#there was actually a cool pigeon too but I ran out of space

[ian-galagher]

PICREW TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you for tagging me Harvey @mikhailoisbaby and Liz @sweetbee78 🥰🧡

I cheated because they only had the option to add ONE cool animal and I wanted ALL OF THEM so I photoshopped them together 😁

I have Nosho flying round my head, a capybara at my side and a frog army at my feet 😁😁

Good luck fitting your names in there 😂 I was lucky it was exactly the size of my name 😂

Also, PLEASE go to the shirt section, pick the 5th shirt square, and then hit the last colour (black) for a nice surprise 😂

Tagging THESE lovely people 🥰🧡 to make one or have some kiwi fruit, an apple, or some ice cream 😋🥝🍦🍏

@creepkinginc @francesrose3 @stocious @juliakayyy @skylerwinchester @bawlbrayker @shinygalaxyperson @energievie @vintagelacerosette @look-i-love-u @depressedstressedlemonzest @tanktopgallavich @sleepyfacetoughguy @gallawitchxx @xninetiestrendx @auds-and-evens @axhicleos @thisdivorce @sickness-health-all-that-shit @solitarycreaturesthey @jezzibelle89 @firecrxtch @crossmydna

[nocturnal-nexu]

Finding Balance

Chapter 3 : New People, New Places

(For @ninjago-fic-fest)

Chapter 1 Chapter 2 - Chapter 4

Summary: After he is retrieved from the lighthouse by his brother and new friends, Echo must adjust to his new life. Even though his new home and family are amazing, it's still so different from what he's used to. Maybe a walk in the city will help clear his mind.

Chapter 3

New People, New Places

Echo felt his pants pocket for about the tenth time since leaving the monastery. Yep, the communicator was still there.

He’d probably forget to check in as much as Zane wanted him to, but he promised himself he’d call his brother at least once on his outing.

At some point.

But not right now, there was too much to see!

And this place was like nothing Echo had ever seen before.

The streets bustled with cars and motorcycles of all shapes and colors. Tantalizing smells wafted from street vendors and out of restaurant doors. Bright signs advertising sales and 2 for 1 specials, sat outside of businesses, trying to bring in as many costumers as possible. People lined the sidewalks, arms full of the wares they had bought at the previous store, headed to the next vendor on their list.

It was so beautiful. The city was filled with more life and color than Echo thought possible.

And the buildings were all so tall! Sure, the lighthouse had been pretty sizable, but these buildings were ginormous!

Echo craned his neck to see the top of a particularly large building that looked to be near the center of the city. It’s shiny glass sides shone in the sun. The walls kept going up and up and up; crowned at the tippy top with a shimmering blue hologram that looked a bit like a stylized letter “C”. The hologram shimmered and warbled with static as a bird flew through the center of the digital image.

There were quite a lot of birds around, actually, Echo noticed. Pigeons strutted through the streets, larger black birds, probably crows or ravens, soared through the spaces between the many buildings. There were even some robins perched on some of the power lines that lined the roads.

Echo was looking at a particularly large black bird perched comic-ly on a rather small streetlight when a kid on a bike almost crashed into him.

“Wwhhhooooaaa!!!!” the kid yelled and swerved at the last second as Echo stumbled in the opposite direction. Both the bike and the kid fell to the pavement with a crash.

When he had recovered his balance, Echo rushed over to the kid sprawled out on his back and offered a hand to help him up.

“Are you okay?”, he asked urgently. He sincerely hoped the boy was alright; it had looked like a pretty nasty crash. But the kid suddenly jumped up from the street unaided, as if nothing had happened.

“Oh, don’t worry, I’m fine!”, he exclaimed, “I’ve crashed my bike hundreds of times!”

The boy looked a little disheveled, but he didn’t seem to be hurt too bad.

“Hundreds of times?” Echo asked, flabbergasted.

“Well, maybe not that many times, but I do crash a lot,” the kid answered, “I’m Nelson by the way, what’s your name?”

“Oh, I’m Echo,” the android replied, and stuck out his hand for a handshake like his brother had taught him to.

Nelson accepted his hand and shook it enthusiastically, “Nice to meet you, Echo! And um, sorry I almost ran you over,”

“It’s okay. I am glad that you are fine as well,”

“Thanks!”, Nelson replied with a smile.

Then his smile broadened, and his eyes widened.

"Whoa…sorry - this is - I just have to say – I can’t believe I’m meeting a real life nindroid!”, Nelson stuttered out, “This is so cool! I’ve seen some nindroids around town, but I’ve never actually met one before,”

Echo smiled wide.

He didn’t think anyone had ever called him “cool” before. It felt good. And from the sounds of it there were other nindroids in the city as well. That was an encouraging thought.

Pausing their conversation, Nelson crouched down by his bike to examine it.

“Oh no…” he groaned, “my mom’s gonna kill me...”

Echo gave Nelson a concerned look.

“Oh! Not really. It’s just an expression,” Nelson added with a laugh, seeming to understand Echo’s confusion. “She keeps telling me to be more careful when I bike in the city. So, she’s not going to be happy when she sees this,” he gestured to the overturned bike.

Echo took a closer look at the bike and saw the reason for Nelson’s distress. Not only had the chain come off the gears, which in and of itself would have been an easy fix, but the gears themselves were missing entirely!

He looked around for the missing gears, and finally spotted them scattered on the sidewalk a few feet away. He quickly retrieved the bike gears and went to hand them to Nelson.

“Are these what you’re looking for?” he asked.

“Oh, you found them! Thanks Echo!” Nelson exclaimed excitedly. And then he paused, seemingly deep in thought, “Now, how do I reattach these…”

Echo squatted down next to Nelson to get a closer look at the problem.

If there was one thing he knew, it was mechanics. He had reattached his own arm multiple times and had kept Ty-Dee in tip top shape over the years in the lighthouse. Echo figured he could reattach the gears easily.

With the right tools.

Which he didn’t have on hand.

“Hmmm. I think I can fix it, but I don’t have the tools right now…”

“You’ll help me fix it? Aw man you’re a life saver Echo!”

Echo stood up and considered their options.

“If you would like, we can take your bike back to my house and I can fix it there,”

“That sounds great! But I’ll have to ask my mom first,” Nelson rolled his eyes, “She doesn’t like me going to other people’s houses without her permission,”

“Hm. That seems like a good rule for her to have” Echo replied.

“Yeah, I guess,” Nelson admitted, “I’ll ask her and maybe I can come over with the bike tomorrow,”

“Sounds like a plan,” Echo nodded his head in agreement, “I suppose I shall see you tomorrow. It was very nice meeting you Nelson.”

“It was nice to meet you too,” Nelson replied with a smile.

Echo waved a quick goodbye and was just turning to leave when Nelson interrupted.

“Hey, I was headed to the Dairy Dragon for some ice cream. Y’know, before I almost crashed into you and all. But it’s kinda boring eating ice-cream all by yourself. Do you want to come?”

Echo considered the offer. The whole reason he had wanted to explore the city was, ironically in a city this size, to get away from people. But honestly, after talking with him for a bit, Echo kinda wanted to hang out with Nelson some more. Who knows? It could be the start of a new adventure.

“I would love to accompany you. But, um, what is ice cream?”

“You’ve never had ice cream before?!”, Nelson blurted, flabbergasted.

Echo thought back to all the different meals he had tried with his new family. Ice cream. Like the cream cheese frosting on his welcome home cake?

“Um. Is it like cake?”, Echo offered in response to Nelson’s bewilderment.

“If you like cake, you’re going to love ice-cream!”, Nelson replied, “Be prepared for deliciousness my friend! It’s this way!”

Nelson gestured for Echo to follow him as he wheeled his bike down the sidewalk towards a row of small shops.

Echo didn’t move from his place on the concrete.

Friend. He had made a new friend.

Echo stood smiling for a moment longer before Nelson shouted back to him.

“Are you coming, Echo?!”

“Coming!”, Echo shouted back and ran to catch up with his new friend.

It wasn’t exactly the alone time he had planned for the day, but that was okay.

He was glad to have met someone as nice as Nelson.

[maggies-scribblings]

Yarning For Her

Adrien is smitten with the girl who's always been there, in the row behind him. But when his plans to ask Marinette out unravel, a secret throws him for a loop…

Written for the Miraculous Writer's Guild April Event 2021: Followers sent five emojis as prompts to the @mlwritersguild Tumblr for the writers to pick one to write for. I chose the emojis sent by @ladycat1: ✨ 😊 👀 👩🏻 🧵

Canon compliant up to Season 4, Episode 4: M. Pigeon 72.

👩🏻

It was finally happening. The event everyone was waiting for… well, everyone except the main protagonist of said event.

Marinette could feel it, though she could hardly believe it. She noticed Adrien looking at her with more intensity, when he thought she wasn’t looking. How he had trouble finding the right words when talking to her. All the tiny gestures of attention, like offering to help with a difficult subject or a complex art project, or praising her outfit every day, even if she’d worn it several times before.

Nino could tell, too: questions about Marinette and her favourite colour, food, flower, or whatever else were whispered in his right ear all day.

Actually, the whole class noticed Adrien’s marked change in behaviour. His cheerful hellos were now stuttered in Marinette’s general direction. His head hid on his shoulders whenever Marinette sighed or yawned, as if his neck couldn’t handle her fresh breaths. Even his athletic skills were now replaced with an unexplained jerkiness. The fact that the weather was warmer and the girls’ gym suits gave way to short shorts and strappy tops might have had something to do with it.

In short, Adrien fell in love with Marinette. Hard.

👀

When it started, Adrien couldn’t exactly tell. Ever since that first day of school, Marinette had held a special space in his heart (most of which had been stolen by Ladybug the previous day). She was one of his first and dearest friends.

But now… after getting to know Marinette, her loving and kind nature, after seeing her helping others without asking for anything back, after finally noticing how pretty she was… he wasn’t so sure.

That day at the pool was definitely a turning point.

First there was that unplanned double dive. During those milliseconds when they were falling, Adrien’s thought process went something like this:

Danger!—Why is Marinette here?—Protect!—Wow, she looks so cute in that swimsuit!

As they hit the water, their arms instinctively reached out to the other as they sank, swirling back up to the surface in a soft embrace — just like that night in New York, when they had danced floating in the air, under the full moon.

And when they were leaving the pool, Adrien was so happy and surprised to see she still had the umbrella he’d given her way back then! Sweet as always, she offered to give it back to him, even though it was raining and she had to walk home.

She was standing next to him (she linked her arm in his!) when that pesky umbrella decided to close on them, and they were pulled even closer for a few seconds. Very close. He could smell the chlorine in her hair mixed with the scent of sweets that always surrounded her. He thought he felt her heart beating faster and faster. Maybe it wasn’t. His heart certainly was. He could feel her warm breath through his shirt, and it drove him a little crazy.

When they said goodbye that day, he could hardly take his eyes off her. He even bumped his head on the car door frame. Ladies and gentlemen, here’s the charming, elegant model Adrien Agreste, unable to enter a car (come to think of it, he seemed to have a bit of a problem with doors whenever Marinette was around).

✨

The few weeks that went by did nothing to sort out Adrien’s feelings about the two black-haired girls in his life. His days were mortifying, his nights restless. On one such night, Adrien tossed and turned, but sleep wouldn’t come. The full moon and bright stars shining through the window frames painted his room with grid patterns, a constant reminder of his confined life.

Adding to that, his mind was racing with memories of his (now frequent) clumsiness and embarrassment at school. He recalled the fumble of the day: going into the classroom while trying to look cool, he managed to snag his bag strap on the door handle, causing him to jerk back and hit the ground on his butt in front of the whole class.

Adrien groaned and turned again. Worst thing was, he had no idea how she felt for him. She kept sending mixed signals. Her behaviour towards him wasn’t as weird as it had been, but that didn’t mean a lot. He’d even asked her a couple of times. He remembered the time they visited the wax museum, when she said she didn’t like him like that.

“What’s the matter, kid?” Plagg yawned from his side of the pillow, annoyed by his bearer’s restlessness. “Who is it this time? Spots or bakery girl?”

Adrien didn’t bite, going back into his musings instead.

His mind turned to Ladybug… These days, Spots occupied a much smaller part of his thoughts. He still got the occasional butterflies in his stomach when he saw her, or when she praised him and his humour. She would always be his first love, and not an easy girl to forget… but she was right, of course — she was always right — as long as they had enemies, they couldn’t reveal their identities, much less deepen their relationship. Back when Bunnyx first showed up, they found out that there would be a new Hawkmoth and countless akumas in the future, and who knew when that would end?

Plagg was still grumbling about sleep and cheese. Adrien playfully flicked his kwami’s ear.

“Shut up, Plagg! I’m trying to sleep!”

“Very unsuccessfully, I might say,” Plagg flew out of his reach. “You sighed four-hundred and fifty-eight times in the last hour.”

“Come on… can’t you see I’m in turmoil here?” Adrien turned his back to the kwami. It was no use arguing with a deity, no matter how minuscule.

“Four-hundred and fifty-ni—” Plagg’s teasing was interrupted by a pillow hitting him.

😊

This wouldn’t do. Adrien couldn’t stand his own indecisiveness any more. He decided to ask Marinette out, that very day. After a reviving shower, he got dressed and looked in the mirror. The dark circles around his eyes were evident, but he hated wearing concealer to school. He might as well add a couple of details to his usual get-up: a pair of Gabriel’s new collection sunglasses and his favourite blue scarf.

He arrived at school early, and while most of the class was either chatting in the courtyard or going into the classroom, Marinette was nowhere to be seen. Adrien went into the locker room, and lurked behind the last row of lockers while students got in, got their things and left.

Finally, the hurricane that was late-for-class-Marinette thundered in, scolding herself for oversleeping as she got her books for the morning. When she closed the door, there was Adrien, leaning against the cabinets with his best Chat Noir smirk as he looked over the rim of his sunglasses and greeted her.

“Good morn—”

He didn’t have time to finish his line, as a very startled Marinette squeaked and grabbed his free arm to spin him around and pin him to the lockers with an elbow to his throat.

It took a few moments for Adrien realise exactly what had happened, before she released her hold.

“I’m sorry, I… panicked,” Marinette said, as she stepped back and continued to gesticulate wildly and mumble more awkward apologies.

Still frozen in place, Adrien managed to adjusted his crooked sunglasses.

“Marin—” he had to clear his throat. “No, I— It’s o-ow!”

Adrien tried and failed to step forward, as he heard a ripping sound — his scarf was caught in Marinette’s locker, and the momentum slammed him back into the metal doors with a loud bang.

The proverbial stars that blurred his vision cleared up to show Marinette very close to him, fumbling with the lock to release the scarf.

“Sorry, so sorry, I’m such a klutz!”

“It’s okay, no harm do—”

Adrien stopped talking when he saw that the scarf had a large rip, disappointment obvious upon his face.

“Oh no!” Marinette covered her mouth as she saw the damage. “Your scarf! I ruined it!”

At this point, Adrien would usually smile and say something like ‘it’s okay’ or ‘no worries’, but he couldn’t lie: he really loved that scarf. It was his favourite colour, warm and cosy, yet light enough to wear on a spring day, and a rare thoughtful gift from his father. He pouted a little as his fingers traced the tear.

“I can fix it!”

He lifted his eyes to Marinette as she got on her tiptoes to unwind the scarf from his neck.

“I can make it look as good as new. I know you’re worried, after all it’s your dad’s birthday gift,” she rambled as she delicately folded it, “but I have leftover yarn— I mean, I think I have the same colour, and it’s a simple pattern.”

There was something odd about the way she worded that, but Adrien dismissed it. He must have made a weird face, because now she had a concerned expression.

“I mean, if you trust me with it… I wouldn’t blame you if you didn’t after I destroyed it. ”

“No—I mean, don’t be silly, it was an accident… I shouldn’t have sneaked up on you like that!” He managed a relieved little smile. “Still, my father might be upset if he saw I ripped it. Are you sure you can fix it?”

Marinette’s eyes averted his for a moment, as she returned the folded up scarf.

“I’ll do my best! I’m not a pro like your father, but I’m sure I can make it as good as new in no time at all!”

They agreed to go to Marinette’s place after school so that she could start working on it right away, then ran off to class as the second bell rang.

Not exactly the way I planned it, Adrien thought as he scrambled onto his seat, but I guess it worked!

🧵

Adrien reclined in the chaise-longue and looked around Marinette’s bedroom. It was the total opposite of his, huge and aseptic and cold. On the contrary, these walls had warm colours and pictures everywhere, and it smelled amazing, fruity shampoo mixed with glue and ink from her many design projects, mixed with sweets from the bakery, and everything about it was so welcoming and cosy and so… Marinette.

“Yes!” Her delighted voice interrupted his reveries. “I knew I still had it!”

Adrien chuckled as he saw Marinette triumphantly holding a ball of light blue yarn, then get several needles from her yarn basket and sit at her sewing station to start working. He switched seats to her desk chair and rolled close to her.

“Can I help?”

“Sure! Let me just…”

Marinette picked up a long, thin knitting needle and started to thread it on the scarf, just above the tear. She was so concentrated and her movements so careful and precise, she might as well be defusing a bomb. Adrien noticed her tongue sticking out the corner of her mouth and wondered what her kisses would taste like.

“There. I have the brakes on, now let’s get going.”

Marinette found the end stitch at the corner of the scarf and cut it. Giving Adrien the end of the yarn, she continued.

“Hold this. Make a ball while I unravel it.”

“Huh? Un-what?” Much as Adrien trusted her skills, he panicked. “Won’t you make it worse?”

“No, because I’m holding the knitting with this,” she pointed at the longer needle she had threaded through the scarf.

Marinette turned her chair, so they were sitting face to face, knees almost touching, and started to quickly unravel the bottom part of the scarf, while he rolled up the thread in a ball, both enjoying the comfortable silence. He noticed a small piece of fabric falling from one of the edges and bent down to pick it up.

“What’s this?” Adrien thought out loud while examining it.

As soon as Marinette lifted her eyes from her work and saw what he was holding, her eyes went wide and her cheeks red.

“Oh, it’s nothing—” she tried unsuccessfully to snatch the fabric from his hand. “Probably just the washing inst—”

It was not an ordinary washing instructions tag. It was tiny and had been woven into the knitting, so discreetly he’d never noticed it before. He turned the fabric over to see a recognisable signature.

Marinette

“Wait— you made this?” Adrien picked up the other end of the scarf from her lap and examined like he’d never seen it before. “Wha—? How? D-did my father buy it off your website?”

So that’s why she was so confident about fixing it. He searched Marinette’s face for an explanation, but she just shook her head and kept looking down, unravelling the loops one by one.

“No— of course not— your site wasn't set up back then, we only took those photos later…”

Adrien thought back to the time Nathalie handed him the present, neatly packed in a box with a ribbon. He’d never seen that kind of care in his father’s presents, just standard gift bags with expensive pens, straight from a corporate catalogue. His train of thought was broken by a couple of tears falling on his hands.

“Marinette…” he murmured, lifting her chin to look into her misty eyes. “Did you make this for me?”

She nodded with a tiny smile. He moved his hand from her chin to cup her cheek, wiping her tears with his thumb.

“Was this supposed to be your present for me?” Another nod. “How did this mess happen then?”

“I…” Marinette had to clear her throat and finally looked at him. Something in her eyes changed from avoidance to determination. “I wanted to give it to you personally, but I couldn’t gather the nerve… then one thing led to another, and I left it in your house, and I even signed it, but…” she shrugged.

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“I just… couldn’t. You were so happy with the present from your dad. I couldn’t ruin it for you.”

Adrien made a mental note to find out exactly what had happened, then set all his negative feelings aside. His heart was too full of love to think about anything other than the girl in front of him.

“Oh, Marinette…” he softly chided as he hugged her. How could this girl be so selfless, on top of everything else? She cared for him, really cared for him, even back then. “I wish you’d told me.”

He released the hug and pulled her closer, into his lap. Marinette set the scarf on the sewing table and put her arms around his neck. Her tears were gone and a hint of a smile played on her lips.

“That way,” Adrien caressed her nose with his, “I would have thanked you properly.”

“Oh yeah?” Marinette breathed, her lips very close to his. “You can thank me now.”

They closed the distance between them, their lips melding into a sweet kiss, then another, and then a few more. Adrien’s heart was beating so fast he could hardly bear it. Then he remembered he should probably breathe at some point.

“Wow.”

“Wow.”

“If that’s the way you thank a person for a present, I’ll start giving them more often,” Marinette joked.

“Not anyone.” He pecked her lips. “Only you.”

They kissed again, this time more passionately. He kissed her eyes, the tip of her nose, her forehead, her neck, then back up to her lips…

The scarf was left forgotten on the sewing table. It could wait a few more hours before repairing.

Fin

Thanks to @hari-writes and @deinde-prandium for the beta read! ❤️

Constructive criticism is welcome and appreciated. English is not my first language and I tend to use UK English. If you catch any inconsistencies, please let me know.

My AO3. My Twitter. My Instagram.

[theramseyloft]

i read your long pigeon poop post, and after some poking around online i saw that a loft in melbourne australia failed. do you have any idea why that is?

Oh... my fucking God. I am so furious.

Look at this thing!

$70,000 went into this monstrosity?

It looks like they converted a fucking water tower by punching holes in it and welding on entryways shaped like the stereotypical toddler’s first house drawing!

Who fucking researched this?!

Was it designed by a committee purely by aesthetic?!

Here is an article I found on it’s decomission and removal.

https://www.theage.com.au/national/victoria/melbourne-city-councils-70000-pigeon-loft-turned-into-scrap-metal-20160724-gqcmsc.html

According to the pigeon expert quoted in this article: 

“Frank Hayes is the president of the Australian National Pigeon Association. While his group is mostly interested in show pigeons, a different breed to the city pests, he says it was fairly predictable the coop idea was never going to work.”

“ "The nature of the pigeon is that they find a home and they stick with it. So finding them somewhere else to go is a bit of a dream," said Mr Hayes.”

“ "Trying to shift them is one big headache. It's a worldwide problem and no one has ever figured out how to deal with it." ” 

LOOK at this structure!!!

It’s made of fucking METAL!!!

In AUSTRAILIA!!!

In the fucking OPEN!!!!

From this charming article:

 http://melbournedailyphotodaily.blogspot.com/2011/03/pigeon-loft-batman-park.html

“The loft is painted with light coloured corrosion resistant to reflect the heat and minimise internal over-heating. It houses two hundred nesting boxes for pigeon breeding. Eggs laid will be replaced with artificial eggs intended as a humane way to control and reduce pigeon numbers.”

