#okay so my kitty is mostly white but on the side he has a spot with dark fur that looks like a heart

[greg-montgomery]

entering my cat mom era in 4 days can you BELIEVE

[imagine-nation20]

Just Like This

Summary: Capture the flag isn’t always your least favorite camp activity, but sometimes it is.

Requested by: Anon

Request:Hey if your still doing Percy Jackson fics/headcannons can I request Connor stoll x shy daughter of Hecate reader pls

A/N: I started writing this as headcanons, and then I got really carried away and decided to write this, oops. I’m just glad someone requested Connor. Even if I forgot about this request and stumbled upon it very late. Also, not so sure this turned out as a shy reader, since I am bad at writing shy characters.

~~~

Hecate’s cabin was the exact opposite of what you had expected when you first arrived at the camp. Instead of the dark, dreary color palette you had imagined based on the other camper’s cabins, it was surprisingly bright. White walls, with a mix of pale and dark purples. There were various decorations around, only one bed, and different magic bits and bobbles. One wall was taken up entirely by a bookshelf. Most of the books looked far from normal though, and you had only been brave enough to open the most plain looking ones as of yet.

It felt safe. It felt like home.

Still, you couldn't remain inside all day. Someone would notice, come looking for you, maybe make you do their chores. A knock at the door confirmed this thought, and you stood from your bed, moving over to the door.

It swung open to reveal the youngest Stoll brother, Connor, who looked to be in his usual state of disarray. Dark hair looking unbrushed, his camp shirt wrinkled, jeans rolled up to his calves, and his sneakers properly drenched and getting water all over the front steps of the cabin.

You raised a brow, “Do I want to know?”

Connor looked down to his shoes, “Probably not,” he admitted, looking up at you with a toothy grin.

You leaned against the doorway of the cabin, smiling down at Connor who was much shorter than you from his placement down the steps. “And I guess knocking on my door was more important than changing out of your drenched sneakers for some reason?”

“Annabeth ordered me to remind you not to miss capture the flag again,” He shrugged.

You narrowed your eyes, “Ordered? Aren’t you supposed to be some hotshot counselor? When did you start taking orders?”

Connor leaned on one of the pillars, exaggerating a ‘smooth’ aura. “Since those orders allowed me to visit my favorite demigod.”

“Me?” You asked, faking sweetness.

A meow came from behind you, and Connor’s facade shifted into a smile, “No, Mordred.”

Your cat ran out to him from between your legs, jumping right into his arms. You glared at the cat, crossing your arms. “Traitor.”

“We should be going, if we don’t want Annabeth to cut us into little pieces for being late.”

“Do you think we could take her?”

“Ha, no.”

Capture the flag wasn’t entirely horrid. Especially since Hecate and Hermes cabins were both sided with Athena that time. That means that all Connor and you had to do was lounge around where the flag was, and make sure no stray Ares kids got a little too big for their britches. So far, they had no trouble.

“Oh, oh, I spy with my little eye, something green.”

“Connor, I swear to god, if its a leaf again-”

“This is so boring,” Connor groaned, cutting you off. “Maybe one of these days, the Athena kids should get the boring job. Let Anabeth sit as a rock for an hour with nothing to do.”

The small clearing was quiet. You and Connor shared a look. There was nothing innocent in the mischievous glint of his eyes. You began to shake your head, silently telling your friend a blanket no for whatever he was thinking.

“Connor, do-” An arrow whizzed through the trees, catching you in the shoulder. You shouted out in both surprise and the sudden pain that came from the tip embedding itself into your skin. It had cut through the leather armor like butter.

“(Y/N)!” Connor shouted.

The sound of a heavy scuffle met your ears, your eyes staring up at the canopy of trees above. Footsteps, echoing beneath you through the packed dirt. Your eyes drifted over to your shoulder, seeing the arrow shaft sticking up from your shoulder. With a bit to your lip, and a deep breath, you reached over to feel the back side.

The tip of the arrow was poking out from the leather armor. Knowing that pulling it back would just cause more damage, you reached to the shaft, snapping the wooden stick off. This would give more access to movement, and you wouldn’t have to worry about knocking into it and causing more pain.

Slowly, you stood. The sword on your belt was easily drawn with a ‘shink’, drawing the attention of the Ares boy making his way towards the flag. Connor was busy with another, their sword clashing. The Ares kid smirked at you, charging with a hearty yell.

You ducked the blow, kicking out at his shin. The boy toppled forward, groaning. You hit the back of his head with the pommel of the sword, halting his movements. He would have a terrible headache when he woke up, but at least you hadn’t the stomach to repay him for the arrow wound.

“Hey, you good?” Connor’s hand was on your good shoulder, he eyes peering closely into your own. You must have been staring at the knocked out camper for too long.

“Yeah,” you lied, feeling the pain ripple through your shoulder. “I think I should go see Chiron.”

Connor nodded, reaching down to his belt for the emergency horn there. After a few events of campers in danger with no way to call, Chiron had proposed special war horns for the counselors to call for help.

“I think something is wrong,” You mumbled, looking down at the wound. It was festering a dark purple. “That’s not good.”

The horn blew, and you blacked out.

~~~

When you came too again, you were in the Apollo tent. A few other campers were held up in cots, but it was mostly empty. Outside, cricket could be heard. You must’ve been asleep for a good few hours. Your stomach rumbled at the thought of missing dinner.

Every little movement hurt, even tilting your head to look around the tent. Something cloth rustled on your head, and you went to lift your right hand. However, you found yourself unable, as your hand was pinned to the bed by a much larger, warmer hand.

Connor’s head rested on the cot beside you, his dark, curly hair spilling across the linen sheets. Soft breathes escaped his mouth, which hung open. Soft cheeks dampened by puffiness and dark purple circles beneath the lids of his eyes.

“He’s been there the whole time,” A quiet voice whispered. “Will couldn’t get him to leave.”

You looked over, spotting an injured and annoyed looking Nyssa. She looked like she had been hit by a train, and knowing the Hephaestus cabin, she probably had.

“Did he miss dinner?” You whispered back.

Nyssa gave you a weird look, “Yeah, three of them. Will had to shove a plate into his hands and force feed him.”

Your eyes widened, “Wait, three?”

“Yeah, you’ve been out for two whole days,” Nyssa looked out the flap longingly, “At least you didn’t have to be awake for it though. Harley set off an explosion in the workshop, threw me into a wall. Everyone was still scrambling around you when I got here.”

A shift beside you, and you looked down. Connors dark lashes were fluttering, his eyes slowly peeling open. The bright blue looked dulled, like it had lost its shine. They trailed up your arm, seeing you sat up slightly, eyes peering back.

He let out a shaky breath, “(Y/N),” sitting bolt straight, he gripped your hand. “Are you okay?”

“What happened, Con?”

He looked almost annoyed, though not at you, “That stupid Ares kid accidentally loaded his quiver with poisoned arrows. Don’t worry though, I accidentally laced his food with laxatives, and his bed with roaches.”

You couldn’t help the smile that stretched out over your face, “And here I would have thought you wouldn’t have had time, being here twenty-four-seven and all,” you gave him a look.

“Yeah yeah,” he rubbed the back of his neck with his free hand. “Listen-”

“Oh for gods’ sake, just kiss and get it over with. If I have to sit through one more awkward conversation where you two dance around each other I’ll poison you both,” Nyssa growled out, looking only mildly annoyed in reality.

You shared a look with Connor, both of you holding back smiles, “Should I tell her?”

“What? That we’ve been dating for the last two years?”

You both turned to look at her simultaneously. Nyssa looked almost horrified at the realization. Her mouth hung open, the hello kitty Band-Aid on her cheek scrunched as her face did.

“Oh Zeus’ beard, you two are just like this? May the god’s have mercy…” She muttered under her breath, laying down in bed. She moved her pillow over her head to block you out.

You and Connor shared a laugh, and with both of you stuck inside the tent after curfew, you saw no problem in letting him climb into the cot with you. It was a more comfortable and peaceful sleep for you both.

[thenovelartist]

A Blanc Slate, Chapter 8

<Previous Next >

22. Cosplay

“I’m going to face Ladybug tomorrow.”

The atmosphere shifted in an instant, time stopping for a moment. “Oh?”

“I can’t put this off,” Chat said. “And… I think I’m ready to, anyway.”

While part of Marinette felt relieved, part of her was panicking. Because apparently, she had one day to think of what to say to her kitty cat to convince him to… well, to keep in touch in some way, she supposed. She couldn’t convince him to continue being Chat if that ring was killing him, but there was no way she was willing to let him go yet. Not when he still meant the world to her.

“I’m proud of you,” was what she ultimately said when all other words seemed to fail her. “You were fighting that for a bit, so it must have been a hard decision.”

Chat looked down at his ring. “I… it was,” he admitted. “But mostly, it has to be done. And my friend… she said some things that kinda hit me and made me realize I had to do this.”

“I’m really glad to hear it,” she said, keeping up her smile and pretending it actually wasn’t tearing her up inside. It hadn’t been her to help him, and a part of her hated that.

He shrugged. “So… I guess you can say today’s visit is a good-bye.”

Her expression fell. So this would be the last time Chat would come by before he gave up his ring. But she also realized Marinette wouldn’t know that. She quickly scrambled to respond appropriately. “Oh? You’re not going to stop by anymore?”

He shook his head. “I’m giving up being Chat Noir… er… Blanc.”

“Noir,” she countered. “You’ve always been Chat Noir, even if you’re white at the moment.”

He huffed, bitter smile picking up his lips. “You know… when I first turned white, felt like I was cosplaying, but now I don’t even know what it feels like to be Noir anymore.”

“I never really thought there was a difference,” she said. “You’re still the hero of Paris in my eyes.”

The smile he gave her this time was bittersweet and sorrowful. “Then remember me like that, Princess. Please.”

She nodded. “I promise.”

He relaxed at her answer, as though that weight on his shoulders eased a little. “Promise me one last thing, princess?”

“Yeah, of course.”

“Will you stick by Adrien’s side?”

She blinked a few times, trying to wrap her head around his words. Because while she hadn’t known what to expect, that certainly wasn’t even in the ballpark of possibilities. “Wh… what do you mean? I mean, yeah, of course I’ll stay by his side, but—”

“That’s all I need to know,” he said. “He needs you.”

Her brow furrowed, her confusion rising by the second. “What made you say that, though? I didn’t know you knew him.”

“I do,” Chat said. “In a way.”

“That’s vague.”

He shrugged.

“You’re really not gonna tell me?”

For a moment, his expression turned soft. “Maybe in time, Princess, you’ll figure out why.”

“But you just said this was your good bye.”

“It is,” he confirmed. “But you’re not saying good bye to Adrien.”

Understanding slowly dawned on her. It seemed like Chat was hinting Adrien would tell her someday. Maybe that was one of those many secrets that sat on his shoulders that was weighing him down so much.

But she supposed Chat was right when he said ‘in time’ because she wouldn’t push Adrien for anything right now. She’d wait until he could stand on his own feet again, at least.

“Well,” she continued. “Tit for tat, right?”

Chat quirked a brow. “What do you mean?”

“I mean that Ladybug seemed really distraught over the thought of loosing you,” she started, trying to chose her words carefully. “So, will you promise me that you’ll reassure her you’re not going anywhere?”

His lips tugged down int a grimace. “Princess…”

“Because maybe this is just my perspective, but a Ladybug without her Chat Noir seems… really weird and wrong.”

Chat bit his lip while a war of emotions played out behind his eyes. In the end, he sighed. “Okay. I promise.”

“I mean, you love her, right?”

“I do,” he murmured.

“Then wouldn’t it be harder to leave things strained between you?”

Chat seemed flustered by her challenge, his ears falling and lips curling into a confused frown. “I… yeah. It would.”

He grinned, able to relax a bit. Because she knew her kitty well enough to know he meant those words. There was hope yet.

23. Video games

Something told her she wasn’t supposed to catch him on her balcony. After all, he told her yesterday that he wouldn’t be coming by anymore, and he looked rather shocked and flustered by her sudden appearance on her balcony.

“Uhh, hey,” he said, giving her a weak smile.

“Fancy seeing you here,” she said, grinning as she hopped up onto her balcony, pretending as though she wasn’t just about to transform to go meet him. She begged her panicked heart to calm down all while being super thankful he hadn’t caught her. She didn’t know how he’d take that and the last thing she wanted was to make her cat run away during her last chance to convince him to stay.

“What brings you by again?” she finally asked before spotting the wrapped gift in his hand.

He seemed to realize he was holding said object, startling before extending the pink papered box out to her. “I owe you a sincere thank you,” he said. “So I just… wanted to leave you a little something.”

“You didn’t have to.”

“I wanted to,” he said. “I thought you deserve it. And more, but this is the least I can do.”

She took the extended gift. “Can I open it now?”

He shrugged. “I guess. If you want.”

Careful to not tear the paper to the best of her ability, she snapped the tape with a fingernail and opened the gift, only to see the newest video game she’d been saving up for. “How’d you know?”

“A guess,” he said with a shrug and a smile. “And I thought you’d appreciate some down time since you’ve basically been working on nothing but commissions while babysitting… er, well, two grown men.”

She chuckled, holding the gift close to her chest. “Thank you. I really appreciate it.”

He nodded, but contrary to what Marinette thought would happen, he didn’t immediately turn to leave. “Hey, um… do me a favor?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Maybe… take that over to Adrien sometime,” he said sheepishly. “Because I think the workaholic could use a break and might only take one if you force it on him.”

With a sigh, she smiled before giving him a nod. “Something tells me he wouldn’t be up for it right away. I’d settle for seeing him sleep more and eating properly, at the moment.”

“Something tells me you’ll see that in time.”

“I really hope so,” she softly spoke. “I hate watching him suffer like this.”

Something in Chat’s expression softened. “I think he really appreciates your concern. Just be sure to take care of yourself too, okay?”

“I’ll work on that,” she said with a wink.

24. Jealousy

“Hey,” Marinette asked right before Chat was about to leap away. “Do you want some cookies or anything sweet before you go? Or did your friend force feed you again?”

He paused, leaning back against the railing to steady himself. Marinette couldn’t miss the small smile that picked up the corners of his lips. “She force fed me again. And not to mention she’s a pretty good baker herself.”

Suddenly, the amount of jealousy she was feeling towards chat’s mystery friend spiked. It took her a moment to realize that it was because she felt… like she was being replaced. This girl seemed to hold a special place in his heart beyond either her as Marinette or her as Ladybug. She thought Ladybug was the love of his life, but whenever he mentioned this friend, he got a little twinkle in his eye. And that hurt more than she ever could have expected.

But she tried to cool her head. If this person was the only person to get through to Chat, then she’d take it, even if it broke her heart in the process. Because… just as he loved Ladybug, she loved him. Saying it was a strictly romantic love may have been a stretch, but this man…

No one would ever replace him. And she didn’t want anyone to.

“I’m glad to hear it. But, I’m a pretty good baker, too, you know,” she said with a wink, hoping to smother those intense feelings of hers.

“You are,” he admitted, with a teasing smile. “But I would have to say she’s on your level.”

“I’d gladly hold a bake-off with her and prove that wrong.”

Chat burst into a giggle fit that soon turned into a coughing fit. “Ahh, princess,” he eventually choked out, shooting her a strained smile. “So competitive.”

“You better believe it,” she said, trying not to calm her worry. He was trying to brush it off, slowly regaining his composure. Part of her wanted to get him to sit down while she got him some water, but he seemed to be steady again. However, it was a good reminder that now might be a good time to let him go. He had to go see the other her, after all, and she was anxiously looking forward to that. “Now, I’ll let you go to go see your lady.”

Any joy that had been on his face faded, his smile turning sad as his ears drooped. “Yeah. Wish me luck?”

You can have half of it, kitty. Because I’ll need the other half to get you to stay. “Good luck, Chat. And it’s been wonderful knowing you.”

Warmth returned to the smile he gave her. “Thanks, princess. It’s been wonderful knowing you, too. Never change.”

And with that, he leapt off into the night, a white blur on the horizon.

Marinette watched him disappear, then took an extra moment to put the game on her bed before hopping back out on her balcony to transform. She was ready to face her kitty. It was now or never.

[theywontletmebeprincipal]

can you give me drowsy headcanons, ramble, or anything please, i am so deprived. do not be afraid to make it super long, the more the better, i just love drowsy chaperone and love to hear other people (plus you’re one of the only people i’ve seen who knows a lot abt it)

ASK AND YE SHALL RECIEVE

I’ll divide this into a few different parts, going from least to most excruciatingly sad :)

1. general headcanons

2. in canon things i noticed and think about daily

3. a full analysis of man in chair’s connections with the drowsy chaperone as an in universe show (trigger warning for abuse ment, alcoholism ment, suicide ment)

SECTION ONE: HEADCANONS

- okay the chaperone is trans I don’t make the rules

- also her name is ambrosia :) she forsook her last name :)

- she’s about 12 years older than janet and kinda hung with janet’s family after leaving her own for a while . essentially she’s a big sister to janet

- aldolpho has some lines where he asks if the bride is big and/or burly and while in canon this is supposed to show he’s kind of a womanizer I like to believe it’s because he was fully prepared to fight her if needed

- speaking of which Of Course janet is ripped she does gymnastics

- my batshit crazy headcanon for this show is that dee dee allen from the prom is a descendant of roman bartelli no I will not elaborate

- is aldolpho one of those bitches with pets that definitely shouldn’t be legal? yessir

- post show kitty becomes a star okay I just want her to be happy

- the “pastry chefs” do discover a love of baking post show and now run a shop along with performing in feldzeig’s follies which might maybe be a front for some crime too

- TRIX DROWSY AND ALDOLPHO WORLD TRAVELING POLYCULE CAUSING PROBLEMS ON PURPOSE

- underling’s name is james I will not elaborate on this either

- show never says what trix does so I’ve decided she’s an explorer. she charts maps and punches colonialists and drags her stupid friends along with her, the only bitch in the show with a braincell

- drowsy was a former vaudeville child star pre transition - she left the business but was a mentor to janet

- I do have a headcanon for mic’s name but in the spirit of every actor who’s ever played him I won’t fucking tell

SECTION TWO: SHIT I NOTICED

- robert refers to himself by full name a lot of the time which is v interesting given he’s named after the writer, bob martin (whose wife is also named janet van de graaf). the real bob martin is like five feet away at all times playing mic

- idk how to describe it but the dynamic kitty and feldzeig (VICTOR felgzeig. we have a name from one (1) line) have when talking to each other is so snappy and funny and good

- aldolpho’s lines in spanish are mostly romantic bullshit but his first one hints that he has/had a wife who, if we’re taking the translation literally, refused to touch him. yeah I’ll bring this up in analysis

- the “pastry chefs” provide liquor for the wedding even though it has absolutely no relevance to their mission of stopping it :)

- drowsy is like. SUPER endearing towards janet and despite her bad social skills it’s super clear she cares a lot about her

- robert speaks fluent french apparently

- everyone says “ew” after aldolpho reveals his affair with drowsy despite her being a certified milf

- the body language of drowsy in the end of the show where she takes mic’s hands and breaks the barrier between reality and fiction is just so good. she was iconic the whole show but I honestly think this final bit is what won beth leavel the Tony in the end

SECTION THREE: OH NO

before diving into the way the drowsy chaperone affects his character, we need to understand what exactly it’s playing off of. to fully understand mic’s attachment to the drowsy chaperone, we need to outline what led him to isolating himself and living in fiction to the extent that he does.

mic’s father left his family at an early age and his semi estranged alcoholic mother was the one who began his love for theatre. mic grew up in a broken household and eventually moved on to land in a one sided marriage, which lasted a few months until he slipped up and expressed his discomfort with the situation, after which he and his wife split. nowadays, he lives alone in his apartment surrounded by records he uses to escape to a better life - his favorite of which being the one his mother gave him, the drowsy chaperone.

symbolism in the drowsy chaperone regarding mic’s life can be split into two main categories - mommy issues and internalized homophobia. there isn’t nearly as much mom symbolism as there is the latter, so I’ll cover that first.

