#i know i could call the police instead of complaining online but

[dont-lick-my-foot]

people with adhd experience sensory issues

people with adhd experience sensory issues

people with adhd experience sensory issues

people with adhd experience sensory issues

people with adhd experience sensory issues

people with adhd experience sensory issues

people with adhd experience sensory issues

people with adhd experience sensory issues

[immortalmrwavell]

Adam and Mr Wavell

(Written for @transformee) (Original story posted September 27th 2021) This story has been significantly Updated!

It’d started like any other normal day for Adam. He got up out of bed. Got himself some breakfast. Headed out for work. The usual routine that he’d long since gotten used to. Being an engineer certainly wasn’t the worst job in the world. In fact Adam found it rather rewarding sometimes and the pay was decent enough. If anyone were to ask, Adam would say he was satisfied with his life. And that was half true. Sure he was content with the life he had now. He couldn’t exactly complain about having a stable job that allowed him to live somewhat comfortably. Yet despite that Adam always kinda wished his lifestyle was a tad bit… different.

Each and every day when Adam opened one of his social media’s, his feed would practically be flooded with men who were smoking hot and jacked as fuck. And most of these men pretty much got paid just for looking as incredible as they do. Whether that be as a personal trainer, model, an actor or even in porn! These men got paid to look sexy as fuck and show it off. It sounded like a dream!

In all honesty It was that sort of lifestyle Adam wished he would have strived for instead. He wasn't a bad looking dude by any means. He believed he was pretty handsome, just a little out of shape was all. Mostly due to how he was never able to really push himself into working out or dieting properly. And for the longest time Adam thought he was okay with that. Deep down however, part of him always wished he’d led the same lifestyle as those fit hunks he saw online.

Being in his thirties now Adam had started to believe that perhaps a lifestyle like that just wasn’t for him. Since then he’d tried to just make peace with the fact that he was just an average looking dude working a normal job. That was until he arrived home later that evening and everything changed.

Adam unlocked the front door before stepping into his home. Letting out a long sigh of relief as he closed it behind him.

“Home at last I see.”

Adam almost jumped out his skin as he whipped around to see a man sat in a chair across the room.

“W-WHO THE HELL ARE YOU!? WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN MY HOUSE!?” Adam bellowed at the man in a panic. His brain was already cycling at a hundred miles a minute trying to think of the best course of action. Grab a weapon? Call the police? And yet while Adam was freaking out, the gentleman sitting in his house seemed completely unfazed.

With a smirk the man stood up from his seat, allowing Adam to get a better look at him. From what Adam could tell, the man looked to be in his early forties, late thirties at the youngest. He had short brown hair along with a nicely trimmed beard to match, the latter of which had a few flecks of silver running through it. As for his body, he looked to be just about 6 feet tall, if a tiny bit less. In terms of his build, the man seemed relatively lean with very little fat or muscle. As for his clothes, he wore a navy blue suit jacket over a white button up shirt along with a navy dotted tie. These were contrasted by a pair of tan khaki pants which were held firmly in place by a brown belt. Lastly his feet were clad in a fairly large pair of dark brown dress shoes along with a pair of black dress socks. An ordinary business casual look but this man seemed to be anything but ordinary.

(Original Version of Mr Wavell here)

“You don’t need to be afraid Adam. I’m here to help you.” The mysterious man claimed in a way that probably sounded more ominous than intended. Despite it he began to step towards Adam.

“N-no… how do you know my name? I don’t know you!” Adam panicked as he moved backwards to keep his distance until his back was against the front door. He was about to reach for the handle and run outside until suddenly… he felt calm? Safe even? It was as if all of his natural danger sense had turned themselves off in favor of wanting to trust the stranger before him.

“No you don’t know me. But I know you Adam. I’ve been watching you for a little while now. Looking into your mind. Reading your desires.” The suited stranger’s voice was oddly soothing, so much so that Adam hardly even noticed his eyes glowing deep purple for a moment. “You may refer to as Mr Wavell” He revealed, the very name sending shivers up Adam’s spine for reasons unknown. “And for what I’m doing here? Well… I’m just looking for entertainment I suppose.” Wavell shrugged nonchalantly.

He went on to explain that he had… abilities. Abilities that allowed him to do things thought to be impossible. Despite the inexplicable wave of calm and trust that’d washed him moments ago, Adam couldn’t bring his rational mind to believe the man. Afterall he was talking about having magical powers like some kind of wizard! But before Adam had a chance to protest, he found himself frozen in both wonder and fear as Mr Wavell began to float off the ground.

“I must reiterate that I’m here to help, not hurt you.” Wavell said, noting the bewildered look on Adam’s face. “I can give you any life that you desire. Allow you to become whoever you choose. What do you say?” He boldly claimed, floating down until he stood directly beside Adam, placing a hand on his shoulder.

Adam was still frozen stiff. Was he dreaming? Was this actually real??

“Oh come on. You know this is a privilege right? It’s not everyday that I actually reveal my physical self to the people I help.” Wavell said, leaning forwards with a small smirk. That of course only left more questions in Adam’s mind.

The mysterious man went on to explain in further detail what exactly he could do for Adam. He could alter reality to change Adam’s past choices in order to create a new and better present. He could transform Adam’s body right here on the spot into anything Adam desired. Muscle growth, increase of height, bigger dick? All things that Adam’s rational mind wouldn’t have believed to be possible had it not been for the obvious display of real magic he’d just witnessed. However there was one option that caught Adam’s ear. Stealing the life and body of someone else. As confused and scared as Adam was right now, he couldn’t help but be curious and even slightly aroused at the mere idea of it.

“O-okay���” Adam mumbled meekly. “I want your help…”

Wavell clapped his hands together with a large grin. “Perfect! Now there are many different ways I can do this.” He began, sounding almost a little too enthusiastic about it all. “I can switch your soul with another person. Your soul in their body and theirs in your body. I could transform you and this other person into one another. You transform into him and vice versa. You get it.” Wavell laid out the options as if he were about to have Adam choose one. “However I’ve already picked out another more interesting method for you. So all I want you to do is pick someone.”

Adam thought for a moment. If this was real then this could be one of the biggest decisions of his life. But surely there was some kind of monkey‘s paw right? “What’s the catch?” He asked, finally putting on a brave face.

The magical imbued stranger raised an eyebrow to Adam. “There isn’t one. You don’t owe me a thing. Honestly!” Wavell stepped back and put his hands up. “I’m doing this because I love it. It’s what I do. Hopefully once it’s all over you’ll enjoy it just as much as I.” Wavell lowered his hands before placing them on his hips. “Now. Is there anybody you have in mind who perhaps you’d like to become?”

Adam thought for a moment. He wasn't sure. This was just so surreal it made it hard to think. Like a fog clouding his thoughts. “I don’t… know?”

“Don’t worry. I get you’re probably still trying to wrap your mind around all this so I’ll do you a favor.” Wavell gently placed a hand on Adam's head and closed his eyes. Immediately Adam felt strange. As if he could feel this man’s fingers shuffling through his mind. Feeling out his wants and desires until Wavell got a decent idea of the kind of body to put Adam in. He took his hand away from Adam’s head. “I think I know just the guy but he’s not exactly close. He lives up in Virginia while you’re here in Georgia. How would you feel about a little change of scenery?”

“What do yo—“ before Adam could finish, the world around him spun and shifted.

———

Chris found himself standing alone in the locker room at his local gym. It was just about closing time now and he was the last guy remaining other than staff. He wiped away the sweat that’d been dripping down his face with a towel as he grabbed his stuff out of the locker. It’d been another tough workout for him today but it was always worth it to feel that pump and admire the physique he’d been able to build thanks to all his hard work. Unbeknownst to him however, a certain two individuals watched on behind a veil of magic that cloaked them both from sight..

Moments prior, Adam and Wavell arrived at the gym via the latter’s unique abilities. In a gust of purple smoke, Adam went from standing by his front door to now finding himself standing inside a gym locker room that didn’t seem at all familiar.

“H-H-Hoolyyy… FUCK! What just HAPPENED!?” Adam shouted hysterically.

“Basic teleport.” Wavell replied swiftly and bluntly as if that should’ve been common knowledge. “Don’t worry about that. Look.” Wavell nodded towards the entrance to the locker room, prompting Adam to look as well.

Mere seconds after, a sweaty muscular man wearing a tight tank top and shorts entered. He was in phenomenal shape. Far better than Adam was. Not only did he look sculpted with thick muscle from head to toe, but this hunk even had one of the most handsome faces to go along with it. Yet despite all the starring Adam and Wavell were doing, the jock seemed to pay no mind to either of them. Not even a glance. Like he didn’t even know they existed!

“I’ve made us invisible to him. He can neither see nor hear us.” Mr Wavell confirms to Adam. Right on cue this man they now seem to be spying on walked directly past them both without a clue. As he does Adam gets a good whiff of the stud's powerful post workout scent, turning the semi he got just from looking at the man into a full hard on. The pair continued to watch as the man opened up his locker and pulled out a towel to wipe himself down with.

“His name is Chris. He’s twenty eight years old and has been working out most of his life. Hence the gorgeous physique. And to top it off he’s quite the looker. Needless to say his body and looks have awarded him a lot. Modeling opportunities. A large following on social media. An army of men and women alike drooling over him and eager to throw money at him. He’s one lucky bastard.” The warlock explained, seeming to possess a bottomless well of knowledge. “I’d ask how you feel about him but I think I already know the answer.” Wavell sniggered as he glanced down at the bulge in Adams pants.

Adam’s face turned a bright shade of red as he tried to hide his growing arousal with little success. He couldn’t help it as his eyes traced over the glistening sweaty physique of the hunky god before him. Watching intently as the man removed his tank top to reveal the muscle that’d been hidden underneath.

“So… are you gonna turn me into… him?” Adam gulped, trying his best not to drool at the mere thought of it as he watched the man peel off the tank top. His cock getting even more excited at the reveal of Chris’ muscled upper body.

Wavell simply nodded.

“Does that mean you’re gonna turn him into me?” Adam wondered.

Wavell crossed his arms and hummed. “Not exactly. Normally I would but I’ve got something different in mind today.” Wavell confessed as the blank look on his face slowly turned to a sadistic looking grin that left Adam feeling a bit nervous for Chris’ fate. But the magical being was quick to notice this, his look softening again to one of reassurance. “And before you ask, no I’m not going to kill him or anything like that. He’ll be perfectly fine.”

Hearing that set Adam’s mind at ease. That said he was however rather curious to see what Wavell was planning. What exactly was he gonna do to this Chris guy?

It was then that Wavell’s eyes glowed that bright purple once more. At first Adam didn’t realise what Wavell had done until…

“Hey… Where the hell did you guys come from?” Chris asked as he turned to see two men staring at him from across the locker room. It was like they’d just appeared out of thin air.

Wavell stepped forward, straightening his tie as he did “Oh I just know you’re gonna enjoy this body Adam.” He declared, running his gaze up and down Chris’ body. Lingering on those enormous thighs and juicy pecs.

At this point Chris was getting super creeped out and understandably so. “What the fuck are talking about dude!? Are you trying to hit on me or something?” He questioned, quickly getting annoyed at how this dude was eyeing him up like a piece of meat.

It was then in the blink of an eye that Wavell stood inches away from Chris. It seeing a real life glitch as Wavell instantly moved from halfway across the room to his face being less than a ruler's length away from Chris. He barely had time to think let alone act before Wavell grabbed one of his boulder-like shoulders. Suddenly Chris was completely immobilised thanks to Wavell’s magic. And with that the aforementioned wizard slipped his other hand down in Chris’ gym shorts before cupping his crotch. Loving how Chris’ cock and balls pressed tightly against the pair of white compression shorts he wore underneath.

“Don’t worry big guy. I promise you won’t even feel a thing.” An ominously reassuring smile spread across Wavell’s face as his eyes glowed once more. It was then that a bright flash of light enveloped both him and Chris, forcing Adam to cover his eyes. It only lasted a couple of seconds but when the light dissipated, Chris was nowhere to be seen. The only things left of the hunk were his clothes as the gym shorts he’d been wearing fell to the floor atop of the now empty pair of socks and trainers. Meanwhile those white compression shorts Chris had been wearing were still in Wavell’s hand, the warlock holding them gently now as he inspected them for whatever reason.

Chris had no idea what just happened. That weird middle aged looking dude just grabbed him and now all of a sudden he felt so light and… hollow? The first thing he saw was the smirking face of that dude again only now it was from a lower angle, as if he were being held by the man and looked down upon. Yet as bizarre as that was, he couldn’t ignore the strong smell that seemed identical to his own crotch. Only now it surrounded him completely. Somehow Chris was able to shift his gaze in order to look down at himself and what he saw was unreal. Not just unreal, it was impossible and terrifying! No longer did he see the thick muscular body he was used to seeing. In fact he didn’t see a human body at all! He’d been turned into the very same pair of white compression shorts he’d been wearing! He could even feel the creepy dude’s hand against the fabric of the compression shorts as if it were his own skin! He wanted the scream in horror but nothing came out thanks to his lack of a face. It was only thanks to magic that he could still see and hear.

“This’ll do just fine.” Wavell said before turning to Adam who was still looking on in confusion. “I’ve trapped him inside these shorts he was wearing. I’ve made it so he can still see, hear, feel, taste and smell with his spiritual senses in there but besides that he’s completely helpless.” Wavell explained with a tad too much enjoyment. “Now all you’ve got to do is put him on and everything he had will become yours.”

Wavell instructed Adam to strip down. The latter hesitated for a moment but did but nervously did as he was asked. Afterwards not being able to help feeling a little embarrassed with how exposed he felt but Wavell didn’t seem to mind. The warlock handed the enchanted compression shorts over to Adam with a mischievous smile, clearly excited to see what was to come.

Chris was unsurprisingly freaking the fuck out as Adam took the shorts. Between what’s happened to him and hearing what Wavell had just said, he was having a complete meltdown. He didn’t want this Adam guy to take over his life!? Unfortunately his cries fell on deaf ears. He was powerless to stop it. Unable to do a single thing as Adam gently slipped his legs into the compression shorts one at a time before pulling them up. Chris protested all he could but it made no difference as Adam pulled Chris’ hollow fabric body over his ass and crotch.

As insane as this whole situation was, Adam couldn’t help shivering with delight. Knowing he was not only wearing compression shorts that belonged to such a hunk but also that same hunk was trapped inside them! He knew it was wrong and twisted of him to get satisfaction out of this but he couldn’t help it! Even though the shorts were a bit ill fitting on him, just having that jock’s musk surrounding his own crotch was turning him on like hell!

“So, how long will it ta-aaaakeeeuuuuaahhhhhhh” Adam’s question quickly devolved into a long groan thanks to an unfamiliar sensation that began racing through his body! Flooding every vein in his body with levels of magical energy his brain found difficult to comprehend. And then it began.

Before anything else the energy began to focus on Adam’s glutes. His groans became even louder as his ass cheeks started to tone and expand with muscle until it had ballooned into a thick muscle ass that filled out the backside of his new compression shorts perfectly. The feeling of which had Adam’s already hard cock leaking pre-cum that stained the front of said shorts. And yet despite it being at full mast, Adam could feel his cock somehow growing longer and fatter too! His bulge grew even more obvious by the second while his balls swelled larger as well to accommodate. His nuts now churned with the very same cum Chris once had.

Through all his groaning Adam was able to look down at his crotch and over his shoulder to see that he now had Chris’ cock and ass! And as his hips resized, the haunted compression shorts now fit him like a glove. Meanwhile Chris himself was soaring through a flurry of emotions as he begged to wake up from whatever nightmare he was trapped in. He could feel himself being stretched out across his out muscle butt while the taste of cum soaked into his fabric. Unfortunately for him, this was very very real.

From there the transformation continued to spread outwards and it progressed both up and down Adam’s body. His quads and hamstrings found themselves bulking up significantly, causing a soft grunt to escape Adam’s lips as he grew a set of meaty thunderous thighs. Simultaneously his eyes widened with disbelief as the fat on his belly started to melt away before his eyes, replacing itself with pure muscle mass in the form of strong thick abs. The kind Adam could’ve only dreamed of having. Every part of him wanted to stop and admire his new bulky thighs and abs but the transformation was far too impatient to give him the time.

Next up were his calves. He could feel them pulsing as they swelled with power to match his thighs. But they weren’t the real show. How could they be when Adam was far too absorbed into watching his flabby chest transform into a huge pair of pecs! It was something he’d always dreamed of. Being able to look down and see a hulking pair of muscle tits. And now it's finally becoming a reality! Adam’s eyes lit up with a mixture of joy and lust as he watched his chest begin to protrude outwards. His engorged cock growing more excited than ever as his pecs inflated into two gorgeous watermelons. He already wanted nothing more than to grope them and if he hadn’t felt the transformation beginning to surge through his arms, he would’ve.

But before his arms could have their glory, his shoulders exploded with mass first. Growing in an almost cartoony fashion as they transformed into cannonballs while his traps made sure to follow suit. With that, Adam’s biceps couldn’t wait any longer. He flexed them with a long moan as ballooned under the pressure, swelling to massive proportions with unthinkable strength. Soon after his forearms followed the same example as veins began popping like crazy across his bulging arms.

What came next however felt distinctly different from everything else. His hands and feet. They were a totally different experience but still painless nonetheless. His feet were the first to change. Increasing size after size at a rapid rate that certainly would’ve made his shoes feel tighter had he not taken them off. His hands weren’t far behind though as they too grew slightly. The more noticeable change however was how much rougher and calloused they became.

At last Adam’s body seemed complete but there was one last thing to change. As soon as the transformation had spread up his neck, causing it to thicken and his voice to deepen, his head was all that was left.

Adam gritted his teeth and scrunched his face as his features began to twist and alter themselves. Immediately he started to look younger than before as he regressed from his mid thirties back to his late twenties. His face quickly brgan taking on a much more jockish look as he started to look less and less like himself and more like Chris. To top it off his hair morphed into Chris’ messy brown style while his eyes shifted more towards Chris’ soft yet still masculine ones. Finishing things off by having Chris’ short brown beard sprout across Adam’s now much sharper jawline.

At last the intense sensation subsided. Adam was finally able to catch his breath as sweat dripped down his transformed physique. He looked down at himself in disbelief. It didn’t seem real but… he now owned the body of a total fucking hunk! He simply couldn’t help himself as he flexed his new massive guns, taking turns feeling them with each hand. Feeling the power flowing through his biceps as he flexed them was something else entirely. And of course he couldn’t ignore the huge new muscle titties that sat on his chest now. He was groping and flexing them too in no time. It’d be a crime not to worship them. With the excitement of it all, Adam also couldn’t help but dig his nose into his new sweaty pits to get a good whiff of that post workout scent he’d adopted from Chris.

“See. I always know what’s best for my clients.” Wavell sniggered. Adam was so enthralled by his new body that he’d almost forgotten Wavell was there.

“Clients?” Adam questioned, a little shocked by the sound of his new voice.

“Well… ‘clients’ sounds better than ‘subjects’.” The warlock admitted cheekily. “Now! I’m sure you’ve already got questions and I’m pretty certain I know the first one. Are you gonna turn back to normal if you take those compression shorts off? Well allow me to reassure you in saying no.” Wavell confirmed what Adam was bound to ask. “When I trapped Chris inside those shorts, I also sealed his physical essence inside them. Now that you’ve worn them however, that physical essence is inside you. Permanently. So you’ll never have to worry about losing your new body. By all means it belongs to you now. Besides… I’m sure you want to get a better look at what’s underneath.” He said, wiggling his eyebrows while glancing down at the obscene bulge in Adam’s shorts.

Adam turned and strutted over to one of the many locker room mirrors, cock bouncing awkwardly as he did. Immediately upon seeing his reflection Adam was awestruck. He was in love. With himself!! He just couldn’t help admiring his muscles some more before eventually grabbing the waistband and pulling down his haunted shorts. The real Chris screams in protest as he finds himself dropping to this imposter's ankles.

“Oh… Fuuuuuuuccck…” Adam muttered as his new cock flopped out before him in all its glory. His hand practically gravitated towards it before wrapping around the girthy shaft. God it was massive. He was almost afraid to start pumping it since after all that transforming, it felt like it was ready to blow at any second! The sensitivity on it was just through the roof! But Adam couldn’t help himself and ended up giving it a few tugs. In turn he found himself letting out a deep manly groan before, allowing the monster to buck involuntarily for a moment.

Before he ended up busting a nut, Adam’s decided he wanted to get a better look at his new glutes first as he turned his backside to the mirror. He just loved how big and bubbly his cheeks looked. When he flexed them they were as hard as steel but relaxed they felt squishy and jiggly. Part of him wished he could stuff his face into his own ass with how good it looked. That’s when another thought sprung to mind. Adam gently reached back towards his ass, squeezing it a little before slipping a finger between his cheeks as a way to test something. And it was just as he thought. The moment his finger came anywhere near his new asshole it immediately tightened on instinct. The reflex was so strong that it pretty much confirmed Chris used to be straight. Well not anymore. This ass was far too hot to go to waste.

As much as he wanted to tease his virgin ass a little more, Adam just couldn’t ignore his cock any longer. It was pulsing and begging for release at this point. He needed to grab it! He needed to jerk it! He needed to bust a fuckin nut bro! As Chris would say anyway. But before he could begin pumping, Wavell chirped up yet again.

“How about you let me take care of that for you. Just think of it as your way of thanking me.” Wavell licked his lips as sauntered over towards Adam before kneeling in front of that massive cock. Wavell opened his mouth before wrapping his lips around Adam’s meaty dick and began sucking like a pro.

“Oouh-ooooh… ooauhh… Oohhhhuuu!” Adam was completely taken aback as he was forced to let out disjointed moans once again. All the while his new voice echoed through the locker rooms. Just the view of being able to look down and now only see such a hot jock body as his own but also seeing this hot older man sucking him off was beyond sexy. Wavell swiftly bobbed his head up and down on the cock, somehow taking Adam’s entire length without even the slightest gag. Whoever the hell this Mr Wavell guy was, he certainly knew how to work those bearded lips of his around a huge cock. That’s for fucking for sure.

“Fuuuuuck!! I’m gonna… OOOAAUUHHH!!“ Adam Could feel it already. A tsunami of cum getting ready to spew from his dick. Before he’d even laughed Wavell was already grabbing onto Adam’s ass to make sure he didn’t try and pull away. But of course Adam had no plans on doing as his dick finally let loose torrents of hot cum that down Wavell’s throat. The older man gulped it all down greedily, sucking every last drop of cum out of Adam’s cock before finally pulling off it, a bit of cum dribbling down his beard.

“Ahhhhhhhh…” Wavell leaned back with a look of pure satisfaction crossing his face. “Now that was refreshing. I can confirm that your new cum tastes absolutely delicious.” Wavell confessed as he got back up onto his feet. He dusted himself off a little before readjusting his suit and tie. “Well it seems my work here is done. Chris’ memories should start to kick in for you in about 10 minutes from now. You’ll then know everything you need to know about his life. Where your new home is, how he earns money, what kinds of friends he keeps. And whatever else you need to play out his life as if it were your own.” Wavell looked down at the tight compression shorts Adam had begun pulling back up. “And the real Chris gets to watch everything from between your legs… or from the laundry basket.” He chuckled.

With that Wavell began to levitate off the ground once again. “I’m off to have some more fun. Enjoy that hunky new body of yours Adam. Or should I call you Chris? That is your new name now after all.” Mr Wavell grinned knowing just how much the real Chris was begging to be set free. “Keep your eyes open though. I might come back and visit you again some day just to check in.” And just like that the magical man seemingly disappeared into thin air, leaving Adam alone.

Finally alone at last, Adam looked down at the compression shorts that now cling tightly to his hulking body. “Enjoying yourself down there? Being pressed against your own dick and balls?” Adam teased somewhat cruelly, enjoying this a little more than he probably should be right now. Going as far as to reach down and grope his crotch to really rub the scent in.

This whole time Chris had been screaming and protesting as this body snatcher groped his body and even more so when he’d got his dick sucked by another dude! But now as the scent of his former cock and balls mixed with cum and sweat started to mess with Chris’ fragile mind, he was starting to give in at last. His thoughts grew foggier while his fabric body continued to absorb the powerful smell. He looked up only to see his own handsome face smirking down at him. No. It wasn’t his face anymore. There was no going back. Now he was nothing more than a pair of compression shorts for his master to wear.

Meanwhile Adam decided to open the bag that’d been in Chris’s locker only to pull out a pair of clean grey t-shirt and a cap. Without hesitation he slipped both of them on, loving how the large shirt hugged his muscular frame in all the right places. After which he grabbed and pulled on the black gym shorts Chris had been wearing earlier before tugging on Chris’ gym socks and trainers. All of it fitting him like a glove. At last turning to the trusty mirror once again, he couldn’t help but whistle at how fucking sexy he looked! So much so that he started turning to inspect his body for all different angles. God he just couldn’t get enough of those bulky legs. As much as he adored his arms and pecs, he was starting to think his legs may actually be his best asset afterall.

