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justice4harwin · 3 years ago

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Light’s Corruption- Chapter VIII

Summary: With few friends at the Little Palace, Alina must work to win the favour of her fellow grisha and their commander, who makes her feel light headed every time she sees him.

After training in Os Alta for two years, the king grows tired of waiting and demands the Sun Summoner joins a western post near the Fjerdan border along with the rest of The Second Army to test her abilities.

Something happens. Suddenly, Alina wants blood to run down the rivers and those who stand in her and The Darkling’s way will be blinded by her light and swallowed by his shadows.

It won’t be pretty.

Pairing: The DarklingxAlina

Rating: 18+

Do I have a playlist for this story? Yeah

Do I also have a separate bff playlist for Genya and Alina? Duh

Click here for chapter 7 in case you missed it.

Chapter 8: Alina the Baker

Grisha at the Little Palace had a day of the week off every other week, which meant that Alina could catch up on some precious sleep in the confines of her soft, warm bed filled with softer pillows. Even with the weak winter sun shining down on her, Alina could've slept all day and well into the night. In fact, it was even better, for she'd be warmer. There was no such thing as 'too much warmth' for her. The hotter, the better.

Curled up like a cat over the luxurious bed, the Sun Summoner intended to sleep all day and night.

Then there was a knock on her door.

She didn't hear it and rolled over in a most unnatural way.

The knocking got louder.

She began to stir.

"Get up, Starkov!" Genya yelled from the other side.

"Maybe if I don't make any sounds she'll leave." Alina thought, clutching her eyes tightly shut.

"You know I can go get the keys, but that'll only give me time to get angrier!"

Groaning, Alina threw herself onto the floor and made for the wretched door.

The redhead swung in with her usual grace, her kit in hand as she hummed a melody strange to Alina's ears.

Slowly, Alina followed her.

"Wash your face and come sit here." she instructed, pointing at the vanity.

After doing so, the Tailor began to work on her hair.

"Do I have somewhere to be?" Alina asked, yawning.

"No, but with the Winter Fete so close, I wanted to try some different styles for your hair and make-up, so we won't waste so much time on the actual day." she explained. "Besides, the Duke is still here, so the queen's daily naps have become longer, which only makes it harder for the Duke to talk whatever it is he wants to discuss with the king."

Alina made an odd face through the mirror; Genya smiled at her ingenuity.

"They've been fucking like ra-"

"Ah, ta-ta-ta, I get it." the Summoner closed her eyes and waved her hands, not wanting to picture any of it. "Does the king know?"

Genya snorted, joining two braids into one.

"Please, he's a dumb child."

Alina yawned again, loudly.

"Look, I don't think my hair matters too much for the Fete, so how about we take a nap?"

"Lazy."

"It's early."

"So?" a red, perfectly trimmed eyebrow rose softly. "Who would imagine the Sun Summoner herself wouldn't want to raise with the sun?"

"Technically, the sun is always out."

"I'm also using you as an excuse to get out of the Grand Palace."

"Can we do something else, then?"

"No!" she yanked Alina's hair once more and tied it. Leaning over her friend, she arranged the three mirrors which sat atop the vanity so the other woman could get a good look at it. "What do you think?"

Alina stared at her reflection. Two braids started at the top of her head and joined as one at the base of her neck.

"I like it."

Genya placed a slender finger to her lips.

"Too simple." With a flourish of her hand, Alina's hair was freed once more, falling in dark waves down her shoulders. "Turn."

When she did, her friend leaned over and took her face gently.

"I thought you were sleeping better." she mumbled as she ran her fingers underneath her eyes, ridding it of bags.

"I am, I think."

"Have you been summoning?"

"Yes, but, …"

"But?"

Genya leaned against the vanity, waiting patiently.

"I don't know." Alina said, looking down at her hands. "I know Baghra is horrible, and she still hasn't called back for me-"

"Then you go to her."

"I don't want to." Alina confessed, even though she probably should. Who else would teach her? The Darkling? He was always on and off the Little Palace grounds. "What if I mess up too bad and no-one's there to stop me?"

"So you haven't been summoning." Genya concluded.

"I have!" she fought back. "Just a little."

To prove her point, she closed her hand into a fist, opened up, and let a small orb of light fly up to Genya's face, not too close to make her uncomfortable. The Tailor watched the light with a small smile, and slowly reached out.

"I thought it might burn me."

"I think it would if I wanted to hurt you, or if I put more effort into it."

"But you love me too much."

"I tolerate you." she joked, moving the orb up and above her friend's head. "Now you look like a saint." she said, trying to turn the orb into a halo. It flickered and didn't exactly do as she commanded, only shone brighter over Genya's features.

The redhead shook her hand.

"Move. With this light, I can probably mask my age a bit more."

"Oh yeah," Alina said as she stood up, a playful smile on her face. "Because you're soooo old."

Alina didn't actually know how old Genya was, but she was sure they were about the same age.

"Tomorrow I will be a year closer to grey hair so," Genya's fingers went over her face, getting rid of imperfections Alina couldn't see. "One can never start too early."

"Tomorrow's your birthday?" Alina asked, starting to smile.

Genya didn't seem so excited. She merely shrugged.

"Yes."

"What are you planning on doing? Are you having a party? How many people will be there? Are presents mandatory? Cause I don't have permission to go to the city to get you one, and it doesn't really matter because I have no money and I don't have time enough to do something myself. What sort of ca-?

"Alina!" Genya had to raise her voice a little to get her overly excited friend to stop. "We don't celebrate birthdays here. It's just another day."

The Sun Summoner frowned.

"So, not even a cake? Or the day off?"

The Tailor huffed, amused.

"What for?"

"To celebrate." Alina was no longer bouncing on her heels.

"Trust me, the last thing anyone in these palaces would think of is to celebrate my silly birthday." she said as if it meant nothing.

Alina sat on the carpeted floor; legs crossed.

"That's depressing."

"If you say so." she remained indifferent.

She peered up at her friend and got an idea.

"Should we have some tea?"

"After I test how to work your face."

Later that night, standing outside the kitchens of the Little Palace, Alina ran her hands over her kefta and stood as straight as she could, putting on her best scowl. She hoped she had picked up a thing or two from Ana Kuya and Baghra

She entered the place like she owned it. At first, nobody took notice, too busy with their tasks. She cleared her throat.

Nothing.

She clapped her hands twice, like Genya did to call upon the attention of her miserable shrews -not that Alina considered the kitchen staff to fall into that category- and everyone in the kitchen turned to her, adopting various expressions at the sight of her.

No-one seemed to know what to do or what to say.

Trying to seem somewhat commanding, Alina cleared her throat once more.

"I need ingredients to make a cake." she stated.

One of the cooks swallowed hard before she began to speak.

"If you'd like a cake, Miss, I can make-"

"I want to do it myself, actually." she said, placing both hands behind her back and praying to all the saints she could remember -there weren't many- that they took her seriously.

Still, nobody moved.

Alina guessed that it wasn't every day that a Grisha showed up and demanded to cook something by themselves.

Not wanting the kitchen staff to feel offended, she spoke again:

"It's for a friend, you see, so I'd like to give her something I made with my own hands."