drowsy covers both bases, but she definitely has some undeniable mom symbolism going on. drowsy marries aldolpho and mom dreams of being swept off her feet by a latin lover, both feel they’ve wasted their chances at love, both drink to forget, etc. this is where the idea of the drowsy chaperone being mic’s ideal way for things to work out, a positive parallel, comes into play. given that we don’t hear too much about mic’s mom other than her connections to major life events and the record itself, we can assume they grew apart in one way or another. the key difference is that drowsy finds a happy relationship for herself and retains her bond with janet, unlike what we’re led to assume mom was like.

further elaborating on the drowsy chaperone representing mic’s ideal fantasy version of events is the wedding the drowsy chaperone’s plot centers around. here’s a list of the things that didn’t stop that damn wedding:

- a minister not showing up

- the groom cheating on the bride with the bride

- the bride having a complete mental breakdown

- indirect mafia interference

- direct mafia interference

on the flip side, what little mic says about his wedding indicates it sucked absolute ass. he spent the entire ceremony in internal distress as he went through with a life changing event he, at that point, knew at least a bit that he didn’t want. I think he also implies he had severe diarrhea on the wedding day? it gets worse when you realize mic’s relationship before the wedding wasn’t any good for him either - he was playing along the whole time because it would be cruel not to, right?

throughout the show, mic is pretty clearly shown as an extremely repressed gay man. there are five specific instances that point at romantic and/or sexual attraction to men directly and another moment outside of his commentary that pretty much confirms it if you look a little bit deeper. thus, here is what I propose - to mic, the drowsy chaperone’s wedding plot represents a world where he was able to ignore that part of himself and have a happy marriage with his wife despite all the overwhelming obstacles thrown at him. however, bits and pieces of that internalized homophobia manage to show themselves throughout the drowsy chaperone anyway despite its happy ending. here’s a rundown on a few significant instances:

- by the end of the show, the “pastry chefs”, who had literally been planning to kill feldzeig, have left their life of crime to perform with him. this symbolizes how in mic’s ideal world he would have been able to turn away from what he perceived at the time as living wrongly - his homosexuality

- at the same time, the “pastry chefs” have this line, spoken in regards to janet: “if she gets married and leaves the show... there ain’t no show.” this is a take on mic’s subconscious concern that he might lose himself if he goes on with his marriage pretending everything is alright - of course, as we already know, he doesn’t listen

- “cold feets” is a pretty obvious instance of mic’s hesitation

- aldolpho’s line in spanish regarding the wife who won’t touch him flips to reflect on mic’s treatment of his own ex wife - she was alien to him as a lover, just as aldolpho was to this woman

- janet recalls her meeting robert at a point in the show and states “we spooned, briefly, then he proposed.” though mic’s relationship pre marriage was much longer than that, it must have felt that way to him - just as quick and nonsensical as janet describes

- just as janet is caught in showbiz but has a toxic love for it, so does mic with his own repressed life

- janet has a line in “show off” that alludes to her experiencing harassment/assault: “I don’t wanna be cheered no more/ praised no more/ grabbed no more/ touched no more/ loved no more” , which I believe represents the way mic perceived his intimacy with his wife - labeled as love yet unenjoyable for him

- “I look into his eyes... I get all woozy. and that’s... love, isn’t it?�� is another very clear nod to mic’s misconception of love based off the only thing he’s ever experienced, relationships with women he’s had to fake

- this is the part where I tell you the lyrics to toledo surprise are a metaphor for actively suppressing gay thoughts. I’ll just leave you with “if it tries to rise; don’t let it”. these lyrics are not comprehensive enough to make a dish - trust me, I have tried. it’s also notable that they serve a double entendre as instructions on how to beat the shit out of someone, but several lyrics are also directed towards the singer/audience. for example: “it’s a snap/ try it folks/ whip your whites/ split your yolks” is an easy metaphor for the unhealthy mental gymnastics required to repress oneself so wholeheartedly

it’s also worth noting the obvious just for the sake of it - mic copes with all this by isolating himself in a safe spot where he can use musicals to escape and live his ideal fantasy, even if it’s only for a short time. there are plenty of nods to this throughout the drowsy chaperone as well. in “as we stumble along” drowsy notes that “the best that we can do is hope a bluebird/ will sing a song/ as we stumble along” - to mic, musicals are his bluebird. while mic mostly indulges in these fantasies, he knows to a certain extent the sheer amount of time he’s spending in them is unhealthy. the first line of the show is “I hate theatre” and I think that to an extent? he does. obviously mic loves theatre as a concept, that can’t be denied. what he hates is the way he’s allowed it to confine him.

with all that out of the way, let’s move on to the most important moment of the show. if you’ve ever seen the show, you’ll know exactly which scene I’m talking about immediately. I’m referring to, of course, the infamous “l-ve while you can” scene. as janet stands at the alter she asks drowsy for one final word of advice, which is partially obscured by aldolpho dropping his cane. “l-ve while you can.” it’s a simple moment, but mic reveals to us that he’s been agonizing over it for years - did drowsy say “live” or “leave”? it occurs to everyone eventually, whether a couple days after the show like with me, or years after like with bob martin’s replacement on broadway that the most likely answer is that she had said “love while you can”. it’s this moment, when you realize why mic had never seen that as an option, that the drowsy chaperone’s status as a musical within a comedy within a tragedy is solidified. mic had no love in his life - his parents hated each other and he was forcing himself into relationships in which he felt nothing. to him, living and leaving were options, but loving never was. so he locked himself away.

as the final note on the record is playing, all power in mic’s apartment shuts down and the fantasy is ruined. the superintendent arrives and further invades his space, breaking the private sanctity he had built up for so long. she fixes the power and before mic can stop it from happening, the final note of the record plays. and the super recognizes it as a musical. she makes a remark about how much her wife loves musicals and leaves, completely unaware of what she’s just done.

mic sits in silence for a while. and then he begins to sing. gradually, the cast members begin to echo their songs, dancing around him but never touching him. then drowsy appears and sings harmony to mic. and she takes his hands. the show ends with the entire cast, including mic, taking off on trix’s airplane as the curtain falls, drowsy handing mic his record as the plane takes off.

some people interpret the ending as mic committing suicide, finally deciding between live and leave. I don’t personally believe that and neither does writer and original mic bob martin, but it’s still a valid interpretation. the drowsy chaperone’s ending is ambiguous, yes, but not to that extent. no matter what you believe the ending means, it was brought on not by the interruption of the fantasy, but by whatever realization the super’s remark about her wife triggered. as I see it, there are two main options here.

option one - mic realizes he still has time to live and to love. when he was younger the prospect of living as himself was unthinkable to him, yet now he sees that while he was spending countless years alone the world grew. drowsy offers mic her hand, an invitation to finally become what he had admired in her - someone who isn’t anywhere near perfect, but is damn well trying and living life without regret. he accepts.

option two - mic realizes that while he spent years alone the world moved on without him and he’s isolated himself so much from social interaction that he’d no longer be able to make a meaningful connection with anyone outside. so he stays inside instead, never trying, always trapped between live and leave. drowsy offers mic her hand - at least he’ll have a tune to carry with him.

I really want to believe we got option one. I think option one is the intended, really, given mic ends the show with a joyful goodbye to the audience. but the way that the ending is still left open for interpretation makes it so that we can never really know - we as the audience only get to be privy to a small part of mic’s life, and we don’t get the answers we want because at the end of the day they’re irrelevant to us - all we can do is make our own choice.

[tiny-ghost-boi]

Kinktober Day Five; Bondage/ Mind Control, Shinsou

Warnings: handcuffs, Master kink, mind control, kitty kink

Reader’s Body Type: Again, completely up to you! I’m liking the gn! reader so far! :)

NSFW Under The Cut

=============================================================

Shinsou had a bad day. That happened too often for your taste. It hurt you to see how much his insecurity about his quirk affected him. He was just sitting in your dorm room, staring at the wall with a sad, blank stare, His violet eyes were glossed over, and his mouth was stretched tight.

You scooched a little closer to him, placing your hand on his shoulder. He jumped and let out a small shout. He turned around, and when he saw it was just you, he relaxed a little. 

“Hito?” you asked. “Are you alright?”

Shinsou didn’t respond. He just rested his head on your shoulder with a sigh.

“Hitoshi?”

“I’m- I’m fine.” he choked out. You could sense the sadness in his voice. “It’s nothing I haven’t dealt with before.” this confirmed your fear that it was related to his quirk.

“Did someone say something?” you asked, taking his hands and pressing kisses to his knuckles. He sighed and nodded, looking to the side, eyes glossing over again.

“Just some second-year kids, something about how I- how I didn’t deserve to be in the hero course what with my quirk and everything. It doesn’t matter.”

“Of course it matters, Hito. I love you and I want you to be happy. Is there anything I can do?” as you said that, an idea popped into your head, and you stuttered a little. He glanced at you, concerned.

“I- are you alright?”

“I have an idea-  you could use your quirk on me. Listen I know you don’t trust yourself, but I do. I trust you with my life, This- it could help you trust yourself. It’s uh, kind of a kink for me, so I’d enjoy it. I want you to trust yourself, I really don’t like seeing you upset like this and-”

“Woah woah woah, wait- you want me to fucking mind control you? I can’t- I- I can’t. I don’t want to hurt you, I could- what if you can’t break free, I-”

“Hitoshi. Look at me. Breathe.” he took deep breaths, looking up at you with tears in his eyes, shaking his head. 

“I- I can’t” he whispered. You pressed your lips against him, holding him tight.

“I trust you, Hito. I trust you. You won’t hurt me, and you’ll let go whenever you’re ready. I will come out perfectly fine. I want you to trust yourself, this could be a way. What do you think?” he took a couple shuddering breaths, hot air blowing against your neck. 

“Okay, but it won’t last long. I’ll let go quickly, okay?” you nodded, pressing more kisses against kisses against his neck and jaw.

“That’s perfectly fine.”

“Ready?”

“ye-” you were cut off as the color drained from your eyes, your stare becoming blank. Hitoshi hated the look of people he had control over. That numb stare that said ‘I am not in control.’

“Stand in front of me.” Hitoshi ordered. He’d never used his quirk on you before, and you felt strangely calm. Nothing mattered. Everything melted away excpet for him, and you almost felt yourself melt away. The look of fear in his eyes was enough to keep you in control enough that if you needed to break free, you could. You moved forward, wanting, neigh, needing to obey his every word. 

“How do you feel?” he asked nervously, twiddling his thumbs.

“I feel calm, I feel good, I want Hitoshi to feel good too.” the words tumbled out of your mouth without a second thought. Your face reddened at your phrasing, making it sound sexual. Well, you had always fantasized about losing all control to someone, and if you could do that and help Hitoshi with his biggest fears, then it would be a win-win.

“Hey, you said this was a kink of yours, right? Mind control/ hypnotism?” you nodded, again the words filling the air before you could stop yourself, not that you wanted to.

“Yes, I’ve always wanted to be in a state of calmness where someone has full control of my body and mind. I want to be pushed to do things that embarrassment would never let me do in an ordinary state. I want you to take advantage of how weak I am in this moment.” Hitoshi pondered the thought, looking at you.

His control of you was weaker than it usually was on other people, you had every chance to escape from his grasp whenever you pleased. But you haven’t yet, was that consent or were you just doing it for him.

“Be honest, do you really want to do something sexual while I’m in control?”

“Yes, very much.” you said, staring blankly at him, but there was an undertone in your voice, a strange look in your eyes, lust. He couldn’t help himself, you’d had sex before but he’d never used his quirk on you during it. It was very much a turn on, seeing you be so brutally honest with him, so willing to do what he said, maybe this was a good idea, maybe it would help him trust himself.

“On your knees, then, Kitten~” your legs gave in and you flopped to your knees, legs rubbing together unconsiously. “Suck me off, will you?” he relaxed a little, knowing you’d take good good care of him.

You unzipped his pants, pulling his cock out of it’s confinements, jerking him off a little. Usually you fumbled with the zipper, then you’d blush furiously and be hesitant to touch him, nervous you’d do something wrong. But today, you did everything so eagerly, so ready to follow his instructions.

“Oh god damn that’s hot~” he murmured, watching you wrap your lips around the tip of his cock. You felt embarrassed, but there was nothing you could do to stop yourself. You could always break free of his command but there was no way you were going to do that. You were finally giving in to your most carnal desires, and doing so easily. You took in more of his cock, licking the underside. You’d never sucked him like this before, it was usually little kitty licks and lots of jerking him off until you gave up and had sex. 

He threw his head back, finally getting the blow-job he’d always wanted, his hips bucked up into your mouth and you gagged a little, embarrassing yourself. The noises were so lewd. You wanted to whimper, but instead you went down again, gagging harder. You looked up at him, bank eyes seeming innocent.

Hitoshi bit his lip, his face was almost as red as yours, and he looked so turned on. That face, it was so worth it. The small groans and shaky breaths he made everything worth it. You could feel him twitching in your mouth, he bucked his hips into your mouth and you stayed still, letting him embed his hand into your hair and face fuck you. 

He released control of you when he came, the white ropes spilling a little out of your mouth. You pulled off him, the rest of his cum splattering on your face. You’d never been able to make him cum from your mouth before, and it tasted weird. Your face was red in embarrassment, covering your face. 

“Fuuuuuck~ Kitty~” your thoughts were inturrupted by his groan, looking up at him. “That felt so goddamn good~” you stood up, sitting on his lap. You weren’t even under his control but you felt so brave. Seeing that you were able to make him feel good, even when you weren’t in control of yourself gave you confidence.

“Control me again.” you whispered. “Fuck me hard and good~ I know you want it~” he groaned, reaching behind you and grabbing something. Next thin gyou knew, you had his capture weapon tied around your arms, keeping you attached to the headboard as he grinned down at you.

“Ready Kitten?” he asked, and you eagerly responded, feeling yourself melt into the other-worldly calmness. He made quick work of your clothes, and soon found himself between your legs, mouth at work with your sex. Even under his control, you moaned out.

“Ah~ Hi-Hitoshi~ nn~” He pressed two fingers inside you, searching for the spot that usually made you cover your mouth, but this time it made you fucking scream. You were both surprised at the volume of your moan, and he smirked against your skin.

“Fuck I wanna hear that again~” he murmured, and you immediatly screamed again, shaking and orgasming against his face. He spluttered a little, backing up.

“Damn, cumming so soon? You must really like being under my control. Ready for my cock?” he teased and you blurted out everything you were feeling

“Yes yes please! I love it! Fuck me so good, please!” you heard his throaty laugh as he pushed inside you. Your walls fluttered around his cock and he choked out a moan.

“Fuck~” you struggled against your bonds. He groaned, biting down on your neck as he started to move. “Tell me how you feel, Kitten. I wanna hear every detail, no matter how lewd or dirty~”

“Fuck!” you moaned. “Y-your cock is stretching me so good! It’s hitting all the right spots and it feels so damn good~ I love the feeling of closing control to you~ please take full control, fuck me so good and cum deep inside me!” His hips stuttered against yours as he sped up, you bucked your hips against his, ready to cum all over him. 

“I’m going to let go soon~” he panted. “I want your reaction to be fully natural when you cum from my cock~” you nodded, moaning loudly.

“I’m going to cum soon, please let me~”

“F-free Kitten, literally~ hehe” he joked, releasing control. You blinked rapidly before moaning out loudly, thrashing against your restraints as you orgasmed. Hitoshi continued his movements throughout your high, pulling out when you fell mostly limp against the sheets. He jerked himself off, cumming on your stomach. He panted, smiling down at you.

“Thanks, that actually felt really good~ we should definetly do that again~”

“I’m glad, I enjoyed it a lot too, feel a little better?” he flopped down on top of you, pressing a kiss to your neck.

“Uh, can you untie me?”

“If you promise to confront those second years for me, I am not talking to them.”

“I’d do that anyways~” you giggled.

[forlornmelody]

The Fantabulous Vacation of One Harley Quinn and Her Girlfriend Poison Ivy

Rating: T (suggestive themes, cartoon violence)

Fandom(s): DC Comics

Ship: Poison Ivy/Harley Quinn

Linkage: Ao3

Summary:   Harley's been burning the wick at both ends and Ivy knows just the thing to help. But it takes more than just a change of scenery to get Harley to let go.

Note:  Commission for @rookie009

~*~*~*

“You’re probably wondering Mr---Watchman--”

“Tockman.” Mr. Watchman spits. “William Tockman.”

“Why I’ve brought you here today.”

Mr. Watchman rolls his eyes. “I imagine you’re going to tell me.” 

“Ah! Good. You’ve stopped struggling. Progress, Mister!” Harley boops him on the nose. Maybe she made the binding too tight? “I’m not cutting off your circulation, am I?” She leans in close. “Are you comfortable? I need you comfortable.” 

“I’m tied up in ropes, wench!”

“Ah, see! This is what I’m talking about!” Harley sits across from him and his fainting couch, pulling her pen from her bun and making a heading on her notepad. “You have a whore madonna complex.” Chewing her pen, she murmurs, “perhaps from the trauma of your wife’s death? Cystic Fibrosis, was it?”

Her new patient says nothing. “Mister?” Harley glances up. “Willy?”

“Help!” William Tockman dangles from his left ankle, suspended in air by a beefy vine.  “She’s gonna kill me!” 

“Oh please. You’re hardly worth the trouble.” Ivy steps around him and the vine, brushing the dust off her hands. “Hi Harls!” How she got the vines up this far on this abandoned apartment building, Harley has no idea. But it sure has a lot of brick to climb. 

“Ivy!” Harley doesn’t so much as hug her as ram her at full speed. 

Her target, used to such behavior by now, braces for impact and manages to hug back. Harley takes a big whiff. “Mm. Jasmine?”

“Lilacs.” Ivy peers over at Clock King. “You...uh, busy?”

“Mm yeah. A little tied up at the moment. Or he is, at least.”

“So I see.” Ivy chews her lip, staring out the window as if she had left a reminder there. She makes a face as the draft stirs some of the painting tarp discarded on the floor. “I was thinking maybe we could get out of town for a bit.”

“HELP.” 

“Are you asking for help, Billy? Or do you prefer Willy?”

“HELP ME! THESE WOMEN ARE CRAZY.” 

“Great!” Harley says brightly. “Admitting you need help is the first step towards healing!”

“Harls? Are you even listening?”

“You need help dismantling another CEO along with his company?”

“No.”

“Fundraiser for conservation efforts?”

“Harley--”

“Pride pre-game with Kitty?”

“Harleen.” That stops Harley short. Ivy never calls her that. Mostly cause she hates getting called Pamela with an undying passion. Probably childhood trauma. But Harley digresses. 

Ivy sighs. “Sorry. Look. I need a vacation. We need a vacation.”

“I need help!” 

“SHUT UP ALREADY.” Ivy and Harley say it together, and Ivy waves a hand, muffling Harley’s captive, er, patient with a particularly broad leaf. 

“Mm... I’m a little busy--”

Ivy glances at Tockman, finally. “I can see that.”

“Lemme look at my calendar. Mmm.. maybe...next year? Definitely the one after that.”

“Harls.”

“I know, I know. But there’s my derby team, missions with Task Force X, the Birds of Prey, my day job--”

“I know.” Ivy takes her hands, gently, and squeezes them. It’s the softness that stops Harley in her tracks. “It’s why you need some time off.”

“But--”

“Shh. I already have plane tickets and a hotel booked. You don’t have to plan a thing.”

Harley can’t help the blush creeping up on her cheeks. “Aww, shucks, Ives. When are we leaving?”

“Now. The plane’s departing in--shit. We gotta go.”

“MMRPH.” 

“Oh, right.” Ivy releases Clock King with a patented thud as she shoves Harley out the door. “Bye!”

-----

“So, we’re we goin’?” Harley pushes the arm rest out of the way and rests her chin on Ivy’s shoulder. She glances at Ivy’s phone as if it’ll give her some clues. She spots a sudoku puzzle. “Japan?”

“No.”

“The Amazon?”

“Nope.”

“Themyscyra?” 

Ivy gives her a look. “Really?”

“Er….my mom’s? Please say it’s not my mom’s.”

“It’s not your mom’s.”

“Thank God.”

“Also, why would we fly to your mom’s house when we could easily drive? Or take a commuter bus?”

“Good point. Mm.”

Ivy smooths Harley’s hair out of her eyes. “It’s a surprise.” She snatches a quick kiss before the flight attendant rolls by. “You’ll love it.”

In this moment, Harley’s pretty sure she’d love anywhere as long Ivy’s there with her. She’s lit up by the light of the tiny window behind her, and her crimson locks glow like an angel’s. But Harley knows well enough that neither of them are anywhere close to innocent. “Say, how’d you get us past security?”

