#i'm not asking to have the same level of frustration or annoyance just please understand the climate of it all

[threadmonster]

Old man rant about the anime industry and Crunchyroll below

I know I'm older and got to live through part of the boom of the anime industry in America. I am aware of the origins before streaming and YouTube and finding the tapes in the movie stores.

I know pirating websites and have been to very sketchy places to obtain more obscure series. I know the growth of Crunchyroll and how shitty they have become as an entity.

I don't care if you still subscribe. That's your business. But jfc to not care about the blatant monopoly they're trying to have over the entire industry. I don't take being young as an excuse.

Anime, despite it's modern popularity, is still a small and niche industry. Crunchyroll is monopolizing it. Absorbing Funimation and RightStuf, but not making improvements. Treating VAs like crap and committing literal felonies. Then they make their subscription tiers just ridiculous.

And yeah what, companies just be like that. No no no the worst part is they started as a pirating website.

I understand enjoying a thing and not knowing any history behind it. Say you enjoy Marvel or anything major out of Hollywood. Who cares? You don't have to be a super fan and know the source material or care about the changes from comics to the cinema.

Small industries are different, in my humble opinion. When you only have one option, that's bad. Yes, there are other options but not as extensive as Crunchyroll.

But who cares if they have an extensive library? They don't have the best website design/functionality. At least they used to, list every language as a separate season and how the fuck don't they have CC available?

Then they go acting like only a handful of anime aired during the season with their Awards.

I used to know so many series but now it's like okay there as JJK, chainsaw man, and AoT.

Bruh I didn't even realize MOB Psycho aired and s1 was a big deal. I think it showed up once in the awards.

I am just so fucking sick of Crunchyroll. I hate monopolies and capitalism. It feels more like a money grab than wanting to share an art form at a convenience and without illegal means.

I love animation and not to be that guy but I'm literally alive because of an anime I watched during a dark time. To see the industry being treated this way sucks. To see young people not give a damn sucks.

It's fine if it doesn't have the same level of meaning to everyone. This isn't even 100% about the industry or Crunchyroll. It's also about how we are so close to select entities owning everything.

Disney acquiring 20th Century Fox and the studio that made Ice Age and even Pixar way back. Just as an example.

So anyway. Old man in a soapbox here. Don't mind me.

[moustacheshe]

Yandere! Aoi Todo x Reader

(Click for better quality)

Warnings: drugging, kidnapping

"Todo look... I know you are concerned about me but you really have to go now. Don't you need to go to school or something?" You are trying to get your best friend out of your apartment. He was invading your home for the last two days. "Come on y/n just one night. I promise I'll leave tomorrow." You sight as you sit at the table with him. "You promised me the exact same thing yesterday...and the day before." He's acting weird lately. Always warning you about the outside world or the world in general. How you could get hurt by going out or staying alone. "I know but I need to-" You let out a loud groan. "Yeah, yeah you need to protect me. I really appreciate your concern but I'm fine on my own. I always was. I always am. And I always will be. What happened to you? Why are you acting like this? Is it because of this Yuji guy?" Now your annoyance slowly turns into concern. "What? No! Yuji's nothing to do with this. It's more like the things I see everyday and..." He shakes his head. You don't need to know about curses and what they are. You already have enough to worry about.

"I actually wanted to ask you if you want to move into my apartment." He quickly changes the subject and smiles at you. You look at him confused. He's lying to you and you know it. "Todo..." You lean across the table and take his hand. "...if there is something wrong you can tell me. We always talk about our problems. Please just...tell me." He sights and stands up from the table. Todo crosses his arms as he seems to think about something. He sights and walks beside you. You turn around to face him as he kneels down to your level. He takes your hands in his huge ones. "Y/n I know we're just friends but... I was hoping that maybe we could be more." You look at him lost for words. "Besides if we are together you can move into my place and we can do all sorts of things together. I'll do everything for you: cooking,-"

"Todo..."

"shopping,-"

"Todo!"

