#the power of personality and how it affects your presentation in a fluffy robe...

[fisheito]

A while back you made a post talking about yakumo and his sensitivity to temperature and I haven't stopped thinking about it. imagine when winter comes around and yakumo becomes progressively sluggish, usually staying in the kitchen and not leaving for hours, always making something near the stove to feel a little warmth from the flames or from a little taste of the things he's making (soup probably), or him picking up the habit of bundling himself up and staying in the library to read and nap. maybe when it starts getting even colder he barely leaves his room because its too uncomfortably cold for him, and if he does he's probably looking for eiden to help him warm up, but if eidens not around he gets antsy and looks for somebody else in the mansion, but he's too shy to ask and looks at whoever with his wet eyes so they know he's cold and wants a cuddle

*inhales deeply* ah yes. you understand. you envision it all so clearly. rightly so. gEt in the wAy, everybody, snake burrito walking the halls very very slowly!!!!!!! (i was about to say get OUT of the way but that would probably make yakumo colder so why not do him a favour and collide with him on your way to another room)

[araminakilla]

Didn’t see that coming… again!

A Tadeo Jones long one-shot fic that merges the events of the first movie, some history about the Spanish Conquista and my own headcanons regarding Mummy.

Warning: Has angst but ends with a happy ending. There are some sentences in spanish so you better get google translator.

Mummy’s POV (Kind of?)

“Shoot you? This is not a weapon it’s a…”

He couldn’t finish the sentence as he was grabbed by the neck. His attacker? No other that the intruded, the invader, this mortal soul who was seconds ago powerless. The human didn’t waste his time and tossed him aside.

The Inca didn’t know if the human wanted him to fall to his “double death” or not.

The only thing he knew was that he was hanging for his eternal life and couldn’t get back to safety.

How could this happen!? He was clearly winning! He had the power, the other was a stranger who doesn’t know all the place.

Wait a minute.

Why that sounds very familiar?

———————————————–

Tahuantinsuyo, November 1532

“Sir, we have some news about the strangers who came from the seas” said a chasqui, a messenger that ran many kilometers just to deliver a very important message to a very important person.

The person in question was a young Inca dressed in royal robes, had a gold crown and spoke in a royal tone. This particular inca was one of the many sons of the ex Sapa Inca Huayna Capac, best know for expanding the empire more. He was beloved by his people and respected by his enemies. There was no greater honor than to be a descendant of him.

Unfortunately, he passed away along his son and official heir to the throne, Ninan Cuyuchi, under mysterious circunstances.

All the people cried over the death of the Sapa Inca and the Auqui and wondered who could rule the Tahuantinsuyo now.

Cue Huascar and Atahualpa.

It was decided that Huascar would rule the capital of the empire (Cusco) and Atahualpa the north part of the empire (Quito). Things went well.

For a short time that is.

It went down when Huascar decided to murder some of Atahualpa’s messengers and the ruler of Quito was very offended. He declared a civil war and many people were affected.

In the end Atahualpa ended up killing many of his half brothers with the help of his best generals who were, ironicaly, his half brothers who swear loyalty to him.

The young Inca who is the protagonist of this story was still alive because Atahualpa didn’t consider him a threat. By the contrary, the last time they encounter each other the young one swore he saw the prince… smiling at him?

He didn’t remember well, he was just a baby or a toddler when that happened.

Now he was the leader of a small group of soldiers who made sure all the gifts for Inti were in his place. Believe it or not, there was always one of two idiots who would try to steal some of the gold. And the consequences of that actions were to DIE FOR.

The new self proclaimed Inca was celebrating his victory over Huascar in Cajamarca when suddenly a chasqui informed him that those pale faced, shiny strangers were coming to meet him.

Other chasquis were sent to inform the other sons of Huayna Capac about the arrive of the people of the seas… including him.

“You got some news, chasqui?” Said the young one “well, what are you waiting for? Tell me”

“Their leader wants to have a meeting with your half brother, the Sapa Inca Atahualpa”

“And what was his opinion?”

“He agreed to meet him in Cajamarca”

For a moment, the young royal froze, but the retained his composture.

“Well, I’m sure whatever plans my brother has, it’s going to benefit all of us. The worst that could happen to the sea people would be if they become slaves. Could you imagine?” the inca said with big eyes and a big smile “My own personal slave! And a stranger from an unknow land no less! How exotic”

“But sir, the meeting is actualy a peaceful one. No one is going to carry weapons”

“Oh? Well that’s weird. But I understand my brother pretty well. The news about those creatures were present in the time when Huayna Capac was alive. He and Ninan were making some plans for their arrive but…you know” he said in a sad tone while not making eye contact with the chasqui. He quickly returned to his optimistic and royal behavior “this situation is a BIG deal and Atahualpa was always a curious person. It’s something we have in common. I’m sure everything will be fine. We are after all the sons of Inti. We have his protection and his eternal light. And nothing will change that”

“That’s true my lord” said the chasqui more confident than before “So, are you going to be present in the meeting?”

“I have many things to do” said the half brother of the Inca “but I will try to be present in the last hours. THIS IS GONNA BE GREAT! I CAN FEEL IT!”

———————————————–

No.

No, no, no, NO!

Just… how could this happen!?

He was on his way to the meeting when he saw many people running in the opposite direction. They were so scared that didn’t had time to explain what happened. Then suddenly the same chasqui who he encountered days before appeared before him. He was bleeding which was odd because he didn’t have a mark of a spear or an arrow in him, just a small hole near his chest. Still he could mutter some words.

“Strangers…lied….brought weapons….shoot fire….thousands of deaths… our people gone… Atahualpa….”

“What?” The young one was desesperate when the messenger began to close his eyes and collapsed in the ground “What!? WHAT DID THEY DO TO MY BROTHER? WHO DID THIS? SPEAK!”

“They kidnapped Atahualpa…Pizarro” and with that the chasqui stopped breathing.

The inca was in total shock. But he didn’t have time to mourn the man. He had to find his brother for Viracocha’s sake!