That is a metal structure in the Melbourne sun...

No amount of Paint is gonna make that less an oven.

And I can’t imagine you can add anything to paint to make it corrosion resistant that isn’t noxious in a small space when the metal under it heats up.

“Bird feeding around the loft base is permitted to attract birds out of the CBD to this area. Bird feeding is not permitted in any other area around the CBD.”

But the city council is not actually providing the birds with good quality fed...

“... and no one has ever figured out how to deal with it."

No one, you ignorant twit?

NO ONE?!?!

Here is the site of a successful branch of the German Stadttauben Projekt, translated:

https://stadttauben-stuttgart.de/

“The Stuttgart pigeon project

Dear prospective customers,

nice that you found our homepage. We would like to introduce our project to you on the following pages:

The Stuttgart City Pigeon Project is an animal welfare-friendly concept for regulating and reducing city pigeons for the benefit of people and animals. We operate several supervised pigeon shots in the Stuttgart city area, in which the pigeons are cared for and their eggs are exchanged for dummies so that no offspring hatch. By the end of 2019, there had been well over 45,000 eggs. By feeding grain mixtures in our shots, the animals are no longer forced to look for food on the streets and squares in the area. They spend 80% of the day and the entire night in the dovecote. Ergo - your droppings also stay there and no longer land on roofs or balconies.

We were awarded the Baden-Württemberg State Animal Protection Award 2015 for our commitment .

The city pigeon is one of the most successful residents of the urban living space and today populates all major cities worldwide. It is the free-living descendant of the wild rock pigeons from the coastal and mountain areas in Africa and Eurasia. Long ago, the rock pigeons were domesticated by humans primarily for the purpose of meat production and thus also carried to our latitudes and cities. In modern times, the stock of the archetypal rock pigeon increasingly mixed with breeding, racing and sports pigeons that either escaped, were abandoned or, exhausted by exhausting competitive flights, ran aground in the cities. Today's city pigeons are the overgrown children and children's children of these rock, breeding and sports pigeons.

In cooperation with the state capital of Stuttgart, the Tierschutzverein Stuttgart und Umgebung eV launched the pigeon project in 2008. The cooperation was formed with the aim of bringing about a permanent and humane solution to the city pigeon problem.

The concept of the Federal Working Group for City Pigeons or the so-called * Augsburg Model * was helpful. It is based on scientific publications, practical experience and has already been successfully recommended by several federal states such as Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg. Today it is implemented in more than 80 German cities and towns. For example, there are pigeon houses looked after in Aachen, Augsburg, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt, Saarbrücken and Wuppertal.

We aim for a small, supervised and healthy pigeon population in Stuttgart. Then the image of the city pigeon may rise again. Because healthy animals, which have a permanent home and receive animal feed, do not bother anyone!”

https://stadttauben-stuttgart.de/?page=1,0,0,Chronik+%26+Fakten

“Care instead of fighting: our chronicle

2008:The first step was a dovecote at platform 1 in Stuttgart main station

2009:The second blow was made in the roof of the Leonhardskirche

2009:The third pigeon house was on the Mühlgrün parking garage in Bad-Cannstatt, which has since been demolished and replaced by the pigeon tower in the rope

2010:The fourth facility was the pigeon tower in the city garden on Max-Kade-Weg

2011:The fifth pigeon house stood on the roof of the town hall garage until February 2016. Reconstruction on the roof of the city comb in April 2016.

2011:The sixth dovecote was a second stroke on the roof of the Leonhardskirche (other roof side)

2013:The seventh dovecote was built in the roof of the Fairkauf building in Stuttgart-Feuerbach

2014:The eighth pigeon loft was built (as a replacement for the location at the main station) on a flat roof in the Kriegsbergstrasse

2016:Dovecote number 9 was inaugurated in July 2016 at the Marienplatz in Stuttgart in the roof structure of the imperial building

2017:

On Landhausstrasse in the east of Stuttgart, we were able to set up dovecote No. 10 in the attic of a residential building. It was opened in June 2017

2018:In summer, an indoor pigeon tower was opened at Seilerwasen in Bad Cannstatt as a replacement for the Mühlgrün pigeon house

2019In autumn a new pigeon facility was inaugurated at the station in Zuffenhausen and the first egg was laid in December.    

In addition, a dovecote (trailer) on the grounds of the shelter Stuttgart and Nistwand for about 30 pigeons on the will of the ASPCA Stuttgart  House  Adam Müller-Guttenbrunn in Stuttgart Zuffenhausen care.

... more dovecotes are to follow!

Health hazard facts

A health hazard due to pigeons flying around, running and sitting can be largely excluded. New scientific studies have shown (again) that pathogens that may be contained in the pigeon droppings are usually bird-specific and are therefore not transmitted to humans. This was confirmed in 1995 by the Federal Ministry of Health.

The general classification of the pigeon as a pest was withdrawn by the Federal Institute for Consumer Health Protection back in 1989 on the basis of research results at the time and the opinion from 2001.

Feed facts about pigeons

Feeding pigeons in Stuttgart is prohibited on public land. Well-meaning pigeon friends increase the population density of the city pigeons by regular feeding in the same place, without offering the additionally attracted animals sleeping and nesting places where they are tolerated or the clutch can be exchanged. This creates people who work there or often live more pigeon hate and more pigeon misery.

Above all, too many food scraps are thrown away on the streets and squares of the city! This waste is mostly not compatible with pigeons. They lead to illnesses, shortages and thus, among other things, to the unsightly liquid starvation. Nevertheless, due to the scarcity of bird-friendly feed in cities, these human foods are usually the main basis for the feeding of city pigeons, but their organism is designed for pure hard grain feed. So this means sick pigeon populations that nonetheless reproduce disproportionately due to their (pet) genes raised by humans.

If you would like to help sustainably, please contact us. Only other supervised dovecotes in the city area (including food and egg exchange) start at the root of the "problem". We welcome any support!”

From their gallery:

Here is a loft.

Small, wooden, well insulated from heat and cold.

Those openings are not the nests. They are just doorways with a landing ledge designed around the comfort of pigeons, which are social birds.

Here is the inside.

Lots of comfortable nest boxes, perches in the back, food, water, comfortable socialization space...

Here is an entry into another loft currently in use.

Here is the inside.

Water and feed are provided by the care takers. You can see feed and drinking stations all over the floor.

And this is the inside of a huge new loft in Frankfurt.

These German Taubbenhauses are designed around meeting the birds’ needs for food, comfort, safety from the elements, and socialization with their flock mates.

None of these birds had to be coerced or forcibly relocated.

Because their needs were better met, they came on their own.

Look at the $70,000 Melbourne monstronsity again!

More specifically, look at the bridge behind it.

And tell me where you would rather me.

Compact metal tower designed exclusively around convenient human access, metal nest boxes, 0 landing platforms, no socialization space, no protection from the elements, still no choice but to forage for what ever garbage people toss you...

or the comfortably Cool space under a concrete bridge with a convenient water source.

Three guesses what’s more comfortable for the pigeons.

Now, would you rather live under a bridge with constant noise from traffic, open to predators, 

or

A well insulated apartment building with comfortable suites, a spacious common area, and a nutritious free meal plan with clean water included by default.

"It's a worldwide problem and no one has ever figured out how to deal with it."

My ass, Mr. Hayes!

[sassyduckqueen]

Miraculous: Rise of Anatis Specials 2

Ok! I am issuing a spoiler warning as this is suppose to be set after season 3 and before season 4. However, I have tried to make so you lovely people can read it :D Anyway, I hope you peeps enjoy reading this. As a lot of you know, I'm not impressed with the New York special. There was a lot of cringy moments and honestly I felt like it was hyped up but didn't mean standards. Let's not get me started on the likes of Alya and Nino. I expected something on the lines of that with Alya as that's been her dynamic for most of season 2 and 3 but Nino, you disappoint me *shakes head in shame* anyway! There's none of that in here! Hope you peeps like it :D also I hope you like the chat names for Adrien, Kagami and Marinette. I'm especially proud of Dangernodel as it's a pun on Danger Noodle and Model. I laughed for about 5 minutes straight.

Edit: This is now the updated verison of the NY special

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

Heroes Unite (New York Special)

"Since Paris doesn't want us, we go to the moon just like in my favorite book!!" Mr Pigeon declared as he stood on the Eiffel Tower as it headed to space. He looked down and narrowed his eyes as he noticed Anatis and Lady Noir hanging from the tower with Anatis' yoyo. Anatis was looking round trying to formulate a plan to defeat Mr Pigeon with his lucky charm. 

  "Annie, he won't be able to breath in space and neither will we," Lady Noir gasped as Anatis's luck vision lit up the book in Mr Pigeon's hand, a pigeon and the tower itself. He looked at his lucky charm, causing it to light up as Mr Pigeon made some terrible pun but he smirked."You have a plan right?!"

  "Of course I do, kitty," He replied, retracting his yoyo so they began to free fall. "We need to bring him back to earth before he hurts himself,"

  Lady Noir nodded and took out a triangle of cheese that was purple in color. At the same time, Anatis took out a macaroon that was the same colour. The two of them ate them and shouted out the words 'power up', transforming them into their flight suits. Like most of his special forms, his basic suit was the same but he had a helmet on over his face and his spots were a glowing blue. He also had blue detail on his mask, gloves and boots as well as a backpack on his back which gave him blue insect wings that glowed. Lady Noir had a similar base outfit to her normal design as well but she had more green detail across her outfit and also had a backpack on her back. She got bright green batlike wings and she had a helmet on her face too. Unlike Anatis though, who's hair stayed the same as his normal form, her hair became a glowing blue. The two sped off towards Mr Pigeon and the two.

  "What's the plan?" Lady Noir called out.

  "The akuma is in the book. I need you to destroy it as soon as he's distracted," Anatis yelled back, getting a nod of Lady Noir. He glided across to the tower and ran up it, throwing his yoyo round Mr Pigeon's hands. He used his lucky charm to secure it to the tower and scared the pigeons enough to cause them to fly. Using the coverage that the Pigeons provided, Lady Noir called on her power and grabbed the book, destroying it and releasing the akuma. Anatis freed his yoyo and caught it, purifying it and freeing it. He grabbed his lucky charm and threw it in the air. "Miraculous Ladybugs!!"

  The item burst into the magical swarm of bugs and spread around fixing everything. Lady Noir and Anatis landed on the tower as Mr Pigeon turned back to normal. Anatis picked up the book and placed it back in it's place. Lady Noir walked over to him and smiled.

  "Good job today, Annie," She grinned, making him look at her as he raised an eyebrow.

  "Isn't it my job to tell you that?" He asked in a playful manner. She giggled a little before gently nudging him.

  "You can still tell me that if you want," She grinned. He smiled before ruffling her hair, making her purr a little.

  "Good job today, Kitten," He smirked before his earrings beeped their first warning. He frowned and turned to her, taking out his yoyo. "Sorry, Kitten, I have to go. You still up for patrol tonight?"

  "Of course. Usual time and place?" She asked, getting a nod of him as her ring beeped. "Cool!"

  "See you there then," He replied, getting a nod of her before he left the office and dived off the tower, swinging off into the city. Lady Noir let out a little sigh as she watched him go before jumping off the tower and heading to a nearby alleyway. She dropped her transformation and caught Plagg. He let out a tired sigh but peaked up the moment she handed him a chunk of cheese. 

  "You're the best, Dollface," He grinned as he began to devour it. Marinette smiled sweetly before slipping him into her purse and began to run off. She had to return back to school since the akuma had been defeated but even then, Mr Pigeon wasn't considered a high threat to her or Anatis. They had come up with a code in case they needed to contact the other before they arrived. Code Grey was for weak akumas such as Mr Pigeon and was named after him. Code Black was for akumas on the same power level as the likes of Lady Wifi. Code Yellow was for akumatized miraculous holders, named after Queen Wasp. Though Chloe had come leaps and bounds since the incident. She was actually been nice but not because of got her any favors but just to be nice. Sure, she still wasn't perfect. She messed up but since becoming friends with Marinette and Luka, Chloe was working on been a better person and unlike most people, Luka was not afraid to tell her off. If she threatened to call her father, he countered with a threat to call the Captain, which worked every time. As for the next code, that is code silver and was for high powered akumas such as Party Crasher. The next code was Code Blue and it meant either Mayura or a sentimonster and their final code was Code Purple. That was only used if Hawkmoth himself made an appearance. They came up with the codes after heroes day as that was all unexpected and they wanted to be better prepared. Anatis had also started to train the temp heroes both in combat and in calming techniques. They needed to be in control of their emotions. Sometimes, him and Lady Noir spend a good hour of so meditating together during patrol. They would often go through the battles and try to work out how to prevent future triggers. Thanks to Alya, they had set up a page on the Ladyblog to help people work through their emotions in a healthy way. However, they still hadn't found a way to prevent Mr. Ramier from been akumatized. They tried a lot but he seemed to have different triggers that weren't necessarily related to pigeons. However, they would go through the battle tonight. Marinette slowly down a little as she saw a new Adrien poster, making her smile and take a picture of it before she opened her messages.

  Purrincess-Nettie: @Dangernodel Saw your latest poster. Love the new outfit in it

  Dangernodel: Thanks @Purrincess-Nettie. Though I always prefer your stuff

  Purrincess-Nettie: That's because I'm a genius when it comes to making clothes

  Dangernodel: #truth #preach

  Marinette giggled and shook her head before continuing to back to the school. She skipped over to Alya as the class began to head into the library. Chloe waved at her, making her smile and wave before she sat down next to Adrien and Nino. Alya sat down next to them and gently leaned on Nino's shoulder as Mr Damocles cleared his voice.

  "As you all know, this week coming is the french American friendship week. You all did wonderful on your projects and as a reward, we have arranged for a five day trip to New York. Now you will be expected to do some school work and experience school in New York but this will also serve as a reward so we will be visiting famous locations and there will be free time to enjoy what New York has to offer," He explained, making the students grin excitedly before he handed permission slips to Miss Bustier. "We have already arranged a place to stay and the flights are booked. We just need your parents' permission to say you can go. Miss Bustier is going to hand the slips to you. Your parents will need to sign them by this weekend. A letter detailing the trip is also attached. Yes, Marinette?"

  "Are we the only class to go?" She asked, making Mr Damocles smile.

  "No, Mrs Mendeleiev's class will also be going," He replied, making her smile. That meant Luka will be going as well, along with Marc and Aurora. "We've already given out their permission slips and were about to give your class yours but Mr Pigeon interrupted us,"

  At that, the whole class groaned in annoyance. Marinette took the permission as Adrien sighed, looking sad. However, Lila went to reject the permission slip as Miss Bustier handed one to Kim, who happened to be next to her.

  "Oh, I'm so sorry but I can't possibly go to due to my charity work," She lied but Mr Damocles cleared his throat.

  "Miss Rossi, we are aware that you are not allowed to go so please don't make up some story," He stated, making her frown. Marinette held back a smile. Lila didn't have as much power as she thought she had. She still hadn't been fully exposed yet but almost everyone took her stories with a grain of salt. Mr Damocles moved past her and handed slips out to the others as Lila continued to frown.

  "What but sir, I'm not ly-"

  "Expect you are, Lila," Marinette pointed out with the rest of the class nodding. Lila glared at them before huffing and folding her arms. She did actually want to go to New York but since she had been targeted by a number of akumas, her mother didn't want her to go too far from home. She had hoped to convince the class that she had to stay behind for a charity event so she could be the talk of the class but hardly anyone took her stories as fact anymore. Even Alya was taking her stories with a grain of salt. She huffed and crossed her arms as Marinette smirked at her before turning to Adrien. "Are you ok?"

  "My father isn't going to let me go," He sighed, looking down as Nino rubbed his back. Marinette frowned deeply before grinning at him and winking in a very Lady Noir style.

  "Leave that to me, Adrien. I'll convince him to let you come to New York," She grinned, making him sigh and shake his head, claiming it was no good. "Hey, you're my friend and I will not take no for answer. You know how stubborn I can be,"

  "Everyone knows that," Alya joked, making her laugh before looking at Adrien and giving him a reassuring smile. "However, she won't be alone in this,"

  "Damn right," Kim nodded, pointing to himself. "We're gonna help. Right, Alix?"

  "Getting Adrien's dad to let him go will be a piece of cake," She grinned as the rest of the class cheered.

  "Guys, I really appreciate it but this is my dad we're talking about," He stated but then he noticed the grin on Marinette's face.

  "Which is why we're bringing in the big guns," She smirked, already texting on her phone. Mr Damocles went to tell her off but she grinned. "Kagami is down with helping us convince your father to let you come with us. Chloe, you ready to help?"

  "Of course, I am," She grinned, making Marinette smile.

  "Trust us, Adrien. We're getting you to New York,"

  "Thanks, Marinette," He grinned before looking at the rest of the class, apart from Lila. "Thank you all of you,"

  "Now that's been sorted," Mr Damocles stated. "Miss Bustier won't be able to join us due to medical problems but Mrs Mendeleiev will be substituting for her,"

  Instantly, the class groaned but Mr Damocles hushed them.

  "Now we need those slips in as soon as possible so please remember to get your parents to sign them," He explained, just as the bell rang. The class got up and left the room, heading to the locker room. Marinette grabbed her bag and skipped outside to meet Kagami. They needed a plan to get Mr Agreste to let Adrien go to New York. She hummed to herself as she sat on the bench, texting Kagami to meet her there before sending a text to her parents. A few seconds later, her mother buzzed back with permission. All she needed to do now was to get them to sign the slip.

  "Mari!!" A voice called out, making her look over. Luka waved as he walked over, making her smile and jump to her feet. She threw herself at him, causing him to laugh as he caught her. "You ok? Your heartsong is so loud and exciting,"

  "We're going to New York!!" She grinned, making him laugh. "Please tell me you're gonna be going right?!"

  "Of course. I've always wanted to visit," He smiled, holding her waist. He quickly realized and blushed, moving his hands. "You're able to go right?"

  "Yep," She grinned before frowning a little. "But I'm meeting Kagami to try and work out how to get Adrien's dad to let him go. Wanna join us? We're making a plan,"

  "No plan, Marinette," Kagami stated as she walked over before nodding at Luka. "We head to Agreste Manor now and we don't take no for an answer,"

  "Uh... no plan?" She gasped, not expecting that but Luka gave her a gentle smile. "You know what! Yeah, let's go!!"

  "That's the spirit," He smiled before looking at them. "Still want me to come along?"

"Damn right, you're my emotional support musician," Marinette grinned, grabbing his hand and dragging him off. Instantly, his face flushed, causing Kagami to rise an eyebrow and follow them. She took her phone and began to text as she followed them.

  DragonQueen: @Dangernodel heading to yours to take down your father. Also does Luka like Marinette? I think they would make a cute couple

  Dangernodel: @DragonQueen I believe he does but seems to lack the confidence to tell her. I think he believes he's not good enough for her #lies #lukanette4ever

  DragonQueen: Should we try to set them up together?

  Dangernodel: I wouldn't set them up. That could backfire and hurt both of them in the long run but encouraging them could help. No to been pushy but yes to suggesting romantic things to them

  DragonQueen: I see. We don't directly interfere but we encourage from the sidelines

  Dangernodel: Exactly. Great minds think alike, my dragon

  DragonQueen: Oh stop it, you danger noodle

  "Kagami!! Come on!!" Marinette shouted, causing her to look up and join them. Luka's face was bright red but he was holding Marinette's hand and she seemed quite happy to do so. Nodding as she walked over, she reminded herself. Encourage from the sidelines. Enough to help but not to hinder. 

  (***)

  "So that's why you should let Adrien go to New York!" Marinette gasped as she came to the end of her speech. Luka was staring at her with amazement, Kagami was nodding and Mr Agreste had his classic stony glare across his face. Marinette swallowed as she looked at him. He didn't looked convinced at all. Marinette couldn't help the thoughts that flooded her mind as she realized Mr Agreste was probably going to say no. Adrien would be so sad because he wouldn't be able to go to New York with his friends or his girlfriend. She went to add more to her argument but Mr Agreste held up his hand, silencing her. She nervously bit her lip as he glared down at her.

  "Young lady, I -"

  "We won't leave here until you agree to let Adrien go!!" Marinette declared with an expression of pure determination. "He deserves to go on this trip!!"

  "Then it's a good thing that I've decided to let Adrien to go along with his classmates," Mr Agreste declared, making the three teenagers blinked as he smiled in a way that made them a little uneasy but the three of them just thought it was because he never smiled.

  "You... have?" Luka asked as Marinette blinked.

  "You three have... convinced me," He stated, smiling in that weird way. "Clearly, the three of you are good friends to my son. Now if you excuse me, I have to attend to some new designs,"

  "R-right," Marinette nodded before smiling. "Thank you, Mr Agreste,"

  He nodded before turning on his heel and walking off. The three of them walked out, still a little shell shocked by the fact that he was letting Adrien go to New York with them. The first one to smile was Kagami though, followed by both Luka and Marinette.

  "We did it," She declared as they walked over to the rest of Marinette's class. Instantly, they began to cheer as they were happy with the outcome. Kagami turned to Marinette and smiled. "I shall inform Adrien of our victory against his father and tell him of your noble deeds,"

  "I mean it wasn't really noble... he deserved to come along with the rest of us and now we can all hang out in New York!!" Marinette grinned, excitedly before turning to Luka. "I'm so glad your class gets to come along as well, Luka! We're gonna have so much fun together!! Oooh we can have hotdogs!!"

  "I can't wait for it either, Mari," Luka smiled. "I've always wanted to see New York..."

  "Oooh! We should do a sleep over on the night before we leave! Then we can get to the coach together!" She grinned, making him smile.

  "That sounds great," He grinned, gently ruffling her hair. "Bakery or the boat?"

  "How about the bakery? We can get some croissants for breakfast," She suggested, making him smile before Juleka cleared her throat, causing them to look at her. Rose was grinning as well.

  "That actually works perfectly because me and Juleka were going to stay over mine," She declared before looking at Marinette. "Plus Luka can help you wake up on time since we all know you're terrible at getting up in the morning,"

  "Hey!! That's not true!!" Marinette gasped as Juleka snored with laughter as she attempted to chase Rose. Unfortunately, she failed to see a loose stone in front of her and tripped over, flailing her arms as she began to fall but before she could hit the ground, Luka caught her.

  "You ok?" He asked with concern as her face turned bright red. She stood up straight and rubbed the back of her head as she smiled nervously.

