#in recent months it’s been bedtime. doesn’t matter if my friends text me good night and good morning

[wander-wren]

you are so right! i like your point about it being perfect and imperfect—i feel like it does achieve its goals very very well, at the expense of other things that would be at odds with those goals. we can’t ask one story to be all things.

now, we definitely can discuss and critique why it had those goals in the first place and how it gets to that point, what biases and ideas of the author that reveals, all of that. we can discuss whether those goals, themes, everything were good ones, whether they were worth picking over other things. that’s more subjective, i think.

it’s also pretty obvious that the story is about america and football as opposed to, say, the ongoing existential crisis of a devout muslim in 17776 iraq because america and football is the author’s area of interest/expertise. and now we’re running up on an age-old issue in literary spaces, diversity and lived experience and what authors are allowed and obligated to write. so essentially at a certain point you’re not just asking for the story to be different, but for a different person to have made it entirely.

which is not me arguing to protect the poor, poor disenfranchised white men who aren’t allowed to write anymore. far from it. i just think it gets a bit silly at that point? yeah, it would be great for [insert minority group of your choice] to have written a story in a similar world about [insert themes and plot]. but that’s not the story we got. we got 17776. and jon bois doesn’t own the concept of immortal people on a far-future earth, or sentient spaceships, or multimedia narratives. historically, we’ve gotten some pretty cool shit out of humans going “hey, i like this thing you did. i’m gonna make my own version.”

and, hey, i love a good dystopian narrative as much as the next person. there are some pretty gut-wrenching thought experiments in this story’s tag that i would be interested to see expanded upon. but you’re right—i’ve never read a story like this. a happy post-apocalypse, who’d have thought? a sort of love letter to ordinary people and ordinary things and the way stories can be made out of disparate, arbitrary parts. i wouldn’t change it either.

i’ve been trying to look for critique of 17776 but it’s actually quite hard to find. not because i dislike it (i don’t think you could look at my blog and come away thinking i dislike Football Satellite Story) but because i just like to see critiques of things i like sometimes. opens up the old brain.

plus there are certainly things that i could critique in the story, i just haven’t quite figured out how to articulate them. most of them feel like quite low-hanging fruit, anyway—the whole narrative is predicated on time essentially pausing in the 2020s, plus apparently all bad things have been eradicated (war, hunger, money, i don’t know if it’s explicitly stated but i assume bigotry etc). american government still exists as it does today, at least in name—there is a president and governors. quite a lot to unpack there.

i read 17776 as a utopian story. it’s not a perfect world, but as jon bois says several times, the imperfections are necessary, deliberate, chosen. therefore….don’t they make it perfect? up for debate. it’s certainly the only utopia i’ve encountered that i respect, for the simple fact that it never turns out to be a lie or boring.

that said, there is SO much of the world of 17776 that we don’t see. we don’t see disabled folks, and we especially don’t explore what that looks like with the nanos. we don’t see people from the places that were underwater, that juice tells us survived and “continue their cultural practices elsewhere.” we don’t see anyone wrestle with the premise, that is—no more children. no making new families. no change. a flooded world. an infinite sun. the unfairness of everyone who didn’t make it to the end of the world. and of course you can say, to the last bit, that it’s been 15,000 years, people have already done all of that wrestling. you’re telling me it doesn’t still hit them?

that’s not even touching on the fact that we don’t see the rest of the world. we don’t know what happened to it, what the politics are, what land has even survived. jon bois is very insistent on glossing over all of the difficult questions.

and i’ve written before about how i admire that, for the guts alone if nothing else. why don’t people die? who knows! what about this bad thing? it’s gone. what about this problem with the world? it’s fine.

so 17776 is flawed, mostly in that it is deeply american and apparently uninterested in engaging with the less comfortable parts of its premise. for the first, i want to know what else anyone expected from a story titled “17776: What Football Will Look Like In The Future.” for the second, i maintain that changing that would require that jon bois had simply written a different story.

17776 is ultimately a positive narrative to me. i almost said hopeful, but it’s not that. there’s no hope after the end of the world, there’s no need for hope. it’s just content, despite the occasional dips. this is the part i struggle to articulate, because i so clearly understand where jon bois needed to go, and it is obvious that he was steamrolling over any pesky bits that would detract or distract or slow him down in getting there (again: guts). i respect it.

would telling those grittier narratives, turning this utopia into a dystopia, be worthwhile? certainly, to some. would it wreck the existing themes/message? very probably. would that make a better story? do the themes deserve to be wrecked because the way they were presented is flawed?

up to you.

[validity-is-powerful]

if you don't tell me I'll find out anyway

[Masterlist]

Warnings: none

Characters: Emily Prentiss, Jennifer "JJ" Jareau, Aaron Hotchner, Spencer Reid, Derek Morgan, David Rossi

Relationships: Prentiss/Hotch, Prentiss & JJ

Genre: fluff

Summary: Prentiss and Hotch have been dating for eight months now, and the team is none the wiser. That changes when Prentiss and JJ share a room after a case, and Prentiss wears one of Hotch's shirts to bed.

Word Count: 2k

Prompt was #20 on this list by @whump-town.

Fic below the cut, or read on ao3.

__

"Okay, so," JJ begins, coming back from the receptionist counter to address the team. In her hands are three room cards. "They're booked and we're here on short notice. They've only got three rooms they can spare us. It was originally two, but one of the customers with a reservation cancelled last minute." She fans the cards out in front of her. "Who's sleeping where?"

"I'm not sleeping with Reid," Morgan chimes in almost immediately with a smile. Reid looks mock-offended, but doesn't protest.

"I'll share with the kid," Rossi says with a heavy sigh.

"I'm not that bad," Reid protests.

"Last time I shared a room with you, you kept me up until four am with rants about sci-fi movies. And don't think I've forgotten the Red Bull incident, either," Morgan says. He pats Rossi's shoulder in condolence. JJ hands the older agent the key card.

"Morgan, room with me," Hotch offers. Morgan nods, and JJ hands their boss one of the remaining key cards.

"That leaves you and me," Prentiss says, but while her voice is heavy, her eyes are anything but. They sparkle with quiet mirth.

