#might just be the Mickey Mouse Cup but felt like more

[hubba1892]

Liverpool FC - League Cup Winner 2023/2024

[pixie-cocaine]

ATEEZ reaction to: The members seeing their s.o. half-naked

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A/N: As you can see, this was requested by a lovely Anon. And I don’t get too many asks often so like, I feel like a goddess rn. The fact that they came to ME of all people to write this is just- *sobs*. Anyways I hope you enjoy!!

Songs listened to: Italy - Reyn Hartley, WONDERLAND - ATEEZ, Say So - Doja Cat

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(This is kinda mature so read at your own risk!)

Hongjoong ♡:

• Came through the door with a goofy ass grin on but as soon as he saw you, it’d drop almost immediately and he’d make a surprised Pikachu face

• Seeing you on the couch with your limbs sprawled out, half of your stomach peeking beneath your Mickey mouse shirt and seamless turquoise panties hugging the curves of your body, had him slightly panicking

• Would not-so-subtly tell the guys to turn around or close their eyes once they all rounded the corner

• “I’m gonna need you to turn around real quick”

• “Why?”

• “Because I said so”

• Would go and pick you up, then carry you to the bed

• You’d probably wake up in the process

• “Baby? What are you doing?”

• “Making sure they don’t see this beautiful body when it’s barely covered”

• Would smack your ass before going back to the boys jduswhwhdu-

Seonghwa ♡:

•dis kinda tricky

• I feel like Hwa’s reaction could be either greedy(?) Or cocky depending on his mood. man idk

• If he was feeling a bit looser and saw you in just one of his hoodies and tight-fitted green boyshorts with the boys around, he’d be a little teasy?? Idk how to put it

• Like, he opens the door and sees you with one leg flung over the back of couch, displaying the outline of your *cat whistle*, and a hoodie barely covering your midsection with how it’s folding over at your arms, right?

• And if he’s playful, he would pay little mind to the boys; walking over to you before nudging you awake then sitting you up in front of him, leaning into your ear to whisper

• “Baby, go sleep in the room. The boys are gonna be here for a bit”

• and with your half-awoken ass, you’d stumble towards the bedroom, barely acknowledging the wide eyes of the boys and too tired to really give a shit even if your ass is halfway out

• and when Hwa would turn back to address the stares, he’d be like “She’s mine. Don’t forget that” ahshveusdygs

• But if he was his still his usual protective self, he’d rush to throw a blanket over your body and usher you out of sight lmaooooo

• “Shit, shit, shit, shit”

• idk man, Hwa seems like he’d be into voyeurism oop-

Yunho ♡:

• B-babyyyy 🥺

• A scared baby

• literally might call the whole thing off because he wants to save both of you from the awkwardness and embarrassment that is to come

• froze up when he saw you in your weird ass sleeping position; butt up in the air, baby pink lace panties leaving barely anything to imagination, and baggy white T-shirt slipping down the expanse of your back as you curled your head further into the arm of the couch

• wished he was fuckin dead for .00092 seconds

• felt really weird knowing that the others were staring at you, so as soon as he scooped up his messy thoughts, he yeeted your ass over his shoulder and ran out the room

• almost had a mental breakdown

• literally him trying to explain to you not to leave the room without pants on ↓

Yeosang ♡:

• choked on the soju he was drinking when he saw you

• almost forgot about the boys when he saw the way the royal purple see-through-patched underwear that hugged your hips and the black shirt that hung off one shoulder, but was brought back to reality when he realized the sudden silence behind him

• I’m not gonna lie, I don’t get to see too much of yeosang, so I low-key don’t know how he’d react to a lot of things

• my guess is that he would shoo everyone out of the room before turning back to you, hands on his hips and a sigh bubbling up from his chest

• “Hey, hey wake up, gorgeous”

• very tender but also rlly nervous that the boys would come in too soon

• would eventually just pick you up and carry you to the bedroom to lay you down and kiss your forehead

• “Sweet dreams”

San ♡:

• almost goes into cardiac arrest

• “This isn’t happening, right? No, I’m just seeing things”

• “Is she only wearing a shirt and underwear?”

• “Fuck”

• curses himself for not thinking ahead, considering you always like to walk around without pants

• flings himself over you and desperately pushes you out of the living room

• once you’re out of view he has a conniption

• Idk, this might be out of character for San, but this bitch’s mood can switch on a dime so don’t @ me

Mingi ♡:

• as soon as he sees you, he turns on his heel and literally throws himself at the boys so they don’t come any closer

• “Yah! What are you doing?”

• “Shhh! You’ll wake her”

• when everyone’s gone, he’ll kneel in front of you and poke your cheek until you stir awake

• “Baby? What’s wrong?”

• “Can you please go sleep in our room? I have the guys over and I don’t want them seeing you without any pants”

• is so pouty when he thinks about it ugh-

• as you’re leaving, he’ll give you the biggest kiss on your head omg I love him

• “Thank you!”

Wooyoung ♡:

• High-key not even bothered because he knows you’re his and they won’t try anything unless he’s ok with it

• but will still wake your ass up and move you lmao-

• taps your ass until you flip over and tell him to stop

• “Well I need you to go to bed so I can use the couch”

• you take a minute to assess everybody, even wave, then stand up

• he’d give you a kiss on the cheek, and you’d be on your way

• Baby knows he’s the shit and you wouldn’t try it for anybody else, he’s chillin

Jongho ♡:

• But mom I love him

• he’s actually low-key insecure and thinks you like the boys more than him, so when he sees you in nothing but a pink T and a black lace panty set with the bralette peeking beneath the shirt, he’ll kind of panic

• “Um, could everyone please leave for a minute?”

• “Huh? Why?”

• “Do it or else I’ll cry”

• would walk over to you and pick you up really easily since bb is hella strong

• you’d probably wake up right as he’s setting you down on the bed, your immediate instinct would be cupping his cheek and kissing him

• when you pull away he’d be frowning a bit

• “You’ll always love me more than my friends, right?”

• “Of course baby. You before them, always”

• and he’d be a giggly baby omfg-

• would go back to the guys with a big smile on his face because he’s the most precious thing that ever lived and he can do no harm because he’s such afuckingbabyomgimflyingtokoreailovethismanwithallmyheart

[kissy-kobos-garden]

plot: y/n carries Kobo to the bedroom after falling asleep on the couch.

genre: fluff, romance with a touch of comedy? idk ;w;

word count: 1,549

a/n: congratulations to our winner for the one-shot category of your giveaway! i hope you're gonna like this one, chloe!

what other way to best celebrate the end of the week? of course, a good 'ol movie night was one of the best ways to celebrate, especially if it was with your lover.

a coffee table filled with an array of dishes that you both whipped up from scratch, a couch filled with pillows and blankets, and lastly, a tv screen showing the new movie that you guys have been planning on watching.

"oppa, how many movies are we gonna watch tonight?" you ask while munching on the cheese katsu kobo cooked. "it depends... since someone might fall asleep while watching."

the recognizable teasing lilt of his voice had you scoffing, already known for a fact that it would be him who's going to fall asleep first. "you sure you're not talking about yourself, bub?"

a hearty laugh slips past his lips as he sways his body towards your side, slightly bumping onto you. "there's no one else in this room, baby." he whispers with eyes boring right into yours thus resulting in your cheeks heating up, and you pushing him away before placing the whole katsu in your mouth. "shut up."

"c'mon, we both know it's you who'd fall asleep first." he states as a matter of fact while taking a piece of tissue in his hand, hand going up to your chin to have you face him. "aigoo, my yeobo sure is still an aegi," he adds in and proceeds to wipe your mouth.

you watch him focus on your lips and was about to speak up when he decides to place a kiss on the corner of your lips. "ah!"

he chuckles before transferring his attention back to the food in front of him. "eat up, it's nice seeing you all full and cheeks round."

"why do you even like seeing my cheeks so round?"

if there was one thing kobo would love to play with or even nibble on... it was your cheeks. "it's adorable!" he beams before giving you a side glance. "and besides, your smile's really cute you know."

no matter how long you've guys have been together, he never fails to catch you off-guard. "here, eat up." you quickly divert the subject by quickly placing a piece of cheese katsu on his bowl.

a swift pinch on your cheek, kobo didn't think twice and proceeds to enjoy his meal. it stayed like this for quite some time until the two of you finished up your meals.

"i'll do the dishes," you say while pilling up all the plates and bowls. "no, no. i can't let you do it alone-"

you shake your head with a smile before squatting down to meet his eyes, "you've worked hard enough today, just sit back and relax alright? i've got this and besides, i need to take a quick shower."

sighing in defeat, kobo nods his head and leans in to give you a peck on the lips. "i love you," he says without looking away from you. "i love you too."

you bring all of the bowls, plates, and cups to the sink and begin washing all of them. from time to time, you'd look towards the living room to see what kobo was doing and one thing's for sure, you can see sleep finally dancing its way to his lids.

kobo has always been the type to deny that he isn't sleepy and that he's not tired but you know him too well. quickly drying up everything, you place them back to your cupboards and plate rack.

one last look at your beau, you couldn't help but giggle at the sight of him hugging ppippi while watching intently on the screen - frozen 2 was playing and he would casually sing along with elsa.

"don't fall asleep while i'm away, baby~" you coo as you stop by the couch, only to earn a furrowed brow from him. "i'm not a baby!"

raising a brow in response, you cock your head to the side - acting all confused and innocent. "then what are you?"

"i'm a manly man, of course!" he confidently beams, puffing up his chest with a cheeky grin.

it was fun teasing kobo sometimes since you'd always get a reaction from him. "whatever floats your boat, baby, just make sure you don't fall asleep okay?"

he jokingly rolls his eyes before giving you a small "okay" before returning his attention back to olaf.

you go to your shared bathroom and proceed in having that hot shower you deserve. it was as if all of the stress and tiredness was washed off along with the suds. it doesn't really take you long to take a shower but staying for a couple more minutes than your usual shower time wouldn't hurt.

putting on kobo's mickey mouse pajamas, you let out a satisfied sigh before making your way back to the living room - only to be greeted by a sleeping kobo.

he's all curled up on the couch with ppippi in his arms and dambee by his head also all curled up. the sight was definitely something you'd be happy to see for the rest of your life but the thought of how to carry kobo to the bed is the only thing you can think of right now.

"how in the world can i transfer him from here," you pause... turning your head towards the bedroom to see how far you have to drag him. "to there?"

kobo... is definitely bigger than you and you know you'd be a clown if you deny it. gently putting ppippi away, you wave a hand right in front of his face to see if he'd react. there were no signs of him waking up anytime soon so you gently wrap his arms around your neck and your arms around his upper torso.

"i know you're gonna wake up but..." you whisper before pulling him off the couch, making sure his legs doesn't drop way too hard. stopping on your tracks to see if he's waking up, you heave out a sigh of relief when he continues to snore away with his lips slightly ajar, drool already forming on the corner of his mouth.

widening your base of support, you slowly make your way to the bedroom. arms already becoming sore, and your body slowly bending backward due to the weight of his body.

but all is well since you're just simply carrying his upper torso and letting his lower body get dragged on the floor... right?

you grit your teeth and let out a curse as you feel beads of sweat forming on your temples, "damn you and your beautiful, muscular body."

the distance between the living room and the bedroom was finally shortened. a couple more steps and dragging of your lover's body on the floor, you've finally got in your shared bedroom.

however, thanks to you and your clumsiness, you trip on your own feet and have the both of you flying to your bed. a loud "oomf-" slips past your lips as kobo's body gets all pressed upon yours.

the sound of him groaning had you whipping your head towards him, only to see his half-lidded eyes searching for yours. "ugh, what happened?"

"i carried you all over here but... oppa, c-can you get off of me for a sec?"

kobo looks down at your position and hurriedly gets off of you while muttering a couple of sorry's and are you okay's. finally, it's as if your soul left your body, you sink in on the mattress before letting your eyelids flutter shut.

"w-was i too heavy?" he innocently and worriedly asks while getting in bed with you. "what do you think, big boy?" you retaliate without looking at him as you try to catch your breath.

you'd be lying if carrying him all the way from the living room to the bedroom didn't drain the life out of you. it felt like a week's worth of working out!

the sound of the shuffling duvet had you looking up, only to see kobo positioning himself on your side with arms all ready to lift you up bridal style.

before you could even let out a protest, he effortlessly lifts you up - nothing compared to how you carried him- and positions you on your side of the bed.

"i'm sorry for having you carry me all the way here, [y/n]," he says as he snuggles close to you. "but you could just wake me up and tell me to bring myself here."

you nod your head before turning your body towards him, grabbing his arm and turning it into an arm pillow. "i didn't want to wake you up since i know you're tired but yeah..."

kobo hums and pulls you closer to him, an arm finding its way to your waist. "i don't mind but thanks for carrying all the way here, [y/n]." he waits for your response and runs his slender fingers through your locks, pressing his cheeks on top of your head.

quite some time passed and all he can hear from you was your soft breathing. a chuckle erupts from his chest as he slightly pulls away, only to see you fast asleep in his arms.

"good night, [y/n]."

[demigodsanswer]

valgrace fic request for something with a confession?

((Set in a canon-divergent timeline where Jason doesn’t die, but still gets stabbed. Also Jason and Piper, in this, know that Leo is alive. There isn’t actually a confession in here, really, because the story got away from me, so, sorry about that. 

TW/CW for mentions of blood, injury, and vomiting)) 

~*~*~*~

When Jason woke up, all he felt was the overwhelming pain and pressure emanating from his chest. He tried to open his eyes, but the lights in his room nearly blinded him, sending sharp shooting pains back into his head. All he could do was groan and close his eyes again. The top half of his body felt like it was on fire. He couldn’t feel the lower half. 

He felt someone squeeze his hand. It took most of his strength, but he managed to squeeze back. Jason tried to open his mouth to ask who was there, but his throat swallowed the sound. All he could do was lay there, and hope whoever was holding his hand recognized how thirsty he was. 

“You alive, Sparky?” 

Leo. Jason would have smiled if he had the energy. He would have jumped on his best friend if he could. He and Piper had gotten word of Leo’s survival a few weeks ago, but they hadn’t seen him yet. Now, he was in Jason’s hospital room, holding his hand. Jason wanted to smile and hug his friend, but his body wouldn’t let him. Instead, he settled for squeezing Leo’s hand again. 

Leo made a noise that sounded like a laugh mixed with a yelp, before he dropped Jason’s hand. Jason heard his footsteps moving around the room, before returning to his bedside. Jason felt one of Leo’s hands, unnaturally but not uncomfortably warm and calloused slip behind his neck to prop him up just a bit. 

“Here,” Leo offered him a spoon. The warm nectar tasted like vegan tacos. While it gave him enough energy to move his head a bit more, it didn’t do much to quench his thirst. 

“Water?” Jason managed to choke out. 

“I’m on it,” Leo promised. He returned a minute later with a toddler cup with handles and a plastic straw. After Jason had swallowed down as much as his stomach could handle, he finally managed to ask Leo to dim the lights. 

Once Leo assured him that the lights were basically off, Jason managed to slowly open his eyes, taking a look at his best friend since his near-death experience. 

“It’s good to see you,” Jason said. “I can’t believe you’re alive.” 

“I could say the same thing about you,” Leo said. 

“What -?” 

Leo held up a hand to cut Jason off, before explaining the story. Jason remembered being stabbed (even if he didn’t, he was well aware of it now), but he didn’t remember much else. Piper had used charmspeak to get his blood flow to slow way, way down. Apollo called on Zeus to help, but they still can’t tell if Zeus did anything. Probably not, Jason thought, or I’d be a tree right now. 

“Calypso and I came as soon as we heard,” Leo said, “you’ve been out for days.” 

“Piper?” Jason asked. 

“She had to go to Oklahoma, but she was here, dude, everyday with me. She left you a card to read when you have the strength.” Leo paused. “She wants you to know that she’s sorry, and that she did everything she could to try and save you.” 

Jason nodded. “When do they think I’ll be able to get out of this bed?”

Leo looked at Jason confused, his eyes scanning Jason’s busted body. “Dude, you can barely open your eyes. You still have a lot of healing to do.” 

Jason leaned back and closed his eyes again, but not because he felt like he had to. “I figured. Everything hurts.” 

“A spear went right through your chest. You’re lucky it didn’t hit your lungs or your heart. You’re lucky Piper -” 

“Yeah, she’s the best.” He tried to keep his voice happy, but he could tell he didn’t succeed. 

“She told me what happened between you two. Sorry.” Leo said. He picked up the sippy cup and headed to the sink to refill it. Jason noticed it was shaped like Mikey Mouse, big round black ears decorated the top where the straw poked out, the body was dressed like Mickey’s shorts. Jason briefly laughed at the idea that he was drinking Mickey’s insides, but the macabre image reminded him of his own injury. He suddenly remembered what it looked like to see a spear poking out of his own body, what it felt like. He was suddenly too aware of the pain in his chest and the blood on it. He felt overwhelmingly nauseated. He tried to lean over the bed, hoping to find a trashcan, but there was nothing. The twisting only worsened his pain, and his eyes flashed with white light, before he gagged on himself. There wasn’t enough food in his stomach to produce anything other than water and bile, though. 

When the pain subsided, he realized that Leo was gently rubbing his head, his body close to Jason’s. He had quickly held up a clean bedpan to Jason’s chin, keeping him clean. 

Jason’s throat burned, but he felt okay enough to lay back down. Leo offered him some sips of water and nectar, which Jason accepted, hoping he’d keep them down.  

“You’re bleeding,” Leo said, “let me go get the medic.” Before Jason could say anything, Leo was out the door, and Jason was asleep again. 

When he woke up hours later, Leo was still there, asleep in the chair next to the bed. Jason sat up slightly, careful not to distress the wound dressings, the IV, or any of the other vital tubes keeping him alive. 

He still couldn’t feel much of his lower body when he shifted. He tried moving his legs, but they felt somehow too heavy and too light, like they were asleep from being still for too long. 

“Leo?” Jason said, his voice barely a whisper. “Leo?” He managed a little louder. 

Leo stirred, waking up slowly at first, and then all at once when he saw Jason moving. 

“Do you need anything?” Leo asked, quick to help him. 

“No, I’m okay. You don’t need to stay here all night, though.” 

Leo smiled sadly, “’Course I do. I don’t want you to be alone here.” 

Jason nearly blushed. “Come on, I’m sure Calypso misses you.” 

“Might want to hedge your bets on that one. That little love story didn’t exist so well outside the magic love island.” 

Jason furrowed his brow. “You guys broke up?” 

Leo nodded. “It’s uh .... well ... she wasn’t right for me.” Leo’s ears were pink, so Jason decided not to push the question too much. “Anyway,” Leo said, perking up again, “I want to show you something.” 

Leo pulled out a clipboard with some sketches on it. Jason wasn’t quite sure what he was looking at; Leo had drawn out a few different models of legs, some realistically human, some bionic. “They’re just some ideas. I’ll improve them once I can get to some real blueprints.” 

“What are they for?” Jason asked. Leo’s ears went red again. 

“What?” 

“Are you writing a comic or something?” 

Leo looked at Jason, confused and concerned. He looked around the room, like he was hoping to find someone else who knew what was going on. 

After a moment he took a deep breath and rubbed the back of his neck before saying, “I guess you didn’t know yet? Sorry, I shouldn’t have ... I mean ... not like ...”

“Leo?” 

He took a deep breath. “It’s like I told you. Piper had to slow your blood flow way, way down, and keep most of it going to your vital parts until they could get you help. That meant taking the blood from somewhere else and, well, they figured you needed your hands more, so ...” He trailed off, but Jason understood. 

He tried to sit up and pull the blankets down off his lap, but he couldn’t move that far. 

“Here, I’ve got it,” Leo said, pulling them down for him. Jason rested back, finally understanding why he couldn’t feel his legs. They were both gone. The left one was off at the hip, the right one was off at the knee. Jason ran his fingers over the bandages, trying to understand it. When he pressed down on what was left, he could swear he felt it in a foot that wasn’t there. 

“But don’t worry, I’m gonna fix you up. You’re gonna be like Robo Cop or some shit,” Leo said, forcing a laugh to try and break the tension. Then. his voice got soft again. “You’re going to be okay. We’re all here to help you. We’re just so happy you’re alive.” He wrapped his arms around Jason’s shoulders, and pulled him in close, trying to be as gentle as he could be. Jason grabbed onto Leo’s arm, and pulled him in closer. Jason buried his face in his friend’s arm, and started to cry, which only made the pain in his chest worse, which only made him want to cry harder. 

Leo didn’t say anything, he just held him for a while. 

Finally, Jason felt himself starting to calm down. He pulled away from Leo, who pulled the blanket back up over Jason’s lap. 

“I wish Piper was here,” Leo said, sitting down in the chair, “she’s always been better at this kind of stuff.” 

Jason reached his hand out to Leo, who took it, scooting his seat closer. “I’m so happy you’re here.” Leo blushed again, and Jason felt himself blush too, but he didn’t know why. “You are enough. Thanks for being here for me.” Leo smiled. “Plus, I’m super lucky. Who else has a friend who can make them Robo Cop?” 

Leo’s smile widened. “You know, I was wondering: do you want to be taller? Because I can make you taller.” 

“Taller than Frank or Percy?” 

“I can do that,” Leo promised. 

Jason squeezed his hand. “Maybe. I’ll think about it.” 

“Well you let me know. I can do anything.” 

“I know you can.” 

Jason’s head started to feel heavy again, and he could feel himself starting to drift. Leo offered him another spoon-full of nectar to help him sleep and heal, which he took gratefully. 

“You need to get some rest too,” Jason said. 

“I will,” Leo promised, settling into his chair, “I’ll just also be here when you wake up again.” 

Jason smiled, closed his eyes, a drifted back to sleep. 