He ran as fast as he could to the place of the awful events. He ignored the people who were shouting and begging him to not go there.

He had to go there! His brother was in danger! True, he ordenered the death of his other half brothers and had a inferiority-superiority complex but that aside, he couldn’t forget the smile he gave him years ago. It was just…brotherly, something he didn’t obtain from his other half brothers, not matter how much he tried, he was always viewed as an oddball and an outcast. But Atahualpa, he changed that. He made him feel he was still part of the family. A very big, disfuctional family, but a family at the end.

He finally arrived at the place when he saw them. Shining bodies, pale faces, some of them had different eye colors. Under other circunstances, he would admire them and even try to touch them even if his other brothers tell him to stop doing that or facepalming at his weird and excitable little brother.

But now…

“Atahualpa! ATAHUALPA! MANA ATAHUALPA!”

There were two strangers who held him by the arms and shouting things he didn’t understand.

“Cállate indio, fuera de aquí!”

“Mejor lárgate de aquí si no quieres que te meta plomo por la cabeza!”

But the young man was still shouting for his brother.

“WAYQE WAYQE! WAYQE ATAHUALPA!”

One of the stranger had it.

“Te lo advertí indio, ahora sí te voy a…!”

“Deténgase ahí soldado!”

A voice with authority was heard, the three persons looked at one man with a shining helmet with some fluffy feathers, grey hair in his head and on his face (how!?) and strange looking clothes. He was accompanied by… what it looked to be one of the people from the Tahuantinsuyo only that he wore the strangers’ clothes and spoke in their language too.

And they called me the weirdo.

“Señor Pizarro” said one of the brutes while freeing the young inca “Disculpe esta conmoción pero este joven de aquí no para de gritar el nombre de Atahualpa. Será otro seguidor suyo”

“Posiblemente” said Pizarro (why the name sounded familiar?) “Pero es mejor resolver esto de manera pacífica y cortés”

Again, he didn’t understand a word of this old man but by the way the odd-looking inca who was at his side looked at his left and then back to the old man with a deadpan face that screamed “Really?” something was very off about the whole situation.

The young inca looked where the weirdo looked before and… he wished he didn’t look at all.

Corpses.

There where corpses everywhere. And more strangers and some odd looking animals too.

The thing that scared him the most was that there wasn’t a corpse of a stranger laying. Not a single one. As if they were too powerful that they were not affected in the battle.

Was there even a battle to begin with?

He soon realized that the two strangers and mister Pizarro himself were covered in blood.

His people’s blood.

Posibly Atahualpa’s blood as well.

The young one gritted his teeth and was about to charge at the old man furiously when he was held back by those two brutes.

One of them even took off one of his gold earrings while muttering “Qué bonito”

This of course made the young one be even more furious. How DARE!?

“Tranquilo, no queremos pelear más” said Pizarro in a calm tone “Dime muchacho… Acaso conoces a Atahualpa personalmente? Eres familiar suyo?”

Wow, that man has to be really stupid to believe he magicaly will understand everything he just said. He just only understood the word Atahualpa and began to panic.

“Felipillo” said the old man looking at his inca “Mejor tú dile qué acabo de decir antes que a todos nos de un ataque de pánico”

The odd inca began to talk in his language (quechua) and our protagonist, more calmly since he could understand him, replied back, looking at the old man intensely.

Felipillo spoke, looking rather sad.

“Dice que es su hermano menor de sangre”

Pizarro’s eyes widened. The others were surprised as well. The old man then gave a nod to one of the brutes and this one freed the inca to carry his weapon that breath fire with both hands.

“Señor NO!”

That was the last thing the young man heard from Felipillo when he felt a great pain in the head and everything became blurry and then black.

———————————————–

Turns out they only hit him in the head with the weapon and didn’t shoot him.

The events after that hit where blurry in the memories the now Living Mummy leader of Paititi.

But the events before that hit where enough to make him cry (or at least sob, as he didn’t have corporal fluids).

He was alone. He felt alone. He didn’t like when others see him cry or even sad.

He is supposed to cheer them and tell them everything is going to be fine.

Except for the fact that… nothing is going to be fine. At all.

All his brothers and sisters were dead. Gone in horrific battles against the spaniards. And Atahualpa, he died the worse death of them all.

Because it was a death that could be prevented.

But because the Inca was overconfident in his role as a ruler, everything fall, quite literaly.

Overconfidence

Who knew that was one the reasons the Tahuantinsuyo fell? One of the reasons that cost them thousands of lifes that day and many more in the future.

Sure, the Sapa Inca was a proud individual. He was the son of the sun after all (Wasn’t he? He wasn’t sure now) but they always knew the tables could turn if one wasn’t very careful.

His father, Ninan Cuyuchi and others before him knew that very well.

Atahualpa… not so much.

Resigned, he was going to return to his usual spot to protect the idol when suddenly, the earth above him began to crack and many bats flew to freedom.

Inmediately he looked at the light spot very carefuly.

It’s been centuries since the last time they felt the warm touch of Inti. They were still mad at him for abandoning them all this years ago but…they still missed him.

He felt that whoever was up there dropped something. Mummy saw that strange thing fall and took it, only his hand in the soft light while he retrieve it slowly.

This could only mean one thing.

Invaders. Humans. Danger. He had to prepare himself for the massacre. After all…how could this group of puny mortals be different from the ones who went to Paititi before them?

The battle was at his favor…right?

———————————————–

Oh… that’s why.

Overconfidence: the Inca’s worst enemy.

It wasn’t the chankas, or the spaniards or the so called “progress” that the conquistadors talked about when trying to justify the destruction of his culture.

It was just… overconfidence. Quite simple.

But for the love of Viracocha how it HURTS.

Curiosity wasn’t the only thing he had in common with his fallen brother after all.

Oh, Atahualpa…what have I done?

This could not end like this.

He could NOT end like this.

There has to be something he can do to fix his mistake…

“Not so fast!” A voice of another person echoed in the place.