He couldn’t help grabbing Chris’ phone and taking a few quick photos of himself to savour the moment. Pictures he’d surely look back on in the future to remember the day when he stole this body. And to jerk off too of course. Maybe he’d even post them to one of his new socials later.

Now all he had to do was wait for these memories to kick in. That Mr Wavell dude said they were gonna come any second and when they did Adam was truly going to become Chris inside and out. And once he’d settled into his new life he was gonna see if he could find some dudes eager to fuck his muscle ass get railed by his enormous new cock. With a body like this he was bound to have stamina for hours.

Then it hit him. All at once. Adam let out a thunderous roar as his mind flooded with memories from Chris’ life. Most of them being delegated to the back of his consciousness to pull on when needed while others came straight to the forefront. Immediately he knew everything there was to know about Chris. He even felt some of Chris’ personality traits starting to take root. That cocky gym bro attitude was starting to settle in comfortably. He might’ve still remembered everything from when he was Adam, but that wasn’t who he was anymore. That was a mere shell that the real him had finally emerged from.

Chris strode confidently out of the Gym and towards his car. He just couldn’t wait to get home so he could strip down and take as many nudes as possible of himself. His new life was about to be absolutely incredible.

[yandere-fics]

ooooh i love those "darling wants to break up" scenarios... how would the sisters react to their darling wanting to end stuff?

♡ How They React To Their Darling Trying To Break Up ♡

♡ There are plenty of valid reasons to want to break up with Skye, namely her emotional unavailability. It gets frustrating after awhile that she is never willing to be vulnerable until you are first, she's had this issue with previous lovers, however you are the first who she has been yandere for so while with past ones she would always break it off before they could, with her she was just desperately hoping you were not actually going to do it while being unable to will herself to do anything to fix it and once you do dump her, she grins and bears it trying to will herself to not care and not be emotional about this. ♡

♡ She tries very hard to ignore it and seem like she could care less but everyone can tell that she's practically a walking corpse. In the end Sophie has to step in and perhaps the basement for you so that way her sister can be happy again. Skye falls into a delusion after you leave her with her three extremely delusional sisters whispering in her ear that they know you didn't mean it because you and her were the best couple they'd seen in awhile. Skye is the most lucid sister but her sisters help her to lean into her instincts and so by the time you're in her basement, she sees absolutely nothing wrong with her actions anymore. ♡

♡ Sophie would stop talking and just stand there, not leaving your room or house for an hour, just thinking about what the hell you just said. You can scream and yell at her to leave or you can even apologize for what you said and take it back but she's still frozen in place. Her house really wasn't prepared for this yet, she didn't want to have to kidnap you when she was still living with Skye because there's only one basement in the house and she doesn't want to take up the basement when her sister might need the basement too but Sophie can't risk letting you roam in her house until she makes you realize how relationships ought to be. It's a blessing for her that you don't realize everything she's thinking otherwise you'd already be calling the police on her. ♡

♡ It takes her a bit to come to a conclusion about what to do with you, while she doesn't like it she'll just have to lock you in your own apartment with nothing in it for you to escape so that way she has time to prepare the basement for you. This will have to be a rushed job, she stands guard near your apartment even though she's pretty sure you'll be asleep for the next few hours after she knocked you out, meanwhile she's on the phone with her sisters directing them to everything they need to get. Ellie is hacking your wishlists online to use Sophie's crime money to spoil you, Darla is spreading rumors you left town temporarily so no one will report you missing, and Skye is cleaning the basement so everything can be loaded in there. ♡

♡ She just simply laughs. You probably did it in private to spare her feelings since she didn't seem harmful enough to need to do it publicly. She was a bit clingy sure but your girlfriend was by no means dangerous, right? If she was then there's no way she'd be nearly as popular as she is. Still you weren't expecting her to laugh and turn to you, "gently" reminding you that she could ruin your entire life just out of boredom one day so it's not in your best interest to leave. People would automatically assume the fault lies with you if you two were to split so she's just protecting you from making a really bad choice. Anyways what do you want to do tonight? You two should go on a date. ♡

♡ If even her threats didn't work then she'll just have to figure something. She won't make good on her threats, instead she'll complain to all her friends about how she just got so busy on exams and then some random bitch acted like she was cheating on you so you had a little misunderstanding and the poor thing is just so scared of you hating her and she just doesn't know how she'll win you back. And thus begins the entire schools campaign to get you back in Darla's arms, and it will work eventually. It likely won't even be a week until you cave, she's very sure about this and after that she's going to make sure you're tied to her forever. ♡

♡ Hah! As if you could break up with her. You're literally trapped in her apartment from the moment she decides she loves you so if you do decide to try breaking up with her, just to see if that will work she will simply start biting you everywhere so it's undeniable that you are with her. How could you break up with her when you are covered in her marks? If she bit it then it's hers and therefore you are extra hers because you have been bitten literally everywhere. You're so stupid for thinking this would work. She has to do all she can to remind you that you are hers. You can never doubt it again. She knows she's not the best partner but at least she's trying why can't you understand that? ♡

♡ She's going to take a couple days off of work the first time you say it to show you how good of a girlfriend she can be and she'll also start making herself work quicker, not bothering to eat and neglecting her health while she's working so she can spend more time with you from now on. She's been trying to get a promotion but that can wait until you understand that she's doing all this work to make up for all her faults. You wouldn't want to be with her if it wasn't for all her work, she knows this for a fact so please just let her do her best to become worthy of you. ♡

[orionsangel86]

I would like to hear your GOmens opinions! I feel like the fandom is a mix of reasonable and bathshit dumb opinions.

Oh nonny I don't know if you truly do! My opinions are controversial at minimum and likely to get me cancelled by GO fandom at most!

*deep breath* Okay you asked for it. Don't come at me when you don't like what I have said.

I'll put this under a cut cos it'll no doubt get long and ranty and look fair warning to anyone clicking read more, these are JUST one person's opinions. We can disagree on those things. I'm not going around screaming at people that they are wrong and I've kept this all very close to my chest for a very long time now. So please take that with a pinch of salt before you decide to read my rant.

*sigh* this is probably a bad idea but here goes...

The thing is, I love analysing TV and film and literature, and I take an analytical view of things where I try to set myself apart as much as possible from the highly emotional volatile fandom response. (I dont always succeed in this but I try).

One thing I always stress is that characters in TV shows or movies are *not real people* and therefore you can't apply real people sensitivities to them. They are instead frankenstein mixes of what the creative team wants them to be, and every little decision about the characters is carefully thought out. Intention and interpretation matters. My view on a character is not an invalidation of a real persons identity. If I say a character is not X, that does not mean I think that real people who are X are not valid, or that I don't believe in their real life identity. Is this all clear so far? Okay.

Representation also matters and I have seen Good Omens fandom tie themselves up in a frenzie of policing fans and call out posts accusing anyone who wants more from AziraCrows relationship a whole multitude of x-phobics depending on the buzzword of the day. To the point that these fans have convinced themselves that a kiss or love declaration or ANYTHING from AziraCrow that would be considered more explicit than what we got in Season 1 is something they DON'T want because somehow that would take away from the *x-identity rep* theyve decided to claim as canon. But sadly these fans have rather deluded themselves because none of those identities are *canon* in season 1. Even the claims that AziraCrow are gender non conforming non binary etc are not *canon* because *canon* means that any dumbass regular audience member could watch the thing and say "oh. That character is x". Yes Crowley is Nanny Asteroth for a time, but a general audience is just going to view that as male Crowley in drag. Sorry but its the truth. They see David Tennant playing Crowley, they see a male actor playing Crowley, they are gonna view Crowley as a male. Unless it is textually stated by Crowley that he isn't male, then they aren't gonna get it and it isn't the rep you want it to be, because representation should mean that everyone ELSE also notices and learns to understand about those marginalised identities.

Take Sandman. Very gay. Very very gay. So gay that people from the dumbass general audience (the DGA going forward) went online to complain about it being gay because the gay was so very obvious to them, so obvious in fact they claimed *every* character in Sandman was gay and having gay sex and I'll be honest it left me rather disappointed when Morpheus didnt fuck Hob Gadlings brains out in episode 6 like he clearly wanted to, but I digress.

Take OFMD, Jim is a canonical non binary character and the show makes this clear in the canon text without ever having Jim say they are "non binary" or have the clumsy awkward explanation that is clearly for the DGA about it, but instead the conversation flows naturally - are you a woman? I don't know. Are you a man? I don't know. I'm just Jim. Okay Just Jim. We will refer to you by they/them pronouns now. It's all cool.

But Crowley and Aziraphale are characters played by male actors who always use he/him pronouns. Even as Nanny Asteroth no one ever refers to the nanny as "she". So its not clear to the DGA. Them being asexual may be a valid headcanon, but its not canon if its never mentioned. If at some point someone said something to Zira about sex and he said "oh I don't go in for that sort of thing" then sure, that's got some canon merit to it, but otherwise Good Omens can NOT be applauded for being good asexual representation on television.

If your general audience of braindead heteronormative idiots isnt seeing it, its not technically canon. Its implied, subtextual, queer coded, hinted at, etc, but not *canon*. Its not gonna get a GLAAD nomination for representation and a bunch of queer journalists writing articles about it if its only *subtext*.

I don't recall any of the queer media people applauding Good Omens for being queer representation. I recall them all sort of scratching their heads being like "is it...?" and I recall a lot of people getting rather annoyed because NG took a stance online proclaiming that it was an obvious love story when really, from just watching the show... it kind of wasn't?

God this is gonna get me so much hate... *sigh* okay look. I adore season 1. I was totally with you guys celebrating how queer it all seemed to me and loving NGs responses on Twitter to anyone questioning the "friendship" between Az+Crow. I was also online getting wrapped up in the fandom echo chamber claiming it was 100% canon and anyone who didn't see it was a homophobic moron or whatever... yeah... but I've grown up a lot since 2019 surprisingly - the whole Destiel going "canon" and then getting shoved forcefully back into the metaphorical closet was a big eye opener and everything changed after November 5th 2020.

Suddenly, what Az+Crow had in season 1 wasn't enough anymore. It should never have been enough to begin with. I recall my very first watch and how I was seeing all the subtext and coding and clear romantic tropes build and build and then we got to that final scene in the ritz and all I wanted was for them to take each others hands, I watched with eager anticipation and... it didn't happen. I can vividly recall the disappointment I felt at that moment. I didn't need a kiss, or a declaration, but I wanted them to hold hands in that scene. They got so close! Zira leans in and places his hand on the table right by Crowley and my GOD it was like being edged without the pay off. I hated it. I HATED it because it would have been SO EASY but they didn't do it.

I also recall getting quietly annoyed at NG for claiming they held hands on the bus. I watched the slowed down zoomed in gifs of that moment and sorry, but no. They don't. Even if the actors actually DID hold hands, the camera doesn't pick it up clearly enough for it to mean a damn thing.

I totally understand people claiming that Az+Crow are already queer. It's totally valid to see yourself in them and want them to represent you. But the painful truth is that in season 1 of the show, they aren't anything of what you claim them to be. They are two characters who are male presenting who are very good friends to the point that its all a bit homoerotic. The DGA isn't gonna take any time to think about the complexities of angel and demon gender or the lack thereof, they are only gonna see two male actors playing said angel and demon. They aren't gonna think about you and your identity, and they aren't gonna pick up the subtext even if it is painfully obvious. Because they won't see it as gay unless it is explicitly gay.

But Saz, why should we care what the DGA thinks?

Because thats what this whole argument has always been about. Because that's what canon means. No one, not even the DGA are arguing today about whether or not Castiel is gay. No one in the DGA is arguing about Stede and Blackbeard, or Lucius. No one is arguing about the Corinthian or Johanna Constantine. They see that these characters are queer, they accept it. Simple. Because of this, it counts towards representation. Because it normalises our identities. By putting our identities into mainstream stories in such a way that they are unavoidable for the DGA, THAT is what representation is.

When characters and stories keep our identities buried in subtext and allusions and queer coding which quite frankly should have been left in the hays code era, it doesn't count towards representation, no matter what your fandom echo chamber may scream into the void. Or, for that matter, what your creator and fantasy genre author may claim in the void either.

Word of God may help us in a lot of ways, but if they aint putting it into the actual text, then word of god is meaningless in terms of representation as well. Disney claiming Valkyrie was bisexual doesn't mean a damn thing if she never discusses her bisexuality or has any scenes where she shows interest in the same sex. Thankfully that changed in the latest movie, but for a long time it was a problem.

Okay then. So what am I saying? Was NG queerbaiting us with AziraCrow in season 1?

No. Gods I hate that word. Queerbaiting is only occurring when the creators involved maliciously add queer subtext with the explicit intention of gaining popularity among queer audiences specifically with no intention to reward them by actually making those characters queer.

Now, I may not agree with people who claim Crowley and Aziraphale are explicitly queer in season 1, but I also don't think NG ever intended GO to be a queer show. He made GO to be a popular fantasy show as a last wish for his friend Terry Pratchet. He made it extremely faithful to the book in every way (in some ways, to the detriment of the show) and that includes keeping AziraCrows relationship in safe platonic territory. Yes he ramped up the romantic subtext, but I fully believe that this was because he had already decided he was going to further develop the story if season 1 was a hit, but I don't think for a second that he predicted that it would gain such massive traction in queer fandom circles.

No malicious intent to utilise the queer community, no queerbaiting. So lets just stamp down on that accusation once and for all. It's bullshit.

But that changes in season 2. So here is where I have been getting annoyed at GO fandom lately with all this "we don't need it to be explicit! A kiss would invalidate my identity! If they do anything it'll take away from ace rep! etc etc" SHUt UP!

Why do all these fans think kissing is something ace people don't do? Why would an innocent kiss invalidate ace rep? Are you HEARING YOURSELVES?! and okay, even if you are an ace person who does not ever kiss, are you so opposed to words of affirmation too? Are you a hater of love declarations now? Why is THAT such a terrible thing? You are deluding yourselves, and I get why. You are trying to protect yourselves from disappointment because you have spent 4 years screaming at people online and policing people who dare to say that AziraCrow aren't already canonically together and in love and have somehow tied your own identity into these characters to the point that you are frightened that season 2 might disprove your words and somehow invalidate your identity. Gods forbid if they DO kiss now you have lost the precious representation you claimed was so important to you right? But its NOT the case!

If nothing happens in GO S2 then it WOULD be queerbaiting. For the FIRST TIME. Because NG knows now how important AziraCrow's relationship is to the queer fans and he himself has been claiming its a love story for 4 years. If he didn't put his money where his mouth is and make them explicitly canonically queer and together in season 2 then I'm sorry but it would very much be queerbaiting. Keeping the loud queer fanbase on tenterhooks, getting them all excited so that GO trends on social media and then NOT following through? That's CLASSIC QUEERBAITING.

But NG isn't doing that. Because they are going to be together. Because it will be explicitly queer. Because even the trailer indicates this is the case. The season 1 GO trailer didn't include any of the romantic subtext if I recall correctly, it was solely promoted as a silly fantasy show. The season 2 trailer leans into the romance. It'll be explicitly clear - because I don't think NG is stupid enough to not go through with it. I understand why he didn't in season 1, there was a lot more at stake and he wanted to keep it totally 100% faithful to the book, but season 2 is a blank page, open book, nothing stopping it from happening. Plus, in 2023, in a post Destiel confession, post OFMD world, not going there would be just the most idiotic bad for business move the man could make.

So can GO fans please stop making bad faith arguments about why AziraCrow shouldn't be more explicitly together in season 2? Because I'll be honest, it is coming across less like you wanna protect the supposed "Ace representation" and more like maybe you are just uncomfortable with the idea of two middle aged male actors being physically intimate on screen.

Also if NG doesn't have the balls to go through with it, then can y'all please stop protecting him? I love the guy. I do. I think he is a talented genius who has done more for the fantasy genre than anyone else alive today. But gods, if he doesn't let AziraCrow at least confirm to themselves or other people that they have non platonic feelings for each other, in such a way that the DGA understands that this is a non platonic love story, then he deserves all the angry asks and queerbaiting accusations he will inevitably get. Personally, I don't think he's that dumb. So perhaps his fans can also have a bit more faith in him too.

**to anyone who may want to address the spoiler in this post, please don't. I am aware of it and have chosen in this ask to not acknowledge it so that all fans can read this, besides, the spoiler itself does not actually change anything I have mentioned here especially with some of the daft theories I have seen surrounding it.**

Okay I'm done. Rant over. Proceed to cancel me if you must.

[moqiuyue]

LONG RANT BELOW (COMING FROM A UNI STUDENT)

Not to name names for the sake of safety, but the university I am at is mentioned. And at the camp, prior to this, we shared free food and water and art supplies, we had music and dancing. We had quiet times for Muslims and Jews to do their prayers, we had talks and lectures by professors and activists. We had a whole ass medic tent and therapy sessions, and we generally had a welcoming and safe environment. Outside aggravators insulted us and yelled at us and called us names because they wanted to get a reaction out of us so they could post online and say that we OVERreacted and that they had done nothing wrong. And media fell for it every time, always painting us in a bad light without showing the full interaction. Every night, outside aggravators and Zionist extremists were outside blasting music and crying baby sounds to not let us sleep.

And then, on the night of April 30th, paid aggravators and Zionist extremists shot fireworks into the camp, pepper sprayed and maced us, beat up students with sticks and clubs, all the while police arrived but stood by and let it happen for over TWO hours. We were begging for their help and we were ignored. And when they did finally move, there were ZERO arrests made. Keep in mind, four or five student journalists were FOLLOWED home by these aggravators, one of which got beat up so badly they had to be HOSPITALIZED. The journalists weren't the only ones injured: plenty students had serious lacerations and broken bones that a number of them also had to go to the hospital, if not the ER. A student medic even shared that she thought they were gonna have to start an obituary, because Zionists were so damn violent and aggressive, the medics feared for students' lives.

The following day, I helped out in cleaning up the camp and packing up since police had been put on the move by our own school to sweep US. They had university police, city police, sheriffs, highway patrol, even snipers on the rooftops and an ex-Israeli soldier. The police didn't give the dispersal order until 1 AM, and by then, I was outside the camp, so I should have been safe from arrest. You know how terrifying it is for it to be dark and see a shit-ton of police in riot gear and rubber bullet guns storming towards us. We managed to get them to go around, and people inside the camp managed to kettle them out; we students who were outside prevented the police from going back inside. We made a human chain, and they could have gone around like they did earlier. Instead, they used their batons to plow through us and shove us and throw us aside. The guy in front of me got hit square in the stomach, and they dragged him off to get arrested. A police officer was firing rubber bullets at us while another was in front of me yelling at me to "back the fuck up" while he waved and shoved his gun at us. I had tears coming down my eyes, my friend was hyperventilating, and a few others were yelling "no no no" and raising their hands. We did and had done nothing wrong. We backed off and yelled at them "peaceful protest" and "protect your students". The police lined up in front of us and stared us down, hands on their guns or batons, while we faced them down yelling "peaceful protest" and "protect your students". After about 30 minutes they left. But shit went down in the camp for over 4 hours, until 6 AM, where snipers shot down at students, police fired rubber bullets, 20 flashbangs went off in a row, and smoke grenades made everything hard to see. And at the end, over a hundred students, staff, and faculty were arrested, marched onto prison buses that the police had waiting since the day before, and shipped off. The police had left chaos in their wake, which the news outlet then blamed on us. And they also complained about the graffiti. Tell me why these people are more upset at writing on a wall than a whole ass genocide? And the police chief had the audacity to say there were zero serious injuries when FIVE students had been shot in the head by rubber bullets, left bloody and swollen. Y'all know that rubber bullets can seriously maim, scar, and permanently disable someone, right? Y'all know that rubber bullets can take out eyes and even kill people, right?! Law enforcement isn't supposed to aim "less-lethal" munitions at eye level, and yet every picture and recording taken by witnesses that night show the police doing that repeatedly.

And since then, police presence on campus has tripled, more students and staff and legal observers were arrested for breaking a curfew that not only were we the students not made aware of, but supposedly didn't apply to students and ended at 6AM (they were detained after 6AM, even after showing their student IDs) and yet! They got arrested and taken still, on trumped-up charges of "conspiracy to commit burglary". I was harassed by outside Pro-Israel extremists (when I was just writing down the names of children killed in Gaza) and called slurs. A LARGE majority of the students and organizations and staff and faculty are on our side, and yet administration and other people in higher positions have been ignoring us and want to continue "as normal." Not only that, but they exaggerate and shut down campus every time Pro-Palestine student protestors march (keep in mind we are not being violent), to turn the student body against the protestors.

Also I just want to end with: I don't condone the shit Hummus did, but at the same time that does not justify Israel's killing of over 35K innocent Palestinians. And mind you, those numbers are 1) severely underreported, 2) from direct Israel attacks, and 3) from the past 6 months alone. There is no telling how many Palestinians have succumbed due to starvation and illnesses and other factors. Add to that, the genocide has been going on for 76 fucking years. 76 whole ass years. The Nakba never ended. And now Israel is carpet bombing Rafah, where Israel has long claimed they WOULDN'T bomb, while media attention is on the MET Gala. Rafah was the last safe haven for refugees. And now Israel's bombing them. We need ceasefire now. And for the US to stop funding Israel's war crimes.

"They've got to be stopped"

There’s one thing Joe Biden and Donald Trump agree on: repressing students opposing Israel's ongoing genocide in Gaza

[keanureevesisbae]

sugar sugar - november.

Summary: Becky is in trouble and the only one who she can think of to call, is Henry.

Sugar Daddy!Henry Cavill x Becky Kim (asian OFC)

Warnings: Brief mention of a racist and juvie. 

Wordcount: 7.1k (another monster, but October was worse

A/N: And I posted it today 😅 I appreciate every single comment on this fic. I love how we’re all soft for sugar daddy Henry and want that in life 😂 Also, on another note: I have no idea how the police works in the USA (or in general really). My only references are what I found on google and crime shows (which aren’t exactly great references, come to think of it). So hopefully it’s not too far from the truth 🙃🙃 I tried my best

Masterlist // Sugar Sugar Masterlist // Previous chapter // Next chapter

November 2nd 11 a.m.

Henry and I went to a furniture store on October the 24th, where we (excuse me, he) bought a new bed of my liking, couches, coffee tables, general tables and other stuff I don’t have but could use and got it delivered at our building. On October the 26th, the place was officially mine and he arranged a U-Haul with a driver, so we could move out my clothes, well-loved bedside table and that one chair I’m very fond off.

Since Henry had to go to work and was overloaded by a shit ton of meetings, I invited Viola and Genevieve to help me out. They adored my new apartment and told me we would have many many sleepovers here.

I ordered some curtains and bedding online and after work, Henry and I would work together on getting the place ready. I am officially out of the lousy apartment building I surely hope I’m never going back to. Not having mister Del Rossi breathing down my neck is honestly one of the refreshing parts about this move.

Today I don’t have to work, but since my other stuff don’t arrive till later tonight, I decide to walk around a bit and I miraculously wind up in the Upper East Side. It’s weird not to work my ass off for seven days a week, but only four.

Meaning I have time left for other things. It’s weird, but something I can totally get used to.

It’s a shame that at this point, I can barely buy anything with the money I earn, mainly because I want to pay off mister Del Rossi as soon as possible. I save up the money gives to me. The only money I’ve got to spend is the hundred dollars in cash Henry gave me yesterday.

I already bought myself a coffee with it, but I’m kinda lost as to what more I can buy myself.

I see a man sitting on the curb, his back leaning against a wall as his dog keeps him company. He has a hat in front of him and I see there’s only some shiny coins in it. Poor guy, I think to myself.  I always sympathize with everyone who has to live on the streets, no matter what their situation is, because I know I was only one step away from living a life like that.

I grab my wallet and decide to give him seventy dollars, mostly because that leaves me with twenty five dollars, meaning if I get lost on my way back, I can hail a cab.

‘Hi,’ I say, as I approach him.

He looks up. ‘Hello miss.’

‘How are you today?’ I ask him.

‘The sun is shining, so I don’t have anything to complain about.’

Instead of placing the money in his hat, I hold out my hand, with the bills between my fingers. ‘Here, this is for you.’

‘Oh,’ he says, blinking his eyes really fast. ‘It’s a lot, are you sure?’

‘Yes, I’m sure.’

‘This is more than I make in weeks,’ he says with a gentle smile. ‘I am forever grateful.’

He is sweet. Totally the type of person who I would enjoy hanging out with. ‘Do you sit here a lot?’

‘All day, every day, miss,’ the man answers, as he pats his dog on the head.

‘I’ll come back very soon, okay?’ I offer. ‘Especially during the colder months, you know, so you have enough money for shelter.’