"Thank god," JJ jokes. She loops her arm through her friend's.

They make their way to the elevator, all of them, then as they reach the third floor, the pairs go their separate ways. Reid and Rossi are already engaged in a deep conversation, neither of them noticing as Prentiss studies them. Hotch and Morgan look ready to pass out as they make their way over to their room. The two of them are roomed closest to the elevator, she notices.

"God I'm tired," Prentiss says as she and JJ enter their hotel room. She's tempted to faceplant straight onto the bed, but she's still dressed. The case is over and the plane is leaving at nine-thirty tomorrow, meaning she has a chance to get some proper sleep tonight. It'll be more comfortable to get out of the suit she's wearing.

"Only one bed," JJ remarks. Prentiss lifts an eyebrow.

"You handed out the key cards. Did you do that intentionally?" Her friend laughs.

"No. Truth be told, all three rooms are singles." Prentiss makes an amused face.

"Scandalous. And just imagine the boys' reactions." She lounges on one side of the bed, watching absent-mindedly as JJ methodically strips off her outer layers.

As if on cue, their phones ding with a text notification. Prentiss reaches for hers as JJ pulls out a clean shirt.

"Get changed," the blonde suggests, snagging the phone playfully from Prentiss. Prentiss rolls her eyes, also playfully, and gets up. She begins digging through her go-bag for any sleepwear she might have brought, and failing that, something clean and appealing to wear.

"Hotch is checking that everyone's alright and knows what time we're leaving," JJ reports, reading the text.

"That sounds like Hotch," Prentiss says, tossing an old shirt onto the bed. It's a little worn, but it brings her no small amount of comfort. She throws a pair of shorts after it. JJ frowns at the shirt, but doesn't comment.

Prentiss pulls them both on and climbs into bed beside her friend. "JJ. Get under the blankets."

"Sorry," JJ says automatically, still staring at Prentiss' phone. She turns off the lights and gets under the blankets automatically as well, then hands Prentiss her phone back.

"Who's your boyfriend?" Prentiss freezes, then realises that JJ had looked at who she had sent texts to recently. One of the conversations was simply titled '<3'. "Or girlfriend," JJ continues. "You know I don't care that you're bi, beyond supporting you unconditionally." She props herself up on one elbow, smirking as she looks down at Prentiss. "So. Who is it?"

Prentiss clicks off her phone. "None of your business," she says, the words coming out like she's trying too hard for casual. JJ pokes her shoulder.

"If you don't tell me, I'll find out anyway," she teases warningly. Prentiss smirks at her.

"Good luck." And with that, Prentiss rolls herself in her share of the blankets, facing towards JJ as she turns her phone on again. This way, the screen is angled away from her friend. JJ rolls her eyes, but she still looks amused.

"I see how it is," she says, and rearranges her pillow until she's content. She lies on her back and closes her eyes. Prentiss sends off a text to the partner JJ had just asked about.

Emily: JJ's getting suspicious. She saw I had our private messages labeled with a heart.

Aaron: Morgan has some questions as well.

Emily: Chocolate thunder wants to know who you're texting when you should be sleeping?

Aaron: You don't have a healthy sleep schedule either. I told him it was a friend.

Emily: Did he believe you?

Aaron: Yes, but he suspects it's something more. I've appeased him for now.

Emily: I know we've discussed this before, but we should tell the team soon. It's been over eight months.

Aaron: I agree. If we keep this from them much longer, they'll lose trust in us.

Emily: That, and I hate keeping this kind of secret from my best friend.

"Go to sleep, Emily," JJ mumbles, one arm tossed over her eyes. "It's bedtime."

"In a minute."

"Your mystery person can wait." Prentiss glances at her.

"He's my boyfriend." JJ moves her arm and cracks an eye open to look at her.

Aaron: What, that you're dating your boss?

Emily: That I'm dating at all. Speaking of which, I just told her I have a boyfriend.

Aaron: How'd she react?

"Since when?" JJ asks, sounding a bit more awake. "And why didn't you tell me an' Penelope on girls' night or somethin'? We're the people who hype you up for dates."

"We uh, we decided it was best not to say anything," Prentiss says, trying to keep her composure.

Emily: Fine. She wishes I'd told her and Garcia I was seeing someone.

JJ gives her a long, drawn-out, suspicious hum, then turns onto her other side and goes back to sleep. Prentiss is left staring at her friend's back.

Emily: How's Derek doing?

Aaron: He's asleep. Like we should be.

Emily: Sleep is too mainstream for me.

Aaron: ?

Emily: Don't worry about it babe.

Aaron: Riiiight. Goodnight.

Emily: Goodnight, love you.

Aaron: Love you too, Emily.

Prentiss clicks off her phone and sets it aside, then moulds herself around JJ's sleeping form. Her friend presses back against her a little, and Prentiss wraps an arm around the blonde.

She lies awake for a long time, head still buzzing from the case. She compartmentalizes well, but it still sometimes takes her time to wind down. This case wasn't particularly bloody or long, but it did involve an abnormal amount of guesswork and haste, because the unsub was moving from city to city, state to state, then killing and moving on again within a matter of hours. The team's home base had become their SUVs as they chased.

Luckily, the victim count was low, all things considered. But it had been one hell of a few days.

Around one in the morning, the rain starts. It taps familiar patterns against the glass, and she's finally able to doze off as the noise drowns out her thoughts.

*

JJ's alarm goes off, and Prentiss wants to strangle her. The blonde shuts off the noise before it gets to be too unbearable, but by then, Prentiss is already awake. JJ, as usual, is awake before her and is already stirring a cup of hotel coffee, giving it a disappointed look.

"Is it that bad?" Prentiss asks from where she's lying in the bed, blankets ending at her ribcage. JJ just shakes her head slowly.

"It's awful, and not in the good way. Shitty police coffee is one thing, shitty hotel coffee is another." She takes a sip regardless. "Also, we're leaving in half an hour, so you might want to get up." Prentiss groans, but drags herself out of bed. JJ gladly hands her a cup of the hotel coffee when she approaches, then smooths Prentiss' hair out of her face where it had tangled in the night.