"cleaning-"

"TODO!" You scream at him to stop his speach. He looks a little bit shocked and he clenches your hands. "I... I don't know what to say about that." You look down at your hands resting in his. Everything to avoid eye contact. "I always saw you as my best friend... I never wanted this to happen. I always thought you like tall women with a big ass." Your lips move into a little smile as you remember the time he told you about his taste in women. "No... I mean yes but that was just to...you know... Say something when somebody is asking for your type. It doesn't matter now! I want you to be with me." He takes your face in his hands and forces you to look at him. You can see his eyes are glassy. He's about to cry. "Listen Todo..." You grab his hands and put them down again. "...I really appreciate that you want to protect me but... I can and I want to live on my own. I can handle myself you know. And you are my best friend I... I don't want to lose you as a friend because of some relationship." Now tears start streaming down his cheeks. The sight of this big chunk of a man crying is really to much for you. You can barely hold back your own tears. He never cried in front of you...well except the one time he couldn't meet his Takada-chan and you had to comfort him.

He now clenches your hands even tighter. "Ah, Todo you're hurting me!" You let out a surprised yell. He never hurt you before. He snaps out of his trance and looked at you with widened eyes. "So..." His grip gets weak. "...you don't want to live with me and let me protect you." Now a few tears stream down your face too. "No I'm sorry..." You always were afraid that this would happen.

"Okay y/n I'll leave..." He wipes away his tears and stands up. "...but let me get us some water first. Crying dehydrates your body." You just sit there and give him a little nod. He finally understands it. But something still seems odd.

He comes back with two glasses of water. Todo puts both of them on the table and sits down on his chair again. You take your glass and start drinking. "You know y/n, I really didn't want it to go this way." He takes a gulp from his glass avoiding eye contact. "Yeah me neither. I really hope you understand my point. I don't want to depent on someone else." You ask yourself if it was wrong to say it like this. "You really have no idea don't you?" He sounds bitter. "What do you mean?" You say getting a little frustrated. He just won't stop. You're getting dizzy. "The curses they're everywhere. They are strong and they only bring destruction and death." You have trouble to concentrate on his words. "Wh-What are you talking about?" You don't know what he meant by curses. Your vision gets blurry and you shut your eyes tight. "I'm talking about the constant danger you're living in. That's why I've decided to take you home with me." You hold your head to stop the feeling of the world spinning around you. His words are nothing more than a faint voice far away from you. "What's wrong y/n? Are you okay?" He asks you. The concern in his voice obviously faked. "Wh-What did you do?" You hiss trying to get up. Todo stands up from his seat and walks over to you. "GET...away..." You stand up from your seat to get away but your legs give in. Todo catches you in his arms pressing your body to his chest. "You didn't listen to me. It's okay y/n I'll protect you and take care of everything you need." He strokes your head to calm you down. His embrace is tight as if you could run away any second. "N-No...I don't..." Your voice slowly fades together with your consciousness. "Everything will be fine. Just let it happen. Once you are with me, I'll be the happiest man in the world." Your heavy eyelids fall shut and you completely give in to the drug he gave you. You fall in to a heavy sleep.

As you slowly wake up you are laying on something soft. You let out a loud groan and try to move your arms. You notice that you can't move your arms because there're hold together by something. Then it hit you. 'He kidnapped me!' You quickly open your eyes and look around. The room is dark. It's night outside. You still feel weak and a little dizzy nevertheless you try to struggle against your restraints. Your wrists and ankles are tied to the bed you're laying in. "HELP! PLEASE! SOMEBODY HELP ME!" You scream, hoping that someone would hear you. You're confused and scared. The person you trusted the most just drugged and kidnapped you. Tears begin to stream down your cheeks. "PLEASE! SOMEBODY HELP!"

