#pale ponytailed lila

[dreamofmourning]

[fox-guardian]

[ID: Digital drawings of original characters Lila and Redd. Lila is a white, tall, lanky, goth trans girl with with very pale skin, lilac eyes, pointy ears with two industrial piercings and large stretched lobes, angel bites and a lip ring on her lips, and very long lilac hair in a high ponytail with v-shaped bangs, long strands by her ears, and the sides of her head shaved. She's wearing dramatic black and purple makeup, a black choker, a frilly black dress, a purple corset, black arm warmers and open-toed platform boots, black and purple striped legwarmers, fishnet thigh-highs, and her nails are long and black. Redd is a white, short, chunky, country trans guy with warmer skin with freckles and acne, shaggy dirty-blonde hair, brown eyes, and patchy facial hair. He is wearing a striped gray beanie hat, a red flannel shirt with a gray undershirt, warm grey ripped jeans, and brown work boots.

The first image shows a front and side view of the both of them from the neck up, and the second image shows them standing with their full bodies visible, showing their heights. The top of Redd's head reaches the bottom of Lila's chest. The background on both images is a pale green. end ID]

~~~~

what if you always wanted to be a vampire and fall in love with a werewolf and you met someone who always wanted to be a werewolf and fall in love with a vampire and then you both got turned into the Other Monster and you were both transgender. what then.

anyway meet lila and redd :) will post more monster-y pics as soon as i draw redd in monster mode

[lilaxhazbinhotel]

Authors note: Hello this is my first fanfic and I hope you enjoy! Please be nice im not the greatest writer but I wanted to try something new.

Characters:

*my oc Lila a seraphim angel that is Lucifer's yiunger sister with large white wings, long white hair, pale skin and bright blue eyes.

*Adam from hazbin hotel but before he got gifted Eve.

Content warnings: none

"In the beginning" (Adam x Oc) *Part I*

In the beginning Adam and Lilith were created but when Lilith fell with Lucifer to hell Adam was left alone. It would take awhile before heaven could gift him a new wife so they began the process of creating Eve. In the meantime he was alone, bored with his life until one day.

Adam was laying under a tree in the garden when he heard singing? But there was no one else around. He was curious and decided to follow the singing and it led him to a hotspring deep in the garden he had never been to. He looked around and saw something, a women swimming in the water, she went under the water and stood up flipping her hair back getting the water off, her large wings shook a bit of the water off and walked out of the water behind a tree.

Adam was very intrigued by the beauty of the girl and watched from afar admiring her features, her pale skin, her bright blue eyes, her long white hair, and her large wings. He was entranced and didn't know what this feeling was. When the girl walked back out from behind the tree she wore a white dress that was sleeveless and open on the sides, she began to walk and hum through the forest and Adam followed her.

As the girl walked humming and swaying, she tied her hair up in a high ponytail and walked on, she walked for a bit before entering a large open field covered in red poppys and white butterflies, she smiled and danced in the large field with the butterflies, Adam watched from the treeline and felt himself smile at her dancing, who was this girl? Where did she come from?, were questions he was curious about but ignored as he watched her.

The girl had a butterfly land on her hand and she was looking towards the treeline, Adam hadn't realized he was visible and the girl got startled and fell backwards down a hill. Panicked, Adam rushed out from the tree line to make sure she was ok. He got to the edge of the hill and saw her at the bottom brushing herself off. "A-Are you ok?", Adam asked nervous. "I'm alright I didn't see you there hehe", *The girl said with a bright smile and small chuckle before she flew up the flew and landed infront of Adam.

Adam felt his face get hot by the sudden closeness of the girl, what was this feeling? He didn't know what to say next and just stared down at her, she was smaller than him and she looked up at him. "Are you ok?", the girl asked. "Huh, oh yeah! I'm fine hehe all good here", Adam said seeming to snap out of his trance. The girl chuckled at his nervousness. "My name is Lila I'm one of the Seraphim from Heaven", the girl said putting her hand out for him to shake it. Adam shook the girls hand and spoke. "I'm Adam the first man", he said.

"Well it's nice to meet you Adam", Lila said with a big smile looking up at him. Hearing her say his name he felt his heart beat faster than ever before. "I-its nice to meet you too Lila", Adam said hesitantly. "Do you want to watch the clouds with me?", Lila asked as she sat on the ground in the meadow. "Sure", Adam said slowly sitting next to her. Lila laid back and looked up at the sky watching the clouds, Adam laid next to her and then two of them talked and laughed for hours, Adam finally didnt feel alone anynore he adored Lila almost immediately. The sun soon went down.

"Well time for me to go home", Lila said standing up with a stretch before looking back at Adam. "Wait am I going to see you again?", Adam said worried. "Of course you will tell you what I'll come back and hangout with you everyday sound good?", Lial said looking up at him. Adam felt himself smile with glee when she said she would come back everyday. "Yeah that sounds great! I'll see you tomorrow then", Adam said excitedly. Lila smiled, "I'll see you tomorrow Adam", she said waving as she flew up to Heaven.

Our the next few months Lila would fly down to visit Adam everyday and spend the whole day with him. The two had grown quite close to eachother becoming bestfriends. Adam was happy he wasn't alone anymore.

One day Adam was chasing Lila through the woods in a game they created. Lila jumped through the brush nearby and Adam followed but on the other side he was back in the meadow of red poppys he looked around not seeing Lila. "Alright come on out Lila this is fair to hide", Adam said looking around the meadow. Adam looked around calling out for her but started to panick not being able to find her. "Lila?! Lila where are you?! Come on this isn't funny anymore!", Adam yelled looking around, did she really just disappear like that. Adam was breathing heavily looking frantically for her when suddenly she jumped out of a bush tackling him laughing. "Boo!", Lila said with a giggle on top of him. Adam looked at her for a minute before retaliating and picking her up and spinning her laughing, she squealed and laughed as he spun her around in his arms. "Adam put me down!", she laughed as he threw her over his shoulder and walked back into the woods carrying her over his shoulder. "Nope", Adam said with a chuckle as he carried her.

He carried her into the hotspring and then dropped her in the water, Adam laughed and Lila sat up splashing him with water, he looked stunned for a minute but then they both laughed and got into a water fight splashing eachother back and forth. Lila tripped Adam and he fell on top of her. They both were laughing in the shallow water of the hotspring, Adam hovered over her and looked at her both of their laughter died down as they stared at eachother. Adam gently brushed a piece of hair out of her face then placed his hand on her cheek caressing it with his thumb. They had never been this close like this and they couldn't break away from the others gaze. Adam leaned forward and Lila could feel his breath on her lips, then his lips pressed against hers. He was kissing her, she closed her eyes and kissed him back, this kiss was gentle and passionate. His lips were so soft and gentle against hers. When they broke away they looked at eachother, Lila was blushing like crazy.

"I-im sorry I don't know what came over me! I- I'm so sorry!", Adam said panicked and embarrassed by his actions. Lila put her hand on his cheek and he froze looking at her again, she leaned forwarded and kissed him again. Adam instantly kissed her back and pulled her onto his lap kissing her holding her hips. Lila ran her fingers through his hair as they continued to kiss when they broke away again they were breathing heavily. "Adam I love you", Lila said softly. Adam looked at her shocked then smiled. "I love you too Lila", Adam said lovingly. The two smiled and hugged eachother. This was the first time Adam really felt love like this.

As their relationship flourished they would do small dates and just enjoy eachothers company. One night Adam and Lila were cuddling in the meadow of poppys looking at the stars in the sky. "Hey Lila?", Adam said. "Yes Adam?", Lila responded. "Can you promise me something?", Adam asked. "Of course what is it?", Lila asked. "Promise me you'll never leave me like Lilith", Adam said. Lila rolled on her side and looked at him and put her hand on his cheek and he looked at her. "I swear on my life I will never leave you Adam I love you with my whole being", Lila said then she gave him a gentle kiss on the head. Adam smiled and kissed her gebtly before he cuddled into her and the two fell asleep happy. But their happiness wouldn't last forever.

...........To Be Continued.................

[animechefgirl454]

Lila and her sheep get their compupance. Miraculous ladybug x reader

y/n looked over the evidence on her laptop. With this evidence Lila will be exposed for the liar that she is and she’s taking her followers( Kim, Alya, nino, ivan and mylene though the latter of the two were more neutral) with her along with the incompetent teacher and principal. Thanks to her spy, she had all the evidence she needed to exposed Lila.

“Ok.” y/n muttered closing the laptop. she put it in her bag and walked out of her room. She was leaving to take it to her mom, Maria, who was a cop. Because with the things that Lila and her sheep have done. they would be facing serious legal trouble, especially Lila and Alya.

When she got to the living room she was surprised to see her mom sitting and chatting with a beautiful woman. the woman had beautiful long red hair tied in a ponytail and blue eyes. she was wearing a long sleeved ivory blouse and and black slacks.

“mom?” y/n said,” when did you get home?” kinda shocked because she knew the life a cop is very demanding.

“oh roger is letting me and a few other officers have two weeks off for rest and relaxation.” Maria replied.

then she turned to the woman,” y/n this is Hannah Jenkins, an old friend from highschool.”

”hi its nice to meet you” y/n replied. “its nice to meet you too.” hannah said smiling.

Maria then noticed her computer bag,” where are you going with your laptop sweetie?” she asked.

“oh I was going to see you at the station, to show you something but here’s good too.” y/n mumbled shifting her feet.

maria noticed the change in her daughter’s demeanor. instantly both the mom and cop in her clicked on.

“what is it y/n? tell me.” maria said.

Y/n hesitated but then walked over to them, sat in between them and pulled out her laptop, turned it on and set it on the table. she took out the usb and plugged it in.

she open the file on the usb and showed the two women what was on it.

as the two women watch their faces paled then turned bright red in anger.

after the final video, heather pulled the laptop towards her closed the file and took out the usb. “what school did you say you go to?” heather asked quietly. ”Dupont.” y/n replied.

“is it alright if i take this?” heather asked y/n, her face devoid of emotion. y/n felt a twinge of fear at the tone of the woman’s voice but nodded thinking that heather was a fellow cop like her mom.

“Good.” the woman replied putting the usb in her purse. “Well it was so wonderful to catch up with you Maria. And was so nice to meet you y/n.” heather said smiling then left the apartment. what y/n didn’t know was that she had just opened pandora’s box and all the crap that Lila and her sheep along with bustier and Damocles had been doing at school is coming back to bite them, hard.

the next day when y/n walked into school, she felt something was off. as she walked towards her class room she heard the whispred.

“Did you hear about the akuma class?”

“yeah, glad finally something’s being done.”

“finally that liar got caught! did you see her mom!? boy she looked pissed! i was afraid she’d become an akuma.”

“i heard that bustier and Damocles are getting the boot. good riddance i say.”

“how those two became teachers is beyond me.”

y/n quickly walked to her homeroom just in time to see heather, a pale teary eyed bustier, a pale Lila and a screaming woman, that resembled lila, screaming at her and bustier and angry classmates, minus marinette, Alix’s, Chloe, max, Juleka, rose and Adrien. turned out heather was member of the school board and they were looking into the rumors and numerous complaints going around DuPont but thanks to y/n that investigation launched immediately. “What in the world were you thinking with your lies Lila!? do you have any idea what trouble you have caused! i could’ve lost my job! Those celebrities you lied about are suing you! and faking disabilities, what is wring with you!? what made you think you could get away with this?” Lila’s mother Gina screamed then she whipped her head towards mrs. bustier. “and you how could let this go on for so long!? How could not follow protocol and ask for a doctors note or if one couldn’t be provided call me ot better yet check her file! how could stand there while my daughter tormented and bully an innocent girl all because she didn’t believe her lies!” Gina screamed.

Bustier didn’t replied just started crying again.”Well Caline, the woman asked you a question.” heather ordered.

“w-well marinette is supposed to set example.” bustier replied trying to defend herself.

“thats your job Caline not your students. Now pack up your things, you’re fired.” heather ordered. the young teacher started crying and walked out of the room.

heather turned to mrs. rossi and lila.

“under norm circumstances Lila would be expelled but that is what she wants and it’d only allow her to do it again. So instead, she’ll remain here for the rest of the school year and because of all the school work is missed while she was skipping she’ll be held back one year.” Lila jumped up in her seat,” you can’t do that! thats embarrassing!”she screeched but with the withering glare from her mom she sat back down.

“Well you should have thought of that before lying and skipping school.” Gina said sternly,” and you will do all the homework you missed because as right now your grounded and your phone and laptop taken away.”

lila didn’t protest because it’ll just make it worse.

After the whole thing Lila and Alya were up to the knees in lawsuits and charges. alya was forced to take down the ladyblog and was blacklisted from all news outlets. and she had to babysit for free after her parents found out that she and nino were dumping their siblings on marinette and pocketing the money. Lika was fired from Gabriel and was forced to worked dead end part time jobs to pay for the lawsuits.

Kim, nino, mylene and ivan were given community service and also had to get part time jobs to pay Marinette back for all the damages they caused her.

mrs. bustier and Damocles were fired and blacklisted and replaced.

Mrs.bustier was replaced with a man named John simmons. a strict but fair teacher that took no crap and stopped bullies and did his job.

Mr. Damocles was replaced with a woman named Diana Manson. she was also strict but fair and would actually listen to both sides and would ask for evidence before dealing with punishments.

so all in all thanks to y/n Dupont school was now a better place.

[lilabyrne]

i love this picrew i think it’s the closest i’ve gotten to my hcs for the shattered realms characters and their appearances.. link

[ID: eight picrew renditions of the eight main characters in the Shattered Realms. They are all shown from the shoulders up.

The first is Hal Matelon, a pale man with short black hair wearing a jacket and a red and white striped shirt. The background is the bisexual flag.

The second is Alyssa ana’Raisa, a woman with light brown skin and a dark blond braid of hair over her right shoulder. She has a nosebleed and is wearing a black longsleeve shirt. The background is the bisexual flag.

The third is Jenna Bandelow, a person with brown skin and long, bright red hair in a ponytail. She’s wearing a white shirt and a brown flannel over it. The background is the pan flag and the nonbinary flag.

The fourth is Ash sul’Han, a person with light brown skin and short ginger hair. He’s wearing a yellow shirt and a brown jacket. The background is the bisexual flag and the aromantic flag.

The fifth is Evan Strangward, a person with brown skin and medium length blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail. He has many piercings, and is wearing a white collared shirt that’s open. The background is the gay flag and the nonbinary flag.

The sixth is Destin Karn, a man with pale skin and short brown hair. He is wearing a grey shirt with a black flannel, and has blood on his face. The background is the gay flag.

The seventh is Breon d’Tarvos, a person with light brown skin and medium length dark orange hair. He’s wearing a colorfully pattered orange shirt. The background is the gilbert baker pride flag with the pink stripe.

The eighth is Lila Byrne, a woman with dark brown skin and dark brown hair done in locs. She’s wearing blue overalls over a white shirt. The background is the lesbian flag and the aroace flag.

End ID]

[highonchocolate]

Take Two: The Guardian in Gotham Chapter 2

First   Previous   Next   Ao3

Barging into the locker room, the four were met with a scene that was straight out of a horror movie. The four teens felt tears come to their eyes at the sight of their friend. She was lying on her right side, curled up on the floor, surrounded by a small pool of blood. Her raven hair, normally pulled back in her signature pigtails, was messy and strewn around her head as if someone had grabbed her near the scalp and yanked. Her left arm was loosely curled over her abdomen, limply wrapped around her. The other arm was awkwardly bent at an unnatural angle-definitely broken. They looked lower and saw her legs. Her knees were pulled up to her chest, and the left leg was fractured. You could see the jagged edges of the break through her skin. All in all, she made for a wonderfully horrifying sight. 

The four stood there. Stricken. Taking in the sight of the strong, bubbly girl lying so lifelessly on the ground. All of them angry at themselves for not staying behind to protect her. It was then, standing in an empty locker room, with the iron tang of their best friend’s blood filling the air that they all silently swore to make Lila Rossi and her gang of mindless sheep pay.

