reaffirmed their love for one another and they shall do so for years to come.

[adrelianafernandes]

Contacting a Fashion Show

For ML Secret Santa 2017. @mlsecretsanta @aneasysun

No Miraculous AU. Adrien (still a model) and Marinette (intern at Gabriel’s) have been chatting for years as a result of being jokingly being matched up on a dating site by Nino and Alya. They’ve always wanted to meet on their own terms, but fate has something else in store for them.

—-

“It’s fine, Chat Noir. It’s my fault for not setting aside some time to get a ticket to the show anyway. There’s plenty of other fashion shows this month. Don’t worry about it.”

Adrien was nervous - would Ladybug be opposed to the idea of him giving her the missed opportunity to get tickets to the showing of the winter Gabriel’s collection? – and it showed in his fingers as he shakily typed out the question. “I’ve actually got tickets to Gabriel’s Winter Collection – would you like to go?”

The reply was instantaneous.

“NO WAY!” Ladybug typed, before she sent another text. “Are you serious??”

A grin grew on Adrien’s face as he typed. “Would I joke about this to you, bugaboo?”

A lull as Ladybug read the text, then paused in her reply. Adrien grew worried as the seconds passed. Was that the wrong thing to say to Ladybug? Maybe he should have just replied with a polite yes?

Then she resumed typing, and sent her text back. “Yes! I’d love to go!”

Adrien laughed out loud. She loved it! She really loved it! He was ecstatic, maybe Ladybug would finally get to see him in person – oh wait. The girl he loved was coming to watch him. Maybe he should just cop out on the show? What if he made a mistake?

His panicking stopped when he saw a new message pop out on his phone screen. “How much for the ticket?”

“It’s free, my lady.”

She typed back quickly. “Chat, I can’t let you pay for me. How much is it? I can afford it.”

How best to put it in a believable way that she didn’t find out he was the owner’s son? Ah.

“I won these in a competition, so it didn’t cost me anything.”

He could picture her sigh of relief as he read her message: “That’s good. I didn’t want you to pay for such expensive tickets.”

Then he realized something. “How am I supposed to get the ticket to you?”

He marveled at how she instantly had a solution. “Pass it to Carapace and tell him to pass it to Rena. She’ll pass it to me.”

Carapace – his friend Nino – was currently in a dedicated relationship with Ladybug’s friend, Rena. Both knew each other in real life and knew not to reveal who Chat Noir or Ladybug were to each other. It was a perfect solution. His lady was so smart.

“Perfect!” He typed. “I’ll pass it to him tomorrow so there’s a day for you to get the ticket since the show is in two days.”

“Thanks Chat!” She typed. “I’m feeling a lot better now thanks to you! :)”

Adrien sighed wistfully. She sent him a smiley face. Ladybug only did that when she was really happy. He made her so happy.

—-

It was the day. In her bedroom, Marinette checked her outfit – a simple flared red dress with a light black jacket overlaying it, her red purse and black ballet pumps. It was simple but formal enough for her to be at a fashion show, especially considering this was her boss’. Despite not being assigned to work on the fashion show today, she was still supposed to make a good impression considering her position as one of his interns.

Then she glanced at the clock, and gasped. It was time for her to go! She ran down the stairs, closing the trapdoor behind her and bidding her parents a goodbye as she raced down the street towards the Gabriel building, where the fashion show was to be held.

She was breathing hard, but not sweating as she finally slowed her walk down enough to make her way to the queue leading into the building. It was long, and she could see many fashion students gathered there – she recognised some of them from her course at the university.

Then she was beckoned forward – the line was moving quite quickly for being so long, she realized – and handed her ticket over. The guard inspected it, before raising a brow, staring closer at Marinette before checking the ticket again.

She bit her lip nervously. She trusted Chat, she knew he would never give her a fake ticket, but was it possible that the competition that had given her the ticket was shady? Gave him a fake ticket?

Then the guard cleared his throat, and handed her the ticket back. “Apologies for the delay, madam. Your seat is in the front row.”

Taking the proffered ticket, she heaved a sigh of relief once past the guard, only to wonder exactly what competition that Chat had entered in order to obtain such fantastic tickets. Front row seats were expensive, and a competition suddenly didn’t sound so likely anymore. What kind of person was he to obtain one of the rare and coveted VIP seats?

Making her way to the front, where all of the rich and famous sat – all of them giving her looks as she did so – she located her seat, only to pale immensely as she realized it was next to her boss’. Where on earth had Chat gotten those tickets?

She was completely nervous, looking to her left, where her boss sat, and the right, where there was an empty seat. She contemplated moving over to the empty seat, but the appearance of her boss shocked her in her tracks.

“Hello, Miss Dupain-Cheng.”

She summoned up what was left of her courage as she nodded politely towards her boss. “Hello, Mr Agreste.”

“Where did you get that ticket?” he asked, his facial expression stoic.

“My friend gave it to me,” Marinette explained. “He said he won it in a competition and gifted one to me.”

Mr Agreste’s lips twitched - a sign that he was surprised - before his eye twitched slightly and he suddenly nodded to Marinette, before taking his seat, Nathalie taking a seat to his left. Marinette heaved a sigh of relief silently, before turning her attentions to the show.

She was almost beginning to relax and enjoy the ambient atmosphere as she looked around, examining the room before there was a light hum to her left and Nathalie was urgently whispering to Mr Agreste.