Suddenly the door to the room opens and some light illuminates the darkness of the room. You can tell it's Todo entering. He presses a light switch and a lamp next to your bed turns on. The sudden light makes you squint and turn your head away. Todo closes the door and walks in your direction. He is holding a tray with a cup and a bowl. "Oh! You're awake, darling. I made you something to eat and your favorite tea." He says smiling at you like nothing ever happened. "Todo, what's gotten into you?! What is wrong with you?! Let me go, now!" You say trying to get your wrists and ankles free. "Nothing is wrong sweetheart. On the contrary I'm the happiest man in the world. But I'm glad that you ask." He sets the tray on the beside table and sits down on the bed. "Todo listen! You need to let me go! NOW! TODO PLEASE!" You begin to cry and struggle again. Todo doesn't look at you he just stares at the tray. He seems to be lost in his thoughts. "Todo listen, if you let me go now I'll pretend like nothing happened. Everything will be back to normal and I won't tell anyone. Please we can-" "HUSH!" You feel like his voice makes the earth shake underneath you. You look at him frightened for what he's capable of. He sees the fear in your eyes and his expression changes back to a worried face. "Oh I'm sorry, babe. I didn't mean to scare you. It's just..." He sights and lays down beside you. You try to push yourself away from him but he pulls you back into his arms. "Remember that one time we kissed for the first time." That never happened. "Or that day we had our first date." Never happened. "Todo what are you talking about? That never happened. Please you need to let me go!" He doesn't pay you much attention he's busy drawing circles on your belly with his finger. "It's okay that you don't remember. The most important thing is that we are together. Here and now." He is completely delusional. He images scenarios that never happened. But you don't need to worry about not remembering any of it. You have him and he has you. That's all that matters.~

[captains-simp]

Carol Danvers ~ Two Sides Of The Same Coin

Chapter 1: Audacity

The bounty of a lifetime isn't one you're about to turn down, despite the life threatening challenges and rivals. The most irritating of which is an intergalactic superhero who becomes insistent on aiding you, whether you like it or not

Two

[ masterlist ]

Buy me a coffee ☕

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"For the hundredth time, I don't know where he is! Either buy something or go someplace else."

Fuck, another dead end.

You searched the bartender's irritated eyes for any trace of a lie, already knowing you wouldn't find any but still holding onto a glimmer of hope you would catch a trace of something.

Nothing.

What had hope ever gotten you anyway?

"Just some Asgardian ale." You muttered. You really shouldn't have been buying such an expensive drink. Not to mention wouldn't be able to have much of it due to your plans of not passing out drunk that night. But you were just as frustrated and tired as the bartender.

A break could help. You lied.

You paid the bartender and tried to ignore the harsh feeling of regret already being planted in your gut. At least the alcohol would get rid of that - before it got worse.

Taking the glass, you dragged yourself to the back of the bar towards the corner you thought you wouldn't be disturbed in. That was usually the kind of environment you had your best ideas and tactics planned. The noise stopped your mind from wandering and the low level allowed you to concentrate. Even the slight buzz of the alcohol had its advantages.

But there was no success that night.

The bartender knew nothing. He was your final lead who would corporate with you. The next person you visited would be far less welcoming.

You had known that would happen when you accepted the job. It was going to be the hardest one you ever did, and the most rewarding. You had to keep reminding yourself that.

You're going to make a lot of enemies. You warned yourself for the hundredth time that week. It was true, you would. The number of people you could trust would plummet. You would have your own hit on your head. Was that really something you were prepared for?

I already have. Nothing will change. I've prepared for this. This is the bounty of a lifetime.

You were staring into your glass when she sat down. Her blonde locks were a blur in your peripheral, a momentary distraction from the recognisable colours of her suit.

It was hard to comprehend it for a second. She had arrived so suddenly and caught you unaware. Something you weren't familiar with. It was unnerving.

You sat upright and met her studious gaze. She was watching you carefully, as though trying to get a read on you. You did the same.

You had always wondered, maybe even hoped, that you would meet her. You were in two different lines of business but it wasn't like you hadn't crossed paths with heros before. There was usually some kind of mutual understanding, even some respect. You were quick to learn there wouldn't be any of that from her - not in that bar.