  "I'm good," She nodded, looking at him before she smiled shyly. "Thank you,"

  "No problem, Mari," He smiled before rubbing his own neck. "Anyway... I better head off. I have a shift to do tonight,"

  "I didn't know you were working tonight," Juleka mumbled, crossing her arms but Luka shrugged.

  "Took on an extra shift," He replied, unlocking his bike. He put on his helmet and turned to everyone. "I'll see you guys later,"

  "Bye, Luka," Marinette smiled as he waved before he cycled off. She let a gentle sigh as she watched him go but jumped when Alya placed her arm around her shoulders.

  "Girl, you have it so bad," She grinned, making Marinette blush as the rest of the class sniggered a little. 

  "You should see Luka," Juleka mumbled. "The love struck fool is head over heels for our favorite baker girl,"

  "Luka... likes me?" Marinette asked but when she thought about it, it did make sense. Luka had wrote songs for her, always complimented her and of course, he had told her that she was the song in his head. She blushed as she remembered the words he said to her when Kitty Section performed at the Kidz plus studio but of course, she had been getting over Adrien then but now... well, now her and Adrien were best friends. He felt her brother and acted like it too but Luka... Luka was amazing. So amazing that she honestly thought he was out of her league and she loved her friendship with him. She felt like she could just be herself and he never thought of her in a bad way. He believed her when Lila returned and stood up for her when she began to bully Marinette again. He supported her and encouraged her but he only liked her as a friend. Besides, he had probably moved on from her. After all, until recently she was tore between him and Adrien. "I mean sure, he likes me. I'm his friend..."

  "Girl, that boy likes you as way more then a friend!" Alya gasped with the rest of the girls nodding.

  "Even I can see how smitten he is with you," Chloe added in, smiling a little. "It's ridiculous. Utterly ridiculous,"

  "But so romantic too!!" Rose gushed, holding her hands together.

  "I would say it is clear how Luka feels about you, Marinette," Kagami piped in, remembering Adrien's advice. Encourage but don't pressure. Help but never hinder. "Maybe you could use the trip to New York to express your feelings to him. Statically speaking, New York is the second most romantic city in the world. The first obviously been Paris,"

  "I d-don't know..." Marinette gasped as a blush came on her cheeks. "What if he actually just likes me as a friend and I ruin our friendship by telling him that I'm in love with him?! What if he rejects me?! Oh, no! He'll hate me and refuse to hang out with me again!!"

  "According to my calculations, there is a 94 % chance that Luka will accept your confession and return your feelings," Max piped in. "There is a 6% chance that he only views you as a friend and 0% chance that he'll reject your confession and end up hating you. I believe it is impossible for Luka to hate anyone, expect XY and Bob Roth but we all know why that is the case,"

  "And Hawkmoth," Alix pointed out. 

  "Yeah but everyone hates Hawkmoth," Kim countered, making everyone nod before turning to Marinette. "Anyway, I'm sure that Luka likes you as way more then a friend. He'll be a doofus not to. Ondine totally agrees too,"

  "Thanks, Kim," Marinette smiled as they walked down the street and towards the bakery. "Alright. I'm gonna head inside. I can't wait to go to New York with everyone,"

  "See you tomorrow, girl," Alya waved as she walked off with Nino. Juleka and Rose said their goodbyes and headed off with Ivan and Mylene. Gradually, the rest of the class waved goodbye and Marinette headed into the apartment. She climbed the stairs and headed into the kitchen, gently kissing Sabine on the cheek before she sat down and began to discuss the school trip with her parents. They were happy for her to go as it was a great opportunity to see the US and it was a reward with the school. They sighed the permission slip and she placed it in her bag, ready for school tomorrow before she ate her dinner. "Actually... would I be able to have Luka round the night before I go to New York? Both of our classes are going and we figured we could do a sleepover so we can both get the coach together,"

  "Well, he'll have to sleep in the spare room but I see no issue with having Luka around," Her mother smiled as her father looked like he was able to explode with excitement. Luka and Marinette had been growing a lot closer and it was clear to him that they had feelings for each other. Been the romantic that he was, he had already attempted to invite Luka to brunch and he fully approved of the boy. He was also so respectful and came across as a kind and gentle soul. "Tom, are you ok with Luka staying over?"

  "Yes! Why don't we have brunch-"

  "Papa, we can't," Marinette gasped, going bright red. "L-Luka isn't interested in me in that way and besides we'll have a plane to catch,"

  "But sweetie-"

  "Papa, we don't want another weredad incident," She stated, crossing her arms. Her father had accidentally walked in her talking with Anatis and jumped to conclusions. He had invited him to a romantic brunch but Anatis had rejected it. He tried to explain that he was just trying to check on Marinette after an akuma had destroyed her room and that he couldn't date her as a superhero. Because of that, he had to rejected Marinette and Tom got akumatized over it. Tom sighed but nodded in agreement. "Good. Now I have home work to do then I'm off to bed. Good night,"

  "Good night, sweetie,"

  ~Meanwhile~

  Luka couldn't help but smile and hum to himself as he cycled down the street. Tikki was sat in his basket, smiling a little as he came to the liberty. His shift had gone well and had been a little short but he wasn't complaining. He took the extra shift so he had decent spending money in New York. He parked his bike and locked it up before Tikki flew up and landed on his shoulder.

  "You're in a really good mood, Luka," She grinned as he headed downstairs. The Captain was out at the studio and Juleka was on a date with Rose so she wouldn't be back til later, which he was glad about. He did not need her to tease him about liking Marinette. 

  "I'm excited, Tikki," He smiled. "I get to go to New York with Marinette and the rest of our friends,"

  "New York?" Tikki gasped. "But who's going to look after Paris?"

  "I already have a plan for that," He smiled, gesturing towards a black and red guitar case. "I'm sure Master Fu will be fine with Kaalki coming to New York with us. I'll also keep an eye with the akuma app. The moment it gets alert-"

  "You'll use the horse miraculous to teleport there, take down the akuma and return to New York," Tikki gasped, grinning. "Very creative,"

  "Well, I do have the goddess of creation as my friend," He smiled, making her giggle. "Anyway, Luka Couffaine will be in New York but Anatis will be in Paris as far as everyone else is concerned,"

  “Well, we better head to Master Fu to ask him for the Horse miraculous,”

  “That’s where we’re going,”

  ~Later that Night~

  Lady Noir grinned as she ran across the rooftops of Paris and jumped across to the meeting spot. There was nothing like the feeling of the wind in her hair as she raced across the roofs. She used her baton to fling herself across the rooftops before rolling on the roof and standing up. She looked around and found that Anatis wasn't here yet. Letting out a little sigh, she sat down on the edge of the roof and smiled as she looked out at the Eiffel tower. It would be weird not been in Paris or meeting Anatis for patrol but she had to be in New York and honestly, she was looking really forward to it, especially with the fact that she will be with Luka. The sound of a yoyo jolted her out of her thoughts, causing her to look and smile as Anatis landed on the roof. 

  "Hey, kitten," He smiled, walking over to her and sitting down.

  "Hey, Annie," She smiled, stretching. "I have some news for you,"

  "Oh?" He asked, looking at her. She nervously bit her lip. Instantly, he felt worried. "Are you ok?"

  "Oh, yeah, I'm fine... look I'm be going away for a few days," She stated, making him look at her as she pressed her fingers together. Instantly, she felt guilty as she realized he would be alone in Paris. "I'm sorry. I didn't think it through. You'll be alone to protect Paris... I'll just cancel-"

  "There's no way am I let you cancel," He grinned, gently nudging her arm with his. "You go and enjoy your trip. As far as I'm concerned, you've earnt it so don't worry about me ok? I can handle a few days without you,"

  "So you're not mad?" Lady Noir asked, making him frown a little. "Or disappointed?"

  "Of course not," He smiled, scratching her ears. She began to purr and nuzzle his hand like an actual cat. "You're allowed to have fun, kitty and if I get really desperate, I can literally phone you and get your location then borrow the horse miraculous from Master Fu and come get you,"

  "Good point," She smiled, feeling a little dumb that she forgot that but Anatis laughed a little, making her smile. "So shall we discuss Mr Pigeon?"

  "Oh kwami. I'm not sure I want to," He gasped, shaking his head as he smirked. "51 times! How is a guy obsessed with pigeons our most akumatized villain?"

  "Tell me about it," She giggled before the two of them began to do really bad impressions of him before laughing. She gently leaned on him as the two of them looked at the Eiffel tower. "At least, he's not very threatening,"

  "True," He replied before looking at her. "So how long you away for?"

  "Five days," She replied, looking at him. "You sure you'll be ok?"

  "I'll be fine," He grinned, placing his hands behind his head. "It will be a breeze,"

  "Ooh, someone's confident," She teased, making him grin before jumping up. "Wanna race to the Louvre? Loser has to buy ice cream!"

  "You're on," He declared, jumping before the two of them ran off into the night.

  ~The Night Before the Flight~

  Marinette laughed as Luka caught a piece of popcorn in his mouth, grinning as he chewed on the piece of candy. He grabbed a piece and threw it towards her. She attempted to catch it but failed, causing him to crack up with laughter along with her before she threw a piece of popcorn at him. It landed in his hair, making her giggle even more. He laughed as well before the two of them flopped down in the beanbags and looked up at her skylight. They had been spending the evening playing video games and watching films but Luka started the popcorn thing by catching one in his mouth and Marinette wanted to see if he could catch one if she threw it.

  "Hey, Mari,"

  "Hmm?"

  "Thanks for having me around," He smiled, turning to look at her. She grinned and turned to face him. He moved and leaned on his arm. "Are you looking forward to New York?"

  "Yeah, I'm not sure how I'm gonna sleep to be honest," She grinned, clearly excited. She was practically vibrating with excitement. "Are you?"

  "Excited? Yeah," He grinned before flopping back down on the beanbags and placing his hands under his head. "It's been a while since I've been on a plane though. In fact, the last time was when I was a kid. We went to go visit my grandpa for his birthday,"

  "Really? Where does he live?"

  "Scotland," Luka grinned. "Right in the highlands too but he's a grumpy old pirate... Scotland is beautiful though,"

  "I bet," She grinned. "I'd love to go to China at some point,"

  "China? That would be exciting,"

  "It really would. Oh, I could go visit my uncle Cheng," She grinned before yawning. Luka yawned as well but before he could get up, she moved and rested on him, making him blush.

  "Aren't I suppose to be staying in the guest room?" He asked as he poked her gently. She looked at him before smiling in a cheeky manner before she snuggled against him. 

  "Yeah but you're comfy," She mumbled, sleepily. He grabbed his phone and set his alarm on it before placing it down. He started to hum gently as he ran his fingers through her hair. Within a few minutes, he could hear light snoring as Marinette had fallen asleep. He smiled gently as he looked at her.

  "Cute," He muttered before closing his own eyes. He fell asleep almost straight away, holding Marinette as he did. Neither of them realized that her parents check in on her and took a photo of the two slumbering teens, cooing over how cute they looked. Once they had disappeared back downstairs, Tikki flew out and pulled a blanket over Luka and Marinette before snuggling back into his hoodie. Plagg, on the other hand, was already napping and dreaming of the American cheeses he would be trying when they got there.

  ~Next Morning~

  "Ah!! We're gonna be so late!!" Marinette gasped as the two of them rushed out of the bakery. Luka was carrying their suitcases and Marinette had their croissants in her hands. For once though, she had been able to get up on time. Luka had helped with that as he often got up early anyway, usually to practice his guitar or his martial arts but this morning, he had woken her up almost as soon as he was awake too. Her father, however, tried to make them breakfast and attempted to get them to stay. Thanks to her mother though, they had managed to escape and were on route to the school. Marinette took out her phone and called Alya. "Hi! We're nearly there. You haven't set off yet?"

  "Not yet, girl but Mrs Mendeleiev is getting impatient," Alya replied as they ran across the road. "Hold up... I think I see you. Mrs Mendeleiev, Mr Damocles!! Luka and Marinette are here!!"

  "Just in time," Luka smiled as they rushed over to the bus driver. "Sorry for been late, sir,"

  "You're just in the time," He smiled, helping them place their suitcases in the luggage area. Luka thanked him and helped Marinette onto the coach. She grinned and took her seat next to Alya as he sat down next to Aurora. 

  "That was cutting it close, Luka," Aurora grinned as the bus driver got on and began to drive. Luka couldn't help but smile as he was super excited. He had the horse miraculous on him and Tikki was happily curled up in his pocket. His phone was set to alert him the moment a live new report or an akuma alert went off and he was going to be spending five days in New York with his friends and of course, Marinette. Not that she was more important then everyone else. Aurora grinned as she gently poked his cheek, causing him to look at her with a raised eyebrow. "Sooo... you told her yet?"

  "Told who what?" He asked as he glanced over to Marinette. She was happily chatting to Alya but grinned and waved when she saw Luka looking in her direction. He blushed a little but waved back.

  "That you're in love with Marinette," Aurora gasped in a hushed whisper, making him look at her with surprise. She giggled a little at his expression.

  "That obvious huh?" He asked sheepishly before sighing. "I haven't told her because she's still hung up on Adrien and I don't want to pressure her or make her feel uncomfortable,"

  "Oh, you are too much, Luka Couffaine," Aurora grinned before looking at Marinette. "But I don't think she's... uh... "hung up" on Adrien anymore. Hey, you should totally use New York to confess your love for her,"

  "Well, I kind of already told her my feelings but she hasn't returned them..."

  "Well, maybe that's because she thinks they had an expiry date so she thinks you're no longer interested," Aurora pointed out, making Luka think before gently nudging him. "But at the end of the day, it's down to you. I'll still be your best friend and help you regardless of your choice,"

  "Thanks, Aurora," He smiled.

  "Though... I might steal her away at this rate!!" She grinned, making him pretend gasp.

  "You wouldn't?!"

  ~Meanwhile, on the other side of the bus~

  "Soooo anything interest happen between you and Luka last night?" Alya asked, wiggling her eyebrows. Marinette laughed and gently shoved her, shaking her head. "Come on, girl! Give me the deets,"

  "It was just a normal sleepover, Alya," She smiled, looking over at him. He was talking to Aurora and glanced over to her. She smiled and waved at him, causing him to smile back shyly and wave back before she turned back to Alya. "We gamed, watched a movie, threw popcorn at each other... Luka is really good at catching popcorn with his mouth... and then we went to bed. He was suppose to be staying in the guest room but I kind of fell asleep on him,"

  "So he stayed in the same room as you?!" Rose gushed, making Marinette jump. "Oooh!! So romantic!!"

  "Nooo... it's just what friends do..." She gasped, blushing. Now that she thought about it, it really was romantic and it felt so nice been in Luka's arms and falling to sleep while he hummed softly and played with her hair.

  "Sure," Alya grinned before smiling. "So did you just fall asleep on him?"

  "Well... we were talking beforehand and he was humming and playing with my hair," She mumbled, making the girls go aww. She blushed even more. "W-We're just friends... right?"

  "Maybe but do you want to be more?" Alya asked, making Marinette gasp and look away shyly. Alya frowned a little before deciding to change the subject. "So what's the first thing everyone wants to do in New York? I really wanna see if I can meet Majestia,"

  "Majestia?" Marinette asked, looking at her best friend with a confused look. "Isn't that the superhero from the comic you read?"

  "It is!" Alya gasped, nodding. "But like the miraculous comics, it's based on a real life superhero. Majestia and her sidekick, Uncanny Valley, protect New York, along with Knightowl and his sidekick, Sparrow. In fact, there's a whole super group called United Heroes! If I can, I would love to get an interview with one of them for my blog!!"

  "But isn't your blog about Anatis and Lady Noir?" Rose asked, confused but Alya smiled.

  "Not for that one. I have a lesser known blog called Heroes-Unite. Of course, it's no where near as populate as the Ladyblog but still," She mumbled, blushing a little as the class gasped and looked it up. With minutes, they were all following it. "Anyway, what do you guys want to do?"

  "Me and Juleka want to go to the museums!" Rose grinned, happily before everyone began to tell them what they wanted to do before they all looked at Marinette, who blinked and smiled.

  "Well, other then get hotdogs and hang out with everyone... I really want to take photos of New York. I think I can get some inspiring ones and hopefully I'll be able to make some new pieces based on it,"

  "Aww!! That's gonna be amazing!!" Rose gushed, getting a nod of Juleka.

  "I can't wait to see how it comes out,"

  ~At the Airport~

  "So Marinette seems to think Luka isn't interested in her?" Kagami muttered as she stroked Adrien's hair. His head was in her lap as they were waiting to board the plane.

  "And Luka thinks that Marinette isn't interested in him and that she's too good for him," Adrien sighed as Alya nodded before he sat up. He looked over at where Luka and Marinette were. They were smiling as they chatted, clearly comfortable in each other's company. Nothing like how she was around him. "They would make such a good couple,"

  "I agree," Kagami muttered.

  "We could try and set them up on a date," Nino suggested but Adrien shook his head.

  "If it's to happen, it has to be a natural progression. We can't interfere directly,"

  "But we can encourage," Kagami smiled. "The blueberries deserve to be happy,"

  "Ok, everyone!! The plane is boarding now!!" Mrs Mendeleiev declared, getting everyone to bring to board. Luka smiled and helped Marinette with her case as they looked for their seats.

  "Where are you sat?" Marinette asked, looking up at him.

  "B31," He replied, looking at her.

  "B32! Luka, we sat together!!" She grinned as they walked onto the plane. He smiled as they found their seats. Marinette attempted to lift her suitcase but almost dropped it until he caught it and helped her put it away. She blushed and rubbed her neck. "Thanks, Luka,"

  "No worries, Mari," He smiled, putting his own away before the two of them sat down. Marinette, however, was playing with her hands and looking around. "You ok?"

  "I... I'm really nervous..." She gasped. "Is it hot? It feels hot,"

  "Hang on," He muttered, standing up and turning on the air conditioning. Marinette felt herself cool down as he sat back down before he faced her. "Better?"

  "Much,"

  "Is that your first time flying?" He asked, raising an eyebrow. Her song was all jittery and nervous. She blushed and nodded as the captain began to talk. "Don't worry. Flying's really fun and I'll be right here next to you,"

  "Thanks, Luka," Marinette smiled, feeling a lot better as the captain began to talk, going through the safety protocols. She did up her seatbelt and smiled nervously as the plane began to move. Luka gave her a reassuring smile and held out his hand. Shyly smiling, she took it as the plane began to speed up. It suddenly jolted, making her squeeze his hand and close her eyes but then it went smooth again. Slowly, she opened her eyes and saw Luka smiling at her.

  "We're in the air now," He muttered before flicking through the films with his free hand. "Wanna watch Miraculous: The Movie?"

  "Sure," She smiled. He smiled back and pressed play, keeping his hand in hers as they watched the film. Marinette ended up leaning against him and gradually she felt asleep as the plane flew. When she next opened her eyes, she found a blanket over her but the seat next to her empty. She yawned and looked around, noticing everyone else was asleep but she couldn't see Luka. She carefully got up and made her way past the rest of the passengers. Alya and Nino were sleeping next to each other. Rose and Juleka were curled up in each other's arms while Mylene and Ivan snoozed near them. Marc had his head resting on Nathaniel's shoulder and Adrien was leaning against Kagami. Marinette smiled gently before she noticed someone stood at the rear of the plan. She frowned a little but realized it was Luka. He was stood on his own, looking outside the window. She blushed a little as he kind of reminded her of Anatis and how he would stand looking out from her balcony. She walked over and cleared her throat, making him look at her. "You ok?"

  "Yeah... I just wanted to look out of the window..." He smiled, looking back. "It's like a whole different world up here. I like how we're sailing in a sea of clouds,"

  "Yeah?" She asked before looking over. The sun was slowly rising so the clouds appeared in a golden light. Marinette couldn't help the soft gasp that escaped her lips as she glanced outside. It was so beautiful. She felt a sense of calm wash over her as she stood next to Luka and just looked outside. "It's really beautiful,"

  "Yeah," He smiled. "I might write a song about it,"

  "I should make a dress based on it," She grinned, making him smile before she gasped and pointed as a flock of birds flew by. He chuckled and smiled gently as she continued to look. 

  "I'm glad I can share this with you," He muttered, causing her to ask if he said something. He shook his head and looked back out of the window. He glanced down as Tikki gently poked his leg before grinning up at him and mouthed 'tell her'. Luka bit his lip and looked at her. He could tell her that he loved her. The sunrise was really romantic and everyone was asleep so she wouldn't be embarrassed. "Marinette, I ha-"

  Before he could completely his sentence, the plane jolted causing the two of them to be slammed against the floor. Luka gasped and helped Marinette to her feet, making sure she wasn't hurt. The two of them looked outside as a blue man in an orange jumpsuit landed on the wing of the plane but before either could react, he placed his hands on the plane and caused the engine to stop working, causing the plane to go lob-sided and an alert to go off. Luka groaned as his back hit the side of the plane before he looked at Marinette who was stuck against the other side of the window.

  "Are you ok?" He called out, making her look at him.

  "Y-yeah... bit scared though," She replied.

  "Don't worry, sweethearts," A female voice suddenly said, making them look to the side. A girl with three eyes was looking in the window. She was smiling as she looked at them. "We have the situation under control. Dear passengers, united heroes are here to protect you,"

  In the distance, they both heard Alya gasp and squeal with excitement. 

  "Uncanny valley!!" She gasped. "The first superhero made with artificial intelligence! She was built by Majestia... which means...!"

  Both Marinette and Luka looked at each other as Alya squealed but to their surprise, the plane stopped tilting and actually became upright again. As soon as they're feet were on the ground, Luka grabbed Marinette's hand and rushed back over their seats.

  "Are you hurt?" He asked, concern in his face.

  "No, I'm ok," She gasped, looking just as concerned. "Are you?"

  "I'm fine,"

  "Wow, Majestia in person!!" Alya gasped, making them look over at her. "So cool!"

  "Well... at least, Alya's excited?" Luka mumbled as she looked out the window. He rose an eyebrow as Mr Damocles rushed to the bathroom but an explosion outside caught his attention. He quickly got up and looked out a window as a man dressed like an owl landed on the wing with a side kick. Alya confirmed that it was in the Knightowl and Luka found himself impressed as he captured the thief quickly. He watched as the three eyed girl fixed the engine, allowing a blonde woman who he guessed was Majestia to fly up as the plane was fully functional now. She flew over to the window with the three eyed girl and smiled.