Slowly, the same woman who had spoken nodded, and then smiled tentatively.

"There's fresh eggs over there, Miss."

As it turned out, Alina did need some help after all. She knew how to make a basic cake, but as soon as she said it was a birthday cake, a middle-aged man jumped on her, offended on behalf of Genya.

"You can't just give your friend something so bland." he had said, his face red as he gestured widely at the cake, like it was a disgusting piece of work. One might have thought Alina had insulted his family. "You need to fill it with something, decorate it, give it life and flavour!"

Yes. That, she had no idea how to do.

He pushed her aside hastily.

"Saint can summon light but can't make a decent birthday cake." he muttered.

Alina's mouth hung open, offended, but she said nothing.

She hurried up the steps with a big cake held as if it were a precious new-born child when she heard him:

"Miss Starkov?"

"Holy Saints!"

She came to such a sudden halt, the cake moved precariously on its base.

"Yes, sir?" she called, tense, not daring to turn back.

"I am glad I came upon you;" The Darkling said, and she could hear him approaching.

It was so great to have him back, but why did he have to arrive at that time? Couldn't he have waited a few more minutes?

"Was there something you needed?" she asked.

"I can't believe myself, but please say 'no'"

"No, no, I just wanted to inform you that you shall start training with me tomorrow. I will see you at the entrance just before dawn."

"I thought you had no time for personal training." she was reminded of their conversation one season prior. "And that you didn't want to show favouritism."

It was probably stupid of her to say those things, to make him look like he couldn't make up his mind, but she find it hard to filter her thoughts when he was in the vicinity.

"I remember our conversation very well, Alina." he said, and she could hear his voice closer. It was so deep and smooth. Alina took a deep breath and tried to steady her heartbeat. "But some circumstances have changed, and I decided to make an exception."

Any other day, she would've melted at his feet at the way he spoke, as if it were almost a dirty, scandalous secret only meant for them.

But she had Genya's cake in her hands. It was big, and heavy, and he couldn't see it.

"That's great!" she said, and she meant it. "Thank you. Now if you'll excuse me, I have somewhere to go. Moi Soverennyi." she bowed, and then clutched her eyes shut, cursing herself silently. Nothing showed more respect for one's General than showing them their behind.

"Are you hiding something, Alina?" he asked, sounding far too amused to her liking.

"Nope."

"Right. And I am the Black Heretic." he almost snorted. Alina frowned; he sounded so…normal when he did that. She wanted to hear it more often, she realized.

She craned her neck so she could get a glimpse at him. His eyes shone with mirth; the corner of his mouth was tilted up. She wanted to freeze him like that forever.

"It's nothing bad or illegal."

He chuckled, and his nose crunched up a little. Alina found it adorable, and she wanted to kiss him again, cuddle next to a fire by him, and make him laugh until his sides hurt.

"Alright, then. I shall let you be on your way." he took a step back, and Alina took a few steps forward before stopping at the end of the stairs.

"It's good to have you back."

She climbed up the stairs so quickly one might've thought a Squaller was pushing her up, and didn't give him opportunity to say anything back.

Alina moved her tea table to the centre of her room, where she placed the cake and a few flowers she had stolen from the various vases around the Little Palace to give it more life.

Smiling like an idiot, she closed her eyes and called her light just as there was a knock on the door.

Her light answered and her hand shot up, leaving a thin layer of golden dust hovering near the ceiling, giving the space a lovely ambience.

Hastily, she made sure everything was in order. The tea was hot, and there was plenty of kvas and wine for at least ten people. The kitchen staff had been more than happy to provide for her when they found out who Alina wanted to celebrate. Apparently, Genya was well liked among the otkazat'sya who worked on the Little Palace.

She hurried to open the door.

Genya waited on the other side, standing straight, an eyebrow arched up.

"You called for me? Is it urgent?"

"Yes!" The Sun Summoner answered, taking her friend's hand and dragging her across the expansive room.

She turned abruptly and placed her hands on Genya's eyes, blocking her view.

"For all the Saints, Ali, I don't have time to play around." she complained as she was dragged some more. "Just because the queen is spending another afternoon with the Duke of Balakirev doesn't mean I don't have other things to do and-"

Alina uncovered her eyes.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" she squealed, taking a step to the side and extending her arms to showcase the cake.

It was rectangular, decorated with red, blue and yellow flowers all over it. No white. Nothing about that cake was white.

The Tailor stared at it.

'Happy Birthday, Genya!' it read, in black, messy letters. While the middle-aged man from the kitchen had done most of the decorating of the cake, Alina had insisted on writing the words herself.

Still, The Tailor stared at it, mouth agape.

Slowly, Alina's smiled dropped, and looking at her friend in the eyes, she was horrified to find them wet.

A tear fell down Genya's pale face, and Alina rushed over to remove it.

"Gen?" she asked, extremely concerned. "What is it?"

But Genya couldn't say anything. Her mouth opened, then it closed, and it opened again as a small cry left its confines, the tears falling freely now, like a turbulent river.

Alina hugged her, rubbing her stiff back in circles.

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." she said over and over again. "I just thought you might like it. I'm so sorry. Do you want me to throw it away?"

She felt how her friend shook her head, clinging to her with a vice like grip.

Alina was the one who wanted to cry now, seeing her closest friend in such a state made her eyes tear, and, oh damn, she was crying now as well.

They stood like that for a few moments, weeping like idiots, the hug a bit awkward since Genya seemed to hover over smaller Alina.

Slowly, the Tailor disentangled herself from the Summoner, and her friend let her go.

Genya delicately passed a finger underneath her eyes and adverted her gaze, although Alina could see the red in her eyes.

"Thank you, Ali. Truly." she said, her voice slightly hoarse.

Alina was at a loss of words.

"It's just a cake, Gen." she shrugged. "I just thought, we could celebrate together, if you wanted. We can invite anyone you want." she suggested.

Smiling just a little, Genya looked down at her hands and played with her fingers.

"No, it's just…"she took a deep breath and let it out. Alina waited patiently. "No one ever really did this for me before." she said, raising her arm towards her cake.

"A birthday cake?" Alina asked slowly, her voice tremulous and trying not to sound sad. "Well, it's not a big deal!" she tried to shake it off, waving a hand with a forced smile. "Back in Keramzin there was only one plain cake per month for all the children so-"

"No, "Genya interrupted, her voice a mere whisper that cut through Alina's heart like a sharp blade. "I mean, celebrated. No one's ever done this much." her eyes were like crystal again. "Thank you."

Alina felt uncomfortable. She really did feel sad for her friend? Had no one ever truly celebrated her birthday? She knew she had been given to the queen at a young age, but even before that, had her parents ever made something for her? Or at least said anything on the day?

Alina didn't remember much of her parents, but she did remember once a year, her father coming up to her with a small, strawberry tart. He and mamma would hug her more than usual and kiss her cheeks and play with her all day until the sun went down and her eyes dropped closed of exhaustion.

"Chasing the waters." she thought, absentmindedly.

Even before the Little Palace, had Genya never had any of that?