He places his hand on his chest. ‘Miss, I appreciate it.’

‘What’s your name?’ I ask him.

‘I’m Tony,’ he says with a shy smile, ‘and this is Lila.’

‘My name is Becky,’ I say. ‘I’ll be back very soon, Tony. Buy yourself and Lila something nice, okay?’

‘I promise, miss Becky. Thank you for noticing me.’

And from the look in his eyes, I can almost tell that’s what he is truly thankful for. Sure the money is a nice bonus, but noticing him, that is what must’ve made his day. I don’t think I can comprehend how hard it must be on someone, being ignored by people all day long. And not just one day, but weeks, months, if not years. After we said our goodbyes, I try to find my new place again, but it’s actually a lot harder than it looks like. Thankfully I have my phone with me, who guides me back to my home.

However, during the trip, I can’t stop thinking about Tony, so maybe I can tell Henry about it. Maybe he can help Tony out…

I mean, to speak with Peter, he is filthy rich.

I wander down the streets and I near my building. I wave to the receptionist when I walk in and the second I get to my room, I let out a content breath. This is my life now, I think to myself, as I stare at the beautifully decorated place. Sure, it’s still a bit bland though, but I know that once Henry has more time, he’ll find an excuse to spoil me to death.

It might be a little much from time to time, but according to my two friends, I should never ever say no to him when he wants to buy me stuff or simply give me money.

Besides, I have no idea how long this agreement we have between us is gonna last, meaning I should enjoy it and take every opportunity.

I hear two knocks on my door, causing me to jump slightly. I’m still in my tiny hallway, still with my shoes on. It’s almost like the person on the other side of the door was waiting for me.

I open the door, only to discover two police officers.

Oh shit, no.

‘Miss Rebecca Kim?’

This is giving me major flashbacks and not the good kind. Should I throw the door in their face and jump out of the window? I don’t think I will survive that escape attempt.

Besides, I shouldn’t get ahead of myself. I don’t even know what they want yet.

‘Yes?’

They introduce themselves as officers Richards and Marshall, while they show me their badges. No need to be suspicious, Becky. Maybe they want help with something that happened in the building. ‘We are here to investigate a theft case.’

This is how you can be a good citizen, I try to convince myself. Maybe some filthy rich bitch here got robbed, maybe I’ve seen something. ‘Oh,’ I say. ‘And how can I help with that?’

‘We have reason to believe that there was some property stolen from your former apartment. Owned by a mister del Rossi.’

This isn’t Madison Square Park Tower related. This is Becky related and I’m not liking it so far. ‘What property?’ I ask.

‘A chair and a bedside table, from your former apartment.’

I let out a laugh. They are totally wasting their time. ‘But those are mine,’ I say.

‘Mister Del Rossi claims they were his. He has given us very specific description as to why they belong to him.’

‘I am so sorry, I don’t understand. Why is that my problem? Even if it were his, it’s a chair and a bedside table.’

‘Family value and your history with theft.’

Damn it. ‘That’s from when I was a minor.’

‘Therefore still on your record.’

I have no idea how to respond to it. ‘What is gonna happen now?’

‘We can check out the belongings and see whether mister Del Rossi is right or not.’

That must be doable. I cannot believe mister Del Rossi would do something like this. I may not have been the greatest tenant of all time, but I feel like he has had a lot worse. Also, a bedside table and chair? I honestly don’t think that was his, but let’s be fair: I moved in when I was slightly intoxicated. ‘Sure, come on in.’

I show them the so called stolen bedside table and chair and I watch them checking the property. There are so many more useful things they could be doing with their time right now, instead they are wasting my time. I want to say something to them, but I decide to be the bigger person and keep my mouth shut.

No need to anger them.

Officer Richards twists the table leg of the bedside table and holds it upside down. It reveals a pack of money and a pretty old looking ring. ‘What?’ I ask them. ‘What’s that?’

The two exchange looks and not the good kind.

How do I talk myself out of this? ‘If mister Del Rossi is so keen on this table, he can have it back,’ I say. ‘I swear, I don’t care. He can have it. We can settle this now, right?’

‘Miss Kim, if you could turn around,’ officer Marshall says, as he grabs the handcuffs. ‘You are under arrest for larceny.’

‘No,’ I say. ‘This is absolutely ridiculous. Take the damn bedside table and chair if the man is so keen on it.’

‘Ma’am.’

‘Don’t ma’am me,’ I angrily say. ‘This is blown out of proportion nor a reason for me to be arrested. Come on, don’t you have actually thieves to catch? Who yank purses from old ladies shoulders, who rob people at gunpoint?’

However, I’m still getting cuffed. This is humiliating. I cannot believe this is happening, for such a stupid thing like this. I should’ve jumped out of the damn window, hoping to land on a pile garbage.

✤ ✤ ✤

After I was literally dragged out of my apartment building—fucking cuffed!—I am taken to the police station. I’m placed in an interrogation room, without my phone or my other belongings. I am ashamed. Embarrassed.

‘Can I at least call someone?’ I ask officer Richards after fifteen minutes of deafening silence. ‘That’s allowed, right?’

He looks up, making eye contact with something and not long after that, another officer walks in, to hand me my phone.

‘One phone call, miss and make it worth it,’ officer Richards says.

Well, if you could just drop fucking dead, I think to myself. I unlock my phone and click on Henry’s number. Please, pick up, please, pick up.

‘Hi Becky.’

I almost forget what is happening to me at the moment, because he picks up greeting me already. I let out a breath of sheer relief, when I realize that the one person who can help me now, actually picked up. ‘Henry, I’m in trouble.’

‘What’s wrong?’ he asks.

I clear my throat, almost too embarrassed to say something. ‘I’m at the police station.’

‘What? Are you okay? What happened?’

‘I’m fine, but… I’m arrested for theft. It was totally by accident, I swear, but… I just don’t know what to do. I figured you could help me. I am so sorry, but I didn’t know who else to call.’

‘Why did they arrest you for theft?

‘Because apparently I stole something from Mister Del Rossi. I didn’t know, I thought the bedside table was mine.’

I hear him mumble something and I think it’s not directed to me. ‘I’ll be there in a minute.’

‘I’m so sorry, Henry.’

‘I’m coming over and I’ll see you in a bit, Becky.’ With that he hangs up and I place my phone on the table, only for it to be yanked away by the other officer.

Time goes by very slowly, especially when you share a room with officer Richards, who carries a very interesting smell with him. Thankfully, they all leave me alone and that’s when my mind starts racing. It continues to go back to when I was younger. When I ran away from the police, after getting caught shoplifting and actually left them on a five block manhunt. I remember the first day I spend in juvie. The second time I was brought to juvie. The moments where I was humiliated. Being looked down on. Laughed at. Not only by others who were stuck there, but also by the guards, finding your sore spot within a second, making you feel absolutely miserable with one comment.

The door opens after two long hours and officer Marshall stands in the doorway. He has a bags of my belongings in his hand and roughly empties it on the table. ‘You’re free to go, miss Kim,’ he says.

I am not being arrested? ‘Hm?’ I grab my phone, before I check my wallet and other belongings.

‘You’re very lucky,’ he says. ‘A certain gentleman and his attorney arranged something for you and you’re off the hook now. Even the arrest is expunged.’

I am not going to jail? I almost want to let out a laugh or a cry or something out of relief, but I am too numb to respond. When I’ve got everything, I follow him to the entrance. Henry sits on a chair, looking around him. He seems so out of place here, it’s almost laughable. Our eyes meet and while he stands up, I rush passed other people towards him. I wrap my arms tightly around his shoulders, causing him to pull me in a strong embrace as he lifts me off my feet.

I’m safe now, I’m not going to jail.

‘Are you okay, Becky?’ he asks me.

‘I am now,’ I whisper.

‘You’re all safe now, darling,’ he says. Is that a pet name? That never left his lips before, but it’s oddly soothing. ‘You’re here with me, nothing is going to happen to you now.’

‘I’m so sorry.’

‘What are you sorry about?’ he asks me, as he puts me back on my feet. He holds my face in his strong and safe hands.

I place my hands on his wrists. ‘For calling you,’ I say. ‘I just didn’t know who else to call and you were the first one that came to mind and…’ I sigh.

‘It’s all taking care of,’ he says in a soft tone. ‘You don’t have to worry about anything.’ When he notes my lack of reaction (still a bit in shock by the events that just took place), Henry tugs me underneath his strong and protective arm. ‘Let’s get you home.’

Home. The place where I was dragged away with my hands behind my back. I don’t think I can ever show my face there again.

The two of us sit in his car, while he does what he says: getting me home. He has placed his hand on my leg as he is maneuvering through the crowded streets. I place mine on his, my fingers playing with his. He told me that his attorney is now going to mister Del Rossi, straightening everything out and how this arrest will not show up on my record.

‘I never knew you were in juvie twice,’ he then finally says. I wonder how long he has been thinking about it and when he actually found out about this.

‘It’s something I’d rather forget.’

‘I understand,’ he says. ‘I was just quite surprised when I found out.’

I squeeze his hand, as I stare at how our fingers are intertwined. ‘I was fourteen,’ I start. ‘I was so pissed at one of my teachers. He was my math teacher and he told me and this other guy that we were by far the stupidest Asians he had ever met. So when this teacher told us he was going to attend this boring party on a Saturday night, we came up with the brilliant plan to break into his house, destroy some of his stuff and write down “racist” on his walls. We managed to get in and vandalized the place. We only weren’t aware that he came home a lot earlier than expected and we were caught red handed. I spend around six months in juvie, before I was let out again.’

Henry nods. ‘What an idiot,’ he mutters. ‘Your teacher, I mean.’

'The second time was a year later. My mom was so disappointed by me and my antics, that she refused to buy me new clothes, until I got my grades up. I only didn’t do it, so I started shoplifting. I was pretty damn good at it. Had hundreds of dollars worth of stuff. At one point I was obviously caught and because of my history and the fact I outran the cops for quite some time, I spend more time in Juvie. I was around sixteen when I got out, but my parents disowned me. Because I was a minor, I went into the system, but I mostly spend my time at the shelter. I worked hard and when I was eighteen, I was let go and started my life. Or tried to start my life.’

‘That must’ve been rough.’

‘It was horrible,’ I say. ‘I thought I let all of that in the past. I never expected mister Del Rossi to do something like this. It was just a table and I’m almost sure he planted the stuff in there, just to get back at me.’ I wipe my tears from my cheek. ‘I’m sorry, Henry,’ I whimper, ‘I am so so sorry.’

‘What for?’

‘This entire mess,’ I choke out. ‘This isn’t what you signed up for.’

He squeezes my hand, but he can’t seem to answer to it. He parks the car in the garage and together we walk to the elevator. I keep my head down, hoping no one will recognize me. He walks me all the way to my room and when I opened the door, I nod for him to come with me.

‘You want some tea?’ he asks me.

‘Yeah sure,’ I mumble.

I plop on the couch, as I rub my face. He hasn’t responded to what I said back in the car and maybe on top of everything else that happened today, I can barely handle it. After he made a cup of tea for me and placed it on my newly bought coffee table, he crouches down in front of me, holding out his hands for me to take. I carefully take them and he lets out a sigh. ‘Don’t you worry, okay? This hasn’t changed anything about our agreement. I took care of mister Del Rossi and what you owe him.’

‘Really?’

He nods. ‘I just wished you told me you were still owing him money. That way I could’ve helped you.’

‘It just didn’t feel right to ask you to pay off debts like that.’

He shakes his head. ‘Becky, I want to be there for you, to support you financially and that includes paying off these sorts of things.’

I don’t know what to say.

‘So, if there is another thing you need to pay off, you can let me know when you’re ready for that, but remember: I want to help you.’

‘Okay,’ I say. ‘I’ll let you know. Thank you.’

‘Of course,’ he whispers, smiling at me. ‘I have another offer, you ready?’

‘Mhm.’

‘I’m going to Paris in around two weeks,’ he says. ‘And I’d like it if you would go with me. We’ll be staying there for a few days, while I have some meetings.’

That sounds wonderful, but there is just one slight problem. ‘I can’t go with you,’ I say. ‘I don’t have a passport and that stuff takes awhile to arrange.’

Henry does not seem fazed at all. ‘Not if I make some calls,’ he says. ‘I’ll take care of that, okay?’

I’ll take care of that. It’s almost like I’m walking through the city and he clears the way for me, making sure I can’t trip over anything.

‘Thanks,’ I say. ‘Are you sure you still want to be in this agreement with me? One hundred percent positive?’

‘Of course,’ he says. ‘I really like having you around.’

November 16th 9 p.m.

Henry must be gifted (or just rich), because he indeed arranged a passport for me, meaning I can go with him to Paris. I was thinking we would get on a commercial flight, sitting in first class with some wine and a chair that is more comfortable than my bed.

Henry apparently is too rich for that as well, because he travels by private jet. Which is absolutely mind blowing to me. There is room enough to sit, even a bed to curl up on and a mini fridge, filled with snacks and drinks.

Once we’re in the air and I’m allowed to get out of the seat, I try to find the best possible spot for me to sit on, but it’s just that no matter where I sit, somewhere else seems even better. While I am aware that sleeping might actually be the smart choice for me, I can’t seem to relax. I’m almost like an annoying energizing bunny, hopping around from spot to spot.

Henry leans back in his chair, ushering me over to sit next to him near the window. I plop down and let out a deep breath. Maybe this was what I needed, to be forced to sit down before I make myself absolutely mental.

‘You know’ I say, ‘this is the first time I’ve been on a plane. I can’t believe my first time flying is gonna be on a private jet. This is absolutely amazing. I told my friends Genevieve and Viola about it and they were so jealous!’

Henry chuckles. ‘You want something to drink?’

‘Yeah some water and maybe a few sedatives. I feel like I’m annoying you.’

‘You,’ he says, grabbing a bottle of water from the mini fridge, ‘could never annoy me.’ He twists the cap of the bottle and hands it to me. ‘If you were to annoy me, I would’ve left you in New York.’

There is some truth to it. I take a sip of the water, followed by a few others and Henry hands me the cap and I twist it on again. ‘What is the plan?’ I ask. ‘Can I just go shopping and exploring Paris, while you are stuck in a room filled with boring people?’

‘Something like that, yes.’

I love my life. ‘Isn’t it boring, though?’ I ask curiously. ‘All those meetings?’

He shrugs. ‘Sometimes, but I kinda zone out from time to time.’

I snort. ‘And you are the CEO of one of the top tech companies?’

He chuckles, bumping his knee against mine. ‘Well, there is one meeting slash party I’d like you to join.’

I nod. ‘Of course, I’ll be your arm candy.’

Henry smiles. ‘Tell me, Becky, how’s your book going?’

‘Well,’ I say, ‘I finally finished the entire outline, including some scenes I really want in my novel. I actually brought my laptop to maybe continue writing here.’ I sense his next question: ‘And no, I am not going to tell you what it’s about.’

He seems slightly offended. ‘Why not?’

‘Because,’ I say, ‘it’s personal and I’m afraid you won’t like it.’

‘I get the personal part,’ he says, ‘but I highly doubt I won’t like it.’

‘I’m sill not telling you about it,’ I say. ‘Sorry.’

Henry chuckles. ‘Okay, you tease, have it your way.’

November 17th 8 a.m.

When we land in Paris, it’s already midnight and I go straight to bed, since I’m exhausted. I know I could sleep on the plane, but I was too hyper to close my eyes. It’s the sight of the kings bed that makes me immediately sleepy.

Henry and I share a large presidential suit, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and the only thing that separates us is a thin door and wall. before we meet in the living room area.

I wake up the next morning and decide to get myself ready. I don’t know what exactly is in store today, but I want to make the most out of it. There are crêpes and croissants waiting for me in Paris, so obviously I should get up bright and early.

After some hesitating, I decide to change into a simple jeans, paired with a sweater and some sneakers, since I’m going to do quite the walking today. Henry suggested he’d arrange a driver for me and while that is something I fantasize about, I do think I haven’t been a sugar baby long enough to accept this.

‘There you are,’ he says, a smile noticeable in his voice, when I walk into the living room. He adjusts his tie, before moving on to buttoning down the sleeve of his blazer.

‘Let me help,’ I say, walking closer and do what he was initially doing himself. He is so close right now, I’m afraid he’ll hear my rising heartbeat. ‘All set.’

‘Thank you, darling.’

Ever since the police station, he has been calling me darling every so often and I would lie if I said that the little pet name didn’t make me giddy inside and makes me feel so special. I was never called a pet name when I was younger, so it almost makes it extra special now.

His hand slides in his pocket and he gives me something. ‘Here you go.’

‘What’s this?’ I ask, though I am aware it’s a credit card. He arranged a credit card for me? I never owned a credit card of my o—

‘It’s my credit card.’

To say I’m gobsmacked is a severe understatement. ‘You are giving me your credit card? Why on earth would you do that?’

Henry chuckles. ‘Because you and I have that meeting slash party tonight,’ he says, ‘and I think this would be a perfect opportunity to see you in something… Chanel.’

How does one respond to that? A gulp and a soft ‘Oh okay’ will do for now.

‘There is just one condition.’ Henry pushes my hair back, before placing his hand on my shoulder, giving me a firm squeeze. ‘You have to keep me posted every single time you buy something. Even though I’m in a meeting, I always have time for you.’

My heart flutters, as I simply nod. ‘Okay,’ I say, ‘I can do that.’

‘You want breakfast?’ he asks, almost like he didn’t give me his credit card and that condition a few seconds ago.

‘Yeah, sure.’

✤ ✤ ✤

It took me a good hour, but finally I managed to find the Chanel store. It looks fancy, too fancy for me if I’m being honest.

Will this be my Julia Roberts Pretty Woman moment? Will I be told out of the store, because I look like drab? I guess I should’ve worn something that’s a bit more lavish. I kinda regret not snatching that chihuahua out of that old lady’s hand, because he was wearing a Burberry shirt. That must’ve let the employees know I’m rich.

But I am rich. I carry a very wealthy man’s credit card with me.

I walk into the store and one employee behind the counter looks up. ‘Bonjour,’ she says.

Oh no, my French is horrible. ‘Bonjour,’ I say and I internally cringe. I sound even worse than I imagined. Please, don’t talk French anymore, Becky. ‘I need something really fancy for a meeting slash party. Like fancy fancy.’

Though the explanation is abysmal, she nods as if she understands. ‘What kind of meeting?’

‘Oh,’ I say, ‘with rich business like people.’

Again she nods. ‘Price range?’

I love this. ‘I don’t have one.’

Her eyes widen and as she nods, trying to understand how a woman like me does not have a price range. I mean, it’s even beyond my comprehension and I’m living this new life, so I totally get her.

I think I try on a billion dresses and every single one of them is not up to my taste. It’s either too frumpy, itchy or it simply doesn’t fit, until I wear this tweed dress, with ruffles at the end of the short sleeves. The skirt of the dress flares and all in all, it’s quite short, but as it’s paired with matching blueish grayish high heels, I do feel like I’m a true vision.

After I bought a purse to go along with it, I walk out of the store and send Henry the pictures I made in the dressing room. I know he told me to keep him posted every single time I bought something and while I don’t know if that entails pictures to go with it, I still attach them.

It only takes less than a minute, before I receive an answer back. He really has time for me…

Henry: You look beautiful, darling

Henry: Go buy some golden jewelry

Henry: Just not a necklace

I stare at the screen. Is he indicating he already bought me a necklace?

Becky: Really?

Henry: Really

It turns out, I’m better at jewelry shopping, but I think all in all I spend fifteen minutes in the jewelry store. I treat myself on some croissants, as I text my friends, letting them now what is currently happening.

Viola: I know I say it all the time, but I’m so fucking jealous.

Viola: I wish this was my life!!!

Genevieve: I suggest a quickie in the hotel room.

Becky: Please, shut up

Genevieve: I mean, you’re sharing the presidential suit. I feel like that’s an obligation to have sex.

Becky: Shut up

Genevieve: OH DID YOU BUY SOME LINGERIE FOR HIM? I MEAN, HE WOULD APPRECIATE IT IF YOU LET HIM KNOW

Becky: GEN SHUT THE FUCK UP

Viola: No Gen, please continue this!!!!!!

My phone rings, pulling me out of the conversation. It’s Henry. I clear my throat, before I answer. ‘Bonjour,’ I say.

Henry laughs. ‘You’ve been adapting to Paris, I hear.’

‘Well yes or should I say: oui.’

He chuckles. ‘How are you doing?’

‘Great, I mean, this is a lovely way to spend my free time, so thank you very much. How are you?’

‘Bored, but nearly done. Is there something else you need to buy?’

Lingerie. Oh shit, I hate you, Genevieve, for filling my thoughts with these suggestions. ‘No, no, I’m good. When will you be done?’

‘In about an hour.’

‘Okay,’ I say. ‘I think I’m gonna start walking back to the hotel. If a miracle happens and I manage to find it, I’ll be back before you and have some time to write. If not, you can find me somewhere in Paris.’

✤ ✤ ✤

Yeah, I got lost. It was even that bad, that I had to share my location with Henry, so he could legit find me somewhere in Paris. He even had to call me, telling me to stop walking, because I was getting further and further away from the hotel with every step I took.

Yes, I am that clueless.

We ordered room service for our dinner and after that, we both got ready for the meeting slash party. I lock myself in the bathroom, to take a shower and get myself totally ready for tonight. However, I can’t stop thinking about the possibility of him giving me a necklace. I wonder what it looks like. I know it’s golden, because he told me to buy something gold, meaning he wants it to match.

Right?

I just hope it matches with my ring.

I put on some red lipstick, as a contrast to the tweed dress. I slip on the heels and grab my purse, that I packed with the lipstick, some lady products and my phone. Not to brag, but I look really really lovely in this outfit. I walk towards the living room and Henry is already done, only fixing his tie as he looks in the mirror. He must’ve heard me, because he turns around.

I make a twirl. ‘And? What do you think now you see it in real life?’

‘Stunning,’ he says, walking towards me. He wears a simply black suit, but even in the simplicity of the plain color, he looks absolutely delicious. His tongue runs over his bottom lip, as he takes me in, top to bottom. ‘I approve.’

I have severe issues responding to him. It’s just that he says all these things and I have no clue on how to answer.

He grabs a velvet box from the table and opens it, revealing a golden penchant, decorated with small diamonds. My mouth falls open. ‘You have got to be shitting me,’ I say. ‘It’s absolutely gorgeous, Henry.’

‘Allow me,’ he says, as he takes the necklace out of the box. I grab my hair together as I turn around, giving him the opportunity to put it on. When the necklace it’s on, he gently pulls my hand away, allowing my hair to drop on my back. He fixes it for a brief moment, before he says: ‘Go check it out.’

I rush towards the mirror and oh my, this matches perfectly with the ring I bought myself. Henry stands behind me again, as he places his hands on the dips of my waist. ‘You still like it?’

‘I adore it, Henry, thank you so much.’ I try not to faint because of the feeling of his large hands in my waist. I almost think that we look like such a beautiful couple, however, I have to remind myself that we’re not. We’re in an agreement, nothing romantic at all.

He squeezes my waist. ‘Now let’s make everyone jealous.’

✤ ✤ ✤

This party is boring, especially when I compare it to Gino’s rooftop party. These people are so dull, so sexless. No one laughs and it almost feels like I’m attending a funeral. I am very tempted to fill myself with alcoholic drinks and snacks, but drinking and eating my boredom away, will probably not help my case.

Henry is talking to someone, who should record audios for people with insomnia. Oh shit, that man is boring. I don’t want to sound like a whiny baby, but I want to go. I wrap my arm around Henry’s, hoping I gain his attention. He has been speaking French to the dull guy in front of him and while that is absolutely fascinating, I am very close to falling asleep. His hands meets mind and he gestures something to the other person, an indication to wait. ‘What’s wrong, darling?’

‘How long is this going to last?’ I ask him.

Henry chuckles. ‘It’s boring, isn’t it?’

‘To say the least,’ I mumble. ‘My grandma’s cremation was more fun than this. I don’t want to complain but every second ticks by at least seven times.’

He nods. ‘I agree, we’re going.’

We are saying our goodbyes to the man, before rushing out of this place. I can’t stop my giggles as Henry helps me in my coat and we’re finally outside again. Far away from the entrance.

‘You have to pay me extra for this,’ I laugh.

He smiles. ‘Well, I think I have the perfect way to make up for tonight,’ he says. He holds out his hand and I take it. ‘I’m sorry I dragged you to this.’

‘Oh please,’ I say, ‘no need to apologize. I was pleasantly surprised to hear your French, it’s a whole lot better than mine. Where are we going by the way?’

‘Secret,’ he says.

We wander through Paris and we finally reach the Eiffel Tower. ‘It’s so beautiful,’ I say. ‘I’ve always wondered what it would be like on top.’