[thephantomofthe-internet]

Chapter 7: A Sentimental Journey

Steve Harrington x Reader

CATCH UP ON THE SERIES HERE

Words: 3,095

Warnings: None? I mean probably swearing but this is straight fluff

Tags: @divinity-deos @wolfish-willow @scoopsohboi @thecaptainsgingersnap @herre-gud-nej @clockworkballerina @maddie1504​ @i-am-trash-so-much-its-scary @buckysarge​ @wildcvltre​ @n3wtscaseofniffler5​ @peterparxour @linkispink1995​ @a-big-ball-of-idk​ @used-avocado​ @mochminnie​ @sledgy14​ @the-creative-lie​ @yall-wildin-like-siriusly​ @ggclarissa​ @boredoomfm​ @voidnarnia​ @anonymousonion33 @the-passionate-freak​

“Steve, take me to prom,” Steve nearly shot milk out of his nose. He’d spent the morning counting down the hours till school was over. The final essay for crabby old Lawrence was due in less than a week and you still hadn’t handed over his essay for his final rewrite, which wasn’t a problem, he could just wait until he was back in your bedroom. Steve liked your house a lot more than his. He liked your grandparents, especially Maude who’d sit him on the couch and show him photos from your childhood. He liked your bedroom and digging through your sketchbooks, he liked how comfortable you were in your own space. Samantha would sometimes join the pair of you there, eating popcorn and playing her 48s on your dusty Mickey Mouse record player. But most of the time it was the pair of you alone, working on assignments and swapping stories. He’d forgotten about Vicki entirely, he’d only joined Tommy for lunch after he grabbed him by the arm and pulled him over.

“What?” he sputtered, swallowing hard. The whole table was watching him carefully. Vicki merely shrugged, batting her eyelashes at him. Steve’s stomach soured. It wasn’t as if Vicki wasn’t an attractive person, she was very pretty, but only on the outside. He didn’t really have it in him to stomach another night with her.

“I…I kind of have my eye on someone else, Vicks.” Steve watched as she deflated, looking down at her untouched kernel corn. “Besides, Hargrove’s probably itching to take you anyway.”

That was the wrong answer. Vicki immediately burst into tears, pushing away from the table. Carol rushed to console her, Tina taking up the rear. “They broke up last week, jackass.” She bit out, flipping Steve off angrily as she followed behind the crying Vicki.

Steve stood from the table, heading away from the mess he made. He didn’t want to hang out with Tommy anyway, especially with him glaring him down from across the table. He didn’t get why it mattered so much to Tommy that he do things the way he wanted. Dating Vicki didn’t make him more or less popular. It literally didn’t matter. They were going to graduate soon anyway.

Samantha grinned as she caught Steve walking over. “Harrington, twelve o’clock.” She whispered. You didn’t look up from your pad. The light had caught his hair right and you wanted to finish your shading before you lost the image in your mind. You heard Steve pull out the chair next to you and then your pad was tugged away.

“Hey!” you cried, your charcoal making a wide black streak down the page, effectively ruining the drawing.

“Who’s this supposed to be?” he held the sketchpad in front of him and then next to his face. Samantha chuckled darkly, shaking her head. “Is this supposed to be me?”

“Well, it was going to be till you ruined it.” You grumbled, snatching the pad back .

“That looks nothing like me!” Steve laughed loudly. In truth, he thought the man in the picture was too symmetrical and handsome to be him.

“On what planet?” Samantha scoffed, pulling her butterscotch pudding cup away from Steve’s greedy hands. He was a notorious pudding thief, and food thief in general, much to her annoyance and surprise.

“I get the best of everyone’s features…” you muttered, working on removing the mark he’d made “Not that there’s much to discard from you…”

“You missed the scar on my nose.” He replied with a shrug, grabbing your vanilla pudding. You both knew that you wouldn’t eat it.

You looked up “What scar?” Steve pointed to the bridge of his nose. You inched closer, getting a better view of the mark. Steve held his breath, utterly paralyzed. He felt like such a doofus. He was usually so smooth with girls, but you made him utterly tongue tied.

“Hm, yeah you do.” You pulled your face back, turning back to your pad, adding a thin line to the strong bridge of his nose. “How’d you get that?”

“Got hit in the face with a baseball bat in pee-wee t-ball.” Steve admitted. The participation trophy he had was from that game, his father took him out of the sport after getting hit. His whole team won the season, but because he didn’t play he got a tiny trophy from the league as a consolation prize.

“Seriously?” You and Samantha said in unison.

“Yeah, I made the paper and everything.” That was a point of pride for Steve, he had the clipping somewhere in his room. You and Samantha laughed at his cockiness. The image of elementary aged Steve with a huge gash down his nose and a toothless grin, holding up a dinky little trophy for the poor, underpaid reporter taking down the story.

The bell signalling the end of lunch blared over head and the three of you rushed to collect your things. Steve grabbed your tray, waiting for you to pack up your things. Samantha left without you, bidding her goodbyes to the pair of you.

Steve reached out to touch your elbow lightly, drawing your attention to him “We still good to hang out after school?” he asked.

“Yeah, sure, we can look over your essay.” You shrugged, trying to get the electric current blazing up your nerves to settle. Your breath caught in your chest every time he touched you. You wouldn’t lie to yourself, you liked him. You more than liked him; you didn’t even know how to explain it. You’d say it was love but you weren’t even sure how that was supposed to feel. All you knew is that the world seemed better when he was around and it wasn’t everything seemed greyer and duller. He was summer personified. He was sunshine and summer evenings and flowers and everything beautiful. And you never used to like all that shit. But now you wanted to bask in the glow of the sun that was Steve Harrington.

The hours till the bell always ticked slower and slower after lunch. The individual grains of sand cascaded past your eyelids as you zoned out in your other classes. When the final bell rang, the pair of you rushed from opposite sides of the school to meet in the middle. Samantha was walking disgustingly slow to your shared locker. “So, yeah I was going to ask Robin but I figure it might be suspicious enough to go with a girl, besides I don’t think I can snag another ticket so close to the deadline as is,” she’d been going on about whether or not she should invite her little junior paramour to the prom.

“Yeah, I mean most people already think you’re weird enough, showing up with a random junior might totally ruin you.” You sneered. Graduation was just around the corner, and Samantha’s acceptance to Wellesley was well taken care of. She was almost out of Hawkins; there was no point in trying to pretend that she was straight.

“It’s not me I’m worried about, it’s her. She’ll still be stuck here after I leave, I don’t want to make things hard for her.” Samantha replied with a shrug, pulling her gym kit from the bottom of your locker.

“Just take my ticket. You know most of the soccer team is going anyway.” You replied, shoving her cleats into her bag. You dropped your textbooks onto the tiny top shelf and pulled your messenger bag across your body.  You spotted Steve from across the hall. He’d just left his gym class and his hair was wet and dripping on his face. He bounded over to you, grinning like a fool.

“You ready?” he asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“You ever going to dry your hair?” Samantha mused. Steve shook his head hard, water flying off his to dry it like a dog would. You and Samantha screeched, holding up your hands to hide your faces from the water.

You smacked Steve’s back “Enough!” you cried. Steve stopped immediately, laughing softly.

“I’m gone, catch you tomorrow.” Samantha waved, jogging off to probably find little Robin. You and Steve headed off towards Steve’s car. He drove the pair of you home even when you weren’t hanging out. It was nice to have a ride home, Hawkins weather wasn’t kind in spring and even in May when the weather turned warmer and the sun shone brightly, rain could still hit at any moment. That was how you rationalized making maps in your mind of Steve’s hand on the gear shift and the way his jaw clenched when someone tried to cut him off or turned too slow in the left hand turn lane. He was too beautiful. It was painful to watch him, like staring directly into the sun. You thought about kissing him more than you’d ever admit out loud. It felt like wanting to kiss the statue of David, like Pygmalion with his Galatea, too self-flagellating to even attempt. You didn’t know why you felt like his creator, but you did. You’d done nothing to build him, to mould him, and yet you left as if you knew him better than anyone else. You understood his nature, the way his mind worked.  

Steve parked in his driveway and the pair of you headed across the street to your house. Your house seemed to be a specific choice for both of you. For you, being in your own home was comfortable and safe. You knew it like the back of your hand and it felt correct to be there. A cocoon of security for you to burrow into. Recently, Steve’s mother had been home much more than a month ago. You couldn’t read his mind, but being somewhere else than his own bedroom was probably a nice change. He seemed to keep you away from his house when his mother was there.

You unlocked the front door, kicking off your shoes in the doorway and tossing them on the rack. Steve followed suite mindlessly, calling into the house “Hey, Maude! Mr. Y/L/N…” he still wasn’t certain that your grandfather liked him; he seemed at times disinterested and at others cruel and cutting.

“Nice to see you again, Steve.” Maude smiled, poking her head out of the living room to smile at the pair of you. Your grandmother liked Steve. You were certain that she’d like anyone new you brought home. She was desperate to meet any of your friends and refused to believe that she’d met them all.

You and Steve headed upstairs, taking your usual seats in your bedroom, you on your desk chair and Steve laying flat on your mattress, constantly staring up at the stars. You read back his essay to him, noting the problems you’d found. This was the third time you’d edited it and the words were well worn into both of your brains. He’d decided to write on way Heathcliff is painted as a monster within the text, a fine topic which Mr. Lawrence had suggested as one of the topic choices. His argument was that Heathcliff is painted as a monster because of his interest in a woman he’s come to find in a sisterly position in his life. Basically, incest isn’t cool. It was a hard argument to proof, because the answers weren’t in the text itself, you had to push him to find points within the spaces in between the words. You were proud of the final piece that he’d created; it was a strong case and a decent attempt at a college level essay.

“What’s the verdict, chief?” Steve asked, sitting up slightly to address you fully.

“It’s good, there’s still a few sentences that need reworking and a quote that I think you could axe, but even without those edits you can still swing a solid B.” you handed the papers over to him. The pages had the least amounts of edits you’d done for him all semester. He’d really improved his writing.

“You think?” Steve replied, flipping through the pages quickly, noting the wide circle around a bit of dialogue from the fifteenth chapter. He couldn’t help but smile at the wide, bubbly ‘B+’ you’d scrawled at the top of the page. You’d drawn a little smiley face next to the grade, a small touch you’d started doing after editing his second paper, a little one pager about the thirteenth chapter of Wuthering Heights. He liked the little smiles, they made him happy whenever he saw them, they were a little touch of you on his work, a detail he refused to miss.

“Duh!” you scoffed, rolling your eyes.

Steve stood from your bed, turning his attention to your shelf. You’d let him go through your work before, a small feat of trust for you. You didn’t usually even let Samantha go through most of your work. You’d usually choose what people could see of your work. But Steve seemed to like the strange, unfinished, or messy works hidden in binders or pads shelved. He pulled out a grey binder, labelled in masking tape ‘Hawkins’ Most Beautiful’. He held up the binder to you, raising an eyebrow. “Now, what the hell is this?” he asked.

“That was my first attempt at a portfolio, before I learned what a portfolio was.” You replied with a small length. Steve opened the binder, which you’d turned into a sort of album with plastic viewers holding sketches in place, both in black and white and colour. He recognized the first one immediately as Nancy from about a year ago, judging by her ringlet curls. It looked so much like he remembered her, but he knew the girl you’d drawn wasn’t who she really was. Steve flipped the page. He didn’t recognize some faces, strangers to him, and you hadn’t labelled them with names. You done a couple recreations of yearbook photos, he remembered signing a picture of Carol, Tina, and Vicki from the previous year, the trio grinning in Hawkins High merchandise.

“You could do a whole like show with these, they’re really cool.” He held the binder up, pages flipped to the portrait you’d done of Barbara Holland. When you’d drawn that, you hadn’t known that she’d go missing or wind up dead, she was just the girl sat across from you in the library with interesting glasses.

“I’d want to redo them first. They’re all rough drafts. I planned to redraw them, choosing to emphasize one colour for each of the drawings, but then I also planned to black out their eyes, and then I thought they were all stupid ideas.” You explained sheepishly.

“No, don’t touch them.” Steve cut in “They’re perfect the way they are.”

Steve wasn’t much of an art critic. He certainly wasn’t an objective judge. But despite logic, you blushed heavily, turning your gaze away. You wished Steve would look away but he didn’t, you felt his eyes on you. “You really don’t have to be so nice, you know…” you muttered, looking up to meet his eye with a shy smile.

“Go to prom with me?” Steve hadn’t thought about the question before he said it. The subject had been on his mind since that afternoon and when he told Vicki that he had someone else in mind for the dance. At the time he didn’t think much of the statement, now it seemed obvious who his subconscious was alluding to.

“What?” you breathed out wide eyed and confused. You hadn’t planned on going at all. Samantha wanted to go, and you’d bought tickets but when she gained interested in Robin you relinquished your ticket easily to her. She’d have more fun on a quasi-date with the junior.

“Go with me,” he chuckled awkwardly, rubbing the back of his neck. “You don’t have a date yet do you?”

“I don’t even have a ticket…I gave it away.” you replied, looking at your feet instead of him. You felt like such a little geek. You knew Steve wasn’t laughing at you, but you still felt small.

“I have two. And I want you to go with me.” Steve said simply, reaching out and taking your hand.

“Are you sure? I mean your friends all hate me and I don’t think your status as king will be damaged if they see you with me.” You replied, shaking your head as if the statement was funny. You couldn’t imagine spending the night with Tommy and Carol, and having it go well.  You knew that it wouldn’t.

“It doesn’t have to be like that. It can be whatever you want.” Steve said easily. He just wanted you to feel comfortable and it was so obvious that you weren’t. “And I don’t care about those guys. I’ll kick their asses if they try anything.”

“Whoa, calm down, we don’t want you getting hurt.” You joked, looking up at the ceiling. You didn’t have to know Steve personally to know that he was not a fighter, losing to freak Jonathan Byers was not a small story in a small town. Steve laughed at his own expense. Internally, he knew he could fight when he needed to, to protect people, but he couldn’t exactly tell that story. It still scared him too much to speak of.

“So, will you?” he asked. You rubbed your lips together, unsure what the right answer was. If there even was a right answer. Your gut instinct said yes without a doubt, but your mind fought back at the notion of even humouring the idea. You’d get laughed out of the place. You’d get mocked. Steve was playing a cruel prank. He couldn’t want to be seen with you. But you met his eye and you didn’t see any malice there. His wide, expressive eyes screamed kindness and patience.

You swallowed hard, pushing away feelings of worry. “Yeah, okay…” you said softly, taking Steve’s hand again to steady yourself. Steve would protect you if he needed to. He’d promised to. And you trusted him.

“Yeah?” he asked, matching your tone.

“Yeah.” You nodded hard, almost as if to convince him as well as yourself. Steve’s face split into his wide grin and you found yourself smiling too. Despite yourself, you were a bit excited. You spent the afternoon with his hand in yours, not letting go unless you did, looking over the portraits and discussing what you saw in the faces. It was the first moment of peace your heart had found in a long time

[jjba-arni-reblog]

Evening

Ay, the 1st  prize is here. Thank you again @haruggio for participating and requesting such a cute scenario. It was a pleasure to write for you! I hope you and anyone else will like it. Jolyne needs more love!