  "I'd like to welcome you to the united states and enjoy your stay," Majestia stated as she waved at them before flying off with the thief and the rest of the heroes. Almost instantly, Alya began to fangirl but Luka returned to his seat and turned to Marinette. 

  "You sure you're ok?"

  "Well... that was a bit scary but american superheroes... how cool is that?"

  "It is pretty cool," He smiled, nodding. Fortunately, the rest of the flight was normal and uneventful. They landed with no trouble and got their luggage almost straight away. Once in the airport, the classes were put onto another coach to drive them to the location they would be staying at. Marinette was sat back with Alya while Luka was sat with Aurora, who was happily chatting away about the heroes and the thief who apparently was called Techno pirate but she soon stopped talking and frowned as Luka sighed.

  "You ok, guitar boi?" She asked, making him look at her.

  "Yeah... I just... I tried to tell her but that thief turned up..." He sighed. "Why is it every time I try to tell her my feelings something goes wrong?"

  "Hey, that's not the case. It was just bad timing on Techno pirate's end, not yours," She grinned before gently nudging him. "Besides, your luck will line up. Everyone knows you're the luckiest kid in school so just pluck up some courage and tell her,"

  "Thanks, Aurora," He muttered, looking over at Marinette as she took in New York with glee and awe. His eyes softened as he looked at her. She looked beautiful as she smiled and pointed out things to Alya.

  ~Meanwhile~

  "The little croissants are en route," Sparrow declared in the earpiece as Uncanny Valley flew towards the building's roof. She landed on the roof and turned into her human form. In it, she wore a cute gray skirt with tights and a pink faded t-shirt with three stars on it. Her hair had transformed into dark curls which she wore loose and she had ballet pumps on.

  "Good, don't leave them," Knightowl ordered as the bus came to a stop. Sparrow fired their grapple gun and pulled themselves onto the roof as well before turning into their civilian form. She wore a faded blue jeans with a top that was styled similar to a baseball shirt. It was red on the arms and the main part of it was white but it had a yellow sun in the middle of it. Her hair was tied into two braids tied with leather binds. She grabbed her skateboard and head to join Uncanny Valley downstairs as the french kids came in. 

  "Two of them are missing," Valley stated, looking around before she noticed them at the door. Marinette was attempting to get her suitcase in while trying to get the door to open. Luka was trying to get her to let him help so she could open the door. "There they are,"

  She placed her hand on the door switch and used her powers to cause it to open. However, Marinette ended up tripping and falling over her suitcase. Luka rushed over and helped up as it got the attentions of some of the other teenagers in there. A guy in gray pants, yellow shirt and a dark green jacket walked over and helped them.

  "You guys alright?" He asked, getting a nod of Marinette as Luka helped her collect the things that fell out of her suitcase. She gave him a bashful smile as he handed them back to her. "Hey, nice hair dude,"

  "Thanks," Luka muttered, helping Marinette to her feet before turning to Mason. "I'm Luka. This is Marinette. We're from Dupont high in Paris,"

  "Dude, you're the French kids everyone's been talking about," He grinned, shaking Luka's hand. "It's nice to meet you. I'm Mason by the way. I'm here with my class too. We're from Armstrong High in Queens,"

  "Cool," Luka smiled as Sparrow joined Uncanny Valley. She rolled her eyes as she looked at them.

  "Urg!! Babysitting some tourists!" She groaned, placing her skateboard down and sitting down as she crossed her arms. "Don't they have something better for us to do?"

  "Those two are made from each other," Valley stated as she sat down on the edge of the sofa, causing Sparrow to groan as she looked at Luka and Marinette.

  "Seriously, Aeon, not again!"

  "But I'm programmed to help people, Jess," She replied, a little confused by Jess's reaction. Jess gently placed her hand on her shoulder and smiled.

  "Just stop meddling with people's private lives," She suggested, causing Aeon to frown a little before she nodded.

  "You're right," She smiled. "Let's just follow the orders and protect the tourists,"

  Both girls looked up as Mrs Mendeleiev clapped her hands, getting her class's attention.

  "Listen up, students. You will go to your rooms by groups of four. Everyone, come take your artillery," She ordered, causing the students to come up to her and grab them. Once all of the students had their papers, she narrowed her eyes. "And when I come up in two and half minutes, you better be in your rooms with the lights out,"

  A few of the class moaned and protested as they began to head towards the rooms but Mason leaned over.

  "Hey, blueberries," He whispered, getting Marinette and Luka's attention. "We're throwing a little party on the roof if you're interested. Hang with us but be quiet ok?"

  He smiled and looked over at Sabrina before winking at her then walking off. She went bright red as Alya walked over. 

  "I think there's an American boy who would like to see you there, Sabrina," She grinned as Marinette nodded. She smiled shyly and looked at her feet a little.

  "You... you think so?" She asked as Chloe walked over.

  "It's obvious," She declared. "And he would be totally ridiculous not to like you. Anyway, come on. We're sharing a room,"

  "All of us?" Marinette asked as they headed to their rooms. Luka smiled at her as he walked with Nino, Adrien and Ivan. She waved at him, getting a wave back before they all headed into their room. She closed the door and turned to the other girls. "Ok, what's the plan?"

  "Waiting til Mendeleiev has gone to her room then we're sneaking to the roof," Alya declared, getting a nod of the other two before she grinned at her phone. "The boys are down for it as well,"

  "As are the rest of Kitty Section and the art kids," Marinette grinned as her phone vibrated.

  "Kim and Max are planning to join us too as well as the weather girls and Kagami," Chloe confirmed as Sabrina listened to the door. As soon as they heard the door to Mrs Mendeleiev's room close, they all sneaked out and began to head to the roof. 

  "What's that noise?!" Mrs Mendeleiev suddenly shouted, causing the students to gasp and dive into random rooms. Marinette took a deep breathe as she heard the teacher come out before she went back in. She looked to the side, expecting to be alone and squeaked a little as someone was leaning against the door too. She calmed down as she realized it was Luka, who looked a little startled too before he smiled and rubbed the back of his neck.

  "Sorry, Mari. I didn't mean to scare you," He muttered before they both noticed they had wondered in someone else's room. The two girls were sat on the bed. One of them glared them while the other looked excited to see them. "Oh, we're so sorry. We were just trying to get to the roof but our teacher heard us..."

  "Uh... hi... I'm Marinette and this is my boy- I mean friend! Uh... Luka... this is my Luka... I mean Luka... just Luka.." She gasped as he waved. The excited girl leaned over and smiled.

  "See... they're made for each other," She attempted to whisper but both Marinette and Luka heard her. Marinette went bright red and started to mumble while Luka went completely silent and a little red as well.

  "I think you broke them," The other girl stated, rolling her eyes. "I'm Jess and this is my sister, Aeon. Anyway, if you want to get to the roof without getting caught, you can take the stairs outside,"

  "Thanks," Marinette grinned before grabbing Luka's hand which knocked him out of his trance.

  "Uh... t-thanks..." He stuttered, making Marinette look at him. He honestly looked like he was about to hyperventilate but he gave her a soft smile. "Withdrawal..."

  "Ah, yeah. You couldn't bring her with you," She muttered, making the two girls raise an eyebrow as Marinette opened the window. "Maybe someone will let you borrow theirs,"

  "Borrow? Withdrawal?" Jess questioned as she looked at them. "Are you... ok?"

  "Oh, Luka's a musician and music helps him... how did you put it?"

  "Music is often simpler then words," He muttered, blushing a little. "I use it talk I guess..."

  "Hmm..." Jess muttered before getting up and grabbing an acoustic guitar before shoving it in his hands. She then grabbed a second one. "Well, let's head to the roof and hear your music. Come on, Aeon,"

  "Yay!!" She grinned, jumping up as Marinette climbed out the window. Luka thanked Jess, putting the guitar on his back before he followed Marinette with the other two behind them. 

  "Wow," Marinette gasped as they got onto the roof. It was lit up with fairy-lights and almost all of the students were there, talking and just hanging. Luka stood next to her and smiled, looking around as well. Alya and Nino were getting selfies with some of the students, the rest of Kitty section were sat with other musicians, playing music and singing. Kim was doing press ups against another kid with a few kids filming. Max was explaining Markov to others as Alix talked to a girl with bright green hair. Kagami was showing off her fencing skills and Adrien was talking in Chinese. Aurora and Mireille were chatting with other students too. Chloe and Sabrina were chatting with Mason and his friend. Jess and Aeon came over.

  "Alright, music boi, let's see what you can do," Jess declared before she sat down and began to play an upbeat song which caused people to begin to dance. Luka closed his eyes and listened before opening them again. He looked around and smiled as his luck vision highlighted Ivan, Rose, a girl with a tambourine and a few other instruments. He walked over and whispered something to Ivan, who grinned and nodded before telling Rose and the tambourine girl then he grabbed the other instrument. He gave Juleka a flute and handed Adrien a ukulele before walking back over as Jess rose an eyebrow. "What are you doing?"

  "What I do best," He smiled before sitting down and closing his eyes before tapping his hand against the guitar. Ivan began to play and gradually the others joined in. Luka kept his eyes closed as he took it in before he began to play. The whole song was so upbeat and full of energy that it made people want to dance and clap in time with it. Jess couldn't help but smile as Luka skillfully played a melody that no one had ever heard before joining in. Aeon grinned and began dancing as the tempo got faster and faster. Luka smiled and glanced up at Marinette who was laughing and dancing with Alya and Chloe. He smiled and continued playing before the song gradually came to a natural stop, causing the students to clap and whistle.

  "What was that song, dude?" Mason asked as Jess nodded. "Did you write it?"

  "Uh... I just play what I feel... had to get the rest involved though since there's some many songs out here tonight," Luka muttered, making them raise an eyebrow but Marinette walked over and smiled.

  "Luka can hear the songs in people's hearts," She explained. "What he just played is what he heard in the hearts of everyone here,"

  "Whoa," Mason gasped as Luka smiled before he began to play a solo tune. Gradually, the others joined in again but the music came to a stop as something appeared in the sky. Luka stood up as Marinette stared into the sky. Adrien dropped the ukulele as Kagami stared with wide eyes as a flying machine came towards them. It was red and orange in color and a man with a matching suit seemed to be flying it.

  "What is that?" Luka gasped as the rest of the classes surrounded them. Mason laughed and wrapped his arm around his shoulder.

  "That is Hotdog Dan!" He yelled out as it landed. A parasol popped out as it turned into a food van, revealing the man inside. He had an orange and red mask on and was dressed as a superhero. His hair resembled flames and he was grinning. 

  "Hey, hey, hey. Hotdog Dan is here to get in the mood!" He declared, taking out his blades and began to serve up hotdogs. The students rushed over in a swarm and began to get his hotdogs. Adrien grabbed Kagami's hand and rushed over as Rose ran over to buy one for her and Juleka. "I'm the hero of Picnics and tasty food!"

  "Usually, he teams up with Ketchup Boy and Mustard Girl but it looks like he's patrolling solo tonight," Jess explained before she glanced over. "You might want to hurry if you want to try one of his magic hotdogs though. They sell out in minutes,"

  "Magic... hotdogs?" Marinette gasped as she looked over. A boy with red hair took a bit into her hotdog and then to her surprise, he blew out a bit of fire that resembled a dragon. A blonde girl took a bite of hers, which caused her skin to turn a glowing blue. She laughed along with her friends. Rose ate hers and literally lifted Ivan above her head while Juleka's hotdog allowed her to change her hair color into anything she wanted. Adrien literally gave him cat ears while Kagami gained a bit super speed. Another girl had a fire breathing one, allowing her to create a dragon from fire and Sabrina's gave her long hair with flowers into it, similar to Rapunzel. Marinette's eyes went huge with excitement before she turned to Luka. "We have to try those!!"

  She didn't wait for an answer before she grabbed his hand and rushed over to Hotdog Dan as Alya and Nino walked over too. Hotdog Dan frowned as he saw the four of them.

  "Sorry, guys, I only have two hotdogs left for the four of you," He frowned, disappointed but Nino shook his head and took out his cash.

  "No worries, dude. My girl and I can take one," He smiled, buying them before he handed one to Marinette. "You can take the other. My treat,"

  He winked and pushed Marinette's hand away as she went to give Nino a bit of money for the hotdog before Alya handed him half of theirs.

  "Thanks, babe," He smiled as Marinette turned to Luka.

  "Here, you should have it. I can get a hotdog later," She smiled, offering it to him but Luka smiled softly. He picked it up and broke it half. She blinked as he handed her the other half. "Are you sure?"

  "Yeah. There's no way I'm letting you miss out on these ones," He smiled, causing her to blush and smile back as she took the hotdog half. The two of them smiled as they bit into them. Almost instantly, they began to float up into the air. Marinette gasped and flailed around but Luka grabbed her hand as he gasped, surprised at the fact they were floating. Nino and Alya were laughing at their reactions but apparently, their hotdog had the effect of helium. Jess and Aeon couldn't help but laugh as Marinette gasped as she looked down.

  "You were right," She mumbled, looking at Aeon and getting Alya's attention. "Those two are made for each other,"

  "Oh, with those two, things aren't that simple," She explained in a high pitched voice which made both girls give her a questioning look. "Luka has been in love with Marinette for like... forever but Marinette had a huge crush on Adrien. However, she realized that she also had a huge crush on Luka but she wasn't sure how to deal with but then Adrien started to date Kagami and Marinette decided to let him go and move on from her crush on him. She still has feelings for Luka but thinks he only thinks of her as a friend and Luka thinks she's still hung over Adrien. Also they both think each other deserves better then themselves and that's not even including Marinette's crush on our local superhero Anatis,"

  "Whoa... that's complicated," Jess nodded as Marinette began to relax. She spun upside down and grinned at Luka, who laughed a little too much that he floated away slightly. Marinette gasped and grabbed his hand, pulling him back to her. They both blushed as they looked into each other’s eyes, not realizing how close they were. Jess grinned as she looked at them then at her guitar. "Hey, squeaky,"

  "The name's Alya but... yes?"

  "Alya... cool... do they have a favorite song?" Jess asked as Adrien walked over. He took out his phone and showed her a song on his phone.

  "They danced together at Chloe's party to that," He explained, getting a nod of Jess who began to play it. Luka gasped as he heard it. He looked down and saw everyone had started dancing to it as Jess played the song. He looked back at Marinette who was looking at the moon before she looked at him and smiled.

  "We danced to this at Chloe's party," She mumbled, playing with her hands. "It's actually one of my favorite memories despite that akuma. I got to make macaroons with you..."

  "It's one of my favorite memories too," He admitted, blushing a little before looking at her. The moonlight illuminated her, giving her an ethereal sort of glow. Her hair seemed a little bright then usual and she looked happy. Luka gently took her hand in his, making her look at him as he smiled. "Would... would you like to dance again?"

  "Yeah... I would," She smiled, placing her spare hand on his shoulder. He smiled back and placed his hand on her waist as they began to dance. He spun her around, causing her to giggle before he pulled her closer to him. She carefully placed her arms around his neck and leaned into him. She couldn't help but smile happily as he held her close. She closed her eyes as they gently spun round in the air. Gradually, the effect of the magic hotdog began to wear off. Marinette gasped in fear, scared that they would just suddenly fall but Luka gave her a reassuring smile as they slowly descended from the sky. Gradually, their feet touched the ground but instead of separating, Marinette just smiled and leaned against him as the song continued to play. Luka smiled and closed his eyes as they couldn't to sway and move to the music, leaving the two of them in their own little bubble as Adrien and Kagami joined Nino and Alya. Kagami smiled as they watched them.

  "They appear to be making progress," She stated, getting a nod of Adrien.

  "I'm happy for them," He smiled as his cat ears twitched. "Luka helps ground Marinette but she helps him come out of his shell,"

  "So he's pretty shy then?" Jess asked, getting a nod of the four.

  "Yeah, he only recently started to go to school. He use to be home educated but after some time, he decided to join the school," Alya nodded as Rose gushed over them and Juleka just smiled. "I think shyness kind of runs in the family,"

  "Oh?" Jess asked, looking at her.

  "Well, Juleka is his sister. He's only older by her then a year so he's in the year above us but she's super shy too," Alya replied, nodding towards her. "I often forget they are Couffaines,"

  "Couffaines?"

  "It's their name and believe me when I say, they may be shy but Chaos is in their blood," She chuckled, making pretty much everyone smile or laugh. "I think that's why Rose and Marinette are drawn to them. They're pretty chaotic themselves. Marinette can be really clumsy and Rose... well, she is energy incarnate,"

  "Sound like my kind of people," Jess grinned as Aeon nodded excitedly.

  "You should meet the captain," Adrien grinned, making them look at him with confused expression. "The captain is the head of the Couffaine family. She is literally like a real life pirate. Ah what is it she says?"

  "From Chaos comes creativity," Ivan piped up as he walked over with Mylene. "Marinette's parents are really cool as well,"

  "Yeah, they run the best bakery in all of Paris," Adrien grinned as Jess listened. "The croissants are amazing,"

  "Awesome," She smiled. "So what about you? What's your family like?"

  "Oh... well... um..." Adrien muttered, suddenly looking sad. Kagami frowned and took his hand before turning to Jess.

  "His family is a sensitive subject," She stated in her usual manner. "Could we change the subject?"

  "Yeah, of course," Jess answered, nodding before she grinned. "Why don't you tell us about this Anatis dude you mentioned? You said he was a local superhero? Can you tell us about him?"

  "Yes, we would love to know more," Aeon agreed as Alya practically shook with excitement. "Like does he work alone? Or-"

  "He has a partner!" She gasped, taking out her phone and showing them pictures. "Anatis and Lady Noir! They're such badass and so nice too!! There's other heroes too!! Culpeo, Abellie and Leatherback are part of his inner circle but there's others too like Ryuko and Aspik!!”

  "And we've lost her," Adrien smiled as he glanced back over at Marinette and Luka. They were still dancing and Luka had his eyes closed. Marinette caught Adrien looking and grinned at him as he gave her a thumbs up before closing her eyes and continued to dance. 

  ~The Next Day~

  "Soo how was your dance with Luka last night?" Alya asked as her and Marinette got off the bus. Marinette had been sighing happily all morning but neither girl had a chance to talk. After the party last night, they were all really tired so they went to bed pretty quickly and this morning, they had breakfast with everyone. Alya knew better to talk to Marinette about Luka when he was in ear shot. 

  "It was so romantic, Alya," She smiled, almost walking into something. She shook her head and turned back to Alya, who had gone quiet. "Do you- Alya?"

  "Oh my gosh!!" She gasped, pointing to a teacher. "That teacher over there!! That's Dean Gate aka Doorman. He has the ability to transform any door into a teleportation passage! Oh, that is soo cool! Superheroes don't necessarily need to hide their true identity here!! Amazing!!! Ah, I have to ask him for a quote for my blog!!"

  With that, she walked away as Marinette smiled. Luka noticed and walked over.

  "Alya seems excited," He mumbled, getting a nod of Marinette as Alya talked to Mr Gate.

  "Apparently, that teacher is a superhero called Doorman but his identity is public knowledge,"

  "Really?" He asked, imagining what his life would be like if everyone knew he was Anatis. Marinette nodded. "How strange but I guess he doesn't have an insane miraculous user trying to steal his miraculous,"

  "Yeah, that's true," She nodded, subconsciously stroking her ring before turning to him. "Shall we go inside?"

  "Yeah," He smiled as they walked in, following the other students. Seeing Jess and Aeon there, Luka smiled and waved at them as they walked inside the area. Mr Gate clapped his hands and asked them to follow him as they walked through the museum. Luka couldn't help but look around as they checked out the displays. They made their way over to the special display that had been put up for the French American friendship week. The class came to a stop in front of the display as Mr Gate gestured to it.

  "This is the famous saber of the marquis Lafayette," He explained, pointing towards it before he pointed towards a necklace. "And here is the necklace he presented to George Washington as a symbol of friendship between the French and the American people,"

  Luka glanced over at it and suddenly, it was like a pulse when through his mind, causing him to groan and grip his head. His mind was pounding and he stepped back.

  "Mr Couffaine?" Mr Gate asked, concerned as Marinette gasped, gently placing her hand on his arm. "Are you ok?"

  "Y-Yeah... I just have a headache... I'm fine.." He gasped, looking up. As soon as he saw the necklace again, another pulse hit him and another like a wave, causing him to groan and stumble back as images began to flash through his mind. "C-Can... I get some fresh air?"

  "Yes, of course," He nodded, causing Luka to rush out of the building. Marinette came with him and made sure he was ok. Once he was outside, he pounding headache disappeared, allowing him to breathe in. He assured that he was fine and that it was just a headache before sending her back inside. As soon as she was gone, Tikki flew out of his pocket.

  "Are you ok?" She asked, concerned. He nodded and took out his bottle of water, taking a slip. "What happened?"

  "I'm not sure," He muttered, looking at her. "I just... It felt like... I was getting hit by something... like some sort of energy and there were... images flashing in my mind. Tikki, it felt like magic,"

  "That's strange," She mumbled, frowning. "Think you'd be ok to go back inside so we can look at it?"

  "Sure," He nodded, getting up. She flew into his pocket and he headed back in. He headed back into the room where the display was, noting it was empty. He walked over but groaned again as the pulse hit him again. Tikki flew out and moved over to it, looking at it as Luka gripped his head. "T-Tikki,"

  "Luka!!" She gasped as he fell to the ground. "Luka?!"

  Flashes of the marquis and the necklace flashed through his mind as he gripped his head. His eyes began to change silver as he continued to see them before he started to make sense of them. He saw the Marque talking to a small creature he recognized as a kwami and saw how he used the power to help liberate people. Gradually, the images disappeared and he carefully sat up, scoping up Tikki. 

  "Are you ok?" She asked, placing her paw on his face.

  "Yeah... I think it's a miraculous," He whispered, making her gasp and look at it but before he could explain more, his phone vibrated. He took it out and saw it was an akuma alert. He got up and ran over to a pillar to hide behind. He took out the sunglasses that were the horse miraculous and put them on, allowing Kaaiki to manifest as they changed into normal glasses.

  "Hello, Master Luka," She stated in a bored manner. "You know the words,"

  "Kaaiki, full gallop," He declared, causing her to be sucked into the glasses, transforming him into Appalo. With his transformation complete, he made a circle movement with his hand, creating a ring of energy around his wrist before he threw across the room as he focused on the Eiffel tower. "Voyage!!"

  The ring transformed into a portal which he stepped through bringing him into Paris. It disappeared straight away as he looked down and frowned as the destruction the akuma had been making.