Ivy winks at her. 

“No casualties?”

Her lover mockingly brushes her own chest like a scandalized church mouse. “I would never!” she snorts. “They’ll be fine. Just a little dazed and confused.”

Harley leans her head on Ivy’s shoulder. “I know the feelin’.” And really! Harley’s proud of her. Ivy’s never been one to follow rules or care for humans. But she tries for Harley. Why she bothers when Mistah J never seemed to care, Harley has no idea. But it means the world to her. 

-----

The taxi drops them off in front of a large revolving door. But it’s not the gold handles that capture Harley’s attention. 

It’s the lush plants growing from every nook and cranny on the place. Harley bets Ivy could spend an hour naming all of them (scientific names and personal names.) Butterflies and hummingbirds in every color of the rainbow--and the faint buzzing of bees. A solitary stream crosses their path, and a wooden bridge stretches over it. Garden terrace after garden terrace rise up from the ground to an open-air cafe at the top. 

And behind the walls and the hotel proper? A waterpark. 

Harley’s eyes go as big as saucers. “Ivy! You shouldn’t have!” She squeezes her into a hug.

“Thanks, sweet pea, but I can’t breathe.” Ivy manages to get out.

“Oof, sorry. Here ya go.” Harley releases her, and Ivy pecks her on the cheek. 

“Best part is, they’ve a zero-carbon footprint and they’re waste free.” Harley rarely sees her grin so wide.” 

“Whoa.”

“They call it The Greenhouse.”

-----

Their first day at the resort passes in a blur. Harley shows Ivy a good time in and out of their bedroom. They go snorkeling in the ocean, ride the rides so many times Harley ends up upchucking their picnic at the beach, then make love at sunset in their honeymoon suite. Harley wonders if the management thinks they’re--well, they’re as good as, aren’t they? They don’t need rings or a wedding or a place of their own or--

“Harley?”

She blinks. Ivy only calls her that when she’s worried. Harley realizes she’s been staring at the chocolates on their pillows for God knows how long. “Yeah?”

“You okay?”

“Of course!” she says automatically, pulling Ivy into another kiss.

Ivy kisses back, then runs a finger down her cheek. “You’d tell me if you weren’t, right?” The setting sun makes her hair even redder, which Harley didn’t think possible, and Harley finds herself toying with her curls. 

“Hey, I’ve been wonderin’.”

If Ivy notices the change in subject, she doesn’t mention it. “Yeah?”

“How come we haven’t seen any other guests? And how come we haven’t been arrested?”

“Oh! That.” Ivy waves a hand dismissively. “I rented out the whole resort.”

“With what money??”

Ivy shoots her a wicked look that sends shivers down Harley’s spine. “Ace Chemical’s investment fund.”

“Ooooh, you’re naughty.” 

Harley dives in for another kiss but Ivy puts a finger to her lips. And doesn’t let her suck on it. Rude. “So, are you going to tell me what’s bothering you?”

“Since we’ve got all this extra cash, wanna make a run at the casino? I hear they donate the proceeds to rainforest restoration.”

“Alright.” Ivy sighs and reaches for her dress. Harley has a sinking feeling that she’s going to bring this up later. Maybe if Harley’s lucky she’ll forget about it? Yeah. Ivy forgets things all the time. 

“Last one there buys the first round!”

-----

Ivy and Harley sit across from each other, an immaculate brunch setting between them and two mimosas. Her lover’s plate sits almost empty, and while Harley’s lies largely untouched. She keeps playing with her veggie egg white omelet, but the next bite never seems to make it to her mouth. “And then we can go for a walk on the beach later! Have you seen those beds? Right there on the water? Mm. Do you think anyone would hear us if we--”

“Harley, wait.”

“Like, the sound of the waves would cover it up, right? Mm. Maybe not. I’m loud. Not as loud as--”

“Harley, no. Stop. Stop.” Ivy presses her hands on either side of Harley’s face, drawing her to a standstill and inches away from her. “You don’t have to do this.”

“I want to!”

Ivy gives her a sad smile, shaking her head gently. “You don’t have to impress me, Harls. I love you.”

Harley, in typical Harley fashion, vibrates with energy. “But…I want this to be special. As special as y--”

“This vacation already is special. Cause you’re here with me.”

“But--” I’m not that special, Harley wants to say. But she knows Ivy won’t let her get away with saying that out loud. She wants to crawl underneath the tablecloth and hide until Ivy leaves. They always leave in the end. Once they get what they want. Mistah J--

“I love you, Harley Quinn.” Ivy takes her hand, gently, rubbing her thumb over her knuckles. “I’m not going anywhere.”

And maybe. Maybe it’s that she doesn’t know what to do if Ivy stays. It’s easier to love someone who doesn’t love her back. It’s safe. Ahem. Emotionally safe, Dr. Quinzel says inside her head. For once, Harley has nothing to say. She’s too busy trying to keep the tears from falling. 

“You don’t have to do anything. I already love you.” Ivy bites her lip--the way she always does when she’s thinking hard. Like how best to resurrect a drooping petunia or a rose bush that has a pest. She takes a deep breath, steeling herself. “And if it’s not too much--too early--to say this: I always will.” 

“You proposin’ or somethin’?” The words tumble out of Harley’s mouth before she can stop them. Her cheeks feel like they’re blushing as bright as Ivy’s hair. 

“I…” Ivy’s eyes widen. “I-I don’t have a ring on me.”

Shit. Fuck. ShitshitshitFuuuuuuuuuck. “I’msorryIdidn’tmeanit.” “It’s way too soon.” Harley puts on her best brave face--the same one she always put on when Bats showed up and Mistah J magically was nowhere to be found. “Marriage is so outda--”

“Harley.” Ivy puts her entire hand over her face. “Quinn.” “I never said I didn’t want to marry you.”

“Mmphwr?” 

“Who wouldn’t want to marry Harley Quinn? You’re amazing.” She traces her eyebrows. “You’re the smartest person I know.” Boops her nose. “You’re impossible to kill. Holy fuck.” Runs her fingertip across her bottom lip. “You…” Ivy presses her lips together, looking down at the table. “You helped me love again when I hated everyone.”

“Pam.” Fuck, she’s getting misty eyed. 

“I mean it. I was ready to wipe humanity off the map and start over.” She laughs a little, her voice rough as she wipes her cheek with the back of her hand. “But then you came along and nominated yourself my new shrink.”

“Don’t give me all the credit.” Wow, okay. Maybe she’s more than just misty-eyed. “You saved me too. From Mistah Jay. From Bats. From what woulda been a really boring life.”

Ivy’s smile slips slightly. “You’re not gonna die on me, are you Harls?”

Harley squeezes her hand. “Nah. You’re stuck with me.” Her words come out a little thick. “For richer or poorer.” 

Her lover leans in close, capturing her lips in a warm kiss. “That’s usually pretty literal for you.”

“HEY.” 

“It’s true! Guess I’ll have to see if Ace or maybe Lexcorp has any funds they won’t miss. I need to get that ring soon. Garnet? Spinel maybe?”

“Aww, shucks. How am I gonna be surprised now?”

Ivy scoffs. “If it’s a real surprise, it’s not a good time for a proposal.”

“But what if I want to be like those girls in those Tik Toks? Like where you propose to me but like I got my own box in my pocket?”

“Harley. A ring box wouldn’t fit in your tiny ass pockets, and you know it.”

“You know what would fit in my shorts?”

“Harleen Francis Quinzel.” Her laughter dissolves in a kiss and Harley pulls her back to their suite. They got a lot of planning to do. Though Harley has a pretty good feeling they’re not gonna get a whole lot of planning done today. But Harley’s okay with that. Pam’s always been the top of her to-do list anyway.

[reneesi]

i never would have thought // CH.09

WRITTEN PORTION

“Pic-nic! Pic-nic! Pic-nic YAY!” (Y/n) chanted out in glee, practically floating as she skipped atop the gravel path. Yachi giggled at the display, linking her free arm with (Y/n) and shooting her a toothy grin. 

The three Karasuno volleyball managers had been planning a girls day for a couple weeks, and this was the first free Saturday since (Y/n)’s photoshoot. They had set out on a quest to have a sunlit lunch beneath the trees. Yachi, carrying a blanket under her arm, had dressed up in a white sundress and left her hair down. In contrast Kiyoko was sporting a long brown patterned skirt and a black tank top, her slender fingers were wrapped around the handle of a round picnic basket. (Y/n) had been charged with bringing the drinks, hence the kitty cat backpack draped across her shoulders. She’d brought ramune and completed the trio’s aesthetic with a midi dress and white t-shirt underneath. 

When they’d found a quiet spot under a large tree that provided some semblance of shade, the three worked together to set up their picnic. Ten minutes later they sat on a soft pastel checkered blanket, drinking cold soda, and relaxing under the shreds of sunlight peeking through the leaves above. 

“I should have brought my camera.” (Y/n) sighed longingly, a content smile splayed across her features.

“We can always take pictures on our cell phone Hinata-chan!” Yachi piped up.

“Yeah, you’re right. It’s just so beautiful here.” (Y/n) sung, leaning back into her arms which were placed out behind her, providing support. She let the lids of her eyes fall shut as her head tipped back lazily, enjoying the weather which felt absolutely divine. 

The heat was starting to become more bearable given that fall was right around the corner, but the sun still shone just as bright, leaving a warm residue in the afternoon air. Gentle breeze blew through the grass, running its slick fingers through the field and up to (Y/n)’s hair, cooling the sweat that threatened to build at the nape of her neck. As (Y/n) sat there, eyes closed and listening to the grass blades jostle against one another, Yachi and Kiyoko launched into a quiet conversation about club duties and then Sugawara and Daichi’s relationship. It was calm and easy, both speaking only words of kindness in low peaceful tones. 

“How long have they been dating?” (Y/n) asked, cutting in as her feet finally touched back down to earth.

“About three months I think, but they’ve both had feelings for a long time,” Kiyoko smiled.

“I'm so glad they finally did start dating, they make such a good couple!” Yachi gushed, clasping her hands together “But I can't imagine what the confession must have been like, confessions have always made me too nervous!” 

Yachi’s hands flew up to hold her cheeks as they flushed red at the mere thought of such confrontation, Kiyoko giggled along. 

“Yeah, confessing sounds stressful.” (Y/n) pondered aloud, tapping at her chin.

“Is there someone you have in mind?” Kiyoko inquired innocently, cocking her head slightly to the side. (Y/n) looked back in confusion.

“In mind..?” she repeated, still perplexed.

“Someone you ‘wouldn’t’ want to confess to!” Yachi giggled, scooting closer to (Y/n) and shooting her a suggestive smirk. (Y/n) felt her cheeks grow warm, sure that the pink on her features would only spread if the conversation continued.

“I-I.. well not, I mean-“ (Y/n) tried. She kept her gaze lowered towards her hands, fidgeting with the hem of her skirt.

“Aww it’s okay Hinata-chan! We were just teasing, sorry!” Yachi laughed, scratching the back of her head sheepishly.

“No, no! I mean, what I was trying to say before is that there isn’t anyone that I’m interested in right now! At all!” (Y/n) finally spluttered out, a little louder and a lot more aggressive than she’d intended.

“What about Tsukishima?” Kiyoko asked evenly, soft tones failing to cushion the bluntness of her sudden inquiry.

 (Y/n) paused for a moment, thinking back to the conversation of the previous night. Even if she had somehow started to develop any sort of feelings it didn’t really matter since she couldn’t tell if Tsukishima actually even wanted to be friends. He was always so confusing..

Finally, (Y/n) shook her head.

“We’re just friends.” She assured, face calming back to its gentle rosy cream. Kiyoko studied her for a moment before nodding.

“You guys seem to be getting along much better lately.” Kiyoko smiled lightly, easing herself down to lay on her side. 

“I hope so... the truth is I can’t blame you guys for thinking there might have been something there on my part.” (Y/n) laughed diffidently, “I was just always so nervous that he’d hate me so I ended up getting all tense and acting weird around him.... hopefully he didn’t notice.”

(Y/n) let out a long sigh.

“Why would you think he might hate you?” Yachi asked, confusion dotting her words.

“He’s just so far away from everyone. Back home things were so different, and I guess I got accustomed to reading people a certain way. So when he was all cold I thought I'd... I dunno, done something wrong..?” (Y/n) shrugged, Kiyoko nodded thoughtfully.

“That makes more sense, and you really don’t have to tell us but what exactly was back home... like?” Kiyoko questioned hesitantly. She’d taken her time to ask the question in a way that was sweetened and less direct, hoping to create the least amount of discomfort. Regardless, (Y/n)’s shoulders tended slightly.

“It was...” She trailed off, as Yachi reached over and placed a comforting hand on her thigh.

“It’s okay, you really don’t have to say,” Yachi said softly. (Y/n) shook her head and continued

“No it’s okay. It was just a completely different world. I’ve never really talked about it, and I’m not sure how much Shoyo has told you guys, but I grew up in a really... wealthy... family.” (Y/n) paused, averting her eyes. 

She always hated talking about that part of herself, the part that made people uncomfortable and the environment shift into a stiff stillness that never had the room for friendly connection. The same type of air that suffocated her to near death back home. The silence began to weigh down into her spine, so (Y/n) continued.

“The culture, it’s j-just really different.. and well my parents wanted me to be something.. someone that I wasn’t. They wanted me to dress a certain way, act like I was perfect, and just let people walk all over me. And I just didn’t want that, so I kinda took every opportunity to show them that.” (Y/n) laughed to herself reaching up to touch her long brown locks instinctively. 

“That’s actually why I dyed my hair brown,” she continued “in rebellion. And I did a bunch of other stupid things like rip up clothes and wear make up I knew they’d hate. Mostly though, I would argue with them... and one day they kind of realized I wasn’t gonna give up and I think my Mom.. she realized I was really unhappy..” 

“I-i’m really sorry (Y/n)..” Yachi said quietly. (Y/n) looked up and met her eyes, forcing a smile.

“It’s okay, don’t be. I’m here now and I’m really really happy! Happier than I’ve ever been!” (Y/n) smiled wide and held up a thumbs up 

“We’re glad you’re here too.” Kiyoko said softly as Yachi leaned to lay her head across (Y/n)’s lap. (Y/n) stroked through the stands of blonde lovingly.

“That’s why I wanted everyone to like me so much. I never really felt like I fit in back home.. everyone wanted that lifestyle of fake smiles and champagne.. I..” (Y/n) furrowed her brows, 

“I just wanted to be free.” She said definitively, looking up to find Kiyoko’s approving smile still beaming her way.

“How did you convince them to let you come?” Yachi asked suddenly, pulling (Y/n)’s eyes back down to her lap.

“We made a deal. They agreed to let me stay here through highschool as long as I go to the college they choose and marry the person they want me to.” (Y/n) explained, light disappointment visible through the cracks of her syllables.

“(Y/n)...” Yachi whispered, big teary eyes peering up at the brunette as Yachi reached up to touch (Y/n)’s face. (Y/n) smiled placing her own hand over Yachi’s which now rested against her cheek. 

“It’s okay,” (Y/n) said, glancing up at Kiyoko who was giving her a similar look of sympathy “Really!”

“I've never really believed in love much so it’s not like I was waiting around for my soul mate.” (Y/n) reassured.

“But what if you meet someone and-“ Yachi spoke up

“I just wanna have fun while I’m here and try to make the most of it.” (Y/n) cut her off, smiling softly in such a way that Yachi and Kiyoko quickly understood the topic wasn’t open for discussion. Kiyoko began talking about college applications and careers and the weight of vulnerability finally began to wear off of (Y/n)’s shoulders. As the trio fell back into their easy jokes and conversations they pulled out trays of sushi and dried seaweed, giggling in unison as they shared light hearted memories. 

Eventually, when the sky had turned into a sea of warm colors and fluffy watercolor clouds, (Y/n) felt a buzz in her pocket. She was forced to pull away from the conversation and check her text messages.

“Who’s it from?” Yachi asked, leaning over (Y/n)’s shoulders to peer at her screen.

“It’s Noya-senpai he said to look behind-“

“KIYOKO!!!!” A bellow erupted over the outstretched field behind (Y/n), as stampeding footsteps grew louder. The three managers snapped their heads towards the sudden noise, eyes wide, as three figures came into view. 

“HINATA-CHAN!!” Nishinoya screamed, a geeky smile splashed across his lips feeding up to the crinkles in his eyes. Faux tears were streaming from Tanka and Nishinoya as they ran towards the trio at full speed, arms outstretched before them. Behind them Yamaguchi was carrying a volleyball looking sheepish, a light blush tinting his cheeks as he waved a small hello. 

(Y/n) began to stand only to be tackled to the ground by both Nishinoya and Tanaka. She screamed as they trapped her in an overbearing hug.

“You idiots that hurt!” She laughed, pushing them off of her as she sat up and bonked both their heads simultaneously. They immediately wrapped their arms around her once more.

“We missed yOU SO MUCH!!” Nishinoya cried.

“We were just too jealous of your picnic, we couldn’t help but crash it!!” Tanaka wept, pulling away and leaning back to look at Kiyoko.

“Please don’t be mad~” He said to her, giving the upperclassmen puppy dog eyes. Kiyoko bit back a smile and maintained her aloofness, even if barely so.

“Don’t look at me, this picnic was Hinata-chan’s idea.” She said matter of factly, Tanaka turned back to (Y/n).

“C'mon please leT US STAY WE JUST WANNA BE WITH OUR PRECIOUS MANAGERS!” Tanaka bawled, throwing his arms around (Y/n) yet again. She sighed in feigned annoyance.

“Hi hi Hinata-chan, Kiyoko-senpai, Yachi-san.” Yamaguchi cut in, finally catching up to his friends under the tree. He placed the volleyball down gently before taking a seat next to Yachi, bumping her shoulder lightly with a smile. (Y/n)’s heart surged and she bit her lip to conceal the smile threatening to burst out.

“Fineee, you guys can stay.” She sighed, drawing it out a little too much. Tanaka and Nishinoya rejoiced, jumping to their feet as they chanted on about being accepted into the “managers only” hang out. The six team mates sat under golden sunlight, cracking jokes and chatting mindlessly until the sun set. 

That is until Nishinoya’s energy got the best of him and he and Tanaka insisted on showing (Y/n) how to receive and serve. Which might have been a great idea if Tanka and Nishinoya weren’t such terrible teachers. In the end Yamaguchi went home with a bruise on his head and (Y/n) vowed to never touch a volleyball again. She swore everyone to secrecy over Yamaguchi’s injury, praying that Tsukishima wouldn’t find out and kill her over it. Too bad Yamaguchi was a terrible liar.

CH.09 II pic-nic date!!

previous I next

MASTERLIST

Tagslist: @domtamaki​ @kodzu-ken​ @clowninfortodoroki​ @kageyamasbabygorl​ @miya-yume​ @chaelysian​ @kittyddandnyla​ @chaseyui​ @it-was-just-a-ship​ @melanie09astrid​ @naorii-chan​ @chaoticalybiased​ @saltyteefff​ @aristatrois​ @iamthepenguinwhosearseisonfire​ @raineedayze​

[colonel-insomniac]

Symphony

Hey geeks, this is my first time writing for miraculous ladybug, but i think this is a good debut piece. This was written to the song “I Hear a Symphony” by Cody Fry, so do with that what you will. Anyways, this is dedicated to @pawsomelybuggy. Onwards friends.

TW: CHARACTER ILLNESS AND TERMINAL ILLNESS

“I used to hear a simple song…”

Sure, Luka was considered a “villain,” but he felt it was a classic “right reason executed in the wrong way” sort of thing. He wasn’t a villain because he wanted the Earth to shatter and crumble. And if people knew how guilty he genuinely felt when he stole the snake miraculous behind Ladybug’s back, their opinion on him might change.

He shoved his hands in his pocket, head downcast as the grey sky above released its crystal drops. Luka scoffs, because why should the universe even be surprised at this point? He would assume that the universe was detached from all the second chancing he’s done as Viperion. He hates the black suit he’s currently wearing, and the uncomfortable pointy shoes he walks the streets of Paris in. But for Adrien Agreste, he would do anything. Basically almost has done everything. Nothing’s worked.