Pairing: Jolyne/Reader

Words: 2k+ 

~~~

The warm of the Floridian sun touched your skin as you walked towards a house after grocery shopping. It wasn’t a big house, but it sure felt welcoming. This was the place you shared with Jolyne, your girlfriend. To say that the way you got together was ‘special’ would be an understatement.

You knew Jolyne before the whole incident of her getting into prison (yet again), being somewhat awkward friends at first. It wasn’t unusual for you to bail her out of the prison on regular as the woman frequently got into fights, whether to defend someone or just because. Jolyne would always smile as you nagged her about the many incidents of her having a short temper.  Unsurprisingly, you met Jolyne’s mom in the prison too, as the two of you were there to ‘rescue’ Jojo. She was a nice lady, worrying over her only daughter endlessly. However, you never saw a father figure in Jolyne’s life, as the teenager at that time stated multiple times that she doesn’t want to see her father.

However, the fate decided the other way. You met Jolyne again in the prison, however the circumstances were different this time. You were framed by an old friend of yours. It felt almost concerning how much your and Jolyne’s stories aligned together. Even though Jojo was ecstatic to see you again, you knew she felt worried over her and your futures. You two met another woman name Hermes, quickly becoming friends and trying to survive the prison life together.

Around the same time, Jolyne met her father for the first time in years. After the unfortunate meeting you were the one listening to her complains at the young women couldn’t help but to despise her father for many reasons.

It was also because of her father that the three of you got stands, which almost immediately made you face other stands user, whether friendly or not. You met another group of people consisting of two men and a small child, further forming a circle of friend, even if Anasui was a bit weird.

At some point, the true villain revealed himself. Pucci. The man was an eery priest in the prison, however his further action proved him to be a horrible man, as he stole Jotaro’s memories, making Jolyne even more distressed. And so the hunt began. You faced many opponents during that time, resulting in multiple scars as the enemies got crueller each time. However, you also found love and support from Jolyne, as the woman casually confessed to you, worried that she might not have another opportunity to do so. Even if the time wasn’t right, one needs to take the best out of it. That is, until Pucci decided to appear once again. But this time, his ultimate plan wasn’t to steal one’s memories. Instead he longed for a bigger achievement. Changing the universe. Reaching heaven.

He didn’t.

He lost to the man he gained the last piece of the puzzle. Jotaro Kujo landed the final punch, anger overwhelming the man at the sight of knifes sticking out of his daughter. And you. You partially shielded your dearest friend, desperate to not let Pucci win. And it worked. The injuries weren’t as deep, and she was able to survive with the help of the medics from the Speedwagon foundation. The whole group miraculously survived, with Weather, Foo Fighters and Jotaro having the worst wounds.

From that point on, came the long physical and mental therapy as the nightmares hunted all of you, the sheer fear over your loved ones. Together, it felt easier. Even if a little.

Over the time, things got better, you and Jolyne were given a separate home, surprisingly from Jotaro as the man understood that your relationship was serious. He announced it through a call, sending keys later and giving the address. It was a small but a significant start.

You were approaching your shared house, grocery bags in hands as you manoeuvred your keys out of the pocket, opening the door to let yourself in. You then announced your arrival as per usual.

You closed the door after yourself, eyeing the living room in search for your girlfriend. It was surprisingly quiet, no usual warm greetings and Jolyne running out of the room to bring you into a crushing hug.

‘Strange’ you thought, putting the bags down to take off your jacket, then hanging it in a small dresser.

“Jolyne?” you called for her, thinking that maybe she is just listening to music and didn’t hear you arrive. Before you could take another step, Jolyne suddenly appeared from the ceiling supported by her stand’s ropes.

You let out a scream at her ‘surprise’ as she started to laugh, hanging down from the ceiling like a spider. It took you a moment to calm down, then eyeing her annoyingly. The surprise worked.

“Jesus, Jolyne, what the hell?” you smacked her shoulder a little as the woman before you was chuckling still, her hair handing down as her usually buns were unravelled, showing off her long hair.

“Surprise” she smirked at your annoyed face, pulling herself up a little so that your head was on the same level “Now, where is my kiss, Mary Jane?” Jolyne wiggled her eyebrows at you, still hanging upside down. Seems like it was her plan all along.

“Sometimes I can’t believe how cheesy you are, Jojo” you felt your annoyance disappear a little at her suggestion. Seeing her smiling widely at you and waiting for her kiss, you couldn’t help but to ease up and smile back at her.

“Alright,” you sighed a little at her mischievous nature, stepping closer so you could place your hands on her cheeks, itching closer.

You felt her plump lips against yours as you tilted your head a little for a better angle while tracing her cheeks with your hands. You could feel her smiling eagerly into the kiss.

Pulling away, you couldn’t help but to smile at her now slightly blushing face.

“Are you happy now?” you asked Jolyne as she stared at you lovingly. She never failed to be charming.

“With you – always,” she winked, chuckling at your eyeroll.

Jolyne jumped down, landing on the floor as she noticed the bags.

“Let me help you,” she quickly insisted, taking the bags and carrying them to the kitchen. You couldn’t waste the opportunity to look at her beautiful and quite muscular back. All the fights and working out in the prison only made her more athletic, which she would often use to her advance, carrying and lifting you.

“Whatcha got there?” you could hear Jolyne from the kitchen as you took off your shoes. Standing up, you walked towards the kitchen, joining your girlfriend.

“Well, I thought we could cook some homemade brigadeiro,” you explained, taking things out of the bag and placing them on a counter “oh, I also got us pasta,” you showed her the package, putting it away from the ingredients for the sweets.

“Can’t wait!” Jolyne answered happily, now helping you by sorting ingredients and putting some of them in the fridge. She then moved to stand next to you, as you took out measuring tools. You told her to check your phone for the recipe, so you two could start cooking.

After you properly measured the needed amount of ingredients, you two slowly cooked next to each other as Jolyne told you about a recent call from Weather.

“Please tell me you are joking,” you tried not to chuckle as you heard the news.

“No, for real! He cried after meeting Mickey Mouse,” Jolyne smirked, re-telling the story. Weather, Anasui and Foo Fighter had plans to go visit Disneyland and it seemed like they succeeded in doing so this weekend.

“That is very cute,” you noted, stirring the chocolate in a pan as you continued to listen to Jolyne.

“They also went to a haunted house, ending with Foo Fighters almost fighting the actors and Anasui being carried by Weather”

“Oh”

You two burst out laughing.

After a while, you mixed the ingredients together, then putting dirty plates and cups in the sink as you let the mix for the supposed brigadeiros to cool down.

“Hey,” Jojo called for you, as you dried your hands on the towel.

“What?” you turned around, only to be met with a cheeky grin.

“Boop” Jolyne said, as she smeared chocolate on your nose, effectively ‘booping’ you.

“Hey!” you exclaimed as she laughed “Don’t play with food, Jojo” you rolled your eyes smiling a little.

As you washed off the chocolate, you couldn’t help but to smirk at the idea that popped up in your mind.

You made your hands wet again with the water, turning towards your girlfriend yet again. Before she could say anything, you splashed her with water a little as you could hear Jojo’s surprised gasp at your action.

You quickly found yourself behind the counter as you mirrored Jolyne’s playful expression as she stood in the opposite.

“You gonna get it,” she warmed you, itching closer to you as you stepped back a little, making sure you had the distance to escape her.

“Only if you’ll catch me” you winked at her, moving a little. Jolyne quickly tried to run towards you, resulting in you two making a circle around the counter. Trying to reach you from across it seemed futile as you leaned back while chuckling at your girlfriend.

“Don’t make me use my stand,” Jojo playfully threatened you, making her stand manifest slightly behind her.

“Don’t make me eat all the chocolate,” you answered back, seeing slightly shocked expression on woman’s face.

“You wouldn’t dare!” Jolyne exclaimed theatrically.

“We’ll see about that,” you smirked, eyeing the mix as Jojo followed your gaze. She quickly looked back at you, teasing smile on her face as she ran around the counter. You were quick to run as well, now ending in a reverse position.

After a couple more minutes of running, you suddenly felt her catch you, wrapping her arms tightly around you from behind. Jolyne spun you around. She quickly hugged you closer, attacking you with kisses, planting them across your face as you couldn’t help but to giggle in her strong hold.

“Okay, okay, you got me,” you kissed her cheek as Jojo eased her hold on you, nuzzling into your beck affectionately

“You are even sweeter than chocolate,” she said. You felt your cheeks warm up a little, running your hand through her loosely tied hair.

You two decided to check on the mix, making them into balls and then covering them in sprinkles. The result tasted really sweet as you two commented on your hard work.

You decided to then watch a movie. You were checking if there was anything on the TV when you heard sounds coming from the kitchen. Rolling your eyes, you called for your girlfriend.

“Don’t eat everything, Jojo”

“I can’t help it,” Jolyne mumbled, you could hear that she has already stuffed her mouth with sweets. She then took some of the brigadeiros as well as salty snacks to you. You already had blankets prepared for the full cuddling session.

Jolyne moved closer as you shared your blanket with her. Without hesitation, she wrapped her arms around you, cuddling you as you two lied down, surrounded by soft pillows around you. You had previously dimmed the lights for the full movie atmosphere.

As a first movie was playing, you felt her itching closer to you.

“Hey” she whispered in your ear “hey, hey” she continued.

“Yes?” you answered back, not quite sure what to expect.

“Wanna hear a spoiler?” you could almost hear the cheekiness in her voice as Jojo smiled evilly.

“Don’t you dare,” you harshly whispered back.

“But what if the main character…”

“Don’t”

“Well…hypothetically………was to die at the end?”

“Jolyne!” you exclaimed.

“Well, HYPOTHETICALLY”

“It means he will, right?” you sighed, now turning your head towards Jojo.

“Well, who knows?~” she winked at you, kissing your cheek affectionately.

“I can’t with you, Jojo. He better not die at the end,” you eyed her half-sternly as she made puppy eyes. She brought you closer into the hug, placing her head on your chest area, using you as a pillow.

“Don’t fall asleep on me,” you casually warned her, itching down to kiss her head.

“You are way too comfortable,” Jolyne answered, squeezing you a little. You traced patterns on her arms as you two were about the finish the movie. Thankfully, the main character did not die.

You decided to put on another film.

“Oh, this one! I saw it, here the dude actually dies!” Jolyne suddenly spoke up.

“STOP!” you half chuckled, getting up and hitting her with a pillow.

“Oh, it’s on” Jolyne smirked, getting herself a pillow and starting the fight.

Neither of you eventually won as Jolyne tiredly tackled you, effectively hugging you again.

“Alright, draw?” she asked, panting a little.

“Yes, please” was your answer.

Jojo itched closer, kissing you as you wrapped your arms around her neck. After couple of second, you broke it off. You felt Jolyne kiss your nose as you two got comfortable again.

“Hey, you know…”

“What is it?”

“I want you to meet my parents”

This was not what you expected.

“Well, we have met…” you said, unsure if you could call it a ‘real’ meeting. You surely met her mother multiple times. In case of her father, the circumstances weren’t the best.

“No, no, for real this time. Without all….this, without the panic and the need to bail me out” your girlfriend chuckled at the fond memory “they seem interested in learning about my social life….well, mom mostly. You know how my dad is,” Jolyne explained, her eyes shifting a little at the mention of her father.

“Yeah… he is pretty intimidating,” you hesitated on how to describe the man.

“More like lame. He still wears his snake pants even though he is forty. Talk about fashion disaster,” Jolyne rolled her eyes, laughing a little as she remembered the infamous outfit of her dad.

“Well, how about a dinner or something?” you suggested. The look on Jolyne’s face has changed to an excited one.

“Oh, that would be great! And we can make brigadeiros again!” she faced you, smiling widely at the idea of cooking together again.

“That is, if you won’t eat everything before we will meet them,” you raised your eyebrow, chuckling as Jolyne’s expression changed into a slightly offended one.

“Rude”

Jojo pinched your side a little, making you yelp.

“Alright, alright~” you pecked her lips.

She turned towards the small table, taking her phone from it. Jojo messaged her mom as your eyes were on the TV.

“I asked about the date and if my dad will be available,” Jolyne explained, putting her phone away and hugging you again.

After a couple of minutes, you heard a notification sound. Jolyne took her phone, opening the messages.

“How about the next weekend? We don’t have any plans, right?” she asked, ready to type the response back.

“None that I remember of,” you answered.

“Then it is settled,” Jojo concluded “Ah, maybe now my mom will stop nagging me about you. She is always asking about you. Dad also, even if a bit awkwardly. But he does care, in his own way.”

You smiled hearing Jolyne speak of her father. It was still complicated for her to accept him but slowly, she started to open up a little. Jotaro sometimes messaged her, asking about her life, even if awkwardly. The man would usually send her picture of the ocean. He became a part of her life, for once.

Remembering your first encounter with the man himself, you couldn’t help but go back to the endless battles in the prison. Your eyes shifted to Jolyne’s arms and all the battle scars on her delicate skin. You traced her arm lightly, which was not left unaware by your girlfriend.

“Do they hurt?” you couldn’t help but to ask.

“Not really, maybe sometimes they feel itchy,” Jojo explain, eyeing her arm a little, without further interest.

“I am sorry I couldn’t-“

“Shush, don’t,” she quickly shut you down, hugging you closer so that you could look her in the eyes. “We both know there was nothing you or anyone could do as I faced multiple battles alone. We all did,” she explained, a slightly sad smile on her face “we are alive and that’s all that matters” Jojo concluded.

“Still…” you tried to say something else.

“It’s all in the past,” Jolyne kissed your cheek, “I am now here with you, in the present,” she continued, now unraveling her arms from around you.

“We are okay” she put her soft hands on your cheeks, tracing them a little as she kissed your nose “and I am happy with you,” she kissed your cheeks, smiling slightly as she saw a notion of a blush on your face. Jolyne itched closer, tilting her head a little.

“Me too” you whispered before she brought you into a kiss.

[skeletonsloverockcandy]

A Hitchhiker’s Guide For Androids

Summary: Logan is an AI that has escaped to Cardinal Valley, a lovely mountain town, and needs a job and a place to stay.

Warnings: Threats, censored cursing, stabbing mention, gore mention, violence, violence mention, deceit mention, food mention, Logan having a weird robot body and doing robot things, high stakes, stress, hostage situation, crying, potential breakdown.

Fandom: Thomas Sanders, Sanders Sides

Characters: Logan/Logic, Patton/Morality, Roman/Creativity, Remy/Sleep, and Emile Picani 

Pairings: Implied romantic Remile

Word Count: 5,230

Chapter One

Chapter Two: Job Searching

Logan watched as the bus pulled away from the station with the sunlight glinting off its metal back, then began trotting towards the center of town. Cardinal Valley had a thriving downtown area with a clustered grouping of specialty shops and studio apartments. There was a mix of rustic, brick, two-story buildings with old ads from a time long gone painted on their sides, and newer, sleeker, glass-paneled complexes littered in the area. It suggested rich local history and modern advancement corroborating to create a charming blend of aesthetics. Trees lined the sidewalks and traffic medians, tastefully separating the road from the shops and foot traffic, and providing a comfortable spot for shade as benches were intermittently placed underneath. Whenever a breeze blew by, dewy drops of water from that morning’s rain shook off the trees, the sunlight catching it as it cascaded down. It made the top of Logan’s head and new shirt slightly damp again, not that he minded all that much. He was waterproof after all. Most of the shops had plants around them, from their windowsills, to sitting in pots framing the doorways of the buildings. They were surrounded by flora. The majority had hanging gardens in small baskets held up by chains to a small hook in the awning of the establishment. They held anything from herbs, to succulents, to bunches of geraniums hanging in their pots. The shops themselves seemed colorful and pleasant too, providing a range of looks meant to attract their target customers. The shopkeepers cheerful, sweeping the fronts of their establishments or tending to tables and other things, never hesitated to send a hearty wave towards the potential customers milling about the sidewalk, as well as their fellow shopkeepers. 

The town was surrounded on most sides by gentle sloping mountains coated in pine trees and could be viewed from the center of town. They formed the horizon beyond the buildings and cradled the area in a gentle embrace. 

As Logan strolled down the sidewalk he took all these things in, appreciating the comforting appeal of his new town of residence. His hand was secure on his plastic bag of clothes and he adjusted his new glasses as he quickened his pace towards the center of town. 

He passed a trash bin as he walked and he paused for a moment to look in it. Ah, there! He pulled out a recently disposed of paper from that day and sat on one of the benches that were underneath the sidewalk trees. His eyes scanned back and forth on the paper until he found what he was looking for. Apartment listings.

He looked for one that had minimal appliances since he didn’t need to cook, and minimal room since he didn’t take up that much space. He also did not have that much money right now, so he had to invest in what he could afford. He found one with his requirements and took note of the phone number printed in the listing. Logan took out the phone he had stolen and turned it on. He frowned at it because he was perfectly capable of communicating through other means by himself, but this was the simplest form of communication with his current predicament, and the last thing he wanted to do was appear suspicious. Thankfully for him, talking on the phone is very rarely suspicious, but seeming to talk to yourself...that’s another story. Then people begin to question your mental stability. He shook his head slightly, he would just have to deal with his bruised pride, even if it meant relying on lesser technology, that’s why him and Dr. D stole the phone in the first place after all. 

He dialed the number on the newspaper and waited for the line to pick up. Within seconds a woman’s voice came on the phone. Logan inquired about the apartment’s availability and its price. After discussing the matters with the landlady and determining the affordability of the first month’s rent, he affirmed his interest in the apartment and set up a time later that afternoon to meet up at the complex it was located and finalize his decision to purchase with her.

He hung up the phone and just looked out at the city for a moment. It was so different from the lab. It was so alive. Before he had escaped he had never seen a plant or other living creature other than the scientists. He knew what they were, of course, because what good was an espionage robot without basic human knowledge. But being here, free, and surrounded by life for the first time, it made something stir in him that his processors were whirring to figure out. It caused his internal wiring to heat, but it didn’t feel bad, and despite there being logically no reason to, Logan felt the urge to smile. And he did. He allowed himself to sit a moment and smile.

Okay, moment of reprieve over, back to the task at hand. If Logan was going to live on his own and rent an apartment, that meant finding a source of income would be the next necessary thing for him to do. He had to get a job, preferably sooner rather than later. He flipped through the newspaper to look at job listings and took note of a few near the location of his soon-to-be apartment. That was where he would look first.

He walked deeper downtown and stashed the newspaper neatly into the bag that held his new clothes. Logan walked by a few potential establishments. A bank, a cell phone repair shop, and a Game Stop for instance, and he started his job hunt.

He left with varying levels of success in a venture that took nearly 3 hours among just those three establishments. The bank turned him away because of his lack of credentials despite his claims of being excellent with numbers. The cell phone repair shop seemed impressed by his knowledge pertaining the inner workings of machines, but was dissuaded by Logan only possessing a licence and no other legal paperwork or references. And the Game Stop apologised because the news ad was old and they had already filled up the position with someone else.

Walking away from his preferred potential places of employment, he started expanding his reach and looking elsewhere. 

As he turned a corner, something caught his eye. Help Wanted: See Applications Inside, was hand-written on a sign with a smiley-face drawn at the bottom. Logan looked up at the building of his good fortune and his face fell. It was a soft-pink painted building with a powder-blue, ribboned awning. It looked like one of the older brick buildings of the area that had been refurbished. It had windows lining the front wall around the glass door that were slightly more narrow than those of the surrounding buildings and they had powder-blue wooden shutters to match the awning. The glass door had potted ferns on either side and made the whole thing look more rustic. Chairs and tables stood politely in groups under the awning and people were sitting in them, drinking coffee, eating sweets, or laughing, but that wasn’t the thing that stopped Logan. Different pop-culture characters were painted in simplistic forms on the wall and the door. Finally, over the awning but below the windows of an in-shop apartment in neat cursive print were the words Cartoon Café. 

Logan sighed a bit to himself, this was not the ideal place he would want to be employed, but he wasn’t one to turn up his nose at an opportunity, and it was getting late, so he might as well try one last place before meeting with the landlady and trying again tomorrow.

He opened the door with a small jingle and was surprised to find the inside seemed more spacious. He took a second to look around the interior of the café. The inside seemed to have a mismatch of furniture. Couches lined one wall and stuffed animals of different cartoon characters including Pikachu, Stitch, and Mickey Mouse among others, were piled on top of them. The tables and chairs were vivid pastel colors, and more pictures from cartoons lined the walls with an assortment of Disney, Cartoon Network, and Nickelodeon classics. Customers were sitting in chairs eating and chatting, or else snuggling on one of the couches with their laptops and taking advantage of the free wifi. A few were even cuddling the stuffed animals while nursing a mug of hot tea. The customers in the establishment added to its particular aesthetic as well. Most of them looked college-age and wore a variety of clothing, mostly Tees and hoodies referencing various animes and cartoons as well . It was as if the customers themselves were handpicked to fit the theme of the establishment. Interestingly enough there was also a decent grouping of young children there with their parents, which was more expected given the place’s appearance. Though there were a few people that didn’t seem to fix image of the establishment at all, such as a pair that was sitting at a small table near the register and quietly bickering. One had a black and purple hoodie on with dark eyeshadow under his eyes and dyed purple hair, while the other wore a white varsity jacket with red sleeves and wore more subtle, less depressing makeup on his face. There was also an individual leaning against the counter where the register was and looked hipster-esque with a plaid black-and-white flannel tied around their waist, black skinny jeans, sunglasses, and a white T-shirt that read B*tches Need Beauty Sleep. All this while sipping on an iced coffee in a plastic cup, completing the image. Interesting group of customers to say the least. 

Finally Logan looked at the counter to view a long line of customers ordering at the register. The counter held a display filled with different cartoon themed sweets, such as Fire Nation Fudge, and Bugs Bunny’s Homemade Carrot Cake, and the beverage menu was filled with several more examples of pun-filled, cartoon-themed food names. The employee running the register was roughly average height, a bit on the shorter side, wearing a light blue polo shirt and round glasses. He had dirty blond, curly hair, freckles dotting his face, and hazel eyes. As he tended to each customer he displayed a bright and peppy demeanor, and through the gentle hum of conversation in the café, Logan could hear the employee cracking jokes and making puns. He felt indifferent towards the use of humor by the employee, but could recognize the charm the man had that enthralled the other customers laughing with him. 

Logan went ahead and stood in line with the other customers because it would be impolite to skip even for an application. Eventually the line windled down and he was in front. The peppy man in blue spoke.

“Hiya kiddo! What can I get for you today?”

“No, I apologize for the misunderstanding, but I do not actually wish to purchase anything today.” The employee looked at him confused before Logan continued.

“I wish to inquire about the sign in the window indicating an available job position, I was wondering about securing an application.” The employee’s face lit up and a huge grin stretched upon his features and began to excitedly shake his hands.

“Oh my goodness! You’re here for the job interview? That’s fantastic! We’ve had a few people apply already, but if you get the position, I can’t wait to get to know you! I love love LOVE meeting new people!” Logan looked on at the open display of mirth with a bit of a loss of what to do. He was not yet good at dealing with exuberant displays of emotions, but he would just have to manage.

“Ah...yes, as I said, I would like to apply for whatever position you have open. Can I receive an application?”

“I don’t know kiddo, can you?” The man smiled a bit at his joke. Logan took a breath to regain his patience and tried not to roll his eyes (D’s habits had rubbed off on Logan while they were together) before he responded.

“My mistake. May I receive an application?” The employee giggled at Logan.

“Oh sure, you know I’m just messing’ with you right, kiddo? I’ll get that for you right away. Then after you fill it out, you can schedule an interview with my boss, Emile. Though he might prefer it if you call him Dr. Picani.”

“Doctor..?”

“Oh yeah! He has a PhD in psychology, but he’s taking a break from the practice to follow one of his other dreams for now.”

“Thank you, that cleared up some of my confusion.” Logan stated. As the employee reached under the counter to grab an application, he suddenly started.