  "Kaaiki, Dismount," He muttered, catching the kwami and give her a baby carrot as Tikki flew out. He turned to the two kwami. "Tikki, spots on!"

  A red light engulfed him, turning him into Anatis before he looked at Kaaiki. She finished the carrot and gave him a nod. He took off the glasses and placed them in his yoyo before diving off the tower and swinging off into the city, following the trail of destruction. He landed on a nearby building as Robustus literally destroyed another.

  "Robustus?" He whispered, frowning as that didn't make sense. Robustus was Max's Robot Markov but they were in New York with the rest of the class so how the hell did he get akumatized in Paris? Frowning to himself, he threw his yoyo in the air and called for a lucky charm. He frowned as he caught a length of rope before looking around. Robustus himself lit up then the rope and then a man on the street who was looking at the monster in shock. Knowing what to do, he swung down and used the rope to tied up the robot before landing in front of the man. His luck vision zoomed in on the man's watch and he frowned as he realized it was discolored.

  "I... I didn't... I don't know how it appeared," The man gasped in shock, making Anatis frown. "I was just feeling low and then the next thing I know that thing appeared,"

  "Can I borrow your watch?" He asked, causing the man to shake and nod but he suddenly tried to punch Anatis, causing him to grab his arm and take off the watch before he crushed it in his hand. To his surprise, it wasn't an akuma that escaped but an amok. He caught it with his yoyo before grabbing the ropes and throwing them up in the air. "Miraculous Ladybugs!"

  The swarm fixed everything and the man looked confused as Anatis bid him farewell before he threw his yoyo and swung off. Once on the rooftops away from the scene, he opened his yoyo and took out the feather, examining it. 

  "Mayura..." He muttered, looking at it with a frown. "But why...."

  His yoyo vibrated, making him open it and click on the notification. It was a live steam on the ladyblog, showing a bright blue villain with four tentacle like arms fighting uncanny valley and Sparrow in the museum. He frowned as he wasn't sure why it was on the Ladyblog but it seemed the villain was similar to Techno Pirate but more powerful. He frowned to himself but then Lady Noir suddenly appeared on screen, throwing her baton towards the villain. However, he knocked it back and grabbed her with one of his tentacle before slamming her into a wall. Doorman appeared on screen, calling for Sparrow, Uncanny Valley and Lady Noir to get through one of his teleportation portal but Techno Pirate grabbed Valley with one of his arms and declared her powers his before throwing her against the wall. He then destroyed Doorman's door and repeatedly fired at them with a move similar to her third eye. Sparrow attempted to jump at him but was caught and throw into a different room. Lady Noir rushed in to help him as Doorman rushed over to Alya, who was still filming.

  "You need to get out of here," He declared, causing the live stream to cut off. Anatis frowned to himself and activated the dimension pocket in his yoyo. He took out the horse miraculous and put them on, allowing Kaaiki to manifest again.

  "Kaaiki," He declared, holding out one of his hands before he held out the other. "Tikki... unify,"

  He held his hands together, changing his spots to white as he merged the miraculous. His boots gained wing like details and his gloves got a white strip on them. His mask transformed into speed googles with darkened lens and he gained the horse shoe on his back. He drew the circle with his hand before opening the portal. He walked through and frowned as he stepped into the museum, just as Tikki manifested turning him into his normal horse outfit. He reached into his pocket and took out a cookie for her. She grinned and took it as he leaned down and touched the dust. Using his horse vision, he looked around for anything to stand out but to his surprise, he found the Doorman under an airplane model. He rushed over and lifted it off him before checking his pulse. Luckily, he was alive. He groaned and blinked as he saw him.

  "W-Who..." He gasped in pain. "A-Are you?"

  "I'm Appalo," He explained as he helped him to his feet. He glanced around and saw no one else in there so he helped Doorman out of the museum and to where the staff were. One of them rushed over and took Doorman off him as Tikki finished her cookie. He took out his communication device and opened it up, tracking where Lady Noir was. Apparently, she was on the New York times building which appeared to be on the other side of New York. A beep made him frown before he looked to Tikki.

  "Tikki, you charged?" He asked, making her nod. "Alright. Tikki, Kaaiki unify,"

  He turned back into his merged form, making a few people gasp before Kaaiki appeared, turning him back into Anatis. He took off his glasses and placed them into his yoyo before he took out a purple macaroon. Doorman rose an eyebrow as he ate it.

  "Power up," He muttered, transforming into his Asteroid form before he turned to the stunned hero. "Doorman, get in contact with Majestia and let her know Techno pirate has escaped and is at the New Times building,"

  "W-Will do," He nodded, getting a nod of Asteroid. "But... what are you going to do?"

  "Help the heroes fighting him," He replied before he broke into a run. He threw his yoyo up and pulled himself into the air before flying off as fast as he can. He reached the New York Times tower, just as Techno pirate grabbed Lady Noir with one of his arms. Uncanny Valley was laid on the floor but she was broken. It appeared that Techno pirate had ripped in half. Sparrow was trapped in one of his other arms but appeared to be unconscious and Lady Noir was struggling as he tightened his arm around her. She gasped in pain as he heard a crunch as if something had broken.

  "Say goodbye to your new friend, kitty cat," Pirate laughed before he dropped the unconscious Sparrow off the building. Lady Noir cried out and struggled even more but Pirate just laughed. Asteroid narrowed his eyes before diving down pass Pirate. "What was that?!"

  He caught Sparrow and flew back up before landing on the roof.

  "Spots off," He declared, changing into his normal form as he placed Sparrow down next to Valley. Pirate turned to him as Lady Noir gasped. "Hey! Big and ugly! Why don't you pick on someone you're on size?!"

  "Annie!!" She gasped in relief. Anatis took out his yoyo and threw it up.

  "Lucky charm!!" He yelled out but Pirate grabbed him around the waist. He grabbed the lucky charm in time and used it to blast a puff of air into Pirate's eyes, distracting him for a few seconds. He wrapped his yoyo around the ariel on the roof and Lady Noir used her baton and cataclysm to escape but it only damaged his arms. The two of them jumped across the roof, spinning their weapons as Pirate blasted them with Valley's power but before he could do any more damage, Majestia appeared and punched him, sending him flying throughout different buildings. Lady Noir groaned as she held her ribs, hissing a little. Anatis turned to her and cupped her face. "Are you ok?"

  "I think he crushed my ribs but..." She looked over at Sparrow and Uncanny Valley, causing Majestia to look over. She let out a cry of despair and rushed over, crying as she held the upper body of Uncanny Valley. They heard the sound of a grapple hook as Knightowl appeared and stopped as he looked at the scene before he rushed over to Sparrow. He held the child in his arms before looking angrily at the two french heroes.

  "What did you two do?!" He snarled, making Lady Noir glare at him.

  "It wasn't us! It was Techno Pirate!" She argued. "In fact, Sparrow would be dead if Annie hadn't turned up! He saved him from been splatted on the ground! Ah!"

  She gasped and gripped her ribs, making Anatis frown. He looked over at the scene before he took out the bike pump.

  "Oh, what are you going to do? Fix it with a magical bike pump?!" Knightowl mocked.

  "Exactly that," Anatis replied before throwing it up in the air. "Miraculous Ladybugs!!"

  The bike pump burst into the magical swarm, which spread around New York, fixing all the damage before it swarmed around Lady Noir, Sparrow and Uncanny Valley. When it disappeared, Sparrow sat up and looked around. Uncanny Valley was repaired and opened her eyes, smiling as she saw her mother.

  "Rebooting," She muttered as Anatis turned to Lady Noir, who was no longer in pain and completely fixed. 

  "Oh! Man, I love that feeling," She gasped as Majestia turned to Anatis.

  "Thank you but... why are you in New York?" She asked, confused. Lady Noir gasped, panicked but Anatis stepped up.

  "We were following a lead regarding Hawk Moth's identity. I suspected it might have been someone who had connections to New York and Paris..." He muttered, making the hero nod. However, Knightowl was angry as he stormed over.

  "You two are dangerous!" He declared, causing Anatis to step in front of Lady Noir protectively. Sparrow, however, rushed in front of them too. "I suspect that Techno pirate had his power increased because of you!"

  "No, they were j-" Sparrow tried to argue.

  "So are you! You disobeyed and didn't call it in!" He growled before turning to Lady Noir and Anatis. "I don't care why you're here but I'm ordering you to revert to your civilian identities and hand me the source of your power! You'll get it back when you leave. We don't not need amateur heroes running around,"

  "Firstly, you're super rude, do you know that?!" Anatis growled back, causing Knightowl to act surprised. Lady Noir smirked as she realized no one had ever spoke to him in that before. "And secondly, your protege tried their damn best and deserves a better mentor then you! And finally, don't you dare blame us for something that a villain did!!"

  "Why you!?!" Knightowl growled before pointing at Anatis. "You liste-"

  "No, you listen!" He growled. "Me and my partner are not to blame for a villain's actions and neither is your protege! In fact, they tried their damn hardest and probably didn't have a way to contact you but instead of giving them the benefit of the doubt and actually listening to what they have to say, you just assume that their actions were based on childish decisions without even knowing the full facts and to add insult to injury, you actually have the nerve to try and order me about!"

  "Young man-," Majestia started.

  "Anatis! My name is Anatis since neither of you bothered to ask," He declared, making Sparrow, Lady Noir and Uncanny Valley hold back giggles. Sparrow leaned over to Lady Noir.

  "Is he always this sassy?"

  "Oh yeah. You should have seen him when he ripped into the style queen," She whispered, causing Valley to gasp.

  "The Style Queen? As in Audrey Bourgeois?" She gasped, making Lady Noir nod. Both of the New York heroes looked at him with awe. "Wow... he's so cool,"

  "Oh yeah," Lady Noir grinned as Anatis continued to argue with Knightowl.

  "Why you!" Knightowl growled but Majestia placed her hand on his shoulder.

  "Anatis, I understand the frustration but you're not in Paris and you two are extremely dangerous," She stated, making them look at her. She looked to Lady Noir. "I don't know exactly what your power is but I saw what you did to Techno Pirate's arms and you... your power could be used to create danger-"

  "The lucky charm doesn't work that way," Anatis argued, taking a step back as Knightowl growled and stepped forward.

  "I understand but you need to surrender the source of your power," Majestia nodded. Lady Noir looked at him and she could see he wasn't going to win this argument. "We will return it to you before you go home,"

  "That's all great and all," He muttered, looking around as Lady Noir stepped back with him, hissing a little. His luck vision highlighted an air vent. "But we can't trust you. Sorry, not sorry!"

  He used his yoyo to hit the vent, causing it to smoke before he grabbed her hand and jumped off the building. The two landed on the ground and rushed over to the nearest manhole. He opened it and jumped inside with her, following. He heard Knightowl shout at them and follow but he didn't follow them into the sewers. They climbed down the ladder and as soon as they were on the ground, Lady Noir threw her arms around him.

  "I'm so sorry!" She gasped. "I got you in trouble and-"

  "Hey, it's ok," He smiled, cupping her face. "I'm just glad I was able to get there in time... are you sure you're ok, kitten?"

  "I'm fine," She sniffed, nuzzling her hand. "My ribs don't hurt anymore... but why are you here in New York? I thought you were protecting Paris,"

  "I was but... something wasn't right," He muttered, taking out the feather from his yoyo as they walked through the sewer.

  "An amok?" She asked, frowning. "But you took care of it right?"

  "Yeah but it was Robustus," He muttered, making her frown. "But Markov isn't in Paris. I checked to see if he and Max were. Not just that and it was a sentimonster created by some random dude. It seems that it was meant to look like an akuma,"

  "That's... odd..." She muttered, handing him back the feather. "But how did you know I was in New York?"

  "I saw the Ladyblog live stream and used the horse miraculous to get her then located you with my yoyo," He replied, getting a nod of her. "I'm glad I got here on time,"

  "Me too," She mumbled. "According to Sparrow, Techno Pirate was... enhanced somehow,"

  "Hmm," He muttered, frowning before looking at her. "You should head back onto the surface,"

  "What are you going to do?" She asked, worry on her face.

  "I'm gonna follow a lead in the museum. There's something I need to check," He muttered, getting a nod of her. She turned to leave but suddenly hugged him again. He smiled and hugged back before she walked off. Once out of view, he heard her transform back before she ran off. He took out his yoyo and found an exit that led to the museum. He ran towards it and detransformed, catching Tikki before he gave her a cookie and went to climb out of the sewers. He stumbled a little and groaned, making Tikki look at him with concern. "I'm ok, Tikki but I won't be able to use the Horse Miraculous for a while,"

  "Here," She mumbled, breaking her cookie in half and handed him a bit. "I know you need a lot more then just half of a cookie but it should help,"

  "Thank you," He smiled, taking it and gently patting her head with his finger. He quickly ate it then climbed out of the sewers. He rushed over to the museum but frowned as he saw police and another superhero. He recognized them as Snowflake. He walked over and gently tapped her on the shoulder.

  "Yes?" She asked, looking at him.

  "Could you tell me what happened?" He asked. "Why are the police here?"

  "Oh, the saber of the marquis Lafayette, along with the falcon talon necklace was stolen by Techno Pirate but I'm not sure I understand why he wanted them," She mused, making him frown. "Hey, aren't you one of those french kids? I'll get Doorman to bring you back to the dorms! Hey, Doorman!"

  Before Doorman could come over, Luka turned and bolted as fast as he could out of there. He jumped a little as thunder sounded and rain began to fall heavily, soaking him within minutes. He found a place to hide and took Tikki out of his pocket.

  "That miraculous is missing," He stated, causing her to frown. "But I don't understand. Why did Techno pirate go after it and the saber? How did he get increased power? What's the connection?"

  "Well, what do we know?" She asked, making him think.

  "Techno pirate got increased power, stole the saber and the necklace and then disappeared again..." He muttered before his thoughts drifted to Paris and the amok. Why was there an amok made to look like an akuma? What was he missing? What was the connection and why was Mayura active instead of Hawkmoth? Wasn't he able to akumatize someone? Of course, he could. Plenty of dark feelings in Paris so why use Mayura? And why Robustus? He knew it couldn't be Marvok because he was here in New York... but of course, the rest of Paris wouldn't know that. They would just think it was the usual akuma attack but why go through all of this trouble to make an amok look like an akuma? It's almost like... his eyes widen in realization. Hawkmoth wasn't in Paris. He must be in New York and after that miraculous, which means Techno Pirate was akumatized. "Oh no,"

  "Luka?" Tikki gasped, causing him to look at her.

  "Hawkmoth is in New York," He gasped, making her look at him with shock. "We have to warn someone,"

  ~Meanwhile at the Lafayette building~

  "Luka Couffaine?" Mrs Mendeleiev asked as she looked around the room.

  "He's not here," Juleka muttered, frowning. Worry was clear in her eyes as she had no idea where her brother was nor was he answering his phone. The last she had seen him was at the museum when he went out for some fresh air due to his headache.

  "Neither is Marinette," Rose gasped as Alya tried to get through to her as well. She looked at Juleka with worry. "You don't think that horrible villain got them?"

  "I hope not," She mumbled as Jess and Aeon walked in with two women. One was blonde and dressed in green and the other had dark hair and dressed all in black. They seemed to be annoyed with the two girls.

  "You had one mission," The woman in black growled, making Juleka frown as she noticed. "To keep an eye on the French Students,"

  "We did and that's how we discovered Marinette and Luka are in love with each other. We tried to help but Luka got sick and we were interrupted by that supervillain. I still don't understand how he got-"

  "It doesn't matter! You failed and disobeyed orders!"

  "Barb, darling," The blonde woman stated, stroking her wife's face.

  "Mother, I don't understand," Aeon stated, making the two women frown. "You always say that all that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good people do nothing. What did I do wrong?"

  "My dear, by trying to help the french students, you ended placing them and yourselves in danger," The blonde woman explained as the woman in dark facepalmed. "Doing good doesn't necessarily mean fighting,"

  "Yeah... well maybe we were just trying to help since you know it's our job!" Jess declared, glaring at them. "We're not babysitting... we're super heroines!"

  "Superheroes! Who's mission was to keep an eye on the French students and you failed it!" Barb shouted, making Jess and Aeon look down. "You're forbidden to join in with the hunt for Techno Pirate. You're clearly not ready to leave the nest,"

  "Uh! How I am suppose to be ready when you never let me spread my wings?!"

  "No prohibits Anatis and Lady Noir,"

  "And we almost lost you because of that,"

  "No! We're almost lost her because of Techno Pirate!" Jess shouted, making both adults look at her in shock before she turned to Barb. "Anatis is right! You are rude and you're blaming us for Techno Pirate's actions!"

  "Jess, my word is final," Barb growled before turning on her heel. "Come on, Olympia. We're expected,"

  With that, the two of them walked out of the building, leaving Jess and Aeon alone. Jess sighed, defeated as the news came on. Walking over to the rest of the group, they saw it was the president, explaining that they would be postponing the French American week celebrations until Techno Pirate was captured. Majestia stepped forward, stating that she supported their decision and that it would be too dangerous to have any mass gathering. She asked everyone to keep safe while they would be patrolling the city. Alya sighed softly as the heroes talked on the screen before looking out of the window. She gasped and rushed outside as Marinette walked over to the stairs. 

  "Marinette!! Are you ok?!" She gasped as the rest of the class came out. Marinette looked up and gave them a small smile as Alya ran down the stairs and hugged her. "You're not hurt, are you?"

  "Oh... no... I'm ok," She smiled as she looked up at the rest of the class as they gushed over her, happy that she was ok. However, she looked around at them, trying to see where Luka was. Her eyes widen as she realized he wasn't there. "Where's Luka?"

  "He was with you right?" Juleka asked as Marinette frowned.

  "N-No... he went out of the museum because of his headache but then that villain attacked. I only got away because Sparrow rescued me but I didn't see Luka..." She gasped, taking out her phone. It was low battery but she didn't care. She dialed his number and held it to her ear but to her dismay, it went straight to voicemail. "I... I have to find him!!"

  "Marinette!" Alya shouted as she turned on her heel and broke into a run, heading in the direction of the museum. She didn't understand. He should have answered his phone. The museum was fixed thanks to Anatis but why wasn't Luka answering his phone?! She grabbed a bike and began to cycle as fast as she could to the museum but missed a turning, causing her bike to fall and crash. She weakly looked up but couldn't see Luka anywhere.

  "Luka..." She whispered, looking down. "Where are you?"

  ~Meanwhile in Times Square~

  "There they are," Luka gasped as he saw the heroes. He began to walk towards them but stopped when he saw Techno Pirate walking in the middle of the street. He frowned and ducked behind a dumpster to observe the screen. Techno Pirate was holding up his hands as he walked but weirdly enough, he looked different. His skin was completely black with white lines that resembled a mother board across it. His uniform had turned to a light brown color and he had wings that matched it's theme. He also had a break on his nose. Luka rose an eyebrow as he kept hidden.

  "I wanna surrender!!" He shouted, making Luka frown. "I never wanted to stop the french American celebrations from happening!! If I have to lose my freedom for everyone else to celebrate theirs then fine... I surrender!!"

  He spun around, looking as Luka narrowed his eyes. Something didn't feel right. If he was akumatized then why was he surrendering? What could this achieve? He looked around and noticed that the heroes were gathering around the pirate.

  "Put me in jail!!" The pirate wailed, making him frown even more. Especially when the heroes began to surround the villain. Luka carefully stood up from his hiding place and began to back away. All of his gut was telling him something was very wrong.

  "Don't be scared. I genuinely want nothing more then your freedom," The pirate stated as he looked at the heroes, like he wanted them to be there. He suddenly threw out his arms as eternal arrows appeared. "Liberation!"

  The arrows threw out, hitting each of the heroes as Luka ducked behind the dumpster again, causing one to miss him by inches. He let out a sigh but then he heard the sound of buildings been crushed. He jumped up as Knightowl swung past.

  "Can't park properly huh?!" He shouted, throwing a grenade under a car, causing it to blow up high in the sky. He jumped back as guns literally appeared out of the dumpsters and the manholes then Doorman ran past him, trying to decide where to go. Luka frowned and moved from his hiding place to another, peaking out. He frowned deeply as he saw all of the heroes basically doing whatever they wanted. Techno Pirate was stood in the middle of it, grinning as he looked around until a purple mask appeared over his eyes. He nodded and touched a lamp post, which glowed purple before all of the screens suddenly turned on causing Luka to gasp as it showed Hawkmoth on it. 

  "Anatis, Lady Noir... I'm in New York too," He stated, smirking evilly. "If you don't want the party ruined, you have no choice but to surrender your miraculous,"

  "Tikki, spots on!!" He declared, standing up and transforming into Anatis. He threw his yoyo up to the nearest building and pulled himself onto it, dodging the guns that fired at him before using his yoyo to destroy them. He ran across the roof and jumped off it, swinging off into the city as fast as he could. He needed to find Sparrow and Uncanny Valley as he noticed they weren't there, meaning they weren't effected by whatever Techno Pirate did. He also needed to find Lady Noir as he would need her help too. He swung across the buildings until he noticed someone walking in the rain as if they were looking for someone.

  "Luka?!" They called out, causing his eyes to widen as he realized it was Marinette. He dived down and landed near her, making her gasp. "A-Anatis? Wh-What are you doing in New York? Have you seen Luka?!"

  "Luka's fine, Marinette," He smiled, trying to reassure her. She let out a sigh of relief. "But it's not safe to be out on the streets. Hawkmoth is active in New York right now and his akuma has somehow effected the heroes, making them... well... do what they want,"

  "So they've gone... crazy?" She gasped, looking frightened. He sighed and nodded. "Oh no,"

  "Yeah... I need to find Sparrow, Uncanny Valley and Lady Noir. They're the only heroes who haven't been effected by this," He sighed before smiling. "Anyway, let's get you to a safe place. Are you staying in a hotel?"

  "The Lafayette building is where we're staying," She mumbled, gasping as he pulled her close to him.

  "I'll drop you off on the roof then. Hold on," He smiled, making her blush as she held onto him tightly. He threw his yoyo and pulled her up into the air, rushing through it as he swung through the city. Marinette gasped as she held onto him, feeling a little bit of fear as she did. It was different to swinging through Paris. The buildings were much higher and it was colder too but she didn't have much time to think as they landed on the Lafayette building. Anatis gently pulled away from her and gave her a smile. "Head inside and stay safe, Marinette,"

  "Wait!" She gasped as he went to jump. He turned to her and she blushed. "B-Be careful, Anatis,"

  "I will," He smiled before jumping off the building and swinging off. Once gone, Plagg flew out of her purse as she frowned.