Mummy didn’t know who he was. He was sure it wasn’t another mummy. He knew the voices of all his subjects very well. He had 500 years of experience.

Who was he? And what are his intentions?

“Get lost Tad Stones!” The human who threw him said in an annoyed tone.

So they are enemies. Great, he could get help from this “Tad”. All he had to do what set his pride aside and ask for…

“Help! HE-HE-HELP!”

He was so surprised the stranger actually came to him and asked:

“Are you alright sir?”

Well, of course he wasn’t. He was hanging for his inmortal life! He had a very exhausting patrol routine that is meant to continue forever. He and his people suffered a lot at the hands of the spaniards and his allies.

But the simple fact that one stranger asked him if he was alright set that all aside.

Maybe things weren’t so lost after all…

Suddenly a long bang! was heard and he knew that the bad stranger has took control over the golem, having learned rather fast how to control it thanks to him.

Talk about irony. Gime me a break!

“Too bad he’s already DEAD!” said the dark haired individual.

But Mummy wasn’t paying attention to him. All he saw was this Tad guy who was rescuing him from a long fall. He was very different from the first stranger in every aspect. He wouldn’t have guessed this is the man who wants to stop the bad guy, as he screamed like a girl the first time he saw the monster.

But hey, he also screamed and ran away. Who was he to judge?

He saw the confused man who was helping him with a newfound admiration. Something he didn’t felt for a long time. He hasn’t be this happy since he became a mummy.

No, since the Spanish arrived.

No… since Atahualpa smiled at him warmly.

That was it. He made him feel he mattered, that he was someone.

That he was loved.

After this Tad spoke about an object that he was wearing, all Mummy had to say was something he didn’t think it was possible for him to say again in such an optimsitic and happy tone.

“Thank you”

‐————————————

Author’s notes:

I know Mummy didn’t say something in that moment in the english dub, which is a pity because he said that in both the latinoamerica and spanish version and was very heartwarming.

This idea was born when I read the ramble of @tammyhybrid21 of why Mummy had an idiot moment when dealing with Max, and one of the videogames confirmed that the reason was that Mummy became too confident in the situation. Initialy it was just going to be a long reply to her post but BOOM BABY this fic was born.

If you want to know how Mummy looked when he was alive, you can go to @shields-and-depthgauges-oh-my there’s a really good interpretation of how he looked as a human

The spanish parts are many that’s why I recommend using a translator. But here are the meanings of the quechua words:

Inti: Sun god, very important god in the incan pantheon.

Viracocha: The creator of everything, father of Inti.

Sapa Inca: Great Ruler. Used for describing the rulers of the Tahuantinsuyo.

Auqui: The official heir to the throne. Usually a first born son of the Sapa Inca.

Tahuantinsuyo: The four suyos. A suyo was a division of the land that was conquered by the Sapa Inca. It is NOT an empire but I didn’t know how to call the place since the accurate word is to long.

Chasqui: A messenger. Used to ran kilometers to deliver news of the four suyos.

Mana: No

Wayqe: Brother (from a man to another man)

Chanka: Another group coming from the Andes who were the Inca’s most recurring enemies. Many of them allied with the spaniards to take down the Inca Empire and be free of them. It backfired in the most epic fail way.

Real life people used in this story:

Huayna Capac: The last official Sapa Inca before the civil war began. Father of Huascar, Atahualpa, Ninan Cuyuchi and more than one hundred sons and daughters had with his many concubines. He loved to be in Quito (actual Ecuador) so he made it a part of his “empire”. That’s the place where Atahualpa ruled. It is believed he and Ninan died for a european disease that spread from the north.

Ninan Cuyuchi: Not so much is know about this auqui except for the fact that, had he been alive, the events of the spanish conquista would have been VERY different.

Huascar: A son of the Inca who was Atahualpa’s half brother. He tried to became the Sapa Inca as he ruled Cusco, the capital of the Tahuantinsuyo. It isn’t very clear if he was murdered after Atahualpa was captured of before that. Anyway, his death was one of the many things that were used against Atahualpa (fraticide) in a kangaroo court composed by an all spaniard group of people.

Atahualpa: Even if he doesn’t appear in this story, his presence and decisions are what sets Mummy’s and the other Incas’ destiny. He was too overconfident and curious about the spaniards that he ignored his most trusted generals’ pleas to attack them in Cajamarca. He regreted his decision later.

Francisco Pizarro: El hombre. The man. The “Great Conquistador of Peru” as he was called years ago. An old explorer cousin of Hernán Cortés who was more of an invader. He wasn’t evil, he just had daddy issues. Issues that he tried to compensate wiping out a civilization and declaring himself the owner of the new “discovered” land. Wrong move, buddy.

Felipillo: A native of the new world who learned to speak spanish and began to hang out with the conquidtadors as his official translator. The thing was… most of the things that were told to the spaniards were made up by him in an attempt to drag Atahualpa and his followers deep down. So yeah, he a traitor.

Thank you so much for reading this story. And remember, seach for the true history of your country. You might get surprised :) 

[incorrectcatfacestudios]

MID Fusion headcanons 2

A part two to this post 

Noi & Pierce 

They would definitely become a superhero esque character 

Would have a highlighter yellow color to them

Would have a cockiness that neither Pierce nor Noi outwardly show. 

Definitely would have a cape of some kind, also would be able to fly. 

Very VERY caring, just...the sweetest guy you’ll ever meet 

Shows a lot of Noi’s love and compassion mixed with Pierce’s genuine understanding of people. ((Noi can be callous sometimes and while yes he is the friendliest daemos he isn’t exactly the most...umm, Caring? Its hard to explain. Pierce shows more genuine compassion where as Noi’s seems to come from a slightly different place despite him being the sweetheart he is. Noi’s more selfish? I suppose)) 

Very good at understanding others. 

This fusion would normally form not for combat but for helping people out with their problems. Their more of a therapy fusion, but when they do form for combat its usually in a superhero~esque form. 