Prentiss takes a sip, and makes a face. "Uch. You weren't kidding." JJ laughs a little. They drink in silence, JJ studying her more intensely than usual. Prentiss is about to ask her what's going on when JJ's eyes widen in realisation.

"That's Hotch's shirt," she says, pointing at what Prentiss is wearing with her free hand. Prentiss looks down at her shirt in a mild panic.

It is, in fact, one of Hotch's old shirts that she's wearing. She had swiped it from him, along with a sweatshirt, when they started dating. It's old and faded, but very clearly Hotch, and it brings her comfort to wear it.

Unfortunately, Hotch used to wear the shirt before she asked him out. Around the team, sometimes. Which means JJ knows it.

"No way," the blonde says. She sets her coffee aside, and Prentiss is quick to do the same. "Don't tell me you're dating Hotch."

"Um-"

"Oh my god, you are." An incredulous laugh escapes JJ's throat. She pressed her hands to her mouth in disbelief. Prentiss examines her reaction, but nothing screams hostile. Surprised, a little offended that she wasn't told, sure, but nothing hostile. Mostly surprised. "Wow."

JJ grabs Prentiss' wrist and pulls her to sit on the bed, grinning. "So, what's he like outside of work?" Prentiss raises her eyebrows.

"You mean, in- in private?" JJ makes a 'keep talking' gesture. Prentiss laughs a little. "I'm not telling you what he's like in bed."

"So you've slept together?"

"We have," she confirms. "We've been together eight months now."

"When were you going to tell the rest of us?" Prentiss shrugs.

"I don't know," she answers honestly. "We were planning on doing it soon, but an opportune moment just never came up." JJ grips her hand.

"Em," she says softly. Prentiss looks at her. "Please know I'm happy for you."

*

"We need to tell them," Prentiss says to Hotch as soon as they have a moment alone. The rest of the team has disappeared down to the lobby, and the two of them have a few minutes before their teammates grow suspicious. She and Hotch are standing outside the door to her room. "JJ already pieced it together."

"Will she tell the others?"

"I don't think so. I think she knows it's our secret to tell, and I told her that we'd been planning to reveal it soon." Hotch nods. They're both dressed formally again, in what attire they had worn yesterday for the flight home.

One of Hotch's hands comes up to rest on her jaw. Leaning into his kiss is easier than breathing. Both of them are loathe to separate.

"They'll be waiting for us," Hotch murmurs as she trails kisses along his jaw, pausing to nip the very edge of it before continuing. "Prentiss."

"I know," she says against his skin. She slows, ending with another kiss to his lips.

Hotch's hand grips hers as they walk to the elevators, throwing caution into the wind as they talk, planning together what to say and when to say it.

*

On the flight back to DC, everyone is awake. It's unusual for them to have an opportunity for a full night's rest the night before. Usually, they fly home in the evening. It means that when Hotch stands up, everyone looks over.

"Prentiss and I have an announcement," he begins. JJ breaks into a grin, knowing what's coming. Rossi looks like he's hiding a smile as well. Reid and Morgan just look confused.

"We uh, we meant to tell you guys before," Prentiss says, continuing where Hotch left off. "We're dating." A second of silence. Then:

"Congratulations!"

"I'm so happy for you guys!"

"Reid owes me five bucks," Morgan says with a grin. Reid groans good-naturedly, then looks at Prentiss and Hotch.

"If you guys had waited another four months, Morgan would've owed me ten," he says, and the team can't help but laugh with him.

[acefrogmonarch]

My Turn :) Pt.3

(❁´◡`❁) (❤´艸｀❤)(✿◠‿◠)(✿◕‿◕✿)~(￣▽￣)~*(❤ ω ❤)

Tags @vivilakitty @mystery-5-5 @northernbluetongue @thatrandomfandomsgirl @vixen-uchiha

I hope that’s all of you guys in the tags if not then eh.

Tell me

1 | 2 | 3 (You’re here) | 4 - ao3

Uh heavy warning.

‼❌‼  WARNING ‼❌‼ WARNING ‼❌‼ WARNING  ‼❌‼ WARNING  ‼❌‼ WARNING  ‼❌‼ WARNING   ‼❌‼ WARNING  ‼❌‼ WARNING  ‼❌‼

A COUPLE OF DAYS BEFORE

Diana had just landed her invisible plane on the outskirts of Paris and makes her way to the inner workings of the city.

Bruce had called her to notify her of the situation in Paris. She, herself, had never been present when an Akuma was and always missed the chance to fight one.

Every time she was either off-world or on a mission. Finally, after ranting to Bruce about it, he seemed to inform her that he was taking the initiative within the following week. "Finally some good news after all this time!" Stretching out her limbs, Diana wasted no time in arriving in Paris.

Diana went to her boutique first, she trusted the girl that ran it when Diana left for her 'business trips'. リリーパッド regularly left her school books in the back of the storage. Scribbled post-it notes on her desk as she checked out every few months. A mess within the mess but always order within that chaos.

リリーパッド was, already is, family and often asked if she could help lighten the load of Diana's work or hide from her friends and family at her store.

'From embarrassment.' Is Lily Pad's excuse but Diana still teased her, she wasn't safe anywhere. Diana had sent a message an hour ago when she passed the Atlantic ocean but had yet to receive a text.

It was well past bedtime and Diana couldn't get mad at her little helper's very wise decision to sleep on a weekday. Taking out her keys, Diana opened the door to her boutique to find her helper there. "Marinette!" The girl jumped, started awake and focused her eyes at the door. "Mademoiselle Prince!"

Wiping her mouth, in case she drooled, Marinette checked around the surroundings on her desk. "Mari, it's 22 at night why-" Diana didn't bother to check the time, striding to Marinette's table, beginning to scold her. Marinette bites her lip, hesitant to speak up, but does so anyway.

"Uh, Actually, it's 21:57." Diana looked at Marinette with an unapproved stare and a hand on her hip. "You are not sassing me out リリーパッド." Marinette smiled at the small nickname. She rubbed the back of her head. "I hope you're not mad, I stayed without your permission."

Diana smiled at her helper and went to drop her purse in her office. "Not at all, what's happened since I last left?" Marinette fumbled with her collar and shrugged, looking away.