  "Annie needs some help," She stated but jumped as Uncanny Valley literally landed in front of her. She quickly snatched Plagg from the air, hiding him behind her back.

  "Marinette Dupain-Cheng, Hawkmoth is in New York and we need Lady Noir," She gasped, making Marinette panic.

  "Lady Noir?! Wh-Who's that?!"

  "Lady Noir, your suit's quantum masking is designing to confuse human minds," She stated, turning in Aeon and causing Marinette to gasp in surprise. "But I am not human. Without you, we have no chance of contacting Anatis and I think we will need both of your to defeat Miraclonizer,"

  "Miraclonizer?" Marinette asked. "Do you mean Techno Pirate?"

  "Yes, he's been akumatized which means-"

  "Hawkmoth's in New York. I know. Anatis informed me," She mumbled before letting go of Plagg and turning to him but to her surprise, Uncanny Valley didn't blink or even look at him. "Uh... Plagg? Is she ok?"

  "Oh, yeah. She's fine. She just can't see me because she's a robot," He grinned, pulling a funny face at Valley's confused expression. "Anyway, what are we waiting for? Bug boy's gonna need a hand,"

  "Good point," She grinned, holding out her hand. "Plagg, Claws Out!"

  A green light enveloped her and she transformed in Lady Noir. She took out her baton and instantly called Anatis. He answered straight away.

  "Kitten, Hawk Moth-"

  "Is in New York. Yeah, I know. Uncanny Valley told me," She declared, getting a nod of him. "Where are you? We'll come and meet you,"

  "Excellent. Me and Sparrow are hidden by the dumpsters near the empire state building," He stated, nodding. "Try and stay low. The heroes have gone crazy and are attacking almost everything so please be careful,"

  "I will. See you soon, Bug a boo," She grinned, making him blush before hanging up. She turned to Uncanny Valley. "Alright, let's go and meet Annie,"

  "Sounds like a plan," She smiled before the two of them headed to the empire state building. It took a bit longer then they expected but they managed to move past the heroes without getting attacked. As soon as they found the dumpsters, Anatis grabbed them and pulled them into the alleyway before making sure they weren't followed. Sparrow rushed over to Uncanny Valley as Anatis checked over Lady Noir, making sure she hadn't been hurt. She blushed a little as Valley gasped and muttered something to herself before Anatis moved over to them. He knelt down as Lady Noir joined him. "So what's the plan, Annie?"

  "Incoming message from Hawkmoth," Uncanny Valley stated before projecting the video. Anatis frowned as he watched Hawkmoth declared that they had five minutes to surrender their miraculous or he'll start world war 3. "This is not good. We have no heroes available to help us. They have all been controlled by Miraclonizer,"

  "Not controlled," Anatis muttered, making everyone look at him as he took out his yoyo and showed them a picture of Miraclonizer before he zoomed in and pointed to the necklace around his neck.. "His new look is from that. Judging by his look and his power, it's a miraculous that represents freedom or something on the lines of that,"

  "What do you mean?" Sparrow asked, making him sigh. "And how do you know that?"

  "I was there when he took out the heroes. He used the term Liberation and next thing we know the heroes have gone crazy but when you think about it, what they are doing kind of makes sense. Majestia is trying new things with her powers because she's been freed from her fear,"

  "That explains the moon," Sparrow nodded. "But Knight Owl?"

  "Taking justice to the extreme? Easy, he's been freed from moral code. Similar case with Doorman and the rest," Anatis explained. "And it's definitely a miraculous. That I'm certain about but if we have a chance to save the world from Hawkmoth and his world war 3 plan, we're gonna need to free the heroes. In turn, they can help us,"

  "I take it you have a plan?" Uncanny Valley asked, making Anatis and Lady Noir look at each other. 

  "The plan is to reclaim that miraculous,"

  "Well, that's all good but we can't get anywhere near him,"

  "Well, that's because we need a lucky charm, right Annie?" Lady Noir grinned before he threw up his yoyo and summoned his lucky charm. He caught the key ring of Lady Liberty before frowning. Sparrow pointed to it.

  "That's your plan?" They asked, clearly not impressed as Anatis looked around to see how to use it.

  "We're suppose to beat the most powerful heroes with a key-chain?" Valley asked innocently before blinking. "Interesting,"

  "Yeah, that's the plan or at least it will be once I know how to use it," He muttered, looking down at it. Uncanny projected Miraclonizer again to check on the count down, causing Anatis to look up at her before looking back at the key chain. "Of course... Valley, can you show me the blue prints of the statue of liberty? I need to see how it was built,"

  "Sure," She grinned, projecting the blue prints. Anatis studied it before gasping and pointing to it.

  "Look, there's a ladder leading up to the torch platform. We can use that to get to Miraclonizer undetected," He declared, getting a nod of everyone.

  "We could use the horse miraculous to get in there," Lady Noir suggested but Anatis shook his head, making her frown.

  "I won't be any good in the battle against Miraclonizer if I use it again," He admitted, making her frown but she nodded in understanding. However, Sparrow and Uncanny blinked and looked at them.

  "Why doesn't Lady Noir just use it?" Sparrow asked but Anatis shook his head.

  "The horse miraculous isn't compatible with the cat miraculous," He explained, making the two frown. "As for me, it takes a lot of energy to use it and I've already used it to get here. If I use it again, I won't have the strength to fight Miraclonizer. We have to find an different way,"

  "Ok so what does the horse miraculous do?" Sparrow asked, making the two heroes look at them.

  "Teleportation but you have to know exactly where you're going and right now we can only use it once," Anatis explained, making Sparrow nod before the two of them looked at each as an idea popped into their heads. They both said Doorman at the same time, causing Lady Noir and Uncanny Valley to look at them with confusion.

  "Doorman can turn any door into a teleportal," Sparrow stated, getting a nod of Anatis. "With his ability, we can get into the tower unnoticed,"

  "But Doorman only uses his power to sate his own curiosity now," Uncanny Valley pointed out. "He'll never agree to help us,"

  "And we have no idea where he is," Lady Noir pointed out before she snapped her fingers. "But we could lure him to us. He mentioned that he's always wanted to find out what's in the safe in the statue of liberty but the key is in the Eiffel tower,"

  "Of course! Use his own curiosity against him. Great thinking, Kitten," Anatis grinned, scratching her ears which made her purr before he began to look around. His luck vision lit up a box and some news papers. He grabbed them and shoved them into Sparrow's hand. "Make a gift wrap for this  please,"

  "Uh... right," Sparrow nodded before doing as told. Anatis looked around and a door lit up.

  "Uncanny Valley, would you be able to unlock that door?" He asked, getting a nod of her. She rushed over and unlocked before he opened it to check it. Both Sparrow and Valley turned into the normal forms, revealing them to be Jess and Aeon. Lady Noir rose an eyebrow and Anatis just shrugged his shoulders before the two of them pushed two of the dumpsters by the sides of the door. Jess turned back into Sparrow and Aeon turned into Uncanny Valley as they placed the package down. "Head to Liberty Island. We'll meet you there,"

  "Ok... be careful," Sparrow stated as they ran off before Valley grabbed her and flew off. Lady Noir looked up from her hiding place.

  "So Sparrow's a girl huh?" She grinned, making Anatis shake his head. "Didn't see that coming. Why do you think she disguises herself as a boy? Not that's an issue... I'm just curious,"

  "Curiosity killed the cat, Kitten," Anatis stated, ducking down as the door opened. Lady Noir did the same thing as Doorman poked his head out.

  "Kids?" He questioned before seeing the box. He rushed over and opened it. "We know how fascinating you think keys are so we hope you like this one. Signed Jess and Aeon..."

  He looked at the key chain before jumping excitedly.

  "Of course!" He exclaimed, rushing over to the door. He closed it and reopened it. "That's where I should have started,"

  He disappeared into it, leaving it open. Anatis and Lady Noir followed through but kept out of sight as he searched the office of the Eiffel Tower. He gasped and held up an old looking key. He attached it to the key chain then rushed back over to the door and closed it before reopening it again. He ran out, allowing Anatis and Lady Noir to follow. They tackled him down and Anatis tried him up with his belt before reclaiming the key chain. The two of them ran upstairs as fast as they could as they only had a few seconds left. He burst through the door and jumped onto Miraclonizer, grabbing the miraculous. 

  "I'll take that thanks!" He declared, ripping off him and pushing him off the tower. He turned back into Techlonizer as he fell but landed on his four arms as Anatis turned to Sparrow and threw the necklace. "Sparrow!!"

  She caught it and landed on the ground, sliding down a staircase before jumping and landing. She put the necklace on and the kwami manifested before it turned around and faced her. They looked like a little falcon.

  "Hello, fledgling. To call off my power, just say cool down and to transform say Liiri, wings of liberty," The little creature informed before she took off her Sparrow costume.

  "Liiri, wings of Liberty!" She declared, causing Liiri to get sucked into the necklace before she created a mask that resembled a falcon's beak. She felt magic spread down her arms creating her outfit. It was a brown body suit with yellow and black boots and a black belt. A gray under-jack that resembled tail feathers appeared before a brown jack with tassels on the arms manifested. Her hands got covered with black gloves, completing her transformation into Falcon. Taking a deep breath, she held her hands out. "Cool down,"

  She felt instantly the power of the Falcon miraculous subside before she rushed over to where Anatis and Lady Noir were. They were fighting Techlonizer, trying to get the controls for the nuke off him. He laughed and turned to them.

  "Give me your miraculous!!" 

  "Never!" Anatis declared but gasped as Techlonizer pressed the button, causing the nuke to blast off. Falcon gasped as Anatis narrowed his eyes, a very dark expression coming on his face before he charged at him and began to fight him even more, gaining the upper hand. He wrapped his yoyo around him, allowing Lady Noir to dive at him as she summoned her power. She slammed her hand onto his cuffs, causing them to rust and break then a purple butterfly escaped from them and Techlonizer become Techno Pirate again. A second rope appeared around him as Knightowl appeared, allowing Anatis to remove his. He threw out his yoyo and captured the butterfly as the heroes watched. He then opened his yoyo and freed a now white butterfly before taking the keychain and throwing it up in the air. "Miraculous Ladybugs!!"

  The key chain burst into the magical swarm and flew through the city, fixing all the damage as Majestia landed on the ground, next to Knight Owl who was watching with slight awe. Both hadn't really been paying attention when he used the power before but now they did. Anatis turned to Majestia with a worried expression.

  "Do you stop the Nuke?" He asked. Majestia nodded, causing him to let out a relieved sigh.

  "I threw it into the sun," She explained, making him smile before turning to Techno Pirate. "Now to deal with him,"

  She took out a phone and made call. Within minutes, a police van turned up and took Techno pirate away, despite his confusion. Falcon walked over to Anatis, looking sad as she looked down and went to take off the necklace but he stopped her and smiled.

  "I think you should keep it," He smiled, making her gasp in surprise.

  "Really?!" She grinned.

  "Yes," He nodded as Lady Noir moved next to him. "I know you'll use it for good. Also if you ever need our help again or vice versa, we can contact each other,"

  He took out his yoyo and showed her that a new contact under the Alias Falcon had been added. She squealed and hugged him, making him laugh before she pulled away and hugged Lady Noir as well. 

  "Thank you!!" She smiled before frowning and looking to Knightowl. "But I disobeyed again, meaning I'll never get my weapons back, will I?"

  "With that miraculous, you won't need them," Knight Owl replied before looking down. "And I was wrong. About all of you. My little sparrow was ready to become a fearsome falcon,"

  "Ahh!! Thank you, Mum!!" She declared, making Anatis and Lady Noir look at each other before they both shrugged as she pulled away. "I mean-"

  "It's fine. Besides, it doesn't matter anywhere. With that outfit, people will know that Sparrow is female and that the original Knightowl is long gone," Knight owl explained before taking off her helmet. "Maybe it's a sign that the time has come to embrace who we really are,"

  "And even though it worries us, the only way for us to let you grow is for us to let you take chances," Majestia stated, gently pressing her head against Knightowl's before they both looked to Anatis and Lady Noir. "Thank you for inspiring them,"

  "And please forgive us for misjudging you," Knightowl added in. "You two have a wonderful relationship and I was wrong to doubt you. You're welcome in New York and I hope we get to meet again but on better terms,"

  "Thank you," Anatis smiled before holding out his fist. Lady Noir placed hers against his as the two of them looked at Uncanny Valley and Falcon before the two of them grinned and added theirs next to theirs. "Pound it?"

  "Pound it," The three girls grinned as he smiled before Lady Noir turned around to Uncanny as she rubbed the back of her neck. Anatis rose an eyebrow as she only did that when she was nervous.

  "About my secret identity..." She mumbled, making Anatis stare at her in shock. "You'll erase it right?"

  "Of course. I understand that your secret identity is extremely important to you so as your friend, I promise I'll erase both yours and Anatis' secret identity as soon as we say goodbye," 

  "Wait what?!" Anatis gasped, shocked. "How do you... know that?!"

  "Your suit has quantum masking but that is designed to confuse human minds. Since I am not human, I can see who you really are," She smiled, causing Anatis to look at her with worry. "Don't worry. I haven't told anyone and I'll delete the information,"

  "Please do. Not even Lady Noir knows who I am nor do I know her identity," He gasped before Lady Noir gently elbowed him.

  "Relax, Annie," She grinned. "She'll delete the info and she hasn't told anyone. It'll be fine,"

  "R-Right... I suppose I better get going... I should return to Paris," He nodded but Lady Noir frowned and grabbed his hand, making him look at her.

  "Couldn't you stay for a little bit?" She asked, making him frown.

  "I wish I could, Kitten but chances are Hawkmoth is probably going to go straight to Paris after this defeat and who knows when Mayura will attack again," He sighed, getting a nod off her. He smiled and gently kissed her cheek, making her blush. "Don't worry. We'll have a full catch up when you're back. I want to hear about the rest of your trip,"

  "O-ok," She nodded, blushing as his earrings beeped. He saluted before throwing his yoyo and disappearing. Lady Noir sighed gently as she watched him leave before turning to the others. "Well, this kitty better disappear. Bye!!"

  She ran off and disappeared as Uncanny Valley grinned.

  "Those two are made for each other," She grinned, making Falcon roll her eyes.

  "You said that about Luka and Marinette as well," She stated before grinning. "Come on, Matchmaker. We better get back,"

  ~Time Skip~

  "Hey," Luka stated as he walked over to Marinette. She gasped and threw herself at him. He caught her and smiled as he hugged her back before he pulled away. "I'm really sorry I didn't answer my phone. I was kind of trapped until Anatis turned up,"

  "It's ok. I'm just glad you're ok," She grinned, hugging him again. "I'll have to make Anatis some special cookies for rescuing you,"

  "Hey, Luka! Marinette!" Jess called out, making them look at her. The Falcon Miraculous was around her neck and she seemed more free in a way. "Hotdog Dan's about to come by. You two should get up to the roof if you want to get some again,"

  "Thanks, Jess!" Marinette called out before grabbing Luka's hand. "Come on! I'll buy us some!!"

  "Are you sure?" He gasped as she pulled him up to the roof. "I don't mind getting them for us,"

  "My treat, Luka!" She grinned as he landed. She ran over and ordered two. Hotdog Dan grinned and gave her two before serving others. Marinette handed Luka one and took a bit in hers, grinning as it allowed her to create fireworks. Luka laughed and took a bit of his, causing him to glow bright green. The two of them laughed before sitting down and watch the rest of the students. Luka smiled as he watched them but blushed a little as Marinette gently placed her hand on top of his, making him smile a little. "I'm glad we got to come here, even if there were some crazy moments,"

  "Me too, Marinette,"

[kurt-nightcrawler]

Feather

Summary: you had a crush on pigeon boy

Word Count: 1.8k

You sighed. You were so hopeless. 

It started out as an innocent crush. He was very attractive and surprisingly, not a total asshole. 

Then time went on, and your “innocent crush” was going to have to get a name change. Six months of silent pining, stolen glances when he wasn’t looking, laughing a little bit more when he made a joke, watching him train with Kurt— you were going to fall for him hard, and when you’d finally hit the ground you would most likely be crushed. 

-

“If I were stuck on a deserted island… hmm… I would pick… Kurt.” 

Your friends were playing some game in your room. You weren’t paying any attention. Instead, you were thinking about Warren. Your history teacher said you’d need to pick partners for a project next time you had class. You really wanted to ask Warren to be yours, but that would be so awkward! Some girl he never really talked to and only knew because of his big friend group wanted to work with him on a project? Yeah, no thanks. He’d probably pair up with Ororo. 

“(Y/N).”

“What?”

“Who would you pick?” Jubilee asked. 

“Pick for what?” 

“If you were stranded on an island, who from the friend group would you pick?” Jean explained. 

“Warren.” 

“Dang!” Jubilee exclaimed. “She didn’t even hesitate. I bet she’s thought about it before.” 

“He has wings— He could fly— We wouldn’t be stuck…” God, you got flustered so easily.

“Uh huh… Look, everyone knows Warren’s hot. You can admit it.” 

“He’s… cute.” You stated awkwardly, trying to not let your big, fat, crush seep through into the conversation.

That was the thing. You’d somehow managed to keep your crush a secret from everyone. I mean everyone— telepaths included! You had absolutely no idea how you did it, but if they did somehow know, then they never did anything to prove so. 

-

You were sitting in the shade under a tree, book in your lap, but ignored for the piece of metal in your hands. It was one of Warren’s feathers.

Since they could shoot out and pierce things, he was encouraged to use them during training, leading to his feathers being reused by Hank for scrap metal for his next big project. You managed to steal one and hide it in the bottom of your sock drawer for two weeks before taking it out and using it as a bookmark. Sometimes you thought about getting a handle or something put on one end to make it a dagger, but you never did. 

You ran your thumb over the tip absentmindedly. Carefully though, so you wouldn’t cut yourself. You were so lost in thought you didn’t even notice when Peter snuck up behind you.

Not noticing Peter was like not noticing a natural disaster. It was near impossible to do. 

“Whatcha got there?”

“A book,” You responded, quickly placing the feather down as a page marker and slamming it shut. 

“I saw something shiny. What was it?”

“Nothing! Just my bookmark.” 

“Can I see it?”

“No.” You held the book tightly in your hands, afraid Peter would try and snatch it. 

You did not, however, think about how he could have just pulled the feather out with super speed since part of it stuck out. 

“Hey!” 

Peter admired the metal feather in his hands. “Where did you get this?”

“Doesn’t matter. Just give it back!” You tried to reach it from Peter’s hands, but he was too fast, dodging you every time. 

“Is this Warren’s?” He asked.

“I said give it back Maximoff!”

“No. I wanna know why you have one of Warren’s feathers!” 

“Hank gave it to me.” You could tell Peter was going to run off with it any moment, so you did the only thing you could think of to slow him down. 

You kneed him in the crotch. 

“Ow!” He balled his fists, causing the feather to bend.

“Peter no!” You cried.

“Why’d you do that? That shit hurt.” You wanted to cry. That feather was one of the most important things you owned and now it was bent. 

“You bent my feather!” 

“Maybe you shouldn’t have kicked me in the dick.” 

“If you had given it back like I asked, I wouldn’t have needed to!”

“Well-” He was hunched over in pain, “-here, take it back.”

You grabbed the feather and your book lying on the grass and ran inside. 

-

You tried to bend it back into place, but you had no success. You screamed in frustration. Why did Peter have to be so nosy? You just could not have nice things, could you?

You stared at the feather. It looked pathetic, all dent and beaten. Just like your stupid one-sided crush. 

You dropped your head against the table, shielding it from view. You didn’t make any sniffling sounds or choked sobs and hiccups as tears fell down your face. You kept the heartbreak hidden. 

Just like your feelings.

-

You didn’t speak to Peter at all. You never really needed to, and when you did need to you just... didn’t. Simple as that.

Peter got mad you weren’t speaking to him. He didn’t see the big deal. Why did the feather have so much meaning to you? You weren’t that close with Hank, and you rarely ever spoke to Warren. He couldn’t figure out why you got so upset.

“It’s your turn, Pete! Ask someone.” 

You avoided his gaze perfectly. If Peter chose you, you would have literally no way to escape conversation. You mentally pleaded for him to not choose you. 

“Uh… (Y/N).” But you were not lucky. “Truth or dare?”

“Dare.” You regretted your decision soon as the word left your lips, but you really didn’t want to talk to him any more than you had to. 

“I dare you… I dare you to tell me why you’re so upset over the feather.” Everyone was confused by his statement. What feather? What kind of dare was this?

“Come on, that’s not a real dare.” You argued.

“Well, it’s my dare I’m giving you. You have to answer.” 

“No.” 

Warren whispered something to Jubilee, but you couldn’t hear. It just made you more unfocused in the moment.

“(Y/N), I gave it back. I’m sorry that I broke it.” 

“Sorry doesn’t fix it! I spent hours trying to fix it and I couldn’t, okay? You stole it and wouldn’t give it back.” 

“You kicked me in the dick!” 

“Because you were going to run off with it!”

“That— That doesn’t mean you can just kick me in the dick!” 

“Wait. You kicked him in the dick over a feather?” Warren asked. He probably thought you were some pathetic child, hurting people over some feather.

“Hank gave her one of your feathers and I broke it. Not on purpose!” Warren’s face shifted from confusion into soft realization. 

“Oh… I could just— I could just give you another one right now.” 

Your eyes were wide, nerves racing. “You don’t have to do that.” 

“Nonsense,” He plucked a feather out without even flinching and held it out for you. 

“Thanks…” You held it tightly in your hand and tried to mask your emotions. 

Your heart was racing— he gave you a feather! He gave you one of his feathers! You were never going to let it go, and you would probably be buried with it. 

“Do we all get feathers?” Scott joked. 

“Piss off Summers.” You couldn’t help but smile a bit. Only you got a feather!

-

You framed it and hung it on your wall. Stepping back, admiring your handiwork, you felt a rush of happiness come over you. The feather was everything to you at the moment.

“Wow. You framed it.” You turned around and looked at him. Warren was standing in your doorway. You felt a little embarrassed, he was probably going to think you were some creep for framing it. You should have just been content with the dent one! Why’d you have to go and cause a scene? 

“It looks nice.” 

“Thank you…” 

“Can I ask you something?” 

I’d let you run me over with a truck. Of course, you can ask me something. You can ask me anything!  “Yeah.” 