‘Allow me,’ he says with a smile. ‘I was actually going to surprise you tomorrow with a trip, but we’re going now. You look beautiful, it would be a shame if we didn’t make use of that.’

My heart stops beating. Is he for real? Is he seriously going to take me there? ‘Seriously?’ I ask him.

‘Of course. When you’re in Paris, you have to climb the Eiffel Tower.’

‘We are taking the elevator right?’ I ask him.

‘Obviously. Want to go all the way to the top first or…?’

‘The top,’ I decide.

Henry shows his ID to one of the employees and we actually can pass. It’s so amazing what money can do. I hold onto his hand as we get in the elevator and I nearly jump up and down of sheer excitement. ‘I can’t believe you did this for me.’

He frowns. ‘Why not?’

‘No one has ever done this for me before,’ I quietly admit. ‘I never even visited the Statue of Liberty.’

‘You haven’t?’ He seems genuinely surprised. ‘Well, that means I have to take you there very soon.’ The elevator doors slide open and I nearly jump out. I can’t believe we’re at the top. Paris seems so… peaceful now. I look over my shoulder, only to see Henry making pictures.

Of me.

‘What are you doing?’ I ask him.

‘Knitting,’ he deadpans.

I roll my eyes. ‘Ha-ha, very funny. Don’t take pictures of me.’

‘Why not?’

‘I’m not photogenic,’ I say.

He scoffs. ‘Nonsense, you are by far the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in my life.’

I bite my lip, as I think of what Peter said to me last month. ‘Really?’

‘Really.’

‘So, what Peter told me about you only seeing my profile and being sold when you saw my pictures, was true?’

Is he blushing? ‘Peter is a big fat blabbermouth,’ he simply states.

‘So it’s true?’

He sighs. ‘Well, yeah.’

‘I’m honored,’ I say, ‘especially because you are very handsome and intelligent. I so hope I don’t disappoint.’

‘Becky, darling, you never disappoint. I mean, I’m taking you to the Eiffel Tower of all places. You and I could’ve went straight home after the meeting we just attended.’ He takes a few steps forward and says: ‘I’m trying to give you the life you deserve. You should be able to see every place in the world and you should have everything your heart desires.’

I stare at my shoes, as I bite my lip. I see his shoes stop in front of mine and he places his index finger underneath my chin, making me look up. ‘I don’t deserve it.’

‘Why are you saying that?’ he asks me.

‘I signed up for a site,’ I say, ‘because I was nearly homeless. It doesn’t have anything to do with me deserving it. It has to do with me surviving.’

He places his warm hand on my cheek. ‘Darling,’ he whispers, ‘you signing up for that site and me reaching out to you and spoiling you, has nothing to do with whether or not you deserve it. Come on, I signed up because I had no idea what to do with my money and I was lonely.’

I chuckle. ‘Sounds slightly pathetic when you put it that way. A lot more pathetic than I do.’

‘Good, you can smile again,’ he says. ‘Listen, I want to do this, I want to spoil you absolutely rotten, but if it makes you feel uncomfortable, then… Then I can stop or at least take it easy.’

I lean against his hand. ‘Just… Have to get used to it all.’ I snatch his phone from his hands and say: ‘Now, be my model.’

November 20th 8 a.m.

We’re leaving today at around four in the afternoon. Henry is making breakfast, while I get ready for the day. I change into a simple outfit, because we’re going to fly later today and I twist my hair in a simple bun. These last couple of days were amazing. I still can’t believe this is my life now. Henry is so sympathetic, so sweet and wholesome. It’s in the small things he does for me. He holds my hair as I try to eat some crêpes. He walks on the street side when we’re on the curb. He holds my hand when we cross the road.

‘Good morning,’ I say. ‘Boy, am I going to miss Paris.’ I plant my butt on the seat and smile as I see Henry in the kitchen, working on something. He truly is the real package. He is handsome, intelligent, able to provide himself and me with very decent food and has a lot of money.

What more could a girl wish for?

‘We could stay here,’ he suggests.

I let out a chuckle. ‘No, please. I mean, we could, but I have plans with my friends. I could bail, but that wouldn’t be nice.’

He turns around with a smile and places the plate with cupcakes on the table. ‘You’re a good friend, Becky.’

‘You made these?’ I ask him.

‘I sure did.’

‘You are a man of many talents,’ I say, as I grab one. ‘Henry, I need something.’

That sure as hell gets my his attention. ‘Tell me.’

‘My friend Genevieve’s birthday is coming up,’ I say. ‘And I want to arrange the perfect place for her to celebrate it with her boyfriend and her family.’

Henry frowns. ‘You’re not invited?’

‘Well, not to dinner with her family and boyfriend. The night before, me, Gen and Viola are having a sleepover. She has been stressing about a perfect place to take her family to and that’s why I wanted to arrange this for her.’

He nods. ‘You have a place in mind?’

‘Eleven Madison Park,’ I whisper.

‘For how many people?’

‘Around seven to ten, not sure.’

Henry grabs his phone and starts to type. ‘Once we’re back in New York, I’ll make some calls. When?’

‘November thirtieth. At around nine p.m.?’

He simply nods. ‘Okay, will arrange something. I’ll let them put it on my tab.’

While this might be nothing to him, it means the world to me. I have been wanting to do something for my friends, after everything they’ve done for me and I’m now partially done to thank them. I get out of my chair and wrap my arms around his neck. ‘Thank you so much, Henry, you are amazing.’

He places his hand on my back, pulling me closer to him. ‘It’s no big deal.’

‘It is to me,’ I say, as I pull back. ‘Thank you.’

He smiles, as I plop back on my seat. ‘Not a problem, Becky. I’m glad you’re asking me something like that.’

I blush. ‘Well,’ I redirect the conversation. ‘What’s the plan for today?’

‘I was planning on taking you shopping,’ he says. ‘If that’s okay with you of course.’

‘Want to go to a gift shop with me, to buy some souvenirs for Gen and Viola?’

He nods. ‘Always.’

✤ ✤ ✤

H. Cavill transferred $1500 to your bank account.

Description: For your lovely company in Paris. I appreciate it, darling

November 30th 11 p.m.

Genevieve: Becky, thank your daddy from me.

Genevieve: It’s absolutely amazing and my parents are very impressed!

Becky: His name is Henry, Gen, so please call him HENRY

Becky: Also, no problem at all 😘

Genevieve: Nehhh, daddy has a nice ring to it.

Viola: I agree with Gen on that one. Daddy just sounds better.

Becky: You were supposed to be on my side on this one…

Viola: Sorry

Viola: Do you think he is gonna arrange something for my birthday btw?

Becky: Hmm, I think I can negotiate something 😉

[aster-aspera]

One place to fall

@badthingshappenbingo

Prompt: Can’t go home

Relationship: Jon/Martin/Tim/Sasha

Warnings: food, Jon just generally being a bit sad? Idk, if there’s something you want tagged, feel free to tell me

Masterlist

If you liked it, please reblog

Jon woke up that morning with a strangled gasp, the afterimage of his dreams still burned into the back of his eyelids, keeping him from falling back to sleep. He rolled over, expecting to find the comforting warmth of one of his partners to keep him company in the lonely hours of an early day. Instead, what greeted him was the cold grey wall of Georgie’s guest room. It didn’t take long after that for the memories to flow back.

Three days. He really should stop expecting them to be here at this point.

They’re not here, they can’t be here, and he can’t go home, not for a long while, not till the police stop suspecting him for a murder he didn’t commit.

He sighed, rolling over onto his back when aches started running up his side. He stared up at the off-white popcorn ceiling, trying not to think of how Tim was probably sprawled out over Martin and Sasha, stealing most of the blankets and driving his sharp elbows into their sides. He tried not to miss Sasha’s warmth against his side and the sound of Martin’s soft snores. He always used to complain about their sleeping arrangements, but now he would do anything to be back in that bed.

He groaned and rolled over a few more times, trying in vain to find a position that was comfortable enough to attempt sleep again, not that that would go very well, with the nightmares plaguing him as soon as he closed his eyes.

Eventually, he conceded and got out of bed, grabbing his cane from the wall and taking a moment to work the stiffness out of his limbs. He limped into the kitchen and smiled at the Admiral when he raised his head sleepily. He wondered if he could convince the others to get a cat when he got home. If he ever got home.

The smile slipped off his face and he turned to open the curtains, letting in the greyish light of an early dawn. The Admiral mewled plaintively at his feet, pushing against him. He bent down carefully to run his fingers along the cat’s back, closing his eyes for a moment and just letting the feeling ground him.

He straightened and made his way over to the cramped kitchen, intent on making himself a small breakfast to keep him company whilst he waited for the world to wake up. He reached towards the cabinet over the sink, and for a moment expected their mismatched collection of mugs with ridiculous quotes and terrible puns. He shouldn’t have felt the disappointment he did when instead it was just a shelf of plain white cups.

He shut the cabinet door a little more forcefully than strictly necessary, breathing deeply against the sudden swell of emotion in his throat.

In the scope of all that had happened to him, this should have been minor, this should have been fine. It was just Georgie, the person he had used to love, the person he still cared for. And his partners were really just a phone call away.

So why then, did it feel like he was breaking? Why did every little reminder this wasn’t his home tear something apart deep in his gut?

Home had always been his safety net, and now, he had nowhere to fall.

And now he just had to sit here, stare at the blank walls and hope the police would finally realise he hadn’t been the one to kill jurgen Leitner. Every day that hope felt a bit further away.

He opened the group chat he shared with the others. There were no new messages, of course not, none of them were awake yet. Six am was a bit early even for Tim. He scrolled back to their conversation from last night.

A picture of Tim grinning into the camera while a pot bubbles over behind him.

Sasha: Tim’s cooking tonight, send help

Martin: If the house burns down or he poisons us, I want you to know I love you

Jon: I’m sure it won’t come to that.

He scrolls back down to the bottom of the chat, a small smile on his face at the easy conversation of last night. It wasn’t the same as being there with them, but it was a small comfort.

The three dots that signalled someone was typing popped up on his screen and he noted with surprise Sasha was already online.

Sasha: Youre up early

Jon: I could say the same for you.

Sasha: Needed to pee

Jon: Yes, I suppose that makes sense.

Sasha: So what’s your excuse

Jon: My back hurts again.

Sasha: :(

Sasha: And is that the only reason?

Jon: No

Jon: I miss you.

Sasha: Darling

Jon: I’m alright, I just wish I could see you

Jon: In person that is.

Sasha: We could come over?

Jon: I don’t think that’s wise.

Sasha: Yeah, i guess

Sasha: We miss you too

A swarm of emotions bubbled up in Jon’s throat at the words, threatening to spill over in a mess of heartache and sorrow and fear. They press against the bounds of his throat, choking him, filling him with so many feelings he could not even begin to parse them out. He just wanted to go home.

He swallows it down, tucks the whole mess into a corner of his mind and puts down his phone. He doesn’t want to bother Sasha, or any of the others. He’s already put so much on them, dragged them into the fear and confusion that was the archives, he had no right to bother them with more.

And he knew he was just being dramatic, he was a grown man, he should be able to handle being away from home for a while. He just needed to get himself together, focus on the next step.

He picked up a stack of statements from the coffee table, slipping on his glasses and burying himself in the comforting rhythm of paper and pen. At least this was something he still controlled, still knew how to do.

Georgie appeared at some point, giving him a disapproving glance to find him working so early and coraling him into eating breakfast with her. She can’t stay long after that, and both Jon and the Admiral watch her leave with the same forlorn air.

Jon looked up from his work as a heavy knock resounded from the front door. His first thought was that it was Georgie, back from her errands early. But she would just have let herself in, and Jon knew for certain she had her key with her when she left.

And who did that leave? The police? Some avatar coming to settle a score? Gertrude's killer finally come to finish the job?

Every option was bad, and every option would not let a flimsy door stop them. He stood up, walked into the kitchen as calmly as he could with dread and paranoia hanging over him like a dark cloud and grabbed the largest knife he could find. The knock came again, and he could hear indistinct whispering from behind the door.

Multiple people then. That wasn’t good for his chances. He gripped the knife just a little bit tighter.

“Hey boss, open up,” came a familiar voice, one he used to hear rough and sleepy in the mornings and soft and loving in the evenings. His heart brightened in a momentary thrill at the thought of his partners, or at least, one of them, being on the other side of that door, so close to him again after all those days without them. And all he had to do was open up that door and pull them into his arms once more.

That thrill was almost immediately dampened again as he realized they should not be here. It was why he had left in the first place. They were too connected to him, too wrapped up in his messy web of conspiracy and paranoia. If the police saw them here, if Elias saw them here, they would be leading all of it right to Georgie’s doorstep.

“You’re not supposed to be here,” He told the door and tried not to think of the warm hands behind it.

“We’re not supposed to do a lot of things,” Came Sasha’s amused voice.

“Like date each other,” Tim filled in, “But here we are, so you going to let us in now?”

“No, the police could find out, and you might get Georgie in trouble and there’s just so many reasons this is a bad idea.”

“Jon please, we’re worried about you, Georgie said you weren’t doing well,” Martin said softly

Jon sat down on the couch heavily, knees protesting from standing up too long. He stared at the door.

“And standing out here is probably a lot more risky than being in the apartment, so best let us in.”

He sighed. You never could argue with Sasha’s logic. The others looked up victoriously when he finally unlocked the door.

“There he is!” Tim crowed, as Sasha and Martin offered him a warm smile while bustling into the apartment, both laden with grocery bags. Sasha pressed a light kiss to his forehead as she passed and he tried not to start crying at the feeling.

“You have to leave,” He said as he shut the door, “You’re not supposed to be here.”

Martin and Sasha didn’t look up from where they were unloading piles of vegetables and snacks from their bags.

“What? No, hey guys, I missed you, happy to see you all?” Tim complained as he draped himself over Jon’s back. Jon scowled at him.

“Jon, stop being stubborn, we’ve all been through hell the past few weeks, and right now we just want to be here to keep you company,” Martin said in that firm yet gentle voice of his.

“You really shouldn’t be alone after all that,” Sasha said as she dumped out a tupperware container into a pot.

“I’m not alone,” Jon said grumpily, “I have the Admiral.” Though he had apparently decided to make himself scarce for the time being. Jon cursed him for the betrayal.

“Are you saying you prefer the company of a cat to ours?” Tim asked, pulling them both back onto the couch and settling a blanket over them.

“Maybe,” Jon pouted, burrowing into Tim’s chest despite the fact that he was still upset with them, “He doesn’t uselessly endanger everyone to come give me cuddles.”

“Well we’re here now, and we’re not leaving till you feel better.”

“And admit it, you’re happy we’re here,” Martin said, apparently finishing up with his preparations in the kitchen and curling up next to Jon on the couch.

Jon did not want to admit it, but something warm and content curled up in his stomach, the warm feeling of home returning to his bones. A warm and savoury smell drifted through the room, clearly coming from whatever Sasha was warming up on the stove.

This apartement did not look like home in the slightest, the walls and ceiling all wrong, the furniture hard and uncomfortable and unfamiliar. But with all of them here, and that familiar smell of soup and Tim’s conditioner surrounding him, it wasn’t all that bad.

Sasha sat down on his other side, handing everyone a bowl of soup and giving Jon a gentle kiss on his knuckles. Martin pressed one to his temple and Tim just ruffled his hair fondly.

A few words were exchanged between them, but Jon didn’t bother paying too much attention. He knew he should still be angry, or at least have a firm conversation with them on what they had agreed on. But not now, not when they were here and he was home and for a moment he could forget all about Leitner and the institute and just be safe.

[definitelyseven]

against the rules | two

summary: they say your greek family is as close as your real one, that’s why falling for your big bro, Mark Tuan was against all the rules

one | two |

You scanned the dining hall for familiar faces before choosing a seat. You instantly saw your big bro. 

“Oo fries,” you said, picking a fry off Mark’s plate before sitting down next to him. 

“Hey, that’s mine!” he complained, jokingly. You giggled.

“Delicious,” you said taking another fry. 

“Should I pick you up before the party?” he asked. You shook your head. Every year each sorority and fraternity hosts their own grand party. Everyone puts on their fancy dresses and tux, partying through the night. Mark would’ve taken Suzy if she wasn’t in Europe. So this year, you’ll go with him instead. 

“I’ll meet you at your house and you can help me pick out which dress you like more,” you tell him. 

“Man do I wish your big sis was here,” he teased. You rolled your eyes at him before getting up. 

“See you later. I have class.”

You quickly dug around in your bag for your keys. You were running late and you promised Mark you would meet him at his house before the party. 

“Y/N!” you hear a familiar voice call. You looked up from your bag and see the one person you never wanted to see again.

“What are you doing here?” you asked bitterly. You walked past him and towards your door. 

“Are you done being mad?” he said, following you.

“What? Mad? I’m done wasting my energy on you.”

“Come on baby. We were made for each other,” he tried to convince. You rolled your eyes at him as you opened the door to your house.

“Goodbye Lucas,” you tell him, shutting the door behind you. He stops it with his foot. “I don’t have time for this!”

“I bet you’ll change your mind after seeing this,” he said, shoving his phone in your face. You stared at his phone, shocked at what you were looking at.

“When did you take these?” you shouted at him before snatching the phone out of his hand. You scrolled through his photo album which was filled with pictures and videos of you - naked pictures and videos of you. Your heart dropped to your stomach. You felt sick. 

“I told you,” he smirked. You quickly tried to delete it but he was quicker than you. “Don’t even think about it. It’s saved to the cloud.”

“When did you take these? I’m unconscious in most of these,” you choked with tears in your eyes. “I don’t remember this... You raped me!” you shouted as the video of him taking your clothes off played. 

“Shh...don’t say that baby. We both know you wanted it,” he smirked, reaching for your cheek. You instantly pulled away.

You rolled your eyes at him as tears fell from your eyes. “I’m calling the cops,” you warned him. 

He chuckled, “You’re going to call the men that work for my father.” You almost forgot. His father was the chief of police. 

“You won’t be able to cover this,” you sniffled. 

“I’ll upload this online and everyone will see what a dirty whore you are - begging to be fucked.”

“You wouldn’t...” you glared at him.

“Try me,” Lucas threatened. You kept quiet because you knew him. He would. He will upload this and share it with the world. “See who’s got more to lose.” 

“W-what do you want?” you sobbed. 

“I want you back - that’s all I want,” his tone softening. 

“Why? You’re the one that cheated on me. You don’t want me,” you cried. 

“That was just a moment of weakness. I love you! I only want you,” he tried to convince. You shake your head, not wanting to have anything to do with him. “I don’t think you have a choice. Be with me or everyone will know what a whore you are,” he threatened again. “Oh and don’t think about telling anyone about this, especially your big bro. If anyone knows, this is going online,” he warned before walking away.

You didn’t have time for this. You promised Mark you would be at his house and you were already late. You quickly grabbed your things and rushed to his house.

“I was starting to worry,” Mark said as soon as he opened the door. “Are you okay?” he asked, worried. 

“Yeah I’m fine,” you smiled weakly. “Are the boys here? I need help picking out a dress.” 

You got out of your clothes and put on the tiny black dress that was short enough to reveal your legs, low enough to show your cleavage. You walked downstairs and whistled for the boys attention. They all looked towards your direction. 

“Damn Y/N,” the boys whistled, making you giggle.

“Mark, when did your little sis get so hot?” you hear Jackson whisper to Mark. Your eyes met Mark’s - his eyes turned dark while he swiped his tongue over his teeth. You feel your cheeks grow hot as the both of you continued to stare at each other.

“What do you think?” you asked the boys standing in front of you. 

“Can you be my date instead?” Yugyeom teased making you laugh. 

“Mark?” you tried calling for his attention. He kept his head low, sipping on his drink. “Big bro?” you called again. 

“You put him in a daze, Y/N. He’s lost it,” Jackson teased. Mark rolled his eyes and makes his way towards you. 

“Go upstairs,” his voice low, slightly demanding. You looked at him confused but listened to him. “They were all undressing you with their eyes.”

“So it’s a no for the dress?” you asked, picking up the second dress. 

“It’s a no,” he sternly said. “Try the other one,” he demanded.

The second dress was classier - a white sparkly gown with a small train and a slit on the side. “How’s this one?” Mark smiles at you in approval. “Zip me up,” you asked him, stepping in front of his mirror. You felt his hand on the back of your dress. His fingers brushes across your lower back, sending tingles all over your body. You took a deep breath in. He feels you tense up and gives your shoulder a small squeeze.

“You okay?” he asked again before wrapping his arm around your waist. He stands beside you, staring at the mirror. “You seem upset about something.”

“I’m fine,” you assured him. You couldn’t let him know what Lucas did. Knowing Mark, he would kill him. He gives your waist a small squeeze before kissing your temple. 

“Let’s go.”

You tried not to think about it but you couldn’t. You mind kept wandering to the videos on his phone - the ones where you were unconscious. You felt sick to your stomach - dirty and in need for a shower. Mark grabs a hold of your hand, getting your attention. You gave him a weak smile before downing the drink in front of you. For the rest of the night, you kept downing drink after drink. This was the only thing that could make you forget.

“You’re wasted. You can’t even stand.”

“I’m sorry,” you said in almost a whimper. He lifts you off your feet and carries you upstairs to his room. There was usually an after party at one of the bro’s house but you were too wasted to go. You felt bad for Mark cause he had to take care of you. “I’m sorry,” you repeated before Mark drops you on the bed. 

“You don’t have to apologize. Just tell me what’s going on,” he asked for the third time that night. 

You shake your head. “Nothing’s wrong,” you managed to get out. “Can I please shower?” you whined. No matter how drunk you were, it didn’t wash away the dirty feeling. Mark helps you to your feet and turns you around to unzip your dress. 

You stood under the water quietly, feeling the water burn your skin. You shut your eyes and let out a deep sigh. What did you do to deserve this? You never hurt anyone so why you? You cried out loud but instantly covering your mouth to hide the noise. Be with Lucas or risk the world seeing your naked body; risk the world knowing what kind of whore you were. What would your parents think? What would Mark think?

“Y/N!” you hear Mark call. “You’ve been in there for awhile.”

You quickly turned the shower off, grabbing a random towel on the shelf. “Can I get a shirt?” you asked softly. 

“Tell me what’s going on,” he demanded. You kept quiet as you searched for a shirt in his drawer. “Look at you! Your skin is bright red!”

“I’m fine,” you brushed off. You pulled his shirt over your head before dropping the towel. You crawled into his bed, not wanting to speak anymore.

“Your hair is wet, get up!” he demanded, dragging you out of bed. He makes you sit up, facing away from him as he plugs in the blow dryer. He runs his fingers through your wet, massaging your scalp. You kept your eyes shut, holding in your tears. “I know you well enough to know that something is wrong.”

“Nothing is wrong,” you whimpered with your eyes still closed, still trying to hold your tears in.

“Y/N...” he calls softly. You let out a loud sigh before turning around to face him. You buried your face into his stomach and began sobbing. You couldn’t hold it in anymore. “Hey...” he cooed while patting your head. “Don’t cry.”

“I really don’t want to talk about it,” you whimpered into his stomach. 

“Okay, okay...” he comforted, rubbing your back. 

“Can you hold me?” you practically begged as you sobbed into his shirt. Mark crawls into bed with you, automatically wrapping his arms around your small frame. You buried your face into his chest, still crying. He holds you tighter as your sobs grew louder. 

“I’m here...” he whispers into your ear. “I’m here.” Mark gently lays his forehead on yours. “Shh baby,” he whispers again, trying to calm you down. You pulled away from him slightly to look up at him. He gives you a small smile before wiping your tears away with the back of his hand. “What’s wrong, princess?” he asked softly with his forehead still on yours. You shake your head softly. You couldn’t let him know. He could never know. “You don’t have to tell me if you don’t want to but I’m here. I’ll always be here.” 

a little note from jennie: imagine mark holding and comforting you while you cry cause that’s what his new video got me feeling. i just want one god damn week of 2021 where i’m not crying about got7. don’t get me wrong though, i’m happy for them. i’m crying because i miss seeing them together already and i hate not knowing when the next comeback is. does anyone feel the same? please tell me i’m not the only one feeling this way...

[doctenwho]

Parental Demeaning

Hello! Thank you for the request! I loved the idea of this, but I wasn’t too sure how to go about it. I only really have my parents to go off (they’re not at all like the ones written) but it’s hard to put myself in the mindset of it without context (and since parents are all drastically different), but I tried and hopefully it’s alright!

I had to read a couple articles to find some lowkey emotionally abusive things, and I tried to put as many as would fit, but still make sense in the fic. Anyways, I hope you enjoy!

Warnings: Emotional/ Verbal Abuse.

Word Count: 4,230

Summary: Up in the prompt! :)

(Gif doesn’t belong to me, credit to creator!)

It really wasn’t often you got to go home and see your family and friends. As much as you loved them, there was just better things to see and do in space with the Doctor. It was no one’s fault, the Doctor would bring you to earth whenever you asked, but you just got so caught up in the Doctor and other planets and adventures.