Adrien had been sick for a while. At first, no one was sure what was wrong, not even Adrien, who brushed it off as a cold. But things progressively got worse, to the point where he was consistently fatigued and weak. He became a shell of what was the model of good health, frail and bony. It all came to a head when he was at the Couffaine residence, practicing in Kitty Section, when tiny red spots covered his skin, bruises littering the spaces in between. No one should be able to bruise that much unless something severe was going on. Everyone had thought maybe Mr. Agreste had overstepped a boundary and gotten physical in some fit of rage, so no one was prepared for the verdict they got.

“Leukemia.” The doctor said. Instantly, Luka felt as though the air was knocked out of him, and would have fallen to his knees if it weren’t for Marinette and Alya standing on either side of him.

He had both wanted to see Adrien, and desperately wanted to turn around and run, jump in the Seine, hide in his room. Something so that he wouldn’t have to face the fact that Adrien had this terrible sickness. Luka had resurfaced to hear the grim news—Adrien hadn’t been diagnosed in time to stop it. The doctor’s said the most they could do would be to make what time he had left comfortable.

Then came the one time Gabriel Agreste has probably ever been kind to his child. He immediately abandoned his work to come to the hospital, his face still stone cold and blank as he threatened the hospital if they didn’t at least try to help Adrien.

He thinks back to when Adrien started losing his hair. He had been so upset that he wouldn’t let anyone in the room, had his bodyguard see to it that that stayed true. Luka still doesn’t understand how he’d managed to get in that day, but he remembers walking in quietly, seeing the side of Adrien’s head, his hair nearly gone. A look of desperation was etched on his face, with a mixture of hopelessness as he stared out the window.

“That was until you came along…”

He’d been mad at first, and Luka had felt guilty about disrespecting Adrien’s wishes. But he knew, more than anything, that being alone was worse than disobeying what the boy wanted. Luka had given him his first beanie that day, the first of many to come. He’d also given Adrien a rose, white with a black ribbon.

Long after the rose had wilted and been thrown out, Adrien had kept the black ribbon, and had it tied to his wrist like a bracelet. The gesture had made Luka’s heart skip a beat, and so he kept bringing Adrien roses, if only to bring a smile to the boy’s face.

Through this, no one had seen Chat Noir, which on a whole was not an issue, Hawkmoth hadn’t really created any new akumas. Mostly, they had seen the return of Mr. Pigeon, who was an easy person to best, someone Ladybug could defeat on her own. Chat had attempted to show up the first couple times, but upon seeing his pale tone and unatural sweat plastering his hair to his forehead, Ladybug had promptly told him to go home and rest. He’d had to be pushed off the scene, but after the third or fourth time, had stopped showing up. Ladybug had voiced her concern to Alya as the author of the Ladyblog, but no one had seen any trace of the cat themed superhero.

“Now in its place is something new, I hear it when I look at you…”

Luka numbly walked on, not paying attention to his surroundings. There was no point, in all honesty, not when he knew where he was heading. It played out this way dozens of times now, so he figures he can afford to be absorbed by his thoughts, at least until he reaches… he shakily inhales, unable to admit even to himself where he was headed. The rain fell faster, the universe seemingly weeping with him, mourning the loss of a soul that definitely did not deserve their allotted fate.

Luka was barely able to bite back sobs, his brisk pace halting to a complete stop as he hugged his sides. The world felt permanently grey, endless and hopeless.

Those last days with Adrien the first time were the worst. They were cast in a golden glow, the spark that had always lived in Adrien’s eyes had dimmed. He seemed tired, but scared. Luka stayed by him practically 24/7, the boy leaning into the warmth that Luka’s body provided. “I’m scared.” He whispered, and Luka bit his lip hard enough to bleed. What were you supposed to say to someone who’s dying? “It’ll all be okay, except that it won’t because you won’t be here?” Absolutely not, instead he opted for “I’m scared too.” Days later, and Adrien would succumb to the cancer, leaving Luka in what felt like a vacuum devoid of all happiness.

Much to Luka’s torment, the boy had passed while Luka was asleep, and assumingly was asleep as well. At least, that’s what Luka had convinced himself so he could find some sort of peace. He had woken up to a voice, pleading for Adrien to not be gone, but when he opened his eyes, he couldn’t see anyone. He’d soon find out that Adrien was Chat Noir, and it was Plagg who had been begging for Adrien.

“With simple songs, I wanted more, perfection is so quick to bore…”

Plagg had loved the boy dearly, it was evident in the way he didn’t want to part with the boy, and would have rather been buried with Adrien over getting a new holder, Luka, having been Viperion previously, knew exactly what Plagg was, and scooped him in his hands, gingerly slipping Adrien’s ring off as nurses rushed in to try and resuscitate Adrien. Soon, Luka found his way to the roof, and sat dangling his legs off the roof, silently crying and sharing the pain with possibly the only other being to understand what fully loving Adrien felt like.

That’s where he first had gotten the idea to go rogue and steal Sass to save Adrien. Plagg was quick to discourage the idea, but his hesitance was enough to push Luka in the opposite direction. Getting Sass was easier than he thought it’d be, and that was when he rewound time for the first time. He was back to holding Adrien, and quickly rewound again, to get to a couple days before. This is where he’d start again.

For the first hundred times, he quickly realized he was dancing on a thin line of morality. Attended Adrien’s funeral about a hundred times. Rewound time dozens more. Nothing changed besides Ladybug realizing the missing miraculous and declaring Viperion an enemy. People grew to hate him time and time again, and not once had he bothered to try and clear his name, he just took it. Over and over again, publicly fighting Ladybug at one point and barely hanging onto his sanity through the fight.

“You are my beautiful, by far, our flaws are who we really are…”

And now he walks again, failed again, Plagg and Sass peeking out of his breast pocket with sad eyes. By this time, he’d told Adrien several times that he was in love with him, kissed his cheek dozens of times, and just held the boy to comfort him many more times. Nothing ever changed and Luka was getting to a point in his frustration where he wanted to throw something, and being a generally mellow person, that was saying something.

Getting lightheaded at the thought of being in that field again, he sat down, putting his head in his hands and trying to regulate his breathing. Luka glanced at his wrist, at the snake miraculous ready to pull him back again whenever he decides to. Normally, he’d rather stand and get through this feeling, but he simply just does not care anymore. If it’s going to rain on him let it rain. The only thing that matters anymore is saving Adrien. And that’s all he can think of doing anymore.

He can’t make it to the funeral, he knows that now. He might have forced himself through the torture of it several times before, but it’s worn him down. Luka looks down at the kwamis, mutters a monotonous “sorry,” and pulls the bracelet.

“I used to hear a simple song, that was until you came along…”

The feeling of light ripping through his body is impossible to get used to, but he soon opens his eyes to find himself in the middle of a hospital courtyard dappled in sunlight falling through the trees. Adrien sits beside him, had begged Luka to let him sit in the grass and not the wheelchair, so now the both sit in the grass. The blonde haired boy leans against the tree behind him, eyes closed and a peaceful smile gracing his face. It brought Luka a hollow joy to see his love smile, if only for a little.

“Luka.” Adrien cracks open an eye, a hint of a mischievous glint residing in them. He patiently waits for Luka to muster the courage to respond. When he does, Adrien swiftly pulls two blades of grass to his lips and blows, creating a piercing whistle. Luka jumps, startled, but mulls over the resonating melody that it creates in the world. Perfectly descriptive of Adrien as always, and that never ceases to baffle Luka.

Adrien laughs, the sound pulling a smile from Luka. Later, he gets scolded for giving into Adriens pleas to sit in the grass. “What harm can it do,” he snaps. “He’s dying and we all know it. Why shouldn’t he be able to enjoy what little time he has left.” That gets the nurse to stop and nod. Maybe it’s just the tears in Luka’s eyes coupled with the desperation and sorrow in his voice.

Adrien holds Luka’s hand in his after the blue haired boy convinces Adrien to eat some food. Luka has some bright green nail polish on the bed tray per request of Adrien, who had conveyed to Luka he at least wanted to be rebellious in his dying moments a couple days prior. Luka had withdrawn after, much to Adrien’s displeasure, and had then found how affected Luka was from all this. Breaking out of his trance, Luka feels the weight of Adrien’s head on his shoulder, and Luka turns to press his cheek against his head.

Luka stares at the bottle of green polish before raising his knee to put Adrien’s hand on it. “Hold still so I don’t mess up,” he warns Adrien, but has a feeling the other boy will do something to mess him up anyways.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Adrien responds, just minutes before he jerks his hand, resulting in a bright green streak across his hand.

“You took my broken melody, and now, I hear a symphony…”

Days later, and the outcome doesn’t change. Luka resets time again.

Adrien cups Luka’s cheek in his hand, his cool palm causing a stir in Luka, who subconsciously leaned into the embrace. “You look tired, dear.” Adrien mumbled. Luka squeezed his eyes tight so Adrien wouldn’t have to see him cry.

With a shaky inhale, Luka leaned down, resting his head against Adrien’s shoulder. ‘I’m so tired. Please, stay with me this time.” He pleads, knowing it’s not up to Adrien to decide.

“I promise I won’t.” Adrien whispers, wrapping his arms around Luka.

Many times later, and the doctors finally find a viable solution.

“And now, I hear a symphony.”

[black-streak]

Little Pistol - Nothing Personal

Chapter 2

First Previous Next

It'll be a minute before Tim is actually introduced here, by the way. Mostly because I'm not 100% certain who exactly I want him to be affiliated with and how he'll operate yet.

Which reminds me, I'm opening that to a vote that I'll post tomorrow. It's open to all, but anyone tagged in this should expect to be tagged onto that as well. I would like your input, please.

LP Taglist

@zalladane @moonlightstar64 @amayakans @elmokingkong @queen-in-a-flower-crown @karategirl119 @dreamykitty25 @danielslilangel @melicmusicmagic @xahriia @sassakitty

Permanent list

@naoryllis @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen @my-name-is-michell @maribat-is-lifeblood @dast218 @novicevoice @shizukiryuu @princess-of-fangirls @bigpicklebananatree @pirats-pizzacanninibles @abrx2002 @breemeister @darkthunder1589 @thestressmademedoit @severelyenchantedwonderland @isabellemasen @multi-fandom-freak0221 @fantasyloversblog @bzz75 @cloudiedraws @jardimazul @orbitsvt @gingerdaile @sotheresthatthought @kadmeread @novaloptr @unabashedlyswimmingtimemachine @crazylittlemunchkin @18-fandoms-unite-08 @tiny-goddess-of-chaos @ladybug-182 @toodaloo-kangaroo @the-alice-of-hearts

~---~

The next battle came as a stark contrast to the normal. Chat still flirted, still tried to get close, but he kept fighting, kept helping even when she ignored him. Then, the most amazing thing happened. She got hit after getting distracted by one of his comments and instead of yelling at him for it and being pushed off in turn, he turned to the akuma. Without a word from her, he stopped his comments and went after the cursed object with a single minded focus she'd never seen from him before. Within ten minutes with minimal help on her part, he was presenting her with the blackened hair tie of the victim. 

"A token, m'lady," he bowed, but kept his eyes downcast.

"Thank you, Chat," she managed to get out in her surprise, taking the item and working her magic on it and the city alike.

"I'm sorry," he murmured at her side, "I distracted you and got you hurt. That's my fault."

"It is," she agreed, not wanting to lie and say it wasn't, but also fighting back her urge to comfort him, "You'll do better next time," she stated.

"Much better," he promised, peeking up at her in hope of forgiveness. She swallowed back her instinct to grant it.

"Good," she nodded and took off back to school.

…

She spent most of the school day comparing his attitude this time to the last akuma attack, startled to realize what a difference a single conversation could make. She did that. She managed to make him change. Sure, she was injured, but only the once and he even said he was sorry! Took responsibility for his mistakes. That was unprecedented. She couldn't help but wonder how much pushing it would take to stop him completely. To incite obedience. Not that she planned to push it to that level, but it was a curious thing.

As she pondered on the logistics of such an act, just for the fun of it, she stepped out of the classroom, intending to head out for the day, she noticed Chloe shooing Sabrina off. Probably to act on some offhanded whim of the blonde. Marinette can't help the niggling thought of how she could change that as well. What words would it take to set Sabrina free? What made Chloe tick? 

As she passed Alya, the reporter talking to Nino, or rather, at Nino, she thought of how to switch the roles. How to encourage Nino to express himself more openly. To be comfortable in his own skin enough to confidently express it. 

Her grin grew as she planned out exactly how each encounter went down, coming up with on the spot ideas and improvising at a drop of a hat for whatever response they might have. It reminded her of the thrill of figuring out a particularly difficult lucky charm. Plus, it was perfectly harmless to consider right? As long as she didn't act on it. And even if she did, it would benefit them all, so really, it didn't hurt to consider.

And if the outcomes were as good as Chat's were, even better. If she went through with it, that is.

…

A week came and went and as did another attack.

Chat waited until the akuma was caught and purified to flirt, ensuring she never became distracted by him or anything else for that matter. He called out any incoming projectile, caught her attention anytime anything happened that she might've missed. Took another hit for her. That frustrated her, but the rest was a needed reprieve from the stress of akuma's past. And then he started flirting.

"Chat, what are you doing?"

"Well surely, I've proven my dedication to you, m'lady. I figure we might celebrate?"

"You've proven nothing of the sort," she stated, head tilted in confusion.

"I did to! I made sure you weren't harmed, I took the attack seriously, I even apologized and caught the akuma for you last time!"

"That isn't proof of love, Chat. That's basic human decency. I would do that for any hero or civilian for that matter. If that's a show of devotion to you, I'd hate to see how you treat people you're indifferent to," Ladybug countered, lips pursed and eyebrows pinching in.

"I'm perfectly nice to people I don't know," he defended himself quickly.

"Oh," her expression swiftly morphed, eyes widening into a look of taken aback surprise, "So you treat strangers well, but those you care about are lucky to hear an apology from you? Thank kwami I'm a ladybug then, I guess."

"That's not what I meant, of course I apologize when I'm in the wrong," he backtracked.

"So you think last time was the only time you messed up with me," she clarified.

"Well no…" Chat hedged, looking down again.

"You've barely proven that you don't hold malicious intent towards me. Don't push your luck, kitty. Black cats don't have any," she stated, taking off to leave him alone with his thoughts once more.

…

Arriving home, she dropped the transformation, collapsing on her chaise and shaking her head, "I can't believe I said that. Oh my gosh, I actually said that," she stared off into the distance.

"Neither can I. That was very harsh of you, Marinette, I'm disappointed in you," Tikki spoke up from her knee where she sat glaring with a pout on her face.

However, instead of immediately groveling as she normally did, Marinette's eyes sharpened as they snapped to the creature, sick of the treatment she'd received from the goddess since she first implemented this new tactic, "Was anything I said a lie?"

"No, but you could've said it in a nicer way," she insisted.

"When has carefully and nicely ever worked with him in the past?"

Tikki opened her mouth, but Marinette swiftly cut her off, "Never. It always ends with you chastising me and me apologizing for something that wasn't my fault. Nothing ever changed. But this, being direct with him, it works. He's changing, finally," she felt relief in letting this out, especially in the face of someone so hypocritical in her expectations on her compared to that of her so-called partner.

"Marinette, you can't just change people into who you want them to be!"

"I'm not changing him. I'm telling him what I see and how I feel and he is reacting to that information how he sees fit," she corrected, eager now at the prospect once more.

Tikki frowned, considering this point, "That's technically true… I still don't like it though."

"It's okay Tikki, you'll see soon enough," she reassured.

…

As day shifted to night, she pulled out her tablet, checking for any news on her new favorite hero.

Nothing to discover today, though she did start making a few sketches of his suit, looking at possible redesigns. Adjustments or details that could be made to improve the overall look or functionality. Granted, it looked very functional already. 

She was startled to discover that even she wouldn't change much in that aspect. It became blatantly clear that he designed the suit to accommodate him perfectly, playing up his strengths and drawing away from any potential weaknesses. It only further her admiration and assured her of her choices. 

…

The next attack came sooner than expected, Hawkmoth apparently deciding he had more free time than them. As though that hadn't been obvious from the beginning. Surely, they knew that from the start and didn't need this reminder. Didn't the man have a job or something? Could he get back to it, please?

Speaking of, Chat was doing a remarkable job of trying to follow a purified white butterfly off into the horizon, wanting to please her by taking the hunt for the villain to heart. As though she hadn't tried that already. 

You'd think he hadn't listened to a word she'd said before the way he retraced her own work over again. Rolling her eyes, she let him humor himself, waiting until he came back, tail tucked and ears flattened, to admit his failure.

Sitting down, she relaxed into her spot. This was going to take a while.

…

It was three am and she had pulled up the newest article on her Robin. She still hadn't found his official name, but she thrilled to see new pictures of him, though still shadowed and from such terrible angles. Apparently he had more recently been seen working alongside another. Something he hadn't done before as far as the city of Gotham knew, still so ignorant to him being their very own wonderful Robin. She couldn't really be bothered to look further into who he was seen working with, but something in the back of her mind twinged as her heart stuttered to know he was willing to fight alongside another.

Closing up the window and shutting down her tablet, she fell asleep with a smile.

[love-musicheart]

NoirBug - Chapter Two - Episode 2: Don’t Touch that Dial! (1960s)

(AO3)

Summary:

Yes, NOW everything is perfect. For sure. Marinette's mind is free(er), and Adrien has both her and his mother back. Everything is also supposed to be black and white. Yet colour is making an appearance. ...maybe everything is still not quite so perfect after all?

“Adrien!”

Adrien awoke with a jolt, his eyes coming open, their icy blue bright even in the darkness.

“Mother?”

“There’s something outside,” Emilie Agreste whispered, her voice tense with fear.

Adrien was swinging his legs out of bed before she had even finished. “Where?”

“Something was tapping against my window,” Emilie explained, holding a robe close against herself as she padded down the hallway back to her own room. “I was too scared to see what it was.”

“I can go outside and check if someone is there,” Adrien offered, one of his hands already fluttering down towards his wrist.

“But what if it’s a burglar? You could get hurt!”

Adrien gave a smile that held no joy and showed all his teeth, barred in a predatorial grin. “Oh, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”

Emilie wavered, then relented, giving a single nod.

“Just don’t open your curtains,” Adrien added over his shoulder as he headed for the front door.

As soon as he was out of his mother’s sight, Adrien unbuttoned the cuff on his pyjama shirt, tugging out a bracelet from its hiding spot. Changing direction, he headed instead for their window, undoing the bracelet’s knot with expert fingers. He pulled the silver ring off the string, then tied the knot again, slipping the bracelet on his wrist once more and hiding it beneath the cuff.

Pausing before the window, he slipped his ring on.

Instantly, a small black being emerged. He drooped, and a small part of Adrien’s heart squeezed and twisted on itself, knowing that it was his fault that his friend was in such a state.

But as much as he loved Plagg, if that was the price his kwami had to pay for Adrien and Marinette to be together… he’d gladly pay it.

“Plagg, claws out,” Adrien whispered.

There was a flash of white light, and a moment later, Chat Blanc opened up the window and emerged silently, his claws easily finding chinks in the wall to sink into.

Swarming like a white spider, he made his way to the apartment’s corner, peeking around, his eyes narrowing.

There was nothing along the side of the house other than a tree. The topmost branches were too small for anyone of any real concern to be able to perch upon without breaking.

A small breeze stirred the air, and Chat Blanc leaned into the wall slightly, arching his claws deeper into the chinks in the wall to keep his grip.

Tap. Tap. Tap tap tap.

His eyes snapped into focus instantly, finding the culprit that had scared his mother.

One of the small tree branches, waving back and forth in the wind, was tapping the window pane.

Chat Blanc made his way along the wall quietly, reaching out and easily snapping off the end of the branch. He quickly went back the way he came, branch piece clutched in hand, complicating his journey back somewhat. But there was no more sound from behind him other than the wind.

_

“And then end with a backflip going into the splits.”

Adrien did as instructed, easily landing in the position.

“Nicely done, kitty,” Marinette smiled warmly at him. She gave a quick sprint towards him, did front flip over his head, and he could hear the thump of her landing in a pose behind him. “How’s that?”

“Purrfect, my lady.”

Marinette snorted. “Okay, I think your miraculous is going to your head.”

“Plagg, claws off.”

There was a flash of white, and Adrien detransformed. Once again, Plagg was droopy - and silent.