His eyebrows furrowed slightly and Marinette twitched as she realized he was not happy.

He rose from his chair, Nathalie alighting with him, before he turned his gaze onto Marinette. “Miss Dupain-Cheng, I apologise for interrupting your viewing of the show but I require you backstage immediately,” he stated quietly.

Eyes narrowing with curiosity, Marinette nodded, before quickly alighting from her seat and following her boss. On the way, she silently pulled out her phone, quickly sending Chat two texts. “Where are you? I’m inside already.” and “Going out for a moment. I’ll try to be back before the show starts.” in the case that he found his way to the vacant seat beside her.

She slipped her phone back into her purse just before Mr Agreste walked around a curtain and behind a door to reveal the models in a state of pandemonium. “We are done, Pierre!” One model called, her smoky eyes glistening with anger as she turned away from a tuxedo clad man.

“Myra, please, I can explain!”

“Explain sleeping with Bell behind my back? That’s my best friend, you idiot! Any woman would have been fine if it wasn’t Bell!”

“Enough.” Mr Agreste stated calmly, to no avail as the woman started to scream expletives at the man who was cowering behind the other male models. Another model, clad in a furry grey sweater and professional blue jeans was clutching the screaming woman’s shoulder, pleading with her to calm down, only to get thrown back as the woman started physically flailing to get her off.

“Enough.” Mr Agreste raised his tone a few decibels above his previous and the screaming woman finally heard him, turning to face the fashion mogul who had a scowl on his face.

“For what reason do you have to be interrupting my show, Miss Tyler?”

Suddenly the model had no words as she realized what she had been doing: screaming at her lover over a brief spat that could have been done as the show was over. Disrespecting her boss, which was quite clear by his scowl and raised tone of voice. Making the show run behind with her screaming. She paled immensely, her mouth opening to say something before Mr Agreste held up a hand, silencing her.

“Consider yourself fired as soon as the show is over, Miss Tyler.”

He turned to Marinette. “Miss Dupain-Cheng, please make yourself useful and see what damage Miss Tyler has caused to both her and Miss Nichol’s clothes.”

Marinette nodded once, passing by one of the tables to check on Bell first, seeing as she looked physically worn out by the flailing. She felt along the hem of the sweater, before running her fingers along the sleeves, checking for tears. Her eyes ran along the designs, checking that they were immaculate still, before checking the jeans, which were harder to see but still more visible. Straightening, she pronounced her clothes fine.

She was then replaced by a more senior designer, beckoned forward by Mr Agreste, who confirmed her assessment. By that time, she was inspecting the coat Myra wore, frowning as she felt along the hem, where she saw that Bell’s long nails had created a small rip in the durable fabric. Moving onwards, she checked the blouse and leggings, both of which had escaped damage.

“It’s the coat, Mr Agreste. A two centimeter tear along the inside of the arm.”

“Repair it, Clara,” He said, beckoning another senior designer over, who was scrutinising Marinette closely, wondering why the intern was here.

“No other noteworthy damage, sir. The coat was the only article I didn’t get to inspect.”

“Clara will repair it. Miss Dupain-Cheng, you may return to your seat.”

Taking the chance to escape the room’s curious stares, Marinette bid a thank you to Mr Agreste, before discreetly slipping back to her seat.

Checking her phone, she was disappointed to see her texts unread, and a bit worried. Had Chat been unable to make it? Was he stuck in traffic?

The questions pondered themselves in her mind, and the next few texts sent too found themselves unread. When she made it back to her seat, her adjacent seat was vacant and Mr Agreste was returning, so she put her phone back into her purse and settled back into her seat, ruminating the disappearance of her friend.

Even by the time the fashion show was over she had been unable to fully appreciate the beauty of the clothes shown as she worried over her friend. Biting her lip, she made to leave just after Mr Agreste stood, quickly bypassing the people giving her curious gazes only to have her arm grasped from behind.

“Sorry,” A blonde boy apologised the moment he saw her face. “You looked like someone I know from behind.”

“It’s fine,” She said, accepting the apology easily, before looking at him, her eyes lighting up as she recognised him. ’It’s Adrien Agreste! He just have been in the show just now.’

Then she excused herself, exiting the door and pulling out her phone to see no replies to Chat Noir. Worry rising up in her, she finally decided to dial the number. The two rarely called each other as Chat said that he was often around other people and Marinette understood it well.

“Ladybug?” A voice said.

“Where are you?” She hissed into the phone. “I’ve been worried sick since you never showed!”

“Huh?” He said, befuddled. “I was here.”

“What?” She said, confused. “The seat next to mine was empty!”

A sheepish chuckle, and then she heard a sharp voice: “Sir, the limo is pulling up now.”

“Good,” A curt voice said on the other line. “Adrien, come. You can chat with your friend later.”

Eyes widening with shock, Marinette finally turned herself and saw Adrien Agreste looking mollified, before he spoke. “I’m sorry, but I have to go, LB.”

The boy got into the limo, the bodyguard Marinette knew as Gorilla shutting the door behind him before he got in himself and drove the car away.

“Chat Noir is Adrien Agreste,” She whispered in shock. “No way…”

—-

Adrien was worried. Ladybug had not responded to any of his texts – his fault, he supposed, for not managing to reply during or after the show – and his father was scrutinising him more than ever when they met at mealtimes, never saying anything but always looking.