"I'm just, sorry I couldn't do anything grander on such short notice." Alina tried to smile. "I have a present for you" she was now grinning, although so very nervous on the inside. She walked over to her desk and took the envelope. "I didn't have time to make something so… it was very last minute. She came back to stand before her friend and extended the envelope, which Genya took with a look in her eyes that resembled disbelief and wonder. Alina's cheek reddened. "It's nothing. Really. Open it."

Genya did as she was asked, and Alina bit her bottom lip, trembling as she recalled, word by word, what she had put down on the paper with her finest ink.

"I have a friend,

with bright, red hair.

She has a loudmouth,

and a brusque, yet marvellous touch.

She and I have known each other,

for only a couple of months,

But I know that in my soul,

She's well settled for long.

Some will say she's pretty

Others will say she's pricky,

and while those all ring through,

I know the person behind those needle-like replies.

I have a friend,

with bright, red hair.

She's always there for me,

as I'll always be there for her."

It seemed as if an eternity had passed before the Tailor looked up, fresh tears in her eyes.

"Did you write this?" she asked, voice cracked. Alina nodded sheepishly, and Genya said: "This is the shittiest piece of poetry I have ever read."

The Summoner tried to not let her hurt show on her face, but a moment later she was being engulfed into another bear hug.

"I love it." Genya whispered almost fervently, clutching her tighter. "Thank you."

They spent the afternoon drinking tea, eating cake, talking and laughing. Genya had admired the piece for a long moment, as if trying to burn it into her memory, before she cut into the first two portions.

After a while, when there was no more tea and they grew tired of cutting, they sat themselves down on the carpeted floor, cake and all, and dug in directly from the base as they helped it pass through with kvas and wine.

"What do you mean?" Alina asked as they both laid on top of the soft, fur carpet of the floor, facing up, unable to move.

"Another rule of the General to keep his Grisha humble: no birthday parties." Genya answered, her speech slurred and the last part with a deeper tone, like she wanted to imitate Kirigan.

"That sucks!" Alina spat, just as drunk as her friend.

"Yeah!"

"Parties are…cool." she stated, raising her index finger as if to make a point. "There's cake,"

"Ugh." Genya's hand flew down to her stomach. "I can't move."

Alina ignored her.

"There's presents, if you're not an orphan." she giggled at her own misery. "There's more cake, and there's people."

"There's always p-people at the Tiny Palace." Genya reminded her, kicking off her boots.

Alina did the same, her hands blindly reaching up to the couch for the small pillows.

"Yeah;" one of the pillows hit Genya in the face, and the Tailor whined about it as she placed it underneath her head. "But there's no birthday cake, thanks to General Handsomest. And no birthday parties." She counted to three in her head, shot up, grabbed the blanket at the back of the couch, and let herself fall again on top of the rug.

Saints, how had she and Genya managed to eat that entire monstrosity?

She threw the blanket over her body and kicked until it covered her feet. Genya clumsily pulled at it so it'd cover her as well.

Alina frowned.

"There's people at parties."

"Yes, Alina." Genya closed her eyes.

Alina's frown deepened, some of the blurriness in her mind clearing.

"People talk at parties."

Genya opened one eye.

"Are you going to get us in trouble?"

Alina, who could barely put the dots together as she thought of how full of cake she was and how funny everything looked from where she was laying on the ground, and how handsome the General was, and how she wanted to kiss him again and slap him for leaving her like that, turned her face towards her friend.

"Only if General Handsome caught us." she said.

Genya sighed.

"Fine. But turn your head to the other side. I don't want your puke in my face."

Giggling at the disgusting image, Alina did as she was told.

Their hands found each other underneath the blanket in a soft hold.

"Happy birthday, Gen." Alina mumbled, the lack of sleep due to her preparations for the afternoon and all the alcohol catching up to her.

"Thank you, Ali."

A/N: Hope you liked it! This is probably the last sweet chapter before things gradually start to get darker *evil laugh*

Click here for chapter IX

#shadow and bone #shadow and bone fanfic #alina starkov #aleksander morozova #shadow & bone trilogy #alina x darkling #alina x aleksander #The darklingxAlina #Genya Safin #its a birthday party my dudes and dudettes #fanfic

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iamdunn · 3 years ago

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Miraculous One Shot: Truth Singer

A Miraculous Fan-Fic Musical Episode

Written by

AJ Dunn

This was it. Adrien’s 21’s birthday and Marinette was already hard at work on the preparations. Gabriel no longer had control over Adrien so there was nothing stopping him from coming to this party. Marinette had been planning for this day for years and now it was here. Her footlocker in her parent’s apartment was already full of gifts for his next 15 years worth of birthdays, yet every year she ended up making him another gift. This time was no different. She had learned her lesson about not signing her gifts after the whole scarf mix up. Now, she made sure the item she made for him had her signature in it somewhere so there could never be any question as to who actually made it for him.

This year, in light of him being of legal adult age, she wanted to give him something more mature. She had seen him in a black leather jacket in one of his photo shoots and decided to make him something, not exactly like that one, but one that would suit him much better. She had spent days designing the perfect jacket, the zippers, the seams, even the measurements. She had been allowed to accompany him to several photo shoots where she watched the designers with detailed eyes adjust and fit him into the outfits his father had designed for him. She managed to sneak a peek at his measurements and made note of them as she drew out her own designs.

As the jacket now lay out on her bed she examined every stitch for perfection. The main zipped going up just slightly past his collar bone, was silver. With two slanted pockets near the waist. The fabric around the armpits and sides was a moisture wicking sports material that, while it was designed to move with the wearer, was also designed to keep him cool. His photo shoot was of him sitting on a motorcycle. A kind of rough yet dreamy image that made Marinette melt just thinking about it. The stitching had been done in a neon green to accent his emerald eyes. It would be a slim fitting jacket, she thought, hoping she got the measurements right. It seemed like it was going to be too big for him.

She was so lost in thought she didn’t hear the trap door to the attic open up as Alya, Rose, Juleka, and Mylene bounced excitedly into the room.

“Do you think she’ll do it this time?” Rose sang.

“Doubtful.” Alix came in looking bored. “How many times has she tried to tell Adrien she loved him and look what happened?”

“Well let’s see, She’s fallen on her face.” Alya started

“Chickened out.” Mylene added

“Gave him the wrong piece of folded paper.” Alya laughed remembering the prescription Adrien had picked up for her that had been meant for someone else. They all laughed at that one.

“It wasn’t funny.” Marinette spun around her face flushed with rose red on her cheeks.

“Dropped the letter into the sewer.” Juleka muttered

“Oh, and let’s not forget how many times she forgot to sign her name.” Alya teased, one hand resting on her hip as the other flung into the air.

“It’s true, Marinette, you are as much of a clutz telling Adrien how you feel as you are on your feet.” Rose laughed.

“You are the only single one among us now, Marinette.” Alix thought it would be her to be the last one to hook up with someone until she met a guy in College. Most of them had stayed behind to attend college from home. Especially with the fact that Hawk Moth was still akumatizing people and while no one but Ladybug knew everyone’s secret, they kept their reasons for staying behind a secret as well, in case Ladybug needed them.

“I will do it this time, I promise.” Marinette felt so confident as she looked at her friends as they cheered her on.