"Y/l/n." Carol stated, as though the pair of you were already acquainted. But it was far from a warm greeting.

Part of you wondered if you had done something illegal in your last job. Usually things like that were never dealt with, no one had the time to be chasing around bounty hunters when they were practically always on the move (and you saved the authorities a lot of trouble).

"Danvers." You replied. Both of you maintaining your stoic expressions.

"Captain Danvers." She corrected. You didn't acknowledge that and made no effort to correct yourself, wondering if it would damage that ego you had heard so much about, so she continued. "I've heard you have some information that could be of interest." She said. You didn't like where that was going. "What do you know about Daexire?" Fuck all. "Working progress." She quipped an eyebrow at that and waited for you to elaborate. You hoped she would be quick to catch on that you weren't much of a talker and that you had no interest in letting her swoop in to take your bounty.

"Do you know where he is?" God, no.

You breathed deeply through your nose before you leant forward onto your arms and flicked the side of your glass. The sound carried between you for a brief moment.

"Do you really think I would be sat here if I did?" Carol's eyes flicked down to the liquid in your glass, took in your outfit then finally returned to your slightly narrowed eyes.

"I wouldn't be surprised." You put a lid on the anger starting to replace the regret in your guts.

You were about to assure her that wasn't what you did, that whoever had told her about you didn't know you at all. She started talking again before you could, not picking up on - or maybe just not acknowledging - the trace of annoyance that may have slipped. You blamed the alcohol for that.

"Do you know anyone who does?" You did. That was a long list you were working through. Daexire was a famous man. But he was also a feared and respected one. Both were hard to overcome.

"I don't." Had it been another bounty and another hero, you would have told them. However a bounty like it wouldn't come up again, it was what you needed to escape that life you had forced yourself into. And Carol's complete disregard of your capabilites was definetly something that was going to encourage you. Maybe your pride was a little fragile.

Carol narrowed her eyes at you for longer than you were comfortable with, because you both knew she didn't believe you. You also both knew that you wouldn't tell her anything different. Yet she persisted.

"Daexire is a powerful man. He abuses that power and will continue to do so until he's stopped." The seriousness of her voice had a small voice in the back of your head urge you to tell her what she needed to know. She was right. Daexire was powerful, and so was Carol. But you knew what you were doing too.

"So I hear." Was all you said as your eyes stayed fixed on hers.

"This is serious, y/l/n." Carol warned.

"So I hear." Her jaw clenched firmly at that. You were glad to see you had gained the upper hand in some way. It certainly encouraged you.

"You're in way over your head with Daexire." It was your turn to clench your jaw. She didn't even give you the benefit of the doubt.

"And what makes you think you're not?"

Without a word, Carol held her arm out at her side and aimed her fist at an area over your shoulder. Swirls of yellow light flowed around her fist with spikes of blue and red among it.

There was no time to admire the lightshow. A blast of energy left her fist and fired across the bar, sending everyone into panic.

Everyone ducked down to avoid the blast and it's damage but you weren't focused on them, or even the photon blast. Sure, it was a little close for comfort, but Carol wouldn't hurt you. That you were certain of.

"You want to distract Daexire with a lightshow?" You quipped, feigning disinterest. Carol was far from pleased with that.

"You're going to get yourself killed trying to capture him." She no longer held herself back, set on saying something to make you second guess your stubborness. "Just tell me who can lead me to him and it will all be over so much quicker." Carol was growing impatient and didn't try to hide it, or perhaps she was unable to. You had been taking the piss more than anyone had in a long time.

"I can handle myself and I can handle Daexire." Your confidence in your knowledge and abilities had never failed you before.

You downed the Asgardian ale in one before Carol could get another word in. Embracing the instant, electrifying burn of the alcohol, you stood up from your seat and left the bar without looking back at Captain Marvel.

* * *

"I don't know anything." He was lying through his teeth, which were currently tainted a light red from the blood in his mouth.