It also didn’t really help that you basically lost all concepts of days and times when you were in the TARDIS. Without the sun rising in the morning and setting at night, you couldn’t be bothered with remembering whether it was day or night, or October or December. It was just then, or rather, now.

And even after all his years travelling, the Doctor was really no better when it came to times or days or months—but he usually got the year right when you asked. To be fair though, earth timelines really had no significance to him—it wasn’t like he’d have an angry mother if he missed Christmas or her birthday or something.  

You on the other hand... you were just thankful the Doctor had mentioned the current date on earth because if you missed your mother’s birthday there would definitely be hell to pay. It really was a coincidence that the Doctor happened to prompt a visit to your home planet the evening before your mom’s birthday.  

It would’ve been bad had you shown up months later having missed her birthday and not even rung her to wish her a happy birthday. She’d probably hold that over your head for years and years to come if that happened.

But you were saved before you could get yourself in trouble. The Doctor was basically your guardian angel at this point.  

So, that following afternoon the Doctor had landed the TARDIS a street over from your parent’s house so they wouldn’t see you exiting and entering a police box like a lunatic with a man they’d only really met in passing.  

“Come on,” you huffed, standing by the TARDIS door with your arms crossed over your chest and a pout on your lips, “I don’t want to go alone.”

“They’re your parents,” the Doctor raised an eyebrow, but he was smiling teasingly, “your parents, your planet. I should stay out of it. Besides, your mother barely knows me, I’d ruin the day.”

“You wouldn’t and you know it,” you sighed dramatically resisting the urge to smile at the glance the Doctor shot in your direction, “you’re going to make me suffer through all the questions they’ll ask that I have no answers too alone? They’ll want to talk about my work—which I don’t have, then they’ll ask how I support myself with that same job I don’t have!”

“Well, aren’t you a dramatic one today,” again with the teasing from the Doctor, “fine, fine. I’ll tag along. But, it’s not my fault if it upsets your mother on her birthday.”

“No, it’ll be my fault,” you smiled brightly, “they’re always telling me I need to get a boyfriend anyways; she’ll probably be ecstatic when I bring home a Doctor.”

“I don’t think it works like that,” the Doctor huffed a laugh as he finally moved to join you at the TARDIS doors. He opened the doors and stepped out, you following close behind, “I doubt a space Doctor is as sought-after as a medical earth doctor.”

“Depends on who you ask, but it’s close enough,” you waved him off. “Anyways, you’re just my friend who happens to be a guy, they’re too nosy for their own good. Last thing I need if for them to start searching you up online and finding literally nothing because you’re not even from earth. I don’t even know how I’d answer those questions.”

“I mean, technically you can find me online—a lot of people on your earth know about me. I’m quite the phenomenon.”

“Not really the same thing,” you laughed.  

You waited patiently while the Doctor closed and locked the TARDIS, before the two of you were strolling in the direction of your parents' home. This visit was a surprise, since you didn’t have a cellphone that worked from Outerspace, so you really couldn’t contact them and let them know you were on your way beforehand.  

And even if they didn’t want company for long (which was unlikely), you and the Doctor could always leave. The TARDIS is only a few streets away. You don’t want them to feel obligated to entertain you and the Doctor if that’s not what they had in plan.

The two of you walked side by side, chatting easily about your latest adventure on a distant planet. An adventure you certainly wouldn’t be bringing up to your parents. You arrived at your parent’s home in minutes, walking up to the door and knocking. The Doctor trailed along behind you, a balance of interested and indifferent about being with you at your folk’s home.  

As expected, it was your mom to answer the door, swinging it open—and if the door happened to open outwards (which thankfully it didn’t), you probably would’ve been smacked backwards at the firm swing.  

“(Y/N)!” she greeted as she drew you in for a hug. You returned the hug with practiced ease, dropping it as soon as your mother did. Then she was looking you up and down, which she always did whenever you returned after not seeing them for months.  

After basically checking you out thoroughly, her attention snapped to the Doctor, who hadn’t moved since the door had swung open. She eyed him, to which he gave a small wave and a smile.

“You’ve brought a friend.”  

She didn’t sound mad, nor happy. But that was probably a good sign. And even if she didn’t like the Doctor it’s not like she’d say anything with him here. She’d wait until you were visiting alone, whenever that would happen next, to complain and tell you he was no good.  

“It’s the Doctor, mum,” you told her, “you’ve met him before.”

And that much was true. The Doctor had met both your parents in passing when he’d met you that first time. It was barely more than awkward ‘hi’s’ from both parties before the Doctor was sprinting away after some space creature tormenting earth. It still counted though.

“The Doctor, right.” She gave a nod, looking him up and down as well. She did that to everyone you brought him, including your friends from school. It was like she was trying to decide if she liked a person from their appearance.  

“It’s lovely to see you again,” the Doctor grinned from where he was standing.  

“Quite,” your mother replied. She looked between the two of you for a second before settling her attention on you and speaking again, “it’s about time you brought someone home. Well now, come in, come in. The both of you.”  

Your mom ushered both you and the Doctor into the house. You slipped off your shoes and the Doctor frowned before doing so as well.  

You tried not to laugh, since not once had you seen the Doctor without shoes. It was almost weird that he was now stood beside with just his socks on his feet. At least he was wearing socks, you couldn’t even imagine a barefoot Doctor.  

“How nice of you to show up for your mother’s birthday,” your father called from the couch, barely looking away from the television, “you could’ve called ahead though.”

“We were travelling,” you lied, but it wasn’t a complete lie, “bad reception. Besides it was supposed to be a surprise.”

“Well, colour me surprised,” your mother smiled happily. She casted a sideways glance at the Doctor, who’d distracted himself by looking at some of the photos hung on the walls.  

You looked towards the man too, before clearing your throat to get his attention and sitting down on a loveseat across from the couch. The Doctor followed you, settling onto the cushion beside you while your mother disappeared into the kitchen.

“Tea, coffee, anyone?”  

You glanced over at the Doctor, blinking at his shrug before you were calling back a, “tea for us!”

“Where are your manners?” your dad glanced towards you, “your mother is making you and your friend tea, and you don’t even say please? If you don’t behave, no one will ever love you, silly girl.”

“Sorry,” you ducked you head in embarrassment. “Thank you, mum,” you called back into the kitchen. Your mother didn’t reply, but it did seem to please your father. You planned to thank your mother when she actually brought the teas out. 

You frowned; a bit upset that you’d been scolded in front of the Doctor after being in your parent’s home for less than five minutes. You leaned back on the loveseat, frowning down at your lap. You glanced up when you felt the Doctor’s elbow nudge you, but he wasn’t looking at you—instead focused on your father.  

You raised a confused eyebrow at him, but he didn’t really notice it. You weren’t too sure why the Doctor was all but glaring daggers at your father.

No one said anything. You’d already been scolded once, the Doctor not really a talker in situations like this, and your father still distracted by the television. He tended to avoid talking and socializing unless your mother was there beside him, which was normal.

Your mother returned soon enough, holding a tray with four steaming mugs, a little sugar bowl and a small pitcher of milk. There was also a stack of four plates, four forks and a small, store bought birthday cake.  

With your mother’s arrival, you father shut off the television so he could actually join the conversation. You knew if he left it on though, you mother would yell at him like she always did. You were thankful that they weren’t going to have one of those arguments with the Doctor in the room.

She set the tray on the coffee table, then got to work handing out everyone’s mugs. She started with your father, then the Doctor, then you. She casually managed to fill the silence as she distributed the mugs, “a coworker of mine bought a cake over to the house this afternoon, isn’t the lovely, (y/n)?”

“Thank you, mum,” you made sure to say after taking your mug into your hands, “it is a cute little cake.”

“I know!” she chirped, sitting back with her own mug, “it was the nicest thing. I mentioned that we hadn’t heard from you a while and that we weren’t sure you’d come around today, so she brought it over after work.”

“That’s very nice of her,” you mumbled, adding what you liked to your tea and stirring it up before taking a sip. You just let your mother drone on about her probably too nice coworkers. You gotten used to being compared to anyone who said anything nice to your mother at a young age, so it barely bothered you anymore.

“It is,” you mom grinned, “she was telling me about how her daughter is off at university, and how she comes home every weekend to visit-- what a sweet girl she is. You should be more like that. We hardly ever see you, and I assume it’s this young man’s fault?”

The Doctor looked like a dear in the headlight, mug lifted to his lips, but frozen there when your mother mentioned him. “No,” you came to his defense, “it’s just been busy. We’ve been travelling a quite a bit. There’s so much to see. I’m sorry I can’t visit as often as I’d like though.”

“Nonsense,” your dad frowned, setting his mug on the side table and crossing his arms over his chest, “if you really wanted to visit, you would. You’d make the time.”

You gave a heavy sigh, settling your mug on your thigh, “we’ve been over this, dad, I’m not nearly close enough to visit as often as I want. I get pulled here and there at...at work, and it was hard even finding the time to come visit you guys today.”

“We know darling,” your mother cooed, “we just miss you is all. You should be thankful that your father and I care about when you visit, lots of parents don’t care what their children get up to. We just like to know what’s going on in your life...”

“I am thankful,” you frowned, staring down into your mug, “I just... I’m busy. The Doctor and I have work to do, and I can’t... I can’t always be thinking about you guys and visiting. That wouldn’t be good for anyone.”

“No, of course not,” your mother relented, but the frown on her face clearly said she thought otherwise.

You felt bad that you couldn’t always be around for your parents, but you really needed a life. And there was absolutely no way you’d be passing up more trips into space with the Doctor for a few more evening tea parties with your parents.  

It was still a bit weird for you to hear your parents requesting to see you as often as they did. You remember them always commenting about how you needed to grow up, and be successful in your own life. How you needed to move out and stop mooching off them—always telling you to stop burdening them, and become an adult.  

And you had. You’d done exactly what they pushed you towards.

But now all they seemed to want was you back as you were.  

Parents were confusing.

“Right,” your mother spoke brightly, as if the last few minutes of conversation hadn’t happened, “who wants some cake?” She always tended to skip right over anything she didn’t like the sound of. It was a trait you’d known your whole life.  

You nodded your head, glancing towards the Doctor, who was still watching your parents as if he were trying to understand them. He’d barely had any of his tea, instead nursing the slowly cool mug in his lap. “Doctor?” you prompted. He turned to you giving a quiet ‘hm?’ in acknowledgement, “would you like a slice of cake?”

“Oh, no thank you,” the man shook his head, giving your parents a polite smile, “I don’t like to have too many sweets.”

“That’s alright,” you mother promised, “I’m sure I can bring the rest into work tomorrow. The two of us’ll never get through it all before it’s gone off, right darling?”  

Your father gave a hum of acknowledgement, which seemed to please her.

You watched as your mom unstacked the plates, she cut herself and your father small sized pieces of cake, “how big, sweetheart?”

Your mother looked towards you, almost impatient. “Uhm,” you mumbled, “a bit bigger than your guy’s?” You requested.  

The pieces your mother cut for them were about half the size of a regular slice of cake. You knew they liked to watch their sugars, but you didn’t really. You didn’t eat enough sweets in the TARDIS to really have to, so this was a bit of a treat.

Your mother’s eyes shot up to you, eyebrows furrowed in concerned thought, “are you sure? Should you really be eating that much sugar? Food is not your friend, honey. You’ve got to keep yourself in shape if you’re going to find yourself a nice husband.”

You blinked, frowning before you nodded, “yeah, you’re right. A bit smaller than you and dad’s alright?”

Your mother nodded happily, cutting a slice of cake for you and handing it across the coffee table. You eyed the cake for a moment, debating whether you really wanted to eat it. Maybe she was right?  

Before you could put it down and refuse the sweet treat, the Doctor hijacked your fork and took a bit of the dessert. You gaped at him in surprise, blinking at his bright smile, “it’s really quite good,” he told you, “you look lovely, I’m doubtful any amount of sweets could possibly take that away.”

You smiled at him, silently taking him. You really had wanted to eat the cake, but not if it would jeopardize your figure- but if the Doctor was saying it was good, and prompting you into it—it was hard to say no.

You took back your fork when the Doctor offered it back, taking a bite of the cake for yourself. It was delicious. He’d been right. It was probably the best non-homemade cake you’d ever had.

“Where did your coworker get that cake?” the Doctor questioned cheerfully, dragging your mother into easy conversation, “a special occasion is coming up and I’d love to get a cake for it.”

“Oh!” Your mother set her fork down on the edge of her plate, “it’s from this nice little bakery downtown, the name should be on the box in the kitchen, I’ll check for you when I bring the plates into the kitchen. They’ve got really nice sweets.”

“Wonderful,” the Doctor grinned, “I’m sure it’ll be perfect for the occasion.”  

You held you tongue before you could ask the Doctor what exactly he was talking about. Instead, you shoved another forkful of cake into your mouth and listened to the Doctor charm your mother over the little bakery downtown.  

Time continued on, and before you knew it, you were stepping into your shoes at your parent’s front door. They were both stood in the doorway, watching the you and the Doctor put your shoes back on.

“It was so lovely to see you again, honey,” your mother beamed, moving in to hug you once more, “I'm so glad you could make it for my birthday.”

“Yeah,” you hummed, “it was good to see you too mum.”  

“Come back soon, alright?” your father prompted, giving you a one-armed hug, “call ahead though, you don’t know if we’ll have plans or not. Our lives can’t revolve around you.”

“I know, but I really can’t,” you huffed, “reception is awful when you’re travelling. I’ve tried before and nothing goes through.”

Your dad gave a tired sigh as he pulled away, “you’ve always been so difficult.”

You opened your mouth to reply—to apologize—but the Doctor beat you to it, “well, it was lovely seeing you both again—or rather, meeting, I suppose. We must be off now, places to be and things to see!”

“Oh, alright,” your mom forced a smile, “we love you, sweetheart, and we’ll see you soon, yeah?”

“Yeah,” you nodded, “love you guys too.”

And then the Doctor was leading you away, pace fast. You threw a wave over your shoulder, which your mother returned before she was shutting the door. You were in a weird state between glad you’d managed to see your parents on your mom’s birthday, but mad at yourself that you’d made the Doctor sit around with you.  

He had to have been bored. Your parents had barely acknowledged his existence throughout the hour-long visit.  

The Doctor didn’t really say anything as the two of you walked side by side back to the TARDIS. He was almost stewing, but you didn’t know why he was mad. Maybe because you’d begged him to tag along. Was he mad at you?

When you arrived at the blue police box, the Doctor was quick to unlock it. You stood patiently, waiting to see what would happen when the two of you were closed in together. He was obviously angry about something; you just weren’t sure what.  

You followed him in, shutting the door behind yourself. When you turned back into the room, the Doctor was already pressing buttons on the control panel. You stood for a second before finally speaking, “I’m sorry.”

The Doctor’s attention shot up towards you faster than you’d thought it ever had, but he no longer looked angry, “what on earth are you sorry for?”

“You’re not mad at me?” you asked skeptically, leaning back against the TARDIS doors.

“No, of course not.” He looked tilted his head, “I’m not mad at you, I’m mad at those people you call parents.”

Wait, what?

“Why’re you angry at them? Did they say something to you?”

You don’t remember them saying anything mean to the Doctor, but you wouldn’t put it passed them to passive aggressively say something that could be considered an insult to an alien.

“No,” the Doctor blinked, looking genuinely confused, “they said something to you.”  

“What do you mean?” you couldn’t help but ask. Did the Doctor see something you didn’t?

The Doctor let his hands slide off the console and drop to his sides, lips curling into a frown as he stepped towards you, “you really don’t see what they did wrong?”

“...no?”

“(Y/N),” the Doctor breathed, “your parents didn’t say a single nice thing to you tonight. Everything they said was some sort of twisted, belittling way of putting you down.”

“What are you talking about?” you questioned, not really understanding. “They didn’t say anything mean.”

“They were making little remarks, hidden away,” the Doctor insisted, “and I saw that they hurt you. You heard them, but you thought nothing more of the remarks because you’ve been hearing them probably your whole life. To you, they’re normal—normal behavior between parents and their children. It’s not, (Y/N).”  

“What do you...”

“You didn’t even notice,” the Doctor frowned, standing in front of you, “and I doubt your parents did either, but I did, and I don’t like it. It’s not right. Not when everything they said this evening couldn’t be further from the truth.”

The Doctor took a breath before launching into a heated rant, “your mother commented on you wanting cake, insinuating that one slice of cake would make you gain weight, but you’re absolutely perfect the way you are. You can have as many sweets as you’d like, she doesn’t get to dictate what you eat,” the paused for a moment.

He didn’t stop for long, because not even a beat later the Doctor continued on, “and your father told you no one would ever love you for forgetting to thank your mother instantly for a cup of tea. That certainly isn’t true, because I love you and no amount of anything—especially forgetting to say thank you—will change that.”

“Doctor--”

“And don’t even get me started on those little remarks,” the man huffed, turning away from you, “your mother comparing you to everyone, or your father saying rude things like ‘you’ve always been so difficult’,” the man mocked in your father’s voice, “and none of its true, you’re not difficult, and you’re a far better daughter than your mother takes you for—I mean, look where we are, we came from space for her birthday, and all she does is comment on your figure, and try to guilt you into visiting more often.”

The man finally looked at you, all anger in his eyes bleeding out as he finally noticed your frown, “I... never really noticed.”

“You shouldn’t have to notice,” the Doctor sighed, moving to pull you into a hug that was so much more comforting than anything your mother could give you, “you shouldn’t have to notice, because it shouldn’t happen. What they’re doing is emotional abuse. They’re hurting you—whether intentional or not, they are.”

“I do feel awful every time I see them,” you couldn’t help but mutter into the Doctor’s chest.  

“And you shouldn’t,” the man whispered honestly, “you really shouldn’t. You should feel good after seeing them. You should have a nice time with them—not be ridiculed and disrespected. I was only there for one evening, and I couldn’t stand the things they were saying about you. I’m so sorry that you’ve been suffering through that you whole life, (Y/N).”

You swallowed, unsure where to go from here. You really had never noticed—or maybe you’d never really paid attention to it. Never put the pieces together. But you saw it now. How everything they said made you feel bad about yourself, or hurt your feelings.  

And it sucked.  

“They said some pretty terrible things tonight, huh?”

“They did,” the Doctor sighed, holding you a bit closer, “but nothing they said was true in the slightest. They're abusers, and they’re wrong. They haven’t been very good parents.”

“Not tonight they haven’t,” you sighed. “My mom basically called me fat. Told me to watch my weight in a nice, roundabout kinda way.”

The Doctor bit his lip, before he gave a small nod, “but she was wrong. You’re perfect. She doesn’t get to say things like that to you when there’s no reason to be saying it. And there’s never a reason to say anything like that.”

“Suppose so,” you frowned, “it was good cake.”

“It was,” the Doctor grinned, “which is why we’re getting our own from that bakery, one that we’ll eat until we we’re sick. I’m not letting your parents tell you how to live, it’s not fair.”

You couldn’t help but laugh, “this was the special occasion you were talking about?”

The man grinned beside you, hopping towards the console again and pulling a lever that faded the TARDIS away from its parking spot, “had to cheer up my companion and make her feel special—I'd say that’s a pretty special occasion, wouldn’t you?”

<><><><>

I hope this was satisfactory, and thank you so much for prompting! As always, if it’s not what you were looking for, feel free to prompt me again! Apologies if the parents don’t read right, I never knew writing parents could be so hard! Didn’t know how to write a spontanious visit to the folks, so just went with a birthday.

[silvia7272]

Miraculess Ladybug Salt AU: You Always Liked To Play With Fire ~ Blossoming Friendships???

I really hope you’re all enjoying this new series; I honestly just came up with the idea on a dime, and then after I started developing it, I knew I needed to share it with all of my fans.

Also, when I actually get around to including more characters from the movie, it’s gonna be fun giving them some personality traits. I can’t wait.

And er-… I may have accidently messed up with some off the names. Since I changed most off the names already, I then decided to change them for Barbara and Olympia, however I had forgotten that I’d already written their names down in the story. Opps. I thought this would’ve been better since I think I saw some people complain about the United Hero’s super names, so I changed them, as well as if I’m going to add in going to Gotham into the mix and there’s already a character called Barbara, I just know I’ll get hella confused for who I’m talking about. I don’t want people to get confused but maybe I should make a post off the names I’ve already changed to begin with, just to defer from canon. Well, here it is.

My OC: Rosaniline Keyne-Hill was Rosina Scoats

Soliane Rin was Crisono Tassa

Canon Counterparts: Jace Keyne was Jessica Keyne

Aveon Keyne-Hill was Aeon Hill

Medusa was Uncanny Valley

(I kept Olympia the same)

Nebula was Majestia

Brianna was Barbara

Eostrix was Night Owl

So, I might just change them when I can be bothered to.

This fanfic and its ideas were all made before season 4 came out, so if something doesn’t add up please don’t worry. That information wasn’t available then, and unless it fits into my story or I like it, I won’t include it in my story. Also, that new Miraculous wiki can get lost, I’m not putting any of that new information in here if they couldn’t even put it in the show. (Also, so far, I do not care for season 4 whatsoever so yeah, I may not include any of that in this work and the other.)

Word Count: 9435

Tags: @vixen-uchiha​ if you wish to be tagged all you have to do is say. Also, if you change your name please tell me, I don’t want to leave you out since you’ve asked to be tagged. I’m very sorry if I’ve missed anyone.

Well, I hope you’ll enjoy it.

Summary:

Note: This fic contains OOC scenes of Miraculous Ladybug as well as a ton of salt, so if you don't like that stuff you may scroll past and have a nice day.

In a world with no Miraculous, no Hawkmoth and no Ladybug, how does our little heroine do?

Well, it usually would be hanging out with her friends, as any other teenager would do...

But, of course, this wasn't normal.

This was reality. It was cold, hard and definitely not welcome.

So, when this girl wishes to have some kind of adventure in her boring, mundane life…

How long does it take for her to regret it?

***

Mlle Bustier had always believed her students were the best in the whole Collège.

In fact, she whole-heartedly believed that all her students could do no harm.

In her mind, they were at the peak of maturity, though they may be in their adolescence and had some seemingly petty dramas, they all prevailed to take whatever they wanted for themselves, when they saw opportunities, they rightfully took.

And Mlle Bustier only wanted the best for her students.

As much as Caline would never admit it to any of her work colleagues, she always knew her class was exceptional.

Kim, Alix, what with two of the sportiest people that were bound to succeed.

Max, A genius who was able to develop a fully functioning AI, when he was a teen no less. She could only imagine what other inventions her little Einstein could invent later on. The type of universities he’d get into, the job offers, oh the endless possibilities.

Ivan, Rose, Juleka, A lead vocalist, guitarist, and drummer in a popular rock band. Though she had heard there may have been a few mishaps in the band, she was sure they would be even better than before.

Mylène, A passionate environmentalist who only wanted to help the world become a cleaner place, and entered as many organisations as possible.

Nino, An inspiring DJ/filmmaker. She always wanted to help out by lending the classroom key afterschool, that way he could work on all of his works. Allowing everyone to take part even, it was truly one of her best rules.

Alya, A journalist's whose goal was to become bigger than Lois Lane.

Adrien, A model, the most famous teenage one by Parisian standards.

Chloé, The mayor's Daughter.

Sabrina, The head of police’s Daughter.

Nathaniel, an inspiring comic book artist that had gained a lot of attention online.

And Lila, a Daughter of an Italian diplomat.

Although she could admit to herself that not all of these aspirations were something that she could boast about, she could show off that all of her students had something they would work for or even show off.

And what did the others have?

Two weather girls and a writer? Caline would have to laugh, compare that with her class and you could clearly see who was at the top.

Although she hadn’t said a specific name for a reason.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng. The young fashion designer/baker’s girl.

For a while, that name had left a sour name in her mouth, whenever she had been forced to say it for the register, it only took her a few days for her to realise how much it annoyed her whenever said girl was late to her lesson. Honestly, did that girl not value punctuality? Nevermind in the workplace; what about her reputation as a teacher?

She was becoming a lot more reclused, gaining a disrespectful attitude towards her she had no recollection of when she had gained it, and became incredibly upset when she remembered every year on her birthday, the girl would give her a whole assortment of pastries and desserts.

Now, because she had somewhat highly encouraged her students to send gifts for a better grade, it was just a box of chocolates.

Just a small box of chocolates!?

How could she show off her gifts to the others now!?

And worst of all?

She refused to be the good little Class President anymore.

Her example?

Her Marinette off the world?

Did she not care about setting a good example? Or to be a role model to the class?

Really, to be so selfish, to all of her friends, how ungrateful.

She believed she had sorted this little problem when Chloé, in a fit off understandable jealousy, drew over her gift.