“I know it hurts to see such a strong pillar of kindness looking so broken, but you must remain strong, and help her as much as you can.” It was Tikki’s gentle words that broke them from their murderous trains of thought. They immediately snapped into action. 

“Luka, Kagami, you both need to go to the bakery and explain to the Dupain-Chengs what happened. Adrikins, you need to explain to your father why you ditched your photographer, and ran out in the middle of a shoot. Tikki and I will take our Bug to the hospital. Got it?” Chloé ordered, once again taking the charge of the situation, even as she pulled out her phone. Navigating to the camera app, she angled it to show all of Marinette’s injuries and quickly snapped a couple of pictures from different angles. Looking away from the screen and seeing the incredulous stares of the group, she rolled her eyes and responded “For photographic evidence of her injuries! Obviously.” She huffed “You’re all ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous! Now what are you waiting for? A royal proclamation?! Shoo!” 

At the sound of her exclamation, everyone rushed off to help Marinette.

---

Kagami and Luka immediately ran out of the school to the bakery, already worrying about the potential double akumas they might have to battle later. Dashing across the seat, they silently decided that Kagami’s blunt words were not ideal in explaining this to Tom and Sabine. The chime of the bell above the door alerted the woman in question to their presence. Making her way around the counter, she turned to greet them with a bright smile, before it dimmed to a frown at their grim faces. “Kagami, Luka, what’s wrong?” She questioned, wiping her hands on a small towel. The two in question silently exchanged looks before turning back to the small woman.  

“...It’s Marinette” Luka finally answered, fiddling with his guitar nervously. “She got assaulted by-” 

“It was that Lila girl, wasn’t it?” Sabine hissed. Glaring venomously up at them. 

“Yes it was, how did you know?” Luka questioned, shocked and taken aback at the woman’s statement.

Sabine smiled sadly, her eyes alight with fury. “I know my daughter. The instant she came home from school with that fake smile, trying to hide her torn sketchbook, I knew something was wrong.” Shaking herself out of her quiet contemplation, she directed her stare back to the two teens “Now, can you show me what’s wrong and tell Tom and I what we need to do?” 

Kagami was the one who responded this time. “We can show you the image, but you need to ensure that you won’t let your emotions get the best of you. The last thing Marinette would want to hear after getting discharged from the hospital is that her parents became akumatized.” She bluntly stated, pulling out her phone and handing it to the woman as she spoke. 

“I understand.” Sabine nodded, taking the phone from the girl’s outstretched hand. As she looked at the gruesome picture, she felt her heart break. That was her baby girl, and her so-called friends had done that to her! Looking at the two in front of her, she felt nothing but icy determination to make that liar’s castle of lies come crumbling down. 

“One of you stay and inform Tom, the other come with me. We’re going to the hospital.” She said as she handed the phone back to her daughter’s friends. Looks like she had some calls to make.

As their taxi drove to the hospital, Sabine punched in a familiar number and waited patiently for the other person to pick up. The ringing of the phone was abruptly cut off and replaced with a loud and cheery voice. 

“Sabine!” Gina exclaimed over the noise of honking cars. “How are you? And how is Marinetta?” The former quickly debriefed her mother-in-law on the situation regarding her granddaughter. She finished explaining as they pulled up to the hospital, and walked into the hospital as she waited for the older woman’s response.

“Well then! This simply must not do! I can get in contact with one of my friends in the States, and if all goes well my leetle fairy can stay with his family!” Gina exclaimed decisively. “I’ll call you back!”

Ending the call, Sabine walked into the waiting room and sat next to Luka and Chloé as she waited for her daughter.

---

As Luka and Kagami ran out of the locker room, Chloé looked at Adrien to see him already on the phone with his father. Closing out her photos, she quickly opened up her phone keypad and dialed 15. As she explained the situation to the officer on the other end of the call, she carefully monitored her injured friend. Ending the call she sighed and looked at the red goddess hovering near her worriedly. “Tikki,” she addressed the Kwami “you can hide in my jacket, or somewhere with Marinette. The ambulance should be here soon.” The small being looked at her gratefully before flying down to her chosen and placing a feather-light kiss on her forehead. Zooming back up to Chloé, she quickly settled in the blonde’s ponytail with a small thanks.

As she started to climb into the back of the ambulance, she was stopped by an officer demanding she go home. Looking at the man, she mustered up the coldest glare she could create and looked directly at the terrified fool. “For your information,” she sneered, pushing past him into the vehicle. “I am Chloé Bourgeois, and that girl in there is my best friend, so you will not keep me from her or I will make your life very difficult. Do you understand?” She hissed, slamming the door behind her. As they drove away she caught a glimpse of his pale, terrified face before they turned the corner. Smirking to herself, she turned to her friend’s prone body lying on the stretcher, and immediately sobered up and reverted to her take-charge daughter of the mayor persona. She quietly sat in the waiting room as Marinette was rolled into the ER.

---

Even as Chloé was issuing her orders, Adrien was already unlocking his phone and calling Nathalie. He stood anxiously on the steps as he waited for her to pick up.

“Adrien? Mme. Tsurugi had informed me that Mlle. Dupain-Cheng was injured at school. While I admire your concern for your friend, that does not excuse your behavior during the photoshoot.” The older woman’s emotionless voice greeted him as he opened his mouth to explain.

“But Nathalie! She wasn’t just injured! She was assaulted! You should see the pictures of how she looked!” He responded angrily as he texted her the image.

There was silence on the other end of the line as she looked at the image.

“...I see. I will show this to your father. If the Dupain-Chengs agree, he would be happy to pay for her hospital bill. Do you know who did this?” The secretary’s voice was as apathetic as usual, but there was an underlying tone of concern and anger.

“We think it might have been Lila,” Adrien responded hesitantly. “I saw her outside the school when we entered, and she has been bullying Marinette for a while...There’s a hidden camera we planted in the locker room. Could you pull up the footage and see what happened?”

Yes Adrien. You also have permission to go to the hospital, but make sure you practice your piano when you get home.” 

“Thank you Nathalie.” He responded, before he heard the dial tone as she hung up.

Placing his phone in his pocket, he looked down at the reluctant green-eyed Kwami in his jacket before transforming into Chat Noir and bounding across the rooftops to the hospital. 

---

Kagami and Tom came running in just as Marinette’s name was called. They stood next to Sabine, Luka and Chloé as she was wheeled into the room. She had a black brace on her right wrist, and another on her left leg. She had several scrapes and bruises, and there were bandages everywhere, but she was alive. As the nurse rattled off the medical report: broken ribs and wrist, a fractured leg, as well as bruising on her arms, abdomen and face; the group felt their fury grow. Marinettte, sensing this, quickly smiled up at them and asked if they could stay the night for a movie marathon and sleepover. 

Chloé promptly burst into tears and clutched her uninjured hand. “Oh MariBug, I’m so sorry this happened to you!” she croaked out through the tears.  “It’s not your fault, Chloé.” Marinette gently assured her. “It was Lila’s.” 

As they settled in amongst the many blankets and pillows with their food in hand, her statement was met with many calls of agreement, as well as complaints about the bully in question.

---

In Italy, Gina Dupain pulled out her phone and dialed a number she never thought she’d use again.

“Hello?” The voice on the other end is quiet and dignified, with a hint of a British accent.

“Hi, Alfred. I need a favor.”

---

Hanging up the phone, Alfred Pennyworth mulled over the interesting and saddening conversation he had just had with his old friend. Nodding to himself, he walked out of the room to find Master Bruce. If the image she sent him was anything to go by, Gina’s granddaughter desperately needed to get out of Paris.

As the Batmobile pulled into the garage, he walked over to Master Bruce and explained the situation. Although he was reluctant at first, once he saw the horrifying image, he went from unsure to furious at the thought of some teenagers doing this to their classmate! He didn’t even hesitate when he told Alfred that he would gladly have her stay in the Manor. With that reassurance, Alfred walked back upstairs to inform Gina.

---

In Paris the next morning, at around one AM, the movie marathon was still going strong when Sabine and Tom opened the trapdoor and peeked through. Marinette craned her head to look over from her position in the cuddle pile/blanket fort hybrid. “Maman? Papa?” She questioned. “What’s wrong?” Sabine smiled gently. “Nothing’s wrong mon bébé, it’s just…” she trailed off, unsure on how to proceed.

“How do you feel about going to Gotham, to stay with your Nonna Gina’s friend?” Tom cut in.

“His name is Alfred Pennyworth, and he works for Bruce Wayne.” Sabine added, smiling hopefully.

Marinette blinked confusedly as her Chloé and Adrien shouted with excitement at the sound of the name.

Well that was unexpected.

---

Bonus:

Marinette: *thinking* Bruce Wayne...

Chloé: *rolling her eyes* Only one of the richest men in the world!

Marinette: *thinking intensifies*

Adrien: *confused in cinnamon roll* Buginette how come you don't know who he is?

Marinette's Brain: error file not found

Marinette: *sweats nervously* Um... he's not big in the fashion industry??

Chloé and Adrien: *facepalm*

---

 Note: I update weekly, the thing is I had posted Chap. 1 to Ao3 last week, and so I posted both this week to catch up

[spookyboywhump]

May 15th

AHAHA I FINISHED IT AND I LIKE IT

Soft content for Eli’s birthday, featuring some baby Eli content as well

CW: fluff. Eli cries a bit. It’s actually quite happy

***

He kicked his legs excitedly as he sat there in the booth, his brand new shark stuffie clutched tightly in his arms. He was so small, it was quite big compared to him, but that just made it all the better in his opinion. He was only just now turning six years old, but he was certain this was the best birthday, and the best gift he’d gotten in his whole little life.

Everett had kept him home from school that day, he was already excited to brag to anyone who would listen tomorrow about how cool his brother was for doing so. He had made him breakfast, pancakes with whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, and after that he’d let him choose his own clothes for the day, instead of the strict and stuffy outfits their mother preferred he wore. He didn’t even fight him on his hair, simply tied it back in two ponytails for him instead of fighting with a brush while he cried. To him, it was already a great day just from the morning.

After that, he’d taken him out for the day. He’d repeatedly asked him where they were going but Everett simply assured him it was a surprise, only serving to make him more excited. He hadn’t been able to guess where Everett was taking him, but when he saw it was the aquarium, he had accidentally squealed from how excited he was, happily flapping his hands until Everett picked him up and had him sit on his shoulders so he wouldn’t run off in his excitement, as he was known to do.

He was completely in awe of the exhibits they passed through. They spent nearly thirty minutes in front of the tank of moon jellies because he just couldn’t stop staring at them. He thought that was the best, at least, he did until they entered one room where they could actually touch things. Everett was hesitant to do so but he set him down in front of the low tank, and he had absolutely no issue with sticking his hand into the water, gasping when his fingers brushed over the back of a small passing stingray.

“E-Ev- Ev! It’s a, it’s like a, like a pancake!” He giggled excitedly. He snatched his hand out of the water, spreading his hands out as he said, “It’s uh, it’s uh, it’s smooth and flat, it’s like a- like a pancake!” He said, waving his hands excitedly.

“A pancake? Really?” Everett laughed, and he nodded, happy to stick his hands back into the water, a look of absolute glee on his face.

They spent a long time at the aquarium, simply because he felt the need to look at everything for a prolonged period of time. Everett didn’t seem to mind though, he let him take his time and on their way out they stopped in the gift shop. He wasn’t the kind of kid to ask for anything, he knew the answer was likely to be no, but he couldn’t stop staring at the shark plushies, and after a while of him looking between them and his brother, Everett said he’d buy it for him, since it was his birthday after all.

He took him out for lunch once they finally left, and then to a park so he could run around, holding onto his shark while he did so so it wouldn’t get dirty. And now, as the day was ending, he brought him to a small ice cream shop, an especially rare treat for him. He’d gone to get their ice cream, leaving him there alone but still in his line of sight. He perked up when he saw him coming back, he had a cup with large scoops of mint chocolate chip ice cream for him and one with strawberry ice cream for himself.

“Here you go, kid.” Everett said, setting it down in front of him as he took a seat across from him.

“Th-tha-thank you!” He said, grabbing the spoon and excitedly shoving a spoonful of ice cream into his mouth.

“Have you had a good day?” He asked him, taking a bite of his own ice cream while he happily nodded.

“Mmhm! I-I- I had- had fun!” He giggled softly. “I like- I liked the- the- the fish! And- and my shark! I love my- my- my shark!”

“Are you gonna name it?” He asked, and he looked to the shark, making a face as he thought it over.

“Mmmm… Ev.”

“Yeah?”

“N-No- no his name- his name is Ev.” He said, looking up at him. “Since Ev got him- got- got him for me, his name- his name is Ev.” He said, and Everett smiled at him.

“You’re a sweet kid, you know that?” He said, and he giggled, happily shoving more ice cream into his mouth.

By the time they finished he was bouncing in his seat, even more hyper from the sugar. Everett cleaned up after them, getting up and leaving the table for a moment. He watched his brother, on his way back he stopped somebody, asking them to take a quick picture of them together and explaining it was his birthday. When they agreed, he sat down next to him, pulling him into a hug, both of them flashing big grins as the stranger took a picture, commenting on how cute the pair of siblings were as they handed the phone back to Everett.

“Can I- can I- can I see?” He asked, getting up on his knees, and Everett showed him the phone, the photo of them together, he had a big grin on his face, one of his front teeth missing and his shark still in the background. “Oooohhh! I- I love- I love it!” He giggled, and Ev smiled, pulling him into a tight hug.

“Happy birthday, kid.” He told him, and he clung to him tightly, a big smile spread across his face.

After they left, Everett carried him home, having to carry his shark in one arm so he wouldn’t drop it. It was quite late in the day, and after spending so much time out and being so active, he was quickly growing sleepy, struggling to keep his eyes open as they got closer to his apartment. Once there Everett carried him back to their shared room, laying him down and handing him his shark, taking a moment to pull his shoes off for him.

“I’m glad you had fun.” Everett said, brushing wispy strands of brown hair back from his face.

“I- I- I had…” He paused to yawn, finishing with, “I had lots- lots of fun…” He murmured, curling up and cuddling his new shark close. He was asleep in only minutes, a content smile still on his face. Everett smiled as he looked down at him, so happy and so relieved he’d been able to do this for him.

***

“Can I open my eyes yet?”

“Not just yet, we’re almost there.” Zander told him, steering him by the shoulders. “And no peeking.” He told him, Eli snapping his good eye shut when he said it. They’d spent the day out together, Zander had taken him to the aquarium and listened to all his talking and rambling, and now they were finally returning to his apartment, but Zander was insistent that he kept his eyes shut. He heard him unlock the door and push it opened, tugging him inside by his wrist and only stopped in what Eli assumed was the dining room just off his living room.

“Alright- you can open your eyes now.” Zander told him, and he didn’t have to be told twice.

“Surprise!”

He nearly jumped back, startled but a grin quickly spread across his face at what he saw. Cara, Lila, Alec, even Alondra were there, crowded around his dining room table. They’d hung a happy birthday banner on the wall behind them, and gotten blue and white balloons for him, tying them to the chairs. They’d hung pale blue streamers from the ceiling, and on the table was takeout food from his favorite restaurant, and a cake with blue icing and number candles for “25”, and the words “Happy Birthday Elias”.

“Eli- shit, kid are you okay?” Zander asked, sounding worried as he brought his hands up to cover his mouth, blinking back tears.

“I’m- I’m fine, I’m fine, I’m sorry, I love it!” He laughed.

“Aww, Elias you can’t cry on your birthday!” Cara said, coming around the table and pulling him into a hug.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry, no I’m so happy! This is perfect, I love you guys!” He said, reaching up and wiping at his eyes. Cara pulled away so they could all take a seat at the table, Alec using a lighter to light the candles, the small group singing happy birthday for him while he tried to keep from crying again.

“Make a wish!” They told him and he blew out the candles, smiling as Zander ruffled his hair.

“What did you wish for?” He asked him, and Eli laughed.

“I’m not telling, I want it to come true.” He said. He gladly accepted a slice of cake when Alondra passed him a plate, looking excited.

“I hope you like it, they said this was your favorite.” She said, and he grinned when he saw the inside was layered vanilla cake, one layer white and one colored blue.