“They seem a little tired,” Marinette noted as her own pink kwami appeared in the air before pulling her earrings out. “Are you sure we should be using these for our routine?”

“It’s fine,” Adrien waved her concerns away, getting up off the floor. “Everyone will just think we’re wearing costumes of their favourite superheroes: Ladybug and Chat Blanc!”

“But… we aren’t really supposed to be using them for personal gain,” Marinette pointed out, rolling her earrings between her fingers.

“It’s not for personal gain,” Adrien pointed out, accepting the earrings. “We’re doing it for the children, remember.”

Marinette flashed a quick smile. “Right. For the children.”

“Think how happy Manon will be!”

Marinette let out a breath, sending her bangs fluttering away from her forehead. “All right. Fine. But take good care of those, okay?” She tapped Adrien’s hand holding the earrings with one of her fingers.

“When have I ever not?” Adrien smiled easily in return. “Remember, you always entrust them to me.”

Marinette paused a moment, her brow wrinkling.

Adrien’s heart skipped a beat. Had giving Marinette her own mind back been a bad idea? He hadn’t given her back her memories, though, so shouldn’t it be fine?

“Right,” Marinette finally said. “That’s what I always do.” Her face melted back into one of her easy smiles as she turned and headed for the door. “I need to get going to the planning committee with your mother. You’d better get going as well.”

Adrien gave a two-finger salute. “Right-o. I’ll see you at the show!”

Marinette snapped her fingers. “That’s what felt wrong!” She hurried back over to him, tapping his hand again. “You need to let me keep the earrings.”

Adrien’s heart did stop. “What?”

“I won’t be able to wait for you at the show and then just transform in front of everybody! I need to be able to transform in an alley first and then come to join you. It only makes sense.”

Adrien relaxed. Just his lady with her plans. “Right.” He slipped the earrings into her waiting palm. “Be careful with them.”

“Of course,” Marinette flashed one last smile before heading out her front door.

A dopey grin stretched across Adrien’s face. Even in black and white, Marinette’s smile was a glorious thing to behold.

_

“I’m ready!” Marinette announced, joining Emilie Agreste in front of the house.

Emilie smiled at her. “Your first committee meeting! How exciting!”

Marinette linked arms with the woman as they began strolling down the sidewalk together. “Anything I should know?”

“Oh, so much!”

That was… a little worrisome. Marinette glanced up with an uncertain smile at Emilie, trying to see if she was joking - then noticed the bags under her eyes. “Mrs. Agreste, pardon me for asking, but are you getting enough sleep?”

“Remember, dear, you’re supposed to call me Emilie.”

“Emilie,” Marinette repeated. “Right. Sorry.”

“No problem, dear,” Emilie waved it off before considering Marinette’s question. “I’m sleeping all right; it’s just that last night…”

Emilie’s voice trailed off, piquing Marinette’s interest. “What happened last night?”

“There was something tapping on my window. It woke me up. Adrien took care of it, though. He told me it was a tree branch.” Emilie suddenly frowned. “Though, come to think of it, I’m not entirely sure how he got it down. It wasn’t exactly near the ground if it was tapping on my window.”

Marinette had no problem figuring out how Adrien had done it - but their superhero identities were supposed to be a secret, so she steered the conversation back to safer waters. “You have a very good son; but you were saying about all the things I needed to know about the committee?”

“Oh, of course!” Emilie flashed a smile, her mood bouncing back easily. “All the girls on the planning committee are just dears - but there’s one person whose scrutiny it’ll be a little difficult to get past.”

“Who’s that?” Marinette asked - though, seeing as she was Ladybug, she felt pretty confident she could handle whatever these girls threw at her.

“Her name is Lila Rossi,” Emilie explained. “Everyone else looks up to her and wants to be friends with her; she’s essentially the key to everything in Paris. She knows many prestigious people, so she can get you practically anything you want or a meeting with anyone you want.”

“Sounds like someone I’ll want to become close with.” She also sounded like a fat liar to Marinette. “I’m sure I can pass any test she tries to give me.”

“Oh, I’m sure you can as well,” Emilie assured her. “It’s just that… Lila had her eye on my son for quite some time. She’s likely to be… a little grumpy with you at first.”

She’d had her eye on my son for a long time.

“Grumpy Rossi,” Marinette nodded. “Got it.”

As Emilie went on about a list of other things Marinette needed to know - mostly saying to always pay attention to details, as Lila liked things to be perfect - Marinette slowly found her head feeling more and more cluttered with all the information. There was so much for her to remember!

A small part of her, however, couldn’t help but wonder why she hadn’t joined the committee before this. She’d lived in this part of Paris all her life. Why wouldn’t she have done something like this?

In fact… why didn’t she even remember having ever so much as heard of this planning committee until now?

Marinette had been forgetting things a lot recently - like today, she’d forgotten to bring a hiding spot for Tikki. She never brought her kwami with her anywhere, seeing as Adrien held onto the earrings, so it felt stupid that she hadn’t thought to bring a purse or anything with her. Her poor pink kwami was currently squirming beneath the collar of her shirt.

But to forget an entire committee of people?

Marinette screwed up her face in concentration, trying to remember the last time she’d heard of the committee, but just as the wheels in her brain started turning, Emilie’s voice jolted her back to reality. “There she is now!” She waved cheerily. “Lila!”

Marinette paused on the sidewalk beside Emilie, peeking out behind the woman and spotting a girl with dark brown hair eyeing them. “Emilie.”

“Is that a new dress?” Emilie asked breezily, somehow managing to ignore the tension in the air and the lazer beam eyes of death that Lila was shooting at Marinette.

“Yes, it is. Why don’t you join us? The committee is about to begin.” Lila gave a sugary-sweet smile to Emilie, shot one last look at Marinette that promised murder in her near future, then turned and flounced off.

Marinette grunted. “A little grumpy?”

_

Adrien headed out not long after Marinette. He’d taken a minute to pull himself together: keeping straight what everyone else knew versus what he knew to be true was sometimes difficult. His mind had to race to keep up with the web he’d spun - and, of course, there was Marinette.

She was reason he’d done everything he had. She was worth that. But as such an integral piece of this puzzle, so closely connected with him, they’d become even closer due to what he had done. Quite literally. He could constantly feel her presence in the beating of his soul.

Now, however, without the earrings, it had dimmed. Slightly, but enough to put him slightly on edge.

He slipped his ring on - just in case - quickly helping a droopy Plagg into his jacket. He needed to hurry if he was to be on time to his meeting.

But as he went out the gate, something flashed in the corner of his eye.

Something… blue.

Adrien stopped in his tracks.

The blue stayed.

He turned toward it.

Staring where he’d seen it, he saw almost nothing of it at this angle. He was looking straight at the bushes.

But then, as he slowly moved closer, and, he began to make out something beneath the foliage. Something blue.

Adrien’s breath caught.

What was that?

He reached in, ignoring the way the branches scratched at him. He was a cat. He was used to scratching.

Adrien’s hand closed around it, scooping the… thing up.

Holding it between his thumb and forefinger, he scrutinized the object. It was an odd ball of sorts, a bright blue oval decorating the front of it and a cone attached to the bottom sticking out from it.

How did this get here?

It couldn’t have come from here.

Everything was black and white.

Even beautiful Marinette.

“You don’t belong here,” Adrien whispered to the ball, eyes hardening, his whole hand closing down on the cone part of it.

He turned on his heel, marching back to the house. As soon as he was behind the closed door, he whispered, “Plagg, claws out!”

White flashed.

“Mega cataclysm!”

_

“I’m Wang Fu,” the old man smiled warmly at her. “I actually don’t know what I’m doing here.”

Marinette gave a wry chuckle. “I’m starting to feel that way myself.” She held out her hand. “I’m Marinette. And may I say, your turtles are peachy keen!”

“A little less chatter and a little more focus,” Lila said, her gaze as cutting as voice as she stared at them for a moment before returning to talking about chairs and the elementary school. Or something like that. Marinette could already tell she hated the girl, and she was just doing her best to tune her out.

“Thank you,” Wang Fu said, a little more softly this time. “I can’t stand to leave them anywhere.”

Despite the meeting being full of just females, Wang Fu, an old man, seemed cool as a cucumber. But his presence wasn’t even the strangest thing about him; instead, it was the fact that he had a tank on wheels with him, filled with turtles.

Marinette leaned over the tank, peering for a closer look, Lila’s voice droning on about how someone named Rose really should have remembered the seats. Emilie had definitely been right about Lila liking everything being perfect.

No wonder Lila had liked Adrien, Marinette reflected as she leaned a little closer to the aquarium, peering in at the turtles.

And, with no warning, the little pink being of creation tumbled out from beneath the collar of her shirt, falling with a soft plop! into the aquarium.

Marinette and Fu stared at her.

A moment later, Marinette plunged her hand into the tank, swiping up her kwami and rescuing her from the water.

“Marinette!”

Marinette jerked her head up, only to find the whole committee staring at her.

“Please leave the old man’s turtles alone,” Lila told her, the expression on her face clearly saying how she didn’t know how Adrien had chosen her to be his girlfriend.

Marinette flushed, tucking her hands between her legs. She was the only one there wearing pants, but now, she used that to her advantage. There was no way tucking her hands between her legs like that would have helped make her look more normal if she’d worn a dress, after having apparently just tried to snatch an old man’s turtles. Everyone here probably thought she was crazy. But now, she attempted to warm up her kwami that way, keeping her hands closed tightly shut.

Although, what she really wanted to do was transform into Ladybug and punch Lila in the face.

But Adrien would tell her to take the high road, so she refrained.

_

“Mylene likes the songs I’ve been writing,” Ivan said, tapping his pencil against the table, a blank sheet of paper out in front of him. “I keep coming up with new ideas - but, of course, with a muse like her, it’s easy.”

Adrien grinned at his friend. “That’s great, Ivan. You’ll have to share some with us sometime.”

“I could help you with some melodies to go along with it, if you want,” Luka offered, leaning forward and pushing a radio further into the middle of the table so he could rest his elbows on it.

The guys had met up, and though all the girls probably thought they were doing something productive, they were just enjoying each other’s company.

Adrien most of all.

He had missed his friends.

But, as time went on, something began to feel… off. Adrien frowned, his mind drifting away from the conversation as he tried to figure it out.

Was it Marinette?

Partially. But he felt somewhere deep within his soul that, if she were in any real danger, he’d know instantly. This was more of a… deep worry.

“Adrien?”

Adrien jerked his head up, blinking.

The whole table was staring at him.

“What do you think of Ivan’s lyrics?” Nino said, obviously repeating a question.

“I…” Adrien’s mouth opened and closed like a fish, his mind trying to focus.

What lyrics? Had Ivan just read them to him?

And why was the radio getting louder?

“Sorry, Ivan, could you repeat them?” Adrien asked, glancing at Luka. Was he turning up the radio?

Ivan began reading the lyrics again. “Mylene, my oxygen…”

Yes, the radio was definitely getting louder. But, more than that, the static of it was.

“…you, most beautiful of college girls…”

The radio crackled. And then, a vague voice filtered through.

“Adrien.”

“…stronger than oak for others…”

Adrien stared at the radio, the sound of the words pounding seemingly louder and louder in his mind.

It couldn’t be.

Wait.

Someone was trying to get in.

“Adrien, can you read me, over?”

Bang!

“I knew it was bad!” Ivan cried out, his face flushed, fist shaking as his grip tightened on his pencil. “You can’t even find anything to say about it!”

“It’s not that,” Adrien quickly said, even as the radio became louder and louder, drowning out even his own words in his mind. “I’m just speechless from how beautiful it is!”

“Adrien?”

Snap!

R E D.

Instantly, the radio was back to normal.

But Adrien found himself staring in shock at Ivan’s hand.

Ivan had snapped his pencil, and it had slashed a cut into his hand.

From which poured blood.

Red blood.

Adrien’s breath sped up, his heart pounding in his chest.

Colour.

Again.

_

For the rest of the meeting, Marinette stewed, sweat slowly dripping down the back of her neck. She couldn’t bring herself to so much as look at the man beside her. There was no way he could know what the creature even had been, or that it meant she was Ladybug, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try to ask her what it had been.

“Achoo!”

“Bless you,” Marinette said automatically before realizing it had come from her hands.

She cracked her fingers open, too concerned with Tikki to even notice the odd looks she was getting now from the rest of the members.

Between her palms, Tikki was shivering. Her eyes drooped halfway closed. Marinette had noticed how tired Tikki looked recently, but this looked a little less tired and a little more sick. She looked nothing like her normal, healthy sel…

Wait.

What did Tikki look like as her normal, healthy self?

Marinette stared at her hands, now not even pretending to be listening to Lila as her heart galloped faster and faster in her chest.

Why couldn’t she remember?

_

Thinking fast, Adrien grabbed a handkerchief out of his pocket, reaching over and tying it around Ivan’s hand, hiding the colour. “There, all good.”

But it definitely wasn’t. Everyone at the table was staring at Ivan’s hand, different levels of shock playing out across their faces.

Across the table, Luka leaned back in his chair, eyeing Adrien. “What was that about?”

“Nothing.” A blatant lie.

Luka’s eyes narrowed. “Your melody is discordant. Are you sure about that?”

“Positive,” Adrien said, starting to eye the door while keeping an eye on Ivan. “Ivan, why don’t we go and get your hand checked out before the show, yeah?”

“We’ve heard things about you.”

Adrien froze, then slowly turned back to Luka. “Oh?”

Luka leaned forward. The entire table was silent. He was playing them all better than his guitar. “You and your girlfriend.”

Adrien forced himself to try and calm down. He was in charge here. “Well, I don’t know what you’ve been told, but I assure you I don’t mean anyone any harm.”

Luka’s eyes slowly narrowed at him before he simply said, “I don’t believe you.”

Out of the corner of his eye, Adrien could see red starting to seep through the handkerchief on Ivan’s hand.

“I need to go,” Adrien said abruptly, turning to go, dragging Ivan with him.

Behind him, the radio went static-ey again, and he stopped.

No.

He wouldn’t let anyone get through.

He turned back towards the table, his gaze instantly landing the radio. Adrien let go of Ivan, his hand clamping, clutching the ring close to his hand. He didn’t have both of the miraculouses, but he didn’t need full power. Only half of the source of all of this.

The radio let out a sudden pop, and smoke began to pour out of it.

Everyone jumped at the table.

“Who are you?” Luka asked, eyes widening.

The radio flickered, glitching in and out of focus.

And then, all at once, it stopped.

Quiet music played once again from it.

Everyone at the table relaxed.

“I was thinking that we could change our act,” Nino said, as if nothing had happened. “The detectives really should kiss.”

“In the view of the public eye?” Max asked, scandalized.

Adrien took his cue and went out the door, dragging Ivan behind him.

_

Marinette paced up and down the small space behind the stage, waiting, waiting for Adrien to arrive. She chewed on a fingernail, nerves rocketing through her system, Tikki still clutched in one hand.

The little kwami of creation was shivering.

One job. She’d had one job. To be careful with the earrings.

And she’d dropped the little being of creation into an aquarium with turtles of all things.

“Sorry I’m late!” Chat Blanc dropped down in front of Marinette so suddenly that she almost screamed. “Ivan cut his hand, and I - wait, why aren’t you… you know…“ He gestured at Marinette. “In ‘costume’?”

“Adrien!” Marinette whisper-hissed at him, relief and anxiety colliding within her. “Thank goodness you’re here! It’s Tikki!” She shoved her hands out to him. “You take care of the miraculouses! What should I do?”

“What happened?” Chat Blanc asked, gaping at the kwami.

“She dropped into an aquarium!”

“Into a-?!” Chat Blanc stopped short, shaking his head. “Now’s not the time. Plagg, claws in.” There was a flash of white, and a moment later, Adrien stood before her.

“What are you doing?” Marinette asked, worry tinging her voice as she glanced toward the stage. “We’re going to be called on any minute now!”

“We’ll have to do this the way we were going to be pretending to be,” Adrien shrugged. “In costume, acting like the superheroes of Paris.”

“But… we’re not even dressed like them!”

Adrien was already buttoning up his white jacket, glancing about. “You’re the designer here.”

Marinette cast about wildly for something, anything to use. She looked nothing like Ladybug.

Then again, what did Ladybug even look like?

Black and white, right?

So she could pass off as her no matter what. It would be better to have a skintight suit, but her clothes would do. The mask, on the other hand, was another matter…

Her eyes landed on a spare curtain for the stage, tossed to the side in the bustle of getting ready for the show, and she instantly snatched it up. “Help me rip this up!”

“What?” Adrien stopped his buttoning to stare at her.

“We’ll just rip off two strips, tear some eyeholes into them, and tie them around our heads! Voila! Masks!”

Adrien picked up the sheet, ripping off two strips as instructed. “Do you think anyone will be suspicious? Seeing as we were supposed to have more time to put our act together and all.”

“Nah, not at all. As long as we wear masks, everyone will think we look exactly like Ladybug and Chat Blanc.”

“What makes you say that?”

“Didn’t everyone think that when we dressed up as each other for…” Marinette’s voice trailed off, her brow wrinkling. “I… I mean…”

Adrien glanced up from tearing out eyeholes. “You okay, princess?”

“No,” Marinette shook her head, confused. “I… I mean… I could have sworn that we dressed up as each other. Once. For someone else. All we wore were the masks, and everyone thought we looked just like the superheroes for some reason.” Her brain hurt, as if it almost were fighting against her, trying to stop her from remembering. It was so, so close to finally remembering something…

“I’m sure it’s nothing,” Adrien assured her, handing her the makeshift mask.

“Clara!” Marinette suddenly burst out, the name hitting her like lightning. “Her name was Clara Nightingale!”

Adrien froze. “What did you say?”

“Her name was Clara Nightingale,” Marinette repeated, more sure this time. “I don’t know why we were dressed up for her, but that was definitely her name.” She slipped the mask about her head, tying it in a knot above her pigtails. “My normal mask feels a lot better,” she grunted, the subject of Clara Nightingale already leaving her mind. It was unimportant, after all.

…wasn’t it?

But her mind really didn’t want to focus on it. It wanted to move on to other, more important things. Like the show.

“Let’s just do the act the way we practiced,” Marinette decided. “We don’t have time to prepare another. And, it’s still us, right? We should be able to do it.”

Adrien let out a slow breath, his nerves seeming to be rattled. “If you think we can, then I’ll follow you, milady.” He tied his own mask about his head. “Done.”

Marinette smiled, planting a quick kiss on his cheek. “Break a leg, Adrien.”

He flashed her one of his adorable smiles, his face flushing. “You too.”

“Marinette! Adrien!” Alya whispered, peeking her head out between the curtains. “We just called your name! You’re on!”

“Come on!” Marinette said, grabbing Adrien by the hand and racing for the stage.

_

Marinette was wonderful.

She was right that everyone seemed to think they looked just like themselves as superheroes - which was a little odd, once she’d pointed it out. But perhaps the black and white helped fool them.

They executed their routine, which was a mix of different recognizable moves from different akuma attacks. The audience was eating it up, buying the entire act.

On the inside, Adrien felt… normal again. Everything was right again. The strange coloured ball had been taken care of, and so had the blood on Ivan’s hand. He and Marinette were doing their act, and it was everyone’s favourite to an unbelievable amount, as if they were the protagonists in an old movie.

Adrien pulled off the ending of the routine as Marinette had instructed him earlier, doing a backflip going into the splits. Marinette ran at him, front flipped over his head, and Adrien turned his head just to watch her strike a pose at the end.

He almost liked seeing her do it as Marinette better than as Ladybug.

The day he’d discovered her identity had been… horrible. She’d been forced to break up with him by his father.

Not that Marinette remembered that.

To her, she remembered a scene that had never really happened: the way they had dated, then eventually revealed to one another their secret identities, unable to hide such a secret from the the one they loved any longer - except they’d chosen the same night, as they were so in sync.

They’d never spoken about that night again after it. Adrien hadn’t brought it up; he’d never even lived it.

And to Marinette, it just was.

But Adrien knew the truth.

And now, as applause greeted the end of their act, and Alya awarded them the inaugural Superhero Performance of the Year, and everyone cheered how this was for the children…

Adrien felt that he could live with this lie.

_

“That went great!” Marinette enthused as soon as they were backstage again, all alone. Tikki was once again clutched in her hands, but with the show now behind them, she felt ready to tackle the problem of trying to heal her kwami. “I think everyone loved it!”