Just as you had guessed, your visit wasn't welcome. The moment he opened the door to you he tried to slam it in your face upon recognition, instantly attempting to flee through the back door. He had put up a fight when you caught him - a surprisingly long one - that had ended with him tired to his own chair while you looked around the house and asked him questions.

You found nothing. You knew Daexire never liked having a paper trail of his work, but you would be kicking yourself if you didn't try.

"What was the last thing you designed for him?" You asked as your eyes wondered across the mantelpiece.

The man, Owen, was renowned for his weapons. They weren't exactly your style, but you had seen enough close up demonstrations of those weapons to know they were efficient to say the least.

They were all overtly large and had a hell of a kick to them (and must be a joy to try out) not to mention the most expensive weapons on the black market. So it was no surprise there had been countless rumours that Owen had designed one or two things special for Daexire. Whether it was a spineless ass-kissing attempt, a try for an alliance or just fear of being on Daexire's bad side, you weren't sure.

"Nothing. I've never had any business with him." You didn't have to turn around to know he was lying. Having him in your peripheral was enough.

"You're not getting out of that chair until I'm satisfied with what you tell me." You said, eyeing the figurine of an old fashioned Earth car.

"I have nothing else to say." Owen scowled.

"Maybe we could have a chat instead?" You spun around at the sound of the cocky voice.

Carol met you with an arrogant smirk at the sight of your confusion, wanting to know how she had snuck up on you without you noticing...again!

You watched her in annoyance as she strolled across the room towards Owen.

"Seems like you do know people who can help, y/l/n."

"Must have slipped my mind." Not bothering to conceal the lie. Carol hummed in response and trailed her focus back to Owen.

"Daexire. Where is he?" Carol demanded in a no-bullshit tone. You watched Owen  carefully, curious to see if he was going to respond differently to the arrogant blonde, that would definetly be irritating.

"I already told that crazy bitch," he nodded in your direction, "I don't know." That wasn't a lie. He really didn't know. That didn't mean there wasn't other things he could share.

Carol clearly hadn't come to the same conclusion. In a second she had her arm raised and fired a photon blast across the room, making a prominent indent in the wall. That's getting annoying really quickly.

"He really doesn't know." You said as you leant back against the wall, your arms crossed as you watched the interaction.

"And how are you so sure?" Carol asked, completly unconvinced.

The corner of your lip twitched into a small smile. You weren't going to let Carol in on your secrets. At least not yet.

"I just do. So leave it."

"No chance." The swirls around her wrist started up again and this time Carol levelled her arm to Owen's chest. She wouldn't...would she?

Owen seemed skeptical too, willing to try his luck. "You're not going to kill me."

"Who said anything about killing? There isn't just one level to this thing, you know? It could just hurt...really badly." Carol left her implications hanging in the air as you both watched Owen fidget in his seat.

"I really don't know where he is-" Carol's fist lit up more and a soft hum emanated from it warningly. "Because no one does." He said in a rush, turning his face away. "He knows about the bounty and he doesn't trust anyone right now." Owen explained as fast as he could.

Carol glanced over at you, much to your surprise, and you nodded. He was telling the truth.

"So he's scared?" Carol asked, still holding her fist close.

"He's preparing."

"For what? Me?" You rolled your eyes and tried to ignore Carol's I'm-the-centre-of-the-universe attitude.

"For anything." That had you wondering just how many people were going after Daexire. You had assumed it would be very few. For most they wouldn't even come close and if they did it would be certain death.

"And that's all you know?" You knew it needed to be asked, but you hated that question because you were already certain of the answer. You looked up to have your thoughts confirmed. Truth.

You walked towards Owen and took a knife from your belt. He leant away for a moment but relaxed when you started cutting the ties.

Another dead end. You pondered if the knowledge that a lot of people were after Daexire would help you at some point. You knew you shouldn't let that optimism distract you.

"Thank you for your cooperation." Carol said in a mocking business woman tone.

Owen made the smart decision of not responding and rubbed his wrists as he watched the pair of you leave with another scowl.

"So where now?" Carol asked as you stepped out the door of the house with the blonde right behind you.