“Oh I just remembered! How rude of me! I completely forgot to introduce myself. I’m Patton! The proudest Patton papá to perpetuate this place of p..work? (Darn lost it) Pastries! That’s it!” He laughed at his alliteration, “But you can just call me Patton, or dad, whatever suits your preference! (Yes, got another P word).” He muttered the last bit to himself.

Logan again struggled to keep his composure.

“Why would I call you..? You know what, never mind. Thank you for the introduction Patton, now can I please have the application?” He tried not to sound exasperated. Goodness gracious, usually he would be putting extra effort into expressing these perceived emotions to sell his supposed “human nature”, but here he was doing all he could to reign it in. Patton laughed a bit.

“Yepperoni! Coming right up mister..?”

“Logan.”

“Alright Logan! Coming right up!”

Just then Logan heard a slight disturbance behind him before he was roughly shoved away from the counter and onto the ground. A man in a denim jacket stepped in front of him and drew a knife, grabbing Patton by the collar of his shirt pointing it at him over the counter before yelling in his face.

“Gimme all the money in the register, now!” Patton began to stutter.

“B-b-but sir I..I-” he managed to get out before being cut off.

“Did I freaking stutter? Money. Register. Now! Or I’ll cut you open!” Several of the patrons stood up in shock, including the one in the varsity jacket, but the one with the eyeshadow was holding him back and whispering at him hurriedly. Patton responded to the situation by putting his hands up in surrender and yielding.

“Okay, okay, I’ll open up the register. Just please don’t hurt anyone, I’ll get the money.”

“Yeah, you better or else someone’s guts are gonna be all over the floor.” Patton visibly swallowed, and with shaky hands started to open the register. The customer with the sunglasses sat down his coffee and started inching towards the back room of the café. The aggressor saw the movement out of the corner of his eyes and shouted.

“NOBODY F***ING MOVE OR THIS GUY GETS SKEWERED!” with a frantic and wild look in his eyes. The man with the sunglasses held up his hands and said,

“Okay, nobody’s movin’ babes, you do you, just don’t hurt the guy.”

“That’s better,” the aggressor said, “but I’ll hurt him if I f***ing want to.”

A man in a pink polo shirt with brown pants and glasses started coming out from the food preparation area, looking slightly bewildered before shock lined his face, and the man with the sunglasses made a motion with his hand to try and shoo him back to where he was. The man in pink nodded slightly but seemed unable to move as he witnessed the scene in front of him. Patton began unlocking the register the best he could while the aggressor was still gripping the collar of his shirt, and it was at this time, having witnessed the scene thus far, that Logan slowly began getting up. He didn’t want the scene to get out of hand, so he’d try to de-escalate the situation the best he could.

“Excuse me,” he spoke, “if you are short on funds, there are other ways of acquiring money that don’t involve threatening people.” The aggressor turned to look at him.

“Listen man, if you don’t shut the hell up I’m gonna stab you instead.” The knife was still pointed at Patton.

“I find that unlikely, but I do know that murder is far worse a charge than armed robbery, and I doubt you desire life in prison.” At this point the aggressor whipped around and lunged towards Logan while shouting, ���UGH BE QUIET!” 

Logan has anticipated this and began to apply his self-defense programming. He pivoted on his heel so his body was parallel to the attacker trying to stab him, then grabbed the wrist with the knife and the nape of the man’s neck, next he directed the attacker’s body towards the ground, placing his knee on the other man’s back to restrain him, then rolling his wrist slightly to make him drop the knife, and finally kicking the knife away from the two of them. Simple step-by-step process. 

The café was dead silent. Shocked faces marked the customers and the staff. It was as if they were frozen. Seeing their inaction, Logan gently prompted them. 

“Would someone like to contact the authorities?” The man in pink was the first that seemed to break from their collective daze. 

“Y-yeah, I’m on it,” he said before walking into the back room for the telephone. 

Logan looked up and surveyed the room before his eyes landed on the man with the varsity jacket.

“You. Can you help me retrain this criminal until the authorities arrive?” The man who had been held back by his more glum looking friend, now was looking at Logan with abject surprise and his arm slowly raised to gesture at himself.

“Yes, I mean you. Now if you will please, can you and your friend help me?”

The man in the varsity jacket stepped forward with the man in the hoodie following apprehensively. The aggressor struggled vainly, as Logan weighed quite a bit, cursing at the three of them before he seemed to accept he wasn’t getting away and he sagged in defeat. Logan directed the two on how to hold him without him getting away, then he let go.

The crowd finally appeared to break from their stupor and an outcry of relief rung out. The man in pink, who Logan assumed to be Patton’s boss, Dr. Emile Picani, came out of the back room announcing he had called the police and they were on their way. Then he ran up to the man in sunglasses and embraced him in a bone-crushing hug. Logan overheard his rushed speech as he talked to the other man.

“Remy! Are you alright? That was terrifying! You handled it so well, oh goodness, I’m so glad you’re okay.” The man with the sunglasses, Remy apparently, hugged Emile back and took a long shaky breath.

“You know me babe, always cool as a cucumber. You know I had everything handled, right gurl?” He held Emile out at arms length and pulled down his glasses so he could see his sincerity. Emile laughed shakily in relief and hugged him again, though less constricting than the previous time.

Patton was still behind the counter, gripping his heart and breathing heavily. Logan tentatively approached the counter and waited for Patton’s breathing to regulate. After a minute his breathing slowed to an almost normal pace and he looked Logan in the eyes, coming back into himself. 

“Patton, are you alright?” Logan inquired.

“That...was the scariest thing...I have ever...experienced…in my life,” Patton said, “I almost died, and you...you saved me…” Tears began welling in his eyes. “Logan, you saved me! Oh, thankyouthankyouthankyou!” He reaches over the counter and hugged Logan. Logan stiffened, he almost irrationally feared Patton feeling his metallic endoskeleton, before reasoning that that was a perfectly rational concern, however, unlikely to occur because he trusted he was made well enough to pass for a human by touch as well. He straightened his glasses before awkwardly attempting to hug Patton back giving him a gentle pat of comfort.

Before he could recover from the hug though, Patton reeled back and half-heartedly slapped Logan in the arm.

“Hey!” It didn’t hurt, but it was the principle.

“Don’t you dare do that again! You could have died! He could have stabbed you! It’s scared me half-to-death!” He looked fierce now, a fire in his eyes, alight with concern and compassion. He softened though at the overwhelmed look Logan had on his face from the emotional whiplash.

“But honestly Logan, thank you. Without you I could have been a Patton-pancake. Oh! A Patton-cake if you will.” He laughed shakily for a moment. “If there’s anything I can do to make it up to you just say the word, And I promise I’ll do it.” He looked at Logan earnestly. Logan was almost at a loss for what to say. Almost.

“Your gratitude is much appreciated Patton, but you really don’t have to do anything for me. However, I would still like an application for the job opening.” Patton looked at him for what felt like ages before breaking into real, genuine laughter, so much that he almost doubled over. Logan could not for the life of him figure out what was funny. Eventually though, Patton caught his breath.

“I..” he laughed, “comPLETELY forgot that was why you came here. And..and,” he said breathlessly, “I don’t know why that’s so funny, but yes! Yes! You can have an application! Ha ha!” he said as he handed it over the counter to Logan, “here you go kiddo, your application!” He wipes his eyes, barely managing to get the sentence out and Logan couldn’t tell if it was mirth or hysterics, “Make sure...make sure,” he laughed, “you come back tomorrow for your interview.”

Logan took the paper from Patton and was clueless as to how he could help the man. He looked on the verge of a breakdown due to the trauma of the experience. Hoping to distract himself, Logan quickly filled out the application and handed it back to Patton, who seemed finally to have stopped laughing and was instead sniffling in his sleeve. Logan awkwardly patted Patton’s arm in a comforting gesture before sliding him the paper back across the counter. 

Logan checked the Doctor Who clock on the wall that read Wibbly Wobbly, Timey Whimy just as the sirens from the police could be heard outside. Upon hearing the sirens, both the hoodie-clad man and the man in the varsity jacket, holding down the miscreant, visibly relaxed. As soon as the police came in and handcuffed the man, the two holding him down rushed to go check on Patton. Logan let out a sigh of relief. At least there would be someone, or two someones, to make sure Patton was in the right emotional state. Feelings were somewhat foreign to Logan, and though trained to identify them, he was not sure how to cope with consoling others, so best leave this in the hands of the other humans, they were feelings professionals after all. He looked at the inside of the café one last time to ensure everything was alright then left before the police could stop and question him. One, he did not want to be publicized, and two, he needed to leave now or else he would be late meeting the landlady to discuss his potential apartment.

The walk to the apartment complex was quiet, and in the setting sun, one could almost forget the events of the day. It had been a long day for Logan. He escaped, took on a new identity, skipped town, arrived in a new one, applied to four jobs, stopped a robbery, and set out to rent an apartment. It was a good thing his battery could last 48 hours or he would be half-way unconscious by now if he were human.

Finally he arrived at the complex and met the landlady. Even getting the cheapest apartment available in the complex, he was only barely able to pay the first month’s rent upfront with the remaining money he had. He really hoped he could secure a job soon. At least he didn’t need to eat. 

The landlady, her name was Sandra, gave Logan the keys to his apartment, and he thanked her. He began the climb up the stairs to the fourth floor and looked around when he finally reached the landing. The landing was plain, but clean, and had light brown painted walls and hardwood flooring with a long rug stretching the length of the hallway on top of it. There were four total apartments on this landing and Logan’s was the closest to the stairs. Apartment 4A was also the smallest apartment on the landing, but Logan was intentional about his decision to rent it. It would be impractical for a machine that doesn’t eat to own a kitchen after all.

He inserted the key he was given into the lock and opened the door. The apartment was small as expected, but like everything else so far in the complex, thankfully clean. The walls were the same light brown as the landing, and the floor had dark brown hardwood paneling. The place was unadorned except for a small table and a couple chairs that served as a dining area, and a bit further in, one stiff armchair and a coffee table that sat on top of a worn rug. The single bedroom was in the back and connected to the one bathroom. He sat down his few possessions on the coffee table (the phone, the wallet, the bag of clothes), and walked over to the bedroom. In it was a twin sized bed with some clean sheets folded in a pile on top, a small wooden dresser, and a chair in the corner. Logan felt it was unnecessary to check out the bathroom at this time, all he wanted to do was make the bed and recharge. He pulled out the fitted sheets from the pile and put them over the mattress, then repeated the process with the other sheets. Then he sat on the bed, then glanced around the bedroom. Finally he spotted what he was looking for, an outlet. It was by the window in his room. Darn, luck seemed to have failed him in having one next to the bed. Oh well, he could always move the bed later. For now, he would simply pull up the chair in the corner and sit by the window. Logan pushed the chair into position so at least he’d get a nice view of the street below, then he pulled up his pant leg. Reaching at the spot between the calf and the ankle, Logan pressed down with a slight click before a minute panel swung open on a hinge. Logan felt inside the opening for a bit before pulling out an extension cord. Making sure he didn’t have to adjust his sitting position any further, Logan pulled at the cord and plugged himself in. 

He sighed very unnecessarily and gazed out the window at the almost completely set sun through the spaces between buildings and the trees on the apex of the mountainside that created the horizon. The view really was quite beautiful. Logan briefly glanced back at his room. Well, he’d fix it up eventually, but that could wait until he could afford it, for now he was content looking at the sunset.

*

He didn’t realize how long he’d been staring until the first street lamps came on. He had been people-watching far past dusk and felt odd at having not paid attention if his surroundings for once. He felt even more odd when he looked up. There were thousands of twinkling stars above him, and Logan felt figuratively speechless. He knew about planets and stars and solar systems, and could name most of the major constellations an average person would know, but he had never seen them for himself. He felt that not-bad heat filling his system again as he tried to process what he was experiencing and believed it to be awe. He attempted to recount everything thing he knew about stars before coming to the conclusion that the facts he knew weren’t sufficient, the scientists simply did not care that much about astronomy. That simply wouldn’t do. Something this fascinating deserved to be learned and known about. He was in the middle of reconnecting himself to the internet to learn as many astronomy facts as possible, when he heard footsteps coming up the stairwell. 

Logan turned his head in the direction of the hallway, first trying his thermal vision, then his X-Ray, before coming to the conclusion that the walls were simply too thick. So he settled on setting his sound sensitivity incrementally higher until he could hear whoever was there as if he was in the hallway with them. He cued into the middle of a conversation.

“...telling you! I would have fought brave and gallantly. No criminal would have stood a chance!” A booming voice rang out.

“Don’t get too ahead of yourself Sir-stupid-a-lot, you’re a theater kid, not a heavyweight wrestling champion.” A softer, but more cutting voice responded.

“A theater kid who owns a sword!” The voice said aghast.

“A novelty sword, my point still stands.”

“Be nice Virgil, Roman was very brave today! But you two are both my heroes. Did you see the way you held down that guy? And when the police came, you were very cop-erative. Like cooperative? Because they were cops.” There were giggles followed by a snort and a soft groan from each of the other two.

“Yes padre, we get it. But let's not forget how brave you were! Keeping your cool like Mulan staring down the Hun army. That’d be nearly unthinkable in a situation like this! Something like that takes quite a bit of nerve.”

“Yeah Pat, that must’ve been terrifying. Are you still...good?” The softer voice asked tentatively. 

“Aw, thank you Virge. I’m mostly fine now, just a bit shaken up. But I never let a case of the jitters get me down! I’ll be okay.”

“Ah, well, after an eventful day, a Prince must have his beauty rest. So I must bid thee farewell, though parting is such sweet sorrow.” The loud voice announced dramatically.

“Yeah, same here Patton, I’m beat. But if you need anything, just come over and ask okay? We’re here for you.”

“Awww, you bet! Goodnight kiddos!”

“‘Night Pat.”

“~Adieu my fine friends, I will see you in the morning.”

Three separate doors clicked shut and Logan returned his hearing sensitivity to normal. He attempted to process what he just heard. Patton, the person he saved today, and possible new coworker, and the two people who helped him restrain the criminal in the café (Roman and Virgil apparently) lived in the same apartment as him. He placed his palm over his face at the irony of the universe. Then he slid his hand down and breathed out through his nose. Well, it looked like Logan had new neighbors.

[lafiametta]

@gigi-sinclair: “Kiss request! Joplittle, "exhausted parents kiss." Feel free to interpret "parents" as you choose!”

So I wanted to dedicate this to a friend of mine who was supposed to be starting her Disney World vacation today. (Hopefully, she’ll get to go next year!) Anyway, thank you for the ask — and enjoy!

Tom barely had the energy to lift his head off the bed when he heard Edward coming back into their room and softly shutting the door behind him. 

“Are they asleep?”

“Out cold,” Edward said, as he toed off his shoes and collapsed face-first onto the bed next to Tom. “Both of them.”

“Thank god.” Tom managed to turn onto his side, taking in the sight of his husband’s handsomely scruffy face smooshed up against the vivid pattern of the hotel comforter. “Did you get them into their PJs, at least? And get them to brush their teeth?”

Edward’s eyes were tightly shut, but that didn’t stop the visible corner of his mouth from curling up into a self-satisfied grin. “What kind of monster do you think I am?” 

“Sorry,” Tom said, pressing a tiny kiss to the tip of Edward’s nose as an additional apology. “I know you know what you’re doing. We’ve just never had them for this long before.” 

For years, Edward’s niece and nephew had been a constant presence in their lives. At first, when they were small, it had just been the occasional evening of babysitting, and while Edward’s brother-in-law had originally expressed some reservations about Edward and his then-boyfriend — engaged in an “alternative lifestyle,” as he phrased it — taking care of both children, eventually he came to realize that Edward and Tom were probably more responsible than most of the people on the planet and loved the two kids more than they could say. In the end, they had been the flower girl and the ring-bearer at Edward and Tom’s wedding, their father looking on proudly. 

Now that they had gotten a little older, the two of them had been allowed to stay overnight at their uncles’ house and Tom had excitedly decked out the guest room — and its new pair of twin beds — with all sorts of Spiderman- and Frozen-themed decor. The Disney World trip had been Edward’s idea, though. It would spare them the cost of child care during the kids’ spring break, he explained to his sister, and give her and her husband some quality time to themselves. Plus, the kids would be over the moon with excitement. It hadn’t taken much convincing beyond that to get her to accept his offer, and by late March they had packed their bags and some sunscreen and were on their way to Orlando.

What Edward and Tom hadn’t entirely counted on was how much combined energy an eight- and a ten-year-old were capable of producing, especially when amped up on soda and cotton candy and caramel apples and pretzels in the shape of a Mickey Mouse head. 

“It seemed like they had a lot of fun today,” Tom murmured.

That morning, they had started at Magic Kingdom, and both kids’ faces had lit up to see the entry light turn green as they first flashed their Magic Band-bound wrists at the gates. At that point, it was practically a race down Main Street, with pit stops at Splash Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean before heading to Fantasyland. 

The lines, of course, had been long, even with their Fast Passes, and the place was crowded with families and strollers that never seemed to dissipate. There had also been an unfortunate incident following a ride on the tea cups when, without warning, Edward’s niece had thrown up all over a park bench, followed by some upset tears. Tom had been able to soothe her, though, and with a few damp paper towels to wash her face and a promise to go to a character meet with Belle, she was quickly good as new. 

Edward squinted his eyes open — or at least the one Tom could actually see — and inched closer, a hand sliding up to toy with the hem of Tom’s t-shirt. Tom felt his breath catch, and the space between them seemed to grow warmer, as if someone had suddenly switched on the heat in the room. 

“Well, it is the happiest place on earth, or so the countless promotional emails keep telling me.”

Tom leaned in, their lips just an inch or so apart. “Is that so?”

Edward nodded, his mouth widening into a grin just as he pressed it against Tom’s. Tom accepted gladly, parting his lips a little to let Edward’s tongue slip between them, slowly savoring the rhythm that they began to settle into, a sweet and unhurried give-and-take that perfectly matched their level of bodily exhaustion. 

After a moment they paused, if only to give themselves some time to catch their breath. Tom curled an arm around Edward’s waist, pulling him slightly closer. 

“You know what? I think this might be the happiest place on earth.”

Edward’s eyes, already dark with need, grew warmer, a spark catching in their inky depths. He reached down to palm the front of Tom’s jeans. Tom gasped, an immediate jolt of white hot current surging through his veins. “And this place...” Edward chuckled, “this place seems pretty happy right now.”

“Shhhhh, not so loud!” Tom grinned, offering one final glance at the door to their room and hoping like hell Edward had remembered to turn the lock. “They might hear you...” And then he was lost entirely to the magic of Edward’s hands and lips, his exhaustion fully vanquished like the breaking of a spell. 

[send me a kissing prompt]

[ankkalinna]

My Duck Comics Secret Santa2019 Gift for @paperino-protection-squad who wanted Tamers of Nonhuman Threats and X-Mickey crossover and some stuff about Donald’s different identities. I hope you enjoy!

Word Count: 4600

Donald had been in a bad mood ever since he woke up, and hearing the voice of the person he hadn't really thought of in years really didn't make his trip to the grocery store any better.

”Donald! Hey, it is you!”

Donald turned towards the mouse. ”Hey. It is you.”

He shuffled in place a bit, awkwardly regretting the blatant unenthusiasm in his tone. ”So. Long time no see.”

”Yeah.” Mickey nodded.

An awkward silence fell.

”We should do lunch sometime,” Mickey said. ”To catch up.”

Before Donald could reply he continued: ”Why not right now, actually?” He looked at his watch. ”I'm free. Do you have anything?”

Donald did not. He was, as one might say, between jobs at the moment.

But telling Mickey that...

He paid attention to the mouse's suit. It wasn't expensive, nothing that made it look like he was trying to overcompensate, or that he was throwing money away.

It was neat, well put together. Paired with a nice watch that implied he had a bit of an extra money to get himself something nice. Not too expensive. Then again, Donald's idea of expensive was 'I could not justify spending money on this when there are three sets of school supplies to buy'

The mouse had always radiated self-confidence and had this annoying successful aura to him...

He is probably doing well, Donald thought bitterly.

Out loud he said: ”Sorry, I'm really really busy now.”

He couldn't help adding: ”An important career... thing. A thing. Yeah. I got opportunities. Bye.”

…

Donald woke up to an alarm.

He struggled up. ”Not now Uncle Scroo-”

Wait.

That sound was his TNT alarm.

He pulled it out of his closet. It had been a long time. He even sometimes forgot he had this gig. His life was so full of being The Duck Avenger, and Doubleduck, and Scrooge's slave, and a parent-

But this job had a big difference compared to all of those.

It paid.

And it paid well.

Donald saluted the image on screen. ”What's up I'm awake!”

…

In half an hour Donald had dragged Fethry out of bed, shaken him awake with a ”The world needs us!” and gotten him into the TNT headquarters for briefing.

”Welcome, Agents,” The Head started. ”We have measured outstanding levels of extradimensional portal radiation somewhere around or near Duckburg.”  He pointed at the image on screen. ”We have reason to believe this person is involved-”

”I just ran into him!” Donald pointed at the screen at the file image of Mickey Mouse. ”Now that you mention it he was maybe acting a bit odd.”

”I'm sure it's fine,” Fethry said. ”And what do you mean portal radiation anyway? It's all fine...”

”Really?” Katrina Kolik said, ignoring Fethry and focusing her attention on Donald. ”Maybe it'd be for the best if you tried to dig up some more information.”

Donald saluted. This sounded like an easy job.

”Okay,” he said.

It might even be nice, seeing an old friend and reminiscing a bit.

…

Donald smiled at the mouse sitting in front of him in the small cafe. ”So, it's nice to meet up like this-” He took a sip from his latte. He wasn't sure why he had suggested an overpriced coffee shop.

It had felt like something Mickey would fit in, he supposed.

”And so lately I have been doing more work at the paper, writing a column on bee-keeping,” Mickey said. ”Of course I keep being pulled back in but at the moment I really would prefer a more stress-free life with everything going on. Maybe I will return to being a police consultant at some point.”

”A-ha.” Donald lifted his drink to his beak and pretended to drink. The cup was tiny and he was dreading the bill already. He had to make this one cup last for as long as possible.

”I remember you being a reporter too?” Mickey asked.

”Not in a while,” Donald sighed. ”Uncle Scrooge outsourced his clickbait journalism to some trained ferrets. I was shining coins for him but-”

He hesitated. He had fallen asleep at the job after a hard night's work patrolling the city as the Duck Avenger. A row had happened. Donald couldn't remember if he had been once more sacked or if he had quit. Not that it mattered. He'd grovel back there at some point anyway.

Not that Mickey would have to know any of that.

”I had other opportunities, so I quit.”

That was basically true anyway. His work as the Duck Avenger took a lot out of him and without having to get up for work he had been putting even more hours in crime fighting.

Mickey leaned in. ”An exciting job?”

”Nothing big,” Donald said. ”I can't talk about it much. Because uh- I still don't know if it will actually happen.”

But he seemed a bit... Impressed.

Donald smiled, feeling a bit better.

Now then-

”So, I don't know how much I should be talking about this gig I got,” Donald said. ”I had to sign a non disclosure agreement. It's big.”

He had technically signed a contract for TNT. Or less signed anything and more had his biometric data scanner into the system with the implication that if he let anything slip the Organization would 'deal with him' presumably in a way that'd include being teleported into space.

”Say no more. I get it.”

Donald frowned, hoping Mickey would have been a bit more curious and tried to dig up more information out of him. Probably he didn't think it was actually anything cool. Nothing that could measure up to his interesting life.

”Yeah it must be pretty important job you do. With the police and stuff,” Donald said.

”Like I said, not in a while. I'm taking it easy now. Anyway, I'm good at keeping secrets, so if you want to talk-”

Donald was just trying to think how to approach the subject or try to find out anything when he was interrupted.

”Hello!” Fethry popped up from behind a potted plant and patted Donald's shoulder. ”Here you are, my dear colleague. Have you taken a good look at the charts?”

Donald stared at Fethry. And the obviously fake beard he was wearing.

Fethry winked.

”No,” Donald told him. ”Anyway I was bu-”

Fethry pulled up a chair and joined the two. ”Say no more, pardner!”

He winked at Donald again, batting his eyelashes at him. Donald glared.

”Nice to meet you...” Mickey said.

”Doctor... George.” Fethry shook his hand. ”I'm Donald's colleague. Nice ta meet ya'll mah dude.”

So now he was also doing an accent of some kind. Great.

”Yes and I'm sure Mister George is very busy!” Donald said.

”Nono, not at all.”