So when he walked in on a Monday morning for a photoshoot, he had a lot on his mind and didn’t think much of it when his father told him that he was going to be helping an intern with designs for a university module.

At least, he didn’t think much of it until the intern greeting him had her mouth agape and dropped the bolt of fabric she had been carrying onto his shoes.

“I’m so sorry!”

Wincing in pain, he waved the apology away. “It’s fin-”

“Chat Noir?” She whispered.

His head jerked, and he took a closer look at her. “Ladybug?”

—-

Seven years later Marinette found herself the head of the Gabriel brand, Adrien a lecturer at College Francoise-Dupont with Louis, Hugo and Emma absolutely denying any relation to the blonde mathematics teacher (not that their surnames helped).

Their contact names were still Ladybug and Chat Noir.

[bangtan-only]

BTS: House of Cards (Pt.2 Gang AU)

Character profile

Prologue

Chapter 1/2

Chapter 2 “Forgotten Cards”

GLAM ( One of Seoul’s hottest clubs)

  You parked your car in your usual parking lot before walking towards GLAM. You see the sea of bodies right front at the entrance. You rolled your eyes. You never understood why people would spend hours and hundreds of dollars to get themselves inside and get wasted or whatever. As you walk up the endless queue, you saw a man with bright orange hair, too striking, too familiar but the darkness of the night prevents you from recognising him which you decided it wasn’t important either.

   People were complaining that the queue wasn’t moving, fidgeting about, complaining about VIPs having the very valuable VIP pass granting them to enter. But then again, money makes the world go round. So, it’s either you are absolutely rich or ridiculously poor.

   You were immediately let in when the bouncer sees you. Everyone was glaring at you but you could feel someone staring intently at you until you disappear into the club. You don’t sense a threat, just pure discomfort.  You head towards the room with a sign that states “staff only” which have obviously seen better days. You make a mental note to upgrade this. Just when you thought you could make a coffee to keep you awake, a sharp knock was on the door.

  “Madam! Madam!” Accompanied by more hurried knocks. You open the door and glared at your innocent subordinate.

  “You could have open the door on your own you know ?” You scoffed.

  “Sorry Madam! But we have urgent issues!” Bogum informed.

  Bogum was put in charge of the bar after your previous bartender decided to get himself landed in the hospital. And today was his first day of work. He was pretty much a nice kid. Shouldn’t be working under such conditions but after his persistence and his very absolute bartender skills, you decided to accept his application. Under the condition that you and the club won’t be held responsible if anything happens to him. After all, you have warned him and he should know that these places are dangerous in the first place.

  “What ?” You answered, unfazed. Probably the same old problem. You have seen a fair share of conflicts that it doesn’t even cause you to panic.

  “A-a fighting have broke out! The bar-the bar is ruined.” Bogum informed.

  “And ? Get the bouncers there.” You replied calmly.

  “They demand to see the in-charge.” Bogum looked worried.

  “Hmm? Okay. Do your work at the second floor bar.” You instructed.

  You walked out of the staff room and put on a stern facade. You immediately see people gathering around the bar, making a circle. You can see your bouncer and the man trying to negotiate.

  “Thanks. I will take over from here.” You put your hand on the bouncer’s shoulder.

  “Get the the cleaners too.” You added.

  “Hey everybody, nothing to see here. Drinks are on the house for tonight. Collect it at the second and third floor bar. Enjoy your night at The GLAM!” You dismissed, with everyone’s drunken cheering. The masses is placated. Now you have to deal with the scowling man in front of you.

  “Sir, how may i help you?” You asked, plastering a smile on.

  “I have lost my limited edition Rolex in YOUR club, isn’t it your duty to help me retrieved it ?! You staff here did not so their duty! And even fought with me!”

  “Look!” He pointed to his split lips.

  “I demand a medical fee.”

  “Sir, lost of item is not under our judiciary. However, if your item is found, we will contact you. So please leave your contact number behind.” You explained, placing a pen and paper on the counter behind.

  “As for your medical f-”

  “Oh shut up woman! Do you know who am i ? I can buy over your club and get you kick out of here.”

  “I demand a compensation!” The man fumed.

  “Sir. Truly, i don’t know who you are.”

  “But a word of advice. You are messing with the wrong place. Go con elsewhere, if you are lucky enough, you might succeed.” You smirked.

  “You ass-”

  “Now, if you can, the door is right there.” You pointed to the glass door.

  “Lead him out.” You instructed the bouncer.

  If you weren’t having a great day before, you definitely have a terrible day now. You felt nauseating, the changing lights, the crowd, the noise, you should have been immune to such influence, but heaven thought it was a good idea to play with you.

  A distinct laugh and a clapped was heard directly behind you. You immediately turned back, standing in front of you was no other than, Park Jimin.

  “Long time no see. (Y/n).” He smirked.

A/n: 2 Chapters in a week for BTS 4th Anniversary! A promise that this will get better and BTS will appear for more than 5 secs in the future chapters. And yes. Feed backs are welcome and i will do a college au once i am done with lies and do check that out too. 

BTS & ARMY!