“Why’d Hank give you one of my feathers?” 

“I um, I stole it…” You sheepishly admitted, avoiding eye contact. 

“You could have just asked me for one. I wouldn’t have cared.” 

“Oh no. I could never— That would be weird. This situation is kinda weird.” 

“Oh.” He sounded disappointed. “Why did you steal it from Hank?” 

You froze for a moment. You could not let him know about your undying love you’ve been harboring for six months. Wait— Did you call it an undying love? Were you at that level now? Oh god… 

“I just… I think your wings are cool. I think they’re cool. The feather was cool. Um… yeah.” 

“Oh. I thought they like, freaked you out, or something. You’re kinda quiet around me.”

“What? No! Never, I just, suck at small talk.”

He nodded, “You’re chatty with the rest of our friends.” 

You were panicking. If you couldn’t explain yourself, Warren would live the rest of his life thinking you hated him! You couldn’t live with that.

You had to coBeforeme clean about the truth. 

“I’m in love with you.” 

He didn’t say anything at first. You were ready to jump out the window and fall to your death. 

Then he spoke. “Oh.” 

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything. I’m just gonna—” You motioned to the window, ready to have the floor swallow you whole. 

Before you could even take one step, Warren grabbed your hand. “Please don’t do that.” The emotion was evident in his eyes. 

You were going to open your mouth and speak, but you couldn’t. His lips were pressed against yours, moving together. Your free hand cupped the back of his neck, ghosting the ends of his hair. He wrapped his other hand around your waist pulling you closer, your chests touching. You didn’t want to stop, afraid that if you did, you’d wake up from some dream. 

But Warren broke away to breathe. Your eyes bore into his. Neither of you wanted to speak, unsure of what to even say. 

“I didn’t do that just because you were about to jump out a window. I mean, I did, but I also like you. A lot. And I thought you were maybe intimidated by me because you were fine around everyone else but you never really said anything to me. Then I thought, maybe I’m not trying enough, but then I also thought, space is good and you may not want anything to do with me and—” 

You kissed him again. You broke apart after a few moments of lingering lips. 

“I didn’t mean to cut you off, but you were rambling, and um, I thought you wouldn’t mind. I’m sorry.” 

He blushed and shook his head, “No, you’re— you’re fine. Great, actually.” 

“Oh?”

“Yeah,” He nodded his head slightly. “Um,” He glanced at your lips and then looked up into your eyes. He slowly leaned in and you followed.

[the-penultimate-pam]

It’s RPG Time! Yay!

I want to fill up my schedule so that I'm forced to get things done, because apparently that's how it works? So! I'm going to start up a new RPG campaign in the new year!

Here are a few ideas I'm feeling out, listed in very approximate order of what I'm leaning towards and/or what I've given the most thought to. Anyone who likes this kind of thing, or who might be interested in trying it out, are there any here you're excited about?

No purchase necessary, no obligation to join, details may be added or changed upon request, no guarantee that any particular game will be run, etc :)

1. Superpower (Savage Worlds with the Superpowers companion)

Setting: Homebrew world, essentially modern times on Earth

Concept: One month ago, an unknown event granted superpowers to a seemingly random percent of the population. Some people choose to live their lives as they had been, but with new abilities; others now wreak havoc or wreak good from behind a mask.

Style: You'll probably team up with some curious, like-minded powered people to get to the root of this mysterious event. In the meantime - oh, your nosy neighbour can talk to animals? That could pose some problems.

Notes: No Supergirls here - one power per human in this world :) Sure, you can get creative with the simple ability to move dust around, for example, but you can't move dust and have an innate sense of the nearest news broadcast at all times. And - full disclosure - it's set in the same world as the YA novel I'm currently editing. Everyone gets credit for worldbuilding help in the Acknowledgements if it's ever published :P (please do bring up any genuine legal concerns, I'm starting to look into all that. But the game should run pretty far away from the book’s plot and characters.)

2. Doctor Who (the Doctor Who: Adventures in Time and Space Roleplaying Game from Cubicle 7)

Setting: Literally all of time and space, it's Doctor Who

Concept: Whatever the players prefer... Gallifreyan and companions, buncha goofs who found a TARDIS, aliens solving mysteries on earth, UNIT defending the planet from invasions, etc.

Style: Probably adventures like the ones in the show, but if you just want to be Earth-based, that's cool too

Notes: I picked up a bundle of sourcebooks a while ago and haven't used any yet, so…. Plus I'm excited about Doctor Who again, thanks to the new season

3. The Darkening of Mirkwood (The One Ring roleplaying game)

Setting: Tolkien's Middle-earth. After the events of The Hobbit, before The Fellowship of the Ring

Concept: I have a cool-looking campaign where you try to stop... well... the Mirkwood from Darkening. It spans like 30 years, so you can grow old and own land while you collect cool gear on your travels all across Middle-earth, trying not to be corrupted by the spreading darkness, and wow it's like you're in the book but I won't spend as long talking about trees I promise

Style: The system is supposed to mimic the feel of the books really well? You have a defined role in the adventuring party (like Scout or Leader) and there's lots of travelling across great distances but also getting deep into the recesses of towns if you want, and solving problems with words or violence, and passing on your heroic heritage if you die or retire (adventuring ain’t easy!). Also, you might run into everyone's favourite characters, like Wizard Man and Other Wizard Man

Notes: another bundle I picked up and haven't used. It's not my fault, it came with maps! Cartography is one of my greatest weaknesses!!

4. Miraculous Ladybug

Okay hear me out

It's loosely based on the show, but you can have your own customized power, weapon, themed costume, kwami, etc.

And the stories will be episodic, like the early episodes of the show, so any players can jump in or out whenever

Expect hokey pun-themed villains because that's my JAM (and regular-schoolkid-with-a-secret-identity subplots if desired, which are my secondary jam)

I'm thinking either in Savage Worlds (because I'm familiar with it) or in Fate (see TAZ Commitment)

Why a kids' cartoon? Because sometimes we all need to take a break from adulting and have some good ol' light-hearted fun. Indulge your inner youthful superhero and fight pigeon villains with extremely simple motivations and then watch as everything goes back to normal!

4a) You know what? This would also work very well as a Totally Spies thing. I'd be cool with that too.

4b) Or Danny Phantom!! Oh no I'm having nostalgia

5. A continuation of my Venus/Sister Planet one-shot

Homebrew again, where you're part of a team joining a space colony orbiting Venus - but some of you have strange psychic powers when you land on the planet's surface, whaaaat (jake peralta voice)

Savage Worlds with the Science Fiction companion (which I didn't have when I ran the first session, but it gives us some cool new stuff to work with)  

I did run two parallel versions of the intro, but anyone can join and/or we can meld the two plotlines without too much trouble

6. Some retro, monster of the week, Buffy/Scooby/Stranger Things -inspired game

May or may not use the actual Monster of the Week rules (Powered by the Apocalypse; see TAZ Amnesty). Otherwise, Savage Worlds, probably.

I really don't have anything planned for this, I've just been into that atmosphere lately. Suggestions welcome!

7. Something in D&D 5E

So that I can learn the system that literally everybody but me* uses  (*not true)

I'm cheap so I only plan to use the free, basic rules instead of buying $150 worth of books (or perpetually borrowing them from generous friends!)

Campaign suggestions are welcome! Homebrew, published, whatever… but the cheaper the better :)

8. Mistborn (the Mistborn RPG)

Full disclosure! I haven't finished Brandon Sanderson’s series yet! No spoilers, pretty please!! I want to read the books first, but I do have everything needed for the RPG! I can bump the series up in my TBR if folks are interested in this game.

[unusually-omegaverse]

Of Food Courts and Closets- Chapter 1

Remember when I said I might upload some of my writing :D

So this is a fic prompt by @omegaverse-council that got out of hand. I couldn’t figure out how to link the post so ??? Depending on how this goes I might make it an actual thing? Please provide feedback/critisicism/discussion/questions. This part may be a bit rough cause I just kind of wrote it. If it becomes a thing I’ll be cleaning it up.

The prompt was an Alpha celeberty escaping the paparazzi and finding an Omega with a fussy baby.

There was nothing quite like the crowds and smells of the mall food court. The bustle of each competing sound and scent. The greasy stink of the pizza place and the savory ginger of the Chinese style shop wafted out and about the sweet smelling Omegas who offered samples. The sour-stink of a fuming couple, the nervous buzz of teenagers on a date, the fresh scent of children and all of their loud, youthful energy. While it could be overwhelming there was also a comfort in how familiar the place could feel. "Did you find everything you wanted to get?" The question surprised Owen who quickly realized he'd been sitting around looking like an idiot while his friend had thrown away their trash and gathered his own bags. The colored logos stretched out across the plastic and hinted at the contents inside. He stood quickly, with a thank you and a nod towards the trash, "Yeah, my towels were getting old and I just wanted to get some early presents." Richard nodded along, looking up at his taller friend as they headed out the food court and towards the exit. Owen tried to keep his pace short, and not seem suspicious. His hat and jacket had seemed to do the trick in the crowd, and he hadn't been recognized yet today. But the paparazzi had been more eager than ever since he landed his new role, and even around his house it was becoming more difficult to slip by. They walked in silence for a little bit, ignoring the offers from kiosk vendors and the studiously ignoring the clearance signs hung in the store windows. "I'm glad," Rich stated. When Owen glanced over, a confused quirk to his brow he elaborated, "That you called I mean. And that we got to hang out, it's been too long and it's been good to see you." "I know. I'm glad you were free and my shoot ended early. But I promise I won't forget  about you when I'm famous." Owen grinned. They both chuckled and came to a pause outside in the parking lot. The sky overhead was a grey, and the sun struggled to peek through the dense clouds or the late November sky. It wouldn't rain today but the delicate bursts of cold wind warned them not to be outside for too long. "Are you sure you don't need a ride back? It's really no trouble." Richard insisted again. "No, it's only a few blocks, and I want to walk a little bit before I make the drive all the way back home." Rich looked over him carefully, as if considering to trust his judgment and Owen crossed his eyes to make him laugh before the other acceded. "Alright, alright, if you're sure then. Be safe and give me a call again sometime, I know you'll have a lot to do soon." With a lazy sweep of his arm, Owen started to walk back and called out, "See ya Rich!" before tugging his gloves on against the nipping wind. ___________ She felt sleep dragging down on her and curcled her back tighther against the wind. The heavy clouds seemed to be weighing down her eyelids and she struggled to keep them open. The woman glanced at her chest where an infant was tucking into a sash she'd tied under her jacket. His brown hair peeked out from the tiny baby hat and she tugged it back down over his head before continuing on her way. ____________ The city around him was vibrant despite the dull weather, street vendors were still out, hoping for lunch stranglers, and pigeons cooed about the trash for a soggy fry. Frazzled Omegas showed their in-laws the city, toting a couple of children as well. A Beta man walked briskly, chattering on his phone and clutching his briefcase. A group of older men passed out church fliers and a tired looking teenager loped across the street to the park. Today had been a simple day of friends and little goals that had slowly started to become rarer as he became more popular and Owen feared they might come to an end soon.  He did love acting, and his fans were great, but he missed being not busy. Ignoring these thoughts he looked forward to turning up the heat in his car and going through a drive-thru to grab some coffee.   It came as a shock suddenly when he felt his elbow tugged on and the tall man was turned around to catch a face full a strong cherry scent that overwhelmed him until he took another step back. "I knew it! You're Owen Childers right?" The Omega was unusually tall and he couldn't stop smiling as he talked, "I'm a big fan I'm so excited for the new movie. Could I get an autograph?" The boy was already patting himself down and before long he'd acquired a sharpie and with a furitive glance upwards, took his hat off and handed both over. "If you could just sign that toe Kev that'd be awesome." He ran his hands through his blue haired and watched Owens hands carefully. At the boy's first exclamation a few people around them had glanced and whispered among each other, and now a few had gathered on the sidewalk to look him over. Already as Owen signed the boy's hat, another person was approaching, receipt and pen in hand. "This is so cool!" The blue haired boy gushed, "I have so many questions, were you and Maggie Blacke really a thing?" He took his hat back and admired the autograph on the bill. A line had begun to form and Owen was saved from asking as he greeted the next fan. He stood there, signing and taking photos for about 20 minutes, pleased at some moments, but becoming more impatient as time dragged on and questions went from genuine and kind to inappropriate and nosy and the group surrounding him on the sidewalk didn't seem to be getting smaller. The cold was beginning to freeze his ears and he could feel it creeping through his collar to his neck. The crowd had gotten too big, and Owen felt pressed and claustrophobic, he did his best to keep his scent under control but more people were chattering and asking questions and shoving roughly against each other with annoyed growls. They were unmoved by his obvious distress. And why wouldn't they be? He was a calm, friendly [non-car] with sleepy eyes and still a rookie in the industry. "Please give me some space." Owen requested, putting his hands out for room but was ignored. He was too far from the studio still to simply run and escape, though that was quickly looking like his only option. Owen had figured the weather and being in another city would make him less recognizable. He'd explained such a thing to his manager Geona, who'd tsked and waved him off but hadn't pressed the issue. But his dark hair and tall frame had started to grace magazine covers, and his shoulders were just a little too narrow to not be recognizable. As he was closed in on Owen found himself wishing he'd taken his manager's advice or even Richard's offer of a ride back to his car. With a quick breath, he ducked and broke through the crowd and rushed down the street. _________ The cold marble stone against her cheek was the first thing she felt as she came out of her doze. A child was running and shouting outside and it carried in through the small window near the ceiling. Tucked into her jacket, and infant started to whimper. And with a sigh, the woman shifted the baby to wipe its nose and rock it back to sleep. ________ Jogging was a relaxing activity for Owen. A time that could stretch from ten minutes to an hour where he could consider and focus on one thing besides his breathing. Whether the sounds that surrounded him were the day slowly beginning with chirps and the slap of his feet on pavement or the steady pulse of a treadmill and chatter of the other people working out. Running from the paparazzi was quite different. There was no steady rhythm to fall into and his shopping bags bounced unhelpfully against his left leg as he ducked and zipped between the people. Behind him, the sound of his pursuers was fading and without looking back he pushed himself a little harder.   He quickly came upon Wilbourne Square, during the summer a bustle of activity from tourists shopping at expensive shops and office workers or dentists going to lunch to local families that bustled to the park a few more blocks down the way. The last of the tourist were straggled about Welbourne Square now, and the lunch crowd was gone, but Owen still had to be careful to make sure he didn't run anyone over as he rushed through to the other side. Breathing deeply, he slowed and glanced about, looking for a place to lose his followers and circle back to his car. The seat warmer and coffee seemed a long way off and his sniffled in the cold. Peeking down an alley he was disappointed to find there wasn't a dumpster he could duck behind. The quick sound of running feet came to his ears and he glanced around again to find a storage closet down the alley. It might be locked but he had to try at least. Owen rushed inside the closet, too quickly to actually be relieved that it had opened, and huddled down behind the door, his ear against the wood to make sure the danger had passed and his breath held. But he couldn't pay attention to the sounds outside for very long before a growling in the closet with him caught his attention.

[imjustthemechanic]

Natalie Jones and the Golden Ship

Part 1/? - A Meeting at the Palace Part 2/? - Curry Talk Part 3/? - Princess Sitamun Part 4/? - Not At Rest Part 5/? - Dead Men Tell no Tales Part 6/? - Sitamun Rises Again Part 7/? - The Curse of Madame Desrosiers Part 8/? - Sabotage at Guedelon Part 9/? - A Miracle Part 10/? - Desrosiers’ Elixir Part 11/? - Athens in October Part 12/? - The Man in Black Part 13/? - Mr. Neustadt Part 14/? - The Other Side of the Story Part 15/? - A Favour Part 16/? - A Knock on the Window Part 17/? - Sir Stephen and Buckeye Part 18/? - Books of Alchemy Part 19/? - The Answers Part 20/? - A Gift Left Behind Part 21/? - Santorini Part 22/? - What the Doves Found Part 23/? - A Thief in the Night Part 24/? - Healing Part 25/? - Newton’s Code Part 26/? - Montenegro

Look who’s back!

The town of Kotor in Montenegro didn’t have many claims to fame.  It had been reasonably important under the Venetian empire, but those days were long gone, and it was only just starting to find new life as a tourist attraction.  In many ways it was the exact opposite of Santorini, which had been whitewashed villages clinging precariously to the edges of cliffs, with no trees.  Kotor was dark stone and brick clustered at the bottom of a deep, fjord-like valley full of foliage.  It was much more sheltered and cool than Santorini, and Natasha decided she would rather have spent a weekend here than on that barren volcanic island.

When they arrived, there was a cruise ship anchored in the bay.

“Wouldn’t it be funny if that were the same boat we saw at Santorini?” asked Clint.

Nat shielded her eyes from the low morning sun and squinted to see the image on the ship’s superstructure.  “I think it is,” she said.

“Really?”

“Yeah.”  As the sun went behind a cloud for a moment, the light changed and Nat was able to make out the circular logo.  “There it is – Zodiac Cruise Lines, the Scorpio II.  Same as in Santorini.”

“That’s… actually not funny at all,” Clint decided.  “Think how much more fun we’d be having on our little tour of the Balkans if we were on a cruise ship!

“You’d have a way better selection of wines,” said Nat.

“Air conditioning,” Sam agreed.

“Lobsters to race,” said Jim.

“We’d have a way more expensive selection of wines,” Clint corrected.  “Santorini was expensive enough.  Speaking of which…”  He checked his phone.  “Laura says if I’m in Kotor I need to find her some smoked ham.  Apparently that’s a thing.”

“All right,” said Nat.  “We’ll save the world.  You can shop for souvenirs.”

“I’m glad you guys trust me with the important stuff,” said Clint.

Before they did anything out, they found a room at the Hotel Vadar, just a moment’s walk from the gate in the old Venetian city walls.  The hotel only had one available, due to a last-minute cancellation, and it only had one bed, but they would make do.  It would definitely be better than camping out in a construction site on Santorini, or rock-hard mattresses on the creaking cargo boat.

If Neustadt had told them to go to Kotor as part of a trap, then it probably wouldn’t have mattered if they’d all stopped to take a nap first – a mousetrap wouldn’t spring until something touched the cheese.  After their encounter with the thief on Santorini, however, they were worried that the alchemist might have decided to take matters into their own hands.  On that assumption, they ate a quick lunch and set out for the monastery at once.

The Church and Monastery of the Holy Dove were outside the northwest corner of the town, a short but arduous hike up a very steep path on the mountainside.  There were Catholic churches in Montenegro, but this one was Eastern Orthodox, identified by its domed roof and a steeple with three bells, one each for Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.  The Square of the Holy Dove outside was thronged with tourists and with vendors selling trinkets to them.  On the left side of the church steps was a man selling books of local history in several languages, and on the right were a pair of sisters busking, one with a guitar and the other singing English pop songs.  Stray cats and dark-coloured pigeons ran around underfoot.

Trailing behind a tour group from the cruise ship, they climbed the steps to the church and went inside.  The interior was unusually bare by Orthodox standards, which had inherited the Byzantine preference for colourful murals with lots of gold.  The Holy Dove had once been decorated that way, but the plaster had fallen off the walls in an earthquake in the 1960’s, and since there was little hope of recreating the paintings in their former splendor, the walls had simply been left as bare red limestone.  Only a few fragments of the paintings remained, and a corkboard displaying carefully colourized old photographs to suggest what it had once looked like.  The austerity had the effect of making the wall of icons at the far end stand out all the more, their gilded surfaces glittering in the shafts of light from the high windows.

A monk was busy re-lighting candles in front of these holy pictures, murmuring a prayer as he did each one.  Tourists were taking flash pictures of this, despite posted signs warning that the light might damage the remaining murals.  The group respectfully waited until he was finished before approaching him.

“Excuse me,” said Nat.  “Do you speak English?”

“Some,” the monk replied.  “Do you have questions about the church?”  He must be used to being approached by strangers.

“No,” said Natasha.  “We’re here to see Brother Luka.”

The young monk went a little pale.  “What do you want with Brother Luka?” he asked.

This was not going to go well, Nat could already tell.  “He has something a man named Neustadt needs,” she said.  “He was supposed to send it to him?”

“Wait here,” said the young monk.

He vanished through the back door of the church, leaving them to wait there a while and contemplate the crumbling paintings that remained on the insides of some of the supporting arches.  These were mainly the faces of saints, with their names in Greek lettering next to them.  By one was a man on a ladder, using some sort of glue to stabilize a bit that was about to fall apart.

The young monk returned, accompanied by the Abbot.  This man was also younger than Nat would have pictured a monk, which she tended to think of as a bunch of old men clinging to a dying institution.  He was no older than fifty, and clean-shaved, with a jowly face and a strong Eastern European nose.  His expression was worried.

“Good morning,” he said to them.  “I am Father Slavko of the Brothers of the Holy Dove.”

“Good morning,” Nat replied, and for the sake of looking legitimate, she pulled out her badge.  “I’m Dr. Natalie Jones, of the Committee for the Appraisal of Archaeological Peril.  We were told to come here and see Brother Luka.  The man we spoke to didn’t give us much information.”

“You are the second group of people in as many days who have come for Brother Luka,” said the Abbot, and Nat’s heart sank – Neustadt must have already been here.  “A man in a hat came yesterday morning and the two argued.  The visitor left angry, and Brother Luka took ill shortly afterwards.  He’s now in the hospital in Meljine.  The doctors said it was a stroke.”

Something Neustadt had done on purpose, Nat wondered, or just an old man who’d gotten too angry for his own good?  “What did they talk about?” she asked.

“I did not hear,” said the Abbot.  “It was not my business.”

“Excuse me,” the younger monk said, “I did hear.  They spoke about Aleksio the Heretic.”

Aleksio.  That was the name from Newton’s notebooks, the one who said The Principle was in the monastery.  “Who is Aleksio the Heretic?” she asked.

The Abbot looked over his shoulder at the crowded church and the tourists with their cameras, then moved closer to the group.  “Come with me,” he said.

He led them out of the church by the back door, an ornately carved wooden one with big iron hinges that must have been centuries old, and into the area where the monks lived.  Outside of the parts open to the public, the monastery was sparingly decorated and without electric lights.  The Abbot stopped by a small table and took a flashlight out of a drawer, then produced an immense iron key and unlocked another door, which looked like it might lead to a medieval torture chamber – although the taller members of the CAAP had to duck to go through it, it was made of planks six inches thick, reinforced with heavy iron bands and nails like railroad spikes.  When the Abbot opened the door, Nat could see that the nails were so long they went all the way through and protruded a few inches from the back, where they’d been hammered to the side to lie flat.