”So?” Mickey asked. ”Is this Doctor George from your new job?”

Donald got up.

”Yes. And he was just leaving.” Deciding Fethry would not take the clue he took his arm. ”In fact we are leaving.”

…

”What was that about?” Donald asked.

”I thought I'd help you,” Fethry said. ”To sneakily get information out of him. I once saw this documentary on interrogation. The trick is to spot things called 'micro expressions'”

He poked Donald's bill.

”For example right now your macro-expressions are saying 'I am angry' but your micro expressions are saying 'wow cool.”

”And tell me, is being dressed as a hobo santa part of the process?”

”I told you what I was doing! I was getting a whole bad cop good cop thing going on!”

”You told me? When?”

Fethry looked at him like he was pulling his leg. ”Just now. Come on I used Morse code.”

He winked again. ”See? Come on now Don, we have a system. I think I explained it to you.”

”You were... blinking Morse code at me..?”

Fethry patted his back. ”I knew you'd catch on! Eventually. It's great this connection we have. Almost makes it okay I have to keep quiet about the secret mission Katrina Kolik gave m-”

He slapped his hand over his mouth.

Donald gave him a glare. ”A what?”

Fethry fidgeted. ”Nothing!”

Donald took hold of his shoulders and shook him. ”What did she give you? Some assignment I'm not part of?”

Fethry glanced around. He leaned in conspiratorially.

”Top Secret.”

”Fethry...”

Donald crossed his arms.

”Okay so. Remember when we were kids and we used to climb this tree and that one time you threw my favourite hat on the roof?”

Fethry looked at Donald expectantly.

Donald stared at him. ”I have no idea what you are talking about.”

A relieved smile spread on Fethry's face. ”That was a test! I had to test it was really you. Of course you never threw my hat onto the roof you wouldn't be mean like that-”

”Fethry I am losing my patience here!”

Fethry looked around and slapped his fake moustache on Donald.

”Here, wear this just in case as I explain. So, the TNT organization maybe thought, just a bit, that you might have been replaced with a clone or be unreliable for some other reason.”

”What?”

”Shhh!” Fethry shushed him. ”Apparently Mickey got involved in something weird. And not just him. Someone else you know-”

”Who?”

”The Duck Avenger.”

…

Donald never had done something like this before.

He was very good at compartmentalization. He just had to.

He was Donald Duck.

A single parent, minimum wage worker, the nephew of the world's richest man, a boyfriend, a rockstar, a reporter, a Caballero, a superhero, a tamer of nonhuman threats...

And the top agent of The Agency.

He usually did his best to keep all of the different facets of his life far apart.

But TNT was looking into the Duck Avenger and Donald Duck's connection with him.

Boundaries were starting to break.

He had to know what was going on.

So Donald locked himself into his closet and pulled out his Agent Phone. The one he only ever took from its lock box for Agency missions.

The mechanical voice spoke out. ”Please identify yourself.”  

Donald stood a bit straighter and spoke into the device, slipping into this role. ”Agent Doubleduck.”

”Scanning. Please hold still.”

After the face and fingerprint scan the phone opened.

”Welcome, Agent Doubleduck. Please state your inquiry.”

”I need to get into the TNT organization database.”

”Scanning. Please stand by.”

”Hurry up...”

Finally the files from the TNT mainframe were pulled up on the tiny screen.

”As we cannot be certain of the level of personal involvement Agent Duck has with Mr Mouse it is recommended Agent D.Duck is not informed of the details and instead is let to interact with Mr Mouse under supervision from Agent F.Duck while our other Agents track down the anomaly- I knew it!”

With shaking hands Donald clicked the folder.

He sighed in relief. Apparently they weren't aware he was the Duck Avenger. The document focused on his superhero persona as a separate entity.

And they weren't even all that interested in him as a person it seemed. Apart from a few cases where he had interacted with otherwordly threats TNT didn't seem to much consider the Duck Avenger. Not their jurisdiction.

Except-

The file mentioned Fantomius. It seemed TNT was very interested in the connection between the two.

Donald clicked on his file.

”Warning. Security level insufficient.”

Donald frowned.

Giving up on that he pulled up the details on the latest briefings instead.

Contact 'M' has informed us about the possibility of a Level Omega threat.

Donald skipped the paragraph that got into the technical details he had no hope of understanding. It was big and spooky just like everything TNT dealt with (also apparently 'adularescencent'). He skimmed over the report until something caught his eye.

Fantomius's aka John Quackett's connection to the painting 'Land of the impossible' must be investigated further.

Land of the impossible... Donald had seen that phrase before-

“Doubleduck? What are you doing?”

Donald bit his bill. He had been careless.

The image of Kay K filled the screen of his phone. “You better have a good explanation for this.”

Donald looked her in the eye. “I do.”

“Is it Agency business?”

Donald had a feeling she already knew the answer. “No.”

“I should report you trying to use the Agency resources for personal reasons.”

Donald looked her in the eye. “You should. But I am asking you not to. This had nothing to do with the Agency.”

Kay examined his face. Eventually she nodded. “I'll pretend I didn't see anything. Be more careful this time, Agent Doubleduck.”

The image cut off. Donald sighed in relief.

A hand grasped his shoulder.

Donald let out a surprised quack before his secret agent instincts caught up with him and he pinned the other figure to the wall.

He stared at the intruder.

”Fethry?”

”Hey, you never told me you were a secret agent!” Fethry sounded hurt.

Donald let go.

”Sorry. I really need to go.”

”Well me too actually I'm still busy with things like distracting you-”

Fethry slammed his hands over his bill.

Donald sighed. ”TNT told you?”

Fethry shook his head. ”No but I can't tell you who. It's a secret.” He mimed zipping up his beak. ”I promised.”

Donald was about to call him out as a terrible liar. Of course it was TNT. But he wasn't too keen on bringing it up again when he himself had been caught up in a compromising position.

Deciding he could explain it away later as a job he had gotten from Uncle Scrooge, Donald pushed it away from his mind for now.

”It's okay. You stay here and keep up the good work of distracting me.”

Fethry gave him a look.

Donald smiled. ”I'll be fine.”

He opened the closet door. As he did so it only then occurred to him the door had been locked and somehow Fethry had gotten in anyway.

No time to think about that.

…

The Duck Avenger stared at the familiar ruined manor. Villa Rosa. It had been so long...

He shook his head. No time to dwell in nostalgia.

He jumped to the ruins. Once this mansion had belonged to the gentleman thief. Now it lay in ruin. (Thanks Gladstone)

The Duck Avenger had returned there for a few times. He had thought he had solved all of the mansion's mysteries.

He wasn't alone.

The Duck Avenger hid in the shadows as two TNT agents walked past.

One of them pulled out a scanner. “I lost the trace again. I don't think it's nearby.”

The other one examined a crumbling wall before kicking it. “Let's keep at it.”

The Duck Avenger frowned. They better not destroy the mansion any further.

He shook his head. At least it seemed like he was on the right track. TNT knew Fantomius had hidden something supernatural nearby and had decided to keep their Agent Donald out of it.

A smile played on his bill. Unlike those guys he had a pretty good idea where to actually look.

He returned to his car and pulled out his scanner. He should have done this sooner. Done a thorough search. Well, no time like the present.

He turned the scanner Gyro had made him on and watched as an image was drawn onto the screen.

If he remembered correctly, large parts of the mansion were hidden underground...

But those were pretty thoroughly searched. But if he had been Fantomius he would have had other hideouts nearby.

He pulled up the satellite image. He had come to Villa Rosa before but this time he had more information.

Remembering the 'Land of the Impossible' had been mentioned in Fantomius's diary he had re-read it. And yes, the last entry mentioned Land of the Impossible, something Donald had previously assumed referred to maybe an another country John and Dolly had fled to once their situation had turned too dangerous in Duckburg.

But with the knowledge he now had it all made so much more sense.

The details mentioned in the last entry were not veiled references to their new home across the globe.

It was instructions for finding something much closer to Villa Rosa.

Duck Avenger moved swiftly through the night.

The mansion grounds had been searched both by him and uncle Scrooge in search of Fantomius's secrets (and treasures) before. Most of what Dolly and John had stolen had never resurfaced, and Duck Avenger knew there had been some other secret vault for stolen artwork. A hidden gallery. Both he and Scrooge had searched it before but had found nothing.

But if he was right the diary was pointing him towards the countryside surrounding the mansion.

Eventually he spotted an overgrown well and landed his car. He looked down. According to the scanner the well was surprisingly large. The Duck Avenger set his rope onto the ledge and started to descend into the darkness only lighted up by his belt-buckle lamp.

There was a sudden snap and he plummeted down-

And landed in a puddle.

He struggled to the dry land. He looked up, the night sky visible from the well. Had his rope cut off accidentally..?

He dried up his cape, surveying his environment. It seemed the bottom of the well was attached to a large room with a door on the other side.

He moved there and opened up the door.

And barely managed to avoid the net coming down.

Duck Avenger nudged the decrepit old net with his foot. Traps.

So he was on the right track.

He opened the door and gasped at the collection in front of him.

So this was where Fantomius had collected his loot. The paintings and statues were arranged in the vault- no, a private gallery.

So, where was the painting he was looking for?

When he saw it he knew immediately he had found it.

The Duck Avenger had never considered himself an art critic. If he saw a portrait that looked realistic it was Good Art as far a he was concerned.

But as he looked into the painting he felt... He supposed it was like seeing something for the first time.

The artwork was rough and definitely not realistic.

But the winding mountains and forests that were painted with merely the implication of a brush seemed so much like something more. Like it was a twisted mirror of the world itself. Even the colours on it seemed to shift in the light, as if alive.

He tore away his gaze and turned the frame around. On the back there was an envelope.

And in the envelope, a letter.

To whom it may concern.

I fear everything has its end and our adventures as the Phantom Thief and his dashing partner in crime are not different. Now after our identities have been leaked I fear it's best for us to go. So, we will put everything in order, leave my inheritance as Fantomius behind, and step into the new unexplored world.

-John&Dolly

The Duck Avenger examined the painting.

Had they really-

”Donald!”

The Duck Avenger turned to see Mickey.

”What are you doing here?”

And how did he know?

Mickey took a step forward. ”You don't know how dangerous that thing is! Please quietly set it down-”

”Why would I?”

Duck Avenger suddenly had the strongest feeling he was being watched.

Swiftly moving the painting under his arm he pulled out his Freeze-gun and pointed it at the mouse.

”Did you come alone?”

Mickey hesitated.

”Please, Donald. That painting is a gateway to a different world, it has been active lately, and we don't know if-”

Duck Avenger could feel the energy radiating from the painting before he saw the portal open.

It was as if the reality itself shifted, the painted landscape stretching out until the chamber surrounding them was indistinguishable from the artwork.

”Donald!”

He was tackled into the dusty floor just before the insect-like leg could spear him.

Duck Avenger recovered fast, pushed Mickey away, and aimed his Freeze-gun.

But he hesitated. Would it work?

No time to wonder. He had to act before whatever that was could get through the painting. He pulled the trigger.

The creature did not freeze.

Instead it let out a screech that made both him and the mouse fall down.

Duck Avenger could see more of the spider-like monster emergence. It turned its hungry eyes to him.

”Hey! Over here!” someone called.

The gaze of the monster left the Duck Avenger and he took the chance to kick at the creature.

“Go for the eyes! It's a Shadowland Arachnobeast they don't like it when you poke them in the eye!”

The Duck Avenger acted fast and threw his Freeze-Gun at the eyes.

As it connected, the monster wailed.

It retreated back into the painting, reality bent back into the shape.

And then it was over.

Duck Avenger turned to the tall figure who had come to their aid.

A figure who seemed to be some kind of a hairy beast man.

Mickey lifted his hands up.

”So, I think everyone here owes someone an explanation.”

…

Mickey sat next to Donald. ”So.”

Donald nodded. ”So.” He finished putting away his Duck Avenger costume in the trunk of his car. If he was going to Car-can memory erase Mickey he had to appear just the normal old Donald Duck.

”Have you been involved in this kinda stuff for long?” Mickey asked finally.

Donald shrugged. ”I keep busy.”

Mickey patted his shoulder. ”Don't worry buddy I will keep this a secret.”

Donald looked him to the eye.

”I know you will.”

He thought back to the Car-can in his pocket. It would be easy...

But no.

”So, are you planning to wipe his memory?”

Donald turned around to face the tall hairy creature. ”No!”

Mickey gave him a look.

”I did maybe think of it,” Donald admitted. “-but I decided... Maybe not.”

Donald eyed the tall man. ”Anyway, I don't think we have been introduced. Are you related to that Archeologist guy Mickey hangs out with sometimes?”

”The name's Pipwolf.” He offered a hand.

Donald shook it.

”I'm a werewolf.” He tapped his nose. “That's how I helped Mickey here track you down. Scent. I was looking into this missing portal painting stuff and asked for my good friend Mickey for help.”

“The only lead he had was this Fantomius guy who had likely stolen the painting from the previous owner,” Mickey said. “And Duck Avenger who Pipwolf suspected was a rogue occupant from the Land of the Impossible. He asked my help in tracking him down and some research pointed me to his 'best friend'”

Donald nodded. “Me.”

Something dawned on him. “So you didn't run into me in Duckburg by accident?”

“No,” Mickey admitted.

Pipwolf sighed. ”This will be such a mess. I want to give Manny my report and then head off as far away as possible. I mean, she likes her bureaucracy... Two unaccompanied guests? Who have been loose in the Land of the Impossible for decades?”

”Poor guys,” Mickey said. ”You don't know the kinds of creatures there are, Donald. Two unprepared people? I fear they didn't stand a ghost of a chance.”

”I wouldn't be too sure of it,” Donald grinned.

Mickey gave him a look. ”Maybe you're right. And yes. Maybe you do know what it's like...”

Pipwolf clapped his hands. ”Anyway! I will head off. And no it's not just because I want to avoid Manny. I have a real reason. I need to check up on a Guest. He keeps wandering off. Nice duck though.”

And then, before Donald had time to ask more questions, he was gone.

”Let me guess, Pipwolf headed off before I could ask him to explain what was going on.”

Both Mickey and Donald turned to face the speaker.

She turned out to be an albino mouse.

Accompanied by Katrina Kolik and The Head of TNT.

Donald quickly saluted.

”At ease, Agent,” Katrina said. ”I want you to meet Manny. She is something of a colleague.”

”Oh?”

The albino mouse nodded. ”Even in our world, the Land of the Impossible, there needs to be rules. And people who enforce them and take care of...” She eyed Donald. ”Problems.”

Donald gave her his most innocent look.

”He won't be a problem,” Mickey said.

”We will vouch for him,” Katrina stated briskly.

Manny reached out her hand. “The painting.”

Donald looked at Katrina.

She nodded. “It's her jurisdiction. Better give it to her.”

Donald did so. Manny examined the painting.

“Ah yes. Just like I thought. It's a stable two-way portal. It seems some creatures wandered to the other end in my world and activated the portal.”

“Something tried to get through,” Mickey said. “Luckily it was too big to fit.”

“I see. By the way,” Manny turned to face Mickey. “How did you find this so fast?”

Mickey shrugged. “Donald here had a hunch.”

“Good job, Agent Duck,” Katrina said. “Although I wonder how exactly. I could swear that was classified information.”

“Uh. I was lucky?” He couldn't help adding: “I did sort of hear you thought I was unreliable.”

The Head of TNT looked embarrassed. “Maybe we jumped into conclusions. We got a tip from our contact in the Land of the Impossible here.”

“Perhaps I could have been more specific,” Manny admitted. “Our two organizations tend to avoid stepping on each other's toes. I didn't give out much information since I figured it was none of your business. I told them Mickey had a connection to us and that was all they needed to know.”

“Well, no harm done, eh?” Donald said. “You really should talk more. Communicate.”

Mickey patted his shoulder. “You're right. For starters, you might want to start by telling me what this whole TNT thing is.”

The Head turned to him. “TNT or the Tamers of Nonhuman Threats is an organization dedicated to keeping Earth safe.”

“And you're a member?” Mickey asked.

Donald nodded. “Yeah.”

He sighed. No use trying to keep things secret now. ”I guess saying I live a double life would be underselling it.”

”It's really amazing. That you can do that all. I am barely even involved with detective work and this... And I feel I'm overly stretched a lot... I don't even have custody of my nephews full-time.”

”You don't know the half of it. I have tried so hard to keep everything separate...” Donald sighed.

“That sort of a thing seems to cause more problems than anything,” The Head said. “Perhaps TNT and Manny's people should work together more. Cultivate a healthy working relationship.”

“Sounds good,” Mickey said. “Hey Donald, how about we meet up every now and then and share information?”

He saw Donald's expression. “I'm not going to drag you in into anything new. No new duties, just friendly banter between friends.

Donald wasn't all that certain. He had a suspicion this wouldn't be the last time he'd be dragged into trouble relating to this Land of the Impossible business.

But, he supposed, that was what it was like being Donald Duck.

He sighed. “That would be lovely.”

[disabled-queen-hc-blog]

A vent piece about a not so talked about side of Autism and something I’m struggling with lately. Angsty.

John awoke to the lovely sound of his alarm clock softly singing the Adventures of Winnie the Pooh theme song. He couldn’t help but to smile and hum along as the lull of sleep faded away from his eyes.

He let it play it’s tune as he stretched out his limbs, an array of cracks and creaks echoing through the empty room. With a big yawn, he sat up and pressed a button on the alarm, shaped like the silly old bear’s head. John let out a content sigh, looking around his bed at all his stuffed animals strewn about chaotically. He wondered if they all slept well as he did.

With a bit of effort, he got out of bed and wobbled over to his bathroom, rubbing eyes and yawning some more. After a quick trip to the loo, he set out on washing his mouth. His toothbrush was bright pink with hello kitty on the handle. It wasn’t his first choice, but he was quite fond of the cat too. With a strawberry flavored toothpaste, mint tasting way too strong, he brushed his teeth, a task he didn’t like to do.

Spitting into the sink, he rinsed his mouth, his head bobbing back up into place. He caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror. Wrinkles on his forehead. Grey growing well past his temples. John quickly exited the bathroom, his stomach grumbling, hopefully from hunger and not embarrassment.

He put on his house slippers, Mickey Mouse of course, and hurried over to the kitchen, ready to prepare himself the same breakfast he’s had for nearly 40 years. Cheese on toast with a cup of milk. Even after decades, the staple food never grew old.

John sung Part of Your World quietly to himself as he slapped on a slice of cheddar onto the toast simmering in the pan, a smile tweaking at his lips. He found breakfast to be one of the high points of his day. It was the few parts of a regular day he had all to himself. No one to bother him. No expectations. Just him and his toys to keep him company until the afternoon. He laughed when his voice cracked at the climax of the song.

With a plate of warm toast and a cold cup of milk in hand, John went to the living room, setting everything down on the floor before turning on his telly. Saturday morning cartoons were on. He heavily preferred his Disney VHS’s to whatever the BBC was playing, but the cartoons weren’t half bad. Munching on his toast, he happily rocked as he watched.

It was 11am when the phone rang. John frowned, not wanting to set down his Legos. He was very much enjoying lining them up for the 4th time in a row. He was working with just the animal Legos this morning, something he didn’t do often.

Pouting, John got up to grab the phone, mumbling a somewhat pleasant “Hello?”

“Deacy!” an excited Roger screeched on the other end of the phone. John cringed at how loud the blond was.

“Oh, hi, Roger.”

“Mornin’ John! Hey, me and Brian were getting together this evening. There’s this new restaurant that just opened up. Imported wines. A live band. Sophisticated as all hell. You want to come?”

John’s nose crinkled up the more Roger talked. Nasty wine? Weird unpredictable food? Music he didn’t care for? And a suit and tie requirement? No thanks.

“That sounds stuffy,” John said honestly.

“You could use some stuffy in your life, mate. Come on. You can bring some of your fluffy friends if you’d like,” Roger said, a pleading lilt in his voice.

John shrugged to himself, a hand going into his hair to pull out a few strands, a nervous habit of his. “I don’t know. It sounds um…” Adult-y. “Like a lot for me, you know. Maybe we can do brunch or something soon.”

“Ah, alright, Deaks. Don’t say I didn’t invite you!” Roger said, disappointment in his tone, not that John would catch it. It wasn’t obvious enough because Roger expected that answer. John was never fond of refined things. Roger still tried after all these years.

“Yeah. Sorry. Bye bye, Rog.”

“Bye, John.”

John hung up, an anxious hand rubbing his chest. He tried to stop the bad thoughts that started to bubble in his head by throwing himself back into lining up his Legos, but it didn’t work.

He tried lining up his plushies on his bed, but the thoughts started to drip like cement into his chest.

He tried watching Snow White, but the thoughts began to feel like spider webs and char in his lungs.

He broke down, running into his bathroom, the quietest and darkest place in his house, slamming the door shut behind him.

Curled up on the cold tiles, as the tears began to pour down his face, his brain assaulted him with words.

Delayed.

Spaz.

Man-child.

Retard.

Delayed.

Stupid.

Lagging.

Delayed.

Delayed.

Delayed.

John sobbed, his hands flying to either side of his head, hitting himself to make his thoughts go back to normal.

You’ve got the brain of a 10-year-old stuck in a 39-year old’s body. It’s pathetic.

The people around you only pity you.

You’re not a failure to launch. You’re a failure to thrive.

It was cute when you were 19. Now you just look pitiful.

Have you even tried to act your age?

Your mother likes your sister better. She’s a proper adult. Married with kids. Working.

You need a babysitter to make sure you don’t starve or die.

It’s sad.

You’re an embarrassment.

You’re not a man. You’re a child.

John pressed his forehead to the floor, his chest aching with how hard he was crying. As more and more painful truths vomited themselves into his mind, he could only sink under their weight.

He tried to ignore it. And for a long time, it was easy to ignore. The words the therapist said to him.

“You’re developmentally delayed, John. You might not ever catch up. You might be stuck at a certain developmental age.”

At 15, it’s not too noticeable. 20, people just think you’re not one to take yourself too seriously. At 30, there must be something wrong with you. At 40, you’re a lost cause. A burden. On society, your friends and family and more importantly, yourself.

And despite what anyone said, it was true. John looked like an adult, but he didn’t have much going on upstairs. He couldn’t talk taxes or even pay his own. Doing laundry was always meltdown worthy. Wine tasted gross. The word sex made him giggle and the act was unimaginable. McDonald happy meals were a real treat and toys were rewards.

No matter how much the people around him said otherwise, he was a child. And it killed him. It hurt. The lack of maturity was blinding. The delay unable to be hidden. He was a walking freakshow and despite his best efforts, he was thoroughly stunted.

He wanted to be like his friends. So badly. Go to clubs with Freddie and not feel scared. Drink with Roger and not gag at the first sip and order a soda instead. Hell, he’d take sleazing around like Brian if it meant he’d be a real man.

But he was just a little boy. Trapped in a perpetual childhood that not even humiliation could wake him up from.

He liked the kid’s menus. And he liked watching Sesame Street. And he liked when his aides and carers came over and took over. He was a kid, through and through. It was only a shock because his body dare betray him by growing up, leaving his brain behind.

It wasn’t just embarrassing. It was isolating. He didn’t get along with adults. They didn’t understand him, and he didn’t understand them. It was a miracle the rest of Queen even tolerated him. He preferred children but one could see how bad of a look that was. So, who else did he have beside his Lego figures and his teddy bears?

His own mother coddled him, which felt both wonderful and shameful. He wasn’t a child. But he was. But he wasn’t.

John raked his fingers through his hair, tugging painfully at his scalp, his knees pulling up under him, a subconscious need to be small.

No therapist really understood the plight he went through. They all told him that it was okay. He was fine. Nothing to be ashamed about. But how easy was that to say when you weren’t a middle-aged man who needed a night light to sleep? Or a grown man afraid to cross the road without a real adult’s hand to hold?

Nobody understood. Their reassuring words fell flat when it came to the reality around him. John was delayed and the world looked down on him for that.

He was like Peter Pan without a safe place to run to, surrounded by other people who too could not grow up.

It hurt.

It hurt all the time.

Every time he colored a coloring book, he knew he should be drinking a beer besides a wife who was expecting another kid. He knew he should be ordering filet mignon rather than chicken nuggets. He knew he should be so much more and so much better than he was.

John laid flat on the floor; his eyes physically unable to produce more tears. With all those thoughts jabbing at his skull, all he could do was throw himself to the floor and cry like a child. Even knowing he wanted more for himself, he couldn’t get up and do it.

He sniffled and hiccupped, his head pounding from how deeply he had been wailing.

All of these thoughts were too much for a child. Too big and scary. Complex and refined.

He sat up and slowly got up, his knees cracking as he did so. Without another whimper he went back to his room, crawling underneath his blankets, into the embrace of many furry friends. He closed his eyes, hugging a purple elephant to himself and prayed he’d be finally big tomorrow. An adult. All caught up. A prayer he’d been reciting for years.

He brought the elephant to his face, nuzzling the soft fabric. He wondered if the elephant would take a nap with him too.

[hotchocolatefanfics]

Planet of The Disney Apes

The following is a humorous one-shot of some of the PoTA characters reacting to the news of being bought by Disney and the possible fourth movie while poking fun at the characters. Doesn’t really follow the usual setting for the PoTA universe, just something random to laugh at.

Enjoy!