At the lack of response, Diana looked through the doorway. "Marinette?"

Marinette had taken off her turtleneck and revealed her fading light purple, gruesome green, and yellow hue of a healing bruise crawling on her neck.

From the doorway, Diana froze at the sight of the small women in front of her. "リリーパッド, Who did this to you." Marinette walked over and held her hand, slightly smiling.

"It was the most recent Akumatized victim." Quickly recovering at the memory, Marinette smiled at her. "But don't worry! I won't let that stop me from work!"

Marinette loosely wrapped her scarf around her neck. Marinette wanted to change the subject and noticed the texts from her boss. "Why, are you back so early mademoiselle?" Diana turned to look back at her desk.

"I have something that's caught my attention." Crumbling an old piece of paper, Diana controlled her growing anger. "Marinette, stay away from here."

Marinette in the meantime slipped on a jacket and entered Diana's office. "But Madam. What about work?" Diana shakes her head 'No'. 

"You were already caught up in this. I don't get caught up again." Marinette gave a small smile and walked up to Diana. "It's very hard to do that when your classmates are shit."

Diana smiled back and hugged her. "Maybe, but if you see one. Run away." 

.

.

Marinette had tried, really she did. But she couldn't stop helping people even if she didn't want to.

'Thank god, Royal is alright.' The white noise dimmed around her and she regained consciousness. In a colder place, good. From experience, Marinette could tell this grogginess is from blood loss. Looking down at her stomach she saw the torn clothing and Chat Noir's arm.

'Never again, screw this." Blinking at her surroundings, Marinette grabbed onto the arm that's wrapped around her. "How long was I out?" A little louder than her normal tone. She was right to panic a little, they were in the middle of an Akuma attack! "Not long."

Both Chat Noir and her aren't there to take care of it and Mademoiselle Prince! Struggling to move away from Chat Noir's, Ladybug instead leans into her partner. "I don't know who is Mdm. Prince but she doesn't matter right now, the Akuma has been dealt with, those two strangers helped me deal with it."

Chat Noir placed Ladybug on a chair and went to go get supplies. "You know the drill, don't move." Ladybug waved her arm in his general direction. "Whatever you say. Cat boy."

Ladybug held her stomach, in her hand was her yo-yo. "Lucky charm." Weakly throwing it up the air, Ladybug caught the polka-dotted burner that fell back down.

Marinette laughs at the situation. "Not even right now? Really" Sighing as she waited for Adrien. She needed it anyway and she was already guessing that Adrien did too. "Thank god this doesn't happen often."

Adrien enters the lobby, his hands full of items. A pot, a sewing kit, Alcohol and a couple of water bottles. "I got everything." Marinette nodded and sat up to ease her head.

"In a pot?" Adrien briskly walked back to her. "Y-yeah." Adrien was stopped to stare at her open wound. "Hey." Marinette smiled weakly and held out her hand.

"I'm going to be okay." Adrien grabbed it and fell to his knees again. "How come the Miraculous could cure me but not you." Gripping her hand and quietly letting his tears flow.

"Easy there, I won't be back up to my usual self if I don't hurry." Sniffling, Adrien nodded and took the burner and turned it on. Adrien gives her the cold water bottle and alcohol.

Wordlessly he moves to help Marinette. Adrien boiled another water bottle and took the sewing kit he found and waited for the water to boil. Once it's boiled, Adrien takes the thread and washes it in the hot water, the same with the needle.

Marinette in the meantime detransformed. Tikki went off to guard the place, She couldn't bear to see her companion hurt. Marinette lifted her shirt to lather the areas around the slashes with-- Marinette checked the bottle. "Bourbon?" Adrien didn't reply to her, too busy watching water boil. Marinette shrugged and took a sip.

"Better than last time." Grabbing a few tissues, Marinette covered the gaps and applied pressure. Dousing the outside of her stomach with bourbon she continued. Adrien stood up from the pot delivering the disinfected needle and thread to Mari with a pair of pliers and eyebrow pluckers.

Marinette takes them into her hand, she bends the needle into a hook. Pausing to look up to her partner, he hasn't expressed disconcert since he gathered the supplies. "You don't have to look, you know." Marinette tied the knot on the needle.

Adrien shook his head. "I passed out last time, I have to look." Marinette stared at him. "Don't push yourself 纯儿." Adrien grimaced and breathed out slowly. "G-got it."

Marinette took the plier in one hand and the bottle of bourbon in another. Taking a big gulp of the bourbon and steadying her hand, she slowly worked to tie the first throw together.

After successfully getting the first know she continued on the smaller parts of the claw marks. Catching her breathe, Marinette stops and takes a sip of the water and bourbon. "The pot."

Wordlessly Adrien hands the hot item to her. Adrien gags and covers his mouth with his hand. Marinette pulls the two strips of skin together and presses the hot iron on it.

Melting the skin together and the agonizing burn makes it difficult for her to be awake. Adrien stands up abruptly and runs out, covering his nose and moth with the palm of his hand. The smell of burnt skin and seeing his friend in pain makes him puke.

His lunch comes up as Marinette finishes her first claw mark. "A" Marinette bites back her cries and throws the pot away. "Ah, Merde." Adrien cleans up his puke and makes his way back to the Marinette.

"Looks like I can't wear a two-piece bathing suit anymore." Marinette lightly jokes, Adrien doesn't smile at her attempt to lighten the mood. His somber state brings Marinette worry, a silent beat passes.

"You looked better in a one-piece any way." Marinette snorts but quickly develops into pain. "Ow." Adrien detransforms and looks at Plagg. He floats closer to Marinette's face and nuzzles her cheek.

"Mari-bug, get some rest. I can handle it from here." Marinette giggles at his whiskers, lightly grazing her cheek. "Got it Plagg." Grinning softly at Plagg and Adrien; Adrien held her hand and rubbed the back of it. Marinette closed her eyes, letting the pain and sorrow consume her body.

"Adrien, get the pot and reheat it." Plagg barked orders at Adrien's inability to move. He nods and scurries off to fetch the pot. "Sorry about this baby bug." Repeating the procedure for the claw mark above the first one, Adrien and Plagg worked tirelessly to ensure the rest of the injury closed.