“You made this?” He asked, and she nodded as he took a bite, only for his eyes to widen. “Oh shit- this is amazing!” He covered his mouth to hide the grin on his face, looking up at her. “I love it! Thank you so much!” He said, and she grinned at him.

“I’m so glad!” She looked both happy and relieved at the same time, as though she’d really feared he wouldn’t.

It was easily one of the best nights he’d had in a while, surrounded by his friends as they ate and talked and laughed. Once they had all had their fill of food, they brought Eli into the living room, having him sit down on the couch in front of the coffee table, a few gifts placed in front of him that they insisted he opened.

Cara and Lila had gotten him matching pink and green squid shaped pillows, and Alec had gotten him a set of books he’d been collecting. Alondra had given him a homemade apron, made from jellyfish printed fabric and a set of blue baking spatulas with white polka dots, measurement conversions printed on the back, and Zander had gotten him an adorable cat shaped lamp, which would fade through different colors when it was one. He was so excited over each and every one of them, to the point of frantically flapping his hands as he thanked them, looking overjoyed.

“Oh, there’s one more thing.” Zander told him, going across the room to get something from the closet.

“We all picked this one out for you.” Cara told him, and Eli grinned as Zander brought back a rather large gift bag, filled with blue tissue paper. He had to pull quite a bit of it out to get to it, but his face lit up as he saw the item inside.

“Oh my god! I love it!” He cried, pulling out the large dolphin stuffed animal. It was absolutely adorable, he instantly hugged it close to his chest, already in love with how soft it was.

“We’re glad you like it.” Zander said, ruffling his hair. “Happy birthday, kid.” He said, sitting down and pulling him into a hug, only for the others to join in as best they could. It took all his self control to not burst into tears again, overwhelmed with happiness and love for his friends.

***

That night he laid in bed, Zander next to him as he had stayed the night. Zander had passed out after a few too many drinks but he was still awake, laying there and watching the pale light from his new little lamp change. He smiled, turning onto his side and cuddling both his shark and his new dolphin close to his chest, thinking over that year’s birthday wish.

I wish to be this happy all the time.

[p-artsypants]

Five Minutes

Gabriel has had enough of all these girls fighting over Adrien. He decides it’s high time Adrien picks one, and arranges the perfect opportunity for him to do so. Each candidate has five minutes to present why they’d be a good girlfriend.

Marinette decides to take this opportunity to shoot her shot.

Ao3 | FF.net

Adrien came into school that morning with the weight of an entire future on his shoulders. His face pale, his lips tight in a line, and everything tense.

He bypassed everyone that wanted to talk to him, including his friends. Chloe and Lila seemed in a chipper mood, as they took turns hanging on his arms and blowing kisses at him.

It bugged Marinette more than she wanted to admit. Did no one else notice he was suffering?

At lunch, she dug down deep inside herself and asked him, before he could leave the classroom. “Hey Adrien?”

He cringed at her voice, but relaxed a moment later, sending her an easy smile. “Hi Marinette. What’s up?”

The smile reeked of stress and despair. Given their lose, almost-friendship, she didn’t know if she had the right to ask him, but plowed ahead anyways. “You seem…stressed. Are you okay? Anything I can help with?”

The question gained the attention of Nino and Alya, who were also packing up to head home for lunch.

“Yeah dude, you’ve been kinda tense all day…I just didn’t know how to ask.”

Adrien’s eyes flicked around the room. Chloe had already left, but it seemed like Lila had hooked an end of the conversation and walked down to them, placing a hand on Adrien’s shoulder.

“He’s just a little nervous, that’s all. Mr. Agreste has decided that he can finally have a girlfriend, and invited some worthy candidates to the mansion this afternoon!”

Marinette’s heart squeezed painfully. She hadn’t heard anything about this, so she obviously wasn’t invited. But if Lila knew, then…

“Are you a candidate?!” Alya nearly shouted, excited.

That only heightened the pain in her chest.

“Naturally! Adrien and I have a great working relationship, and we’re great friends! Mr. Agreste really respects me as an artist too! Of course he invited me!” She pet Adrien, like he was an animal, and not a person. “Adrien and I both know it’s already a done deal. But the…contest, it’s more of a formality.”

“It’s not official yet,” Adrien said, scooting away from Lila. “You still have to go through the interview.”

“Of course, but I’m a sure win.”

The quiver of his lip and tense eyebrows told Marinette otherwise.

Adrien took a deep breath and looked at his friends. “My father said I could invite a few friends, for morale support. Would you guys be willing to come?”

“Of course dude!”

“You’ll come to support me too, right Alya?” Asked Lila.

“Of course girl!”

Adrien’s beautiful eyes met Marinette’s, pleading with her. “Marinette? Are you in?”

“I’m sure she’s busy in the bakery, Adrien,” Said Lila, “don’t make her feel guilty.”

“I’m free.” Marinette blurted out. “I’d love to be there.” She really didn’t want to, actually, but felt it better to go and plunge the knife in and rip her heart out. With Adrien officially taken, she could finally move on, right?

At least, that was her hope.

Adrien smiled at her genuinely, looking relieved slightly.

He and Nino went to eat lunch together, while Alya followed her back to the bakery, quiet on the way.

“Hey…um, I’m sorry you didn’t get invited to participate.”

“I suppose that’s what I get for sitting with a thumb up my butt.” Marinette answered with a sigh.

“And, I know you don’t like Lila, but she’s just as deserving of Adrien’s affection as you are, okay? Please please please don’t be embarrassing and try to ruin this in a fit of jealous rage.”

Marinette wanted to say, ‘No promises’ but instead, she stated, “I won’t.”

“Kay, cause like…that wouldn’t be fair to Adrien, you know? This is his future girlfriend. He deserves a fair chance to look at his options and choose who he wants.”

Marinette glared at Alya, a million red flags popping up in her mind.

The sudden anger took Alya aback. “What?”

“You think this is fair?”

Alya just blinked.

“Mr. Agreste has decided that Adrien can have a girlfriend and selects a handful of candidates for him to pick from? What is he, a Prince?”

Alya shrugged. “I don’t know how the wealthy work! Besides, I think Adrien and Lila have real chemistry! Better than him and the Ice Queen.”

“You mean Kagami? I think he’s got better chemistry with her than Lila.”

Alya scoffed, “no offense girl, but I don’t think you can judge that objectively.”

Marinette frowned, hurt and betrayal flashing through her head before she stomped it down. “Maybe I can’t. But Adrien’s happiness is still important to me. Even if he doesn’t find it with me. Kagami isn’t as much of an ice queen as she seems.”

Alya shrugged. “Okay, I might be wrong. I don’t really know her that well. Maybe she got invited too.”

“I’m sure she did. She was always Adrien’s professional date for events. Gabriel seems like the type to build up PR where he could.”

“Mmmm, you’re right. I bet Chloe’s up there too.”

“She and Adrien have been friends forever. I wouldn’t doubt it.”

They ate their lunch quietly, both mulling over their own thoughts.

“Adrien didn’t look too happy.” Marinette commented.

“He’s sure he’s just nervous. He’s never had a girlfriend before.”

“Right…”

Alya sighed again. “I can’t help but feel like this is really good for you, Marinette. This might be what it takes to get over him. You’ve been stuck on Adrien for a while now.”

“Yeah…silly me.”

“Come on, I’m not calling you silly!” She protested. “I’m just…it was frustrating watching you get all tongue tied over him. I want you to be happy, Mari. I desperately do. But Adrien might not be that for you. Take some time and then…who knows? Luka has his eyes on you.”

“I know.” Marinette said, some guilt popping up at the name. “Maybe…maybe someday.”

—

After school, the limo arrived to pick them up. Adrien told his driver that Nino, Alya, and Marinette were joining him, while Lila jumped in to grab a ride.

Marinette sat on one side of Adrien, while Lila sat on the other.

“So like, what’s this contest like?” Asked Nino, conversationally.

“Well,” began Lila, with a confident little flourish. “Mr. Agreste is going to interview all the contestants. We’ve all been given a five minute allotment to write a speech on why we would be a good candidate. Of course, he has files on all of us so he can see background, family income, achievements, charities, etc.”

“With all of your accomplishments, I bet you have a real chance!” Chirped Nino. “How many contestants are there?”

“I’m not sure.” Said Lila, with an honest shrug.

“Dude?” Nino probed Adrien.

Adrien shrugged too, as he had been quiet the whole ride. “I…I have no idea. I was just told about it this morning.”

Marinette sucked in a gaping breath next to him. He’d only had a day to think this through? This really was completely unfair!

Finally, they arrived at the mansion, and they were ushered inside.

Gabriel greeted them in the entry hall, as cold and professional as ever. He raised an eyebrow. “I believe I said you could invite one friend for support,” he said, by way of greeting.

“This is a…big decision. I wanted people around me with opinions I could trust.”

Gabriel glanced at the assembled, his eyes lingering on Marinette for a touch too long. “I understand. Come now. The other’s will arrive soon.”

They were escorted into the parlor, where three chairs sat in a line, then a table with two other chairs behind it.

“Miss Rossi, please take a seat. The other two contestants will be here shortly. Mr. Lahiffe, would you be so kind as to grab more chairs for you, Miss Cesaire, and Miss Dupain-Cheng?”

“Sure dude—er, yes sir.”  

Gabriel took a seat at the table, looking at the three folders upon it.

Adrien begrudgingly sat next to him, as his three friends took up seats behind him.

Gabriel didn’t really want to do this. Match-making wasn’t something that felt worthy of his time. However, he considered this as killing three birds with one stone. 1) He’d get these girls to stop fighting over Adrien and being an embarrassment for Adrien’s career. 2) He’d have a controlled environment for Adrien to pick a girl. He wanted his son to pick a girl that was worthy of the family. After all, once Emilie came back, they would be a family again. 3) Whoever won or lost didn’t really matter. He’d get an akuma or two. And that made this all worth it.

And with the unsuspected surprise of Marinette Dupain-Cheng added, that added his 4th goal, to finally akumatize her. He wasn’t stupid. He knew very well that Marinette had feeling for Adrien. It was glaringly obvious. But since she had made no attempt to ask him out, he didn’t feel the need to invite her. Perhaps he should have anyways.

The second contestant arrived, as Chloe Bourgeois.

“Running late, are we Chloe?” Alya taunted.

“Not a bit.” Chloe flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. “You can’t rush perfection, you know.”

Gabriel twitched an eyebrow, and wrote down some notes. “Please, take a seat. The final contestant should be here soon.”

Lila had taken the middle seat, and Chloe took the one to her right.

Nearly as her butt hit the chair, the final candidate was escorted in. Kagami Tsurugi.

“Thank you for having me, Mr. Agreste.” She bowed politely.

“Thank you for attending.” He replied, cooly. “Please have a seat.”

As Marinette looked across the three girls, her stomach churned with unpleasant feelings. Nerves, nausea, dread…

And idea popped into her head, speaking in a voice that sounded a lot like Tikki. But she simply waved it away with a shake of her head.

‘Please please please don’t be embarrassing and try to ruin this in a fit of jealous rage.’ Alya’s voice piped up, as the angel on the other shoulder.

She swallowed, and looked to Adrien.

He was hunched in his seat, his leg bouncing quickly. She couldn’t see his face, but his body spoke of uncontested anxiety.

As far as Marinette was concerned, Kagami was the only one up there that deserved a chance to be with Adrien. She was honest and a hard worker.

But Marinette feared that she wasn’t affectionate enough to help Adrien.

Her voice crawled up her throat, resolution pumping through her veins, pounding in her ears, sweating through her palms.

This was a bad idea, a very very bad idea—

“Excuse me, Mr. Agreste?” She blurted, right as he was about to speak.

All eyes were on her, and she felt the immense pressure of it all. This was not like being Ladybug. These weren’t akumas and she had no authority in her civilian clothes.

“Yes, Miss Dupain-Cheng?”

Gabriel looked right at her, staring her down. But his tone held no judgement or impatience. Just curiosity.

“I was hoping, if it isn’t too late. May I also throw my proverbial hat in the ring?”

“You?”

“Yes. Of course, I know I wasn’t invited. So I understand if it’s a no.”

Gabriel was quiet a moment, thinking.

Adrien, however, was staring at her, mouth open, eyes wide. Utterly gobsmacked.

“Adrien, do you have any objections to having Miss Dupain-Cheng join the others in the interview?”

He breathed, his whole body relaxing in one sweep. “No, I don’t mind at all.”

Maybe it was the nerves, but Marinette could have sworn he looked relieved.

“Then I see no problem. Please bring your chair over with the others.”

“Thank you sir,” she said, humbly.

As she moved, Alya grabbed her wrist. “You promised!” She hissed.

“This isn’t a fit of jealous rage.” Marinette said calmly. She walked over and sat her chair next to Chloe, who looked furious. Lila gave her a smile that looked like friendly competition, but came off as a little smug.

Kagami just looked cold, and a little betrayed.

Marinette flicked her eyes meaningfully over to the other awful contestants, trying to send a message.

Kagami, smart as she was, seemed to get it, and quirked her lips in forgiveness. But her expression turned steely again. This was a competition, and she would not loose.

“Thank you ladies for all coming today,” Gabriel began. “I asked each of you here, because you have shown interest in Adrien in a romantic way. Relationships are important in our line of work, but Adrien’s significant other must reflect well upon the brand. Therefore, I have arranged this meeting. You will each be given five minutes to present why you would be the right candidate for this position. I will have a little say so, but ultimately the decision is up to Adrien.”

Alya and Nino shared a look, both getting the same vibe from the situation.

This was a job interview.

“Miss Kagami Tsurugi, the floor is yours.”

Kagami stood. “Thank you, Mr. Agreste.”

Marinette’s face paled. Kagami had note cards. She was prepared. She had probably prepared all week for this!

What was she doing!? Her whole speech was going to be her going “Da-uh--eh—cute boy—love Adrien!” And she’d be an embarrassment forever! She’d loose all progress she made with him! Their friendship was effectively over!

And judging by the way Alya was glaring at her, it wasn’t the only friendship that was going up in smoke.

“Adrien,” Kagami began. “You and I met in a duel. A match that was repeated over and over because we were in perfect sync. Perfect in rhythm and time, and perfect off the mat as well. We match in wit and grades, and in talent and grace. We match in family, and background. Our relationship will only be good for both of us, and our families. I strive for perfection in all that I do. Each task I come upon, I complete flawlessly. You are the only boy for me, as you have reached a level of perfection unparalleled in man. You and I connect and understand things that most people don’t. Fine manners, and public relations. You need a girl that can withstand the scrutiny of the media. A girl like me. I can be scrutinized and not bow to the pressure, for I have no flaws to display. Together, you and I will be perfect.” She nodded once and sat down.

“Thank you, Kagami.” Adrien said, sincerely. He liked Kagami, he really did. She was nice, and they got along…but the amount of times she dropped the word ‘perfect’ was a little unsettling. He didn’t forget Oni-chan. And while akumas couldn’t be held responsible for what they said, Kagami had announce that she deserved him because he was perfect.

But surely, there was more to her than that, right?

Gabriel said nothing, just wrote down some notes. Then, “Miss Lila Rossi, it’s your turn.”

Marinette watched Lila stand and take on this air of confidence that only came from living in a state of denial. “Adrien, as you and I have both discussed before, you and I make a wonderful pair. As you can see from my long list of achievements, you can see that I have a broad repertoire of skills, spanning from assisting with and upstarting charity work, leadership, academics, and of course, design. As the daughter of a diplomat, I am well spoken and naturally charismatic. I have a vast network of connections, and you’ll find it a benefit to join that network. Though I don’t doubt the power of the name Agreste, I can get you in contact with people you’ve wanted to connect with before. As an artist myself, I carry a fine eye to design, and can lend myself to the family business. I am acquainted with the workings of the modeling industry, and therefore require no training to pick it up. In fact, I can work as a liaison between different departments with my vast skill set. Along with all of this, you and I have good chemistry on the set as models. We work well together. And we’ll be even more amazing together.”

Marinette would have been impressed if that wasn’t all flaming garbage.

But judging by the way Alya was giving her a thumbs up, it must have sounded somewhat convincing.

Adrien nodded, “Thank you Lila.” He stated plainly. She sounded very professional for someone who just lied through her resume. But weirdly enough, it seemed like Lila was more presenting to his father than to him.

He already knew he wasn’t going to pick her, but he wondered if she was playing on her connection she had to his father. That would not be good…unless his father really was letting him pick.

That’d be a first.

“Miss Chloe Bourgeois. You have the floor.”

Chloe stood, a hand on her hip. “Adrikins,” she started.

Marinette couldn’t help but smile. Good old Chloe.

“You and I have been friends forever. You know what friendships are built on, right? Memories. And you and I have shared a whole lot. We were there for each other when our moms left. We survived that together, so why can’t we do more? Of course, you have no need of my money or fame, but business talk, we’re great. We’re already great. Adrien Agreste and Chloe Bourgeois, heiress and supermodel, beauty incarnate!”