-J.L

Here you go: smug Jimin

[stillalicebyheart]

obligitory beauty and the beast au

Jeremy as the Beast, Michael as Belle, Jake and Rich as Gaston and Le Fou -- but Jake is more interested in being friends than anything and Michael is Scared of the town’s spokesman. Chloe and Brooke are Lumiere and Cogsworth, Christine is Mrs. Potts, and Jenna is Madame Garderobe.

Jeremy becomes the Beast when he’s placed under the spell of the Squip, because he upset his mother who left and hired him to curse her son (for being too much like his father smh), and therefor was cursed.

Michael and his mother, a chef, move to this small town for a more stable life after his father is killed in the war, and he’s seen as ‘peculiar’ because he’s more interested in his fantasy lands.

When Michael’s mother goes to get more ingredients for a dish, doesn’t come back in time, and he goes to find her. 

She’s been captured by the Beast, who isn’t all that terrifying when he talks but sure is scary looking, because she tried to take a rose to decorate their house with. Michael takes her place (”If you aren’t there, how are they gonna know what real food is, Mama?”)

She leaves and alerts the town of what’s happened, Jake jumps into action (”One of our own has been taken, we can’t just let that go!”)

Michael in a Cell? Not on Chloe’s watch. Let him out and be human?

Michael is very much Not Taking Jeremy’s Shit. He doesn’t know how to talk to others after years of being alone with just some of his friends and he’s become very bitter but very desperate for someone to care about him/him to care about. But not knowing how to talk to him he comes off as an ass? And Michael basically tells him where to put it.

Be Our Guest is just as dramatic if not more, with frozen Yogurt. 

Michael finds the cursed rose, Hell Breaks Loose, Jeremy flips shit bc he’s a scared boy inside, so he lets Michael go.

“Sir, if you don’t get some sort of love, then we’ll all be stuck like this.” “Don’t you think I know this, Brooke?! I’m trying, alright.” “...Sorry, Jeremy.”

He goes after him bc danger! They bond slightly while Michael fixes his wounds from the wolves. “Do you think you’ll turn into a werewolf?” “It’d be better than this asinine mix of animals.”

They bond more. First meal together is shit bc Jeremy doesn’t use utensils until Michael helps him? 

Jeremy obliterates Michael in a snowball fight, but is very giggly over it and oh shit this guy’s not too bad

Michael tells Jere all about these worlds he’s come up with, Jeremy gives him notebooks to write it all down in (writer!michael is my aesthetic)

Michael spends so much time writing and reading it back to Jere and Jeremy is Literally falling. He makes an offhand comment about missing the balls they used to have, and Michael says ‘Why not? Sounds fun, lets have one just for us.’

Jenna makes the perfect suit made of gold and blue for Michael, Jeremy has his blue and gold one that somehow still fits even though he’s a beast now? Magic.

the dancing scene. its gorg and queue pining!Michael and pining!Jeremy

“He’s too... good. How could anyone love a beast?”

“How in the hell did this pure boy get turned into a beast?”

Jeremy lets him see the magic mirror and Michael is terrified of what he sees

Jake, bless his soul, is trying to help in any way and get Michael back for his mother. Unintentionally ruins everything. Everyone thinks she’s crazy and they try to restrain her.

Jeremy lets him go to see his mother for one night, with the trust that he’d return. “I let him go, Brooke.” “Why?” “...I love him. So I set him free. I wish I could’ve done the same for us.” 

All this time the rose is wilting and Michael has no idea, but Jeremy doesn’t care bc?? let the boy be happy and he’ll be happy.

Michael arrives and Jake is like !!! you’re okay!!! and sets the facts straight, the village freaks out bc omg the beast is real and he’s gonna kill us!!

“No wait he wouldn’t hurt anyone please kindly leave him alone??” Jake has to protecc

The villagers attack, Jeremy is very confused? Literally “Can’t you just let me die in peace?” Jake: “I don’t want to kill you.” Jeremy: “Dude just do it I’m gonna die anyways.”

Michael reappears! Jeremy is shook. He and Jake are fighting and suddenly Jere has a reason to live bc Michael came back willingly?! So he doesn’t give up, but let’s jake go after he gives up. 

A villager shoots Jere after Jake runs off, and Michael flips shit.

“You came back?” “Of course I did you idiot. Now you better live.” “Unfortunately I don’t have that option. The rose... Once it wilts, we all die.” “Well there’s gotta be a way to stop that!” 

Michael watches Jeremy die (rip) and all of their friends as well. He’s a mess until suddenly?? Jeremy is glowing and floating and holy shit what the fuck

Jeremy becomes human and comes back to life (as do their friends) 

HAPPILY EVER AFTER!!!

[breath0ftheglacian]

A Man of No Consequence

A Man Of No Consequence - Ardyn x fem Reader (NSFW) COMPLETE. All chapters may contain spoilers!

CH 1: Into The Lion’s Mouth CH 2: Famous Seafood CH 3: The Covenant CH 4: Blind Spot CH 5: The Revelation CH 6: In The Lap of The Gods CH 7: Across the Seas CH 8: In The Lap of The Gods, Revisited CH 9: Callings CH 10: Hand of a King, Heart of a King CH 11: Into the Dark CH 12: Breath Of The Glacian CH 13: Redemption CH 14: Cure for Insomnia CH 15: A Gentleman’s Agreement

Chapter 2: Famous Seafood "Miss? Excuse me, miss?"