 New powers would include flight, and the ability to make thunderstorms. Other than that just Noi & Pierce’s abilities

Would probably sea green horns and eyes, 

He’d just be the most slick and just happy dude ever. VERY fun to hang out with. he’s positive but down to earth? 

He’d wear a superhero outfit. other than that not much else

ADORES CHILDREN & ALL THINGS CUTE AND INNOCENT. 

Not THAATT good with kids but LOVES being around them. They can be a bad role model at times...well not bad but-NOT GOOD either? 

has moments of brain farts 

Similarly to the Avarce  

Noi & Rhys

Curiosity given form. 

WOULD DEFINITELY BE A GEEKY GAMER KID 

Tries to entertain others like an online personality 

Almost always studying everything 

HAS THE PUREST SMILE OUT OF ALL OF THEM. Like just he often engages in PURE WONDER 

Extremely childish but with a certain level of grace to him. He definitely has poise 

Talks....all the fucking time. LIKE A LOT 

Loves hearing the sound of his own voice and announcing things. 

GETS VERY EXCITED VERY EASILY! Tends to jitter with excitement when faced with a new thing. Can’t hold said excitement in 

Probably one of the most curious people you’ll ever meet. 

REALLY GOOD AT SINGING! and acting. 

Similarly to the Leif & Noi fusion a good smooth talker. BETTER even. 

BIG SWEET TOOTH this boy has no self restraint. Noi ate any that Rhys had left. 

Extremely prone to getting absorbed in the world around him. and has the attention span of an ant. 

Wears a backwards cap 

Main color is a green. 

almost always carrying a notepad. 

Ava & Rhys

HIGH AMOUNTS OF FEMININE ENERGY 

Always gets the most ANNOYINGLY smug look on their face when their right

Goes by They/Them, She/Her pronouns preferring nonbinary ones but not really upset by being referred to with feminine pronouns 

They are a NEUROTIC MESS, & constantly worrying about things

Looks like a typical anime witch she has a hat and everything. 

Indigo color scheme

intense growling. 

Fuses Rhys’s vest with Ava’s hoodie wearing the white shirt underneath. 

Gains Rhys’s trench coat and turns it more into witchy robes that they wear. They’d have little indigo or periwinkle crystals hanging from their hat. 

Their weapon instead of a wand is a magic broomstick that’s ALSO a wand. A wandbroom thingy. 

Using magic is a lot trickier with Rhys by her side this time. Ava has to be careful unlike the others he won’t easily forget what she does with him. 

They basically have Rhys’s abilities boosted. They aren’t that powerful so not much comes from Ava. Mostly due to the lack of Genuine love coming from Rhys, and the confusion from Ava’s side. 

Any power they do gain is from admiration and the more they focus on that the stronger they become. They can create powerful magic barriers, Levitate objects or people ((and control them in the air)), and due many of the things Rhys believes Ava to be able to do with ease. IF they both focus on how much they admire each other, If they don’t then- Not much will happen. ((They can also make brooms fly )) 

Stressed 24/7 

The “mom” of the group 

Drinks coffee like theirs no ones business 

LOVES THE HELL OUT OF ICE CREAM 

Will hurt people to gain ice cream 

Acts 10x wiser than they actually are. Tries to be an all knowing source of information 

IS a know it all, presents themselves as a knowledgeable sage, who is ENLIGHTENED,  

Can float if they take the meditating pose 

IF they really wanted to they could have Asch melting into puddy in their hands

Pierce & Leif

BY FAR one of the weakest of the fusions ((up their with Rhys and Leif))

ABSOLUTELY NOT IN SYNC AT ALL WHATSOEVER they don’t even know who they are ((same as the rhys and leif one. after a while they gain a grip on their personalities)

A dark turquoise color. going on for most of the design 

They’d have brown hair with a pure bleach white stripe in the front & a long spikey ponytail 

TEAL eyes 

When formed they usually make a dirty dishonest yet dopey looking fool..  Though they aren’t...either. 

when they do eventually mix together they have that more ,Cold hard angsty Killer vibe to them. Like a veteran mercenary. Your not sure if this guy is trustable or not. 

HELLA shady 

Looks dirty 

Is known to randomly sneak up behind people without realizing it. his steps are very quiet 

Has a gruff sounding cool dad/uncle voice. 

If he really tried he could probably feel the life of the world around him. 

Definitely gains some stubble 

Has a tendency to be extremely vauge, ambiguous or Trolly.

This is because Leif has this urge to be a dick. Most of it is just Leif trying to dick around and Pierce not really doing anything but his personality affecting Leif’s  

EXTREMELY streetsmart. Could probably help you get to the right places in a black market. 

Interestingly enough Flower petals blow through the wind as he passes by. Depending on his mood at the time. Sakura Blossoms when something new is starting for him, when he falls in love, or during a samurai style fight. Rose petals during dramatic scenes ((or romantic ones)), white Lilies when he greives, and most commonly Dead flower petals or dead leaves.  

Pierce & Asch 

Usually only communicates in grunts roars and other primordial noises

If they DO talk its always a large speech. 

These speeches can drag on and on.  

They don’t normally form for fun. Usually just for battle 

Their mostly fueled by mutual trust, not...exactly love though?

HAS LARGE AMOUNTS OF FAITH IN THEIR ABILITIES 

Has a lot of determination once they decide their going to do something THEY DO IT. No question, they are IMPOSSIBLE to reason with 

gains mostly physical strength. No special new abilities gained for this one. 

Their clothes are a bright white. Their horns as well (With a minty green tint). their eyes a dark cyan color. 

Okay they have a Firesword. but that’s about it. 

they have the design of a warrior. Much more so than Asch or Pierce’s designs. Their hair is just a long disheveled spiky mess  their shirt kinda vanishes. the only other color on them besides white is maybe gold I guess. 