Marinette was unreasonably angry at the poor girl, and so Bustier had said how better it would be for her to rise up and become a beacon of light for Chloé instead of letting that hate and anger fester inside her.

To let go and help out everyone.

To not let your negative side take a hold of you and be positive around everyone in your vicinity.

After all, sharing and helping makes the world go round, and we do want to help the world, right?

She remembered those words she had spoken so fondly to her, as she was always someone anyone could come to for advice. It had always worked after all, after students were able to see the correct side, she’d be thanked which always left a small flutter of happiness around her.

Mendeleiev scared many students away, D’Argencourt with his eccentric personality, made students want to avoid being seen near him after lessons ended, and hardly anyone spent their time in the art club room.

Caline believed she was seen as a shining example of light by the other students, and knew she was seen as a Disney Princess by many, Rose had even called her that once.

However, getting back to the matter at hand, she was very pleased when Marinette had gone out of her way to make Chloé happy, of course, her attitude still remained mostly the same but Caline was smart enough to know it wouldn’t take one nice event to help the girl, so she was so proud when she carried on helping the poor girl out. Chloé was smiling more and even asking for a multitude of things from the blue-haired girl, and if she ever saw Marinette get unreasonably upset again, she’d send a very disappointing glare.

She knew being disappointed in students was a sure-fire way for them to do better and work harder, she knew how guilty her students would feel if they ever managed to get that gaze from their teacher, and… If the elder had done this a bit more on Marinette than anyone else… Well, she would just smile, telling them how much Marinette was able to accomplish, her trips for the class were so good, everyone was jealous. So, didn’t that seem good?

And even though she did see most of it going in the trash, she knew Chloé was just a little bit picky, she’d liked the interest in her, it was normal.

Her home life wasn’t something to be overlooked, she just knew the girl only wished for attention, and she was sure to be able to give it to her.

But then she… Stopped.

Caline had believed the girl had gotten wrongly impatient and told Marinette she shouldn’t be so extreme, but Marinette dared to fight back, against her?

She exclaimed that it wasn’t just Chloé anymore, how could she be expected to be nice to both her and Lila?

Bustier was confused, Lila? What did she have to do with this?

And so, the girl explained that she was just lying for attention, every breath that came out was just a lie. And she couldn’t stand it, she’d apparently turned her friends against her.

Now, normally, Bustier knew Marinette wouldn’t lie.

But, she also knew she couldn’t let this ‘lie’ be revealed.

It might harm her reputation.

She couldn’t have that happen.

So, she knew what she had to say.

That this was just girl drama that all teenagers had.

She couldn’t afford to let her empire fall so soon.

And for something like that.

The faces of the other teachers.

The gossip surrounding her.

“Looks like Caline’s not so good a teacher after all.”

No, she couldn’t bare it.

Who said a little white lie would hurt anyone?

In order to keep her class, exactly the same.

A few snips were made to maintain its image.

And if she had to snip her most prized student.

Then… So be it.

***

When she entered her classroom it was just like any other day.

Her students forming around a desk in the front of the room.

She always commended her students for such actions, she knew how sweet and silent the girl could be and loved how accommodating the class could be to her.

She couldn’t help the wondering gaze that looked upon the back row.

A certain seat was empty, but that was routine by now. And even though there was still 5 minutes till the bell, she still marked her late in her book.

Sometimes Caline had to think if at some points she had expected too much of this single girl… But only to remember that, no, in fact, when Marinette had a better attitude, she had expected too less. Back when she gained some confidence, she had always surpassed her expectations, her trips were the highlight off her job, her morning snacks were a welcomed surprise, her need to prove herself let her have as many responsibilities as possible, yes some were meant to be her own paperwork, but she’d never seen Marinette excel so much, it was a dream come true.

If she could just push her, just a little more… She was sure Marinette would go back to her obedient self, and it would make Bustier’s job a lot easier.

Although… The new student seemed like the perfect candidate as well, since Marinette may not follow her good example, she may be able to get a different example.

She could see just how sweet and pleasant the cherry haired girl was, she’d be perfect for the role. Sneaking a quick glance at the girl who was simply minding her business reading a book and keeping to herself. She did take note she had a bit of a limp for the past week, but didn’t bring it up just to not embarrass the girl in front of the whole class. She just knew if she was able to simply send her views her way, a new example would be made, hell she may even be able to have two if Rosaniline became such a good influence on Marinette she may even change again.

She also just knew Rosann would be good for Chloé, after all, they’d have so much to talk about, and coming from similar backgrounds she could make sure they could be paired together as much as possible.

Of course, only she knew about her family name, Monsieur Damocles had been informed by her residence that they’d prefer not to spread this information about, for it had been such a hinderance for her to make friends before.

Bustier frowned, she knew very well her students wouldn’t try to suck up to her, she almost felt insulted that she wouldn’t trust her students.

But the worst part was that she couldn’t brag about her new student to anyone, no one could find out or they’d all face some action from her Mother, she was very clear on that.

However Bustier tried to not let it bother her too much, after all she was sure she could give a gentle nudge in the right direction about trusting friends and not keeping secrets, to coax her out of her shell. She’d just have to be excruciatingly patient.

Clapping her hands was a symbol for them all to pay attention, she’d never raise her voice to them, not even a little, and she knew they would respect it and quieten down their chatter.

And just like that, the door opened to a fashionably late bluenette. Bustier would feign ignorance to the rather disappointing glares stares the girl was receiving, after all, she was giving one off her own.

She sheepishly walked to her seat just as the bell rang, honestly, she’d given her a lot of warnings before about her punctuality, did she really need to brief her Parents in about the situation?

“Well class, since all of you are here now, I can get on with the lesson” And so began her teaching.

It was fairly simple, she knew her students would be able to easily understand, after all, she knew they were the best, the smartest.

She had to explain the project they were bound to complete to a high standard, she just knew it was another to her list of student’s accomplishments she could brag about.

The project entailed 30% of coursework they must do in pairs in the span of 2 months. They could choose any topic so long as it followed the theme.

And this year’s theme was history, generally her students would groan at this topic, but considering they were able to decide on their personal preferences that should help encourage them to complete it to the best of their ability.

Plus, it helped towards their end of the year grade, and helped their teamwork skills. Of course, Mlle Bustier would always try to be as generous as she could, she wouldn’t remove marks from accidental mistakes unlike a purple haired teacher would, she just couldn’t bear to be so mean to them when she knew they were trying so hard to get all of their marks, she couldn’t punish them for that. Even if it was not necessarily the right thing to do, she couldn’t let there be any wrongful disappointment.

As long as they carried on being a great example, she could never fail them.

Besides everyone loved her projects, while having to be in pairs they always got to present it in any way they wanted, a science experiment, PowerPoint presentation to even a play, she was so very proud when Mylène did that play from last year, so impressive and she had gotten out of her shell. All she had to do was make them follow a simple rule before they could go all out. Her students loved the independence, and when they asked what type of ideas she had, she gleamed and expressed her own interest in the fairy tales. There was so much you could do with so many magical stories and elements, the possibilities were endless. She loved always talking about them in at least all of her lesson as she knew how many life lessons could come out of it.

And besides, in a sense, the other thing that made her the best teacher, she let them pick their own partners.

Of course, she had to make it seem like that.

It was always the same since kindergarten, everyone’s names would be placed in a bowl on a piece of paper, and one by one she’d pick a name up, when she read it out loud other people could raise their hands to ask to be their partner.

Normally it would be the first person to raise their hand, however, Caline wasn’t stupid, there were certain pairs she didn’t always want together.

Such as Alix and Kim, if it were a presentation about sports, she wouldn’t mind as much, knowing they would present a physical display of their athleticism… However, she knew if they were paired up for a slideshow presentation about let’s say, politics. She knew they would only start at the last minute, and include a very messily strown up slideshow. And with Marinette refusing to help out her classmates with even the simplest of matters, her hands were tied.

So, if they ever stuck their hand up for either of them, Bustier would wait to see who else would put their hand up, most of the time it was either Max or Nathaniel respectfully, and since they were all friends, no one had called her out for it.

And that’s how she got around it.

So, she started doing her routine, swirling her hand around the, she picked one up and began to read it aloud.

“Lila Rossi. And who would like to be her partner?” Immediately several hands shot up, bringing a smile on her face again, so many wanted to help this girl it filled her with pride and comfort.

And well, she always had to help by picking the most knowledgeable of students.

“Max, I believe I saw your hand up first” Some students moaned that they couldn’t be with Lila, but they knew that maybe next time they would get a shot.

“Ivan Bruel” Unsurprisingly Mylène’s hand shot up first followed by Juleka and Rose, now normally she wouldn’t let couples be together, but she couldn’t break them up, they did their work so well, so she let it slide.

Grabbing the next piece of paper Caline’s once bright smile, dropped as her eyes scanned over the name before sighing audibly, she didn’t need to hide it, everyone knew whose name it was.

.

.

.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng took a deep sigh.

As soon as Bustier told them about a presentation she was immediately filled with dread.

She could quite easily do it well, or at least get a well enough grade considering Bustier’s shady marking skills.

But her partners influence would be something she dreaded.

Best case scenario, they’ll be so repulsed to be in the same room with her that they’d work independently, and it would more or less seem like two separate presentations in one. Her grade was low.

Worst case scenario, she’d be subjected to either do it alone, or screamed about how much they don’t want to be near her. Her grade would be lowered.

Not theirs, hers.

Bustier would exclaim how she wanted the bluenette to rise above it all and forgive them, and until she was a better student in her eyes, she’d be punished for it.

It didn’t help that when her name was specifically called out, there would be a silence they’ll have to endure for what would seem like eternity.

It would either stop when someone so nobly sacrificed themselves to team up with her or Bustier would be forced to wait until the end for the last name to be picked out.

And she hated having to feel like this.

They were all friends, why did it have to be like this?

And well, just like this silence, it would last for a rather uncomfortable time, more than Marinette liked.

Her head rested on the desk, she at this point didn’t care about her appearance in front of the new girl. It had been a week already and at this point Marinette knew they’d be no point getting to know someone who was bound to abandon her.

It was a despairing truth she’d learn from experience, it was why no one hung around her, even from the other classes, they would be a target next.

Marinette couldn’t blame them, if the situations were reversed, she doubted she’d have enough courage to go out of her way to help.

So, she’d just sit, head on desk as time would pass.

.

.

-

“H-Hey! Why do you have your hand up, we told you how she was a bully, why would you want to be her partner!?”

???

Wait-

That wasn’t meant to happen.

Hesitantly, Marinette picked her head up, only to find her seatmate with an eager hand in the air.

She looked over to her face, a smile present as she glanced towards the teacher, waiting for her to say they would be paired together.

“I want to be Marinette’s partner, and I haven’t seen yet why I shouldn’t” Rosann’s head turned innocently to her classmates, she was radiating happiness as they stared in shock. A blond very much as he did want to be her partner when her name was called out, but he kept his thoughts to himself.

“Marinette! Did you threaten her as well, girl you’re unbelieva-”

“I’m afraid you are being mistaken Mlle Césaire, I wouldn’t willingly make a partnership with my enemy, now Mlle Bustier you may continue if you would please” Marinette gasped, she- she’d just put a target on her back. For her! This girl was crazy…

And yet, despite her cute appearance, she hadn’t seen someone look so confident and polite.

‘Wait did I say cute-’

Even though the girl had stated her answer, it wasn’t the answer the class was looking for.

“Mlle Bustier you can’t put their names down together” Someone protested. It sounded like Lila, she was always leading the class for this sort of thing.

“Yeah, put my name down for Rosaniline instead, we know she doesn’t mean it.” That was Alya.

“But I-” She felt guilty for the new girl, she really did, she would’ve warned her how you’ll never truly be able to say your opinion without everyone interfering or as she put it, butting in.

“She doesn’t know what’s she’s gotten herself into, the poor girl” Rose spoke, if Marinette wasn’t so used to it she’d flinch from the words Rose spoke about her.

What was bad, Rosann wasn’t able to speak.

What was worse, Bustier was very much considering it.

“I guess it would be for the best” Marinette couldn’t believe it. The one person who willingly decided to pair up with her, was being ignored to be partnered up with someone else.

Not that Marinette wanted them to be with someone else mind you, but it was their decision, why wasn’t she spared a thought and have people notice that maybe they didn’t have to decide for her?

What was crueller, was that Marinette found the one person that was on her side… Was the one person who was the first to make her clamper up.

“This is ridiculous absolutely ridiculous” Of all people, it had to be her to join in?

“How extremely hypocritical of you Mlle Bustier, if I couldn’t change my partner from the last project then neither does Dupain-Cheng in this one, isn’t this school meant to teach fairness. Well, the only fair thing I see is the fairly incompetent from this class” Of course the students didn’t take kindly to her words as Bustier sighed yet again.

She knew Chloé had a point, she’d tried to persuade Chloé to have a different partner than Sabrina a few times in previous projects, it would depend on the person, if Chloé didn’t mind, she’d moan but nothing else. If it was someone she didn’t like, she’d threaten to call the mayor, most of the times she wouldn’t considering out of all the teachers even Chloé would admit she liked Bustier the most, she’d never blame her for anything and she loved that about her, but she had a point none the less.

Besides, Bustier believed that maybe Rosaniline would prove to be a very good example to her previous one, and this could be a great place to start.

“Yes Chloé, I believe I understand now, it would be highly unfair if we didn’t let Rosaniline decide for herself” Marinette couldn’t help the somewhat annoyed glance she gave to the teacher for that comment.

“But Mlle-”

“No buts Alya, now why don’t we use the idea Chloé suggested?” The class all heard the snicker from Chloé, they couldn’t believe she could stoop so low like this.

And then it carried on like it had been, but Marinette couldn’t help but let her curiosity get the better of her and as the class was carrying on, Marinette swallowed the gulp that had formed in her throat and turned to the girl next to her.

“Err- Rosaniline?” She gently tapped the girl’s shoulder, she turned and showed she was listening.

“Yes?” Oh god Mari don’t lose confidence now.

“Why, why did you do that?” With that, she saw a smirk emerge from the girl.

“I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t curious, but I am rather petty since I refuse to take the word of someone else before doing my own research” Oh. Somehow that wasn’t what she was expecting, but honestly it was better than pretending to care.

“Although… I should apologise, for how abrupt I was about it” Marinette widened her eyes, why- she didn’t do anything wrong?

“I would’ve preferred asking for your consent first, but seeing the opportunity I may have taken it rather quickly” She grasped one of her braids, a nervous habit maybe, Marinette couldn’t help but notice before giving her answer.

“N-No its fine, I-I don’t mind you being my partner, not like I’ve got anyone better- I mean- I didn’t mean it like that. I just- erm, I just. I’m glad you thought about me” If Marinette had been able to look past her hair, she would’ve noticed the small blush creep up on her cheeks.

“No problem”

***

Normally, a weekend would be extremely relaxing to the young designer.

She had as much time to sleep in, plus she started a late shift anyway, her Parents were the best when it came to that, since they knew how much trouble she had getting up on a school day, they knew they couldn’t ask her to get up early for work, especially since it was their workplace.

And she had completed other homework assignments a while ago, so surely there was no reason for why she should be pacing around in the living room so early for her.

Well, it may or may not have something to do with the new girl.

.

She really should stop calling her new girl, she gave her her name for god’s sake.

But she just felt so nervous.

She told her Parents about this new assignment, and how she actually volunteered to be her partner, and how Marinette in the spur of a moment offered to go to her place on Saturday to start it. And she couldn’t deny when she saw the relieved expression she had when she offered. But now…

She hadn’t had someone over in years, everyone else avoided this place like the plague, the Parents still came though, and although they were slightly informed of the situation, they also just believed it was teenage drama.

Her own Parents showed their own worry, they loved their girl, and they truly didn’t want her to ever be hurt like last time ever again, but they also knew if she never gave this girl a shot, she’d never know.

Was it better to know than to ponder it forever?

That was a phrase Marinette was all too familiar with. However, it still didn’t calm her nerves.

Her Parents had told her if she didn’t want Rosaniline to be around anymore, they’d be more than happy to just so happen have an event take place right at that moment that she would have to leave, even if Marinette hoped that wouldn’t happen.

So, as she continued to pace, she was able to see from her balcony the Parisians all around, her doorway was slightly ajar so she could hear the sound of birds chirping, cars passing, and a motorcycle coming to a stop.

The noise of a motorcycle made her come to a fond thought of her Nonna. She loved her very much, and her free spirit.

Whenever she came back from one of her grand trips, she’d always get Marinette some type of fabric that always made her determined to incorporate into some type of clothing.

It was somewhat why she always stayed in the path of fashion, not just because her Parents would be disappointed in seeing her so unmotivated, but because she still liked the challenge of turning fabric into something.

She giggled, besides that thing from last week, it was the only adventurous thing she had done.

The sound of steps interrupted her as she saw her Maman, she nodded before Marinette felt a slight drop in her stomach.

She was here, she just needed to calm down, it would be fine.

She’d just smile and brace for it.

Walking down the stairs to her bakery was the same as always, she could smell the fresh bread from the oven. She always appreciated this aspect, living in a bakery always meant the aroma was lovely.

Going through the door after her Maman she braced herself to see the ne- er, Rosaniline.

What she didn’t brace for was the little girl cuddling her leg as soon as she entered.

“Hi, my names Piper, can we go to your room now?” She had to compose herself so she wouldn’t fall over with the girl in tow, but she couldn’t help internally awwing at the little kids’ appearance.

Black hair tied back in a red bow, a pink leotard with a lighter coloured tutu skirt. And a short but worn-out blue cape. And to top it all off, sparkly pink shoes faded to orange.

“O-Oh, hi there.” She gave a little wave, still completely confused.

“I’m so sorry Mari, Piper was just too excited to meet you, I’m very sorry for the shock” She saw a concerned look coming from Rosaniline. She sure did fret a lot- ah, she knew she didn’t mean it as a bad thing she just, well, she was used to being quiet and observing.

“Its fine really, but how come you brought your… Sister here?” She was unsure if the guess was right but considering the nod from the other girl, she relaxed knowing she was right. And considering she had to ignore a comment made from her Parents about a nickname she was given, she could just ignore that.

“I’m so sorry for the late notice, it’s just, something came up and I couldn’t find anyone able to take care of her. I’m really sorry for not telling you before but I- I don’t have your phone number so I couldn’t tell you. Eheh. I promise she won’t cause any trouble. Right?” The smaller girl, now back at her Sister’s side, bounced and repeated yes several times.

She looked to her Parents, almost asking them if it was alright, this whole situation caught her slightly off guard, and she momentarily forgot the question was directed at her.

Luckily her Maman was ready.

“Of course its fine, my, your Sister is such a cutie. And what’s your name sweetie?” Her Mother crouched down to make eye level. The girl puffed her chest out before standing straight up.

“My name is Piper Keyne-Hill ma’am, and I am 6 years old” She held one hand up before she looked up.

“Did I do it right?” Rosaniline smiled before bending down to her level as well.

“Do you believe that is the right answer?” Her use of that caused attention to Piper’s hand as the little one looked back, she gasped before proudly extending another finger up.

“There you go” She ruffled her hair as Marinette saw her Mother continue talking with Piper.

And yet… She felt that dread from earlier flee away, seeing Rosaniline interacting with her Sister so fondly brought heat to her cheeks and inside. She just, felt so calm around her.

And that warm smile…

She, kinda wanted her to smile like that to her…

“Marinette?” That broke her out of her trance, she looked over at her Papa who had a confused look.

“Shouldn’t you two start working on the project?”

“Huh? Oh- oh yeah, yes of course the project… Eh, Rosaniline lets go, I’ve got some kid books to keep Piper company” She didn’t mind the weight on her arm, or the way her Parents smiled at her interactions with the cherry haired girl.

She just minded how heavy her heart was pounding for some reason.

.

Marinette never considered her room big, she always found it spacious, it might be due to her always misplacing at least something when she’s in a rush, but she knew where it would be.

Stepping over to her desk draw, she pulls out a bunch of child books, since Nadja always did spring a babysitting job on her, she figured there was no reason to place them somewhere that would be too much of a hassle to keep getting out. So, she kept them closer.

Turning back, she saw the two looking around her room, Piper held so much excitement as Rosaniline wore a smile.

“Woooooow, it’s so pink, Rosalee what type is it?” Tugging at her Sister’s cardigan the older girl smiled.

“There are many different types, so I doubt I know the exact one… But I’d say it was a coral pink” She pattered her head as she too looked over the room, a somewhat reminiscent expression as she takes it all in.

“Mari I’m so jealous, to be able to live in a bakery with all of those magnificent smells around every day, it must be like heaven” Marinette scratched her head, ok- this was all so different, no matter how much she wanted to go back to her usual self, there was always something holding her back. Almost like, if she fell in this trap again, she’d mess it up, before she could be comfortable.

There she goes again, over thinking the situation like before.

No wonder-

“Ahh- it’s a tiger, look look” Piper’s voice brought her out of it as she saw Piper sitting in Rosaniline’s legs.

“Mmhmmn, so, Mari should we get started?” Marinette could only nod before they pulled out some books to get started.

***

‘This was easier when I had to do it on my own’ The bluenette thought, now don’t get her wrong, they weren’t arguing or anything, they just couldn’t exactly agree on a subject together.

When Rosaniline suggested gory fairy tales, she had to physically force herself not to shudder, fortunately the girl opposite her said it was a mere jest, thinking it would’ve been funny to see the teachers face when they spoke about it, but maybe it would be too much.

Rosaniline even joked that they may not have anything in common at all, that did nothing to soothe the young girls’ nerves. She just knew this might not have been the best decision, if they couldn’t find a topic, she knew Bustier would blame her for it, and if Bustier blamed her no doubt the class would as well. And it would just be one more point for them as they’d slowly but surely turn Rosaniline away from her.

It’s not like she would be disappointed or anything, it’s just, she’d rather be right now than in the future with her hopes up.

But, it didn’t help that her feelings were so mixed about this. Why was it she wanted to get to know Rosaniline?

Knock knock.

“Girls, I think you’re due a break now, don’t you?” Marinette was relieved, surely after some food they’ll be able to come up with at least one idea.

“Yes, Mlle Dupain-Cheng, that would be lovely.”

“Now stop that, you can call me Sabine, aw such a polite child you are” She blushed as she rubbed the back of her head.

“Marinette dear, mind if you help me?” Her eyes were confused, her Maman would normally never ask for help, what was so different now?

But not wanting to cause a scene she nodded and proceeded to climb down, just as Piper was moving onto a different type of picture book.

Going over to the kitchen she saw that her Mother had prepared so much food it would’ve looked like a feast, but that was how she was, whenever guests came over you could see more food on a table than a table.

She hoped Rosaniline and Piper had an appetite.

“Is everything alright dear?” She felt her Maman’s hands on her shoulders, it was always reassuring that her Parents did so much to look out for her, even when she pretended to be just fine her Parents would give her time just to be by herself if she needed it and then be there if she wanted to talk.

“Yes Maman, she’s really nice… We just haven’t figured out what topic to do yet.” She laughed nervously as her Mother couldn’t help but give a somewhat serious expression.

“You know, if you at all feel uncomfortable, we can still make up an excuse-” She shook her head.

“No Maman its fine really, if anything we’ll just keep it to the school library… She’s- I don’t know, I can’t explain it, I just feel-”

“Relaxed?” Her Mother finished the sentence for her, she nodded as Sabine thought how glad this girl was making her feel.

“Alright, well then get back up there, you don’t want her thinking you abandoned her?” She nudged her cheek as Marinette pushed her hand gently. She gave her Mum a kiss on the cheek before making her way back up to her room.

She couldn’t explain the feeling much, it was like she was feeling peaceful, a smooth tranquillity around her.

It wasn’t a feeling she had around her older friends, it always seemed like whatever they did was rushed, no time to process it. Or they didn’t let her speak.

Rosaniline did, she let her speak, she listened to her, she made her- feel.

She didn’t want that feeling to go away.

“Piper- I know you like this book, but I don’t think you should be flicking through it.”

“But why? Marilee gave me these. And they look so pretty I want one.” The little one responded, she didn’t demand, she was raised better than that.

“Well, I don’t think she meant to give you this one.” She was confused, wait what book was it?

Her heart stopped as she saw a pink cover-

That- that was her commission book!

She was rushing too much to even notice that she’d given Piper that one book.

Oh god, she was going to see her secret, that she was starting her own commission blog, that she was MDC- that she could tell everyone at Collège Françoise Dupont, and it could ruin her career. That everyone could post lies about her, making nobody trust her and demand refunds, and maybe she’d get taken in by the police- be sent to jail and never have her dream job of-

“Mari? Hey, Mari can you hear me?” She felt warm hands wrap around her own. She could feel herself look up as silver concerned eyes looked back at hers.

She felt another tug at her skirt, looking down to see Piper with her own worried expression.