The music in the park began and the girls realized they better hurry up. They ran past Tom as he was carrying the cake across the street. It was a multi tiered cake with green trim. Sabine was already at the park putting macarons on the table. Nino had the DJ booth up as he mixed music just like he had done the first time he threw a party for his best friend.

“Dudes and Dudettes, the birthday boy.” Nino called out as Adrien climbed up on the makeshift stage and began to sing along to the song that was playing. Marinette watched him dance and suddenly she forgot how to walk. She stumbled into a bench and fell over. She recovered quickly, not releasing the package she clung to her chest. His movements were so fluid as his legs kicked and stomped about to the rock song he was singing along too. He didn’t move around this much when he played with the band because he had to focus on the keyboard. It was truly a unique experience for Marinette.

The song had ended as Marinette remained frozen, glued to the bench as if he was still singing and dancing on the stage.

“Hi Marinette, what did you think,” Adrien scratched the back of his neck as he looked down at her. Oh No he was talking to her, he was looking at her, when did he get there? Marinette could feel the heat welling up in her cheeks as she sat paralyzed by his smile, his eyes… “Is that for me? Can I open it?” he asked. She suddenly realized she was crushing the package in her arms. She held it out for him to take her eyes frozen on his. He tore the paper open tossing it to the ground as Mylene picked it up for him. He held the jacket up by the shoulders musing over it before stripping off his coat and pulling the leather jacket on. He zipped it up and suddenly Marinette realized just how filled out she was. He wasn’t the thin boy he used to be, his broad shoulders and tone upper body now exposed the man he was as the jacket fit every detail of his upper body within it’s form fitting style. The zipper made its way to his neck then his eyes met hers again.

“I just need a silver bell.” He reached up pretending to flick a bell that wasn’t there. Marinette jumped to her feet. Her mind raced as she suddenly realized something she should have known all along. It was so obvious as she now looked up at her friend, her best friend, her crush….HER PARTNER. She ran!

Adrien couldn’t understand what had happened. He watched her run from the park but was so dumbfounded his feet wouldn’t move to go after her.

“Not again.” Alya said, walking up beside him.

“What did I do?” Adrien was beside himself with worry as he watched her. She wasn’t even heading home.

“It’s not you, it’s Marinette, she always does this.” Rose said anger fueling her words as she stormed out of the park.

“Well… I guess she can try again another day.” Juleka muttered.

“Try what?” Adrien spun around to face her.

“Nothing.” Juleka left to try to catch up with Rose. A

“Alya?” Adrien begged. “What is going on?” Alya just shook her head and led him back to the party. It had only been a few minutes before the music was stopped by an akumatized victim tossing a large rock at the DJ Booth demolishing it.

“I am Truth Singer.” the villain said, “And from now on you will all sing your truths so the whole world can hear.” Adrien backed up. This isn’t good. He had to get out of there before the villain made him sing, his truth had to remain a secret. Nino was the first one hit by the villain's powers. He began to sing Perfect, by Ed Sheeran as he took Alya’s hand. She tried to get away to run but was mesmerized by his song.

Adrien took this opportunity to run while the rest of the party scattered from the park.

“Plagg, we can’t get hit no matter what.” The Kwami didn’t respond. Oh right. He thought, my jacket. He ran back to the park and found his other jacket laying on the bench. He grabbed it and ran back to the alley. “Plagg?” the Kwami came out of the pocket smelling like stinky cheese.

“Wow, I wonder how many people thought you looked like Cat Noir?” Plagg said, noting the leather jacket.

“You think that might be why Marinette ran? Do you think she recognized me?”

“She made it didn’t she?” Plagg asked. Adrien lifted the cuff to inspect the stitching, just on the inside of the cuff of both arms was the signature stitching she had placed on everything she had made him. He nodded. He wondered if it bothered her, the thought that he might be Cat Noir or if she truly was in love with Cat. No time for that now.

“Plagg Claws out.” He inspected his Cat suit to realize the suit Marinette made him was very much similar, however the designs were unique. The Cat suit was solid black versus the neon green stitching of the Marinette jacket. He ran back to the park where he found Several people singing. The akumatized person was gone. He could hear her in the distance calling. He gave chase until he found her on Marinette’s balcony.

“Oh Marinette, it’s time to sing your truth, it’s been far too long keeping your love bottled up.” Truth Singer sang out. What was she talking about?

“I hate to break it to you but Marinette isn’t much of a singer.” He announced his presence on the roof above her. “But I will be happy to take that akuma from you then we can go find her together, and ask her about this secret you are speaking of.” He lept at her scratching at the bottle of perfume she held in her hands. It was much like Princess Fragrance only instead of turning people into her slaves, she was making them sing about their truth. He missed. Suddenly he was engulfed in smoke. He tried to cough it out of his lungs but it was too late.

He landed on the railing of Marinette’s balcony balancing on all fours.

“Well little lady, let me Elucidate here.” He said. He had no idea what to do, he couldn’t stop. “Everybody wants to be a cat

Because a cat's the only cat

Who knows where it's at”

He flipped backward as she swung at him. Maintaining his balance on the railing until there wasn’t any left.

“Tell me, everybody's pickin' up on that feline beat

'Cause everything else is obsolete

A square with a horn makes you wish you weren't born”

He leaped over her head to the other side of the railing standing up right.

“Every time he plays

But with a square in the act

You can set music back” He held his hands up in a shrug gesture. He pulled out his baton. As she came at him again. Her mouth twisted in a snarl as she kicked at him.

“To the caveman days, cha-cha-ba-dum-bo-day

I've heard some corny birds who who tried to sing

Still a cat's the only cat who knows how to swing

Who wants to dig a long-haired gig or stuff like that?”

“AAH.” She growled, charging at him again. He jumped into the air flipping over her. “Stop moving so I can get your miraculous.” she demanded.

“When everybody wants to be a cat

A square with a horn makes you wish you weren't born

Every time he plays

Oh, a rinky-tinky-tinky

With a square in the act you can set music back

To the caveman days”

“Enough you stupid cat that song is annoying.” She screamed at him. He might not have had any control over it, but it was working. “How is that song your truth anyway?”

“Yes, everybody wants to be a cat

Because a cat's the only cat who knows where it's at

When playin' jazz you always has a welcome mat

'Cause everybody digs a swinging cat”. The truth was clear, he loved being in his cat form. He never felt more like himself than when he was popping off puns, flirting and being generally playful, he always had to be as serious as Adrien, but as Cat, he had all the freedom in the world.

Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat

Hallelujah!

Everybody, everybody, everybody wants to be a cat

Everybody, everybody

He launched for the perfume bottle again. If only he could call his cataclysm. Suddenly her attention was drawn elsewhere. He followed her gaze and found Marinette sitting alone on a bench down the street. Was she crying. Truth Singer dove off the rooftop before he could grab her. He spun his baton then jumped from the roof extending his staff to give himself a quicker path to Marinette. He landed on the concrete in front of her as Truth Singer was on his heels. He wasted no time scooping her into his arms like a bride before he ran leaping off the walls as he made his way to the rooftops.