If they did do any magic it would most likely just be a simple fire tornado. (A fire Whirl)  

Ava & Leif

They’d wear  black or dark maroon clothing. ((if not just a green and purple hippy shirt with flowers on it and a headband)) 

They’d have long spoiky hair, or fluffy spiky hair. 

They get bored easily and have a generally carefree attitude 

The most likely to get high. 

Goes by He/ Him 

far more daring than Ava and far more composed than Leif

They’d probably have a hippyish accent sometimes.  

“Duuuuuuddddeeee....I just saw the most WICKED-” They’d talk like that. 

They are very impulsive and have more energy than it seems

They would be Ava with even less impulse control. So they would be an absolute mess. And probably wouldn’t think before they say anything. Which would lead them into a lot of problems. 

Lowkey suicidal. Not because they hate themselves but because they want the thrill of killing one of their components. 

Would probably enjoy watching sports a lot. 

They’re A lot more forward than Ava when it comes to flirting. They do it on occasion but  they always end up stuttering when they do. 

[kamen-rider-zed]

The Sleepover That Almost Wasn’t

Hey @blackshucksighted! (for some reason I can’t tag you) I’m you’re Secret Santa and here’s some fluffy Chloe/Alya/Marinette friendship coming your way!

Also some Season 2 spoilers so fair warning in case anyone’s not into that.

Marinette and Alya didn’t know what to think when Chloe asked them out to lunch, though it was more of a demand than a request. Normally she spent her lunch breaks with Sabrina or was otherwise attached at the hip to Nathanael. She didn’t spend much time with either of them, before or after they discovered each other’s identities. In fact, she seemed to spend less time with them after discovering her classmates were Ladybug and Rena Rouge. So imagine their surprise when Chloe not only invited them to lunch, but to an expensive cafe and offered to pay.

Once the server had brought their drinks and taken their orders, Chloe cleared her throat and announced, “Clear your schedules this weekend. As an early Christmas present, you two are coming to the hotel for a sleepover and to be among the first to experience Le Grand Paris’ newly renovated beauty salon and spa.”

Alya and Mari glanced at each other. “Doesn’t sound like you’re giving us much choice,” Alya said.

Chloe frowned down at her coffee as she stirred seven sugar cubes into it. “Stupid Pollen, stupid sweet tooth,” she muttered. She shifted her gaze from her cup to Alya and chuckled. “Of course you have a choice. You can turn me down if you wish, but why would you? I’m offering a weekend of rest and relaxation and you don’t have to pay a centeme.” Marinette opened her mouth, but stilled when Chloe held up a hand. “And before you say it, I’ve already negotiated with Chat, Carapace, and Bleu; they’ve agreed to handle patrols and Akumas for a few days.”

“Chloe!” Marinette snapped. She turned her head about, but found no one within earshot.

“Oh, simmer down, Mari,” Chloe snickered. “Thanks to Alya’s clever camera work and a few illusions, the three of us have airtight alibis.”

Marinette fidgeted in her seat. “Still better not to chance it.”

“Whatev.” Chloe waved a dismissive hand. “So, the three of us, a weekend at the hotel, doing nothing but relaxing and hanging out. What do you say?”

“Three of us?” Alya asked. “I thought you were spending Hanukkah with Nath.”

“Ended on Wednesday and as much as I adore his family, eight days is all I can take of both of his moms guilting me into eating more food. So with my schedule all clear, what do you say?”

(#)

The following Saturday, Marinette and Alya found limos rolling up to their homes just before noon, as Chloe promised. When they arrived at the hotel, Chloe’s butler, Jean Pierre, escorted them to the spa, where Chloe awaited them in a yellow satin robe.

“You’re here! So glad you could make it!” She threw her arms around each girl’s neck and planted a kiss on each of their cheeks. Marinette and Alya were a little taken aback by this sudden expression of affection, especially considering Chloe’s reaction the last time she had to kiss Marinette, but they awkwardly smiled and returned the gestures.

“Okay, we’re starting with a Swedish massage, so into the hot tub first, then Elias and his friends work their magic. After that, mani-pedis and facials, then up to my room for snacks and movies. Now, change into your swimsuits and I’ll have Jean take your bags upstairs.”

She shooed them into the locker rooms and slipped away to the jacuzzi to let them get undressed. The girls changed slowly, still not entirely sure what to make of Chloe’s abrupt change of heart.

“Think she feels guilty for bullying us for so long?” Marinette asked, slipping her arms through her pink bikini top.

“I don’t know,” Alya admitted. She hopped up and down on one foot trying to guide her other foot into her blue one piece. “I mean, she’s more than made up for it as…” She glanced around and dropped her voice. “As Queen Bee.”

“I know she has, but this almost feels like she’s bribing us for our friendship.

Alya stopped, her glasses half tucked into her bag. “Maybe she is, but maybe that’s all she knows. She doesn’t exactly have much experience with healthy friendships. I mean, look at how she treated Sabrina.”

Marinette plopped down on a bench and rested her forearms on her knees. “Yeah, you have a point. Maybe we should just see how this plays out?”

“That’s the spirit girl!” Alya nudged her with her elbow. “Besides, we haven’t had girl time in a while, and what better way to enjoy ourselves than with a full spa treatment courtesy of the mayor?”

“Well, when you put it that way…”

They made their way through the spa to the hot tubs, where Jean Pierre awaited to take their bags. Chloe was beside one of the tubs in a yellow bikini, neatly folding her robe. She turned and smiled when she heard the two enter and gestured for them to slip into the tub. The girls slowly eased into the hot water and once everyone was in, Chloe gestured to Jean who pressed a button on the wall on his way out, activating the jets in the tub.

Marinette sank deeper into the tub and moaned, “Oh, this feels soooo good…”

Chloe closed her eyes and leaned back against rim of the tub. “Lavender and eucalyptus in the water to ensure we’re all thoroughly relaxed.”

Alya murmured something lost amidst the bubbles, but from her closed eyes and soft grin, it was clear she was enjoying herself. The trio sat in the tub, relaxing and chatting for about twenty minutes before Jean Pierre approached the tub with a pair of robes for Marinette and Alya. They reluctantly pulled themselves from the water and wrapped the robes around themselves.