A loud tap on the window next to your head wakes you, and you try your best to comprehend where you are.

"We're here, miss," the driver opens the car door from the outside. "That'll be 100 gil."

Wiping the sleep off your eyes, you nod, then digest the words you just heard the man say. "Are you kidding me? It used to be half that!"

"Well, a man's got to make a living in these dangerous times, you know. Never know what's around the corner," the driver is tapping his toes impatiently.

"Yeah, yeah..." You dig into your hastily packed bag and rustle through some paper notes to gather together the fare. "I'm so sorry... I've only got eighty-seven."

"Are you kidding me?"

"Please, I'm sorry. I still need to get on the ferry somehow, and this is all the cash I have. I swear, I thought it'd be less..."

The driver looks at you narrowing his eyes and biting his lip, trying to analyze if he could squeeze a few more pennies out of you.

"Alright then, miss. A nice young lady like yourself shouldn't be traveling alone," he says, counting the money you hand him, "You take care now. There are a lot of weirdos out there!"

"I bet..."

You gather your belongings from the back seat and jump out of the car. The driver climbs in, but leans out the window just before he's about to drive off.

"By the way, the last I heard, they've suspended the ferries for the time being! Don't know if that's just a rumour. Well, good luck!"

The car turns to the road, wheels skidding as the driver accelerates recklessly and disappears into the distance.

Wait, what did he say?

You quickly look around to see a local, anyone, to ask about the ferry. It's late and the parking lot is quiet, as is the sandy beach. The only noises to be heard are the faint music and sound of tourists having their dinner at the hotel restaurant. Hotel... Shit! you curse to yourself, as you realize you've just expended all your cash funds on the cab journey.

It's all been a huge mess after the day of the Signing Ceremony. You have no idea if your transmitter worked, if they got any information through it, nor where Nyx or any of the other Glaives are. The city of Insomnia came under attack in the early afternoon, and all you had time to do was pack your essentials and head to the nearest outpost at Hammerhead. Hundreds of people were fleeing by foot, hundreds more stayed... You haven't managed to get hold of anyone since you left, leaving you with scarce opportunity to plan ahead. In the end you decided to make way to Altissia by a ferry, to your cousin's house; to gather intelligence, and to formulate a further plan.

At the moment, your only plan is to find a bed and a shower. With no money, it could prove to be quite the challenge, though.

Picking up your bags, you make your way slowly down the long pier that leads to the hotel. The smell of smoked fish fills your nostrils as you're sorely reminded you haven't had a proper meal for ten hours. You walk past the dizzyingly delicious aromas in the restaurant, past the cook joyously preparing her speciality dishes, and approach the hotel clerk at the desk.

"Good evening madam, how may I help you?"

"Good evening, uh..." Digging out your purse, you take you the small change you're left with. "Do you accept credit? You see, I'm on my way to... I mean, you must've heard what happened in Insomnia, and I'm one of the people fleeing the chaos, so I only had a little time to prepare, and turns out the taxi was way too expensive, and..."

"No madam," you're crudely interrupted by the man behind the desk, "I'm afraid I haven't heard about Insomnia. And I'm afraid we only take cash. There's a caravan near the parking lot, if you want to have a look."

"Do they take credit?"

"I don't think so, madam, no."

"Ok," you stare at the man, trying to keep your patience. "Look, it's been a reaaally long day, and I reaaally need a shower, and a bed, so, what could you suggest? I'm happy to give you any of my valuables as a deposit. As soon as I get to Altissia, I will have more cash..."

"There's a camping ground nearby, miss."

"Are you joking? Do I look like I'm carrying a tent?"

"I'm sorry, miss." The clerk looks over your shoulder, at an elderly couple queueing up behind you. "Please, right this way," he says ushering them forward.

"Goddammit!" You let out, earning several displeased looks from the diners down in the restaurant. You gather your bags once again, and make your way back through the dining area.

"So sorry to disturb your meal!" You declare as you huff and puff down to the pier with your bags.

You arrive at the parking lot once again, throw down your bags and kick the bigger one. "I'm so tireeed..." you say out loud, and dramatically collapse sitting on your suitcase. You look around the parking lot. Not many cars, considering the situation back home, you ponder. One car in particular catches you eye, a really ugly one in your opinion, with a weird pom-pom on the antenna. At least they HAVE a car. I don't even have a car to sleep in...

You stop to consider your options. The sand on the beach looks soft, but sleeping near the tide is not very inviting. You consider borrowing money off strangers, but understand it's a long shot. There's a younger couple near on the shore, but they seem too concentrated on each other for you to bother them. You scan across the beach. Not a soul in sight, apart from one tall creepy looking dude leaning on the pier... You perk up and look behind you as you realize he's looking straight at you. Not a soul standing near you. The tall figure steps down from the pier and approaches you.

It's Ardyn Izunia.

Rapidly you dig into your pocket, finding a small brochure for the Crow's Nest diners. You spread it out, and pretend to be deep in thought reading it, hoping he hasn't spotted you.

But of course, he has.

"Well, what a coincidence!" He declares, stopping right in front of you. You see two shiny boots appear behind the extremely interesting brochure you're studying.

"I never would have imagined running into you here. Of course I did hope, a little. Are you sure you didn't follow me?"