That actually made Adrien chuckle.

“We’ll be the modern Brangelina. We’ll have fan clubs! We might even have a movie made about us!” Then she smiled, a smile that Marinette had never seen on her face before. One that was actually happy. “And you know, I like imagining a future with you. I think it could be fun.”

He quirked a smile at her. “Thanks Chlo.”

It was a nice sentiment. But he never had any feelings of romance towards Chloe. She was always a sister to him. And she had begun to fall out of his favor with her treatment of other classmates. It just wasn’t going to happen.

Marinette pressed her palms down hard into her knees to keep from trembling. Would it be awful to bow out now? Would that be rude and unprofessional? Would Mr. Agreste forbid Adrien from talking to her, since she was so flakey? She swallowed, once, twice, but her throat was still dry. Why did she do this?

Adrien looked at Marinette while his father finished writing notes about Chloe. Kagami had been somewhat predictable. She wasn’t being completely honest about her feelings with his father in the room. But, she did have a competitive streak in her. And…she always wanted the best.

Lila was also pretty predictable. It was all horse shit. Even if his father bought it and pressured him to pick her, she wouldn’t last because she wouldn’t be able to pull through on her promises.

Chloe. Chloe was a little refreshing. Informal, not really seeing a need to elaborate. They’d known each other forever, like she said.

But Marinette was a wild card. Sweet, kind, helpful, everyday Ladybug. As much as he detested this stupid stunt, having Marinette speak up to participate made it a little more tolerable. But…if she said anything like the other girls, he didn’t know if he could look at her the same way.

“Miss Dupain-Cheng. I apologize that you didn’t have time to prepare, but you have five minutes, just like the others. It starts now.”

She stood. “Thank you, Mr. Agreste.”  

I’m Ladybug. She told herself. I’m worth it. I deserve my chance at happiness.

Adrien watched as she closed her eyes and breathed. When she opened them, she looked right at him.

Were her eyes always so blue?

“Adrien,” her voice was soft and tender. This wasn’t a pitch, this was a secret, just for him. “I love you.”

Adrien gasped slightly, warmth settling in his chest immediately.

“When we first met, I hated you. I saw this fancy rich kid who was friends with the other bratty rich kid, and I made an assumption. I misunderstood your good deed. It was never the fame or wealth that drew me to you.

“It was that moment in the rain. You humbled yourself, and confessed you didn’t know how to make friends. I scoffed at you, I was rude and you had every reason to write me off and never speak to me again. But you didn’t. You offered me that umbrella, and took the time to explain yourself, because you wanted to be my friend. That kindness was an arrow to my heart, Adrien. And every time I see that kindness, I find myself falling over and over again.” Her voice wavered, as she started to loose courage.

Adrien just smiled at her, and nodded her on, desperate to hear what she had to say.

“I don’t have much to offer you. I’m the daughter of a baker, which makes for a modest living. The Dupain-Cheng’s are famous, but just for our macarons, and only in Paris. I come with a lifetime supply of sweets and carbs,” she giggled. “And um, I can make things for you. I know you can get whatever clothing you’d like, but…I can knit you some mittens to match that blue scarf of yours. And…most of all, I can offer you me. My ears to listen to you when you have a rough day, or when you just want to make puns. My eyes to watch you at your tournaments and support you. My hands to play video games with you and massage your shoulders after a long photoshoot. My arms to hold you when you feel lonely. And my lips, to kiss you and reassure you when you feel inadequate.” Then she swallowed again, her eyebrows furrowing. “If…even if you don’t pick me. I still offer all of this to you. Because you’re my friend, and I care about you. I want you to be happy. Even if it’s not with me.” She smiled slightly and sat down.

For a while, Adrien just stared at her, struggling to breathe. He could see her trembling. He wanted to run to her and hold her. He had never felt this strong of an urge before, but that’s what he wanted to do.

“Marinette, I…thank you…” he finally managed out.

“Miss Dupain-Cheng,” Gabriel spoke. “I must ask, you’re a budding designer, correct?”

“Yes sir.”

“Does a relationship with my son look like a in for you in my company?”

Adrien almost wanted to yell at the accusation, but stayed quiet.

Marinette thought a moment, then answered. “I’m here for Adrien. If I get a chance to work in the industry, that would be amazing. But if dating Adrien meant I sacrificed my own career…I think it’d be worth it.”

“Thank you, for being candid.”

“Yes sir.”

“Now then,” Gabriel stood. “Adrien and I, and company,” he gestured to Alya and Nino, “will be stepping into the other room to reach a decision. Please remain seated.”

As the door closed behind them, Marinette let out a sigh of relief and let the weight fall off her shoulders. She did it. She confessed to Adrien. She made her shot. Now it was up to him.

—

In the other room, Gabriel, Adrien, Alya, and Nino gathered around a television projecting the parlor on the screen.

“What’s this?” Alya asked.

“People act different when they think others aren’t watching.” He answered simply, and turned up the volume.

Chloe hauled off and whacked Marinette on the arm. “What the shit, Dupain-Cheng!?”

“Ow!” Marinette cried, more from shock than pain.

“Yeah, what the hell were you thinking?” Lila asked.

“I thought you were my friend.” Kagami bit. “How could you do this to me?”

Marinette rubbed her arm. “I just…I just wanted a chance to tell him. Before it was too late.”

Lila scoffed. “It was absolutely pathetic. And you ruined your own chance! You said ‘I can’t offer much, but what I can offer, I can give as a friend too.’ Why would he consider dating you then?”

“At least I had something to offer!” Marinette shouted back. “Your resume is all lies!”

“Doesn’t matter! Mr. Agreste likes me more than his own son. It doesn’t matter if Adrien knows I’m lying, Gabriel doesn’t. And daddy pulls all the strings. I’m going to be Adrien’s girlfriend.”

“Whoa whoa whoa!” Chloe shouted. “No way! Gabriel likes me more! Who doesn’t? I have fame and notoriety! And I’m prettier!”

“Stop it!” Marinette shouted, genuinely upset. “Stop talking about Adrien like he’s a prize to be won! He’s not a trophy or a piece of meat! He’s an intelligent, kind, loving man! He deserves someone that will love him!”

“I love him plenty!” Chloe cried indignantly.

“I love him more!” Kagami interjected. “And Marinette’s right. He’s a person. He needs someone on his level that understands his life. Marinette…that person isn’t you. You don’t understand what kind of pressure he’s under. You don’t understand strict families and high expectations…you haven’t done anything to deserve him.”

Marinette closed her eyes, trying to keep from crying. That was a low blow.

Lila chuckled. “Did you see the look on Alya’s face when you invited yourself up here? She was so angry! Probably because she’s so sick of you embarrassing yourself.”

“It was really embarrassing.” Chloe added. “You super don’t belong up here. I’d be surprised if Adrien ever spoke to you again after that stunt.”

Lila grinned at that. “Hey, nice work! You did my job on your own. I told you, didn’t I? You’d loose all your friends, and Adrien would be mine. Jealousy really is a little bitch, isn’t it?”

Marinette screwed her eyes shut, rocking in her chair, and begging herself not to cry. This had been all a big mistake.

“So what are you going to do now?” Lila asked, taunting her more. “I hope you switch schools. It would be so much easier. But if you stay, I’m sure that would be even more fun. After all, I hold all the cards now. No one will ever listen to you again!”

Alya’s mouth dropped open as soon as Lila went off. “She…she lied?”

“She’s lied this whole time.” Adrien provided softly. “Marinette tried to tell you. I guess…I didn’t realize why you didn’t believe her.”

Gabriel muted the TV. “Well. We have four candidates, each with some benefit…except Miss Rossi, obviously.” He closed her file. “But, true to my word, the final decision is yours.”

“I know who I want.”

“That soon?”

“It’s easy.”

Gabriel nodded. “Then we’ll return.”

—

Marinette breathed and dabbed her cheeks with a handkerchief to wipe away her tears. If this was how it ended, she would remain dignified.

The door opened and the others returned. Adrien looked nervous again, but a lot more optimistic.

“Adrien has reached a decision.” And Gabriel gestured him forward.

Adrien swallowed. “I’m sorry that you all had to get involved in this. It hurts me that I have to break hearts today. That’s something I never wanted to do. Kagami…I’m really sorry. I did enjoy the fun we had together, and I hope we can still be friends.”

“Of course, Adrien. I understand.” She looked mildly forlorn, but hid heartache well, for Adrien’s sake.

“Chloe, you’re right. We have been friends for a long time. And I love you, but like a sister.”

Chloe pouted. “Ugh, save me your ridiculous pity speech.”

Lila sat up a little straighter, her smug smile emerging as Adrien turned to look at Marinette.

Marinette looked to him, steeling herself for the rejection that would come.

“Marinette…I…” he stepped closer. “I’m speechless. I…I’m so glad you spoke up!” And he rushed to her, scooping her out of the chair and crushing her to him. “Thank you. For seeing me.”

She blinked up at him, still in shock. “Does…that mean I won?”

“Yes!” He laughed, exasperated. “I chose you!”

Marinette trembled before clinging to him tightly, and sobbing. “These are happy tears!” She declared.

He laughed at her and just squeezed her tightly.

“Um, I don’t mean to interrupt.” Said Lila, obviously interrupting. “But Adrien, I think I should warn you. Marinette isn’t as innocent as you think—“

“Oh shut up Lila.” Alya spat. “No one’s buying your bullshit.”

Lila gaped at her. “But-But Alya! You know how Marinette gets!”

“Yeah, she’s not as bad as you. She didn’t have to lie to make friends. And she certainly cares about Adrien more than you do.”

“What? I would never—“

“Dude, there’s a camera. We saw the whole thing.”

Gabriel loomed over Lila. “‘Daddy pulls the strings’ hmm?”

“Its…a figure of speech?”

Gabriel wasn’t impressed. “Leave my house. If you so much as touch my son or Miss Dupain-Cheng, I won’t hesitate to file for a restraining order. Consider this your only warning.”

Furious, Lila stomped out of the mansion.

Kagami approached the couple. “Sorry for what I said, Marinette. I guess you really do deserve him.”

Marinette wiped her cheeks. “I forgive you Kagami. I’m sorry too.”

“You have nothing to apologize for. You love him, and you deserve to be able to tell him. I’ll see you guys around.” She bowed to them and then to Mr. Agreste. “Thank you for the opportunity.”

Then Chloe was left. She looked at them, and ‘hmph’ed. “I don’t approve. But…as long as you’re happy.”

“I am.” Adrien confessed.

“And Dup—Marinette?”

“Yes, Chloe?”

“Break his heart, and I’ll ruin your life.”

“Noted.”

“Good. Now, I’m off to shop my woes away. I might even pick out somethings for you Marinette, now that you’re dating the son of a fashion mongol, you have to look presentable.”

“That’s very kind of you, Chloe.” Marinette smiled softly.

“Of course, I’m the nicest.” And she left as well.

“Now,” said Gabriel. “Miss Dupain-Cheng, please tell your parents to expect a call from Nathalie in the coming days. We will be arranging a time for us all to sit down for dinner and discuss this relationship going forward.”

Marinette nodded, trying to collect herself. “Yes sir, absolutely.”

“And, in regards to the question I asked. I don’t expect you to quit designing. In fact, perhaps I can give you a portfolio review, when you’re ready.”

“That would be wonderful, sir.”

“Now that that is settled, I must get back to work. Adrien, your friends may stay for dinner, but must leave before 8:00. Agreed?”

“Yes sir, thank you.”

He nodded once and then headed to his office.

Alya met Marinette’s eyes and just shrugged shamefully. “Mari I…I don’t know what to say. I’m glad you ignored me!”

Marinette offered a smile. “It’s alright Alya.”

“No, no it’s not. Lila conned us, all of us for a long time. What was that thing she said? ‘Your friends will all leave you and Adrien will be mine?’”

“Yeah, it was a threat she made against me, the first time I called her out.”

“God, I’m such an idiot. I thought about it two seconds after she admitted to lying about her achievements, and saw right thru her stories. I have no idea how I was so blind!”

“Well, we have some damage control to do,” said Adrien.

“Nah uh.” Alya poked him in the chest. “We have damage control to do. You two, have a lovely first date!”

Marinette blinked, a blush rushing to her face. “O-oh!”

Adrien’s arm hooked around her waist. “We’ll pass the time somehow. Video games?”

Marinette breathed. Everything was fine. This was great. “Yeah, that sounds fun.”

“Catch you dudes later!”

—

Up in Adrien’s room, Marinette sat on the couch as Adrien glanced through his video game collection. “Let’s see, I knoooow you like Ultima Mecha Strike, but I want to win a little.”

“Aw, won’t let the girl win on the first date?”

“You’re cute, but you’re not that cute.”

She giggled, her face alighting with a blush. Adrien thought she was cute! “Rude!”

“Yeah, I forgot I’m bad at jokes.”

“You’re not bad at—“ The girl I love doesn’t like my jokes either. “Oh. Oh my god.”

“What?” Adrien returned, hearing panic come into her voice.

Marinette stood, preparing to leave. “Adrien, I…I can’t do this.”

He blinked. “What?”

“You don’t love me.”

“Well…” he rubbed the back of his neck, awkwardly. “Not…not quite. But I really like you, and I know if I just spend a little more time with you—“

“But, what about the girl you’re in love with?”

He wilted, instantly. “Oh. Right.”

“We have to redo this contest or something! She has to know! She needs a fair chance too!”

Adrien smiled at her. Even at the sake of her own heart, she was still thinking of others. “No, Marinette, that ship has sailed. I held out for her…but she rejected me. A lot actually.”

Marinette’s heart ached for him. She reached out and took his hand. “Adrien?”

He shook his head. “For a while, I believed that any other romance was being unfaithful to her. But, how can you be unfaithful to someone you’re not in a relationship with? It’s stupid.”

“No, no it’s not.” She insisted. “I know exactly how you feel.”  

“You…you didn’t give up someone waiting for me, did you?”

“I turned someone down, but I didn’t love him. I was fond of him, and he’s a great friend…but I didn’t love him.”

“Oh…Luka?”

“Oh…yikes, him too. And Nathaniel. Gee, I’m a heart breaker.”

He chuckled. “No Mari, I think you’re just very lovable.” He kissed her forehead. “Don’t worry about that other girl, okay?”

“But like…I am going to worry. Can you tell me who?”

He pouted. “Don’t laugh.”

“Never.”

“Okay…it’s Ladybug.”

She blinked. “…Ladybug?”

“I know it sounds crazy, but…she’s saved me a few times, so…”

Adrien had never confessed to Ladybug. Unless he did it as Aspik and she didn’t remember, but she knows she would have said yes to him. Ladybug had gotten plenty of confessions, but not several from the same person, except for—

No.

No way.

Marinette stepped away from him, her hands over her mouth.

“Oh great, now you think I’m some sort of weirdo, right?”

She shook her head, but didn’t remove her hands.

“Then what is it?”

Marinette was the new guardian. She alone held the responsibility of the Miraculous. But this thought kept nagging at the back of her head. Someday, they’d have to reveal their identities to each other. She’d need to know who he was incase of emergency.

Looked like today was that day.

She pulled her hands away, resting on her heart. Then she drank him in, letting the pieces come together.

“Oh kitty.”

Adrien’s eyes widened. “Wha—?”

“I’m so sorry for hurting you. You were the other boy.”

He choked on his breath, then took a staggering step towards her. “My lady?”

“Yes, kitty. I’m right here. You found me.”

He closed the distance, crushing her body to his once again, this time with tears of his own. “I knew I picked right! I knew it!”

“Oh Chat! It’s you! I’m so glad it’s you!”

“My lady!” He pressed his lips to her face over and over again, not caring if he connected to her mouth or not. He just wanted to shower her in affection. “I love you! I love you I love you I love you!”

“Adri—“ Her words were cut off by his kisses and her giggles. “I love you too, silly boy.”

He cupped her cheeks holding her like she was precious and delicate. “We have to be even. I can offer you my wallet, to pay for school and whatever supplies you could ever want. I offer my eyes to drink in your perfect face every day. My ears to listen to your adorable laugh at my perfect puns.”

She giggled.

“Like that! And I offer my hands, to hold you when you’re lonely. And my lips to kiss you senseless when you need a break from all your stress!” He kissed her deeply, making her hazy. “And I offer my abs, to carry you through the threshold when we’re married!”

“You lift with your legs, Dingus.”

“Then what can I offer my abs for?”

“Those are just for me,” she cheeked, running a hand down his shirt.

“I’m going to kiss you again.”

“I’m not going to stop you.”

He pushed her over to lay on the couch, as he leaned over her and kissed her again. Her fingers dove into her hair as his own cradled her. “My lady,” he breathed.

“My prince.”

An explosion rocked the city, startling the two teens apart. They shared a look, and then laughed.

“Alright, four macarons says it’s Lila.”

“Hmm…five says it’s Chloe.”

A third voice, belonging to Plagg, spoke up. “And if it’s Kagami?”

“A draw.” They said together.

“Oh, one more smooch before we go, my love?” Adrien grinned.

Marinette rolled her eyes. Rolled her eyes at Adrien! “Oh, I suppose one wouldn’t hurt.” She pecked him gently. “You can have more afterwards.”

“Smooches Gracias!”

“Smooches revoked!”

“Nooooo!!”

[dreamofmourning]

[fox-guardian]

[ID: A colored digital sketch of Lila on a dull green background. She is a tall, lanky, goth trans woman with pale skin, long lilac hair in a high ponytail with long sideburns and v-shaped bangs, pointy ears, fangs, and long black nails. She has facial piercings, large stretched ears, dramatic makeup, and she is wearing a sheer poofy-sleeved short-sleeved blouse, a purple bodice, black skirt, black arm socks, and sheer tights. She is posing with her back facing the viewer and she is looking over her shoulder with one hand raised to her mouth as though laughing. end ID]