Jean Pierre then led them to the massage tables where three men awaited. Chloe hopped up onto one of the tables, removed her bikini top and laid face-down on the table. The others, blushes on their faces, followed suit and laid on their own tables. The men started on their shoulders and neck, speaking in hushed tones to the girls and asking permission before touching them anywhere else. They progressively worked through every muscle on their bodies, the three girls finding themselves on the verge of nodding off multiple times.

“Pardon me,” came Jean Pierre’s voice from the door. “An Akuma has appeared near the hotel. We are relocating all guests to the safe rooms.” The masseuses nodded and exited the room while the girls pulled their swimsuits back on. “I shall personally escort your friends to the rooms, mademoiselle. I’m, uh, sure your father wishes to see you per-”

“It’s okay, Jean,” Chloe interrupted him with a small wave, not leaving her place on the massage table. “They know. I’ll take responsibility for their safety.”

He nodded. “Very well. In that case, I have brought extra pretzels for Mlle. Pollen if she needs them.” He left a small bag if the aforementioned snacks on the nearby table and left the room.

“Chloe,” Marinette said as she stood from her table and pulled on her robe. “How does he know your kwami’s name?”

Chloe simply shrugged and responded, “I told him I was Queen Bee about a week after getting my Miraculous.”

“You what?” Alya yelled.

“How do you think someone as high-profile as me has kept a secret identity for so long? He helps me with cover stories and alibis, same as Sabrina.”

Marinette shook her head, her eyes wide. “You told Sabrina too?”

“Never underestimate the power of a good support network.” She smiled, her eyes closed as she folded her arms beneath her head. “I wanted to tell Adrikins too, but Pollen drew the line there.”

“Tikki, Spots On!”

“Trixx, Ears Up!”

Chloe’s head snapped to her partners, freshly transformed and ready to leap out the window. “What are you doing? I told you the boys were handling Akumas this weekend!”

“I know you said that, but...I can’t just ignore people in need, Chloe,” Ladybug said. “I can’t afford to take a vacation.”

“But…”

“A half hour at most, and we’ll be back in time to finish the massage.”

Chloe glanced from her partners to her kwami floating nearby. “Ugh, fine! Pollen, Stripes On!” Yellow lights swirled around her and Queen Bee’s wings lifted her from the massage table. “Now, let’s take care of this Akuma and get back to relaxing.”

(#)

Well over an hour later, three figures slipped in through a window in Le Grand Paris’ spa. Orange light peeled Alya’s foxsuit away from her and she dropped onto a lounge chair beside one of the hot tubs. “Hawky hates us, doesn’t he?” she complained.

“Just be glad your transformation didn’t run out near the end of the fight,” Marinette said from Queen Bee’s arms, her bathrobe pulled up around her head. Bee set her down and she dropped onto the chair beside Alya. “At least I purified the akuma before my time ran out. Ugh, I feel all sweaty and gross, like I need another bath.”

Bee dropped her transformation and eyed the bubbling tub. “I think that can be arranged, Mari. A quick dip, then we can still make our appointment for mani-pedis. In the meantime, I’ll call Jean and have him send down snacks for our kwamis. Cookies for Tikki and...yogurt for Trixx, right?” Chloe smiled when the fox kwami nodded, but frowned again when saw the look Marinette gave her. She sighed and muttered, “I won’t mention your identities if you don’t want me to.”

After loosening their muscles in the hot tub, Chloe led the girls to the next stage of their relaxing weekend. In the next room, three women stood next to reclining chairs, and beside those chairs sat tables covered with various nail care tools, shades of nail polish, and small jars of a mysterious green substance. Each of them sat down, leaned back, and let their beauticians go to work. They each started with a face and scalp massage, then came the green substance, which Chloe explained was an all-natural facial mask made of avocado, yogurt, and honey.

Chloe and Marinette had just closed their eyes and settled into their chairs when they heard Alya yelp and her attendant cry out in pain. They glanced over and saw the woman cradling her nose, a thin line of blood running down her face.

“Oh my god!” Alya jumped from her chair, her hands clasped over her mouth. “I’m so sorry! I should have mentioned, you-you have to warn me before you touch my feet!”

“Since when are you sensitive about having your feet touched?” Chloe asked.

“Since I’m super-ticklish and I have two little sisters who play dirty.” Alya knelt down next to the woman nursing her bloody nose. “Again, I’m so so sorry.”

“Hey, uh guys?” Marinette said. “Um, my face feels a little tingly.”

“That’s just the facial cream cleansing your pores, mademoiselle,” one of the beauticians assured her.

“No, this doesn’t feel like cleansing.” Marinette sat up and waved her hands at her face. “In fact, it kinda itches. It itches and it burns and I’m dying and get it off! Get it off ah help ah AH!”

(#)

“So, I’m allergic to avocado. Good to know.” Marinette closed her eyes against the white light pouring from Tikki’s paws, healing the red rash spread across her face.

“At least that stuff wasn’t on your face for too long.” Alya sat beside her and rubbed her back with Trixx hovering over them, her tongue in one of the jars of facial cream, licking it clean. “Sorry this isn’t going how you hoped, Chlo.” She turned over her shoulder. “Maybe we could...Chloe?”

Chloe had her back to Marinette and Alya, her shoulders hunched and her arms wrapped around herself. Alya could tell she felt uncomfortable, probably because she felt like she accidentally poisoned her hero. With her enhanced fox hearing, she could just make out Chloe repeating to herself, “It’s okay. It’s okay. We can salvage this. We can make this work.”

“Everything okay, Chloe?” Alya called a little louder.

The blonde snapped her head around, reddened eyes on her friend. She sniffled and forced a smile onto her face. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’m...Marinette’s rash is making my eyes water a little.” She held up her phone and added, “I’m just texting Jean to have our snacks delivered to my room. As soon as Tikki is done with Marinette, we can go upstairs and-” A short series of beeps from Chloe’s phone interrupted her. Upon checking the message, her face and shoulders dropped.