.

.

After finishing and closing the wounds, Adrien went to Marinette's side. "We're are ready to finish the Purification of  the Akuma." Plagg went off to find Tikki at Adrien's words.

When Plagg found her, she was looking onto the city, sitting in the gutter. "Sugarcube." Turning to find her partner, Tikki doesn't cheer up. Plagg spins around her and grabs ahold of her paws.

"She's all patched up!" Plagg strived to match Tikki's endless cheery euphemism. It didn't work and it got out a sad smile from her. "You should leave the optimism to me, sock." 

Plagg nudges her, leads her back to Marinette. Tikki hovers at Marinette sides, Plagg drifts from afar. Leaving enough space for Tikki to take in the sight of her little ladybird. "When knowledge when is used to help others and not yourself, then is it a gift."

Tikki wasn't wise, that belonged to Wayzz for a reason. But by any means is she naive. Tikki dreaded the injuries she couldn't heal and how restricted her powers were without a proper vessel.

"Don't be so tough on yourself love." Plagg grabs a paw from Tikki and floats around her. Almost like dancing, Adrien couldn't help but stare at the little gods dance. "Oh no, you are not calling me those nicknames again." Tikki took back her paw and crossed her arms.

Plagg nudges her again and holds her. "Come one sweets, how long are you going to be mad at me." Tikki flies off and goes to Marinette. "I will stop being mad when you give me a reason too." Adrien catches Plagg with his hands.

"Maybe we should leave the girls to themselves." Plagg stares at Tikki from a distance and sighs. Then flips the switch from crushed to apathy in an instant. "Gender is a fake construct and time isn't relevant."

"Uhh" Leaving Adrien in a dazed and confused state. Plagg floats off for some food. "Okay?" Adrien trails after Plagg into the kitchen.

Tikki glides down to Marinette's sleeping form and proceeds to nest on her hair. "Everything is going to get better, I promise Крошечный жук" Tikki pets her hair slowly.

[space--is--gay]

do all of em for both

If you really wanna read all of these you can, but if not I’m not about to clog up your dash lmao

1. Would you have sex with the last person you text messaged? Nope, I love Ashley but thats TOO FAR2. You talked to an ex today, correct? nah3. Have you taken someones virginity? Nope4. Is trust a big issue for you? Yeah, and some people didnt help that much5. Did you hang out with the person you like recently? Not in a couple weeks. I think she’s coming to see me this weekend tho6. What are you excited for? This weekend lol7. What happened tonight? I took a nap & woke up in a great mood8. Do you think it’s disgusting when girls get really wasted? Nah, let them live their lives, dude9. Is confidence cute? Yesssss10. What is the last beverage you had? Gatorade11. How many people of the opposite sex do you fully trust? 012. Do you own a pair of skinny jeans? I only own skinny jeans. You can pry them from my cold dead hands13. What are you gonna do Saturday night? Not sure yet14. What are you going to spend money on next? Probably coffee tbh15. Are you going out with the last person you kissed? NO16. Do you think you’ll change in the next 3 months? I sure hope so17. Who do you feel most comfortable talking to about anything? Briannaaaa18. The last time you felt broken? I really don’t know (which is so cool!!!!)19. Have you had sex today? Bruh, I’ve never had sex20. Are you starting to realize anything? I like what happiness feels like, and I like having people in my life who actually care about me21. Are you in a good mood? Yes22. Would you ever want to swim with sharks? Alright so I saw 47 Meters Down and the answer is a definite negative23. Are your eyes the same color as your dad’s? Nope24. What do you want right this second? A kiss from someone tbh25. What would you say if the person you love/like kissed another girl/boy? I mean, it would suck but I’m not her girlfriend so I can’t really say much26. Is your current hair color your natural hair color? unfortunately27. Would you be able to date someone who doesn’t make you laugh? No way28. What was the last thing that made you laugh? Probably myself or a meme tbh29. Do you really, truly miss someone right now? Yes30. Does everyone deserve a second chance? I think so, but ya still gotta be careful31. Honestly, do you hate the last boy you were talking to? I don’t even remember the last boy I talked to32. Does the person you have feelings for right now, know you do? Yep33. Are you one of those people who never drinks soda? I drink 1 a month34. Listening to? Fletcher35. Do you ever write in pencil anymore? Sometimes36. Do you know where the last person you kissed is? Probably in New York but that’s just a guess lol37. Do you believe in love at first sight? Yeah38. Who did you last call? My mom39. Who was the last person you danced with? Man i dont even know40. Why did you kiss the last person you kissed? I loved her41. When was the last time you ate a cupcake? I don’t remember42. Did you hug/kiss one of your parents today? Nope43. Ever embarrass yourself in front of a crush? My life is an embarrassment, so yes44. Do you tan in the nude? I don’t do anything except shower in the nude45. If you could, would you take back your last kiss? I don’t think so, actually46. Did you talk to someone until you fell asleep last night? Nope47. Who was the last person to call you? Mom48. Do you sing in the shower? If i’m home alone49. Do you dance in the car? Sometimes50. Ever used a bow and arrow? Yes, it was difficult51. Last time you got a portrait taken by a photographer? 8th grade?52. Do you think musicals are cheesy? Yes, but i love them53. Is Christmas stressful? Yes54. Ever eat a pierogi? a what now?55. Favorite type of fruit pie? Apple56. Occupations you wanted to be when you were a kid? Teacher, Orthodontist, Chef57. Do you believe in ghosts? Absolutely58. Ever have a Deja-vu feeling? occasionally59. Take a vitamin daily? I actually just bought some to start taking60. Wear slippers? Nope61. Wear a bath robe? Nope62. What do you wear to bed? Usually just a t-shirt and underwear63. First concert? The Cheetah Girls64. Wal-Mart, Target or Kmart? Walmart but just bc its the only thing we have65. Nike or Adidas? Adidas tbh66. Cheetos Or Fritos? Cheetos67. Peanuts or Sunflower seeds? Depends on the day68. Favorite Taylor Swift song? Hey Stephen69. Ever take dance lessons? Nope70. Is there a profession you picture your future spouse doing? Not really71. Can you curl your tongue? Yes72. Ever won a spelling bee? YES in the 3rd grade73. Have you ever cried because you were so happy? Yes74. What is your favorite book? The Outsiders 75. Do you study better with or without music? with76. Regularly burn incense? nope77. Ever been in love? Yes78. Who would you like to see in concert? Halsey or Fletcher79. What was the last concert you saw? I don’t even remember tbh80. Hot tea or cold tea? Cold & sweet81. Tea or coffee? Coffee82. Favorite type of cookie? Chocolate Chip 83. Can you swim well? Eh84. Can you hold your breath without holding your nose? No85. Are you patient? NO WAY JOSE86. DJ or band, at a wedding? DJ87. Ever won a contest? yes, i won several webkinz in 4th grade (like 12)88. Ever have plastic surgery? Nope89. Which are better black or green olives? Neither90. Opinions on sex before marriage?  You do you, dude91. Best room for a fireplace? Living room92. Do you want to get married? Absolutely