“You're the light, you're the night

You're the color of my blood

You're the cure, you're the pain

You're the only thing I wanna touch

Never knew that it could mean so much, so much” Damn Marinette got hit. He looked down at her face. It was red as she reached up for his face. So far, this power isn’t revealing their secrets, it’s just making them sing a truthful song, something they felt.

“You're the fear, I don't care

'Cause I've never been so high

Follow me through the dark

Let me take you past our satellites

You can see the world you brought to life, to life”

Her voice was beautiful, he thought as he tried to find a place to stash Marinette, where was Ladybug. He had tried to refrain from singing, at least keeping his voice so low that no one else could hear him. He wanted to focus on her voice.

“So love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do

Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do

What are you waiting for?”

Cat froze on the rooftop, his eyes met hers. The heat rose up in his cheeks as she sang. His heart began to flutter. Does she feel this way about Cat Noir, or did she figure it out and know he’s Adrien.

“Fading in, fading out

On the edge of paradise

Every inch of your skin, is a Holy Grail I've gotta find

Only you can set my heart on fire, on fire”

He gulped back a lump that had started to form on his lips. He was glad he had made distance between them and Truth Singer, or did she get what she wanted. He squatted down on the rooftop as she sang to him. He stroked her face. He could feel his own song changing. Suddenly his feelings, his heart began to sing. The power of the magic between them had actually changed his song.

“I'll let you set the pace

'Cause I'm not thinking straight

My head's spinning around, I can't see clear no more

Oh, what are you waiting for?” Cat Noir sang out the words before they escaped her lips.

“Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do

Love me like you do, lo-lo-love me like you do

Touch me like you do, to-to-touch me like you do, oh

What are you, what are you waiting for?

What are you waiting for?” These were her words sung through his lips as she froze. Her face reddened. He knew he had feelings for her, but he never wanted to admit it, he didn’t want to betray his feelings for Ladybug, but how could he deny the feelings he had been developing for Marinette since day one. Maybe it was just the magic from the akuma, but he no longer controlled his own emotions. He cupped her face in his free hand as the other one was behind her back as she draped over his knees. He pulled her face closer to his, watching her eyes drift shut.

““I'll let you set the pace

'Cause I'm not thinking straight

My head's spinning around, I can't see clear no more

Oh, what are you waiting for?” She sang just as his lips met hers. Their mouths opened as they pressed themselves closer together feeling every inch of her mouth on his. He could feel the song magic fading, the urge to sing no longer present, but what was this feeling in his heart? It was as if his heart had been turned into butterflies and they were swarming his chest trying to escape. He kept his lips on hers, waiting for her to push him away. She didn’t, she weaved her fingers through his hair gently combing through.

“Give me your Miraculous Cat Noir, and I will use you to draw out Ladybug.” Truth Singer was right behind him. He quickly grabbed his baton spinning on his heels as he moved Marinette behind him.

“Grab on.” He said. She jumped on his back as he extended the staff launching them into the atmosphere then swinging it forward vaulting them into flight. They began to fall as she held onto him. He angled to fall to land in and alley way as they came down between the buildings he moved his staff between the building like a hanging rod sliding down the brick building until they slowed just feet from the ground. She dropped from his shoulders as he held on to the now lodged baton. He reached out a hand to her.

He released the baton as it shrunk back to the length of a ruler. He locked it back in place on his back. Marinette stood in front of him still red in the face.

“I guess kissing a purrincess can break any spell.” He knelt before her, taking her hand in his and kissed her knuckles. She simply stood frozen in place. Unable to speak. “Tell me now purrincess, why did she want you to sing your truth?”

“I have already told you Cat.” She whispered. “About the boy I like, but I haven’t been able to tell him how I feel, I am such a klutz with my words when I am around him.” A single tear fell from her eye.

“Could you ever love me?” Cat asked her.

“I don’t know who you are under the mask.”

“I am more myself with the mask, then I have ever been without it, can you love this side of me.” he stood up taking both her hands in his. “And I love you for everything that you are, your clumsiness as well.” he smirked. Heat raced to his face as he watched her, he felt his heart still as his confession fell upon her ears.

“What about Ladybug.” She whimpered.

“In the words of a special friend of mine…Plagg, it’s okay to love two people at the same time, especially when they are so much alike.”

“I’m nothing like Ladybug.” she pulled her hands back. His smile widened.

“Will you please answer my question?” his heart couldn’t take it anymore. “Can you love this side of me? This man you see before you,” She looked back up at him. “Put the thought of that Sunshine boy out of your head for one second, and focus on me.” Marinette sighed.

“Yes.” She admitted. “Yes Cat, I do love you, but…”

“Claws in.” Marinette closed her eyes, blinding by his detransformation. “I trust you, after all you are the only one I know besides myself who has never been akumatized.” He chuckled. He cupped both hands on her cheeks forcing her to look up at him. He could hear Truth Singer in the distance looking for Cat and Ladybug. “You have to open your eyes Marinette,.” She slowly slid her eyes open. Her face reflected a realization that maybe She had figured it out earlier in the park. His heart stilled in his chest waiting for her response.

“Spots on.”

“Best birthday ever.” Adrien said, lowering his face to place his lips on Ladybugs. He kept his eyes open as she closed hers. The moment their lips met, his closed as they melted into each other's kisses.

There you go LadyNoir and Marichat Shippers. We don’t need to finish this story, we all know what happens to the akumatized person.

Ps, I didn't write the songs, but credit aristocats for the feline good song "Everybody wants to be a cat" and Ellie Goulding for "love me like you do"

#miraculous fandom #ladynoir #miraculous chat noir #adrienette #miraculous ladybug #marichat #miraculous world

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fantasyfandommaiden · 6 years ago

Text

ML Counsellor AU: Nino Lahiffe’s session

Carmine had met many different types of people in her life, for the most part however, she could usually divide them into one of three categories. Introvert or extrovert, people who hide emotions or people who wore their heart on their sleeves, high self esteem or low self esteem.

Nino Lahiffe was interesting to her because he was an extrovert who wore his heart on his sleeve but Carmine, who could usually pick up on someone’s self esteem level right away, was having a hard time determining if he had high or low self esteem.

“It’s just wasn’t fair to Adrien!” Nino explained to her. He had chosen a blue mug with music notes all over it and was drinking some earl grey tea with Carmine as they spoke about the Bubbler incident.

“My bro has never had a party before! Never! He’s 14 years old!” He continued “And I was really respectful to his dad, or at least I think I was... maybe I shouldn’t have called him dude.”

Carmine let out a small snort, and quickly hide it by coughing “In my experience Nino, most adults with Mr. Agreste...” she paused, trying to think of the right word to discribe the designer, that was also school appropriate “... ego, like to be shown a certain amount of respect. Unfortunately ‘dude’ is not a way they enjoy being address.”

“... well, it’s still not fair to Adrien. I mean, a party is a important part of growing up! Like, you probably had a few parties growing up too right? With all your classmates, and friends?” Nino asked expectingly.

“Not really no.”

“Yeah, so you see... wait what?” Nino blinked, looking at Carmine somewhat confused.