You know there's no use to pretend you don't recognise him, but you can't decipher wether he's figured you out yet. You lift your gaze and meet that familiar grin.

"Sir, what a pleasant surprise!" you chirp, biting your lip.

"Come, let me help you up," he says extending his arm. With one quick pull he lifts you on your feet. "Now tell me, what brings you here, my dear?"

"Work," you quickly make up, "I'm headed to Altissia for some shoots tomorrow."

"Marvellous. And did you manage to get out of Insomnia without any problems?"

"I-I did, sir. The chaos broke out just as I was leaving."

"I'm glad to hear," he says lowering his voice. Pausing, he analyses you with his piercing gaze. You can tell he knows more than he's letting out. "It's such a shame it came to that. Mind you I have nothing to do with it - the army is completely out of my control. I merely deal with the diplomatic side of things, you see." You nod. He's making you increasingly nervous.

"So please don't hold a grudge against me. I did so admire that beautiful city, too."

"Of course not, sir," you say quietly. You remember Nyx. If only you could've reached him. Nyx would've known what to do. Without any knowledge of how things turned out, you feel confused and powerless. "Useless..." you whisper to yourself, shaking your head.

"What's that now?" He smiles as you glance back at him. "I heard you were having some trouble finding lodgings earlier."

"Ah... The cab driver robbed me off. I had to part with all my cash. It's OK, though. I can rough it for one night, I think."

"Yes, you seem to be out of luck. I'm afraid the hotel is full anyway. But there's plenty of space in my room, if you fancy sharing the roof for the night. I hate to leave a charming lady like yourself under the stars. Choice is yours, of course."

You briefly scan the beach once more, before promptly responding. "Yes please!"

He lets out a heartfelt laugh. "Good! Allow me, then."

With one of your bags in his hand, he turns and walks back the pier. You pick up the rest of your belongings and follow.

  The room is spacious and modestly decorated, with big windows opening a view over the quay, and two comfortable looking beds set apart. Was he expecting me?

You drop your stuff on a chair and sit on one of the beds.

"Which one do you want?" He asks in his grandiose style, waving his arm at the beds.

"I don't mind at all. Thank you so much for taking me in."

"You're quite welcome." He walks around the room, taking a peek at the quay, moving the curtains slightly. "Now I do believe I promised you a dinner, didn't I? Are you at all hungry?" "I'm absolutely starving!" you exclaim, excited at the idea of some food finally touching your lips.

"Good! Shall I leave you to freshen up? I'll be waiting outside."

"Thank you."

"Do you have that dress you were wearing last night? It looked fantastic on you. If you have it, I would love to see you wear it once more."

You nod in agreement. With the generosity he's showing you, it would be rude to refuse his request. The only reason you still have the dress is because there was no chance to return it in the midst of the pandemonium. Does that make me a thief?

You hear the door close as Ardyn leaves the room. A feeling of slight unease lingers over you. You're in the Chancellor's hotel room, and yet you don't know anything that's going on with your two nations. You feel like you should snoop around a little. Quietly, you open the drawers of the bedside table. Nothing but the usual Cosmogony book. He doesn't seem to have any luggage with him, no personal items. The room was virtually empty before you brought your belongings in.

Deciding it's best not to keep him, or your belly, waiting any longer, you get changed into the same silk dress you wore last night. With a quick brush-up of your makeup and a fluffing of your hair, you head out the room to meet Ardyn outside.

"My dear, you do look absolutely gorgeous," he says, taking your hand and admiring you. Either he's very good at pretending, or he really means it. You're not quite sure. Holding your hand, he leads you into the dining area.

You look around to see if anyone recognises you as the trouble-maker from before. Luckily people are more interested in their food. Nobody even bats an eyelid at the Chancellor eating in the same restaurant. While you gaze around and get comfortable, Ardyn has already made an order with the waiter.

"I hope you don't mind, but I'm sure you will love this. And I take it you like wine?"

"Absolutely, everything is fine." You put on your best charm. "So, what brings you here tonight? Or is it a secret?"

"I'm waiting to meet someone here. Alas, we did not agree on a day so I was prepared to wait."

"Oh..."

"Don't worry, it's not another lady." He's teasing you. You didn't even think so far, but it does start to feel a lot like you two are on a date.

"No, I didn't mean... I mean, I didn't think that. Doesn't matter, anyway."

You make some small talk, and start to relax as your conversation progresses. A man of paradoxes, he's got a strange way of intimidating you, and making you feel at ease at the same time. He's not shy with compliments, yet it feels like he's analyzing you continually. The more you look at his face, the more you start to think he's attractive. If this was a real date, you'd be completely into it.

The waiter brings the wine, followed by the food. Only one plate.

"I already had something earlier. Please, don't mind me," he says, urging you to tuck in.

He doesn't have to ask you twice. The dish looks delicious and you can't wait to taste it. The first mouthful of fried tide grouped with the buttery balsamic sauce almost sends you to heaven. You close your eyes and let out a small sound of enjoyment. Ardyn seems pleased.

"I've been so hungry all day long. This is absolutely amazing."

"I know," he agrees, pouring you both a glass of wine. "Well, shall we?"

You toast and and have a sip. I could get used to this.

He holds his glass near his face, silently watching you for a moment. Then, keeping his intense gaze on you, he drops the bomb.

"It was very brave what you did at the party last night. Very foolish, but brave nonetheless."