1: Do you sleep with your closet doors open or closed? I don’t have a closet door sooooo2: Do you take the shampoos and conditioner bottles from hotel? Not usually3: Do you sleep with your sheets tucked in or out? I don’t use a top sheet sooooo4: Have you ever stolen a street sign before? Nope, but there’s one near my house I want to steal5: Do you like to use post-it notes? Yeah i do6: Do you cut out coupons but then never use them? Always7: Would you rather be attacked by a big bear or a swarm of a bees? Neither?????8: Do you have freckles? Not really9: Do you always smile for pictures? Nah, i kinda hate my smile so10: What is your biggest pet peeve? I don’t really know, I have a lot of them lol11: Do you ever count your steps when you walk? I do, actually. I didnt realize it until recently12: Have you ever peed in the woods? Indeed13: What about pooped in the woods? Nah bro14: Do you ever dance even if theres no music playing? Not really15: Do you chew your pens and pencils? Not chew, but I put the caps to my pens in my mouth16: How many people have you slept with this week? 017: What size is your bed? Full 18: What is your Song of the week? Mine by Bazzi19: Is it okay for guys to wear pink? Yeah, you do you, bro20: Do you still watch cartoons? They’re funnier than most other tv so21: Whats your least favorite movie? TITANIC22: Where would you bury hidden treasure if you had some? Not telling my secrets23: If you’re a girl, bra size? If you’re a guy, pants size? Why does it matter?24: What do you dip a chicken nugget in? Honey mustard usually25: What is your favorite food? Mac and Cheese26: What movies could you watch over and over and still love? Pirates of the Caribbean (any of them)27: Last person you kissed/kissed you? Mafe (and i’m sick of saying it so someone kiss me PLEASE)28: Were you ever a boy/girl scout? I was indeed29: Would you ever strip or pose nude in a magazine? They would pay me to put my clothes back on so30: When was the last time you wrote a letter to someone on paper? I wrote one for J’s birthday31: Can you change the oil on a car? Nope32: Ever gotten a speeding ticket? NOpe33: Ever ran out of gas? NOpe34: Favorite kind of sandwich? PB&J35: Best thing to eat for breakfast? Grits 36: What is your usual bedtime? Whenever I pass out37: Are you lazy? Yeah, I guess38: When you were a kid, what did you dress up as for Halloween? One year I was bubblegum under the table39: What is your Chinese astrological sign? I really dunno40: Are you horny? Almost always41: Do you have any magazine subscriptions? Nope42: Which are better legos or lincoln logs? Legosssss43: Are you stubborn? Ask any of my friends (or ex’s) and the answer is definitely yes44: Who is better…Leno or Letterman? Neither, Fallon.45: Ever watch soap operas? I used to with my Grandma46: Are you afraid of heights? Yepppp47: Do you sing in the car? Always48: Do you sing in the shower? When i’m home alone49: Do you dance in the car? Sometimes50: Ever used a gun? Yeah, I used to when I was younger, but I haven’t in years

[loveandwarfanfiction]

A Birthday Reunion...

One Year Later

Chris

      It's been a year since Tamar and I broke up and to be honest, it's pretty much been hell. I hated Jasmine as much as I hated myself because of how the shit went down and for three months, I didn't even speak to her unless it was about Nayah. After that, for my daughter's sake, her mom and I made it official and tried the big happy family bullshit. Out of respect for Tamar, because I wanted her back, we didn't make our relationship public. When shit was going good six months later and I considered it, my life, and Nayah's, was changed completely. That day, August 20th, 2011, Jasmine had a photoshoot that ran late...

Flashback:

      It was around 6 when Jasmine called saying she was finally on her way home and our routine was tucking Nayah in for bed together so I did my best to deal with how fussy my almost two- year old was because she's fighting her sleep due to the fact she missed her mom and was waiting on her to come home. Usually it takes about thirty minutes to get to my place from the location she had her photoshoot today so when forty-five minutes pass, I blame that on traffic. When fifteen more minutes pass by, I think either she stopped somewhere for some food or her car broke down.

     If that was the case, why wouldn't she let me know? I would've went to pick her up or understood that she couldn't wait to put Nayah to bed then head home to eat. Hell if she asked, I would've ordered a pizza or something so she could eat before she went home. With that said, I was worried. Thankful that Nayah was fast asleep because she couldn't stay up that long after her bedtime, I finally call her mom. Nothing. Now I'm not just worried but scared so I begin to dial 911 when there's a knock at the door. I sigh with relief assuming that's Jasmine and open the door to see the police.

      Considering my reputation, I instantly have my guard up but my biggest concern right now was the mother of my child. I haven't been in any trouble lately so they couldn't be here for me. If they were here for her, something bad had to happen. I couldn't shake that feeling but I push those thoughts to the side and invite the officers in praying that I was wrong. Once they're seated, I find the courage to ask what brought them here. "May I ask why you're here officers?" "Sorry to bother you Mr. Brown, I'm aware you have your daughter Nayah at the moment correct?"