“Did I make Marilee upset?” It was a simple question that pulled at her heartstrings, she felt tears prickle at her eyes for her overthinking. But she didn’t mean for Piper to be upset, or for Rosaniline to be worried either.

There she went again, overthinking every little thing that she couldn’t account for, why did she have to be this way, why did she have to be so cynical and downright negative.

“Oh no, heavens no Piper, I just- er had something in my eye, yeah. You didn’t do anything Piper, I’m glad you like the books I gave you.” Piper smile grew as she proceeded to drag Marinette over to the books again.

She seemed to be putting on an act though, from what Rosaniline could see. She was panicking over something, why? She didn’t know, she did want to find out but didn’t want to push it. She had a habit of wanting to find out answers, it wasn’t a bad thing, she remembered her Mum say, it’s just sometimes she could be just a teeny bit insensitive about it.

Looking over the scene she saw her little Sister pointing excitedly at the pages of sketched clothing, her saying how much she loved them and all the colours that she used and said how the author was so creative.

Marinette laughed along, her tears faded as she enjoyed Piper’s enthusiasm, almost making a note to definitely make her something- and for Rosaniline of course, it’ll be weird to make it for one and not the other.

And then- an idea struck.

“I know, why don’t we do it about the history of fashion?” The dark-skinned girl spoke up. She saw two heads turn towards her as she grinned. Putting her hands together near her cheeks as she spiralled in her own thoughts.

“I’ve always wanted to learn more about it, to see the transformations going through all the ages. And this could be the perfect time. So, what do you think?” It was a question that seemed as if she could reject it, but it still felt like a trick.

What if she didn’t suggest this as a solution, but for convenience for herself, since now she knew she liked fashion and would make her do all the work, it’s not like it hadn’t happened before, so why did it hurt so much to have her do it?

Did she have any right to object, wouldn’t it seem like she was being way to fussy? They already saw her sketches before, so she couldn’t deny she was a good artist. But then what if the others thought it was her idea?

That she made Rosaniline chose this subject, and get told how selfish to have done so, a disappointing gaze from Bustier, a disapproving gaze from Adrien, she felt her chest tighten up again, oh god, she was overthinking again, why did she have to be like this?

“Hey- hey Mari, we don’t have to if you don’t want… I-er saw you liked videogames; we could always do it about that if you want?” But Mari felt so disappointed in herself, she was being so accommodating to her, why, why for her? She didn’t deserve this.

“B-But Marilee’s so good at drawing, she can really really really draw. I know you can do it.” Piper enthusiastically cheered, she would’ve smiled but couldn’t, not yet, she just had to think through it.

What could she do?

“Piper, not now” Rosaniline slightly scolded, she never liked doing it honestly, but besides her Mother she had the trademark glare that told her to pack it in.

Unfortunately, Piper never did look at her while she was in such an energetic mood.

What could she do?

“Rosalee she’s amazing, she’s the best in the world. Don’t do it about stupid video games.” She tried persuading her Sister to see some sense, in the short time that she had known Marilee, she was pretty much enarmed with her, she found another Sister that needed a confidence boost.

What. Could. She. Do!?

“Piper!- Look, sometimes not everyone wants to show their skills to other people, and we have to respect that, ok?” She crouched down to her level, kids felt less intimidated when you weren’t so tall, besides, Piper didn’t mean anything by it, she was always told to follow her heart, and if she was proud of something, she should show it off for the whole world to see.

What could-

Wait?

Could someone really be so accommodating? Could it really be true? Could all of this be true?

“Aww… Ok Rosalee, sorry Marilee” Piper hugged Marinette’s leg, and even though it felt like she was getting told off, she knew she wasn’t in real trouble.

Or was it a persona?

“I’ll do it.”

If this was a plan, a plan to make her do all the work, then she’ll go along with it. It felt so mean, so immature, so senseless that she still wasn’t trusting her, but she didn’t want to turn Rosaniline away without any evidence, besides, if this was all a trick, then surely it was better this way, she would’ve foreseen it and everything would go back to normal, she’d go off to join the class while she’d be alone once more, maybe they’ll have passing glances and memories of what could’ve been but she wouldn’t leave her here open and out to be in such a vulnerable position.

Not just for her, but for both, she didn’t know what would happen after another heartbreak.

“Huh?”

“I- I don’t mind if we do it about fashion, I mean, only if you want to, I don’t mind teaching you about it, I-I even had some books stored just for this, so I guess its lucky right” A nervous laughter evolved as she looked at anywhere but her.

However, the cherry haired girl wasn’t as convinced.

“Are you sure?”

“Yeah, I guess little Piper just convinced me.” The little girl fist pumped to herself before running along back to her books before the bluenette felt soft hands on her shoulders.

“As long as you want to as well, I… Wouldn’t want to force you or anything” Quick, she had to ease the tension.

“-Psst- Don’t worry so much Rosaniline, c’mon I’ll see where I put those books, also how far do you wanna go back, if we go too far, we might not be able to cover everything. But if we go to a few years back our presentation would just be too small. Maybe we can just go halfway. That reminds me maybe we could have a physical element, I could throw together some pieces of old works together and show them of as we talk- or” Her shoulders were gently grabbed again as she looked at the close proximity she was in, it made her blush just a tad more than she thought she ever could.

“Maybe we could discuss that, over something to eat?” She quickly looked down and remembered the food on the ground, no doubt cold now. She felt guilt come in before seeing her passionate smile.

“Sorry, I just saw how passionate you were about this, I couldn’t bear to stop you, but then I got worried if you’d run out of air, Eheh. Think we can heat the food up?” She nodded, maybe it might be better to eat downstairs after all, now that Marinette knew what topic she- they were doing, they could crack on and complete it earlier than the deadline.

She’d have to get Rosaniline’s phone number of course, just in case they needed to discuss other things but that could wait.

Of course, it could wait.

She was just so happy in that moment, she- she may have really wanted to try and be her friend.

And maybe-

No- she just wanted to continue to be near her, to hold her hand when she’s upset, to help her when she’s had a bad day.

To be… Closer to her, to that warmth.

… Was it selfish of her to want to be near that warmth for longer?

***

Night had fallen upon Paris, but the lone girl on her balcony didn’t mind at all.

Ever since that day, a part of her wished something else would happen.

No- she didn’t want the hero to be hurt again, that’s by far too sadistic to even think about… But she was really excited by all of those events, when she was able to get a breather, there was a rush of adrenaline throwing through her veins, and even if she did want something else to happen, she’d prefer to be out here just to see if she could get a glimpse of the hero again.

It had been a week since it happened, and Marinette could only guess she must have been resting from her… Fight? Was that the right word? Oh well, she must’ve been resting since she hadn’t heard anything about her from the news for a while, she could only hope her wound would heal by professionals instead of her shoddy work. But- she had to realise that she had to hope for the hero’s survival.

For Soliane Rin’s survival.

… She may have read a bit more into her- but it was only out of curiosity, she wasn’t going to gain another obsessive crush over someone famous again, nope, nada, she wasn’t going to fall for those really amazing silver eyes the press had made sure to call grey, but she was sure they were silver.

Wait, no it wasn’t like she looked at them for particularly long or anything, she definitely didn’t get lost in them, she saw a poster of them! Ah- this wasn’t helping. She needed to change the subject immediately!

Clang.

She jumped up instantly, her commissions book that was resting on her lap was now flying through the air! Oh no, she was going to lose everything, crap! Her designs!

A figure, however, flew up to catch them before landing in front of the startled girl.

“I believe these books were trying to plan their escape from you mi Belle” It was her; it really was her! She was-

“You’re alright” Her happiness took over her before she could even register that she had leapt into the arms of the hero of Paris.

She was going to regret this so much.

With her cheeks rosying so much, she jumped back until she fell back onto her chair, apology after apology escaping the girl not daring to look at her face.

‘How embarrassing, how inappropriate, how childish. Why did she have to make a fool out of herself now? In front of the new hero no less? Again!’

“There’s no need for any embarrassment, I was unaware I’d caused you such panic over my recovery, if I’d known you were worried, I would’ve visited a lot sooner.” Ah- she was always so formal with her choice of words. It was great, she was great- wait what?

“But I- didn’t realise you’d wish to see me after my blunder from last time.” That made her perk up, what… What was she talking about?

Soliane’s gaze seemed to be fixated on the ground as she looked so- so frustrated with herself. Why?

“To have failed on the first day as a hero, to have troubled a civilian with help. I can’t thank you enough to have woken you at such a godly hour just for my sake” She bowed her head forward as Marinette couldn’t help but try to make her stop.

“It’s nothing really, I mean I’m sure anyone else would help out a hero like you. I-I mean maybe not everyone else since there are some bad people but I’m sure most will. Not that you don’t need it, I mean you do- don’t I- I’m sorry I’m rambling again” Soliane Rin didn’t appear to hear her as she carried on with her tirade.

“But to not even know who it was that harmed me. I-I don’t deserve to have my title as a hero.” Why? Why was she saying this? She- no she couldn’t be serious.

But that look made it all the more real, she’d seen it so much. Every time she ever looked in the mirror after crying for so long, regret, disappointment, anything and everything negative flashed through her mind and she could tell, see everything, all of it.

And knew it broke her, would break her.

Marinette knew she didn’t have any powers.

She couldn’t shoot lasers from her eyes.

She couldn’t fly.

She couldn’t control objects through her mind.

But- how Mother always said she had a talent for one thing.

Empathy.

She could be so understanding when her mind was so calm, when she wasn’t worrying about what others were thinking of her, when she could see, truly see inside their heart, all of their feelings out on display, and helping them, by being there for them.

For knowing exactly what to say…

It- may not always work, but no superhero comes out of every battle unscathed.

“Please stop” She looked up, but it was still such a pitying look. She could see through her smile, but it felt as if she wasn’t even trying to hide it, like there was no use concealing it.

“You can’t keep blaming yourself for a mistake like that, it’s not fair to you- or to me. Yes, I was scared when I saw you injured, but I’m so glad that you’re here now. You’re still standing. You still want to continue even when you were hurt. I’ve seen just how strong you are, how confident you can be when the world tried to throw its worse at you.” She stepped closer to her, having gotten up from her fallen position.

“So please don’t give up for one mistake,”

She stepped closer…

“Don’t give up when I know you have the strength in you to persist.” She wrapped her arms around her again, and this time she wasn’t so embarrassed about doing it.

She was crying…

She tried to use those words for someone else.

It hadn’t worked… So, she had to believe in anything and everything for it to succeed now, for her.

“You risk your life every day, and yet you never ask for anything. I want to thank you for all that you’ve done, on behalf of Paris, no, the whole world. You’re a real hero Soliane Rin. Please don’t doubt that.” She hugged a bit tighter; she hadn’t meant to get so emotional on her, but maybe that emotion wasn’t just for her.

.

.

It was silent.

Too silent.

Marinette had to hold her breath in anticipation, did- did she go too far? Did she overstep her boundaries again? Did she-

“Ah I see. Thank you, I-I mean, I appreciate your gratitude Marinette” When she looked back, she could see her cheeks were red, she could see her silver eyes look back at her before seeing her own cheeks reddening as well- wait, she was so close! Again!

She jumped back again, not falling this time, thanking the heavens that she wasn’t making a fool out herself as much as usual.

“I must commend your stubbornness my dear. I- I hadn’t imagined you’d have a positive opinion of me after that, I must apologise for making such a rash assumption about you, and for- eh snapping me out of that. I’m thankful to have met such a kind and respectable hero like you.” She bowed her head again as Marinette had to comprehend what had just happened.

It felt awkward, Soliane Rin was blushing a lot, Marinette was blushing like crazy as well.

“Me a hero, what no way. You’re just joking, don’t tell me you hit your head too?” She waved her hands in front of her. She recalled how clumsy she was, how often she’d trip on the stairs to Collège or even when she dropped her tray of pastries on the floor, that one was particularly embarrassing.

However, she was too late to see that Soliane had stopped her smile as Marinette began to panic again.

“No! I didn’t mean hit your head I meant did you crack it- no check it- no I mean, how can I ever be a hero to anything, I’m just me, Marinette. I don’t have any superpowers or anything I’m just an ordinary girl ehehehe” She felt her hand taken by the hero again, her heart stopping for a moment before jumping to x2, she couldn’t believe she was holding her hand again.

“Just because I wear a mask and costume doesn’t make me a hero. It’s my ideals and thoughts for the people. Marinette, you may not have powers, or a hero name. But you can be a hero still. After all, All that is needed for the prevail of malevolence is that individuals concede defeat.” Marinette was shocked, she just- wow, that was cool. And… So sweet. To say that, about anyone, about her. Even if she didn’t fully believe it at first, she’d be sure to keep those words very close to her heart.

The bluenette smiled back, before they both looked over her balcony and over Paris, they share a moment just looking out, the silence was comforting to them as some time passed.

There was a question that may have crossed her mind at one point, she felt guilty for taking so much time out of her day- night- schedule? Oh well, she had to ask just one little thing.

Marinette fiddling with her fingers, she took a deep breath.

“S-So do you have to do a patrol or-” Soliane looked up surprised before checking something around her wrist, she laughed nervously before turning back.

“Huh- oh yes, unfortunately I won’t be able to stay longer, however it would be even more unbefitting of me to avoid my job any further” She wanted to deny what she said was true, but saw her giggle so slightly, knowing it was a small joke, she lightened up as Soliane Rin bows again and flies off from her balcony railings bidding her adieu.

With her hand resting where her heart was beating, faster than usual, faster then whenever she was late for class. Faster than-

Oh

Oh

Oh no.

No no no! Not again, how did she not realise it sooner?

How!?

This familiar feeling.

Why did it come back?

And why did she want it to stay!?

***

I hope you enjoyed it.

Anyway, I’m willing to take a bunch off prompts for Rosann and Mari on date nights/doing couple things, whether you want some added salt from the class is up to each requester, I may turn a few away if I either feel uncomfortable or simply not able to write it, these prompts will come out randomly, I have no structure to anything. To submit, I’ll allow for the idea to be within any time frame, i.e. when they first meet, to being friends, to being a couple. I do love angst although I’ll be unsure how to make it work when it should be a ton off fluff stuff. If you have any questions don’t feel afraid to ask, I might have to clarify some points. I’ll be ordering the prompts, and stating when they come in the main story, what you would’ve need to have read before, if it contained any spoilers for certain chapters and any trigger warnings, although you may need to state what might be triggering as sometimes, I too get confused on what I need to state, if anyone can do that then that’s alright.)

Even though I like a Saltinette, sometimes I still wanna see a different perspective of her, an anxious, guilt-ridden, cautious, mess like this version. I just think it’ll be interesting to basically rewrite Marinette’s character. Instead of this sassy overconfident one in most fanfic’s I’ve now changed the status quo. Haha.

And I believe I’ve taken a somewhat realistic approach to Marinette trying to trust someone else, I didn’t want to just rush into it. However, I do think it’s a bit different with Soliane Rin because she is a hero, and I think Marinette could trust her a lot easier than Rosaniline.

Also did you know that Majestia’s quote was a straight rip off of Edmund Burke’s?

The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.

All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing.

Yeah...

Cya next time.

Note: Please tell me if I should add anything else to the card, there will be one of these cards for all 15 chapters, however, because I have uni work all updates will be slower because I really need to focus on the uni stuff, then I might be able to upload quicker. They also may change in the future because I can never stop adding stuff.

[boldlyanxious]

Remember when 9

Misunderstood

RW masterlist

Nightwing landed first and looked around but it was Batgirl that saw the piece of torn cloth. She unwrapped it and read out the license plate for Oracle to locate. Batman and Red Robin checked out the buildings. When they confirmed that it looked like electrical weapons they had Oracle send the batmobile with medical supplies and arc flash gear to inhibit conductive properties. Oracle contacted the police about the power outage and their suspicions of the Electrocutioner being responsible as she also guided the team to follow the vehicle.

Oracle had the location of the vehicle very easily so they moved with caution when they arrived, only Red Robin and Batman had electricity repelling suits. There were 2 lookouts so they knew it was the right place. Hood managed to have perfect timing in managing to knock out one immediately after they gave the all clear. The other turned at the noise and Red Robin took him down. The knob was turned slowly and the door pushed gently but it creaked even when moving slow. They paused and waited but moved forward when they realized that they couldn't be heard over the voices. They heard Rouge Gorge first. She was talking freely with one of the henchmen.

"They captured me but I got away. Batman definitely knows I'm not with him."

"What were you doing out then if not reporting to him."

"I just needed to be out so I could think. I was worried that Hawkmoth could find me from the video."

"What video? Wait, Hawkmoth I've never heard of a Hawkmoth."

"He burned it all but I don't remember why."

"You don't remember?"

"A man held me back. I think he was a friend I can't remember. He wouldn't let me save them."

"You need more."

"No. Please no."

There were shuffling sounds and then another man spoke. "There you are. Spin like a ballerina."

"It's too fast." She complained. The shuffling stopped abruptly and the original man kept asking questions.

"Why do you think this Hawkmoth will find you."

"There is a video online."

"Do you think he is coming here? Is he trying to find you." Instead of a response she started singing in French.

"La mer

Qu'on voit danser le long des golfes clairs

A des reflets d'argent

La mer

Des reflets changeants

Sous la pluie"

This worked as a perfect distraction for the bat family to make their move. They had silently been trying to decide but when she started singing Nightwing cued them to move.

---

Rouge Gorge stumbled as the man behind her supporting most of her weight turned to fight. She wobbled several steps before managing to support her weight and get to the wall. Holding steady on the wall confirmed for her that it was not the room that was spinning but that it was all in her head. She stumbled into Batgirl but managed to pull herself up. She pointed to the 2 rooms to tell what she knew.

"The children and their mother are being guarded. There were 3 others in there."

"With guns?"

"Big ones. The man is in that room. I don't know anything about it though."

Batgirl nodded and then turned to the room with the children. The men were already on their way out to join the fight. Nightwing went over to join Batgirl in freeing the children and Red Robin went for the other room. Rouge Gorge screamed as the blue electricity hit him as the door opened. The electricity covered him but didn't seem to injure him.

After she screamed all the rest of the henchmen came running. The man in the SWAT police uniform came out of the room with the man and hit Red Robin so he and the Electrocutioner could make their escape out the front door. From the side hallway came another man in a strange suit that Rouge Gorge hadn't seen before. She heard someone call out that there was a fire but she was already being dragged out by the man in Swat gear.

Upon seeing the man starting the fire the Bat family began evacuating instead of fighting off the henchmen. The man turned out to be Falcone and he was unconscious and tied to a chair. While there was still a shot at the backdoor Batman and Hood carried him out. Nightwing got the window open and climbed out. Batgirl handed him the children and then helped the mother climb out before she followed. Red Robin recovered himself from the hit and began chasing the two men out the front as they tried to escape.

"Just let them go." Nightwing called out to Red Robin.

"What about Rouge Gorge?" he said back.

"Let it go. She was helping them." Batman said.

"I think she was helping us," Batgirl said. "She told me what she knew about the kids. But she was acting weird."

"Better if we get her than them." Nightwing said as he flung a bola cord that caught her by the ankles. "With their doubt and her knowledge of us it's a risk not worth taking."

---

Rouge Gorge found herself being pulled along. Her legs weren't even cooperating enough to keep up let alone fighting to get away. The house was now covered in flames and the man who started the fire had almost caught up with them. She was too afraid to fight against them too much and risk them killing her. 

She looked back and saw the bat team regrouping. She had hoped that they could be working together on this. But they appeared to be satisfied now that the children were safe. That had been her hope when she turned on her radio so they could hear what was happening but she had expected it would help her too. This was all above her level of expertise. Her feet were barely hitting the ground as she was being pulled. She suspected that if she survived her shoulder would end up being very sore from how her arm was being pulled.

When a bola cord flew and tied her legs together she fell over finally stopping her from being pulled along. The sudden change caused her to be dropped to the ground. The man went to lift her but he pulled back when a batarang flew at him. The other man turned and threw out more blue lightning but it missed Nightwing. While he was distracted Rouge Gorge was lifted again.

Another cord was launched at her from something like a grappling gun. This time instead of releasing to tie her it wrapped around her middle but stayed connected so she could be pulled back. Rather than using her in a game of tug of war the swat man gave up and ran on to join the other two. He wasn't even in the vehicle before it peeled out and drove away.

"Should we follow?" Hood asked, "We could catch up to them."

"Not tonight," Batman said.

Next

Taglist

(as always sorry if it doesn't work. I'm really bad at this)

@silverwhiteraven | @ira-sairain | @iloveitwhen | @wannajointhecrabcult | @toodaloo-kangaroo | @ertyzeta | @no-username2544 | @mystery-5-5 | @laurcad123 | @jiso-lee | @razzledazzle247 | @kaithehero | @diamondjewel123 | @comet-kun |@theymakeupfairies | @roselynfey | @moongoddesskiana | @cresentmo0n | @2confused-2doanything | @officiallydarkgeek | @vixen-uchiha | @athena452 | @nach0ava | @ladybug-182 | @ladylb | @redscarlet95 | @bigpicklebananatree | @swiftie-miraculer13 | @kokotaru | @damnaged-princess

**I have most of the next part written and I hate everything about it so I had to post to force myself into fixing it. Hopefully I'll do that soon.

[fandom-necromancer]

Exchange Detective

This was prompted by an amazing anon! Enjoy!

Fandom: Detroit become human | Ship: Reed1700

‘Do you think he managed?’ Nines smiled, momentarily pulling his eyes from the Laptop sitting on their legs and instead laying an arm around Connor’s shoulders. ‘Sure he did’, he reassured him, kissing his temple. ‘You know Gavin.’ ‘Exactly, I know him. He is strong, but this trip might be one of the worst challenges he ever had to deal with. I’m just worried, you know how easily he picks a fight with the wrong people.’ ‘He will be fine’, Nines purred, but at the same time anxiously stared at the dark circle around Gavin’s profile picture. He wasn’t online yet, even though it was already half an hour past the time they all agreed upon.

Gavin had been sent by Fowler to aid a police station cross country tearing down the Red Ice labs. ‘You know it’s his biggest fear. He really hates what they thought up for him and he couldn’t even change plans, because he’s the new one. I doubt he survived the morning without his temporary boss kicking his ass out of their station.’ Nines huffed at the image that brought to his mind. ‘Honestly? I think what came after was even worse for him. Patience really isn’t his strong suit and having to endure sitting there motionless for hours? He really is more of a rushing in person.’ Connor sighed. ‘Whatever it is, I know the first thing he will complain about is playing the role. You know him on undercover jobs. Manipulating others into thinking he is someone-‘

He was interrupted by the screen lighting up and the call icon pulsating. Nines was immediately taking the call and Gavin’s face appeared. He looked tired and fed up with the world what had the two androids’ hearts already sinking in empathy. Ever since the calm after the revolution when they had time to reconcile and discovered they were actually a pretty efficient team, it had been a rare occasion not seeing them together. And especially now seeing how hard the day had been on the man, they both just wanted to pull him into a group hug and cuddle on the sofa. Impossible now that one of them was sitting in an entirely different state.

‘Hey’, Gavin greeted them tiredly. ‘Nice to see you two.’ ‘Likewise’, Connor said and smiled at the screen fondly. ‘How are you?’ ‘Was the day as terrible as you made it seem?’, Nines added. ‘Well, about as bad, yes’, Gavin shrugged and yawned. ‘I’m just exhausted. I’d go to bed immediately, wouldn’t that mean tomorrow to come even faster.’ ‘Anything standing out in particular?’, Nines asked.

‘Urgh, where do I even start… It all began when I had to introduce myself and tell them about our work with the Network. I mean, I rehearsed what to say like a thousand times, but damn, I really hate speaking in public. And afterwards I had to sit with all the others for the rest of the briefing and they didn’t even offer snacks. Why did I even go there if they don’t even have free food? It was a full day of bureaucracy and playing nice with strangers to cut it short. I’m like the worst person to send to something like this.’

‘It’s only for a week’, Connor tried to comfort the man on the other end of the line. Gavin just sighed and let himself fall into the cushions, his image distorting for a second. ‘Yeah, I know. A full week of idling when I could be with you doing actual work. Fowler really wants to punish me, huh?’ ‘We miss you too’, Nines offered as consolidation. ‘Would have much rather have you here with us.’ ‘Yeah, same’, Gavin breathed out and took a long look at their picture. ‘Can’t wait to be back with you.’ ‘It’s just a week’, Connor reminded him. ‘You are strong, you can make it.’ ‘Yeah, I could endure it’, Gavin smirked. ‘Or I could be myself and make it one and a half days until I’m send back to Detroit.’ ‘Fowler would kill you’, Nines commented. ‘That’s illegal’, the human grinned and Connor shook  his head. ‘Nah, I will kill some time until the week’s over. I got enough disciplinaries, don’t need any more.’