“What is it?” Marinette asked.

“Oh, uh,” Chloe snapped to attention and forced another smile. “Nothing! Nothing at all! Just Jean getting back to me about-”

“That was an Akuma Alert, wasn’t it?” Marinette turned her intense gaze to Chloe, whose eyes darted back and forth between her phone and her teammate.

“Uh...it’s, um…” Chloe finally caved and blurted, “Can’t we let the boys take care of this one?” Marinette sighed and passed another cookie to Tikki. “Come on, please? Paris will be fine for one battle, right?”

“Like I said, Chloe: I have a responsibility to this city. We have a responsibility. Now, let’s go. The sooner we take care of this, the sooner we can get back.”

Marinette and Alya transformed and leapt out the same window they’d entered earlier. Chloe sighed, her arms slumping in defeat. She called her own transformation, and as her wings lifted her off the ground, she muttered, “That’s what you said last time.”

(#)

Three hours. Three hours of chasing a speedster through the streets of Paris. Three hours and two lucky charms needed to capture Blur in a pool of sticky tar. Three hours the sushi tray, cheese and fruit platter, and champagne had been sitting out in Chloe’s room because she forgot to tell Jean to put them back in the cooler.

“Think we can salvage any of this?” Chloe asked.

Alya shrugged. “Put the champagne on ice and it’ll be fine in about twenty minutes. The fruit and cheese can be saved, maybe, but the sushi is gone.”

“Y-you sure?” Chloe looked desperate. “Maybe we can-”

“My mom’s a professional chef. I’ve had food safety rules drilled into my head since I knew how to walk.” Alya eyed the sushi platter and shook her head. “I’m sorry, but I’m not touching fish that’s been out of a cooler for that long.”

“And it looks like some of these rolls have avocado in them.” Marinette frowned at the dishes. “I couldn’t have eaten them even if they were-.”

Chloe drove her fist into the table, startling her companions. She ground her teeth together and squeezed her eyes shut because there was no way in hell she was crying in front of Ladybug. “I just...I just wanted one weekend. One! I just wanted one weekend to do something nice for you two!” She jerked away from the table and folded her arms over her chest. “But no. I can’t have that, can I? First an Akuma during our massage, then Alya breaks someone’s nose and I almost kill Marinette with a damn avocado. Then another stupid Akuma and I forget to tell Jean to...to…”

Alya and Marinette exchanged a worried and hurt glance. Marinette took a tentative step towards Chloe and gently rested a hand on her shoulder. “I’m sorry, Chloe. I had no idea how much this meant to you.”

“It-it’s like you said in the changing room,” Chloe sniffed, glancing over her shoulder. “I feel horrible for treating you two like dirt for so long.”

“You heard us?” Alya asked.

Chloe nodded. “I’m not bribing you for your friendship, and I’m sorry if it feels that way. I...after learning you two were LB and Rena, I felt...I felt awful that I couldn’t be your friend on both sides of the mask. I felt like I should make things up to you, but everything’s gone completely wrong and the weekend is ruined and-”

“Whoa, whoa, it’s okay, Chloe,” Marinette soothed. “You’re rambling. And unless I’m mistaken, Alya said the food is toast, not the weekend.”

Chloe shifted her eyes between them. “What do you mean?”

Alya smiled and planted her fists on her hips. “I mean all this weekend needs to get back on its feet is a change of venue-” she shot a sideways glance at the rancid sushi “-and a change of menu.”

Marinette nodded. “Gather what snacks you can save, pack your fluffiest, comfiest pajamas, and come to my house tomorrow. We’ll show you what friends really do on a relaxing weekend.”

(#)

Chloe had never felt more uncomfortable in her life. She sat in her car outside the Dupain-Cheng bakery for what seemed like an eternity before she finally climbed out and knocked on the side door. She was completely out of her element. No wait staff. No room service. No masseuse, no beautician, no Jean. But Marinette had promised her the most fun weekend she’d ever had, and she’d never lied to her before.

The secret identity thing totally didn’t count.

Marinette answered the door wearing fuzzy slippers and satiny pajamas, both in a shade of pink Chloe would have found obnoxious if it wasn’t just so ‘Marinette’. Rather than greet her with the short kiss on the cheek Chloe had used at the hotel, Marinette threw her arms around her neck and pulled her into a tight hug. Chloe stiffened in the embrace and when she felt it, Marinette jerked away.

“I’m sorry, Chloe! I don’t want you to make you uncomfortable or anything…”

“No no, I’m...just not used to you hugging me.”

Marinette smiled. “Okay, I’ll try to keep the shows of affection a little less enthusiastic, but so you know, I can’t speak for Alya. She’s a serial snuggler.”

They ascended the stairs to Marinette’s bedroom, and Chloe marvelled at just how small and...cozy her room was. Everything was pink and tidy and cute and just as ‘Marinette’ as her pajamas. Alya, wearing red flannel pajamas that matched the shirts she commonly wore, already had several blankets and cushions strewn about the floor and a table sat nearby ladened with all sorts of snacks: not only cookies and pastries from the bakery, but chips, pretzels, and other junk food from a convenience store. Alya jumped up the moment Chloe entered the room, and true to Marinette’s warning, lifted her from the ground with a mighty hug. The moment she released Chloe, Marinette scolded her for being a little too rough with their guest and Chloe swiftly changed into her pajamas while her hosts were distracted.

Marinette smirked at the silky red and black spots adorning her friend. “Why am I not surprised?”

“Ladybug is still my favorite superhero, thank you,” Chloe said, sticking her nose up in the air.

“Yeah, I figured as…” Marinette trailed off when she saw a yellow head poking out of Chloe’s bag. “Is...that your teddy bear?”

Chloe’s face immediately reddened and she snatched the bear from her bag, clutching it to her chest defensively. “His...his name is Mr. Cuddly. He helps me sleep at night.”