“When I was a child, we didn’t have a lot of money until I was in my first year of high school, so my ‘parties’ were usually just my close family members and maybe one or two friends I had.” Carmine explained to him “By the time we had the money to have ‘big parties’ I didn’t see the appeal in them. The only ‘party’ I ever had was for my 19th birthday because I was going to travel aboard here for university.”

“... dude, that sucks.” Nino said, causing Carmine to chuckle.

“To most maybe, but I’ve never been one for large crowds. The fact that you want this for Adrien so much, however, shows you care a great deal for him, also that you have a big heart.” She said, smiling warmly at him. Nino look d down at his lap, blushing slightly.

“Nah, I just... he deserves it, you know? I mean, I can picture it being easy only having Chloe as a best friend growing up, and his old man isn’t great and.... yeah, I just want him to be happy...” Nino said finally, looking at Carmine “Do you think I’ll ever be allowed into his house?”

Carmine paused, and thought about it for a moment, letting out a low, soft hum. “Hard to say, I’ve never had the pleasure of meeting Adrien’s father, only Nathalie, and I imagine she would allow you in, but if Gabriel tells her flat out no, than she would have to listen to him.” She said, taking another sip of her tea, only to notice she had none left in her cup.

She frowned at that, standing up and walking to the kettle that she had on a small side table in the room “However, we are here to discuss the Bubbler incident, not Adrien.” She said, turning on the electric kettle to make more hot water.

She heard Nino whined, and looked over at him, seeing him look down in shame “Sorry about that, did you...”

“Get stuck in a bubble?” She finished his sentence, looking at him, he nodded, “Yes, yes I did, reminded me of one of those theme park rides where you going up until you drop. Luckily this ride had no drop.” She said, going back to her chair to sit down Well the water boiled. “I don’t blame you for it though, but how do you feel about the whole situation?”

He continued to look down “... I would rather not talk about it.” He admitted softly “I mean, I was mad about the whole thing, but Mr. Agreste just made me feel so... so small about the whole thing. Like he judged me before I could even state my case... I get that a lot lately it seems.”

Carmine raised a brow at that comment, starring at Nino carefully “Why do you say that?” She asked him carefully.

Nino jaw clenched and released ever so slightly that if you weren’t looking for it you would miss it, and he avoided eye contact with Carmine at all cost. “I mean... well, it’s stupid.”

“Your in a safe place Nino, and I guarantee you nothing you say will be ‘stupid’.” Carmine insisted to him, but he still refused to look her in the eyes.

“... so, before this year, I was a loner. Not that I didn’t want to hang out with people, it’s just, I prefer to listen to make music or make my own tunes and mixes, which is usually a solo job, yea know?” He explained to her slowly “I would have one or two guys I would hang out with, but, we’ll... they were kind of harsh with their critic of my music. Stuff like ‘this will never be popular’ or ‘this sounds too much like so-n-sos your just copying’, ‘dude, no self respecting DJ would play this’, and if it wasn’t my music it was my style of clothes.”

“Are they still at this school?”

“Nah, they transferred to a different school this year, but... their comments hurt. I mean, music is my life! I love any tune that gets you up and moving, make your heart pump, yeah? But they kept dragging anything I brought forward down. I still hear their comment whenever I try to make a new mix.” He said sadly, “Adrien is kind of the first real friend I’ve made in years, and I just wanted to be happy, and all his dad did was tear me down again before I could even really prove myself.”

Carmine leaned back in her chair, deep in though as Nino spoke. So, he was an extrovert who wore his heart on his sleeve but had very low self esteem... this was an uncommon combination but also a dangerous one. Extroverts get their energy from other people and interactions, and added that with showing emotions their more prone spreading themselves too thin trying to please others. Add in low self esteem, and even an off handed remark can shatter any confidence they had built up.

“Has anyone listened to any of your mixes since the last time you showed these old friends of yours?” She asked, a concerned look on her face appearing as she saw Nino visibly wince again.

“... yeah, when I was the Bubbler.” He admitted softly, causing Carmine to wince. “I guess the only good thing about being Akumatized was the fact I got give Adrien a party and to use the DJ booth.”

Carmine drummed her fingers against her desk, letting out a soft hum as she thought this over. She could tell right off the bat he was fine to return to class, she could tell within ten minutes of talking to him, but the low self esteem worried her. It had yet to be proven that you could get Akumatized twice, but from her findings so far, those with low self esteem would be more likely to get targeted.

So, Nino would have to get higher self esteem, which was easier said than done, first thing would be to get more confidant in his music.

“... Nino, do you know anyone who has a decent understanding of music that you trust?” Carmine suddenly asked him, causing Nino to look up at her finally, although somewhat confused.

“Um... I guess, Ivan? I mean, he’s the only one in class I know for sure plays some sort of instrument, he also writes his own stuff. Why?”

“When you feel comfortable with it, I think it would be a good idea to bring a mix of yours to Ivan, and ask him to give you a critic.”

Nino visibly paled at the suggestion, shaking his head “Yeah dudette, from my experience that is a bad idea.”

“Nino, there is a difference between a critic, and an option.” Carmine explained to him “An option is instinctual. ‘I don’t like this book’, ‘this music is too loud’, ‘I don’t like this food’. They are usually based on an instinct, and no actually base intellectual understanding of the material. An example of this is, I really like books, but I could tell you if a a science text book is well written because I am not a scientist.” She stated as the kettle began to whistle.

She stood up and walked over to the kettle, taking it off of its electric stand, making a new cup of tea. “I could, however, give a critic on tea, because I drink lots of it, as well as I read about different ways to brew it. If someone was trying to brew some tea, I could explain to them what they did right, what they did wrong and how to improve.”

She than sat back down “It’s easier to ask someone for a critic if they have an understanding about the subject. You wouldn’t ask Gabriel Agreste for a critic on a motor engine would you?”

Nino let out a loud laugh at that, no doubt imagining the designer in a garage, his white suite getting covered in grease as he looks inside a car with a confused expression.

“I, I guess I never thought of it like that...” he said smiling slightly “... I have been working on a new mix in my spare time, maybe I could show Ivan...”

Carmine just smiled behind her tea cup “It’s just a suggestion, but I would recommend it.” She said, sipping her tea before placing the cup down, brining out an orange piece of paper, as she wrote on it quickly, stamping it.

“Also, Nino?” She looked at him, smiling mischievously “If you wanted to throw Nino a party, you could have just asked Mlle Bustier to have some time at the end of the day during class to celebrate, I’m sure she would have said yes.”

Nino looked at her for a solid minute before face palming, letting out a loud groan, causing Carmine to burst out laughing.

He was going to be just fine.

#ladybug au #ml au #counsellor au #ladybug #miraculous ladybug #Carmine Regal #nino lahiffe

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ruthlessribbons · 6 years ago

Text

The Martyr

Chapter 2: Surprise!

Also on Ao3

Hey guys, as promised here is Chapter 2!

Hope you all enjoy it!

Adrien was in shock. He has never thought he’d see the day where he would be happy to enter the front door of his house. Yet, upon entering his home, he couldn’t contain the look of joy that spread across is face. To see the front room, filled with the smiling faces of all his friends, all screaming the words “Happy Birthday!” brought more joy to him than he could ever imagine. Did his Father organise this? No not possible. His Father was far too constricting, and he wasn’t even in town at this moment. No, this was Nino’s doing. Somehow, he conscripted Nathalie and the Gorilla with helping to organise a surprise party. He didn’t how he did it, but he was glad. This was exactly what he needed today. Today, he could actually be happy with his friends.