~~~~~

Thump! 

“ Allie like tea?” Bad Ape asked his plush alligator (which he apparently named it ‘Ali’…Of course he’d give that old thing a name) as he offered it a plastic tea cup.

Thump!

“Why isn’t there anything good on to watch?” Complained McCullough, as he flipped through the TV stations.

“Looney Tunes is on.” Suggested Preacher, though he looked uncomfortable sitting on the couch next to the Colonel.

“That’s for children.” McCullough remarked. “Besides, it might give Donkey and One Eye ideas.”

Caesar wasn’t sure why he was so annoyed. The longer he sat on the floor, the more he wanted to break something…Particuarly, McCullough’s skull…But wait, he always felt like doing that!

Hmm…Then maybe what he wanted to break was the blasted tea set that Bad Ape had found and insisted on having a Tea Party with his plush alligator…No, that’s too mean!

All Bad Ape did was invite-no! Drag him and Winter into playing with him…To be honest, Caesar didn’t object because he couldn’t find a good reason not to.

Besides, Rocket was baking cookies and offered to give them to Bad Ape for their little Tea Party! Ever since the balding chimpanzee discovered the oven and the magic of cookie mix, he’s turned the kitchen into a cookie factory.

Caesar guessed that Bad Ape only invited Winter so he wouldn’t feel left out but Winter likely only said yes because he knew Bad Ape was, more than likely, the only one in the room who won’t manipulate him or try to kill him.

Thump!

No, it wasn’t the Tea Party or McCullough’s presence that was annoying him…It was Koba and Red playing darts….And using HIS picture as the target!

What will stop them from using the real thing? He wondered bitterly. Why does Red and Koba have darts anyway?…Why does Bad Ape have a Tea Set and why does Winter have a Barbie doll collection?

Preacher glanced around nervously, trying to think of another suggestion. “Ok, uhh…What about King Kong? That’s not for kids.”

McCullough snorted. “We’re living with King Kong, Preacher-and there’s more than one!”

Just then, the front door slammed open. “Father?!”

Blue Eyes.

Finally! Someone who doesn’t want to kill me or isn’t childish!

“Blue Eyes?” Caesar called back.

Blue Eyes ran into the room and paused at the scene before him. Eyes darting from his father sitting on the floor with Winter and Bad Ape, McCullough and Preacher on the couch and Red and Koba behind them.

“Uhh…What going on?” He asked.

Before Caesar could answer, Bad Ape exclaimed: “It a Tea Party!” Which, of course, prompted snickers from Koba and Red.

“You mean YOU’RE having a Tea Party!” McCullough corrected. “The rest of us are relaxing like REAL men!”

A bing suddenly came from he kitchen and then Rocket, sounding every bit like the ape-reincarnation of the Cookie Monster himself, squealed: “COOKIES!!!” Very shortly after, he appeared with a platter full of the chocolate chip goods.

Blue Eyes, still not sure what to make of the unusual scene, blinked. “…Ok…” Then he remembered why he was there at all. “Fox! Sold us!”

Now it was Caesar’s turn to be confused. “What?” He asked.

McCullough, barely listening shrugged. “So we’re moving studios. Big deal-“

“Disney bought us!!!” Blue Eyes blurted out., causing everyone to gasp. Even Koba and Red dropped their darts.

“Disney?” Caesar stood up, forgetting all about the Tea Party. “You mean the-?”

“Yes!” Answered Blue Eyes with growing panic.

“With the-“

“Yes!”

Caesar felt panic rising himself at that point. “Oh no…”

“They’re making. FOURTH MOVIE!!!”

If the others weren’t scared before, they definitely were now. The only one who wasn’t hooting like the other apes, or saying ‘no’ like McCullough, was Bad Ape. He picked up his alligator plush.

“What going on?” He asked it.

He made the stuffed animal turn to the others and back to himself and then shake it’s head. As if to say ‘I don’t know.’

Bad Ape hummed in thought. “Join in?” He asked.

He shook the plush up and down in a nodding motion.

“Ok!” Bad Ape replied before making panicked hoots of his own.

“Guys please!” Turns out, Preacher was the only one, other than Bad Ape who wasn’t panicking. “We don’t need to panic here!-We all know what happens when we panic!”

“Oh look who’s suddenly more than just a yes-man!” Snarked McCullough as he too stood up from the couch.

Preacher frowned at him. “So would you rather have Koba make a death list, Red pick up fights with everyone, Winter’s old phobias return, Rocket to eat all the cookie-dough ice cream we have, Caesar act grumpy all the time and sigh ‘why me?’ when he’s alone and you to drink yourself into a stupor instead of talking about this like ‘real men’?”

That left McCullough speechless for a moment. “That doesn’t happen when we’re stressed-!”

“Not! Stressed!” Rocket interjected. Before inching his way back into the kitchen. “…Want. Ice cream. Now…” He added before disappearing back inside.

….Maybe they should stop buying the cookie mix and ice cream for a while…

Red suddenly noticed Koba was no longer with him and glanced around for the scarred bonobo. “Kob-“

Just as suddenly as Koba disappeared, he reappeared with two guns and handed one to the confused Red. “Get gun!” He yelled out, startling everyone.

“Koba, what are you-“ Koba answered before Caesar could finish the question.

“Going! To war! Kill! Mouse! Kill! All! Of them!”

Realization set in to what he meant. Caesar and Blue Eyes glanced at each other in fear and Winter, scared beyond belief, hid behind Bad Ape-who was busy eating cookies in the midst of all of this.

“Uhh, Koba?” Preacher’s past look of confidence was gone…Possibly due to the fact he was talking to the very ape who started the whole Human-Ape War to begin with. “Not to ruin your dreams of mass murder, but the Disney kind of rules the world and…Well, Mickey Mouse is their pet. If you kill him, I’m 99% sure you’ll get the death penalty AND be cursed a thousand times over.”

Koba frowned at him, looking as though he was contemplating adding the young soldier to his ‘death list’. “Stupid human! Am already dead! They! Can’t do! Anything! To Koba!” He then turned to Red. “Red. Follow?” He asked.

Red honestly didn’t know how to answer him. He still had more respect for Koba than he did for Caesar, and would still follow Koba but even he knew this was crazy. “…I…Don’t think we. Have enough bullets.”

Koba’s eyes went wide as he realized that was true. “Oh nuts!”

“It doesn’t matter if we fight them, Disney will likely ruin our franchise anyway.” McCullough fumed. “Look what they did with the Marvel and Star Wars franchise! They all suffer from Dead Horse Syndrome!”

“Colonel.” Caesar interrupted, trying to stop his rant-to no avail.

“And lets not forget all the ANNOYING songs and musicals, the cash-grabbing remakes and the worst of the worst! The Air Buddies!”

“Not Air Buddies!” Yelped Blue Eyes.

Koba growled, which made Red’s eyes widen. “You not plan. To kill puppies, do you?”

“No!” Koba half yelled at the rusted furred gorilla. “I kill! The MERCH!”

“…Red likes puppies?” Asked Blue Eyes, in a less panic voice.

Red’s face flushed before twisting into a scowl. “I’m. Allowed. To like things!”

There was an awkward pause before Winter, finally, said something. “…I like puppies too…And kittens…And cookies.” He finished by taking a cookie and eating it whole.

[chocoluckchipz]

Dance with Me, Chaton - 2

Read it on A03, WattPad, FF.net

Written for @ladynoirjuly2019​

< Previous

2. Civilian Lives.

She was smart, this Ladybug of his. Adrien had to give it to her. Tracing the origins of her email had brought him to a public computer at a library half a city away from Gabriel’s offices. And a very busy library at that, as it stood in between a few educational institutions and the flow of students who needed to use public computers there never ceased.

His next idea was to infiltrate his father’s company and snoop around for any clues. Not that he didn’t work there but now Adrien needed to actually mingle with employees instead of showing up for photoshoots and disappearing as soon as those were over. Don’t get him wrong, Adrien wasn’t an antisocial person. It was the mountain of responsibilities and studies that had kept him away. However, now that his official education was over, he could try to fit in better. Surely, he’d spot his Ladybug soon enough. Such fire and passion as she displayed in her email would be hard to miss.

His mind made up, Adrien called Nathalie, his father's long-time personal assistant and more of a parent to him than Gabriel ever was. A short conversation later she agreed to provide him with an official cover and access everywhere he needed. Adrien couldn't be happier. He was one step closer to his freedom.

However, it was a reply to his email that really made his day. Adrien emailed Ladybug in a hustle, having nothing better to do. He didn’t dare to hope she’d reply. Yet, here he was clicking on an email from a Ladybug addressed to him, not his father.

From: ladybug@miraculous.fr

To: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

Subject: RE: Hello stranger

Hey, Chat Noir. Although I cannot approve of anyone bestowing a title of Bad Luck upon themselves, I like your logic with choosing a name. It was rather clever and fun.

I’m also glad you share my sentiment regarding M Agreste’s latest fashion choices. Let me assure you that writing that email hadn’t come easy to me. I deeply respect M Agreste and his work. He’s been my idol since I can remember myself and seeing him suddenly trying to pull this nonsense hurts me too much to stay silent. First, for M Agreste’s and Gabriel’s reputation. Second, for all of us working here. I’m saddened to learn he ignored my email, especially because I was voicing concerns of the whole team. It’s rather disappointing, but, well, at least we tried. All we can do now is to keep our fingers crossed the line won’t flop too badly, and we’ll still have a job after the show.

Thanks for letting me know.

Ladybug

Adrien started to type. If Ladybug replied once, who is to say she won’t reply again, and then who knows, she might let something slip about her civilian identity. Paired with his infiltration of the company, his chances of finding this mysterious Lady Luck was looking more promising with every minute.

From: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

To: ladybug@miraculous.fr

Subject: Lovely to hear from you

Hello again, my lovely Ladybug. I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect you to write back, but I’m so glad you did. You mentioned my nickname choice. Well, let me assure you it’s a fitting title. Most people would say I’m a lucky fellow, but I do not consider my life to be all that fortunate. What others see as fortune, in fact, is a gilded cage with no viable escape routes. And this cat has been yearning for some freedom ever since he remembers himself. However, less about me, it came to my attention you mentioned you were voicing concerns of a group of people. May I assume you and I aren’t alone in believing that sequins, neon sneakers, and Mickey Mouse bows aren’t a staple of formal wear? Especially when they all go together.

Eagerly awaiting your reply,

Chat Noir

She took longer to respond than he’d like, but nevertheless, an email arrived at the end of the day.

From: ladybug@miraculous.fr

To: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

Subject: RE: Lovely to hear from you

Oh, please! That combination still gives me nightmares. I mean it looks like a five-year-old half-heartedly tried to beautify her CEO father while he was passed out drunk on a coach. The first time I saw those sketches, I was dead sure M Agreste was joking. But then it wasn’t April Fool’s Day, and he looked serious, so my conviction has changed into a hope, a hope that was squished soon thereafter. I don’t know what happened to him, but I cannot see any sane person who wears formal wear to even think about wearing that combination. I doubt M Agreste himself would wear it, and honestly, I feel sorry for the models that would have to put that on. I bet they hated it as much.

As for the opinions of others, yeah, there are many people who are just as confused and flabbergasted as I am. We hoped he’d listen to the email, but I guess it’s too late now.

Bug out.

Ladybug

Adrien flopped on his bed with a dopey smile on his face. Ladybug thought about what the models thought, aka him and his coworkers. That felt strangely nice. He wasn’t a stranger to wearing whatever nonsense the designers came up with, but no one ever was concerned with his opinion on the matter before. Those who dared to comment were told to suck it up. It was their job. They had to obey mindlessly whatever the designer said. So, Adrien never voiced his thoughts. Knowing that someone was sympathetic to his fate did feel kind of incredible.

From: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

To: ladybug@miraculous.fr

Subject: It’s never too late

Honestly? I think a five-year-old would do a better job on her CEO father. ;) Speaking from the experience of a person whose friend had done something similar to her non-CEO but still a formal-suit-wearing father.

Also, funny story but M Agreste was drunk when Audrey Bourgeois challenged him to make the abomination work. And he’s too stubborn and proud to back away from a drunken bet. Even if it means sinking his company.

So, this might be a crazy idea, but what do you say if we try convincing him again? Maybe if we combine forces, we’ll be more successful.

Chat Noir

From: ladybug@miraculous.fr

To: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

Subject: RE: It’s never too late

With all due respect, Chat, it’s just a little over a month until the show. Even if we convince him, it’s too late to come up with and produce a whole new line. But I appreciate the initiative. It’s cute, though naïve.

Ladybug

From: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

To: ladybug@miraculous.fr

Subject: RE: RE: It’s never too late

Have you missed the subject of my email, my Lady? It might be hard, but it isn’t impossible. What’s the worst that can happen? He’ll change nothing or he might pull pieces out instead of creating new ones. He might adjust the existing designs. That’s plausible, right? We’ll never know unless we try, so we should. What do you say? Let’s meet for a cup of coffee and come up with a plan.

Chat Noir

From: ladybug@miraculous.fr

To: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

Subject: RE: RE: RE: It’s never too late

Nice try, Kitty, but I’m not meeting with anyone. You might be M Agreste himself, or one of his henchmen. Even his antisocial, thinking-that-he’s-better-than-anyone-else son. So nice try, but I love my job, and I’m not losing it for wishing to spare the company some major embarrassment.

Ladybug

Adrien pursed his lips and shifted in his bed. She was smart, but he wasn’t the antisocial, thinking-that-he’s-better-than-anyone-else son of Gabriel she thought he was. He was just too busy to forge friendships at work. Not that he needed to justify himself to anyone, but he had friends; he wasn’t antisocial. He had Chloe since forever, and Nino, a guy he’d met in his university. There was also a prospect to befriend Alya, Nino’s new girlfriend. Nino promised they’d hang out together as soon as Adrien would get a break from his responsibilities. So there! He wasn’t antisocial. Not at all. And he did hate his father’s upcoming collection. Given a choice, he’d burn it all with fire. He was nothing like this Ladybug seemed to think of him.

From: chatnoir@miraculous.fr

To: ladybug@miraculous.fr

Subject: RE: RE: RE: RE: It’s never too late

You wound me, my Lady. My proposal comes from the sincere heart of the person who loathes those sequins as much as you do and who would hate seeing Gabriel being dragged through the mud after the show.

However, I understand your concern. So, here is my second offer: we’ll discuss details over email? Or we can set up a chat room in one of those chat apps for convenience since I suspect you won’t be giving me your phone number any time soon. If you ever would want to back out, just delete the app and emails, and I shall never contact you again. Whatever you decide, it was my biggest pleasure to talk with you as much as we did.

Wishing you all the best. Goodnight.

Yours,

Chat Noir

With that, Adrien closed his phone and turned the lights off. Hopefully, she'd reply. Because if she did and they succeeded, he might just kill two birds at the same time: get his freedom and get his father to accept the reality of the horrendous line he’d planned to present in a month. And, even though he understood Ladybug’s concerns, Adrien knew better. His father swore he wouldn’t fire her. Unfortunately, Adrien couldn’t exactly tell her that without revealing his own identity, and seeing her opinion of him, he doubted it was a good idea. In any case, the ball was in her court now, and he had to get his sleep. Tomorrow was a big day: his infiltration would begin.

_______________________________________________________________________

Next >

[padfootagain]

Singles Will Be Paired (II)

Part 2 : Ugly Sweaters

Here's the second part of my series for Ben! Again, this is very cute! I hope you all like it!

Gif not mine

Word Count : 2734

You and Ben opted for hot dogs instead of sitting for a full meal. You kept on walking through the magical streets, eating and laughing. In the middle of the main lane, the snow had melted under the steps of all the visitors, only the borders and corners of the streets were still covered in white. You marvelled at the many decorations suspended through the passages, and the tall Christmas tree visible in the distance. People were taking pictures with the costumed characters of Mickey and his friends.

This charming stranger who had volunteered to be your partner for the rest of the day in Disneyland was wearing his funny Christmas hat again. A red series of 'Ho Ho Ho' was sewed in the white fur that decorated the red hat. You couldn't help but smile at the sight, and Ben noticed your amused gaze.

"What? You don't like my hat?"

"It's both adorable and ridiculous," you chuckled.

"Goes well with the scenery!"

"Why… you don't like Disney and you came to Disneyland?"

He laughed.

"I love it. It's magical. And I'm all for feeling like a kid all over again."

"You're not a cynical guy?"

"Not at all."

"Good! I would have broken our contract if you were a killing-joy!"

"I love Christmas," he went on. "I'm coming home to spend Christmas' Eve with my family."

"Are you staying in Paris until then?"

"I am," he nodded. "My brother was supposed to accompany me, but he fell in the stairs a week ago and broke his leg. He can't walk, and we reckoned that it wasn't the best idea to come here, but he insisted that I shouldn't waste my holidays."

"Same for my friend, she almost forced me in this plane!"

"I have to admit that I'm quite grateful that he insisted. I'm having a great time."

"Me too."

You exchanged a smile, passing before a couple of shops that sold tons of souvenirs.

"What's your favourite Disney movie?" you asked Ben out of the blue.

He shrugged, before narrowing his eyes a little.

"I can't choose just one, that is such a cruel question! The Jungle Book is great though… perhaps that one… but I don't know…"

"I understand you," you chuckled.

"Do you have a favourite?"

"Mary Poppins, I think."

He rolled his eyes.

"Of course if you bring up a cinematographic masterpiece into the fray, how can I compete?" he joked, making you laugh.

You started humming softly A Spoonful Of Sugar, and Ben soon joined you. You kept on walking and humming for a while, finishing your meal and walking through the magical little village. You explored Alice's labyrinth before walking towards more roller coasters. And by the time you were joining another queue together, you were either laughing thanks to his jokes, either humming tunes that had followed you through your childhood.

And you had to admit that it was a very lovely afternoon that you spent with Ben. The more time flew by, the better you felt by his side, and the more you wanted this day to never end…

But eventually, the sun started to sink beyond the horizon, and lights were alit throughout the park and gave another magical touch to the whole place. Something even more magical, as lights shining through darkness always brought the brightest thoughts and hopes, after all. And right before Christmas, lights were brighter than ever…

You walked back towards the entrance of the park in a slow pace, almost reluctant, and by your side, Ben didn't seem willing to quicken his steps. So, to make the day a little longer, you decided to have a hot chocolate before heading back to your lonely hotel rooms. The warm beverage was more than welcome with the cold weather outside. By then, you and Ben had shared a few personal details about each other, and when you had finally recognized him as an actor, you had become curious to know how the world of movie-making worked. So while you drank your hot chocolate, the conversation drifted towards cinema and Ben shared with you many funny stories he had lived on set.

"Don't laugh at me, it was scary!" he protested as you doubled with laughter.

"You're hilarious!" you managed to say between two waves of laughter.

Ben's cheeks took a redder shade and you knew that it wasn't because he was laughing too.

"I don't know if it's meant as a compliment or you're just mocking me," he joked.

"A compliment."

You kept on laughing but Ben slowly went quiet, merely staring at you. A smile lingered on his lips as he listened to your laughter, and he couldn't help but feel happier at the sound. He studied your features more in detail, and his smile grew fonder. Yes, you were definitely… charming. He wondered if you would accept to see him again once this day was over and you didn't need him to get a ride in roller coasters anymore. Perhaps… he could convince you to keep this arrangement of yours for the next day.

Behind you, a family was settling at a table, and two of the children seemed particularly… excited. They were running around the table and didn't seem to care at all about their parents' warnings. Instead, they were playing loudly and laughing as they ran.

You finally grew quiet again, taking a sip of your hot beverage, while Ben was gathering his courage and taking a deep breath, before diving.

"Y/N… I was wondering…"

His voice was shy all of a sudden, he was stuttering a little again, and you gave him a reassuring smile, silently inviting him to continue. But he didn't have the occasion.

As you rose your cup to your lips again, the children behind you accidentally pushed you quite roughly as they ran too fast, and you spilled hot chocolate all over your pullover…

You gasped, your eyes growing round as you watched the large brown stain left on your jumper, and you cursed under your breath.

Ben winced as he handed you his napkin.

"I'm not sure you can clean that up," he told you with a shrug.

"Brilliant," you mumbled angrily. "I'll be back in a sec."

You walked to the bathroom and tried to clean up this mess, but indeed, no matter how hard you tried to get rid of that chocolate, a large brown stain remained impregnated in the fabric. You heaved a frustrated sigh before going back to Ben's table. You let yourself fall back on your chair.

"I only brought one more sweater with me, and it's not as warm as this one," you told him. "Perhaps I should buy another one. That'll make me a souvenir."

Ben chuckled, before enthusiastically nodding.

"Let's go then! Before you catch a cold with that wet sweater!"

He stood up and gave you a bright smile. Looking for a jumper still meant making one more activity with you, and it might be the last time he saw you… as long as he could be with you for a little longer, he was up for anything.

And if at first you had been annoyed by the idea of searching for a sweater, now that Ben was coming with you, you were rather keen to the idea… After all, you didn't know if he would want to see you again once you would have walked out of this place tonight.

"Doesn't that bother you to come with me?" you asked him rather shyly, but he answered with a warm smile.

"Not at all! Anyway, it's not as if I had better things to do! It's that or watching crappy TV on my own, so…"

You chuckled, but stood up too, paying for your drink and following Ben to the door.

You walked down the main lane towards a shop, and once again, you welcomed the warmth inside. The shop in itself was richly decorated for Christmas as well, and many children were running here and there, excited smile on their faces. The air smelt like gingerbread and oranges. Everything felt like Christmas and magic…

You walked through the shop in search for Disney sweaters, and when you finally found some, you had to admit that you were rather disappointed.

They all looked rather ridiculous. At least, the ones available in adult sizes were. You were terribly jealous of that lightly purple sweater with a beautiful decoration reading 'May the Force be with you' on it. Instead… you were stuck with a sweater with the head of Pluto making a very weird face. Not that you had anything against the yellow dog, but the sweater was just ugly…

Ben hummed by your side, frowning hard.

"Looks like you won't have much of a choice," he sighed.

"I feel terrible for these poor characters to be on such ugly sweaters…"

Ben laughed, but had to admit that you were right.

"I'll look utterly ridiculous," you moaned.

"Come on, it's not so bad!"