Marinette smiled. “There’s no reason to be embarrassed, Chloe. I can’t sleep unless I have my huge cat pillow with me-” she glared at Alya “-which I totally had before I met Chat Noir!”

“Uh huh, yeah. Then explain the Chat Noir doll.”

“I’ll explain the Chat doll if you explain your turtle plush.”

Alya’s face turned red as she stammered, “I-I have no idea what you’re talking about.” Marinette grinned wickedly and sprinted to her friend’s bag, pulling out a well-worn stuffed turtle. “Wha-where? How did Shelly get in there?”

“I convinced Etta to sneak it into your bag while you weren’t looking.” Alya leapt across the room and attempted to snatch the doll away from Marinette. “Admit you like Carapace and I’ll give it back!”

Chloe sat with Mr. Cuddly still held close to her chest, in awe at the impromptu game of Keep Away. She knew Alya and Marinette would have enjoyed the full spa treatment if fate hadn’t decided to show its ass, but they seemed so much more at ease in this setting: something small, intimate, humble. Personal. That was the word: personal. Everything around them had been assembled with love, from the snacks, to the makeshift bed scattered on the floor, and it occurred to Chloe, after Alya had retrieved Shelly from Marinette, that maybe that’s what real friendship is: it’s small, personal, built with love. Chloe smiled, the realization lifting a weight from her shoulders she hadn’t known she’d been carrying. She finally understood. She finally understood what friendship truly meant.

“So, uh,” Chloe finally spoke up, “what’s on the itinerary for this sleepover?”

Alya chuckled. “Itinerary? Chlo, you don’t plan fun, it just happens.”

Okay, she still had a few things to learn about sleepovers, but it’s still progress.

“Yeah, whenever me and Alya hang out, we basically do whatever we want: play video games, braid each others hair, paint our nails, talk about boys-” Alya cleared her throat “-and girls.” Chloe lifted an eyebrow and Marinette whispered, “She’s bi.”

Alya nodded. “We could play Truth or Dare, watch bad movies, whatever you want to do, Chlo.”

“Why would we watch bad movies?” Chloe asked.

Alya looked at Chloe as though the answer should be obvious. “To make fun of them! And I know Queen Bee’s rapier wit could be put to use there.”

And utilize it they did. They picked out a particularly bad American film about Santa getting kidnapped by aliens and Chloe tore it apart. All three of them were kicking about the floor, laughing until they cried, their kwamis flitting about with laughter above them. Next, Marinette taught Chloe how to braid hair, and introduced her to just how luxurious Alya’s hair was.

Soon after they’d started painting each other’s toenails, Alya’s phone chimed with an Akuma Alert. Chloe looked to Marinette, tension in her heart that only increased when the girl transformed, but it vanished when Marinette contacted Chat Noir and asked him and the others to handle the villain themselves. After Chat gave his Lady his word they’d do her proud, she dropped her transformation and continued to apply a thin coat of pink to her toes. Chloe smiled. They were finally going to have their weekend.

Alya stuffed another handful of chips into her mouth and said, “Ukeh, Cloeh, Troof uh Dehr?”

“Don’t talk with your mouth full, fox!” Chloe scolded, her eyes focused on the brush applying peacock blue polish to her nails. “But in any case, Truth.”

Alya swallowed and asked, “Who’s cuter: Nathanael or Plume Bleu?”

Chloe blanched. “Oh, that is so not fair! Isn’t there some rule that lets me change my decision once?”

“Okay, okay. You can switch to Dare if you want.”

“Fine.”

“I dare you to answer my Truth question.”

“Oh, screw you! Why are you even asking me this?”

Alya propped her chin on her fist and grinned. “You guys give me hell for my ‘crush’ on Carapace when I’m clearly dating Nino. And I’ve seen the way you look at Bleu. I think you have a thing for redheads, Chloe.”

Chloe blushed and answered, “Nath. Bleu’s cute too, but his preening and grandstanding can get a little annoying after a while.”

“Is that the only reason you like Nath better?” Marinette teased.

“Oh not you too! Besides, it’s my turn. Truth or Dare, Alya!”

“Fine. Dare.”

Chloe grinned. “I dare you to kiss Carapace next time you see him.”

Alya paled. “No way! I’m switching too.”

“Okay.” Chloe thought for a second until her eyes landed on Shelly. “Why do you have a turtle plush if you don’t have a crush on Carapace?”

The games continued like that for the next few hours, until nighttime had claimed Paris. The three of them joked, laughed, ate, and teased Chloe when they learned she had never had a potato chip before. As their energy wound down, Marinette went down into the kitchen and came back with three mugs of hot apple cider. Alya gathered some blankets and led the trio onto the balcony, where they lounged and chatted, gazing up at the Christmas stars.

“Thank you.”

Alya and Marinette turned their heads at Chloe’s barely whispered words.

“You two have no reason to be nice to me, after all the trouble I’ve given you, so I wanted to thank you for showing me what real friendship is like.” Chloe snuggled deeper into her blanket and inhaled the spice-ladened scent of her cider. “This entire night makes me feel like we should have been friends a long time ago. Maybe if I’d gotten my head out of my ass sooner, we could have.” She smiled. “I think that’s what I wanted this weekend to be. I wanted to make up for lost time.”

“I think we’ve done a good job of that,” Alya winked. “Don’t you, Mari?”

Marinette nodded. “This has been a fun night. But we’re still not done! Tomorrow morning, we get to eat Papa’s famous Christmas crepes and open presents and-”

The call of Notre Dame cracked through the night, cutting off Marinette’s words and making all three girls jump. They exchanged glances then broke into giggling fits as the bells continued to toll the midnight hour.

“Correction: today we get to do all that.” Marinette smiled at her friends. “Merry Christmas, girls.”

Chloe returned the smile, tears burning at the corners of her eyes, because here on her best friend’s balcony in the middle of the Parisian winter, she had never felt warmer in her life. “Merry Christmas, Marinette.”