“Indeed,” a familiar voice agreed behind her.

Marinette froze. Slowly, she turned around, forcing a smile. “Wang Fu! I didn’t realize you’d be here… or backstage”

The old man smiled. “My apologies for the surprise. I was at the committee meeting for the show, and wanted to congratulate you on your performance. You remember me, do you not?”

“Oh, of course!” Marinette said, slapping her forehead - mostly just hoping that her dramatics would be enough to distract him from remembering Tikki falling into his aquarium earlier. She turned to Adrien. “Adrien, this is Wang Fu; we met earlier today.”

Adrien stared at the old man, an odd expression playing across his face as he shook hands with him. “Adrien Agreste. Pleased to meet you, sir.” He glanced at the aquarium. “You bring turtles around with you?”

“Yes,” he smiled easily, then turned his gaze back to Marinette. “I was wondering if you needed help with your cat.”

“My… cat?” Marinette blinked.

“The small one you brought with you today,” he nodded. “I thought it would need some help after it fell into my turtle aquarium.”

Marinette brightened. “You can heal her?”

“Yes,” he nodded.

Marinette glanced at Adrien, excitement flooding her system. Wang Fu was so old, he must’ve not been able to realize what Tikki really was! If he could help, then all her problems were solved.

“So you know about cats and turtles?” Adrien asked, seeming amused. Yet there was something about the way he was showing his teeth in his smile that seemed almost… predatory.

“Yes,” Wang Fu said, totally at ease.

Marinette decided to trust him, opening her hands to reveal Tikki. “Here she is.”

“Place her down in front of me,” Wang Fu instructed.

They sat down on the grass behind the stage together, Marinette gently setting Tikki on the ground.

“What kind of cat is she?” Fu paused to check.

“Um…” Marinette thought fast. Wang Fu was sweet, but obviously easily confused; as long as she was vague enough, he likely wouldn’t ask anything else. And if there was one thing Marinette was good at, it was being vague and confusing. “Right! Rare hairless flying species from kingdom of Achu! I was allowed to have one because I won a zoo tap dancing contest when I was in the kingdom of Achu.”

“Hmmm,” Fu hummed. “Unusual.”

“Yes,” Marinette agreed, nodding vigorously. “Very.”

Digging into his bag, Fu produced a gong, holding it over Tikki. He gave a final encouraging smile to Marinette before saying, “This may take some time.”

_

At last, Wang Fu nodded, putting away the gong. “We are finished; your cat’s health has been restored.”

Adrien looked up. He had been suspicious upon seeing the man, seeing as he looked like Master Fu - a person he hadn’t recreated in Paris.

But, strange turtles aside, he seemed harmless enough. And he was healing Tikki…

“Thank you so much!” Marinette exclaimed, scooping Tikki up. “You’re a real magician, sir!”

Adrien nodded courteously to him, and then took Marinette by the hand, heart warming at the touch. It felt good to be able to hold Marinette’s hand again; he’d missed that for so long… “Let’s go home.”

Marinette chattered the entire way back as the sky slowly darkened: one of her long, rambling kind of talks. Adrien didn’t mind; he adored her for them. She jumped from subject to subject, telling him about Lila, reliving the talent show, and explaining in more detail how she’d met Wang Fu.

What had Fu been doing at that meeting - especially when he wasn’t supposed to even exist?

As they approached the house, Adrien was reminded of the ball from earlier. For a moment, he considered whether he should tell Marinette about it or not.

But she was so happy…

And it wasn’t as if she knew anything.

But a small part of him was still disturbed, recalling the moment Marinette had remembered Clara Nightingale.

“I have a surprise for you,” Marinette announced as they entered the house.

“A surprise?” Adrien cocked an eyebrow. “Does it happen to be food? This cat is starving!”

Marinette giggled. “No! You definitely may not eat it.”

“Before you show me,” Adrien said, taking her hands in his, “could you give me back the earrings? We never ended up using them for the show, so I should probably take them back.”

“Oh! Of course,” Marinette said breezily, smiling up at him. She took the earrings out, handing them over to Adrien. He instantly clutched them in his fist that he had his ring on, the feeling of power flooding over him.

He was back in total control.

Thump.

Marinette stopped. “Did you hear that?”

Adrien turned toward the door. “I swear, if it’s the tree again, I am going to rip it out by the roots!”

“It’s fine,” Marinette assured him, but hurried over to the window nonetheless, peering out. “I can’t see anything. It’s dark out.”

“Let’s go outside,” Adrien said decisively. Not waiting for an answer, he strode to the door, throwing it open and heading outside.

“Be careful,” Marinette warned, only a step behind him.

Adrien peered about the front yard. It was dark, and he wished he’d thought to transform into Chat Blanc again before coming out. He would’ve had night vision if he had.

Buzz.

“What’s that?” Marinette suddenly gasped behind him as they reached the sidewalk. He felt her hand press against his shoulder, and a moment later she was right beside him, pointing down the road, eyes wide.

Adrien followed her finger…

And froze.

Coming down the road was only what could be described as a bee keeper. They didn’t seem to have any particular destination, just wandering about, head turning left and right as if they were looking for something.

But then, the bee keeper stopped.

Adrien couldn’t see their face, as it was covered.

But he could practically feel the way they were looking straight. at. him.

“No,” he whispered. The word was quiet, but had the weight of power to it.

He clutched the miraculouses in his hand, the ring on his finger clinking against the earrings-

Marinette giggled. “No! You definitely may not eat it.”

Adrien blinked. He was right back in the house with her.

Slowly, he smiled. “All right. What is it?”

“I don’t have it yet, silly,” Marinette scolded. “I wanted to put you in suspense for it! Expect it soon, though!”

She smiled lovingly at him, her eyes twinkling with mischief.

…her blue eyes.

Adrien blinked, taking a step closer.

They were blue.

Slowly, as he watched, colour seeped into Marinette’s skin, spreading out across her body and around the room.

“Adrien…” Marinette whispered, her big, blue eyes fluttering in surprise. “Is this really happening?”

“Yes, my love,” Adrien murmured, staring into her eyes. How he’d missed the colour in them… “It’s really happening.”

He took her hands into his, love and satisfaction mingling inside of him. Everything was as it should be.

But…

There was one thing that still bothered him.

Despite being able to feel Marinette’s discomfort, he seemed totally unable to know when someone was trying to get into the paradise he had created until he saw them himself.

Who else was hiding right beneath his nose?

“Do you want to watch a movie?” Adrien asked, tugging on Marinette’s hands and leading her to the kitchen.

“You just want the popcorn,” Marinette teased, grinning at him.

“Can you blame me?” Adrien grinned back, pulling her close for a kiss.

Fade to black.

“Marinette? Who’s doing this to you, Marinette?”

“Marinette?”

First / Next

[bobateaboo]

[you are about to open a private log. do you wish to proceed?]

Yes No

Log 1.

I was in a version of waterfall and someone kinda appeared. I thought I just hadn’t smelled them somehow but Smidge says no, they just appeared. They said their name is Indigo, and told me that I could come with them if I needed a place to stay, so I wouldn’t have to keep running and hiding.

I bit them. I don’t feel like getting babied. Smidge said I should at least go there and have someone look at some of my cuts. I said okay but if they’re annoying I’m still gonna bite them.

Indigo gave me this thing to talk at, so I would have what people who can write would use as a journal. I said it’s dumb, but Smidge says it’s a good idea, so I guess I’ll try. Also I like the text to speech trying to say funny words. Hablooblooblesnuf

Log 2.

The person who helped me with my cut says her name is Kat. Also that the reason the spots on my head are itchy is because I’m starting to grow horns just a lil. I told her that’s dumb. She said yeah, but let me touch her horns so I know what she was talking about. She stayed with momma Toriel for a bit too, she says, she says that’s where our bodies got the kind of “blueprint” for traits to give us when we start to be less human. Same with Indigo, and like 4 other people I haven’t met yet. She says that kinda makes her my sister, if I want it to. I’ve had people try to act like my mom before, but other than Smidge no siblings. It’s kinda nice, I guess I can give it a try

Log 3

There are other people living here than me and my kind of sibs. Like Stitches and Variable, or as I like to call them, good advice dad and bad advice dad. Good advice dad says I don’t gotta prowl around all the time. Bad advice dad said to shoosh and that I was clearly honing my skills to become a mighty hunter. I said yes I am the mighty hunter because I am. They also gave me a gift, they were like “this is a chew toy” and I was like “like for dogs??” And they were like “do you want us to take it back” and I was like “NO, you GAVE it to me, it’s MINE now.”

Also my teeth itch.

Log 5

Smidge told me there’s a door at the side of the living room I hadn’t explored yet, so I went and looked. It leads down to the basement, I think. It definitely has down steps. It smells funny there, like machine oil and spiders. The lady down there said if I broke anything she was kicking me out. I looked in the direction I think her face was in and slowly pushed something off the table. She started laughing, even though Smidge says that was mean. She gave me something called a “taser” and told me to go wreak havoc. Indigo took it away before too long but I think I did a good job

Log 6

There’s another person who sleeps in the basement, her name is Kelpie. She asked if I like card tricks. I said yeah but I can’t see the cards. She taught me how to juggle instead of the card tricks, that part was fun

Log 7

HOLY HECK THERE’S A KITTY HERE FUCK YEAH

Log 8

There’s also apparently someone who owns the kitty her name is Pyra and she lives in a lantern. She’s in charge of letting people into the house and sometimes not letting people into the house. She told me I had jam on my cheek. I said to shush because it’s kitty time

Log 9

Kat says they’re not my sister anymore, and that they’re gonna be my sibling instead now. I asked why, and they said it makes them more happy. I asked if that means I can’t steal their stuff and make them chase me down for it anymore. They said that wasn’t allowed in the first place. I stole their bag of fruit snacks

Log 10

There are new people here, Indigo says their names are Timber and Sprout, and to let them settle in for a bit before I mess with them. I asked why they seemed nervous. Indigo said they had been running for a long time. I helped set up a greenhouse for them, they like it a lot. They let me feed the carnivorous plants. I got bit once or twice, which was fun. It HORRIFIED Kat and Smidge though, it was funny

Log 11

I like Timber and Sprout. They teach me cool things like what things you can eat and what things can eat you. Sprout taught me to make a thing that’ll make people fall asleep. Timber said that was a bad idea. We all agreed with Timber

Log 12

The basement lady is having trouble with a project, her name is Ara by the way. She said she just couldn’t get their coding quite right, and that she was worried about them running into things. I told her that I run into things all the time, and that I’m still the best thing ever. She said that was true, and let me and Smidge help find extra circuit boards

Log 13

I fell down the stairs today. it was thrilling

Log 14

I went out with Kelpie to help get extra supplies for Ara. She says that Ara’s her girlfriend, and that’s why she sleeps in the basement with her. I told her yuck. She laughed and told me that Ara also made her leg for her, and knocked on it so it made a clang clang sound. I asked how it doesn’t do squeaky things like door hinges do. She says she has to oil it so it doesn’t

Log 15

I was looking at stuff in the greenhouse today, mostly the carnivorous plants, my favorite one is Steve. Sprout told me that he and Timber were happy to have me around so often and I was like “YEAH, no DUH, I’m great.” Then he told me I was like a daughter to them

...I bit him and ran back into the house.

Log 16

Kat started crying today. I didn’t get it, I didn’t know what to do. Indigo just held their hands and took them to a room that was darker and quieter and had comfy things. They said they had something called sensory overload, a bit like I do when there are too many sounds and smells. I don’t like Kat being upset. I left some cookies and juice outside the door for when they feel better

Log 17

I had a magic lesson thing today. I already kinda know how to do fire stuffs a bit but I wanna learn more things. I finally summoned my *own* attack, an axe. Indigo was proud of me. Smidge seemed numbly shellshocked

Log 18

my teef itch, and so do my ears. it's weird. Smidge says parts of my hair are turning white. I said that happens with old people and I'm, like, smal. he said not that way

Log 19

the cat absorbed one of my cool rocks. I told him that was rude

Log 20

Smidge pointed out today that I said I was gonna stay one night and that it's been more than that now. I told him to shoosh, and that I do what I want. he said no no, it's a good thing that we've found a place to live. Huh. I guess I do technically live here now. it's... weird

Huh

I guess I can stay here. just for a lil bit

[dreamcatcherfication]

Ghosts Are Just as Real as You and Me - Part 3

Here is part three of my Henry fic that I simultaneously love and hate. I’d like to PSA that I wrote this whole chapter while listening only to Britney Spears. You should probably know that while reading this installment. This chapter’s pretty short and is mostly dialogue and filler, but I promise future chapters will have more action in them. (Sorry for any spelling/grammatical errors) Also: PARRLYN CONTENT! FINALLY!

Writing Masterpost

Again, y’all can send in asks and requests, I’m happy to write almost anything, and I love hearing from you all! Here are some prompts:

Prompts | More Prompts | The Trifecta of Prompts

Trigger Warnings: Mentions of Henry VIII

Part 1 | Part 2

“So why is he going after Kit?” Jane asked protectively once Anna joined the group. She had helped Kit get into a bath earlier to help herself relax, and now she was with the other four queens as they discussed Kit’s claims.

“Isn’t it obvious? Henry can’t beat us by brute force like he’s used to, so he’s going for the next best thing,” Cathy explained. At the confused looks of the other queens, she clarified, “Okay, imagine you’re trying to break a board in half.” The other queens nodded. “Are you going to try and break it where the wood is the thickest or where the wood has already started to bend?”

“Where it’s starting to bend, obviously,” Anne answered.

It was Aragon who processed Cathy’s words first. “He knows Kit’s the most vulnerable, so he’s targeting her first. Going after the weakest link.”

Anne stood up in frustration and accused, “Are you calling my cousin weak?”

“No Anne,” Aragon said, “but Henry is. And he’s going to poke at all her wounds until she inevitably breaks.”

Jane cut in, voicing her own concerns. “But Anna said Henry’s also planning to come after all of us. When do you think he’ll make a move?”

“Henry’s all talk,” Anne spit. “I wouldn’t believe any of his threats. We probably won’t hear from him until he thinks he has the upper hand.”

It was Cathy who shook her head. “I don’t know Anne, Henry might have been planning this for longer than we think. He could be ten steps ahead without us having any idea about it.”

“That’s not a comforting thought,” Aragon chimed in.

Anna had her head down, unable to contribute to the conversation. She knew that out of all of them, she mattered the least to Henry. In fact, they actually had a pretty good relationship after the annulment (even if it was all for appearances sake). She could only feel helpless thinking about everything Henry could do to hurt her Kit. “Hey Anna, you okay?” Cathy asked.

“What?” Anna asked, tuning back in. “Yeah, yeah. I’m just worried for Kit. She’s gotten so much stronger since we all came back, and I don’t want Henry ruining that.” Anna growled, “If he hurts her, I’m going to kill him.”

“Not without me,” Anne slammed her fist down against the kitchen table. The rest of the queens chimed in their support.

A voice came from the other side of the room. “What about you guys?” Kit asked, her hair damp and tied up in a loose ponytail. “Henry’s going to come after all of you. You should worry about yourselves, not me.” Her voice was small, the trembling reminiscent of when she was first reincarnated among the others. It frustrated the queens to see how easily Henry had forced her back into the fearful mindset she had lived so long in. 

Jane stood up from the table and moved over to stand with Kit. “Kitty, of course we’re going to worry about you, we want you to be safe.” Kit gave Jane a weak smile and walked to the table. She sat next to Anna, subtly reaching her hand out for the German to hold. Without hesitation, Anna grabbed the hand and squeezed it tightly.

“Kit, I hate to ask this but… are you sure you saw Henry?” Aragon asked.

“Aragon!” Anne shouted, protective of her cousin.

The queen recoiled. “I’m sorry Anne, I have to be sure. Kit,” she turned to the small queen, “Look me in the eyes and tell me that you saw Henry.”

There was a moment of limbo where everyone held their breaths, watching as Kit struggled to raise her eyes. When she did, her eyes bore directly into Aragon’s. “I woke up and he was standing in front of my bed. It was him, Catherine. Henry was in my room. I wasn’t seeing things, I promise you. Henry was here.”

Aragon nodded, satisfied. “I believe you Kit.” The girl sighed in relief, dropping her eyes. “But that does pose the question. How is Henry back?”

Cathy immediately had an answer. “It shouldn’t be hard to believe. He must be back the same way we are. For some reason, we’re in the present, maybe to have a second chance or work through our trauma. Maybe the only way that’s possible is to face Henry.”

“I don’t like how right you sound,” Anne mumbled. “Well he’s still a dick now, that’s for sure.”

“We can’t let him win,” Anna stated coldly. Kit looked up at the German queen and furrowed her eyebrows. “I won’t let him hurt you Kit. Not again. Not if I have anything to say about it.”

Kit looked around the table at all the other queens, each voicing their support for her. “But this is my problem, you shouldn’t be forced to deal with anything I’ve caused.”

“We aren’t forced to deal with anything,” Cathy replied. “Kit, you’re a queen, and this life has taught us that us queens stick together. If Henry threatens you, he threatens all of us.” She gave Kit a reassuring smile from across the table.

Anne nodded her head in agreement. “Like hell we’ll let you deal with this alone. That bastard’s gonna have to take down five queens before he can get to you.” Her resolve was fiery and passionate and very much screamed Anne Boleyn.

“We’re all in this together,” Aragon offered.

“We have your back, Kit,” Jane added.

At the overwhelming support, Kit felt her heart start to warm. She had thought she was alone, that’s what Dereham and Mannox and Culpeper had kept whispering in her ears. But their voices were drowned out by those of the queens right in front of her, alive and willing to fight. “Mein Schatz, we’re all going to face this head on, together. We’re all here, by your side.”

Kit let a laugh escape her mouth. “Against all of us, does Henry stand a chance?”

“Not even a little bit,” Anne answered.

Later that night, Anne and Cathy were the only ones still awake. The two of them were down in the living room, sitting in comfortable silence on the couch and lounge chair respectively. Cathy was reading a book and Anne was mindlessly scrolling on her phone. “Hey Cathy, do you think we came on a little too strong?” Anne asked, staring across the room at the other queen.

Cathy looked up from her book and fiddled with her reading glasses. “Huh?”

“Just, we were all very forward with confronting Henry. Is that the right way to help Kitty?”

Exhaling, Cathy put down her book and took her reading glasses off, knowing this was going to be a long conversation. “I don’t think there’s any right way to deal with this. It’s not like you can wikihow how to deal with your reincarnated dead husband who’s come to exact his revenge on you.”

“Yo, what if that’s actually an article,” Anne gasped, frantically typing on her phone.

Rolling her eyes, Cathy hid a smirk. “That’s not the point Anne. Don’t spend your time worrying about how to handle this. Just make sure Kitty knows you’re in her corner, that’s the most important thing. She knows how much you love her.” The writer stood up from her chair and migrated over to Anne on the couch. She curled up against the cushions and smiled at Anne.

When Anne continued to stare at her phone screen, searching through wikihow, Cathy shook her head at the girl’s determination. Cathy grabbed the phone and turned it off, putting it face down on the coffee table. “Hey,” Anne frowned. It only took a moment before a tiny smile grew back on her face. “Okay, okay, you’re right. I just can’t help but worry that I’m not enough for her. She deserves people like Jane and Anna there for her, not the fuck up Anne Boleyn. I’m scared she’s gonna think I’m not there for her.”

Cathy reached her hand out and held Anne’s hand. “Anne Boleyn, you are not a fuck up. You’re a smart, talented, amazing woman, and Kit knows that. You’re her cousin, she would never think badly of you.”

Smirking, Anne leaned across the couch and pecked Cathy on the cheek. “Thanks Cathy, you’re the best.”

Blushing a bright red, Cathy waved Anne off. “I just believe in you Anne. So does Kit.”

Her confident persona restored, Anne bounced up off the couch. “You always know what to say Smarty Cathy.”

“I don’t think that rhymes as much as you think it does,” Cathy giggled in confusion.

“Damn,” Anne grumbled good naturedly, “Guess I’ll just have to workshop my pickup lines. See you in the morning Cathy!” she called before bounding off to her room in the attic.

Watching her go, the writer gave a small wave. “See you later Anne.”