"Were you following me?" You accused as you took a step back to put some space between you.

"Yep." You didn't know if it was that Carol knew you would see through her lie or just that she wanted to declare that with some pride. The smug look on her face told you it was the latter.

It has been a couple days since your meeting in the bar. You would be lying if you said Carol hadn't popped up in your mind since then, wondering if you had made the right decision in brushing her off. But you really hadn't expected her to be following you.

"Well stop. This isn't happening." You motioned between the pair of you and made your way back to your ship to consider your options.

"I helped you out in there!" Carol called out as she jogged to catch up with you.

"You did fuck all." You scoffed. She didn't have a reply for that. You weren't entirely right - she did help - but you would have been fine on your own. Interrogation was something you excelled at. It wouldn't have taken you long to get those answers on your own.

"I can help." She insisted.

"Then help yourself, Danvers." Deliberately not calling her Captain.

You remotely opened the cargo door of your ship from the device around your forearm before you turned around to get another look at Carol.

"And don't follow me." You said as the door closed. She made no objections, but something told you you would be seeing the blonde hero again.

[chronicallylatetotheparty]

Fractured Foundation: Scorned Soul

Ch.2 Corruption

Based on @gale-of-the-nomads Fired AU.

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

Something was wrong with Adrien.

Everyone could see it. When Nino came up for their usual morning fist bump Adrien returned it mechanically. Ever-present smile replaced by what would become a permanent scowl.

Frowning, Nino dropped his fist slowly. "You alright, bro?"

Pausing for a moment Adrien walked past him, toward the school doors and answered almost indifferently. "No."

Blinking in shock, Nino hurried to catch up with him. "Wait! Dude!" Blocking his best friend's path to the stairs, Nino placed his hand on Adrien's shoulder. "What happened, bro?" Worry evident in his tone. Adrien never admitted when something was wrong.

Averting his eyes Adrien tensed at the physical contact. Grip tightening on the strap of his messenger bag. "I don't want to talk about it."

Brow furrowing as his concern grew Nino dropped his hand. "Well... Okay. But if you change your mind, you know you can tell me anything. Right, bro?"

"... Right," Adrien agreed, not looking at him. "Thanks, Nino." With that he stepped past his best friend and headed towards homeroom.

Leaving Nino more worried than before.

 ---------------------

Chloe noticed Adrien's change but didn't understand what it meant. Assuming he would get over it in a few days and everything would be back to normal. Which is what led her to "invite" him to one of the Mayor's events.

"Adri-kins!" Chloe called, placing herself in Adrien's way. "Daddy's throwing a party this weekend! You'll be there!" Chloe smiled, pleased with herself.

Annoyed at the command in her tone and Chloe taking for granted that he'd do whatever she said, his scowl deepened. Adrien stepped back as Chloe got in his face. "No, thanks."

But Sabrina was there, blocking his path. Smiling like she usually did whenever she thought Chloe's plans were particularly good. Always loyal. Always faithful.

Always with nothing to show for it!

Jaw clenching as simmering annoyance boiled into the beginnings of rage, it pooled in Adrien's chest and made it's way up his throat.

"Don't be silly!" Chloe waved her ponytail dismissively. "Of course, you have to show!"

Fists curling, Adrien dug his fingernails into his palms. Leaving new imprints next to the old. "I don't feel like being around people right now."

"But I have the perfect dress that will look great next to your latest suit! I'm going to be even more stunning with you-"

"I'M NOT AN ACCESSORY!"

The courtyard was stunned into silence. Every classmate stared, drawn by Adrien's outburst. Surprise, confusion, even a hint of fear, all of their reactions mixed in Chloe's wide eyes. Mirrored by Adrien's.

A different kind of heat burned in his chest. Shame. He'd screamed at Chloe. That wasn't... You didn't... Lowering his gaze Adrien hurried away.

Blinking, Chloe stared uncomprehending at Adrien's retreating back. Whispers already starting. She could feel them all around her as their classmates speculated on what she could have done to finally make Adrien snap. Some even expressing pride in his outburst.