The fork slips right out of your hand upon hearing those words, falling down making a loud clinking sound. With that, you earn some more gazes from the diners around you. You reach over to grab it, instantly sitting back up as you realize it has fallen between the floorboards. You face comes to rest in your palm as you place your elbow on the table.

A moment of silence that feels like eternity.

That bastard. He made you leave everything you have in his room, so he can call you out in the middle of a public place, completely helpless. I should've seen this coming.

You finally summon the courage to respond. "I'm sorry... I don't know what you me--"

"Never mind about that, dear. It's all understandable."

You look up from your palm. "Is it?"

"People do silly things when they're in dire situations." You can say that again. He plays with his wine, swirling it around in his glass. "I can forgive you. On one condition, though. I think we can help each other."

"What do you want?"

He lifts his gaze from the wine, back on you. "Information."

"But Sir, I don't..."

"Call me Ardyn."

"Ardyn... I don't have any information. About anything! I don't even know what happened back home! I'm only desperately trying to get to Altissia..." You start your defence loudly but lower your voice as you realize by this point half the restaurant is leaning in to listen.

"I am aware."

"So how can I help you?"

Ardyn calls the waiter over to bring you a new fork. You take it reluctantly, and continue eating, only because he insists.

"I am willing to overlook your little stunt," he continues, "I will let you stay in the room, and even front your ferry fee, if you like. All you have to, is do what you did so well yesterday. I need to know the whereabouts and the plans of a certain prince, and his entourage."

It all starts to make sense to you. So he's after Noctis.

"You look worried, my dear. I can assure you, no harm will come to him at this point. On the contrary, I aim to assist him."

"Doing what?"

"Getting to where his destiny is calling."

It all sounds very vague. How did I ever get here? Your whole life seems to have gone upside down in only a few days. You take the big glass of wine and finish it in one go, laughing to yourself. Since when am I chugging down glasses of expensive vintage? Come to think of it, since yesterday...

"Is that a yes, then?" He asks impatiently.

"Yes. I will do my best to help you."

"Splendid! Well, I though you would say that. Do not worry, you will receive due payment for your troubles. Only bear in mind if you try to trick me again, I will not be so understanding a second time."

"Of course not."

You look down at your half-eaten dinner, that has gone cold by now. "Do you mind if we call it a night?"

"As you wish," he agrees, getting up and taking your hand again, escorting you back to the room. Somehow it feels less like a date, and more like being held under ransom now.

He opens the room door, but you freeze on your tracks. You're afraid.

"What's the matter?" He places his palm on the small of your back and gently but firmly pushes you inside the room.

"Nothing..." you gasp as his touch sends chills up your spine. No doubt he can see the hair standing on end on your bare neck and shoulders.

This man is playing you like a fiddle, and yet, knowingly, you want to give in to it. He knows he's attractive, he knows how to deal with women. He knows what he's doing.

"No need to worry," he breathes into your neck, in a lowered voice. You summon all the strength you have left, and walk away from him, starting to dig around your bags frantically.

"I'm just very tired," you respond. "I'm heading to bed."

"Sweet dreams, then," he says, following your aimless bustling. "I've got some things I still need to take care of. I trust you'll be a good girl and go to bed."

You don't reply, only nod, with you back to him, as you find a T-shirt in your bag that you can wear for the night. You hear him leave the room, and let out a loud gasp as the door closes.

How am I supposed to sleep here?

Thoughts are crashing around your tired head, yet as soon as you climb in between the soft bedding and lay your head on the pillow, you can feel yourself starting to doze off.

In the stillness between sleep and awakeness, you can hear the waves hitting the booms under the hotel, gently swinging you into sleep.

[saswatnanda1]

BACK TO SCHOOL-I

Perhaps the best part of anyone’s life is one’s school days. Whenever I have seen anyone recall his/her school days, I have always seen them pour their heart out. And all that makes them smile, makes them cry, reminisces of those days tickles their ribs, also brings tears into their eyes. School days for many, act as a reference guide when they are in trouble, a strong uplift, when they are distressed and a source of motivation when they are distressed. School days brings out the best in almost everyone, rarely do we get to express ourselves more clearly than we do at school. School days act as a prized treasure in each one’s lives. During this period, when we are all at home, I have thought of taking you all back in time, when I was at school. In this journey, I will just not only share with you about the beautiful moments at school, but this will also present me with an opportunity to relive it. 

Few people know actually, that my school days is not made of two, but three phases. The first is my kindergarten period, which I spent at Little Angel’s School, the second phase was primary and secondary phase,ie till class 10, which I spent at Stewart School, Cuttack, and the third phase, the senior secondary phase, which I spent at Delhi Public School, Kalinga. Out of all these phases, I have spent the longest period at Stewart School, which is why naturally, it gives me more cherished memories, but if someone says that I began my schooling at Stewart School, it would not be a correct answer. But in all these three phases, I realised why people get the best out of themselves at school. It’s beacuse over there, we are encouraged, not forced to do so. Competition is there, but a healthy one, not a depressing one. All teachers love you so much, perhaps such love and affection second to only the love that you get at home. Probably, that is why school is called our second home. 