Upstairs, Anne was silently congratulating her boldness. For so long she had been flirting with Cathy, and getting a reaction was her favorite reward. The giant grin plastered on her face could not be wiped off by anything. Even when she spotted the pristine white letter on her bed, Anne didn’t think much of it. She picked up the letter and opened it up, expecting a bill for one of her latest random purchases (had she paid for the furby yet?).

Instead, the letter was something far different. Anne Boleyn, it started.

I’m going to need your help if my plan’s going to work, and you’re the perfect woman for the job. Now here’s a list of things I’m going to need you to do. Oh, and if you don’t comply, I have plenty of eyes on your precious cousin. One step out of line and I’ll kill her.

Your love,

Henry

[mintaka14]

“Did Alya say why she wanted a girls’ meeting before the Kitty Section rehearsal?” Juleka asked, tapping her foot on the arm of the couch as she picked at the edges of her purple nail polish. Rose was sprawled on the floor, turning her history essay into a glittery work of art.

“Don’t know,” Rose said absently, then she looked up with a bright smile. “Maybe it’s another Adrienette plan.”

“Does Marinette even like Adrien anymore?” Juleka mumbled at her fingernails, and Rose frowned at her.

“Of course she does! She’s been in love with him forever-“

“A year,” Juleka said under her breath.

“-and they’d be so cute together!”

Juleka thought of her stupid brother, and didn’t say anything.

The noise of Alya’s arrival was hard to miss, and Juleka swung herself upright. The crash as Alya flung open the door made her flinch. Behind the reporter, Alix rolled her eyes and dropped her bag beside the door.

“Hey Juleka,” she said drily, and wandered off to get herself a drink.

“We haven’t got much time,” Alya announced, not waiting for greetings. “Adrien will be here soon, and we need to have our plan in place-“

“Is Marinette coming? Shouldn’t we wait for her?” Rose interrupted.

“She doesn’t know about this,” Alya said. “It’s for her own good. She gets too nervous every time we plan something, so we’re going to set it up to make it easy for her to talk to Adrien this time. Adrien thinks this is just another Kitty Section practice and I got him to promise he’d come, and then we can get them alone together, and this time for sure Marinette will confess.”

Alix rolled her eyes. “Yeah, ‘cause that never goes wrong.”

“We’ve got to do something!” Alya insisted, planting her hands on her hips. “I want Marinette to be happy. I’m going to get my girl her dream guy if it’s the last thing I do.”

“Even if she’s changed her mind?” Juleka nerved herself to ask.

Alya waved that away.

“She’s just getting distracted because she thinks that Adrien is hooking up with Kagami now, but if we can just get Marinette alone with Adrien so she can confess, then he’ll fall in love with Marinette and they can double date with me and Nino and be happy ever after, and she doesn’t have to settle.”

Behind her fringe, Juleka frowned. Settle? That was her brother that Alya was dismissing as a poor second.

Rose tucked her hands under her chin, leaning over the back of her chair to follow Alya’s pacing.

“So what’s the plan?” she asked.

“We keep it really simple,” Alya said decisively. “That way there’s less chance for things to go wrong.”

Alix snorted, and behind her fringe Juleka’s expression echoed the sound. Alya ignored them.

“I’ll keep Mari down here so she doesn’t go wandering off, and then when Adrien gets here you bring him down to the loungeroom.” Alya stabbed a finger at Rose, and Juleka frowned at that. “But don’t give it away that there’s anything going on by getting too excited and blabbing. Then all we have to do is say we need to set up something on the deck, and leave them alone for the magic to happen.”

Alix snorted again. “It’s your funeral. But it’s been a boring week, so I’ll play along.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Alya asked, her hands on her hips.

Alix just shook her head and wandered out the door. The rest of the girls followed her up onto the deck to wait, and Rose bounced over to the boat-rail to keep a lookout.

“Marinette’s here,” Rose squeaked, and Alya hurried over join her. “With Adrien!”

“Yes! It’s wor-“ Alya broke off and scowled as Kagami got out of the car. “What’s she doing here?”

“At a guess, she wants to listen to Kitty Section,” Alix said deadpan. “What have you got against Kagami, anyway?”

“She has no taste in journalism,” Alya said darkly, and Juleka rolled her eyes. So Kagami had said something disparaging about the Ladyblog. That explained a few things. “And she’s snowed Marinette into thinking that they’re friends so that Marinette’ll back out of fighting for Adrien. Marinette’s just too nice for her own good, so I have to do it for her.”

Marinette hopped off the gangplank onto the deck of the Liberty, and then Adrien held out a hand to help Kagami across the narrow boards. Juleka swung back to rest of the group, and Alya’s narrowed eyes were fixed on the point where Adrien still held Kagami’s hand, even though they were safely on the deck now. Juleka was almost surprised that Alya hadn’t left scorch marks.

Rose was looking anxiously from Marinette to Alya.

“What do we do now? Adrien seems really into Kagami,” the blonde whispered.

“Leave it to me,” Alya said in a voice of iron determination. “And get me a drink – juice or something. Something that’ll make a bit of a stain.”

“What are you planning to do?” Rose asked.

“Nothing serious. I’m just going to make it so that Kagami has to spend a bit of time getting cleaned up.”

“I… don’t think Marinette would want you to do that. Isn’t that a bit mean?” Rose said hesitantly, but Alya just waved her off with a flip of her hand.

“Mari doesn’t need to know. It’s all in a good cause, and it’s just a bit of juice. Just get me a cup. I’ll do it myself.”

Juleka sighed deeply and stayed silent. This was going to go badly.

Alix, on the other hand, shrugged and wandered off. She came back with a mug in her hand.

“It’s your funeral,” she said again as she handed it to Alya.

“What are you doing?” Rose hissed, and then Kagami joined them, with Adrien and Marinette on either side.

Alya said brightly, “It’s so good you could all make it,” and her hand started to move.

That was when Juleka lurched into her.

And the juice went everywhere. Marinette gave a startled gasp as it soaked into her blouse and dripped down to puddle on the deck. That… hadn’t quite been part of Juleka’s calculations.

“Oh, no! The boat rolled,” Juleka muttered, righting herself.

The thing about fading into the background and being overlooked was that it turned out you could get away with a lot. No one even suggested that they didn’t feel a thing, or that Juleka was strangely unsteady for someone who had grown up on a boat. Juleka wasn’t sure if she should be pleased or annoyed that Alya obviously didn’t even consider that Juleka might have done it deliberately.

It made more of a mess than she’d anticipated, though. Juleka shrank a little as the juice dripped down Marinette’s top. Everyone fussed, and a perfectly dry Kagami whipped out a pristine white handkerchief, dabbing at Marinette’s stain as it spread further.

“Oh, god, I’m so sorry,” Juleka cringed, but Marinette gave her a tiny smile.

“It’s okay, it’s just juice.” She held her top away from her soaked chest. “But I’d probably better head home.”

“You can borrow a clean shirt,” Juleka offered.

While Juleka burrowed through the piles of mostly clean clothes, Marinette stripped off her soaked blouse and towelled dry.

Juleka hesitated, her hand on a faded Jagged Stone shirt that had seen better days. But it was clean, even if it was going to be huge on Marinette, and she tossed it to the other girl before she could overthink things. Marinette caught it and started to tug it over her head.

“I’m really sorry,” Juleka repeated.

“Accidents happen.” Marinette’s voice was muffled by the shirt, then she yanked it down and she was swamped by the Jagged Stone artwork on the front. “I’m just glad this one happened to me and not to Kagami. She and Adrien aren’t supposed to be here in the first place, and if she went home covered in juice or wearing someone else’s clothes it’d be weeks before her mother would let her out again.”

Juleka flinched guiltily.

“Chloe had this plan once to get Kagami to sit on some cake so that she couldn’t spend time with Adrien,” Marinette was saying, her attention on the hem of the t-shirt as she fiddled with it. “And I almost did it.”

“But you didn’t, did you?” Juleka said. She was starting to wonder if Marinette had figured out what had been behind that accidental spill.

“But I almost did. I went along with Chloe because I was so caught up in another plot to get Adrien’s attention.” Marinette lifted her head, and her blue eyes met Juleka’s with an odd resolution. “I don’t like a lot of the things I’ve done because I was crushing on Adrien. I don’t like me when I’m chasing Adrien.”

Juleka hesitated, opening her mouth to speak just as they heard someone clattering down the ladder into the galley. Luka swung around the edge of the door.

“Jules, have you seen-“ Juleka knew the moment that he spotted Marinette in his favourite Jagged Stone t-shirt that was just a bit too long for the shorts she was wearing, because that was when he broke off what he’d been saying with a noise that sounded like he’d swallowed his own tongue.

While her lame brother and Marinette were trying to recover their powers of speech, or stop blushing, Juleka mumbled something and bundled up Marinette’s wet blouse, hustling it out the door before they could stop her. If she had anything to say about it, it would be a while before Marinette’s top was dry enough to be worn home.

She leaned her back against the closed door, listening to the soft murmur of voices start up in the room behind her, and she allowed herself a small smile behind the fall of her hair.

Things were going well.

[just-a-friend-but-not-really]

If She Tries ch.3

Okay, it is long overdue, but the ideas kept coming and I kept writing but here it is. Thank you so much to @laadychat who has helped me with grammar and ideas. Without her this chapter would have been a hot mess

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

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

“Miss Bustier, please continue the lesson as usual.” Miss Bustier looked at her, mouth wide open like she wanted to say something but afraid of the outcome. Understandable since she was literally sitting in Chat’s lap. For professional purposes of course. Not because she liked the way he held her, or the way she felt him tense whenever Lila came near her and definitely not the way his hold of her became protective the second someone looked at her. Nope.

Marinette was pretty sure she heard miss Bustier mumble something about not getting paid enough for this shit. “ I was going to talk about Alexander the Great, but due to reasons I honestly don’t have the mental capacity to teach at the moment,” She walked towards the door, “ I’m going to talk to our principal about our uh situation.” and with those words she left the class.

Okay, so maybe this wasn’t ideal. Or maybe it was. Despite the dangers of having her partner by her (civilian) side, she always missed him. When she heard a lame joke, she thought about how he would react. How he would bend over with laughter if it was a cat pun and then look at her with those-those soft eyes. 

And so what if she was being selfish? She did so much good for everyone else, couldn’t she just get one day where she was technically still doing good? Even if it meant she got something out of it? 

Alya got up from her spot beside them. She walked in a manner that only could be described as Determination! When she reached the front she turned around and whipped out her phone. Marinette should have known that Alya wouldn’t give up an opportunity to get views on the Ladyblog.

“Chat Blanc, care for an interview?” Marinette had a suspicion she was already recording, if not live-streaming. It was after all still an akuma “attack”. 

Nino got out of his seat and made his way to his girlfriend. 

“Alya, are you sure this is a good idea?” Nino asked cautiously, despite being somewhat used to akumas, he still valued his life. 

To be honest, Marinette hadn’t been paying attention to the scene before her. Her mind was focused on one thing, and one thing only; Chat.

Whenever his grip tightened, her heart would speed up. Which was silly really, because she was used to being close to him. 

It’s just nerves

But was it really just that? She didn’t feel nervous or scared in any way. She had encountered Chat Blanc before, but this time no destruction followed him. So clearly it was different this time. He was different this time. 

Was he allowed to make her heart race like that? Damn this cat! Even akumatized he  managed to make her go soft. 

She could feel his head on her shoulder. Suddenly he started whispering to her, “Would me kissing your neck make you uncomfortable?” His head was turned towards her and his words were drawn out in a way that could be considered teasing. The answer to his question was a simple no. It would make her far from uncomfortable, but would Chat regret it when he was back to normal? Wasn’t it his judgement that was clouded? Right now she just wanted her normal Chat Noir to be asking her these questions. Her normal Chat Noir to be holding her this close. Her Chat wanting to kiss her. 

“No.” she whispered low enough that only he could hear, and in that moment she realized how completely and utterly head-over-heels in love with her kitty she truly was.

“I’m sorry, Alya,” His voice was filled with venom as he said the name. “but I have more important things to do.” His lips found her neck and he slowly began kissing her, somehow Alya didn’t see this.

“Like what?”

His lips left her neck,

Why did his lips leave my neck?

No stop that brain-Mari, get a grip.

“Like literally anything else.” His attack on her neck carried on, and this time it didn’t go by unnoticed. Alyas eyes widened and exclaimed,

“I’m sorry, but are you making out right now!?” Marinette cursed herself for letting it get this far, mostly because Alya would never shut up about it. Like ever.

Chat Blanc looked up, never removing his lips from her neck, “Yes.” The answer was pressed into her neck, and despite the mumble she was sure everyone heard it. Especially if the reporters reaction was anything to go by.

“Chat?” Okay now or never, find the akuma and get your kitty back, you can do this!

He stopped kissing her neck, almost as if he was afraid he’d hurt. She hated this. Making him feel insecure about how she felt. She knew what she wanted and she was truly hoping that he knew that too. So she took his hand and squeezed it. She felt the comfort wash over him.

“Yes princess?” His voice was still a whisper and despite having everyone looking at them, she felt like they we’re alone. This was her moment, their moment. 

Get yourself together, you need to focus!

Finally, something we can agree on...

“Hold on a second princess, I just had a Meow-alous idea,” His lips once again left her neck, and she found herself, once again, disappointed by the absence of them. “Alya, I changed my mind. I would like to do the interview.”

nopenopenopenopenopenope

Alya, who had previously discussed(more like argued, but that's none of her business) if she had a death wish with Nino, focused on Chat Blanc. Her eyes scanned the scene, and she swiftly decided, that this could be her biggest scoop to date!

“Great!” It was clear that her concerns about Chat Blanc were long gone, “So tell me, why did you get akumatized?”

Was Alya trying to doom Paris? Cause it sure seemed like it! Oh kwami, what if he got so emotional thinking back that he destroyed something? She knew how much power the other Chat Blanc had held, so her concerns were...growing.

“I was scared I had lost my princess,” His arms curled around her waist in a secure hold, “So Hawkmoth gave me the so-called upgrade, now I can fully protect the light of my life.” 

Wow, just wow. 

“Okay but why haven’t you gone after Ladybug? Hawkmoth always wants both miraculouses, right?” 

That was...a very valid question, that she hadn’t even thought of. Why hadn’t he gone after Ladybug, when that’s what Hawkmoth wants him to do?

“Since I was already transformed when I got akumatized, my dear kwami, was able to destroy the connection. He can’t hear or see me, and I can’t hear or see him.” He pulled her closer, his head finding its place on her shoulder. She would have to thank Plagg when all of this was over, knowing that Hawkmoth hadn’t been able to see her sleep and cuddle up with an akuma, was reassuring.

“What are your plans, since you’re not working for Hawkmoth?” 

“My princess has been fighting her battles alone for far too long,” His head moved away and his white gloved hand turned her face towards his. Not that she needed much convincing anyway. “And as long as I, her faithful knight, am here, she won’t ever be alone again.”

Oh

Oh

“What battles? Sure, she doesn’t get along that well with Lila, but I wouldn’t call it a battle.” Sweet, unknowing Alya, you just triggered a chain reaction.

“Are you sure about that?” Marinette could tell, despite his calm and collected voice, that shit was about to hit the fan. She did not look forward to this. 

Suddenly a familiar brown haired girl walked to the front. Lila Rossi apparently couldn’t stand that all attention wasn’t currently on her. Typical.

“How long have you been uhm...like this?” Alya ignored the italian girl’s hand on her shoulder.

“For the past-” He looked at the clock, “-9 hours”

“And you’ve been together this entire time?” Marinette could see the wheels turning in Alyas head. What was she thinking about? 

“That is correct.” 

“But that doesn’t make sense!” Rose had tried to keep her distance from the whole situation, but something clearly wasn’t adding up.

“What do you mean it doesn’t make sense?” Marinette asked.

“Lila said that she and Chat Noir hooked up last night, and that he left early this morning,” Lila said what? “I just thought that he went to your place this morning…”

“Well to your information,” Chat pulled her closer (if that was even possible), “ I spent the night with my princess.” 

“You spent the night?” Nino had stepped forward as the big brother type of friend that he was. No doubt that everyone would be thinking that something had happened.

“He spent the night.” Marinette answered.

“So Lila lied?” Alya looked like her entire world had just shattered. Truth be told, it probably had. Marinette couldn’t even begin to imagine the heartbreak Alya was going through, despite having been warned. Marinette however, couldn’t stop the next sentence that came out of her mouth.

“I mean she has been for the past couple of months, but thank you for noticing”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Only one more chapter left! How are you guys feeling? Cause I’m feeling great! I love feedback and once again thank you for your support @laadychat and @mochegato 

@punof-agun @nervoustrashfanfictionreader  @adrianarfox 

[eve-evil-lair]

PlayTime, Nikolay & Freya, Human (F) x Werewolf (M), NSFW

*coughs * Sure Not Doom @followmetoyourdoom​ Here’s your prompt LOL.  I decided to approach this one with already established relationship :3 This one is getting into the grapefruit level of citrus scale. Reblog and comment in tags or wherever if you like this! I really appreciate! 

Tagging @monster-bait​ again o/ Enjoy.

“Okay, sweetie, have fun,” Freya hugged Kitty as her daughter joined the group of the girl scouts. The Sparrows were going on a weekend-long trip in the woods to gain some new badges. 

“I will! Have fun with Nikolay too,” the little girl waved as she ran off to her friends not seeing the amused looks her mother gave her boyfriend.

“Bye, cupcake!” Nikolay still called after her, trying to ignore Freya.

“Oh, we are definitely going to have fun,” Freya nudged him and wiggled her eyebrows. “Don’t you think it’s so convenient that the trip falls right on the full moon~”

“You are terrible,” Nikolay sighed, comically raising his eyes to the sky. “You sure they are going to be okay?” He seemed a little worried.

“Kitty can take care of herself, we both made sure of that, no?” Freya looked at him softly. It warmed her heart when he behaved so dad-like to Kitty. 

“True, she is a resourceful one,” he finally admitted. When the bus finally left he turned toward the car. “Ready to go home?” He asked opening the door for her.

“Yesss~” she giggled as she sat behind the wheel.

The drive was short since the city they lived in wasn’t that big. Climbing the stairs to Freya’s flat they already started kissing. Nikolay pressed her to the wall, while her sneaky hands drew over his chest. They barely managed to open the door, too intoxicated with each other. He picked her up and she wrapped her legs around his waist, brushing through his hair with her fingers. They shut the door behind them and fortunately managed to aim well for the couch as they tumbled onto it. Clothes were discarded to be found, or not, later on. She dragged her nails over his back leaving red marks and her teeth sank in. 

He growled in response. “God I missed you,” he pulled her hair exposing her neck for open mouth kisses and leaving red marks.

“Making love on a couch?” She giggled and gasped as he sucked particularly hard.

“And a table, over the wall,” he muttered. “Being loud.” He peppered her chest with sloppy kisses. 

“Mmmm, yes,” she stretched pushing her chest to him. 

“Should we- should we wait?” He looked at her. “I mean there’s still a couple of hours-” he didn’t finish because she grabbed his head and pushed it between her boobs.

“Absolutely not,” she announced as he laughed.

“Yes, ma’am.” He slipped onto the floor removing the rest of her clothes, particularly her underwear with his teeth. The next hour or two passed in a frenzy of quickened breath, mixed moans and the wet slap of two bodies together. 

Having satisfied their initial craving, they took their time to get ready for Nikolay’s transformation. Freya cooked while he took a shower. The dinner passed with giggles and under the table touches. They were adults. 

Finally, Fritz went downstairs to the basement to change as the sun was about to set and the moon was soon to raise. This was the part with the most nerves for Freya. She hated knowing how painful it was for him. It took some time for him to gather himself back together and it took a good couple hours on its own. But then he would be back, taller and fluffier and they could get back to where they left off.

She put on a movie to wait it out. The time passed and she didn’t notice when she passed out in front of the TV until a strong, fluffy set of arms was carrying her to the bedroom. 

“Wazztime?” She slurred out trying to wake up as he set her down.

“11 pm,” Nikolay replied and knelt next to the bed.

“Mmm, you’re back,” she hummed and stroked his head tickling his ear. Then she grinned. “Who’s a good boy~”

His ears perked up and his eyes sparkled. The tail behind him thumped. 

“Who’s a good boy! Who?” She grinned as his whole body wiggled waiting for the answer. “You are!” 