“Yo Adrien, enjoying the party?” Nino asked, patting his best friend on the back.

“I am!” Adrien beamed. “I don’t know how you managed it, but I am so happy you did.”

“Actually, it was because I convinced your Father,” Nino replied, grinning smugly.

Adrien’s jaw dropped. “H-h-how?”

“I may have brought up the fact that as its your 16th birthday, a party is exactly the type of thing your Mother would have wanted for you,” Nino said, a hint of guilt in his voice. “I’m not 100% proud of using your Mother to do it, but I felt it was the only way to get him to agree.”

Adrien felt his stomach twist at the mention of his Mother. He wasn’t upset at Nino for using his Mother to sway his Father, but it still hurt to hear her mentioned.

“Cheer up bro,” Nino said, breaking into Adrien’s thought. “You’re 16 today. Enjoy it.”

Adrien smiled. “Your right, let’s have some fun.”

A few hours into the party and Adrien was the happiest he had been in a very long time. The presence of his friends was overwhelming positive, and he was having the time of his life. The only other times he ever felt close to a feeling anything like this was when he jumping from roof to roof, protecting the city of Paris as Cat Noir, with his Lady of course. Adrien had spent the night mingling with all his friends, laughing and partying. Overjoyed at how many of them showed up. Not to mention eating all the junk-food he could get away with while his Father was away. One thing made him feel uneasy though. He had been mingling all night, yet there was one particular person who he hadn’t seen at all, and they just happened to be one of the people he was hoping to see the most. That’s what lead him to the refreshments table, where he stood scanning the room, searching for the dark hair and bluebell eyes that made her stand out so well amongst all the other girls he knew. Maybe he was going about this all wrong way. Instead of searching for her, maybe he should look for Alya. She would know better than anyone else, where she was.

“Adrikins!” screeched an all to familiar voice, distracting him from his search.

“Hey Chlo,” Adrien said, smiling to his oldest friend, as she ran up to hug him.

“I am so glad I managed to get a moment with you amongst this party!” she said. “I hope your enjoying yourself!”

“I am actually!” Adrien replied. “I can’t believe Nino convinced my Father to let him throw this.”

“Well I may have giving him the idea to mention what your Mum would have wanted,” Chloe revealed proudly.

“Why am I not surprised?” Adrien chuckled, knowing how underhanded she could be. “Thanks Chloe.”

“Oh, come on Adrikins,” beamed Chloe. “If anyone deserved to be happy on their 16th, it’s you.”

Adrien smiled, thinking about how much Chloe had changed since receiving the Bee Miraculous. Not that she knew exactly how much he knew. Then again, he always knew her potential for kindness and compassion. She had always shown it towards him in their younger days, and he wished that everyone else had been able to see it sooner. Fact of it was, most people still saw her as the spoilt daughter of the Mayor, but every now and again, the kindness inside would leak out, when she thought no one was looking. He, however, always noticed.

“So, who were you looking for?” she asked him, curiosity leaking through her voice. “Because it clearly wasn’t for me.”

Adrien chuckled. “And what makes you say that?”

“Because you know I’ll always make my presence known to you.”

They both started laughing. In a way, she was right. He’d never have to search for Chloe. She’d always be there if she was needed, and even when she’s not.

“So, are you going to tell me?” Chloe asked again.

Adrien didn’t reply, distracted because someone had caught his eye - Alya. She was standing next to a marble column, Nino’s arm around her shoulders. From a distance, it looked like they were talking to the column, or more likely, someone hiding behind the Column. It wasn’t long until the girl hiding behind the column came out, or rather was pushed out by Alya, into the light. Adrien’s eyes widened.

She was wearing a long, strapless red dress, clearly self-customised and made by hand, which fit her figure perfectly. He dark hair, which was normally held in neat bangs, was let out to flow just slightly above her shoulders, and her bluebell eyes, as usual, were piercingly beautiful. His breath caught as they made eye contact from across the room.

“Marinette…” he whispered, watching as she quickly looked away, trying to hide her face.

“What?” said Chloe’s voice, breaking him from his trance.

“Oh, um, she just looks very pretty tonight,” Adrien sputtered, turning to Chloe. He felt something in his stomach turn. Curious.

Adrien noticed as Chloe’s face twisted slightly from jealousy and disappointed.

“She looks…adequate,” Chloe responded. Adrien frowned.

“Why do you insist on disliking her so much?” Adrien asked, frustrated.

Chloe didn’t respond, instead choosing to stare at her feet. Adrien sighed, looking back towards Marinette, as if drawn to her. She was still talking to Alya, but Nino had disappeared. Something in his gut turned again.

What is this? He thought.

“You like her, don’t you?” Chloe asked.

“Of course, she’s a good friend,” Adrien replied, as if by instinct.

“Not what I meant Adrien,” Choe said.

“What do you mean?” Adrien asked curiously.

“You have feelings for her,” Chloe stated. Adrien’s stomach churned again at her words.

“Of course not, she’s just a friend,” Adrien responded. His words however, left a bad taste in his mouth.

No, he thought. He only loved one person. Ladybug. He couldn’t have feelings for anyone else, right?

The thought made his stomach squirm further. What was this? Guilt? He wasn’t sure. But he couldn’t help but realise that he was trying to convince himself, more than he was trying to convince Chloe.

“Adrien,” Chloe’s voice cut in. “We’ve known each other a long time, and I know when your lying, even when it’s to yourself.”

“What are you trying to say?” he asked her, not sure where she was going with this.

“I’m saying that I have seen the way you look at her when you don’t think she or anyone else is looking. You may not want to admit it, or maybe you just don’t realise it yet, but you have feelings for that girl.”

No, I don’t, do I? he asked himself.

“Confident about that are you?” he said, chuckling slightly.

“Adrien,” Chloe said, her voice sterner than expected. Adrien stopped chuckling. He wasn’t sure what had gotten into Chloe, but he was curious.

“Just go talk to her,” she continued.

“I don’t understand what you’re trying to do.”

“Adrien, you of all people deserve to be happy. After everything you’ve been through the past few years, you deserve to be around people that make you happy. And I know that Marinette, although it loathes me to admit it, is someone you care about greatly and that you want to be closer to so… do something about it.”

“You think I should go over there?” Adrien asked, more to himself than to her.

“Yes,” she replied. “Go, ask her to dance, be yourself, be… happy Adrien.”

Adrien smiled at his oldest friend, heart warmed by the sincerity of her words, even with her own obviously complicated feelings towards both him and Marinette.

“But how?” Adrien asked. “Whenever I get close to her, she seems so… uncomfortable around me.”

“Oh, Adrien,” Chloe chuckled. “Only you could be so oblivious as to the reason for that. Trust me, just go over there, talk to her… and leave your mask behind.”

“Mask?” Adrien said panicked. “W-what mask?”

She raised her hand, cupping his face slightly.