      "Ok... What's going on? Why are you even bringing her up," I question them; getting pissed now. My heart is literally racing; thinking that they were about to allow Jasmine in, with Social Services behind her, to take my daughter from me. It was either that or something happened to her. "We're here about her mother, Jasmine Sanders... She was in a drunk driving accident and from her recent phone calls, it appears she was on her way here." I was lost for words and trying my hardest to hold myself together at this point; there's only one reason for giving me this news personally.

      That reason, which I didn't want to have to accept, is that my daughter's mother is gone. "She didn't make it did she," I ask clearly with a lump in my throat on the verge of tears. It took them a moment to gather up the courage to speak, it being hard to have to tell me, before they did. "I'm very sorry Mr. Brown but no she didn't... The only belonging of hers we're allowed to give you from the scene is her phone so you can call everyone and tell them the news. Again, we're sorry for your loss," they explain handing me her phone and placing their hand on my shoulder on the way out.

      I closed my front door behind them and just broke down. How do I tell Nayah that her mother's gone? More importantly, how the hell am I going to raise her on my own?! The only person I want to call right now is Tamar but she's most likely not answering. My mom won't be much comfort either; she'll start crying when I tell her which will make me cry even harder. The only comfort right I'd get right now is Nayah. Even though she's sleeping, I went up to her room and scooped her up into my arms, sat down in the rocking chair next to her crib, and held her close as I continued to cry.

      It took me a good thirty minutes to pull myself together after that before I took Jasmine's phone and started making the phone calls I'd been dreading. I started with her publicist just so they could handle getting the news out to the media and then I called her parents. Hitting dial and staying on that phone the entire time was the hardest shit I ever had to do. I'll never forget the screams and wails of her mother in the background as I talked to her father. He was clearly crying himself but staying as strong as he could and let me know how much it meant for me to give them the news.

      It was obvious that they wouldn't be able to handle telling everyone so I volunteered to call the rest of her contacts and give them the news as well. They were beyond grateful and the rest of the phone calls were ten times easier because I made the hardest one prior to them.  After almost three hours of that, I was pretty much numb; I couldn't bring myself to cry anymore. I sent Jasmine's publicist a text asking if she could tell Kae the news because there was no way in hell I was going to then sat there in silence. I NEED to talk to Tamar; to hear her voice and hopefully get closure for the two of us.

      My mom's already called over ten times but I ignored her since I was busy. I also knew she'd be crying when I finally picked up, which I said I wanted to avoid, since she's heard the news by now. The other thing I didn't want to hear is her saying how she's sorry for my loss; it won't bring Jasmine back. Tay will say it too but she'll also try to take my mind off of this bullshit; no matter how pissed she is at me and right now, I needed that. After I dial her number, I was having second thoughts so I took a deep breath, hit the green phone button on the screen, and let it ring; hoping she'd answer.

      "What Chris?! Didn't I tell you to leave me the hell alone the last time you blew up my phone?! I almost changed my number but I thought you finally got the message when you didn't call me again," she yells at me when she picks up on the final ring before her voicemail. At least she answered! "I know. I did get the message but I need you right now... They haven't confirmed it on the news yet but it was Jasmine in that drunk driving accident earlier tonight..." "Oh my God... I didn't know! Is she..." I could tell she didn't want to finish her statement hoping Jasmine was ok. If only she was...

      "No... Tay she isn't... Nayah doesn't have a mom anymore..." Just that alone almost made me want to cry again but Tamar was my rock even if we weren't together. She gave me the strength to keep it together. "Chris... I; I don't know what to say... I'm not gonna say what I should because that won't bring the person back but I will say that this sucks..." "You can say that again," I thought to myself before I responded. "I agree... And thanks for that... I needed it." "No problem," she starts off being interrupted by someone telling her to hurry up before they're late. "Hold on Toni, I'll be right there!"

      Now I know who was rushing her; one of her sisters. I'm just glad it wasn't another nigga she was going out with! "My bad Chris, I'm dragging her out to a 10:00 movie so I should go... Stay strong ok? I would say you could call me anytime if you need me but right now, with the break-up wounds being so fresh, it wouldn't be fair to me or you. I still love you so it's hard to even be on the phone with you right now and knowing that, I can't be there the way you'd deserve." "I get it. Thanks for being honest Tay and just so you know, I still love you too; more than you know." "Bye Chris..."

Flashback Over

      That was the last time I got in contact with Tamar, she really did change her number after that night and less than a week later was Jasmine's funeral. Ever since then, I've been struggling as a single dad. Kae had Drake's baby right after the accident too but that was the least of my worries. My main focus after the FAME tour was my daughter and I just started my new album Fortune; not even winning a Grammy made me want to get back to the music. The only reason I was in the spotlight during this time was if Jasmine was mentioned or if I was sighted with our daughter.

      On social media, I had so many people coming at me; blaming me for the tragedy. Some even went as far saying bullshit like "Just kill yourself! Your daughter would be better off without you and you should've done us that favor after putting your hands on Rihanna!" That's what I meant by Kae and Drake's baby was the least of my worries and why I said goodbye to my Instagram and Twitter for a while. When I returned to them last week, I changed my username from @fuckyopictures. I still post shit but before I scroll through the comments, my management looks first.

      They delete the negative shit and block the users leaving it. Being a father, I don't have time to roast niggas if they say the wrong thing. My ass will do it too; no filter and no fucks given. Anyway, with me working on a new album, I was going to be busy in the studio and everything that goes with promoting it when it's done so I wanted to take Nayah on a mini vacation. I felt it was best to get out of Cali so we flew into Tampa last night so we can go to Busch Gardens today. For once, my baby girl didn't ask for her mom the moment she got me up to start the day so I felt good.

      The sad thing about that was how I think that she finally realized Jasmine's not coming back. That breaks my heart since she's turning three on the 27th. Today however was MY birthday. Considering the tough time I had with my baby mama's death, I didn't see any better way to celebrate than be with my baby girl. No friends or family other than her. After I got the us ready and we got inside the amusement park, we were having a good time. She enjoyed Elmo and everybody on the Sesame Street safari and it was hot as hell so we were heading towards the water ride that I hoped was kid friendly.