~~~~

this is Lila, she is my oc. she is an ex-drag queen now out and proud trans woman who loves vampires, always wanted to be a vampire to suck blood and fuck forever, but she got turned into a werewolf instead. she's a bitch and i love her, and her voice sounds like tim curry specifically as dr frank n furter from rocky horror picture show

but here is the question:

[virgil-is-a-cutie]

Oh, if you're still doing Alya salt, maybe do something where She ends up footing the bill for all the "free" stuff she got as Marinette's friend since she made it clear they aren't anymore?

This is pro-class and pro-Chloé btw

Pay The Price and Suffer

"I'M NOT YOU'RE FRIEND ANYMORE MARINETTE!"

The class is shocked by the screaming that comes out of Alya's mouth but to their surprise Marinette just stays sitting down on her desk with headphones on.

She looks up to see Alya who was glaring furiously at her.

She takes off her headphones, she had been listening to Set It Off's album Midnight.

"What is it now Césaire?" she asked with a raised eyebrow, her voice dripping of malice.

Everyone in class' eyes widened at how they heard the bluenette address Alya. She had only done it once and that was when they were younger.

The glasses wearing teen was shocked at the tone of her ex-best friend and blushed a little at the tone.

"W...we're not friends anymore Marinette."

"Anything important?" she asked with sarcasm as she wrote a few things down in a journal.

Alya's eyes widened and she hesitates for a bit, "no. I just don't want to be friends with a jealous bitch," she hissed out weakly before making her way to her seat next to Lila who was feigning a small pout.

Mari rolled her eyes while the rest of her friends gave her a smile and sent her a few texts to cheer her up.

Thanks to Sabrina being in the restroom while Lila made her threat she and Chloé basically sat the whole class down, except Alya who was busy, to inform them of what happened.

After that the whole class were wary of Lila and didn't believe her that much much to her frustration other than Alya.

The class tried to explain to Alya but she wouldn't listen to them at all no matter what each of them said to her.

Poor Nino broke up with her once he noticed how his girlfriend was treating Marinette. He was glad since Alya just posted nonsense in her blog without fact checking.

Adrien, too was rather into just plain ignoring Lila and even told Gabriel that he wouldn't want somone as tacky as her to be a model.

Surprisingly Gabriel agreed, because really Lila? Hair in three ponytails that looks like sausages?

He's seen children models look better than her with that hairstyle and they made it look nice.

Marinette eyes Adrien and when he looked back at her they smiled widely before texting each other before class started.

The rest of her friends were worried.

-----

Alya paled as her mother held up a small piece of paper while a huge stack of papers sat on the table.

"Care to explain why the fuck you owe 2 million euros to the Dupain-Cheng Bakery as well an additional 1 million euros to Marinette?" her mother hissed quietly glaring fiercely at her daughter.

Nora was sitting in the couch covering her face as her whole body shook with anger and disbelief.

Alya looked at her father who was quiet and looking at his phone, not knowing that he was checking their bank account to see how much they had.

The twins, not understanding what was happening, but understanding that the mood of the room was a bit bad stayed quiet as they did their homework.

"W....what?" Alya asked as she felt her stomach tighten.

3 million euros? For what?!!!

"YOU OWE THE DUPAIN-CHENGS 3 MILLION EUROS ALYA! TELL ME WHY?!" her mother screamed angrily with fire on her eyes as she slammed the receipt into the table making Alya flinch.

"Don't bother asking her mom, I read the packet. She owes them because of all the baked goods she begged Marinette to bring to her whenever they hanged out or for lunch...as well as all the outfits and gifts she bitched to Mari into making them for her," Nora said quietly, her voice sounding so weak.

"Alya...why didn't you pay for any of this?" her father asks her softly looking at her with tired disappointed eyes.

"I...that was when Marinette was my best friend and best friends gift each-" Alya tried to explain but her mother screamed again.

"JUST BECAUSE YOUR SUPPOSED BEST FRIEND OWNS A BAKERY AND CAN DESIGN DOESN'T ENTITLE YOU TO ASK FOR FREE THINGS ALYA!"

"Alya....all those free things can hurt their business. What made you think that all of that was free?" Nora asked looking at her younger sister with red eyes.

Alya felt small as her mother glared at her as she quietly whispered.

"Because she was my friend."

-----

Alya made her way to class with her head down, her eyes were droopy and her hair a mess after not being able to sleep the whole night.

She froze when she saw Marinette, Adrien, and the whole class eating from a box from the bakery.

She stomps towards the group but froze when she noticed that all of them looked at her with a look of distrust.

"I bet you gave that to all of them for free," she hissed out weakly.

Everyone in the class got a confused look before Nathaniel spoke up.

"I sent a text to Mari last night that I was going to buy a box of macaroons for the class to eat in the morning."

Alya froze when she heard that, "w...wait what? You guys...order it the day before?" she asks weakly.

Everyone frowns at her tone before nodding.

"Well yeah. Before you came along Chloé would basically buy 2 boxes of croissants and macaroons each day to share with the class. A few times even her dad would buy 3 boxes of cookies when Chloé was too sick to come to school. Heck out all their customers they tip the bakery so much that even Tom feels bad."

Chloé sheepishly smiled as Marinette playfully glared at her. Chloé and Nathaniel were the only ones in the class to pay her more than necessary when doing a commission.

"I...I thought all those times she brought them as to just share," she said weakly.

Everyone frowns and turn to look at Marinette who raised an eyebrow.

"I believe you got the receipt then?"

"I...I thought it was all free Marinette!" she weakly tries to protest.

When the class heard that suddenly they understood what was going on.

Chloé raised an eyebrow, "you thought that Marinette just gave all the stuff for free? How stupid do you have to be Césaire? Her parents have people who ask to open a tab which they pay a week later."

"B...but all the outfits..." Alya tried to reason.

"All of those were commissions...honestly Césaire you'd think the class would make Marinette waste valuable material and time to make us all the stuff she gives us for free? You'd be absolutely stupid to think we'd ask for free stuff just because she's our friend."

"...Alya did you think just because we were friends with Mari we'd get all of the things she brings to class was free?" Nino asked his ex girlfriend who looked away in shame.