You rose an eyebrow in surprise, before picking up a fuchsia sweater with a Mickey Mouse head upon it that looked like he was having a heart attack, and you pressed it against your torso to show him how you would look like in it. And he couldn't help but laugh.

"Yeah… that's terrible," he nodded.

"Poor me," you dramatically groaned.

He gave you a bright smile, a mischievous glint alit in his eyes.

"Well, if you are doomed and have to look ridiculous for the rest of your trip, then I'll help you feeling better!" he offered.

"And how do you intend to do that?" you asked back with an amused smile.

"I'll buy the ugliest sweater I can find too," he answered matter-of-factly.

You exploded with laughter.

"No, I can't let you bring this on yourself, Ben! That's very generous, but that's too terrible!"

"I won't let you feel miserable about yourself. Besides, it wouldn't be the first time people laugh at me. Being an actor, I came at peace with that idea a long time ago."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am! But then, we need to find the most hideous ones…"

He looked through the sweaters and picked up an ugly green one with Pluto wearing a santa hat and making a very weird face that was supposed to look like he was happy, but looked more like he was a psychopath and was about to try to kill you…

"That will go with my hat, don't you think?" he asked with a laugh.

He chose the right size, before trying it on and putting his one Christmas hat as well. You couldn't help but laugh.

"You look dashing!" you laughed.

"I know," he nodded, unable to stop a smile to cross his face. "Which one do you pick?"

You looked at the fuchsia sweater you were still holding.

"I guess that one is horrid enough, don't you think?" you smiled at him.

"Good choice," he nodded, taking off the sweater and the hat again.

You chuckled, looking fondly at Ben, and you didn't think about the words you spoke as they passed your lips.

"You're one of a kind, Ben. You really are adorable."

His cheeks and ears turned crimson in the blink of an eye, and he clumsily ran a hand through his jet-black hair.

"What would your boyfriend say if he heard you compliment another guy like that," he joked his way out.

But your voice was more serious as you replied.

"I don't have a boyfriend, so we're in the clear."

You intensely stared at each other for a moment, and you lost yourself in his dark brown eyes. You studied their colour for a while, feeling like the whole universe had shrunk around you. And for a while, there was nothing but these two dark eyes in the whole world. You realized that they came closer to you, but didn't make a movement to walk away again. Instead, you took a step towards them as well. Only when you could feel Ben's nearness did you finally realize how close he now was to you. He didn't try to lean down towards your lips, although you saw his eyes jump down to settle upon them for a moment. He gave you a warm smile instead, and your heart skipped a beat. You noticed that his breathing wasn't quite even anymore, and your own breath matched his. It felt like being under some kind of spell that prevented you from looking away, from moving away… or for even wanting to do so. But you barely knew him, how could you share that kind of moment already?

You forced yourself to look away, and it seemed that you needed such an amount of strength to finally tear your eyes away from his face.

Eventually, you cleared your throat and proposed to go paying for the sweaters. Ben followed you without a word, but with a smile and flushed cheeks.

Now having a very ugly pair of sweaters, you and Ben both walked back into the cold of winter, slowly advancing towards the gates of the park. A comfortable silence had settled between the two of you, but you hadn't made proper eye-contact since that moment you had shared in the shop. You didn't feel uncomfortable around him because of it though, just… apprehensive. You were just a little scared that you would never see him again.

And Ben didn't dare to speak. He was scared that you would never want to see him again after tonight. He felt angry against himself for letting himself be drown to you so easily. He shouldn't have walked so close to you. What had happened in his head?!

You had happened. It was pretty clear. He just couldn't help it, the way he felt attracted towards you, as a comet pulled by gravity towards a sun.

You reached the large gates and walked out, still in silence, until it was time for you to part and go back to your hotel rooms. Ben waited for you to speak first.

"Well… thank you for today. It was great," you shyly smiled.

"I had a lovely day thanks to you," he nodded.

"And thank you for sharing some sweater-shame with me," you joked, making him chuckle.

"No problem."

"Well… I guess… it means goodbye then," you gave him a warm smile.

He nodded slowly. He wanted to ask for your number. He wanted to ask you to see him again. He wanted…

But his words didn't match his wishes.

"Goodbye, Y/N."

You slowly nodded, before slowly turning around. You started to walk away through the night, the road lightened by lampposts and Christmas lights.

He could hear his brother's words already, speaking a truth he didn't want to hear.

Ben, you moron! You should have asked to see her again!

And he mentally slapped himself for being such an idiot. Jack would be right. Ben liked you. He wanted to spend more time with you. He hadn't felt this way in ages. If he let you go now, he knew he would regret it for years.

"Y/N!"

You froze, before slowly turning back towards Ben, who was already hurrying after you. Soon, he was standing by your side again.

"What about we spend tomorrow together too?" he asked in a rush, his nerves getting the best of him. "I mean… we're still alone here, right? And I can still hear with both ears…"

You let out a laugh, before nervously touching your hair.

"What would your girlfriend say if you spent two days in Disneyland with another woman?" you half-joked.

But he answered with a large smile.

"I don't have a girlfriend, so we're in the clear."

You stared at each other in silence for a moment. Until your smile widened into a grin.

"I'd love to spend tomorrow with you, Ben," you whispered.

You both felt your cheeks heating up and let out a shy chuckle.

"Let's meet here tomorrow morning then, when the park opens," he proposed.

You nodded in agreement.

"I'll be here," you promised.

"Good night, then, Y/N," he grinned.

"Good night, Ben."

This time, he didn't stop you when you walked away. He didn't need to. Instead, he threw his fist through the air and towards the sky in a sign of victory.

He would see you again tomorrow…

*********************************************

Tag list : @geeksareunique @giggleberts @madamrogers @sad-orange-thoughts @aylinnmaslow @benbarnes-world @ladyblablabla @drinix @joelynnp @mxrihollxnd @rockintensse @newtstarmander @iammadeofstarsandlazyness @presstocontinue @ilmiopiccolounivers0 @ponycake27 @horsesreign @xinyourdreamsx @jbluevelvet @notkeppeki @daynight-dreamer-stuff @fudgeflyss @stuckupstucky @snek-shit @suchatinyinfinity @i-padfootblack-things

[zebraslovescupcakestoo]

You’ve got a friend in me.

My life is sometimes like news papers. Everyday is another issue... Mostly the ones you'd never believe it without solid evidence to back it up.

This is one of those times that would have been in front pages if we were found out...

Before who I've brought to my home, here's what happened earlier before this scene.

I was almost done with my shift of paroling one of the more peaceful streets. My kids are at one of their friends house for a weekend sleep overs, one of the privileges they only get if they're being good and done all of their homework for the whole week. My friend and my love, Sheba and Kitty, are having a girls night with things like watching that new show called 'I love Lucy.' So they'll be out late and I will have my moment of a peaceful evening if I have the chance...

Then I bumped into am odd character who came out from a bookstore. He had a blue suit, yellow pants and shirt, a pink tie and a ribbon on the blue fedora hat, and a light brown pair of shoes. He concealed his face with his hat a bit to avoid his face being recognized, but something tells me that I saw him before... He then noticed another odd character that I can tell he's from a mafia, judging from his stripped black suit attire and his smug look when he knew he found him.

Like any policemen would do, I had to protect the citizens, even if you don't know them well. I took out my badge to show him I'm mean serious business when I told him he's making the little guy uncomfortable. He may have been an average height, but with my size, he can easily picked me up with both hands. He was about to tell me off until he noticed his target has a present box with red ribbon on it. We both looked at him confused when he placed his hand on the present box's lid and opened it. It was a spring trap knock out glove!

His grasp let go of me and then I was dragged off by my victim now saviour to an empty alley way when we were far away and out of sight. As much as I wanted to thank him, I can't accept this kind of reckless act even if it was to save me. But just before I opened my mouth, his hat fell off and his iconic bangs fell off his sides and his unusual hair style had popped up. My hands clamped me up before any sounds escapes...

Even if I rarely read the magazines, I knew very well who he is....

And then we're here in my parole car in front of my house, just like at the beginning of this story I'm about to tell you.

“Is this your home? It looks so neat!” He said. “This is a great hideout for the moment! My hotel was a bit crowded with some reporters for another movie star actor. If you haven't offered me that chance, my visit cover would have been blown and ended both in the front pages of Chicago AND California. Bendy would probably made something mean out of it... May we go in now?” He then sounded like a kid who just made a new friend and... I felt like I'm a peasant that's gonna show an aristocrat my 'humble little home.'

I mean, what can you expect if your new 'friend' is the son of one of the most successful animator and he himself is one, apart he's one of the faces of Hollywood and one of the V.I.P list invitees must haves.

I'm talking about Mickey 'Mouse' Disney... THE Mickey 'Mouse' Disney. Right. Next. to. me.

And he's waiting at my door steps eagerly for me... almost like hell is in my state of mind. At the same time, my mind is asking me not why he's here in this windy city, but out of any other places we could have gone that's not too opened in public, why is my home the first thing on his mind?!

Anyways, I decided not to ponder much and let him in. I knew that my house is nothing like an upper class one with it's own bar, multiple bathrooms and a huge staircase that lead to probably Rapunzel’s tower. It's got family pictures, some decent furniture and just basic, average things in a normal home...

But that doesn't faze him. “This is sooooo interesting. Are these your kids? Do you have sweets? Sorry, I'm having a bit of a sweet tooth. Is your whole family here or not yet? I would love to meet them personally!” He sped talked while he looked with enthusiasm at all of my past and present family photos like he's never seen them before.

Like my kids, I think I need to settle him down a bit before he's gonna break something by accident with the way he's going.

“How about we talk more about it in the dinning room? Although the only sweets I have were peanut butter cookies that were made last night.” I had to tell him.

He wasn't mad like I would expect from someone with his reputation. “Oh no, it's fine! I used to eat my stash of Halloween candies all year round when I was little and they're still good even for a day! I love peanut butter anyways! Hey! That would gave me an idea on my next baking goods at my studio. I will take notes on that!”

Funny... I don't remember anything him being a baking type... then again, as a bookworm myself, you can't judge a book by it's cover.

As I passed over a plate full of those peanut butter cookies and a tall glass of milk, he munched down on one and said with a mouthful. “Yummers! I don't know you make these, except the recipe, but these are good!” Thankfully I've thought about having some napkins in case if we spill some. He then realized on his manners and quickly apologized as he used the napkins. “Oopsies! I'm so sorry. I totally forgot my manners. I was having constantly lunches with business men and stars that I was constantly keeping my appearances up. It can be really stressful, but I know that not exactly a good excuse. I'm really being rude, aren't I?” He sounded like he really didn't mean it on purpose.

“Oh, no, it's alright. When we're tired, we do sometimes have some tendencies to let our guards down without realizing and I can relate as a detective and a single parent-uncle.” I do my detective work half of my time and the rest is mostly on my kids and close family. Yeah, I can relate as much if I was woofing down my meals like I'm late or something.

He was surprised on that last part. “Single parent-uncle? What... happened?” He then showed some concern like other people would have done whenever I told them that. I knew that it's not something that I can dodge anytime, but at least it can give them some understanding.

Few stories later...

“I see... I'm sorry for what had happened to your older sister and your father. I shouldn't have asked something like that.” He sadly replied. “No, it's alright. Sometimes talking about it to someone who would lend an ear helps. It's nothing new to me whenever I met parents of my nephew's friends and some. I'm pretty much used to it.” I assured him. I've dealt with many things in life at an early age that it didn't bother me as much and I can tell he's not faking his iconic personality.

“To be fair, I too lost someone. My mother. She passed away when I was about a year younger than yours are... She might have died from an illness, but I know that feeling and what you've been going through at the time.” He said truthfully like from his heart.

“I appreciate your compassion, but we're alright now. We did had one of my uncles to come over to watch over us while I graduated and gone through the police academy training until I got the job and can financially support ourselves. I also had a few close friends who supported me as well, so it's not so bad when times get a bit rough at times. Really, we're doing great so far.” I assured him. I knew it's never easy in life, but I'm not interested to complain at every problem in my way and be over dramatic. If I want that, I'll go to one of the Broadway theaters.

It seems that I cheered him up a bit. “Well, at least you got them like I have mine. They looked similar to you and the other man from the older portraits, aren't they?” I nodded. “That's true. We mostly take from my father... except...”

“Except?” He tilted his head in curiosity. “They have emerald green eyes and I... I have my mother's eyes. They're a bit unique and I'm the only one who has them.” As much as I hate liars, I'm not even good as one. I was raised with honesty, unlike my cousin...

“Really? I think they looks so cool! I bet that golden color would make my big brother jealous!” Mickey complimented me. That IS a surprise for me. Nobody else had ever said that except my girl and friends... “Cool? Jealous? But... aren't they a bit.... odd?”

“No way! I think it's very unique and they do compliment your looks! I always think being different is a great trait. I mean, there's nothing wrong with wanting to be like everybody, but how do we stand apart if we want to be special? In a good way, of course.” He said with big sparkling eyes. I knew that he's known to be a positive person, but I didn't think he'd still be one when we're alone.

“I appreciate your compliment, but I've always been picked on because of these. It had died down as I grew older, but sometimes I get some odd glances at me.”

“That I can relate.” He took a sip from his cup of milk. “I used to be teased at my elementary school because I had natural curl buns.” He patted his right hair bun to imply.

“You? But didn't you used to be a child star? I remembered you in one of those cereal and juice commercials when I was younger. Many of my classmates would have begged their parents and have whatever you'd be having.” Normally, if I had someone in my class is somewhat similar to him, I'd be really impressed and wanted to try the same thing.

“Trust me, it's not that simple from my first experiences.” I raised an eyebrow at that. “From one side, in the commercials stand point, the products were either a hit or a miss. The cereals weren't as edible as it was, even with the milk and the last juice promotion that I tried, I ended up in a hospital for almost three days.” I gagged. I did had bad taste testing before, but I didn't expect someone like him to be any different. “Even if I DID had some success, there are still some who's still didn't like me. One time, there was a bunch of older kids ganged up and beat me. They even took my new drawing pad, colouring pencils and my new stuffed plush that my dad had gotten me.” I can see that he's not making this up as I heard this and felt a bit of anger from what happened to him at the time. “I'm... sorry. I didn't know you were that bullied at the time... Compared to mine, yours was so... worse.”

“Verbal or Physical, both are wrong. Yet, here we are.” He implied to both of us. “Me? I just pass on by along with some close friends and family. How did you ever do it?” I didn't think we'd have something in common. “Same as you. My brother was so mad when I arrived home to dad that day, he immediately knew who'd would do and got out the door. He came back two hours later with a bleeding nose and my stuff. What he did well... we did had to do explanations with the principals and we settled it peacefully. I promised.” I was surprised at that. His brother even got into to trouble for him?

Hey, that reminds me. I had to ask. “Your brother wouldn't be Oswald 'Lucky Rabbit' Disney? By any chance?”

From his expression, he looked like he was surprised from a birthday party. “You knew Ozzy! Where? How? And from who? I'm DYING to find out if people would know him as himself rather our family name or even me!” That attitude reminded me of my own when they're hyper for something... Normally, at a certain age they'd be more mature but then again, it could be a public image thing. Although, he seems he's being honest...

“Well... I've did occasionally picked up a magazine one time and er... I can only get so much on his interviews, clothing catalogs, his co-staring on a couple of movies including that movie 'Green Hornet,' his poster faces, his singing-!!!” I immediately clamped my mouth before I say another word. My face is probably red as a tomato and I think I might have creep him out. Please don't make a search warrant in my room for my memorabilia photos and clippings of him that I perfectly organized in a binder. Out of reach from my kids. Please.

“Why are you being shy for?” He seems that he's not bothered by the facts that I spoke. I stuttered a bit to make sense out of his unusual calm manor. “B-b-b-b-ut! Didn't I-i—i-I just... said something unpleasant?” I'm usually more mannered than this, what's wrong with me tonight? Overworked or is it because my guest is a celebrity? He shook his head. “No, I'm actually surprised that there IS someone who's a fan of him. Do you know what he used to respond to people who come up to him?” He then imitates his brother's voice and his cool and collected act. “Maximum of three questions. No betrayal. Immunity from prosecutions.” He then switched back to his self again. “It was one thing when I started out when they mentioned my dad, but whenever it was him, it's between him and me they wanted to know about more than himself.”

“I... I'm sorry. I thought he was pretty cool on his own.” I find he's more interesting to me...

“I'll be sure to let him know about it! He never shows it, but he really likes to be complimented!” He chuckles in content. I was a bit embarrassed, but I think I'm getting a bit warmed up around him. I can see why he's more likeable than what most people would have expected from a child star. He didn't mocked and look down at me, unlike a certain somebody I know.

I then felt a bit guilty for judging him a bit before. “I'm sorry...” He then tilted his head. “For what?”

“I... I thought you'd be more... well... I thought you'd be the opposite of what I expected. I don't like to judge too early, but I had a few experiences with wealthy types... I felt bad.” I admitted.

I was expecting an outburst but he was unexpectedly polite when he responded. “Don't worry about it. It happens all the time when I do interviews and charity parties. People would expect I'd be spoiled and rotten from what I was grown into, but I still kept my personality a positive one. I have a few close caring friends and family to thank for that.” I can safely say that he's not lying at all. He spoke the truth, ya reading, imaginary people from my mind!

“I'm glad you've understood and I appreciate your maturity. Not a lot of people at your age can be as mature as you can.”

“Trust me, I do act a bit silly at times, but my big brother usually helps me to keep my feet on the ground. He's one of the first to help me mature a bit, not just as a sibling instinct. I always did look up to him.”

I was surprised to hear that one from him. His personality and his brother's were a bit opposites of each others. “I know what you might be thinking! We both have WAY too many different personalities and stuff! Like our food interests for example! Me, I have a very high metabolism and I can eat almost anything. To be fair, I DO have to maintain a healthy diet so that I don't give a bad example to anyone especially the kids. My brother on the other hand, he's probably born without a sweet tooth. Even as a kid, he never really liked sweets except carrot baked goods. He's more on the health conscious side and he usually likes to make them home styled compared to high ends restaurants.” He said it in a detailed manner, smiling and thinking about him.

“He must be a much better chef than I am. I do occasionally cook, but I doubt I can achieved the same level as a five star chef.” I admitted another flaw about myself. “Oh, don't be! After hearing what you've been through, you're one of the admirable ones I wouldn't mind having a meal from! I'd be glad to help you out if ever we have another chance of encounter like this!” He beams his kindness from his signature smiles.

“I'm really thankful for your generosity. I wasn't asking for compliments..” I feel like I'm making a new friend since forever.

“I wished that... no, never mind.” He then suddenly felt sadden by something. I looked at what his eyes were diverted and I noticed that this morning news paper had a front page picture of Bendy. That's when it clicked in.

Again, I don't really follow on celebrity lifestyles, but I think anybody who lives around here or anywhere, KNEW that there's some 'unexplained' beefs with Bendy DeMon and Mickey Disney. I should have hid the papers away after I finished reading it... “I'm sorry! I should have thrown it away.” He puts his hand on mine when I reached it over. “No. It's alright. It's just between me and him.” He assured me forcing a small smile. I'd normally would have a thing or two to say about his 'true' character, but if it's gonna be public, I need hard evidence. ESPECIALLY in front of important figures like him.

“I knew he's always had hated me for many reasons, but I never knew how it all started... He wasn't like that when we first met as little as six... I remembered the first time we've visited here. I think it was some sort of a friendly visit of one animator director to another, but I did remembered him with his own cartoon plushie like I had mine we were both named after. I think we were a bit shy at each other at first.” He chuckled at that. “But after we both shared a big chocolate cupcake together, it was like we became friends. I think it was the only time he was really nice to me...” He sadly smiled.

I was a bit shocked. I can barely remembered what I did at that age, let alone Bendy HIMSELF being a 'nice' person. The only reason he can do charity works is so to keep the authorities out of his criminal business. Then again... the only information’s I got about him was that he was one of the elite five of the old Alfonso Mafia and the Leader of the New Alfonso mafia... His past is still a blur except for the Joey Drew Studio and it's history...

“I can still remember the times that I wanted to see him again, even when we're busy, I wanted to play with him. But after days came into years... I suddenly couldn't see him anymore. It was not until I was sixteen when I finally granted permission to visit here, with some exceptions.”

“Exceptions?” He nodded when I asked. “Yeah, I was given a few days, had to follow strict undercover rules and I had to bring someone I can trust. Last one was easy cause I had to bring my brother.” He playfully smiled on that.

“Upon arrival to the studio, it wasn't as well maintained as last time. At first I thought it was probably due to economic problems, but then I noticed that the owner wasn't the same one. It was his uncle who was running that place at the time... and I was in complete shock when I heard from him that our friend had ran away. We did our best to search him all over the city, but we never did.” He seems like he was deep in his thoughts. “It may be a bit cliche, but on the day we had to leave, I think I might have seen a glimpse of him from the taxi ride. It may have been a moment at a stop sign, but I think he was with someone who looks like Boris I believed he was named. Of course, it can be anyone...”

I really wanted to ask more about him and Bendy, but he seems like he's only having the fronts of his cruel personality...

“It wasn't until about two years back, when I heard about the 3rd Joey Drew Studio being re-opened and that I recognized that face too. I was so exited to meet him after all this time that I REALLY had to begged for a congratulation visit.”

“And... Then what happened?”

“Well... I was expecting like a warm welcome similar to what we had when we we're little. So upon arrival, I had to pick up one of the baked goods for a bakery with those chocolate cupcakes that we shared at that time...” He then went silent for a few seconds. “But he wasn't the same friend I used to know. When I arrived at his studio and we met face to face for the first time... He's changed. Not for the better. When I offered a package of the muffins so that we can share, he slapped them off and they all fell on the ground... That's nothing compared to what he told me on everything that had been wrong in his life and blames me on several things... It's not something that I want to discuss when it's ill mannered to speak about it... but they were hurtful. I'm still on to this day unknown on why he hated me so much.” I can tell he's holding more than sorrow in his eyes.

“Sorry, I didn't meant to bring an unpleasant subject.” He apologized. I need to think of a different subject. “How about your animations these days? You guys released a character based on your older brother from what I heard of.” He then lighten up a bit when I asked that. He told me an interesting story of the Lucky Rabbit and how he's actually returned to his Disney animation studio.