      That's when the unexpected happened. I saw a camera crew and I heard a lot of laughing because somebody got drenched on the ride. Ok, I have an almost three-year-old so it's NOT kid friendly. Can't blame a nigga for trying.  We'll just get something to drink on the way to the next kid attraction. Apparently it's called 'Treetop Trails.' Anyway, after I look at my map of the park and start heading in that direction, more than happy I CAN get something to drink on the way, the laughing behind me halts and there was total silence. Then I hear: "O, shit! It's Chris!"

      "Traci would you shut up before he turns around and sees us?! He's with his daughter for crying out loud!" I knew that voice from anywhere and I was hoping that was her but the chances of us being here at the same time, and while she and her family are filming their show, were pretty slim. Unless it IS her... I thanked God as I turned around; seeing Tamar again for the first time in a year. My nerves got the best of me for that reason but I blurted out the first thing that came to my mind anyway: "Hey Tay... Braxtons..." Things just got awkward as fuck but if I get to see her again it's worth it!

Tamar

      I didn't know what to do or say right now... The fact Chris was here out of all places at the same time I was here was way beyond crazy. So many emotions were going through my head at once and I couldn't handle it. Seeing Chris did that to me and I just couldn't handle it. Before I knew it, I was taking off and heading to the RV my dad rented for the day but without hearing my sisters saying: "Tamar!" "Tay; wait!" Right now, I just had to get away. Seeing him with Nayah was too hard and it didn't help that we happened to run into each other again on his birthday of all days.

      My dad noticed I was upset so he stepped off the RV while Chris made his way inside. He most likely left his daughter with my sisters and like I hoped my mom wouldn't, she ended up getting off the RV too so my ex and I could have a moment alone. For a moment, it was silent and it didn't look like either of us was saying anything anytime soon so I broke the ice. It wasn't easy either; I was actually dreading it. That's why all that I managed to get out was: "Happy birthday..." Not "Hey; How've you been and happy birthday by the way," but just fucking "Happy birthday!" Nice going Tamar!

      "You remembered... Thanks." Ok; he's just as nervous! That makes me feel a little better! "It's hard to forget when Team Breezy made the hashtag #CincoDeBreezy because it's on Cinco de Mayo," I reply. "Right... So, how've you been?" "Good... still struggling with finishing my album, but good. I should really be asking you that question though..." This shit was way too awkward. I mean when isn't having a conversation with your ex though? And considering the last time we spoke, I'm surprised I'm the first person to even bring Jasmine up. Hell; I'm surprised that I'm even talking to Chris right now!

      "I just started working on my new album and I'm just now adjusting to being a single father, a year later. I'm ok though... I got a Grammy for FAME," he says taking me out of my thoughts. Him mentioning his Grammy had me smile inside; I was proud of him. He made it back on top after what happened with Rihanna and I couldn't be happier for him. "I was watching, and cheering, when Taraji called your name. I contemplated calling you too, to congratulate you, but after our last conversation-" "Tay... I get it. Now can we cut the bullshit here? Why did you run off like that? Do you hate me that much?"

      For the first time since running into Chris, I started laughing. One, I saw that coming and two, I was pretty much playing with his emotions to get back at him before I made the move that would make us officially back together again. That move was walking  up to him and placed my lips on his. "Don't you get it?! Like I said last time we talked a year ago, I still love you. I could NEVER hate you and you tried it for even thinking that I do," I tell him when I pull away only to be pulled back in. "I missed you too. And I will NEVER hurt you again. I promise. I love you WAY too much to."

      I nod as he pulls me into his arms and I cry into his shoulder. After a moment, I'm done balling my eyes out so I finally speak again. "You better not Chris. I won't be cheated on again and play nice a second time around." I meant that shit too. I stayed when Vince cheated time and time again; which is why I was so quick to leave Chris when I found out he cheated too. I deserve better so I made him hurt from losing me so he'd learn his lesson. I hadn't thought like that until Jasmine's death though; before then, I was done. "I know Tay. So... Can we head back out now? We're at Busch Gardens!"

      As much as I wanted to, there was something I had to do first. I just had to find out how I'd do it. "I-I can't... It's a family day and we've been filming all day so I have to stay with them. I can't just have you tag along with us like this no matter how much I want you to." Chris didn't even have a chance to respond because we heard: "Just go with him Tamar," Trina and Toni said in unison from outside the front door to the RV. "And take Nayah too," Traci adds; confirming how everyone was spying on me. Since they brought up Chris' daughter, I had to do what I mentioned earlier before my mom did.

      "Wait just a minute now, Tamar-" "Momma, I got this. Chris, there's someone I want you to meet. They're in the back sleeping." Now I'm nervous as hell; who knows how he'll react. By the time I start heading to the bedroom to join him anxious to see what he'd do and say, I see him walking out crying and holding and almost four month old in his arms. The sight before me made me weak in the knees too... I was way too emotional. "Tay..." I stopped him there and didn't let him say another word. Not without me explaining myself first so he knew all of the details which he deserved.

      "Before you say anything let me explain. I suspected so the day we last talked, I made an appointment for the day of the funeral. I wasn't saying anything when I didn't know for sure; especially with what happened to Jasmine. When I got it confirmed, I wanted to tell you but I already changed my number and to be honest I was still pissed so I waited. When I was ready to tell you, I just found out the sex in an ultrasound but I knew you were still grieving and had Nayah to think about. With that said, it was more of trying to find the right way to tell you at that point until I went into labor."

      I paused for a short moment and then continued. "That same night, you had that scare with Nayah and her crazy fever. I could've told you then since you were in the hospital once you knew she was ok but that wouldn't have been good timing. The whole time the doctors were working to get her fever down, I know Jasmine's death hit you all over again; that being one of the times you wished she was still here. That and how harsh people can be is why you disappeared with Nayah until the Grammys three months ago. I couldn't tell you then because that would be selfish."

      When I finished, there was complete silence. Now I was waiting for him to either lash out at me for keeping it from him, even though he was going through hell, or be understanding. The smile on his face gave me my answer right away. "I saw your mom that night and she explained everything then let me meet him. She also sent me pictures every chance that she got. The only thing I don't know is his name; she saved that for you." Both of us were crying now, and smiling, as I introduced the two of them. "Then I would like to let you meet your son Trenton... Trenton Maurice Brown."