"Alya those outfits and gifts she gives us were commissions we sent her like...2 years ago in advance depending on what was needed through her website," Sabrina informed the now distraught looking teen.

"B...but-"

"I wasted a lot of bakery goods and designs on you Alya because you begged me to or would just bitch to me about them. We aren't friends anymore so you might as well pay the bill of all those 'free' things you felt entitled to," Marinette said with a glare that made the taller girl feel small.

"But my fam-"

"I could care less Alya, you brought this on yourself," Marinette said with a sigh before walking to her desk and Nathaniel grabbed the box of goodies before following after Marinette.

Alya stood there hurt and confused as the rest followed the bluenette.

That night Alya was grounded and had to get a job as her parents informed her that they only paid 1/10 of the bill. Having informed Mari's parents that that's all they were willing to pay since it was Alya who basically asked for free stuff and the rest was to be paid by herself with no other help from her family.

Marinette and her parents agreed since they knew Alya's parents basically were disappointed on their daughter.

Marinette knew it'd take possibly years for Alya to pay back, but Alya's parents kept reminding her whenever she got back from work and kept a chalkboard to show her progress.

She didn't make that much progress after 3 months.

Mari and the class didn't care, neither did Lila who was screamed at by the glasses wearing teen when she found out she was lied to.

Now she had to pay the price.

Tag list: @thyladyanput @18-fandoms-unite-08 @musicfeedsmysoul12 @a-marlene-s @unmaskedagain

[tsuki-chibi]

BlackBerries (Adrinette April) Day 2: #marinettechallenge

Or see it on AO3: Blackberries

If you’re like me and had no idea WTF the #marinettechallenge is, go here.

--------

“What?” Adrien blurted out.

“What?!” Marinette exclaimed at the same time, but Adrien was pretty sure that no one else heard her over the general calamity that broke out when Lila announced that they were soulmates. He cringed as all of their classmates started talking at once.

“This is amazing!” Alya said, her eyes lighting up.

“Congratulations Adrien!” Mylène said.

“And you too, Lila,” Ivan added.

“It must have been fate that brought you together,” Rose gushed, grabbing Juleka’s arm. Juleka was smiling as she patted Rose’s hand.

“Oh my god! That is so cool!” Nino said excitedly, grabbing Adrien’s arm. “Dude, you found your soulmate!”

“What?” Adrien said again, confused. “No, I already found -” He just barely stopped himself from saying that Marinette was his soulmate, not some girl he didn’t even know.

“Alright, everyone, calm down,” Madame Bustier called out, but no one paid any attention.

“Can you feel anything?” Sabrina was asking Lila excitedly.

“I can’t believe our class has three soulmated pairs!” Alya squealed, grinning over at Nino.

“Hey! All of you shut up right now!”

“Chloé,” Madame Bustier said disapprovingly into the silence. “We don’t tell people to shut up.”

Naturally, Chloé ignored that in favor of frowning at Lila. “You’re not Adrien’s soulmate,” she said firmly.

“What?” Lila blinked, looking shocked by the statement.

“Chloé, you can’t possibly know that,” Alix said, and Chloé’s jaw tightened, her eyes flashing in a very familiar way that spoke of trouble. Adrien decided he’d better speak up before Chloé got mad.

“Actually, Chloé is right. I’m sorry, Lila. I might have said your words, but you didn’t say mine. And I don’t feel anything from you. I’m afraid that we’re not soulmates.” He pasted on his best apologetic smile.

“But… that can’t be right. I feel something towards you,” Lila said, clasping both hands to her chest.

‘What a lying brat’, Marinette thought. She came up behind Adrien, her arms folded across her chest. Adrien could feel the annoyance and frustration rolling off of her waves, not that he could blame her. He wouldn’t have been very thrilled if some guy had walked in and started saying that Marinette was his soulmate. He needed to diffuse the situation and quickly.

“What are your words, then?” Alya said, staring at Adrien.

He recoiled slightly. “What – I’m not telling you that!” He didn’t think anyone besides Chloé had been within earshot when he and Marinette first met. But if Adrien had learned one thing in life, it was that the walls had ears. The only people who knew about the words on his chest were his father, Marinette, Chloé, and Plagg. Plus a couple of doctors. That was it. Adrien was adamant it would stay that way. The last thing they needed was more people pretending to be his soulmate!

“Alya, that’s really private information,” Marinette said, frowning.

Alya winced. “Sorry. It’s just – Adrien, come on. What possible reason could Lila have to be making this up?” she asked reasonably. “Doesn’t it make more sense that you’ve been blocked? They can do that, you know. Put blocks in place before you even find your bond.”

“That’s actually true,” Max spoke up. “I read about this research study done on this girl. Her parents had blocks put into her when she was a baby and she had no idea. When she met her soulmate, she didn’t even know.”

“I’m not blocked, and Lila didn’t say my words,” Adrien said, exasperated. Though he had to admit, that did sound like something Gabriel Agreste might do…

Rose gave a quiet gasp. “Oh, have you felt something but you’re afraid to admit it because of your father?” she asked, staring at Adrien sadly. “Or because of your fans?”

“I’m not – that’s not – n-no!” Adrien stammered, unsettled that she had so accurately guessed his reasons for keeping his actual soulmate a secret. And that was a mistake.

“Oh, Adrien,” Alya said, looking at him sympathetically. Behind him, Marinette groaned and covered her face with her hands.

‘Adrien, you idiot, tell them it’s not true!’ she thought.

‘I’m trying! They don’t believe me!’ he thought back.

“If Adrien says he and Lila aren’t soulmates, we should believe him,” Marinette spoke up.

But rather than be a point in Adrien’s favor, all of their classmates exchanged significant looks while Lila just stood there looking increasingly sad and confused. Adrien wasn’t sure what was going on, and he could tell from Marinette’s uncertainty that she wasn’t sure either. He grew increasingly uncomfortable as the pointed silence dragged on, until finally Madame Bustier cleared her throat.

“Alright, everyone. As exciting as this… potential… development is, we do need to keep going,” she said. “Lila, please take your seat.”

“Madame Bustier, the second row really is better for me. Are you sure I can’t sit here?” Lila asked, not moving.

The thought of Lila sitting next to him made Adrien feel a bit ill. He had no idea what the hell was going on, but he didn’t want to be separated from Marinette. He just wasn’t sure how to communicate that in a way that wouldn’t make him look like an asshole, considering he had just renounced Lila as his soulmate. Likewise, it wouldn’t look great if the class president refused to move for a student.

Chloé scoffed. “I doubt the second row is better, but fine. Adrien and Marinette can move here. Nathaniel can sit beside Ivan and I’ll sit beside Sabrina,” she declared, standing up.

Adrien looked at her in surprised gratitude. ‘I love Chloé so much right now.’

‘I can’t believe she’s willing to move for us,’ Marinette thought, stunned. ‘Chloe never moves for other people. Ever.’

Lila’s eyes widened. “But – but then that leaves me without a seatmate. I won’t have anyone to help me catch up!”

“Fine,” Chloé said coolly. “I’m sure Nathaniel wouldn’t mind moving to sit beside you. Right?” she demanded, spinning around and staring pointedly at Nathaniel.

“Uh – s-sure?” Nathaniel said, paling a little under the force of Chloé’s stare.

“I don’t think everyone needs to move around just to accommodate me,” Lila said quickly. “Surely it’s best if I just sit beside Adrien, right?”

Chloé’s eyes narrowed.

‘Oooh,’ Marinette thought, and, barely a second after that, Marinette’s understanding washed over Adrien and he realized what was going on. His level of dismay increased.

‘Lila is a fan of mine,’ he thought.

‘She’s totally a fan of yours,’ Marinette thought back, setting her jaw. ‘That’s why she’s claiming to be your soulmate and why she’s so insistent about sitting next to you.’

Adrien fought the urge to shudder. Normally, he didn’t mind having fans. In a way, it was a little flattering to know that girls found him so attractive. But sometimes it could get downright scary. This was exactly why his father had always warned him against letting his words become public knowledge. Some of his fans could get a little too friendly. Though admittedly, this was the first time anyone had gone this far.

“You know what, you’re right,” Chloé said suddenly.

“Chloé?” Sabine said uncertainly.

Chloé flipped her ponytail over her shoulder. “Clearly Lila should have the best person in class helping her out.”

Lila broke out into a smile. “Exactly!”

“Someone who is reliable, has good grades, and a known track record for helping,” Chloé went on, a steely glint to her smile.

“That’s exactly what I need,” Lila said, nodding.

“Great! I’m glad that you agree. Adrikins, you can come sit next to me. Marinette, you don’t mind being Lila’s seatmate, right?” Chloé asked sweetly.

Marinette choked on a laugh. “Not at all.”

“Wh-what?” Lila said. “Wait, no! That’s not –”

“It just makes sense. Adrien is so busy with his modeling job. He doesn’t always get to sit through every class,” Chloé interrupted her. “Marinette, on the other hand, is always here. Plus, she’s the class president. It makes the most sense for her to help you get settled. Right, Madame Bustier?”

“That’s a good solution, Chloé,” Madame Bustier said, nodding. “Adrien, please move your things.”

“Sure,” Adrien said. He would rather have stayed where he was, but sitting next to Chloé was a lot better than sitting beside Lila. The only crappy thing was now Marinette had to sit next to her.

‘It’s fine. She’s not my fan,’ Marinette thought, helping him to gather his things. ‘I bet she won’t want to sit here long anyway.’

Adrien suspected that she was right judging by the enormous pout on Lila’s face as she slammed her backpack down next to Marinette. Chloé, on the other hand, had a smug smile on her face as she sat back down at her normal place. Adrien took a seat next to her and took out his book and pen. Madame Bustier walked back up to the front of the room to resume class.

“Thanks,” Adrien whispered to Chloé.

“I don’t like sharing you with Dupain-Cheng, but I’ll be damned if anyone else gets a piece of you,” Chloé muttered back.

‘I never thought I’d be grateful for Chloé’s possessiveness,’ Marinette thought.

‘You and me both,’ Adrien thought back, hiding a smile.

They made it through the rest of the morning without incident, thankfully. Adrien preoccupied himself with taking peeks through Marinette’s eyes as she continued to draw in her notebook. She had moved on from pictures of Tikki and Plagg and into designing a dress loosely based on the Ladybug outfit. A dress, Adrien was sure, that would never actually be made.

When Madame Bustier dismissed them for lunch, Alya turned to Marinette and chuckled. “Looks like Kim is a candidate for the #marinettechallenge. You up for it?” She pointed to where Kim was snoozing away, drooling onto his math book.

“Not today,” Marinette said with a thin smile. “Adrien and I have lunch plans.” Adrien obediently stood up and walked over.

“Oh, okay,” Alya said with a faint frown.

‘That was weird,’ Marinette thought as she and Adrien left the class.

‘What was?’ Adrien thought.

‘Alya gave me a weird look,’ Marinette thought back.

‘Well, if I know Alya, she won’t stay quiet for long if something is bothering her,’ Adrien thought reasonably. ‘No sense in worrying about it… especially when there are pastries waiting for us!’

Marinette laughed out loud and, with a surge of fondness, thought back, ‘Oh, so that’s where your brain is. Come on, then. Race you to the bakery!’

[mohini-musing]