“...And that's how he returned to our studio.” He finished. “I can't believed that it happened at the party. I'm glad that Bendy didn't make more damage.” How did he even KNEW about it, I don't really cared much anymore. “I'm just glad that no one got hurt. My clothes can always be replaced, but I still stand on never selling or replacing that character to anyone.”

“That's one interesting decision for the future CEO of Disney Studios.” I smiled. He's not. Did I said something I shouldn't?

He noticed what I did. “I'm sorry. I knew you meant it as a compliment. But for me... I'm still not ready for such a position. Nothing like Bendy who's in charge of his own and we're the same age. Funny, eh?” He scratched his back head embarrassed.

“What? But I think your animations were pretty good! My kids loved them over Bendy's. Inky liked the new Oswald character and Winky still likes your cartoon counterpart character.” His cheeks were redden a bit “Aw, shucks! That's so nice of you guys! Even when there's more cartoon studios that does things differently from ours, that means a lot to us!”

He then finishes off the plate of cookies from the last one. “I always did love to draw. But I never had any intentions of taking over dad's studio until I was close to graduate. Many thought that I was coat tailing my way to the top and that I had it easy since I was his son.” He then took his last sip. “I don't wanna hear anyone telling me that ever again.” He glared down at his empty cup. “I wanted to prove that I'm capable of making beautiful animations without any influence from dad and I was just as competitive as any other artists I've met. I really took art classes seriously in my teens and I didn't stop until my wrists started to hurt so bad that I can barely use them for a few days... I know it may sound extremely ridiculous, but I wanted to prove that I'm capable of more than just a face of the family's business.”

“I can't say that I don't understand completely, but I do know that when I first started out, some people think I only did it because of my family were cops... My reasons was a bit cliche, but I really mean it when I wanted to protect the innocents.”

He smiled at that. “That's true. Which is why I wanted to be one of the bests, not just for bragging rights. I'm not gonna lie when I've applied to one of the strictest teacher when I wanted to challenged myself. The first lesson was so harsh that it took all of my strength NOT to cry in class. I did manage to understood on every single details not just for characters, but for the story settings, backgrounds, even choosing the colors were important! I do admit while I knew some things, there was somethings that I really needed if I wanted my animations to be a masterpiece apart from others one day.”

“Is that part of the reason why you're out here? Like, you're looking for something that you couldn't find back in California?” That would explain why he was out here, but couldn't he just ordered it?

“Actually, I was out here to meet an acquaintance of mine, which I wanted to respect his privacy to remain anonymous. I was stumbled upon that book shop I've come out by luck and greeted you and that thug guy. I guess today was a lucky day for both of us!” He sounded so optimistic when he knew that we almost got mugged earlier... I wished I can have some of his positive attitude sometimes so that life doesn't seemed so bad sometimes...

Wait! Speaking of earlier... What time is it? I glanced on the clock and realized at it was getting pretty late. “Oh, Ra! It's getting pretty late, even for you. I really need to drive you back to your hotel before anyone will report you missing. THEN they'll know you're here.” I got up and he did too while taking the plate and his glass. “Please, allow me.”

I was about to decline that he really didn't need to, but after passing me by, he really didn't mind putting away the dishes.

---Two weeks of newspapers later -----

Ever since that faithful encounter, I started to follow Mickey's lifestyle along with his brother's. Not just for gossips or anything alike, but I felt like I've understood him much better. I knew that I can't always relate to whatever it says on the interviews or headlines, but I do wanted to learn more about him, the REAL him and try to look from his perspectives.

I was having one of my rare day offs where the twins were again at a friend's house until evening and Kitty was out having her hair done. You know, the girl stuff. I was finishing the newspapers when I heard a knock on the door. I got up and went to see who it is, praying it's not someone that will tell me more unpleasant news than Bendy's 'special deliveries.'

Surprisingly, it was a delivery man who brought a special package for me. I was confused since I've never ordered anything or remembered to ordered something. When I had to sign the paper, I noticed a familiar logo and I then realized who really it was from.

Disney.

How? I wondered once the delivery guy was then on his way to his other deliveries. I decided to opened it up in my room in case of other unexpected arrivals came in and sees me with this. I carefully opened it up and as soon as I did, I saw two plushies. One was the cartoon Mickey and the other was cartoon Oswald. I noticed there was an enclosed envelope on top of them. I decided to read this one first. It said this following:

To my new friend, Felix.

I'm sorry that we didn't get the chance to talk more, but I wanted to say again thank you for what you did for me that day. I wanted to write that I've figured out your address by a stroke of luck when I noticed it on one of your letters that was out in the opened when you needed to get changed. I know that it may sounded that I might be too trusting, but I wanted to let you know that I wished to have a pen pal like you so that we can continue to talk more.

P.S. I've included a special card not only for the address, but also as a signature calling card if ever you needed help like you needed a new place to live for example. Ours will help pass our securities personnel without any fuss.

Write to you soon, pen pal!  Mickey Mouse Disney.

I was floored when he had written that. I was deeply touched, yet he really didn't have to do that! Public image or not, he is so kind. I looked at the stuffed toys again. I think they were meant for Inky and Winky respectively due to their colour preferences and characteristics.

This takes me back to when some of the people that were kind to us when we were having memorials at the funerals of when my uncles and aunts came for a visits with some gifts. I knew that they were being kind, but I don't want to spoil them too much.

Then again... I did needed a gift ideas for the twins birthday... but I felt like I'm cheating if I do!

I decided to put them in a safe place for now until I can decide later what I really should do with them. When I removed them, I noticed a picture frame-shaped covered over in a brown paper. I pealed off the first one and it was a stunning purple painting frame of a field of colorful pastel flowers on a hill and another. There was a forest on one side as to indicate it was from a natural side and it was painted in a nice sky blue color skies. I looked on the back to see it was for Kitty. I guess he remembered that detail, despite it was only once...

Guess we DO have another thing in common....

I then noticed another one like it underneath it. I set it aside to see that it is indeed another one, but this one is a different scene. This one had a black frame with the painting of the downtown streets of a city. It was around of an late night restaurant that had a waitress serving a man. It seems that it was taken from the outside of the restaurant cause I can see the streets and light on the side like I was standing out. I bet this is for Sheba... Yup. It's for Sheba.

If I never knew my friend, she wouldn't like the same taste as any other girls... Most of the time.

I then realized that there was one more item a the bottom. It may seems like another painted picture for me, possibly, but upon revealing it wasn't a painting. It was a photograph signed by Oswald! I immediately covered my free hand on my mouth to prevent my fan-boying squealing out! This is one of his best three piece suits and a super cool fedora that he wore in a magazine shoot for high brands. Oh my Anubis! He looks like Dean Martin and he signed 'To my fan, Felix. Oswald Disney.' He is just so.... AHHHHH! I never felt this happy in a long time! This is the coolest thing ever! None of my clippings of him can compare to this! Now for one final thing that was in here was a little card that was tucked to the frame. I opened it up to see that in case of emergency, they send their personal address along with all three Disney signatures from them like Mickey said it would. If ever I needed help...

I sighed in relief. It's been a while since anybody ever said that to me. I always did my best to stay strong, but it's a bit hard on my own sometimes. I'm very glad that I had a few close friends that helped me out in my hardest times before, now I felt like I have another friend that I can rely on if ever I needed an unexpected help in a sticky situation. I knew before that he was a famous person with a lot of benefits, but now I can see that there's more than his status and wealth from him. He's thoughtful, kind, generous and much more!

I decided to hid this back up note in a secret, safe place. I knew what he means and that he was being thoughtful, but I wanted to be a last resort of a thing. I hid it in a secret compartment from my violin case that I hid it very well from my nephews.

Long story short, they wanted to use one of my prized possessions other than playing music...

Speaking of the kids, they will arrive around supper and Kitty too. I think I'll prepare spaghetti and meatballs for tonight.

----Author’s notes------

I know that I’ve wrote a lot in Felix’s perspectives in my fanfics, but I just wanted to imagine possibilities of his close friends and future allies.

To start things off, I’ve had this theory before that Mickey is almost the exact counter-part of his animated cartoon character. He is optimistic and nice, but I was thinking that he also had that desire to be a bit more independent. Like he had that inferiority complex that because he was the son of Walt Disney, some people think he’s gonna have it easy and that he doesn’t need to do much. That would make him a bit more competitive and self improving on his animations. 

(PS: That is also one of the characteristics of a Scorpio! True story!) (He’s on the 19th of November, come on!)

The other Easter egg I wanted to throw in was the mention of The Green Hornet. It was originally from the black and white parts of a film back in the 40′s and then a colorful TV series in the 60′s. They then made a remake film back in 2011. Wink wink! Gadget ideas, Mars bar!

Also on a lighter note, if ever Mickey and Oswald wanted to do a song duo, they would be described as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. One that’s a hit and popular and the other smooth and calm. That’s the kind of combo vibes I’m getting from.

So at the end of this, I really hope to see new canon characters that are on the good guys side. I don’t have anything against the new bad guys and stuff, in fact I’m a Disney Villain fan too, but I just wanted to see a new GOOD GUY character one day or soon. Not just as an OC for his AU. *Cough* Mine for example *Cough*

BBTIM AU and Humanized Characters belongs to Marini4.

[kirishii-gay]

KiriBaku- you’re the one

A short, fluffy KiriBaku proposal fic. 

Word Count: 1.1k

Summary: 

The ring was perfect, a sleek ring of metal, black on the outside with a strip of red and orange on each one. However, that wasn't the important part. Engraved on the inner band of each one, were the words 'It Had To Be You', followed by their anniversary.

Bakugou gripped the box in his pocket while Kirishima ran up, underneath the castle. Bakugou handed his phone to someone, who would've been thinking they were taking a couple's photo. Kirishima saw, and just as Bakugou had hoped, ran to do the same. Bakugou took a deep breath, and walked just underneath the castle, just behind Kirishima's turned back, and got down on one knee.

The crowd gasped as Bakugou opened the velvet box to Kirishima's turned back, and the tourist he was handing his phone too was looking to Bakugou, causing Kirishima to finally, finally turn around.

READ ON AO3 HERE -> https://archiveofourown.org/works/17494307

They were holding hands as they walked, fingers intertwined without a care in the world.  Kirishima wore a pair of Mickey-Mouse ears, hidden amongst his hair, and he was absolutely beaming. Bakugou let out a small smile, he couldn't help it, especially with Kirishima looking like that. Smiling so bright that the sun was put to shame. It was contagious, really. Kirishima swung their arms slightly, before spotting one of those employees dressed in costume and absolutely beamed, tugging on Bakugou's hand and pulling him in the direction towards it. Bakugou let himself be dragged along, trying to keep up with his over-excited boyfriend, who was more excited than a child on Christmas Day, it seemed. Bakugou followed Kirishima, let him lead the way, he smiled in photos, because it made Kirishima happy. This day was about him. Bakugou wanted it to perfect, he was going to make it perfect. He'd be sure of it. "Thank you for bringing me here, Katsuki. You're seriously the best. I love you so much." Kirishima said as they came back from their 3rd ride now, giving their hands a squeeze before leaning in and pressing his lips to Bakugou's cheek. Bakugou flushed red (though he'd deny it if asked). "'S our anniversary, you dumbass. You kept talkin' bout how much you wanted to come here, so I brought you here. Ain't that big of a deal." Kirishima smiled, gently. "It is a big deal, to me. It's perfect. You're perfect." He ended the sentence with a chaste kiss to Bakugou's lips, who melted into it. Not as perfect as you, Bakugou wanted to say, but didn't. He was never good with words, after all. "We need to take a photo under Cinderella's Castle! Come on, Katsuki!" Kirishima exclaimed, and Bakugou's eyes widened. This was it. It was the perfect opportunity to finally, finally... compared. It was insane, really, how well they worked together. The first year they met. 16 years old. Bakugou Katsuki had never, ever thought he'd end up falling in love, it was the last thing he wanted. He was going to be a hero alone, he was going to surpass All Might, he was going to be the best and nothing less. It was what he was destined to do. He went into the school with only a cocky attitude to hide ugly insecurities, and a childhood friend who he could never seem to pass, no matter how hard he tried. He saw everyone there as extras, because it was obvious that he was stronger than everyone else, he was the best and no one could get on his level. That all began to crumble, because U.A was a school full of bastards better than him. He got beat by Deku, got surpassed by Todoroki before he could even try, everything was falling apart. Before Kirishima. Kirishima immediately introduced himself as an allay, not someone he was against and had to compete to be better than, and not someone who was automatically below him. Bakugou had almost laughed in his face at first, who'd this extra think he was? The thing about Kirishima? Was that he never gives up. No matter how much Bakugou would turn his back, Kirishima would somehow be there. Stood by his side so much without a care in the world, until he unintentionally forged his place there. He was always there, so Bakugou couldn't help but notice him. Notice how the world brightened when he smiled. Kirishima was always there, Kirishima always went up and above for him, he did so, so much, it made absolutely no sense. Bakugou didn't need anyone, and Kirishima knew that, but he still held out his hand, just in case. Until Bakugou took it.

Bakugou couldn't not fall in love with him. Feelings were rough, accepting feelings were rough. It was all new and strange and foreign, but as time went by, it became familiar, and every second with Kirishima was the best time of his life. Bakugou never really had a sudden realisation, throughout it all, he had the knowing feeling that he loves Kirishima, and wants to spend the rest of his life with him. The decision to propose wasn't a hard one. The ring was perfect, a sleek ring of metal, black on the outside with a strip of red and orange on each one. However, that wasn't the important part. Engraved on the inner band of each one, were the words 'It Had To Be You', followed by their anniversary. Bakugou gripped the box in his pocket while Kirishima ran up, underneath the castle. Bakugou handed his phone to someone, who would've been thinking they were taking a couple's photo. Kirishima saw, and just as Bakugou had hoped, ran to do the same. Bakugou took a deep breath, and walked just underneath the castle, just behind Kirishima's turned back, and got down on one knee. The crowd gasped as Bakugou opened the velvet box to Kirishima's turned back, and the tourist he was handing his phone too was looking to Bakugou, causing Kirishima to finally, finally turn around. Kirishima's eyes immediately widened, his mouth falling open before he put his hand over it, blinking and not saying anything, but Bakugou could see his eyes start to water, and Bakugou let out a small smile. "Kirishima Eijirou," He started, taking a slow breath. Everyone's eyes were on them, but the only person he was looking at was Kirishima. "Will you marry me?" Kirishima let out something that sounded like a muffled sob, running forward and knocking Bakugou into a hug. Bakugou wrapped his arms around Kirishima's back tightly, holding him as he cried into his shoulder. "Yes," Kirishima whispered, and Bakugou smiled, pure and wide. "Yes, yes, always yes. I love you so much." The crowd erupted into applause and Kirishima finally pulled back, his eyes still teary, but he was smiling. Smiling so bright that it lit up the world, smiling so genuinely and so happily that it made pride radiate in Bakugou's chest knowing that he was the one who made Kirishima smile like that. Bakugou held out his hand, palm up, and Kirishima took it, holding his breath as Bakugou slid the ring onto his finger. He looked at it in awe for a moment, then back to Bakugou, on the verge of tears again, and Bakugou felt his own eyes start to water. "It's so perfect," Kirishima said, holding up his hand and letting the ring catch the light. "You're perfect. " Bakugou smiled, gently, lifting his hand to cup Kirishima's cheek, wiping away any remainder of tears. "Not as perfect as you." They both leaned in at the same time, fireworks exploding over their heads, as the photo was taken, a moment that would truly be remembered forever.

[ozzys-write]

New Perspective 2 (post war draco malfoy)

Part 1:

Warning: Tobacco use mention

One whole week had passed at Eaden, the private institute of magical schooling. Draco had only seen 3 or 4 familiar faces besides Donna. He had never felt more out of control. In the past few months he had developed a neediness that he had never experienced before. In small ways he projected his neediness onto Donna, sitting next to her in ever class, just needing to be in a presence of something familiar.

She didn’t mind at all. In fact she also wanted to be in the presence of something familiar. The first night Draco locked himself away in his dorm room, but the lingering stares and whispers of his roomates pushed him into the common room. He sat on the same couch as Donna, on the opposite far end. Neither one of them spoke past a hushed greeting. From then on he would spend at least an hour a night just sitting across from her, working on homework, reading or simply just enjoying being near someone he could call a friend.

It was nearly 3 am and draco still lay awake. He rose from his bed and quietly stumbled down to the common room. He noticed one of the bay windows was opened. He neared closer and saw Donna perched on the roof, a lit cigar in her hand. Draco’s eyes widened at the sight. He had smoked cannabis shortly after the war to lighten the pressure in his mind, but never tobacco. “Donna” he called softly. The girl slowly turned her head and shifted on the roof making room for him. She held out her hand and he took it, stepping onto the roof. When he put her hand in hers a red hot tingle covered his fingers, even though her hands were cold. “I never pictured you as a smoker.” He said as he sat down next to her. She smiled softly and looked at him “I only do it once every few months, just clears the mind really nice.”

Donna looked over Draco. The moonlight lit his face perfectly, his hair had grown a little longer than she last remembered, and he stopped sweeping it to the side, but rather letting it fall on its own. He no longer wore the silk pyjama sets that he did at hogwarts, but rather just grey sweatpants and a t shirt. “Donna?” He snapped her out of her daze. “Oh sorry, I just to zoned out for a moment” He lightly laughed before telling her it was alright.

She held out the cigar for Draco. He barely thought twice before he put it in his mouth. She lit a match and held it to the cigar for several seconds before the fire crawled up the match close to her fingers. She blew out the match and dropped it in a cup of water. He took a puff of the cigar and starting coughing. Donna burst into laughter and Draco soon joined in. They tried to shush eachother between their giggles, as to not wake up anyone.

“You have to take really soft shallow hits, you can’t inhale that hard” She corrected. He nodded and tried it again, this time successfully inhaling and exhaling the smoke. “I see what you mean, it does take the edge off.” She smiled and nodded quickly “Yeah it doesn’t make you feel any different but it’s calming”

Draco passed back the cigar and looked at the sky “See those stars over there?” He pointed “That’s the Draco constellation” He grinned at her and it spread to her face. “Awh is that what you were named after?” He nodded in response to her question. “What were you named after?” he asked.

“My full name is Donatella, my aunt always called me Donna though. It was a character from her favorite musical Mamma Mia.” He nodded and they sat in a comfortable silence for another minute or so.

“Donna?” The boy softly quipped. She replied with a ‘mhm?’ “I never thought I’d tell you this” He starts softly laughing recounting a memory. “When it was my third year I believe, me and Blaise” He pauses not able to contain his giggles. “Me and Blaise got into this argument, for weeks. weeks! Because Blaise fancied you.” His giggles intensified and Donna tried to shush him, lightly laughing herself. “Why would the two of you fight over that?” She asked. “I might have fancied you a bit as well.” Donna snorted laughing. “That’s so stupid.”

Draco laughed even harder at her snort, and the two continued to try and silence their snickers, leaning on one another. After a minute or two their chuckles subsided and they stayed resting lightly on one another. “Why are there bloody rats printed on your pants?” Draco asked incredulously. “That’s mickey mouse! He’s a muggle children’s show character” The girl retorted. “Are your aunt and uncle muggles?” Donna shook her head.

“No, we just had a lot of muggle things around growing up. One of my cousins goes here, she’s in her 4th year. The other two graduated from Hogwarts a few years ago.” Draco nodded, “Tell me about them” Donna’s eyes lit up “May is 14 and she is the funniest, most outspoken girl you will ever meet, she always insisted I do her hair growing up. And there is Gaia, she’s 22. She has always been my rock, she is the sweetest most loyal person. We had dogs too, Polly and Olly. Vance is 19, and he is incredibly smart but he can be a little antisocial. They grew up knowing I wasn’t their sister but never really cared. They always treated me as such. And my aunt and uncle treated me as their daughter. My aunt is a nurse at st. mugos. My uncle is a curse breaker for a bank. I may have not had real parents but I had a family that wants the best for me and loves me. I wish I knew my parents, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.” She gushed

Draco just listened to her a smile on his face. Watching her talk about the people she loved made him feel warm. “What about you, tell me about your family.” Donna prompted. “Well I was an only child, I never really knew any other children until I was like, maybe 7? 8? Never had any cousins. My mother is a very selfless, very sweet witch. Smart too, but my father didn’t let her work. My Father is very formal, very focused on work. Very focused on you know who.”

Draco paused, his demeanor becoming somber. Donna leaned over and wrapped her arms round his waist. It took the boy by surprise, he couldn’t remember the last time a friend had comforted him in a hug. He slowly wrapped his arms around her shoulders, and pushed his face into the crook of her neck. They stayed like that for a few moments, Draco’s senses overpowered by everything Donna.

All he could smell was her coconut perfume and shampoo. All he could feel was the small arms around his waist and her hair tickling his neck. All he could think about was the image of her laughing. All he could feel was her pure happiness infecting him. She pulled away and offered him a smile. It wasn’t full of pity, but rather hope. “Draco, against all odds, you are a good person. You were modeled after your father and you are still a good person. You’re going to do good things.”

Draco’s smile grew wider, he didn’t know how to express his appreciation in his words, so instead he just clutched her hand, making both their hands tingle with electricity. With her other hand Donna dipped the end of the cigar in water and set it in a black box. Draco picked up two polaroid pictures in the black box. They were pictures of Donna and a blonde girl. In one a cigar hung out of Donnas mouth and the blonde girl was holding up a peace sign. In the other photo the blonde had the cigar between her lips and donna had her mouth open in laughter.

“Who’s this?” He asks. “That’s my best friend Jorian. She went back to hogwarts.” He nodded. “We really should get back to bed.” Draco stepped back into the common room nearly falling over. He extended a hand to help Donna off the roof, she grabbed his hand and the warm tingling over took both of their hands for the third time that night.

Once they were in their own beds drifting off to sleep, both of them had smiles lingering on their faces, having finally found peace for their restless minds.

A/N: I might turn this into a bit of a short series? Would anyone be interested in reading that once or twice a week? I’m getting a little attached donna and post war draco, I really want to develop these characters. Any suggestions for future parts?