“This one,” she said softly. “The one that comes with the name Agreste. The one you wear to hide your true feelings, and that you wear in order to keep your Fathers expectations as the heir to his ‘Empire’. Show her the real you, and I guarantee, she will seem way more comfortable around her.”

Adrien smiled. In fact, it was the biggest smile he made this entire party. Chloe’s friendship has always been important to him, despite all the difficulties that came with it. But it was times like these, that made him truly greatful for it. Turning to Chloe, he embraced her tightly smiling as she returned it.

“Thanks, Chlo,” he whispered, letting her go. “I’ll tell you how it goes.”

“Don’t worry,” she said, smiling. “I’ll know.”

Chloe watched as Adrien headed over towards Marinette, silently cursing herself for encouraging his infatuation with her rival. As much as her own feelings demanded that she did everything she could to get in the way of Adrien and Marinette, she couldn’t help but feel… content with the idea that she just took a huge step in helping Adrien be happy…even if it wasn’t happy with her.

“That was a nice thing you did dude,” said an annoyingly familiar voice.

“Were you eavesdropping Nino?” Chloe snapped, turning to find him standing behind her.

Great, she thought. Is he about to lecture me?

“Not intentionally,” he responded coolly. “Was getting a drink for Alya.”

“Well its still rude to spy, DJ-douche,” she sneered at him.

“Hey chill dudette, I was giving you a compliment,” Nino replied, obviously amused.

“I just…” Chloe started, the sneer on her face vanishing. “I just want Adrien to be happy…”

“I know,” Nino said, smiling softly. “That is probably the only thing we have ever agreed on as his friends.”

“Oh, is it?” Chloe chuckled. “I never thought we’d never agree on anything.”

“Don’t get me wrong Chloe, we aren’t exactly friends,” Nino said, watching Adrien start a conversation with Marinette. “But your friendship means a lot to him. Believe me, I don’t always understand why, except for moments like this.”

Chloe stared at Nino, slightly dumbfounded by his sincerity and the kindness of his words. She fought back a smile.

“Yeah well don’t get used to it Mister DJ,” she said, flicking her hair over her shoulder and rolling her eyes in the most Chloe-like way. “I’m not going to make a habit out of it.”

Nino burst out laughing.

“Don’t worry dude, I won’t expect too much from you,” he shot back at her, trying to suppress further laughter. “Except when it comes to wanting to make him happy.”

“I guess when it comes down to it,” Chloe remarked. “You and I know what Adrien has sacrificed over the past few years better than anyone else.”

“When in that case,” he replied. “Here.”

Chloe looked up at him and noticed he was holding up his fist expectantly, with a small smile on his face. Chloe raised an eyebrow.

“Don’t worry Queen Bee,” he said coyly. “No one is going to notice if you fist-bump me. No one’s even looking. It’ll be a secret between Adrien’s two best friends.”

Chloe smiled at the mention of her superhero name. She had a quick look around, just to make sure that there was no one watching. She had a reputation to keep after all. No one was looking. Perfect. She raised her fist to meet Nino’s, making contact with his. A brief moment of understanding passed between them as the both smiled briefly, both secretly glad that Adrien had both of them as friends. They lowered their fists, smiles disappearing from their faces, the moment passing. They both nodded sharply to each other as they went their separate ways, Chloe, to find Sabrina, and Nino, the give Alya the long overdue refreshments he had promised her.

#miraculous ladybug #ml fanfic #ml fandom #adrien agreste #chloe bourgeois #nino lahiffe #ml spoilers #ml post-season 2

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topweeklyupdate · 6 years ago

Text

TØP Weekly Update #64: One(ish) More Week (9/28/18)

It’s almost here, folks. By the time I drop another of these updates, Trench will be upon us. We’ll have ten more songs to listen to, and we’ll have a complete understanding of the vision Tyler, Josh, and the rest of the Twenty One Pilots team have been crafting for the last year.

Buckle up and hydrate, kiddos. As of the time I’m posting this, folks in Australia are already finding CDs in some stores that appear to have leaked out early. The clock’s ticking down to the most important album of the year.

This Week’s TØPics:

Bandito Tour Openers Announced

“Levitate” with a new Beyond-the-Video

“Oct 5ish”

Major News and Announcements:

By the time you read this, you might have already heard Trench, but let’s rush to get this week’s news covered first. We have band openers for the Bandito Tour!

A quick overview for those who are unfamiliar and looking for a place to start: AWOLNATION are a Los Angeles alternative rock band who you probably know for their 2011 smash single “Sail”, which was played in approximately a billion commercials for about three years and currently holds the record for the most weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 of any song ever with a 79-week slow-burn run that peaked two years after the song’s original release.

We probably should have seen this one coming: Awol dropped a new album earlier this year, have probably played more shows as an opening act than any alt rock band I can think of off the top of my head, and one of Tyler’s few reported appearances during the hiatus was at one of their shows in Columbus. Come to think of it, the heavy sound featured on their biggest tracks should line up perfectly with songs like “Jumpsuit” and should serve as an excellent way to warm up the crowd.

The other opener is a smidge more obscure. Max Frost is an eclectic instrumentalist from Austin who has been active for a few years but yet to have any kind of major breakthrough outside a few of his tracks getting picked up for commercials. Still, from what I’ve seen, he’s got an energy that evokes a lot of the vibes of the Vessel era, and it’s awesome that the band has the platform to give artists who have been grinding for a long time a big break. His latest single “Good Morning” is pretty fun, but I’m rather fond of “Nice and Slow”, a fairly smooth and sexy jam.

The other major piece of news is that Andrew Donoho and co rounded out the Trench Trilogy’s Beyond-the-Video series with a final episode on “Levitate”. The video confirms that Jenna is the Bandito who shaves Tyler’s head, invites us into Joshua William Dun’s thirtieth birthday party (in which that punk-ass Nico tries to snatch him too), and features tons of folks speaking in un-subtitled Ukrainian. Give it a watch if you haven’t yet, and then get excited to see how the band returns to this universe when they inevitably film a video for “My Blood”.

Other Shenanigans:

The only other thing to report is this well-lit photo of Tyler’s studio that shows off his Amiibo collection and tells us that Trench is coming out “Oct 5ish”. The man just hates us, but we knew that already. Keep checking your notifications, dudes and dudettes, this album could drop at any moment...

Chart Performance:

Well... I mean, it could be better. “My Blood” is slowing gaining at radio, but not in any other category, while “Jumpsuit” is continuing to fall further and further behind.

We won’t have data for how Trench’s release will effect these songs’ commercial performance until a week after the album drops next Friday, unless it officially releases early, which would split its debut week numbers in twain and hurt its chances to follow up Blurryface as the band’s second #1 album and score some more Hot 100 singles. These are all things Fueled by Ramen / Atlantic will care about; these are not things Tyler Robert Joseph is probably overly concerned with. Of course, those numbers wouldn’t be harmed at all if the album just came out today... O H N O.

Well, I’m still shaking, kids. Hope you all make it through this week. Can’t wait to listen to the new songs with you between now and then. Power to the local dreamer.

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#twenty one pilots #tyler joseph #josh dun #trench #levitate #jumpsuit #my blood #awolnation #max frost #top weekly update

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