Refusing to give them any satisfaction, Chloe raised her head haughtily as she left their whispers behind. Sabrina, as always, on her heels.

Marinette stared after Adrien. A sense of dread filling her at the display. She didn't understand. Adrien was kind and patient and loyal to a fault. He wouldn't do that. Not even to Chloe. But what could she do?

 ----------------------

Lila heard about the incident when she came back from doing "charity work" later that week. Naturally, she would offer some much needed emotional support! And Adrien would be ever so grateful.

Spotting Nino talking to Adrien, the latter with his back to her, Lila smirked as she approached them.

"Come on, bro. We haven't hung out in ages." Nino practically pleaded. "I'm... worried about you, man."

Adrien's icy expression melted slightly. "I know. I'm-"

"There you are!" Lila exclaimed, tone too saccharin to sell the "concerned friend" act she was going for.

Adrien stiffened at the sound of her voice.

"Hey, Lila." Nino greeted with a strained smile.

"I heard about what happened!" Lila molded her features into a look of sympathy, hands reaching for his arm. "If you need someone to talk to, Adrien, I took a psychology course at my old school and my instructor said-"

Adrien turned toward her and Lila froze, the words dying in her throat.

Disgust twisted his perfect features. Contemptuous glare expressing his hatred for Lila in no uncertain terms. Body jerking away from her repulsive hands, Adrien marched past Nino with a muttered goodbye, putting as much distance between him and the liar as he could.

Standing where he left her, Lila blinked in surprise. Nino was apologizing and making excuses for his best friend; she barely listened. Eyes narrowing at the ungrateful jerk. How dare he! She was just being considerate! After all the chances Lila had given him, this is how he repaid her!?

Refocusing on the wannabe DJ, Lila lamented how she was only trying to help. Making sure her voice was loud enough to get their passing classmates' attention. Emphasizing how Adrien obviously wasn't in his right mind. As Lila soaked up their attention she hid a satisfied smirk behind her hands. If Adrien wanted to treat her like an enemy then she'd return the favor.

Observing from across the courtyard Marinette felt agitation and unease growing in her chest.

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

Alya slid onto the bench next to Marinette with a sigh. Her energetic attitude unusually subdued. "Hey, girl," Alya greeted tiredly.

Marinette took one look at Alya and her face fell. "No luck with Nino?"

Frowning, Alya shook her head. "Says Adrien hasn't told him anything either. They've barely talked!" It frustrated her! As a reporter Alya should be able to find answers! ...As a friend she should be able to help...

But she couldn't. Alya wasn't someone who backed down easily. Yet, whenever Adrien was near she found herself avoiding the ice cold air that followed him around. A chill that seemed to grow colder each passing day.

And she wasn't the only one. The whole class could feel it. Intense pressure around Adrien that only seemed to grow. Like it was getting ready to blow. No one wanted to be around when that happened.

Marinette knew what Alya was thinking. She voiced her opinion often enough the last few weeks and Marinette's own thoughts followed the same track. It wasn't something Marinette liked dwelling on.

Still, this was Adrien. Her friend and unknowing crush, but that didn't matter right now, what mattered was helping him through whatever this was and that meant talking to him about what he needed, and Marinette was going to help at least one friend because if she didn't then-

Taking a deep breath Marinette stood up a bit too quickly. "If we can't find out what happened from Nino, then maybe we need to be more direct."

Alya frowned in worry. "You gonna ask him?" By which she meant Adrien. Adrien who Marinette had a hard time composing herself around, Adrien who held her best friend's heart in his now perpetually clenched fists, Adrien who rebuffed every attempt to get him to open up.

Marinette heard the concern and doubt in Alya's voice. "I have to try. Even if he doesn't want to talk to me, I have to try. Let him know we're worried about him. That I-" She shook her head. "That we, miss him..."

Alya smiled softly. Nodding, she stood and wrapped an arm around Marinette. "Alright then." Her best friend had that look in her eye. The one Alya knew from experience meant Marinette had made up her mind and would not be changing it.