He barked happily and made a circle around himself, his tongue lolling out. Suddenly he halted and squinted at her in his best ‘annoyed Husky’ look. “You’re mean!”

Freya fell over laughing loudly. 

“Terrible!” he huffed, ears flopping back. 

She wheezed tears in her eyes. “You fall for this every time!”

“I can’t help it!” He flopped on the floor folding his arms and pouting. “You know that!”

“I do.” She continued giggling. “Come on~” She wrapped her arms around his neck from behind, sinking a little into the thick fur. “You promised.”

“I don’t know, my dignity has been damaged!” He sniffed, a bit overdramatic but one ear perked up, the other still stubbornly laying down. 

Freya giggled and grabbed a rope tossing it over him and pulling to her. “Well, what are you going to do now?” She looked over him from above.

He licked her across the forehead. She laughed and pushed him back. “Gross!”

“Hey, you usually like it when I do that,” he snickered, tail thumping again.

“Not over my face!” She protested and stuck her tongue at him. They stared at each other for a moment before snorting. He leaned forward his head and they nuzzled each other. “Big fluffy doof.” She chuckled and scratched behind his ears.

He closed his eyes and leaned into her hand. “Okay, show me the ropes.” He sighed.

“Oh, I’m gonna~” She grinned and he glared at her.

“No, no puns, we are not punning tonight, this is no pun zone,” he put his finger to her lips. She licked it and he snorted through his nose. 

She kept grinning as she gathered the rope in her hands again. “I haven’t heard the safeword.” She wiggled her eyebrows and he rolled his eyes with a heavy sigh. “But seriously you remember the safe word, right?” She checked.

“Dolphins,” he deadpanned. “I still can’t believe-”

She shushed him. “No more talking, now be a good boy and stand up.” She got on her legs standing a bit wobbly on the bed. 

Nikolay shook his head but did as she asked. The ropes were mostly just for show since he could easily rip them apart but it still played a nice fantasy for both of them. Freya worked for a bit, tying an intricate harness around his body. He groaned when the rough texture wrapped around his balls. It sent a small shudder through him and a bit of his cock peeked from its sheath. 

She noticed it and stroked it a little, evoking a small groan. Freya smirked and checked the knots. Then she asked one last question. “Did you put the plug in?” she stroked the base of his tail in circles.

“Y-yeah, when you were having a nap,” he breathed out.

“Okay, good, good.” Satisfied with that she moved back and got to the floor. “Get on the bed.” She ordered him and he obeyed kneeling in the middle of it. 

Freya undressed and he admired her. The wild, red hair, the freckles covering her arms and thighs. The soft curves of her breasts, stomach and especially her ass. Mmmm…. He wanted to have that again. His hands strained against the ropes but he managed to stay put. She noticed his struggles and smirked. Out of the drawer, she pulled out a bottle of lube, her trusty strap on and approached the bed.

She made herself comfortable on the pile of pillows and grabbed the end of the rope that was hanging around his neck like a lead. She pulled him down, his head hovering over her chest. 

“Now, don’t be so idle and get to work,” she ordered. “Lick.”

He wanted to throw a quip about how now she wants him to lick her but was a bit too excited to do what she wanted. His long, textured tongue started at the underside of her chest and dragged up. He swirled around her nipple, lapping at it and kissing it. He worked slowly, making sure not to leave a spot untouched, once he was done with one he moved to the other one and looked at her.

The blush on her cheeks spread down her throat and her lips were slightly parted as her breath grew heavier. She barely stopped a small hitch of her voice as he used his chin and pressed onto her nipple rubbing it.

“Good boy,” she breathed out and stroked his head.

Yes, he was a good boy. The goodest boy.  He licked up to her pulse and she arched her neck. Oh, he liked the sound she made. He wanted to kiss her but she pushed his mouth back. Her foot went up to the middle of his torso, forcing him away from her.

“You forgot a spot~,” she singsonged. After a moment of confusion on his part, he noticed her tapping over the soft mound between her thighs. She spread her soaking folds and he felt so thirsty.

Ever so obedient, Nikolay ducked his head down, pushing his body to slide over the bed. He drew his tongue over the insides of her pussy tasting her and inhaling her scent. He growled and she yanked the lead a little.

“No,” she tsked at him. “Naughty boy.”

He pouted but tried to keep himself in control as he pushed his tongue inside her and she groaned her back arched and she hooked one leg over his shoulder. He smiled knowing he was doing good. He moved his tongue quickly, pushing in and out of her, twisting it and moving in circles. His eyes fixed on her as much as possible. 

She writhed under him, her hips rolled under his mouth and her mouth was open, panting and moaning so loudly. It was music to his ears. Finally, she tugged the rope gently.

“Up, move up,” she moaned. 

He pressed the flat of his tongue to her clit and now he had both her legs around his head. If he could Nikolay would have been purring as he lapped at the stiff pearl. 

Freya sucked in air. Her free hand gripped onto the sheet tightly, her knuckles going nearly white as electricity coursed through her body. She panted loudly and closed her eyes shut enjoying deeply what he was doing. If she had to choose, Freya would have said she preferred his werewolf side. That tongue could work magic, not that his human one couldn’t. It just had both reach and flexibility. 

The tight coil that has been building up in her core finally snapped and she cried out as her orgasm hit her. She shuddered and arched her back, her legs locking around him tightly. 

He waited patiently until her grip loosened and he could pull away. The rope fell out of her hand and he stretched himself forward, licking her cheek a little. She giggled and kissed him, humming happily. Her fingers sank into his fur and she scratched his head much to his delight.

“You’re a very good boy! You deserve a bit of a reward now don’t you?” Her voice was still a bit husky.

“Yes, yes please~” he mumbled against her hand.

“Do you want your hands free?” She asked sweetly.

“Yes, please.” He wiggled his shoulders a little as his hands worked against the ropes.

“Okay, now, lay on your tummy and stick your pretty butt up,” she ordered as she moved out of the way. She untied his hands and he sighed, rolling the joints in his shoulders. Much better.

He wrapped his hands around the pillow in front of himself. Next to the bed, Freya was putting the strap-on on. They previously agreed on which dildo she’d attach to it. It was big,  purple and bulbous, well curved. It had a ribbed underside and a spine on top, studs ran along the edges of its ‘glans’. Nikolay could feel his dick twitch and something hot coil up in his underbelly as he watched her pour the lube on it. She climbed the bed and his breathing hitched when she grabbed him by his tail and pulled at the buttplug. He moaned as she pulled it out. He was near an orgasm feeling it breaking free from him. Breathing heavily Nikolay shivered as Freya spread the cool liquid over his pucker.

“Good boy,” she praised him. “Do you want this?” She teased the tip of the toy at his loosened hole and he whined.

“Yes, please.”

She grinned and pushed in as he relaxed, breathing out. He shuddered as she filled him and clenched his hand over the pillow. “God.”

“It’s just Freya, sweetie.” She chuckled. “Now be an even better boy and let me hear you being loud.” She started moving angling just right to hit his sweet spot. His already eager self groaned and his hips rocked as she fucked him. The toy rubbed him in all the good ways. He was now up on his elbows, spine arched and mouth gaping, panting. Then she grabbed one of the knots on his rope harness and pulled squeezing his balls and he cried out a moan. His dick swayed with each thrust generously leaking precome. He stared up the ceiling, eyes hazed and tongue lolling. 

Freya enjoyed herself immensely. She loved slamming into him and hearing those joyous moans. She scratched the base on his tail and he nearly sobbed. He was high and she was the drug.

“Fuuuuuuck!” he moaned loudly. “Freya! I need-!”  

“Come Nikolay, come for me,” she allowed and he shuddered, crying out her name that turned into a small howl by the end. He twitched and whined when she pulled out and stroked his back. 

“Good job,” she praised and he smiled happily. 

Getting up from the bed again she discarded the dildo for cleaning later and laid next to him. “How do you feel?” She stroked his head and scratched behind his ear.

“Hrm, good, very goooood,” he sighed and leaned to kiss her. “Good enough for one last go.” He grinned and she mirrored him.

“Excellent.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and spread her legs. 

They needed to completely replace the sheets by the end of the weekend. When Kitty returned she was met with both her parents very happy and snickering way too much. Truly, adults were weird.

[acefrogmonarch]

HC pt. 2

Some of these might have been on the other HC but if it is, don't worry there's is a lot of new ones.

Take this as canon to my story. Season 3 in MLB. It didn't happen but I'll acknowledge some things and change a lot. Like a lot.

Them as vines!

The only time Tim has used bruces money was to buy a hoverboard to go around the house saying whatever they had for lunch or dinner. In the simplest form of that meal.

"We are having Chestnut bisque for dinner." Tim is the first one to know and he gets to his hoverboard and gets a ladle. "We got Soup!" His hand has a motion of scoping up some soup as he rides.

Damian recording as Todd drives, singing, and blasting white girl music.

Dick was going to surprise Damian by taking him out of school for the day, his phone was already in his hand because he didn’t tell him before. He spotted Damian, just in time to see him throw Jon against the lockers.

Tim has a set of keywords that activate the law and order sound. Any speaker around him is put up in the highest setting and blast it through the air.

Ace doesn’t let Tim touch anything Damian has. For one week Tim hasn’t touched the bat computer. He’ll never forgive Ace.

Ace accidentally biting bruce’s dick. It was the first dinner with Marinette and they all wanted to make a good impression. They were all eating dinner and Bruce, mid-bite just makes a noise.

Marinette looks over and he’s looking at Damian, who was also mid-bite. "Dog.” It’s all he says, its chaos after that.

The boys scramble to look under the table. After they do, they can’t stop laughing and Marinette doesn’t move from her spot.

Okay, I want to clear this up for my self, Marinette found out that Damian was robin on accident.

Marinette and Damian didn't interact at all but he has been seen outside of school waiting for somebody. Lila had this 'grand idea' to set them up together. Alya, the 'master' setup. Dragged a delirious Marinette to Chloe's hotel.

"Come on Mari, it's a sleepover!" Marinette couldn't handle this. Just before she had texted Adrien that she was going to Chloe's place for a "sleepover". But Mari didn't believe it. It was 2300 and her 'bedtime' they knew not to bother her. She already took her medicine and it was kicking in.

Alya opened the door and shoved Marinette in, stumbling back, she fell on her butt. Looking around she saw the bathroom light on, but immediately noticed how small it was to Chloe's usual room.

Stumbling to look at her she couldn't help but drag to the bathroom. Opening the sewing kit in there and sticking a needle in her inner thigh. She woke up and carried it around.

"What did you do this time Lila." Groaning as she got up, she limped out to the foyer in time to hear someone open the window.

Turning around She found Robin, mask in hand to be Damian. Damian, on the other hand, didn't understand how this could happen. He was supposed to be alone in his hotel room. Why was Marinette here? It doesn't matter gotta 'fix' this.

At first, Damian attacked her to keep her silent but once she attacked back, they were at a stalemate.

They kept up with each other for hours.

Marinette slipped into the night, leaving him as people knocked on his door. For months, they didn't speak, nor did they meet up as their alter-egos.

Mari actively went out of her way to ignore him. She was furious at him and Damian couldn't care less about her feelings, only mad that he couldn't threaten her to keep his identity secret.

It wasn't until Nightwing talked to Mari. It wasn't until Chat Noir went to fetch him for a bad fight with an Akuma. It wasn't until Ladybug had revealed to be Marinette.

"you know, with someone having a superpower of 'Luck'. You sure make a mess of yourself."

"Whatever. You know my secret and I know yours. Do what you will with it."

They get closer once everything was resolved. Damian got better at handling people, Mari went tougher on people. Slowly falling in love, over the years.

But that's a story for another time.

Before reveal maybe year 2 to 3 italics are in English or another language if it isn’t in English, I’ll clarify

How Chat Noir and Selena first met. “Did you steal my look?” Chat grabs his tail looking her over and he dramatically throws his tail in disgust. “No kitty cat, you stole mine.”

Selena doesn’t realize that she’s been on Marinette’s roof for months. But she does notice how the same ravenette helps kids and kittens in need and sneak some snacks if they look often enough. She’s okay in her book.

The first time Marinette and Selena meet, she was on her balcony caring for her plants. Spray bottle of water on her hand, she hears a heavy ‘thump’ on her roof. Calling out Marinette points her bottle as a gun, just in case. “Chat?”

Selena pokes her head through and sees this small little girl look at her. “This was supposed to be an easy job” Confused, Marinette tilts her head slightly. “What was easy?” Marinette barely began studying English, now she’s thankful that she’s taken the subject seriously.

Marinette was about to be mugged the second time they interact. Chat Noir had been on patrol while Catwoman was on her way to another job. “Hey, there little lady.”

That stopped Catwoman in her tracks. Looking over in the opening of the alley, low and behold, there’s Marinette. Clutching her purse for dear life. Perched on the building behind the mugger is Chat Noir.

They both jump at the same time, noticing each other as they nod in understanding. Before they reach the ground, Marinette already has the mugger on the floor, groaning in pain.

Yearly road trip!

At first, it was the fair or occasional Carnival just outside of town but once the boys grew in numbers and added their interest, they started to fight who’s turn it was yearly.

When Damian joined, it was Tim’s turn and like the year before they got ready to go to another cluster of conventions in L.A. for weeks

Jason would suggest Disney world but always go to Universal Studio for Harry Potter.

Dick goes to stupid places that are weird, like the “Worlds Biggest Yarnball!” Other than that he takes pictures of food in his mouth and post it on Instagram. One moment he’s in New York City with a rainbow Bagel. The next he’s in Canada eating Timbits.

Yes, that’s an actual food item in Canada. They look like doughnut holes but better.

Go soccer baseball! (It's kickball to you, Americans.)

Anyway back to HC.

Babs doesn’t go half the time, but she always down when it’s her turn and she goes all out. Babs mostly goes for the tech conventions but once Dick, Tim, and Steph saw drone racing in Dubai.

They always went to Dubai after that. Damian thinks the drones are mini helicopters and get fascinated by them. He’ll never admit it.

They bribe Lucas to make a custom Duck boat if Lucas gets to go one time. “Y’all are white rich kids, but take me some time.”

Babs decked it out with Video games on the bilge (lower layer of the boat) while where the girls stay on top of the fantail.

They take the road trip very seriously. And literally. They drive. Everywhere.

In the open water, Babs keeps a bucket of chum to throw in the water to attract sharks. The first time it happens dick and Jason ‘freak out’ and reenact Jaws. Tim gets annoyed very quickly, he just wants to play video games. Bruce always stayed in at the wheel.

He can't choose between the boys and girls so he stays there. Once Marinette joined she switches constantly but once she's tired, she stays with bruce to nap.

Steph would go to places outside of the US for Instagram worthy food. Like Dragons Beard in China and Jiggly Cheesecake in Japan.

Cass likes to visit quiet places. Like the renovated Opera house turned Library. No one argues as much on her trip, and they enjoy the peace and scenery. Templo Expiatorio del Santisimo Sacramento, Mexico has been on her list but she always spots something else.

Marinette wants to go to Milan, Italy for Fashion week but she doesn’t plan the trip, the rest of the batfam does. They get her to spill where she would go if she ever got the chance.

They also don't tell her until they show up at the Bakery doorsteps. Honking in a custom Duck Boat, there's Dick Grayson, hanging out of the side yelling “Get in loser we’re going shopping.”

"THE BoWlS MARI. THE BOWLS!!"

"I won't even attempt to try this much effort with anyone else, just marry me instead, Mari. Don't let me indulge to stand another second of insufferable humans." This is how Damian proposes.

Damian having a mild innocence.

Like not knowing what tampons or pads are used for, and asking Bruce about it. Bruce panics for a solid minute before answering. "I'll tell you later." He doesn't.

Jason and dick don't think it's true so they tease him. Dick tried to be subtle by saying Steph was on 'her time of the month.' Jason bulldozed through saying she was stocking up on tampons.

"What are tampons used for." They tell him it's to cover women's vagina. He'll never admit to them that he thought they were to cover battle wounds.

Damian is very weirded when he finds out that Dick or his father having sex with a stranger.

 "You're not supposed to do that." Is his immediate thought.

"Dick, stop having sex with her if you don't plan on marrying her!"

Damian promptly leaves the room. "Where are you going little D?”

Stomping away, "To plan a wedding." He slams the door.

The first time Marinette tries to cuddle Damian, he freaks out.

"Woah, Angel, wait till marriage." Marinette just looks at him confused.

"What do you mean???? This is perfectly fine before marriage."

"Not in my culture!"

Jason and Dick weren't afraid of Marinette before. But ever since 'the Kitchen™" incident' they haven't walked in when she visits.

The Kitchen™ incident as followed.

Sleep-deprived Mari! & Tim! Mari still had ingredients out, she was making coffee cake for them since Tim asked for some "fre sh a voca do" for their desert.

M: Could you put the Ingredients away?

T: What dog? When did we get the dogs in here?

M: What?

T: Did you not say dog?

M: I thought you said you wanted to eat a dick.

T: What?! Mari I don't eat ass.

They were surrounding the island, both were crouched

M: You're not getting my milk.

Tim was moving his arms around and flipped over the island and grabbed the milk, he ran out with Mari following him.

M: No my MALK!!

Damian walked in much later to see where Mari was.

T: Do you know the muffin man?

D: The Muffin Man?

T: The Muffin man

Mari left to find Dami and heard that as she was coming in.

M: Shes married the muffin man.

Damian promptly forgot why he wanted to find her in the first place and leaves. Just silently going "wtf"

They would laugh so much they laid down on the floor, once the timer beeped, Marinette stumbled her way to the oven, accidentally stepping on Tim as well.

Why do they do that?! Both dick and Jason didn't wanna witness any more of this weirdness.

Every time, anybody in the bat fam is hurt, there is a speaker nearby with the CoD 1 zombie 'Game over' soundtrack. Ready to play. It's why common crooks stop hurting them because they can't escape the sound.

Tim did it on accident because he was sleep-deprived but he just kept the algorithm.

His usual response when attacks don't hurt him is. "Mothertrucker dude, that hurt like a buttcheek on a stick"

Jason and Tim mess with Penguin, once penguin caught on that they were only attacking at dusk. He started calling them Dusk Boys™.

"God damn dusk boys. Get off my lawn!"

Mariette witnesses it and coined the term, "Dusking it up." whenever someone was a little shit.

Damian got a kazoo one day, someone 'gave' it to him as they ran away. "It's a social experiment!" More like throwing it in his face. Once he got home he played it. Marinette was visiting for a while.

He showed her first and Tim was with her in the living room, eating cake. After he played it, they both went batshit crazy. Once they aren't sleep deprived, Damian 'serenades' Mari with the kazoo. It's during the next patrol and its right after they beat up another criminal.

She was very surprised and so was everybody else. 1 they are usually so profession about this and not announcing their presence or joking around. It's why she got so much done with him. 

2 She kind of enjoyed it???

Marinette finds herself in Dick.

Since everyone went to the pair to vent or find advice. Marinette sees them struggling and slows down with them. Taking things from scratch, be it subjects they struggle with or talking about people.

Dick can relate because not everyone is willing to talk to others besides Dick. They share tips on how to help. Mari gets ideas on how to talk to others about self-love and dick gets advice that he is doing all he can and more. 

Jason and Mari patrol together and spar together too often. Like when they both don’t want to hold back. Afterward, they get ice cream.

Mari never takes credit because she doesn't want to seem like a brat. But she also doesn't want to turn people down because she loves to help.

So she does her work, invites them in and hangs out with them and doesn't shut them out. She sets a group chat for people struggling in math and science. She also has a weekly get together for emotional support, "It doesn't matter what it is, just say it!" She invites Chloe one time and they have deep conversations about family issues and attitude issues.

Monthly shows.

Mari, Adrien, and Dick sing (ABBA) and dress up, they just call it a show. But once Mari does parkour and acrobatic moves they go on the tightrope.

She doesn't push dick and always uses the net, once dick explains why he didn't want to go in the first place. They take it slow. Explaining moves on the ground and different verbal signals to call out for a new movie or stop.

"I played you like the cheap Kazoo you are." Damian when he gets played by Mari in a game. It was Risk.

They are all instruments. Every single one of them. But their price is on a very wide range. It all depends on their mood.

Some are cooking supplies. "What a tool." No one in the mlb crew likes it.