Whumptober Day 12 - Broken Down

 Coming Home ‘ verse - MCU alternate universe

~~~

Laura wakes to the faint sound of retching. A quick room inventory tells her Clint is snoring away on his side of the bed. The monitor on her bedside table confirms that Lila, Cooper, and Baby Nathaniel are in their spaces. She slips into the boiled wool scuffs that serve as night shoes on the chilly hardwood floors before going to check on Nat.

She finds her curled up around the toilet, cheek resting on the seat, face ashen. Her jaw is slack, tongue barely visible as saliva hangs from her lips in a long string dangling above the water. Laura crouches beside her, sweeping curls up into a messy ponytail and securing it with an elastic from around her wrist.

“Look at me a minute?” Laura coaxes.

Nat rolls her head upward just the tiniest bit, eyes glassy and red rimmed.

“Picked up a bug?” Laura asks, trying to be delicate about a verification that needs to happen. Some of Nat’s preferred escape methods end in a similar state, and the heat coming off pale skin isn’t enough to give her a clear view of where they stand.

“Mmhmm,” Nat murmurs. She spits into the water, coughs, and brings up a stream of bile.

“Just puking?”

Another affirmative grumble.

“Let’s get you in bed, then,” Laura tells her. She heads for the linen closet, grabs towels to layer over Nat’s pillow and sheets. Places a trash bin and a supply of plastic bags within reach. Dampens some washcloths and stashes them in a bowl on the bedside table. Retrieves Pedialyte from the pantry. Thanks whatever is listening that three kids mean she has the stuff in bulk.

She goes back for Nat, drags her back to bed. Settles her onto a stack of pillows and helps her curl into a tight ball. Watches the other woman’s throat working, trying to swallow back saliva that doesn’t want to stay down.

“It’s okay, love,” she tells her, slipping a shallow mixing bowl under Nat’s chin. “Better out than in. Bed’s softer is all. You’ll be one solid bruise spending the night on the bathroom tile.”

Nat answers by spitting up greenish sludge.

There are tears now, mixing with sweat and vomit on her face.

“Hurt, sick, or sad?”

A nod.

“Hold you?”

Another nod.

Laura climbs into the bed, wrapping herself around Nat and tugging her close. The shallow breathing and hiccupping twitches of her stomach tell Laura she’s nowhere near being able to roll her onto her shoulder, to seek comfort properly. But she can clutch Laura’s hand to her chest, clinging tight.

It’s a long night. Splashes of bile and saliva hitting the bowl and being emptied from it into the waiting trash can beside the bed. Sips of pedialyte coaxed past chapped lips. Tears and shaking shoulders. Quiet admission of how much she hates this vulnerability. The old, familiar reminder that family doesn’t care if you’re broken.

[artisticflutter]

AU Yeah August - Day Seventeen: Masquerade

I suddenly came up with this idea and ran with it. While it’s not totally an AU for one fandom... it’s a crossover. Something was AU’d for it to work hehe.

Series: Miraculous Ladybug x Final Fantasy IX Rating: G Genre: General, Fluff Pairing(s): Gardane, Adrinette Summary: Lila wants to dance with Adrien at the Masquerade Ball. She moves in to rectify this. Warning(s): Modern!AU for FFIX, Crossover, Identities Revealed, and Aged Up! Minor Lila Salt so take what you will with that.

Lila was annoyed.

Not only had she been forced to some ball celebrating Ladybug and Chat Noir’s defeat of Hawkmoth, but she was not getting any of the limelight she would’ve liked. It was hard to cater to a large crowd unlike that of her classmates in Lycée, but lately, they hadn’t been giving her their undivided attention. What’s worse, with Hawkmoth gone, the possibility of manipulating situations to her favor had drastically decreased.

The ‘lying disease’ Adrien made her admit to back in Collège had worked against her, too. Things she said were now taken with a grain of salt; even the smallest attempted jabs at Marinette had only ended up with the class making sure they never interacted because of how ‘her disease seemed to act up the most around her’.

… Oh well, she still had her ‘friendship’ with Adrien and somehow she still had her contract with Gabriel. One of the few reasons she had to attend, but even if that hadn't been the case, her mother had been invited, too - or, had been expected to attend on Italy’s behalf. There were celebrities, business owners, the works in attendance, and even a few rumored royals. 

If she played her cards right, maybe she could be the next Katie Highland or Michelle Miracle.

Yes, forget a model; a royal would be what she deserved after all her hard work trying to bring down Ladybug and that cat sidekick.

Speaking of those superheroes, as she adjusted her fox mask, she spotted them and glowered. Another take, and she felt her irritation boil to scalding anger: Adrien and Marinette Dupain-Cheng. They weren’t dancing in the spotlight or anything, but even in the dim lighting, they stood out in a crowd.

Marinette wore some gaudy red ball gown with black satin roses around from the looks of it around the waist to imitate the spots of the superheroine. Obviously her own awful design; and of course she’d wear her hair up in a tacky bun with roses clips. Meanwhile, Adrien dared to wear a black suit with green trim and tie to reflect the cat tag along. She’d make comments about his hair being tied up in a ponytail, but his father had given him permission to keep it like that. Something about his new style helped with marketing numbers even if she personally hated it. 

They were smiling and happy and looked so in love that she needed to find a way to ruin it, but how?

She smirked - duh, all she had to say was Adrien had to dance with her. How would it look to people if they didn’t? How would it reflect on Gabriel?

Cheering herself at the plan, she put it into execution.

Carefully and ‘politely’ making her way through the crowd, she reached them shortly and cleared her throat. When they didn’t stop and continued twirling on, she tried again, a little louder this time.

Finally, both stopped and gave her a quizzical look, and that was her cue.

“There you are. You’re supposed to dance with me now.”

She held out her hand and expected Adrien to take it. However, seconds passed with her standing there looking like a fool, and he made no move. She could see his eyebrow raise but - was there something off with his eyes? - it didn’t matter. She straightened her posture a little and spoke loud enough for the two dimwits to hear.

“We don’t want any trouble tonight, right? So we’re going to dance or I’m going to see you’re under house arrest for the rest of your life.”

Usually, that threat would have cowed him into obeying, but Adrien just looked at Marinette and shook his head. She looked skeptically back at him and he shrugged. Lila rolled her eyes at their stupid antics and grabbed Adrien’s, pulling him away with a firm yank. Seeing Marinette stumble was amusing, but it was only passing. Adrien ripped his arm from her hold and took Marinette’s hand, helping her steady. Lila seethed and was just about ready to cause a scene.

However, the lights turned on and she paled.

Marinette didn’t have brown eyes and Adrien’s eyes were not teal.

“Your Majesty!”

Before she could escape, Lila felt a hand grasp her arm firmly to keep her in place. She struggled and shrieked, her voice deadening at the one-eyed glare she received from the brown-haired woman who held her. There was a sword on her hip; who the heck did she think she was?

Meanwhile, a man in military garb had approached not-Adrien and not-Marinette, his eyes stern.

“Are you unharmed?”

“Yes, I’m quite alright Captain Steiner,” not-Marinette said softly. “I believe there was a mix up due to our masks however…”

“Oddly hostile mix-up if you ask me,” not-Adrien said, his eyes leaving the young woman to stare at Lila - no, it wasn’t just a stare. Something about the look had her already wary of what he knew from that look.

A hand on his shoulder, not-Marinette was about to speak when the crowd parted, allowing Mayor Bourgeois and Lila’s mother to approach.

“Queen Garnet, Prince Zidane. Please, I’m so sorry for my daughter’s actions!” her mother immediately said and Lila felt her blood drain. A Queen and a Prince? Another look, and the young woman in red really did have this Princess doll beauty to her. No, Lila couldn’t have really—

But not-Marinette - Queen Garnet - waved a hand, “Please, it’s fine. I’m fine, but you may want to help your daughter find whomever it is she’s looking for.”

“If they are even here to be found,” Prince Zidane added. “You might want to have a private word with your daughter first?”

“Yes, I certainly will…”

Queen Garnet looked Lila’s way, her eyes on the woman holding her arm, and with a nod, she was let go. Not that Lila could escape still because next she knew, her mother was ushering her off the dance floor and to an adjoining hallway to have that word.

                                                    000000

Unbeknownst to Lila, Adrien and Marinette had come to the ballroom themselves upon hearing a commotion and noticing the lights had been turned back on. Adrien was wearing a white tux with gold trimmings and tie, matching Marinette’s white A-line dress with gold embroidery down the thigh of her skirt. It was a modern take of an Ancient Greek dress she wanted to try and he’d gone along with it, suggesting all the while they should try something with Hades and Persephone. 

Anyway, they had been attempting to decide when would be a good time for Ladybug and Chat Noir to appear, but now, they watched Mme. Rossi pull her daughter away for a stern word, and slowly let their eyes drift back to the Queen and Prince masquerading tonight as their superhero personas.

“I am going to have to personally thank them for taking that hit,” Adrien whispered.

Marinette nodded and then added, “And now you see why I said we shouldn’t dress up like Ladybug and Chat Noir as our civilian selves.”

“Yeah. I’m surprised she thought they were us though.”

“Right? Queen Garnet is so beautiful and Prince Zidane is way more roguish than you, kitty.”

“Princess, I’ll have you know you’re gorgeous,” Adrien chided. “But, I will give you that part of him being more roguish. I’ll have to work on that.”

“We’ll see about that, we’ll see…”

[darylandbethfanforever9]

Downfall Of Us All: Chapter 6

Downfall Of Us All

Chapter 6

AN: Thank you to everyone, who is enjoying the story, and thank you to @jtargaryen18​ who helped write this story with me. Couldn’t have done it without her.

"Here, I'll show you both how we climb up the wall." Sophie said amused, she carefully placed the doll down and placed her fingertips on the wall. She smiled, and was able to stick to the ceiling with her blonde hair falling down around her pale face. Bucky looked amazed, and Steve looked impressed.

"Holy shit, that's incredible." Bucky said amazed, Sophie grinned at him before gracefully dropping down on the floor. She tied her hair up in a ponytail, and started packing up the dolls carefully. "My mama said that we started climbing the walls, when I was able to walk and so was Gracie. Our mama, she was a good mother and a good woman," Sophie said softly, as they finished wrapping up the dolls. "She loved you both very much, and willingly risked getting killed just so that you and Grace could be safe. I believe she was a good mother, Sophie." Bucky said honestly, Sophie nodded.

Even if her mother and father had gotten together in terrible circumstances, she knew they had loved each well and truly. She knew they'd been married.

Sophie smiled softly, and carried the dolls that were wrapped in newspaper to the living room. Grace had already sorted out the bathroom, her bedroom and now there was just the kitchen and..... Mom and Dad’s, bedroom.

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

Grace couldn't help but feel a sense of grief, when she and Sophie entered their parent’s bedroom. Framed photographs stood on the large chest of drawers, with a family photograph of them. She missed them so much, she helped Sophie carefully put their father's clothes in a box for the charity shop. Someone else could use these clothes, and it was what their father would've wanted. She folded them up, and placed them in boxes while Clint, Bucky, Steve and Tony helped pack away everything in the U-Haul truck, Natasha was helping them. "Did you know our mother?" Grace asked hesitantly, Sophie looked up curiously as they both looked at Natasha who smiled sadly. "I never met her, but I did hear of her while I was working for the Red Room. She was a vicious, fierce and dedicated young woman who often partnered up with the Winter Soldier," Natasha explained quietly, and Sophie spoke. "They hurt you, didn't they? The Red Room?" She asked quietly, she could sense Natasha's emotions which were a combination of pain, anger and torment. Natasha nodded mutely, she didn't have to say the words to the two sisters who both seemed to understand her pain. "I don't know much about my family, I was taken in by the Red Room, when I was five years old. I'm actually older than I look, I was born in the 1950's during the Soviet era." Natasha said grimly. "They experimented on you? When you were just a little girl?" Grace asked appalled, she knew the Soviet Union had done horrific things but experimenting on children? "They did worse to Bucky." Natasha said sadly, thinking of what the KGB and HYDRA had done to Bucky. They had turned him into the ultimate killing machine, to take down their enemies with no mercy. Sophie shuddered, she felt horrified for Bucky and Natasha as she began cleaning out the drawers when she found a file. 'Project Widow Program.' "What the hell is this about?" She asked wearily, looking at the file in her hands. It had turned yellow with age, but the writing was in a mixture of Russian, Romanian and English.

Natasha came up behind her, glancing over her shoulder. "What's that?" Sophie carried the thick, bulky file filled with photographs, typed and handwritten pages over to the bed, the spy and her sister joining her there as she opened the file, began to look through it. It started with photographs and vital statics on their mother starting from her childhood in the Red Room all the way into her teenage years. One of the last entries was missing on the Red Room records. "Stop," Natasha told her, one slim finger pointing to that blank space. "What?" Grace asked her. "Something's missing?" "A big something," Natasha told them. "One of the final preparations in a girl's Red Room training is… sterilization. But that doesn't appear in your mother's record, obviously. Does it say what happened there?" Natasha took over then, gently scanning pages of handwritten notes they'd already glanced at. Sophie struggled to keep up, able to read most of it. Their mother had been an exemplary student. They had been interested in her in particular because of her athleticism. They'd admired her long slender limbs, her above average flexibility. More notes, these showing that fertility test had been performed on their mother, then she'd been given fertility drugs. More notes followed, these on prospective fathers from the Winter Soldier program. Their father's name was circled amongst several other names listed. One was crossed off, no name, just the word 'Asset' with a notation that they'd disqualified him because of age, and they felt it could degrade the quality of any resultant foetus. "Asset?" Sophie asked. "What does that mean?" Natasha's green eyes were grave when they met hers. "They called Bucky Asset. I believe this might have been in reference to him." Sophie's heart dropped. To think Bucky could have been her father. They continued scanning the notes. The next page started documenting a viable pregnancy. ‘Me?’ Sophie wondered. But her eyes widened as she continued to read. No, she couldn't be reading what she thought she was. Natasha's hand slowly slipped into hers as tears filled her eyes. They'd done experiments, on the foetuses in the womb, injecting them with the venom of seven different spiders. Of course, they had. They knew their powers had come from somewhere. Still, to think of something as barbaric as experimenting on babies before they were ever born. Grace's eyes shined along with hers. Sophie herself couldn't imagine how Grace felt reading all that. She'd never had a child as Grace had. The bastards had just used their parents. They'd forced a child on her mother, experimented on her and her child as if they were not even human. She can't imagine what a terrifying experience that had to have been for their mother. Maybe even their father. "There were two," Grace said out loud. "Two foetuses?" Natasha nodded. "Twins. Girls." Sophie swallowed hard. Wait. Their mother had a pregnancy before her? Twins? What had happened to them? More notes detailing the impact of the venom on the baby girls. One grew stronger by the day. As she grew in strength, her twin weakened, faded. Before the end of the second trimester, the twin had died. Their mother had carried both, likely knowing one of her babies had died, because of the experiments they'd done. It was unimaginably cruel. She'd gone into labor early, at thirty-three weeks. The deceased twin had been born first, named Ilona and her heart sank to think there was a sister she never met, would never know. The live twin had been remarkably healthy. Her name had been Sophie Vera.

She struggled to comprehend what she was reading, she'd had an older twin sister called Ilona who'd died without ever knowing her. The knowledge that she'd had a sister upset her, but she could only imagine how her mother and father must have felt. They'd been forced into this horrifying ordeal by HYDRA, and the Red Room. Had that been why Sophie was five years old, when Grace had been born? "Does it.... it say where they buried Ilona?" She asked quietly, her voice thick with emotion. This was becoming too much for her, she felt like crying. Natasha shook her wordlessly, it made no other mention of Ilona or where she had even been buried. It just simply went onto the pregnancy about Grace, and how it had progressed. "I'm sorry Sophie, and Grace." Natasha said gently, the two sisters nodded numbly and packed away the last of their things. Sophie simply wanted to get out of here. "Let's just get back to the compound."

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