They hoped Adrien would listen.

 -------------------

Marinette knew it was her idea but standing in front of Adrien she couldn't help but hesitate. What if she said the wrong thing? Or couldn't get the words out? Or Adrien brushed her off? Or-

"Did you need something?" Adrien shifted uncomfortably in front of Marinette, eyes downcast.

She'd called out to him and now stood blocking his path. He didn't want to be rude to her yet, lately, Adrien had been nothing but rude. Carefully cultivated patience vanishing like one of Rena Rouge's illusions.

Was everything about him fake? Did his vapid smile really hide nothing but pain and rage? Is that why his friends avoided him? Because they finally saw the real Adrien!? Hollow, boring, broken Adrien?

Such intrusive thoughts plagued Adrien constantly. Keeping him up at night, ever since- Fists clenching and frown deepening at the memory, he tried to stem his rising anger. Tried to focus on the present.

Gazing at his tense posture Marinette felt her indecision give way to her concern. "We're worried about you," she said softly.

Adrien froze, eyes widening slightly, still avoiding her gaze.

"I'm worried about you!" Marinette continued, voice trembling slightly. "You won't talk to Nino. Even Chloe avoids you. Something's wrong, everyone can see it and I..." She took a deep breath to steady herself. "Adrien... What happened?"

He couldn't move, could barely breathe. Chest aching with the memory. Something was wrong? Yes. Plagg was gone and his so-called "Master" was responsible! Half his freedom taken away! Why? Because Fu didn't even give Adrien the common courtesy of a single conversation before writing him off as a lost cause!

Fists clenching tighter, his knuckles turned white as Adrien forced the words out. "... H- Have you ever had something you loved ripped away from you?"

Marinette's eyes widened at the heartbreak in his voice, shaking her head slowly. He didn't seem to notice.

"No warning, barely an explanation." Adrien tried to keep his tone level. "Someon- Something you love so much it becomes a part of you and they took him!" His voice rose. "People you trusted!" Anger rising with it. "They took him a-and you didn't even get a chance to say goodbye!" His voice broke as Adrien replayed those hated moments again and again.

"They just... They just..." He trembled, trying not to scream, his whole body burning. Adrien turned away from Marinette's pitying gaze, wrapping his arms around himself. "Please... leave me alone. I don't want to..." Lash out, hurt you, say something I'll regret. Like he'd already done to his other friends.

Confusion filled Marinette, she didn't know what to do. First Chat, now Adrien? She had to help him! Needed to help him. Despite what Adrien said she couldn't leave him. Her heart broke for him, yes, but it wasn't just that. With such powerful grief it was only a matter of when before Adrien attracted-

A black butterfly fluttered towards them.

"ADRIEN!"

His head snapped up. Eyes widening at the akuma, Adrien jerked back... Just as it anchored itself to him.

"Scorned Soul, I am Le Papillon!"

"NO!" Adrien clutched at his head shaking it desperately as if that would loosen the akuma's invasive tendrils from his mind.

"The people you trusted most have betrayed you!"

"I WON'T!" Adrien insisted falling to his knees. "I WON'T, I WON'T I WON'T!"

"They've taken something precious from you! Denied what was rightfully yours!"

Adrien tried to blot out Papillon's words, push back against the encroaching darkness at the edges of his mind. But his resolve was beginning to crumble. Weeks of holding back his rage, bottling up his hate... He was so tired... And the darkness offered sweet freedom...

"With the power I give you everyone will face your Justice! Even those who presumed to Judge you!"

Lowering his hands, Adrien stared straight ahead. Papillon's image engulfed his vision as his mental walls shattered.

"In return you will bring me Ladybug and Chat Noir's Miraculous!"

Adrien smiled sinisterly as he rose to his feet. "Yes, Papillon."

Darkness consumed Adrien. And Scorned Soul was born.

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

AO3

Sorry, about not having a Read More, I'm on mobile.