He yawned heartly once again and rubbed his forehead. ‘Okay, boys, I’m logging off. Was good to see you, but I’m phcking tired. I’ll try to be here earlier tomorrow, then we can talk a little while longer.’ ‘Okay’, Nines nodded. ‘Sleep well.’ Connor leaned over too, smiling at the tired man. ‘Love you.’ ‘Love you two, too. See you tomorrow! Good night.’

[grandhotelabyss]

“Economically conditioned” power is not, of course, identical with “power” as such. On the contrary, the emergence of economic power may be the consequence of power existing on other grounds. Man does not strive for power only in order to enrich himself economically. Power, including economic power, may be valued “for its own sake.” Very frequently the striving for power is also conditioned by the social “honor” it entails. Not all power, however, entails social honor: The typical American Boss, as well as the typical big speculator, deliberately relinquishes social honor. Quite generally, “mere economic” power, and especially “naked” money power, is by no means a recognized basis of social honor. Nor is power the only basis of social honor.

[...]

We have seen above that the market and its processes “knows no personal distinctions”: “functional” interests dominate it. It knows nothing of “honor.” The status order means precisely the reverse, viz.: stratification in terms of “honor” and of styles of life peculiar to status groups as such. If mere economic acquisition and naked economic power still bearing the stigma of its extra-status origin could bestow upon anyone who has won it the same honor as those who are interested in status by virtue of style of life claim for themselves, the status order would be threatened at its very root. This is the more so as, given equality of status honor, property per se represents an addition even if it is not overtly acknowledged to be such. Yet if such economic acquisition and power gave the agent any honor at all, his wealth would result in his attaining more honor than those who successfully claim honor by virtue of style of life. Therefore all groups having interests in the status order react with special sharpness precisely against the pretensions of purely economic acquisition.

—Max Weber, “Class, Status, Party”

The replies are full of left-liberals complaining that they have Ph.D.s but no money in the metropole, in marked contrast to the boat-dealership-owning MAGA CHUDS of the exurban and rural hinterland. But, if I may say as an only-semi-employed holder of a humanities doctorate, that’s just part of the story, and not the main part. 

The main part is this: the expert class, which has status with or without economic power, has allied itself to the higher-status wings of the economically dominant (tech, media) and to one of the major political parties (the Democrats). This might be unremarkable and unobjectionable, but it’s become an existential problem in the last two years as the expert class increasingly uses its communicative expertise to promote fear propaganda and panic porn (the pandemic, climate-as-the-real-pandemic, racism-as-the-real-pandemic) not to combat real social problems within liberal norms but rather to legitimate centralized corporate and governmental power, this to grant itself largesse and patronage out of the public weal: social workers in place of police, free college, an expanded human resource sector, the rise of the fact-checker as ideological censor—this is what they mean when they call everything “infrastructure”—not to mention ongoing conversations about banning those who lack status from medical care, banking, employment, and other necessities on the model of the “social credit score.” 

One doesn’t have to sympathize with the fabled boat dealer’s often phony and belligerent populism to see this expert arrogation as a—or maybe the—prime social irritant today, especially now that the resentful expert class of laptop workers has tasted the power to subject the lower classes to lockdownism without end and on any pretext, to include humanity’s being such a blight on the earth that the mass of us should never enjoy free exercise again and must instead live a permanently circumscribed, remedial life of bare state subsistence (to put it in online vernacular: the pod, the bugs). 

What can socialism mean in such an atmosphere other than the obliteration of civil rights and liberties for whatever pittance the state and the monopolies promise to give us? The celebrity example of Russell Brand tells the tale: anyone who had earnest left-wing convictions in the period between the fall of the Berlin Wall and Occupy Wall Street will, if we’re being honest, oppose the aspiring behemoth the left has become. As Camus wrote in another moment of unprecedented centralization:

We must admit that today conformity is on the Left. To be sure, the Right is not brilliant. But the Left is in complete decadence, a prisoner of words, caught in its own vocabulary, capable merely of stereotyped replies, constantly at a loss when faced with the truth, from which it nevertheless claimed to derive its laws. The Left is schizophrenic and needs doctoring through pitiless self-criticism, exercise of the heart, close reasoning, and a little modesty. Until such an effort at re-examination is well under way, any rallying will be useless and even harmful. (“Socialism of the Gallows” [1957], Resistance, Rebellion, and Death)

Insofar as there is a racial subtext to this problem, as in America there always is, I do appreciate what we might in part take to be Coaston’s implied rebuke to old Reagan-era “welfare queen” rhetoric positioning poor African-Americans as in fact privileged by state intervention. It’s not the ’80s anymore, though. The chief ideologue of the Republicans in their current configuration, Steve Bannon, never says anything remotely resembling this and instead emphasizes how “working-class minorities” are abused and deprived by cultural and economic elites that hoard both class power and social status for themselves. Maybe he’s being cynical when he makes that argument—and I am conscious of his larger geopolitical goal, which is global dominance against China—but then again in politics it doesn’t matter what you really believe, only what you feel you have to say to attain power. 

Meanwhile, as the condition of the cities deteriorates further and further, the expert class tries harder and harder to convince the “marginalized people” of whom it has elected itself tribune that there is some transitivity to a MacArthur Fellowship: that Ibram X. Kendi’s being profitably consecrated a genius ennobles you, too, even if you’ve been shot dead by the side of the road. This brand of thinking is no less an imposture than anything Bannon says, and is in fact harder on its face to credit. How long can this go on? I fear we’ll soon find out.

[bastillewolf]

Midnight In Sheffield (VII)

Pairing: Alex Turner/Reader

Summary: When a soon-to-be-wedded insomniac author heads back home to visit her parents, she comes across the likes of a mysterious musician whilst on her sleepless escapade in the AM.

Notes: I took a bit longer to write this chapter, and thank you all so much for the patience. If you didn’t know yet; I got accepted into a writing school! I can’t express the gratitude I feel right now, I owe it all to you. Thank you, and I hope you enjoy.

Let me know if you’d like to be added to the tag list!

Chapter VII - I Wanna Be Yours

Her feet dragged across the pavement, and this time they showed no hesitance because they knew exactly where they were going.

She didn’t find the building she was looking for the first corner she rounded, so she took a detour, until the lights seemed to change and the asphalt disappeared and she nearly tripped over the uneven brick road. A group of men turned their heads when they’d heard her swear loud enough she was sure she’d woken up the deaf grandma that lived in the attic at the end of the street.

As soon as she met his eyes in the pub, she wasted no time do drag him away from a very confused Matt, out to the hallway where the bathrooms were. They were occupied by couples doing, well, what you can imagine they were doing, as well as ladies trying to not-so-subtly sniff a questionable substance from its counters, but she couldn’t be bothered right now. Alex didn’t seem surprised to see her, and it irritated her how calm he was while she was practically having a mental breakdown.

“Guess who I met this morning,” she said, crossing her arms over her chest.

He raised a brow disdainfully, almost offended by the way she was manhandling him and throwing vague questions at him. But she didn’t waver, so he thought he’d humour her anyway. “The wedding planner? I’m sorry, but you’re going to have to be a bit more specific,” he replied.

“Oh, I’ll be a bit more specific,” she ground out, “I was just about to head down for breakfast, when I found that my mum had guests over. A couple, about her age, people I’d never even met before. But somehow, they seemed familiar to me.”

Alex hesitated. He had a feeling where this was going, yet remained silent.

“That’s when I learned their last names. Turner. And they told me all about their missing son, and how he hadn’t even left a note saying he was leaving, and how worried they were. That the only reason they hadn’t called the police yet was because you’d pulled off stunts like this before. But that now, you’ve been gone for years. Without a word.”

“I don’t think it’s any of your business, really-“

“Oh, don’t you fucking start with me, Turner. You made it my business when you started interfering with mine.”

It took her a moment to realize why her mouth was tingling. He had his lips pressed against hers, and they were warm and inviting. He tasted like what she’d expected him to this time around; expensive whiskey with a hint of smoke. His eyes were closed, and without those piercing brown orbs staring back up at her, she almost thought she was kissing someone else.

Hang on a minute.

She shoved him back, “You can’t just do that!”

He raises his eyebrows innocently. “Why not?”

“You’re trying to distract me!”

“Whether or not you get distracted by me is irrelevant, love. I was just hoping we could have a good time, and I was, until you nearly knocked me off my feet and dragged me out into some dirty hallway.”

She glared at him, “You deserved that. I’m engaged.”

Looking across the hall and around the bar, he casually shrugged. “I don’t see him anywhere. And I certainly didn’t hear you complaining last night.”

She felt it at the pit of her stomach when faced with reality; a deep, underlying sense of guilt. What had happened between her and Alex, was something she hadn’t ever felt before. And that scared her senseless. It shouldn’t happen. It couldn’t happen. And she had to make it very evident to him, that this could not go on this way. She had Mark, ad he was all she needed. He didn’t deserve this. Neither of them did.

“Alex, what happened yesterday, it was a mistake. I shouldn’t have let it get to that point, and I’m sorry I led you to believe that I felt that same interest in you that you have for me. It can’t happen again, and I hope you understand.”

He seemed indifferent, but his words were harsh as he took a step closer to her, up until the point where she could feel his hot breath fanning across her already burning cheeks. “You can blame it on wedding nerves, or insomnia, or insecurities all you want, love. But I think you and I both know that last night really meant something. I can’t blame you for lying to me, I really don’t mind. I’ve had enough lies thrown at me before. The thing is, though, I won’t let you lie to yourself. You’re better than that, smarter than that. And most importantly, you deserve better than to be in a situation where you have to lie to yourself to not give into those feelings.”

“Alex-“

“I’ll tell you all about my parents. About what’s going on. About why everything seems to be stuck in time when the moon finally hits the sky. I’ll tell you, but only if you’ll tell me how you really feel.”

“I…” She hesitated.

All she could think about was that night Mark walked away from her. She thought of how sad her mother would be to hear she wouldn’t get married after all. She thought of Rachel and James, who would be telling her they told her so, and then laugh about it all behind their back.

She thought of what might happen to her if Mark wasn’t there. How was she going to get around?

She thought of all that time wasted, trying to make something work that might not have ever been intended to work at all.

“…I don’t know what to feel right now.”

She looked up at him in search for answers, but he wasn’t willing to give her any.

“I feel… scared, confused… and most of all, fucking tired.”

She was glad to see the corner of his mouth quirk up at that at the very least, and comforted when he slung his arm around her shoulders, and said, “Let’s go get you a coffee, then.”

 ***

Alphonse was a trained chef from years of hard work at the cook’s school in Paris. He knew how to make any dish, in any way, shape or form, and most importantly; how to make one with love. It might sound cheesy, but everyone knows that’s the key ingredient to a successful meal.

Alphonse was very good at cooking and working with love. He was also very good with the ladies, if he was allowed to say so himself. But he had to admit, his temperament was short, and he was awfully bad at being patient with people who were subconsciously withholding affection from one another.

So, when Mr. Turner had stepped back into the restaurant with his Cherie asking for a cup of coffee and looking mighty burdened with heavy topic, he scraped back his chair, and stormed off into the kitchen to angrily grind some coffee beans.

“Is he all right?” she wondered, as she hung her coat over her chair.

Alex shrugged it off.

Furthermore, even though their cups nearly cracked from the force Alphonse smacked them onto their table with, the restaurant was as quiet as ever at this hour.

“I suppose I’ll leave you to it, then,” the chef grumbled, and strutted back into his kitchen.

She turned back to the steaming dark liquid, trying to focus her attention on the swirls her spoon were creating instead of the tense feelings she got from being alone with Alex once more.

“It’s a long story,” he finally spoke up, “But I need you to look at me while I tell it.”

She did as asked.

 ***

“When we were still in school, we’d already started the band. Played a few gigs here and there. Managed to catch the eye of a record company once someone had put some of our demos online. We got lucky, and managed to release a few albums with them. But fame isn’t all that fun anymore when your last record flopped and your manager is trying to sell you out.

I’d gone home for a few weeks to think things through; what I wanted to do with what was left of my career. So I went for a walk, late at night.”

She gave him a knowing look, and he nodded conformingly.

“I met Miles at Mardy’s. A pub I’d never seen before, in a street I’d never walked through. I thought I’d seen all of Sheffield when I was younger, but it turns out I was wrong. For when the clock strikes an uncertain hour, and you watch the ground shift beneath your feet when you’re not paying attention, you walk right into what appears to be a glorified version of the twenties.”

She recalled their gig on that night she’d also met Miles. “So your guitars…”

“I’d just taken them from home,” he confirmed, “No electric guitars invented yet at that time, so I had to bring them myself. Strangest thing is, the people don’t question it at all. They just think it’s another fancy new instrument that hasn’t officially hit the market yet.”

“So, what? You just decided to continue your life at night here?” she asked.

“It was simpler. I don’t have to run from the paparazzi, or do interviews where people question my sanity all the time, or get dragged for who I date or knock about with. We released an album with instruments and music that’s way ahead of its time here, and we’re seen as legends. It’s as simple as that.”

“But, Alex… I think this album could easily hit the top charts in the regular world.”

He scoffed, “They said that about our last album. And the one before that. And when they don’t do as well as you’d expect them to, people will say it’s ‘underrated’, but you know deep inside you could’ve done better.”

“Music is about more than just hitting the top charts,” she reminded him.

“I know. Yet it appears that the feeling of validation through it has left a bigger mark on me than I had expected. I expected more from my own music, and was disappointed when I couldn’t deliver. I’ve finally found a place where everyone enjoys my music again.”

“So, what? You just decide to spend the rest of your life here, a fantasy world in an attempt to hide from reality? From your family, all the people who care about you?”

“It’s not as simple as that.”

“It’s not as simple? I think you just made it very clear how simple this all really is,” she said.

“Matt thought the same thing. Until he started playing with us for the first few nights, and even he was convinced. It’s hard to explain. It’s why he didn’t want you to stay around for too long when we hung out in the pub. This place gets to you.”

“He was just convinced after a few good shows?”

“I don’t think you understand,” he said, “If you stay here too long, if you spend too many nights in this version of Sheffield, you won’t be as willing to leave. It’s like an addiction; a place where all your dreams come true, if only for a little while, a few hours maybe. But you just can’t stay away from it. Once it takes hold of you, you can’t escape.”

Her brows furrowed. “What are you trying to say? You’re stuck here like this forever?”

His eyes cast downwards. “I couldn’t say. But I’ve never had good reason to leave.”

Her heart was swelling in her chest. “And what if you did have a reason?”

“What?”

“What… What if I wanted you to leave… with me?”

It was as if a spark flashed in his eyes, but then quickly snuffed out. “Don’t do that,” he huffed, “Don’t give me hope. You should be out there, living your life without chasing after the ghost of a man and blaming it on your insomnia.”

She took hold of his hand across the table, and squeezed it tightly, too afraid he’d take off if she didn’t. “I should be out there, living my life. But so should you. You’ve made me feel things I thought I was unable to feel, and I wouldn’t have experienced any of this if it wasn’t for you. You can still escape from this, Alex. I know you can. I can’t do this without you.”

“It’s not that simple, love.”

“Why not?”

“You shouldn’t want me.”

“Don’t you want me, then?”

His brown orbs lit up passionately, as he leaned forwards and captured her lips in a kiss. “Of course. I want to be yours,” he muttered.

He deepened the kiss, gliding his tongue against her bottom lip suggestively. She opened her mouth and her tongue met his, sliding against it and drawing a quiet moan from her throat. He held her cheek in his hand and slid his thumb over her soft skin gently.

When she pulled back, she had finally made up her mind. “I need to speak with Mark.”

*** @alexbandguy86​​​​ @bettyschwallocksyee​​​​ @fookingsummertime​​​​​ @juicebox-baby​​​​@darksydork7​​​​ @edgythought​​​​ @ssadderdaze​​​​​ @h0twasabi​​​​​ @rogerseyeliner​​​​​ @arctic-monkcys​ @toolateformcrtooearlytoleaveemo​ @rosemallowss​

[whitehotharlots]

They get to have it both ways. You get nothing.

The average Democrat’s understanding of Joe Biden is every bit as unmoored from reality as the average MAGA person’s understanding of Trump. Delusion is the order of the day, and while lamentable, it’s perfectly understandable amidst collapse and terror.

There is one key distinction, however. The political media did a very thorough job of attempting to disabuse Trump’s base of their misconceptions, covering every one of their leader’s screwups and idiotic outbursts with pornographic attention to detail. With Biden, the opposite is happening--Silicon Valley and the political media are teaming up to make sure voters keep on thinking that Joe Biden is someone he objectively is not.

Around mid-March, some credulous members of the left read Biden’s nomination as a welcome end to the liberal establishment pretending to care about issues of social justice. We might not get decent healthcare, infrastructure, police reform, or demilitarization. We have no hope for a humane or dignified society. But at least maybe, with the party rallying behind a senile racist who keeps giving his granddaughter open-mouth kisses on TV, we might go back to a simpler time, back to when you could laugh at Dave Chapelle and use pronouns without having to worry about being tattled upon.

Oh, what a glorious dream this was. But, of course, it did not come true. The Democrat establishment realizes there’s far too much utility in identitarian grievance mongering: it’s a fantastic tool for smearing the left, and it can be used to exaggerate the very minor policy differences between themselves and the Republicans. The fact that Joe Biden’s entire career and personal comportment style directly contradict these mandates doesn’t matter. If we tell the people he’s a champion of racial justice, then a champion he shall be.

There’s a bitter irony in the people who spent the last 5 years squealing about gaslighting every time anyone disagrees with them now demanding that you not only vote for but celebrate Joe fucking Biden. In the same breath, people will explain how, actually, it’s not “cancel culture” but “consequence culture” and then angrily implore you to vote for the man who engineered mass incarceration and was a cheerleader for the Iraq war. They have it both ways. They aren’t going to relinquish this ability simply because it’s dishonest. 

But oh, here... here I have committed a no-no. Few things will provoke an angrier reaction than saying something that might shake someone out of the pleasures of fantasy. The MAGA-ists, ultimately impotent in spite of their leader’s victory, would call you a libtard and threaten to kill your pets. The Bidenists do the same, but their adoration of traditional meritocracy mandates that their unhinged idiocy be enacted by official gatekeepers. They’re not so gauche as to simply tell you they’re going to get you fired. Oh no. They instead go and complain to teacher or daddy or the manager, the authority figures whose only function, in their mind, is to punish people who make them uncomfortable. And, whatta know, after a decade of pretending that people disagreeing with them online is a major civil rights issue, they’ve managed to cajole Silicon Valley into building them a new authority figure: Censorship AI, AKA Robot Teacher, AKA the bestest person you can tattle to. 

This means, therefore, that added to the list of formally verboten speech--that which can get you fired, expelled, deplatformed, and/or banned from social media--is any realistic description of the life and times Joseph Robinette Biden. No swear words. No negativity. No jokes. No ableism. No ideas that might upset the most psychotic race and gender grifters on twitter. And now, nothing that makes a Democrat feel the slightest bit of unease.

And so it’s come to this: official “fact checkers” being deployed to cast objective fact as a conspiracy theory and prevent its dissemination on social media, all to make sure that NPR listeners won’t have to suffer a moment of clarity. Biden is a progressive champion, and anyone who tells you otherwise is a lying Russian bot and you should tell on them to teacher. 

Their sense of moral superiority remains unshaken. Nothing they do, see, read, or hear will ever weaken it. They are the only good guys. Everyone else is a bad guy. And anyone who disagrees must be censored immediately.

Welcome to the Biden era. It’s only going to keep getting worse. 

[freckledbodty]

Actual written out thoughts on Sk8′s final two episodes...

Note: this gets very long, sorry, and also it sounds really negative? Don’t get me wrong, I loved the show a lot, it just happened that I wish the ending was different haha!

(Shout out to @airisu7425 for telling me to pick this up! Thank you!!)

I also won’t get into the half-relationship that they don’t really commit to because I fully expected that.

TL;DR:

Adam is trash

Reki should have beaten Adam or raced against Cap-Guy instead

Ending episode should have been Reki vs. Langa 100%

Shadow deserved a girlfriend

Episode 11: Reki vs. Adam

To start off, goddamn it I love Reki's whole character and journey in this show, it was perfect. After what he'd been through, him being subbed in for Shadow made total sense, and seemed like a fantastic way to get him back into skateboarding and making peace with his own inner demons and all that. I even really liked how Adam goaded Reki into it with that card - it felt very on brand for everyone, and worked well for the moment. The idea of Reki going up against Adam was something I was hyped for, because it was the perfect way to round off his character development. Adam represents everything that ruined skateboarding for Reki, and I was so desperate to see him beat his ass.

You can probably guess where this is going if you've seen the show...

I already knew from gifs online that the final race wasn't between Reki and Langa (which it should have been, but more on that later), so I knew somehow Reki would lose but... I thought it would be done better than this.

I'm trying very hard not to just rant about how Adam is a monster, and instead talk about the race, but there is no way he should have won like that. Winning against Adam would have been the perfect end to Reki's character arc, and honestly, for Adam too: it's be an amazing comeback for Reki, and Adam would have lost to this kid who was no natural talent like Langa, but just fucking loved skateboarding. (Not to mention how Reki beating Adam for Langa's 'affection' or whatever Adam thinks is happening, would have been a beautiful slap in that bastard's face).

I get that Reki losing and still being happy about it is very him, and I'm not complaining about that: that is equally a great end to his arc, but it should not have happened against Adam.

You cannot tell me that anyone, even Reki, could have enjoyed a race in which they were beaten, abused, and mentally tormented. Like... that's just not satisfying for anyone, surely?

So, I see two possible ways this episode should have gone:

1. Reki vs. Cap-Guy

(I don't know Cap-Guy's name still, he just stared at Adam longingly the whole time, so he's Cap-Guy now).

These two racing instead would have been amazing, and just as good an end to their story. Cap-Guy has already been proven to be an amazing skateboarder, as well as one that plays by the rules unlike Adam. Having Reki go against someone like him, who will give him a fair but challenging and serious race would have been perfect! That way if Reki lost, he could still have enjoyed it, and Cap-Guy could still have that moment of seeing Reki happy despite losing.

2. If they had to stick with Reki vs. Adam...

Well, for starters, Reki should have won, but if they were really against that, then he should have really lost.

By that I mean, it should have happened just as it did, but Reki's skateboard should have broken just before he got to the finish line, and he should have crashed and fallen before he crossed - maybe also injure himself again in true Reki fashion. Then Adam, in a fit of fury that this kid made him fall off, should have won the race afterwards, and Reki should have remained lying on the floor, unable to finish.

Then we could have had this amazing moment where Langa and then the others cheer Reki on and convince him to crawl or limp over the finish line - because they also know at this point that winning isn't the point, it's all about Reki getting his love back for skateboarding and finishing what he started. We also could have had a great moment of the crowd losing respect for Adam and all cheering for Reki to cross and Adam being mad that no one cares he won.

Episode 12: Langa vs. Adam

At this point in the series, I feel like Adam should have lost all respect from the crowd. You know, considering that he attacks, molests, and abuses everyone he goes against? I know humans are shitty, but the crowds should have started to lose respect for him after the Cherry incident, and then completely after the race with Reki. The fact that anyone is amazed or interested in seeing Adam do anything but lose and crash and burn is really annoying to me.

So... puling Adam out of the zone... that whole thing.

No.

Just yikes. No.

Bad guys don't need these magical redemption moments where they're completely forgiven with no effort from themselves just because the protagonists realised they'd forgotten how to 'have fun'. Like, no Langa, this guy was literally planning on you to possibly die in this race and he's tried to kill or at least seriously injure most of your friends. You don't need to make him have fun with you, you need to call the police.

Anyway, now I've seen the whole episode, I can say for certain:

The final battle should have been Langa vs. Reki

Yes, it would have missed the big 'dramaaaa' of the fight with Adam and the whole zone thing, but it would have been so satisfying. Langa can still have his moments of realisation, and there could have been loads more sweet moments of just enjoying skating again, and you could even still have the hug at the end where Langa hugs Reki without knowing which of them won.

Anyway... last minute ending sequence thoughts:

Why is Adam just... still here? Like... why is he not in jail? I don't care that it was him twisting the police or whatever, get him the fuck out of here, he sent numerous people to hospital.

Reki grabbing Langa to protect him from Adam was adorable, but it could have been changed to him protecting him from Shadow doing some stupid move or something.

Speaking of... JUSTICE FOR SHADOW. HE SHOULD HAVE BEEN ALLOWED TO GIVE THE FLOWERS TO THE GIRL HOW DARE YOU NOT LET HIM HAVE THAT MOMENT.

Um... what did Reki say to Langa in the car? Like, did I miss something or was that never explained? It seemed pretty important?

Also, we all agree that Langa's happiness is Reki, right? Right?

And there.. in the final few seconds is the race that should have been the last episode.

Overall: this sounds really negative in the post, but I really enjoyed this series! So glad I listened to advice and picked it up!!!