Grace sat beside Clint as they drove back to the compound, he'd sensed she was upset and she wiped her eyes. She felt upset, angry and lost. Everything about her life was a lie. "Sophie had an older twin sister, Clint. I had another sister, one that was never talked about and a brother." She said suddenly, causing Clint to look at her quietly. He knew that she'd had a brother, but Sophie had a twin sister? "I'm sorry Grace." He said quietly, Grace laughed bitterly and wiped away a few tears from her eyes. She didn't know what was a lie, and what wasn't anymore. "I'm angry Clint, angry at my parents for keeping this from me and Sophie. I'm angry at the Red Room for treating my mother like she wasn’t nothing more, than a breeding machine and incubator. I'm mad at HYDRA for turning my father into an assassin, and I'm just upset!" She said bitterly, her eyes flashing red. Clint quietly took her hand, and she held it tightly. He knew that sense of anger all too well, he felt it now every day. "I know that anger, Grace. It's what keeps me going, I'm not giving up until I find Laura and make her suffer for what she did to my son and daughter," Clint said darkly, his grey eyes hard as steel. "You loved her, didn't you?" Grace asked quietly, Clint was silent for a while before he nodded silently in answer to her question. "I loved her, and I thought she loved me. I'm just now realising, that all of it was a lie. A facade, she never loved me or our children. The only thing I've got of Cooper and Lila, is their photos and memories." He explained finally, and Grace squeezed his hand tightly again. The two of them sat silently as Clint drove the truck, both of them thinking of their children who'd they'd lost. Grace couldn't help but feel that Clint understood her grief, sorrow and anger over Zach. It was like he was comforting her, in his own silent way. As if, he understood her feelings. They reached the compound, and Clint turned off the engine as they began unloading the U-Haul. He saw Tony come out with none of his usual sarcasm, he was looking at a file. "Tony, is everything ok?" Steve asked concerned, approaching the billionaire genius who shook his head. "Pepper's divorcing me, says she can't handle this kind of life with me anymore. She believes I broke my promise," Tony said humorlessly. No one knew what to say, Peter and Bruce looked like they wanted to say comforting words but Tony headed inside quickly. Sophie, and Grace looked shocked. "I thought Pepper loved him." Grace said shocked, Clint sighed.

"Me too," Clint told her. "I'll be right back. Steve?"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Clint tipped his head in the direction of the compound and Steve nodded, apparently wanting to check in on their friend too. Bucky followed them. They found Tony in his office, the file on his desk, and his head in his hands. "Tony?" Steve asked quietly. The three of them walked in, closed the door. Tony lifted his head, eyes shiny with tears. Clint couldn't remember ever seeing his arrogant friend so destroyed. Ever. "Is this a sure thing?" Steve tried. "You guys have fought before…" "It's over, Steve," Tony whispered, swiping at his face with the back of his hand. "Nothing I can do. I can't fight her anymore. She wants me to put all of this aside to keep my promises to her. The world won't let me put it down. You know what the funny thing is? I was fighting for her too." "Tony, if she really loves you, she'll understand," Steve told him. "She wouldn't ask this." "Then I guess… she doesn't love me," Tony muttered. "She does," Steve said. "I believe that." "Yeah," Clint snorted, bitterness never far from his surface. "Unless you've got a gal who's in this life with us, like Steve has Nat, love doesn't work here. Even if it was once there. Or you thought it was. Trust me." Steve winced at his words. Tony's expression sobered. "You know what? You've got a point, Clint. You're right." Shaking his head, he stood up. "I shouldn't complain after what you've been through." "I didn't mean that," Clint told him. "Just seems, looking around, not many of us are doing so hot where love's concerned." Bucky shook his head, having nothing to contribute. "What am I going to do?" Tony said to no one in particular. "I can't really remember a time when Pepper wasn't there in my life. What happens now?" "You stay busy," Clint told him, "and you stay focused. That's how I get by. Speaking of, ah, I could really use your expertise with something. When it's a good time." Tony looked exhausted, but his eyebrows raised. "My expertise. Meaning I'm an expert. I like that. What can I help with?" Clint's gaze met Bucky's. He already knew what Clint was going to ask. "We found some more information about the sisters," Steve started, "I'll get you the file with the intel. The file revealed more about their origins and we'll talk about that later." "I need you to help me track down Grace's son, Zach," Clint told Tony. "On top of everything else going on, she deserves to know what happened to him. Can you help us?" Tony's gaze softened. "Yeah. Yeah, I can do some tracing. Get me everything you can, okay?" Clint nodded. "On it." "Did you clear their apartment?" Tony asked quietly. Steve jerked his thumb towards the front of the compound. "All out front." "What about all the cats?" Tony glanced at each one of them in turn. "They're going to a shelter? Or some nice cat lady's house, right?" Bucky and Clint exchanged another look. "All things considered," Bucky said carefully, "they can keep them, can't they?" Tony barked out a laugh. "If it was one? Maybe. But there's how many?" "Tony, he's right. Do you really want to upset two emotionally unstable women with Peter's abilities?" Clint threw in there, trying to keep things light. "They could always ask me nicely," Tony's usually snark made an appearance. "Hey," Bucky took a step in his direction, drawing a curious glance from Tony. "Someone has a crush," Tony teased. Bucky glared, Clint snickered. Steve did what he always did, putting a hand on Bucky's shoulder to stay him. "We'll talk to them about it, Tony, okay? Can we agree the cats can stay for now?" Steve reasoned. "Temporarily," Tony warned though he didn't look all that angry. He seemed to sense it was a battle he wouldn't win. "Thank you," Steve said. "We'll get to move the girls in." The line was meant to mark their exit. They hadn't made it to his office door when Tony's voice stopped them. "What do you think, guys," Tony began, "about the two of them? Are they going to fit in here? Conform to what we do?" "They're going to do just fine." Steve looked him in the eye. "They just need some time to recover and to train." Tony nodded, waved them on. As soon as the door was closed behind them, Steve shot the two of them a look. "The cats might be a problem." Bucky still looked angry about it all, but Clint huffed a laugh. "He has anything else to say about it, I think we should send the girls in there to convince him. I don't think he'd enjoy that as much as he thinks he would." He could tell Bucky was fighting a smile at that. "Come on," Steve motioned them to where the girls waited at the truck with Natasha. Clint offered Grace a small smile, one that she returned as they all got into their vehicles before driving back to the Avengers Compound. "Is Tony alright?" Grace asked quietly, Clint shook his head grimly and sighed quietly as he looked at the young woman. She was sitting beside him, in the passenger seat. "He and Pepper are getting divorced, she can't handle him being Iron Man. So, they're getting divorced after a year of marriage." Clint said quietly finally, feeling sympathy for the billionaire genius. Grace felt deeply saddened for Tony, she knew the man was arrogant but he had a heart of gold. Tony didn't deserve to be treated like this, let alone by his own wife.

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

The drive to the Avengers Compound was silent, as they reached the building and Sophie was shown to her bedroom that would be hers. It was a large room, with a view of the front lawn and the mountains in the distance. She smiled, and began carrying in her belongings. Bucky helped her carry in some of the heavier cardboard boxes, and they placed them on the floor. Sophie smiled at him in thanks, before she looked at the light purple walls, her kind of colour. "Thank you, Bucky." She said softly, smiling when she saw Reg running over, his silky black fur shining in the sunlight. The cat meowed affectionately, and rubbed himself against her before prowling towards Bucky. He started climbing up Bucky's jeans, purring and Bucky picked him up gently as the cat purred softly at him. "He likes you, he's not very fond of strangers," She said amused, seeing Reg curl against Bucky's shoulder happily. Bucky smiled, and scratched Reg under the chin. The cat purred like a motorcycle engine. "I've always liked animals, but they were for the rich folk." Bucky said quietly, rubbing Reg's belly softly. Sophie smiled, and took out the framed photos. Five of them with Zach at his birthday parties, one was of her and Grace doing ballet. The rest were with their parents, and one of them as a family. Bucky smiled at the photos, and carefully picked up the framed photograph of Sophie and Grace with a little blonde haired boy, smiling happily into the camera. "Was this recent?" He asked quietly, Sophie nodded and wiped her eyes as she looked at the framed photo of them in happier times together. "Three years ago, it was at Avengers Theme Park and Zach loved that amusement park. Especially the Adventures of the Howling Commandos Ride, he adored it." She said softly, when they heard raised voices yelling. "Oh shit, that's not good." Bucky said grimly, and they both cautiously entered the living room to see Tony and Pepper yelling at each other. "Why won't you give up on this life, Tony?!" Pepper asked frustrated, Tony glared at her and Sophie winced at the influx of negative emotions hitting her. "Because Pepper, Iron Man is a part of me. I can't stop being Iron Man, and the team needs me, Peter needs me." Tony explained calmly, trying not to lose his temper. Pepper looked at him with a betrayed expression. "So you prefer them, to me? I'm your wife, Tony! Your damn wife, and this is how you treat me?" Pepper asked enraged, screaming at the end. Bucky saw Sophie, Peter and Grace look at her tone of voice and decided to speak up. "Pepper, lower your voice please." He said calmly, and Pepper shocked everyone by slapping him hard across the face. Sophie gasped, and rushed over.

Tag list: @jtargaryen18​, @marvelfansworld​, @sapphirescrolls​, @kitkatd7​, @fwmdks2​, @redfoxwritesstuff​, and @nomadicpixel​

[starry-bi-sky]

Malevolent Au

It’s not complete, but on the Felinette Discord we made an au based off the song ‘Queen of Mean’!

@unmaskedagain idk if this’ll help you get ideas, since I found your fic after I made the au, but I hope you like it anyways!

Me - Black, Bee - Orange, Lefty - Blue

Okay but guys

A modified version of ‘Queen Of Mean’ as an akumanette

Idk if this has a bittersweet ending or a bad ending but either way it’s salty and not ending in the class’s favor

Her akuma item would probably be her ribbons because I don’t want that for tikki

I’m thinking that Akumanette has an outfit that looks like a suit but there’s a skirt-tail type thing that ends at her ankles. Idk how to explain it other than it’s fancy but practical

It’s black and red

There’s black paint on her face that serves as the mask and she has her hair in a braided ponytail and she has a circlet with black framing and a red gem in the center

She’s terrifying and one of the more fashionable akumas

I don’t have the story fully fleshed out but smth happens that Lila blames Marinette for and Alya, when she’s yelling at Marinette, calls her the ‘Queen of Mean’ and Marinette, tired of literally everything just says ‘if that’s what you think, then fine’ in this really cold tone before storming off

Maybe she goes to the theater room or something, she just goes to an empty classroom to rant

She’s too exhausted to fight back the akuma and maybe Tiki says ‘you deserve a break, it’s not healthy to keep all these emotions bottled up, I know you won’t do anything bad’ but just to be safe Marinette takes out the earring before the akuma gets close so it possesses the ribbons instead

Akumanette (who I will be calling Malevolent for the time being) manages to get CN’s ring and the other miraculi too, but instead of going to Hawkmoth she goes to her room to hide them before going on the hunt for Hawkmoth because she needs his miraculous too

I have no doubt that she toys with them, picking them off one by one

Then gets Hawkmoth in a big spectacular moment

Or maybe she's made copies of the miraculous for cosplay and goes to meet him with those, the old switcheroo and she takes him out while hes distracted

Could be interesting if, as part of her power, she could corrupt the miraculouses and give them to the people who upset/offended her. But instead of giving them powers, they were warped to instead punish the wearer in a way that fits the miraculous's original intent. Kinda a reversal on the way she gave out the miraculouses and granted powers before. Like, the Black Cat Miraculous, it causes the person to relive their most painful memories as the element of destruction, and the fox one forces the wearer to tell the truth no matter what, or traps them in an illusion or something.

And maybe how she goes to a new school. And meeting the others was maybe when shes revealed as the akuma she claims shes had enough of her classmates shit and exposes what they did to her live on tv and her parents transfer her because of all the stress they put her under. She's never become an akuma before. And just because of one lying little brat, their daughter has become one of the strongest akumas they've ever seen

And she gives the miraculi back to Fu apologizing out her butt for everything...but he just lets her keep the earrings, fearing that something grander may be at scale...but he refuses to give the ring back to Adrien because had he been by Mari's side, they wouldve been able to prevent the akuma and help Mari over come Lie-la.

And now Fu chooses a new Black Cat for Mari....

I would assume that the peacock is still lost....maybe Adri could find it amd becomes determined to get both his ring and. "His" lady back from that Fake Cat

And maybe before the ring gets taken Adrien has no idea who the akuma is because Marinette returns to class all normal if just closed off and even after he doesn’t know until it’s revealed to everyone. The whole of Paris is wondering where tf LB is everyone Malevolent shows her face

Or she could claim that she took the earrings before Ladybug even had a chance~

So the whole of Paris is rightly terrified

And the QK kids are slightly cautious but they see the nerd trip and get flustered then they just decide that she's totally fine to hang out with

Ooh why would they be cautious?

The QK would totally be the ones to find out Marinette’s the akuma first and they’re all really concerned for their friend because she’s been an akuma for MONTHS now and what happened that made her such a powerful akuma?

But if she just transformed back and went to the new school, wouldnt u be cautious too

Like

ThTS THE GIRL WHO BROUGHT PARIS TO ITS KNEES TO BEG FOR MERCY

and she chose mercy

Imagine...what it would take to bring her, the strongest akuma to kill all of Paris

(I should probably point out that I’m still going off the idea that Marinette is still Malevolent when she goes to her new school, feel free to ask for clarification if you’re still confused)

“Be wary of the quiet ones, the sweet ones, the kind ones, because they’re the ones with the saddest smiles, the darkest pasts. They’re the ones you watch out, for even demons run when good men go to war.”

Hawkmoth, once he realizes that Malevolent is on the prowl for him, tries to call back the akuma, but because of Marinette’s sheer stubborn will power and the help of Nooroo he can’t do it

So he’s basically useless as Malevolent numbers his days as a super villain

Maybe Malevolent only comes out at night. She has less chance of being seen, less chance of being caught

Except that just makes her 10x more terrifying because in the daylight she’s scary enough as it is, but at night the shadows highlight only half of her face and it makes her harder to see

Maybe Malevolent decides to torment her classmates first before picking off the heroes, so perhaps by the time she’s at her new school and prowling at night she’s picking off the heroes one by one

Maybe she does it slowly instead of night by night

And like the first half is her taking the heroes and Hawk down while the other half if her recovering and learning about the new villain and her new allies

She fucking stalks her classmates, planting incriminating evidence. Maybe for Lie-la she records the girl bragging about her lies and how much shes dragged Mari through the mud while shes at home, then the next morning a video is released on the Ladyblog....

The class is rightly scared out of their pants because there’s an akuma after them but they don’t know who and she hasn’t been caught yet

LB is gone and Malevolent, even in the daylight, is hard to see so other than the major bad luck and her first debut there’s almost no trace of her

Her debut was video taped so Paris knows that there’s an akuma on the loose but she’s so quiet that it leaves everyone on edge

Maybe while Malevolent is hunting Hawkmoth she stops other villains like low level (and high profile) criminals and outs corrupt politicians and the likes

And they've obviously taken poor Mari because Mari could never get akumatized! Shes too good!

Oooh!! Going back on the ‘Mari can change out of villain form’ maybe the only proof she’s Malevolent in her civilian form is that her ribbons are a darker red than they should

And poor Mari makes herself smaller and scared hah, as if. These idiots dont know whats gonna hit them.... she looks...terrified~

Her parents try and reassure her that the akuma will be caught and Mari feels bad for tricking them but at the same time she’s still angry so that anger outweighs the guilt

Marinette is paler than she was before akumatization and maybe her eyes are a bit more dull

Or perhaps just a smidge too bright

It’s not noticeable, but there’s just something.. off about her eyes

They look... almost brighter than they should be

Maybe too attentive

Too... analytical

But then the look is gone and perhaps you were just imagining it?

That seems likely

The QK, when they first meet Marinette, adopt her immediately because she’s so pale and small and she looks so tired

And at first Marinette is wary but after Claude trips and falls flat on his face trying to cheer her up she warms up to them

Then one day someone gets a clear full body shot of Malevolent and while QK are looking at it Marinette approaches them and they start noticing... similarities

Like how her ribbons are the same color as her circlet, or how her eyes hold the same wary attentiveness and are the same bright blue

And maybe they try to deny it

But it’s all there

I’m still trying to figure out how Marinette reveals herself as Malevolent

Perhaps a rude encounter with her classmates? Maybe someone tries attacking her friends (Hawkmoth has resorted to using the peacock miraculous at the point maybe) and she saves them??

When she transforms her ribbons wrap around her in a whirlwind

That’s all we got!! Maybe it’ll be continued on, maybe it won’t, but it was super fun to think up!