Little Angel’s school was barely 50m away from my house. But, to take me, the distance seemed to be a long walk for my family. Like any other child who was beginning to go to school, I also had my own apprehensions. I was like that person who is being pushed into the swimming pool, without knowing how to swim. Like any other child beginning school, the word itself was a nightmare for me.Scary thoughts about the new word which was to unfold before me. My parents would then narrate and make me imagine the fantasy world which awaits me at school-toys, chocolates, friends, and everything that make me long to go to school. I would myself rule out one of these possibilites, even if they gave me, it would be of no use-I don’t like chocolates. But the rest were appealing, but still I am in a state of doubt. Tears would flow from my eyes endlessly on wearing the uniform. I would nervously hold my grandfather’s finger and hope that the road never ends. But it does, and ridiculously would end sooner than it usually takes. It is a well experienced fact that the time that we don’t want comes earlier.

 Dressed in my white shirt, navy blue shorts, red tie and shoes , I reach the school gate. And there stood, two people, smiling, and ever-welcoming, my Headmaster Sir and Headmistress Madam. And my grandfather would then pat my back and I was to venture into the unknown now. I would give a last glance back at my grandfather, teary-eyed, perhaps hoping for the last time that I will be saved, but to no avail. He just waved off and walked away. Trembling, nervous, I would turn to Sir and Ma’m, who would wipe off my tears and with a smiling face, wish me “Good Morning!” In my trembling voice, even I would reply, “Good Morning Sir! Good Morning Ma’m!”

In my entire schooling years, one important thing I noticed about my teachers, no matter in whichever school I went, was that teachers knew the strengths and weaknesses of each of their students. So, they exactly knew what to say to boost the child up, and what to do so that the child gets a good punishment and learns a lesson. Till that day, I knew I had two names, one being used outside home, and one at home. I understood my government-certified and verified name, Saswat Nanda, but I didn’t realize what the use of the second name was. That day when Sir, came up to me, and, with a mischievious smile, whispered my nickname, in my ear, I realised that suddenly, I was in a comfort zone. I felt connected to that place. Nicknames serve as a great tool for connection when you are at an unknown place. Because, nicknames are only used by one’s family members. And when one day, someone calls you by your nickname, he/she automatically gets into your personal space. You suddenly get an emotional connection! True, my teachers knew this fact very well… 

School was not as bad as I had thought it to be. Right after I entered the building, I was taken into the school’s toy room. Everyday, before our prayer, we would all be taken there and would be given toys and games to play.Cars, dolls, everything. Slowly and steadily, I started enjoying school.After sometime, we would be taken and made to stand in a queue for our prayer. After that we would silently(finger on our lips) walk back to our classrooms. Class was fun too. You get to learn a lot of things. Especially, when I got such nice teachers, the two people whom we called Miss. They were very loving, very caring and extremely affectionate, just like Headmaster Sir and Headmistress Ma’m. I never ever felt left out. Because, I was made so comfortable, my teacher coming up to me, sitting beside me, holding my hand and making me write the first letters. All of these made me feel so special at school. 

School students are fond of role-playing. Enacting scenes where they love to play the teacher. Our daily class had two parts. Morning 7-9, where we would have our daily lessons, like alphabets, words, handwriting,etc:-. The second part was my favorite. It was the Number Lesson part. Not just because it was being taught by Headmaster Sir, but also because in it one of the lucky students would be playing the teacher. He/she would walk up to the board containing numbers 1-100, with a stick in hand, point to the numbers, and make others recite those numbers, as if actually teaching. I loved this. When I was called , I would jump with excitement. That was my favorite job. 

 Talking about friends, I had made quite a few friends. Tiffin-sharing was the primary duty of friendship. You are not a good friend, if you don’t share your tiffins. I was good at that. But, when I was wronged, or bullied, I always ensured that the guy got his/her punishment. For example, I remember, once someone locked me up in the washroom. I cried, banged the door and did m best to be heard. After sometime, when Miss came to my rescue, I narrated the whole incident. On inquiring, it was found that a friend of mine has locked me up in an act of fun. But it was not funny for me. I was only satisfied, when he held his ears, and was sorry. But the moment, he did that, there was no grudge against him anymore. We were good friends again. 

And so the days passed wonderfully. But I would soon be missing this place. Because, one more thought had started to worry my parents. I was about to end my Prep. Standard, and now they had to put me in another good school. Choosing clothes is a difficult task, but choosing a school for your child is much more difficult. One day when we friends, during our recess were chatting about this “new school” thing. I asked my friends which school are they going to go to after this. There was an unanimous answer, STEWART SCHOOL, CUTTACK. A new journey was to begin soon…

Discipline and Punctuality, along with my academic report, were something which I acquired from Little Angel’s School. Before I waved a goodbye, I gave a tight hug to those four people, who remain imprinted in my memory as my first teachers. Sir and Ma’m passed away a couple of years after I left the school and their daughters, who were the “Miss”, who had given me so much love, decided to move to another city. But they didn’t forget me. Before leaving, they visited me at my house. I became their Saswat once again, which I was missing for sometime now. I sat on their lap and those moments I enjoyed to my utmost. The love that I got from Miss is incomparable. Even today, their knowledge, their teachings and their love for me brings tears to my eyes. All my four teachers had a great influence on me, emotionally and psychologically. I can never forget them. I have never seen them since, but I always remember them..and hope that they always remember and keep blessing their Saswat too…

 As one journey ended, the other was to begin soon