A very narrow flight of stone steps spiraled down into the darkness.

“Be careful,” said the Abbot.  “They are often wet.”

Down they went, in single file.  Sir Stephen and Sam, who were both very tall men, had to stoop.  Jim bent at the knees, walking like the Missing Link, and Allen hugged his own shoulders, trying to keep from filling the entire space.  Only Nat, the shortest, was able to stand up straight.  Anybody wishing to go back up would probably have had to go backwards, and anybody behind him or her would have had to turn back, also.

At the bottom was an equally narrow corridor.  It went a short way to another door, which the Abbot opened with a different key.  The rusted hinges squealed as they moved, thunderously loud in the tiny, quiet space.  Beyond was an underground chamber.  A little bit of light and a slight draft came in through a set of tiny grates in the floor of the church overhead.  Shadows passed by as the tourists wandered around.  At the far end of the room was a table, with a little sandbox in which several candles had been set upright to burn, and an ornamental reliquary.  In front of the table another monk was kneeling.  He’d looked up at the sound of the hinges moving, but saw it was the Abbot, and returned to his silent praying.

“Have you heard of the Cathars?” asked the Abbot.

“They were a heretical group during the Middle Ages,” Natasha replied.  “They believed that God and the Devil were equal in power, and the Earth was their battleground.  Was Aleksio the Heretic a Cathar?”

“No,” said the Abbot.  “His was a much more poisonous idea.  He believed that the Devil could not truly be evil, because all the evil he does is in the service of God’s plan.  He reasoned that evil would not exist unless God allowed it, and therefore evil can serve good purposes – he thought that Judas would go to Heaven for making Christ’s sacrifice possible, and that the Anti-Christ would be as divine as Christ himself.”

Nat had been hoping for something a little more alchemical.  As far as she could tell, this was just theological semantics, and seemed irrelevant.  “Neustadt said he had something called the Principle.”

The Abbot nodded.  “That is in here.  It’s our most holy relic.”

“So why is it hidden away, and not in a place where souls may benefit by it?” asked Sir Stephen.

“For a long time it was because of the Crusaders,” the Abbot said.  “It was the sort of treasure they would stop at nothing to possess, and so we pretended it was only a myth.  After centuries of that it was almost forgotten.  Then we had to hide it away from the heathen Turks, who would have destroyed it if they’d found it – and then there was Aleksio, who said that the Antichrist would come for it on the day of judgment.”  He looked up at the ceiling as another tourist’s shadow passed over it.  “And don’t think I haven’t wondered if the man in the hat were he.”

“He’s not the Antichrist, he’s an alchemist,” said Natasha.  Although she supposed it was possible that Aleksio had thought Newton was the Antichrist… in which case, in a mind that believed everything served God’s plan, Newton might actually be the good guy.  “Is it gold?”

“No,” said the Abbot.  “It is something infinitely more valuable than that.”

He touched the praying monk’s shoulder, and the man got up and stood aside.  The Abbot took a chain from around his own neck and removed a small, tarnished key from it, and unlocked the reliquary on the table.

[pidgelings]

Day 4: Pets

Read on Ao3: http://archiveofourown.org/works/12882291/chapters/29520435

Pidge isn’t sure how, but her “trash bugs” somehow escaped her room and now she needed to find them.

Day 4 prompt for Pidgance Month done! Quick shoutout to @myeverlastingship for helping me figure out what I should’ve focused on for this prompt (it was either going to be the trash bugs or the mice) and for helping me figure out the Spanish word for something! I will always suck with Spanish -- Btw, side note: The video that’s linked to the question was just the inspiration for that particular reference, not what actually occurred. XD

Anyways, enjoy !!

Normally, things were pretty calm in between missions for Team Voltron. However, that was “normally.” Today seemed to be an exception for one Paladin in particular.

“Dammit! Where the quiznak could they have gone?!”

And there’s that Paladin in particular.

Currently, Pidge found herself running all throughout the Castleship in search of two little creatures she happened to bring back with her from the trash nebula she landed in when the team got separated all that time ago. Somehow, up to this point, she managed to keep her… pets(?) hidden away from the others, but somehow they’ve managed to escape her room while she was in her hangar.

Sure, they probably weren’t going to cause any trouble as they tended to just watch as people did things, but she was worried about how the team would react to them. She loved the little guys and she didn’t want to get rid of them. This is why she found herself a little scatter minded at the moment.

Of course, a sudden yell from the next hall over made her thoughts focused as she ran to the source. It was Lance who had yelled and when she finally saw him, she also found her two trash bugs, no doubt being the cause for his yelling.

“PIDGE! WHAT THE HELL ARE THESE THINGS?!” Lance’s eyes shot over to Pidge as he tried to back away from the two creatures floating in front of him. The girl in question groaned. Of course, they’d be drawn to the guy that they always hung out on the trash version off.

“Lance, calm down, they’re not going to hurt you…” Her voice was only a mutter as she walked over to the panicking boy and her pets.

“HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!”

“They’re mine.”

“WHAT?!” Pidge clicked her tongue a couple of times, causing the bugs to turn and look at her. They floated over to her soon enough, allowing Lance to relax.

“See? They won’t hurt you.” Lance shot her a nervous look.

“What are those things…?”

“I can’t say I know for sure, but remember when we all got scattered across the universe?” Lance nodded. “Well, when I was alone on that trash nebula, a bunch of these little guys were my only company. These two in particular actually came with me into my lion and I couldn’t bring myself to get rid of them… So… they’ve been kinda living in my room this whole time.”

“Wait, you’re telling me that Allura and Coran allowed you to keep two… I don’t know-“

“I call them trash bugs.”

“-Trash bugs, and they wouldn’t let me keep a cool-looking alien plant?”

“Okay, first off, that plant was actually quite dangerous to all of us? The smell caused you to practically become as high as the stars.” Lance rolled his eyes.

“I wasn’t high, Pidge.”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll remember that when I think back to your question that you asked while under the plant’s influence…”

“What question was that?”

“‘If your leg gets cut off, does it hurt?’” The silence from Lance only proved her point. “Anyways, secondly, they don’t actually know.”

“Wait, seriously?”

“I’ve kept these little guys a secret from everyone. You’re the first person to see them besides me.”

“Pidgey, I can’t believe you’re such a deceiver!”

“Lance, you thought I was a boy until I told you otherwise. Plus, I hacked into the Garrison how many times?”

“…Point taken, but still! How have you kept them a secret.”

“Well, they don’t usually leave my room so that makes hiding them a bit easier… But, of course, they decided to sneak out today. How they did that, I have no idea…” She hummed with a shrug as she felt one of them land on her head.

“…Y’know, they’re kinda cute when they aren’t scaring the quiznak out of you…” The blue trash bug took Lance’s words as a welcome to float back over to him. The Paladin held out his hand and allowed the little guy to land in his hand before he began to pet it with his other hand. “Do they have names?”

“Uh… I never had time to name them before…”

“What?! We need to fix that then!”

“Um… Can we not do that here though? These guys are still kinda a secret, remember?”

“Oh, right! Welp! Lead the way!”

“Huh?”

“…To your room? You said you keep them in there, right?”

“Oh, right-“ With that, Pidge, along with Lance, quickly headed back to her room.

Of course, during the walk, Pidge had a mini-realization. None of the other Paladins knew about the Trash Paladins she made. Not only that, but she had kept Trash Lance and Trash Hunk when she came back. Oh no…

She stopped in front of her door, hesitating slightly.

“You okay, Pidge?” Lance’s voice came from behind her.

“Uh, yeah! I just kinda remembered you haven’t seen my room before… It’s pretty messy…” Maybe he wouldn’t notice Trash Lance and everything would be fine!

“A messy room won’t bother me for a few minutes, but you should ask me to help you clean it up sometime.” Pidge chuckled.

“Unlikely. The messiness is rather comforting.”

“Suit yourself,” Lance hummed with a shrug as Pidge opened the door. The two headed in and the Cuban realized that she wasn't kidding when she said her room was messy. “Geez, how do you live like this?”

“I could ask you the same with your beauty routine,” Pidge shot back with a roll of her eyes.

“Excuse me, my face masks help make this,” he gestured to his face, “a solid 10 every day!”

“Is that on the PH scale because you’re pretty basic, Lance…” There was nothing better than seeing Lance’s offended face in response to her words.

“You wound me, Pidgey!”

“Serves you right for giving me that stupid nickname…”

“It’s a great nickname!” Pidge was unamused.

“Anyways, you wanted to help me name these little guys, so shoot me some ideas… And, please, don’t make them as bad as ‘Pidgey…’” Lance scoffed at her comment before looking at the two trash bugs. At that moment, the two creatures decided to head over to their favorite resting spot, Trash Lance. Pidge felt her heart stop for a moment as Lance watched them head over to her creation.

“Woah, what the heck is that thing?” Oh great. Is it too late for Pidge to launch herself into the empty void of space?

“Uh, what ‘thing?’” Sure, Pidge. Playing dumb was so going to work here. She watched as Lance walked over to the trash version of himself and gestured to it.

“This ‘thing!’ What is it?” Quick! Should Pidge lie or tell the truth? Uh…

“Okay, so that’s a long story…”

“I have time.”

“Ugh… Okay, so while I was stranded on the trash nebula, I actually started to get… worried… I didn’t realize how close I had become with all you guys so when I was isolated and all by myself, I made statues out of you guys so I wouldn’t feel so alone…” Her eyes were locked on the ground, refusing to meet Lance’s.

“And you kept mine when you came back?”

“…Yours and Hunk’s… He’s right behind you.” Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lance turn to check before facing her again.

“Why keep ours?”

“I don’t know!” Pidge’s eyes shot up to meet Lance’s. “I’ve known you two the longest and I guess I just…” Her voice trailed off. She knew that she kept Lance’s for a different reason than why she kept Hunk’s, so she couldn’t really bring herself to answer honestly. A chuckle snapped her out of her thoughts.

“Oh my god! That’s so cute!”

“What?”

“I knew you actually cared about us and this just confirms it! You made little trash versions of us just to keep you company!”

“Of course I care about you guys! Why wouldn’t I?” The soft look Lance gave her sent a shockwave through her system. The taller boy walked over to her before pulling her into a hug.

“We care about you too, Pidge… …Or, at least, I do.” Her eyes widened at his words as she hesitantly wrapped her arms around him. Did he even know what he was doing to her?

“…Thanks, Lance.” Her voice was soft as she spoke.

“No problem. I’m just speaking the truth.” The hug ended, much to Pidge’s displeasure. The two stood in silence for a bit, just looking at each other until Lance cleared his throat as a warmth spread across his cheeks. “So- Anyways- How about those names?”

“O-Oh, right-! Uh... Do you have any ideas?”

“We could call the green one ‘Pigeon.’” The playful smile on Lance’s face caused Pidge to groan with mock annoyance.

“Lance, no.”

“And we could call the blue one ‘The Tailor’ or just ‘Tailor’ for short!”

“Lance, are you naming them after us?”

“Maybe~”

“Okay, well, if you’re going to do that, can you at least give them better names?” She chuckled at Lance’s pout.

“Fine… How about… ‘Lluvia’ for the blue one?”

“‘Lluvia?’ Why Lluvia?”

“It means rain in Spanish and I’ve always loved the rain.” Pidge hummed in thought before nodding.

“Lluvia… I like it! Now, what about the green one?” Lance only shrugged.

“I think you should name the green one.”

“Hm���” Pidge hummed as she thought. Considering the close bond between the trash bugs, from what she could see, she felt it was only fitting to name the green one something that could be related to rain. “…How about Fern?”

“Like the plant?”

“Yeah! Lluvia and Fern are pretty close and I was thinking about how plants need water to grow so…” She could tell Lance understood what she meant by the soft chuckle he gave.

“Lluvia and Fern… Cute.” Pidge nodded in agreement. After a moment of silence, Lance spoke up again. “Hey, Pidge?”

“Hm?”

“You said plants need water to grow, right?”

“Um, yeah?”

“Well, I was talking to Allura about the lions a while ago and I found out that each lion was crafted with an element in mind.”

“Oh? That’s pretty cool.”

“Yeah, I thought so too. Anyways, it turns out that the Blue Lion is the Guardian Spirit of Water or something like that.”

“Interesting… What’s the Green Lion?”

“The Guardian Spirit of Nature.” Pidge’s eyes drifted to Lance who was already looking at her.

“Lance, are you suggesting something?” Her tone was playful.

“Well, I was just thinking that maybe you’d grow taller if you spent more time with me~” Pidge choked on her sudden laugh before punching him on the arm.

Yeah, she really did care about this dork.

…So did Lluvia and Fern.

[scientifically-strange]

What’s it Like?

Trying something a little new. Instead of third person it’s straight from Danny’s pov

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

What’s it like? 

I always find myself getting asked this, whether it be from Tucker, Dani, Sam, or hell, even Valerie sometimes. And while it doesn't upset me, the question itself is hard to answer, and is tiring to do so after having to do it so many times. 

So what is it like living with the Avengers?

It’s indescribable, really. It’s fun, and annoying, and stressful, and happy, and so many other words, so I think the only way I can properly tell you is if I list them all off one by one. 

Well, let me tell you.

First, I guess I should start with the host himself, Tony Stark. Though you probably know him better as Iron Man. 

He’s everything people say he is, and more. He’s selfish and sarcastic, and is stupidly smart. Yeah, he’s also a playboy, and he never focuses on the important stuff for his company. Instead he pays with desk toys in important meetings. 

Like all of us, Tony has a lot of baggage. We all have our demons, but Tony’s are arguably the worst. Yeah, I fought my older evil self and the ghost king, and Steve was in World War II, but compared to Tony it was a cakewalk. Because Tony’s been through a fucking blender. He’s got serious PTSD from the Incident, from the cave he was tortured in, and a few other things. He copes by drinking unhealthy amounts of coffee spiked with alcohol and monster energy drinks while building several more Iron man armors, all with their own special skills and weapons. 

He also has really bad attachment issues due to his father was never really around, and the father figure he did had tried to kill him. So. 

However, despite all of that, Tony is probably the most caring person on the team. And that’s including Steve. He just doesn’t know how to express it with emotions. So instead, he uses his actions. Thor mentioned one time that he needed to get more lavender (?) shampoo because he ran out, and now there’s a cabinet full of them, just for the thunder god himself.  

There was another time when Clint’s hearing aids got blown up on a mission, and Tony made him everything-proof Stark hearing aids. Clint hasn’t needed a new pair since. And he made Steve and Sam’s rooms soundproof, so that when fireworks go off they can still enjoy the view, but now with less gunshot sounds. 

Tony also really loves to nerd out, which brings me to my next friend, Dr. Bruce Banner. He’s pretty soft spoken, until he starts talking about science. I remember the longest conversation I’ve had with him was when we were talking about space and NASA, which somehow ended up on a conversation of the horrible structure of hot dog buns? Not really sure what happened there...

Bruce always has great advice, and is always in like, a zen sort of mood. He’s not nervous all the time like most people think. No, he’s only fidgety around stressful people, like Fury or Ultron. Which is perfectly understandable considering if he gets to angry or freaked he starts looking a little green around the gills.

That being said, Bruce also makes the best tea on the Compound. Nobody knows what he does to it, but if you’re having a rough day or something he’s got your back. And he’s always got Tony’s back, too. I There was one time when Tony had been up for almost four days and Bruce had come in and put some headphones on Tony, and he passed out immediately. I helped him get Tony to his room, and Bruce kind of took it from there. 

Hulk is pretty nice to. Though, to be fair the first time I met him he was pretty pissed because he couldn’t hit me. But after he calmed down enough, I told him a couple of jokes and he kind of warmed up to me. 

And I told him I could help get the glitter out of his hair.

He still doesn’t know that it sparkles sometimes when crime-fighting. Nobody else has either, but that’s only because they’re to busy kicking ass themselves. 

Steve is kind of like everybody’s dream guy, even if you yourself are a straight guy. He is 240 pounds of All-American beefcake with a heart of gold. His hair is pretty soft too. 

He’s caring, but I’ve recently learned that he;s a little shit. 

You would expect Captain America to be the perfect man, soldier, superhero, whatever. But he isn’t. I don’t even know where anybody got that idea. 

This guy has a police record that’s longer than a list of Mr. Lancer’s book-swears. And he has the worst mouth on him. He stubbed his toe the other day and was cursing up a storm. However, he was cursing in Gaelic. I asked him about it and he said it was his first language due to his parents being Irish immigrants. I hadn't known that before, so that was really nice to know. But it also explained his accent. He had a lot of Brooklyn in it, but every now and then the Gaelic would slip through with it, making for a weird verbal cocktail that never sounded quite right. 

He also has the worst mind out of all of us. It’s worse than Tuckers. His mind may be the gutter, but Steve’s is the fucking sewer. He was telling me about how he thought fondue equaled sexy times, and like? Literally, where did you make that connection? How many other foreign words has he heard and thought it was something sexual? 

It shouldn’t surprise me though, considering he was in the army. 

I could go on and on about Steve’s mouth and reckless behavior, but he, like Tony, has serious PTSD. A lot of it is from the war. He doesn’t like fireworks or loud, sudden noises unless he’s on the battlefield. There was one time I saw him mute a movie during a scene with a train, and I was going to ask him why, but then I saw that far away look in his eyes. It wasn’t my place to pry. 

There’s also something about the sound of Tony’s repulsors powering up, too. It makes Steve tense up like a cat every time he hears it. 

His coping methods are a bit healthier than Tony’s. He likes to draw his thoughts and feelings out. He’s damn good at it to, and while that’s a great thing, sometimes he falls asleep with them open, halfway done, and the shit he draws is so dark and depressing. I kind of worry about him sometimes. 

But Sam’s been helping him though a lot of it. He was stationed overseas for a while before coming back to the states, only to get caught up in the fight again a few years later. He didn’t really seem to mind though. In fact, he seemed happy to do so. Whether or not that was from Captain America asking him to, or because he missed flying, I had no idea. 

But I’ll be damned if I ever go to the park with him again. 

His name is Falcon. He has cool metal wings he uses to fly. That all makes sense, right?

So how the fuck is he talking to pigeons?

I am genuinely worried that one day Sam till take over the world with birds, and h will have them shit on people’s cars and peck out the eyes of Hydra. Or something on the lines of that. However, if he is actually going to do that I think he needs a cooler bird. 

Like a Falcon. 

And as weird as that was, it doesn’t match up to the awkwardness of meeting Natasha “Million Alias” Romanoff. She’s as deadly as she is beautiful, and if I was into her in any way I would probably pay her to beat me up.

It never actually occurred to me that she’s not always being a spy? I mean, yeah, she’s always looking at the ulterior motive, because anyone with her background (which we will not speak of, so don;t even ask) would do the same. But she’s also a shitposting meme generator and has a really popular vine account even though vine is dead? Then again this is Natasha we’re talking about. I don;t wanna know how she does what she does. 

She also steals clothes. SO far she’s stolen one of Tony’s hoodies, a pair of Clint’s sweatpants, a scrunchie from Thor, and one of my old Dumpty Humpty shirts I got at a concert. She also cheats at Monopoly and Cards Against Humanity. I haven’t figured out how she’s done it, but I know she does. Nobody, and I mean nobody, can just fucking win seventeen times in a row. You;d have to be a mind reader to do that shit. Jesus. 

She’s terrifying, and honestly, every time I see her glare the fear of Thor runs through me, but a good portion of that goes away when she’s around Clint. And honestly> I can’t blame her. Clint, out of all of the Avengers I live with, is probably the one I hang out with the most. He’s super chill, and covered head to toe in bandages and has to have an entire pot of coffee just to stay awake. Also, he’s deaf? I had no idea during the Battle of New York, but later I found out that it was because they had broken and his new ones hadn’t come in yet. He’s taught me a lot of sign language so far, and Tucker makes fun of me for practicing it when I’m back in Amity. 

Clint also has a lot of nests. 

He has one on top of the fridge, in the A that’s on the outside of the building, a couple of key spots in the vents, and a board room on the 27th floor under the table because nobody ever uses it and it has a nice view of the sandwich shop right across the street. I’m sure he has more, but those are just the ones that I’ve found. 

Also, his dog is not cuter than Cujo, don’t listen to that asshole. 

Even though Clint chooses to keep his hearing aids out half the time, he still knows when Thor has come back from Asgard. Every single time, no matter where we’re at in the building, he just knows. It’s like a sixth sense. His head perks up, and he gets a dumb grin on his face, but then it quickly falls when he remembers that he ate the rest of the thunder god’s poptarts. 

Thor is really fun to be around. And while I haven’t had a lot of quality bonding time with the dude, Dani has. They sit around and braid each other’s hair all the time, talking about flowers and giant monsters and space. Really, they’re best friends. And it’s adorable.

Don’t tell Jazz I said that.

There are aspects of Thor that remind me a little bit of all of the Avengers. Like Natasha, he can be cunning when he wants to. He’s always got the munchies like Clint, and has great advice like Bruce. Similar to Tony he also struggles with his own demons. But he seems to be most like Steve.

That being said, they are both huge little shits. 

See, Thor likes to prank people. Half the time he uses Mojo (I don;t know how to pronounce the hammer’s name, okay) to fuck with us. I remember he and Natasha handing different house members his hammer while Natasha video taped it. He gets a huge kick out of watching us fall over. I remember when he did it to Steve, who was to zoned out in his paper to even realize what Thor had asked him to hold. He was gobsmacked for a whole week. 

He hasn’t done it to me yet, and I have no idea if that’s because he hasn’t gotten around to it or because he’s still obsessed over me technically being royalty since I beat Pariah Dark, the former king. The first time we met he got down on one knee and bowed. It was the most surreal experience of my life, and that’s including when Tucker had to wear a chicken costume to a Dumpty Humpty concert because he lost a bet to Sam. 

Every time he comes back from Asgard, we shake. But we don’t shake like normal people. It’s a sort of cultural thing. Instead of shaking hands we grip each other’s forearms and squeeze. I kind of like doing that better than a handshake. It seems way cooler. 

So, you ask me what it’s like to live with the Avengers?

Living with them, it feels familiar, like it;s the one thing I’ve been missing my whole life. 

It’s family. 

---------

Also, OC week submissions are open officially if you want me to write them in with a DP and marvel!

[anxious-band-pan]

A list of random crackheadery from high school cause I low key miss it

“I’m gonna yeet myself into the afterlife”

“I’m gonna rotisserie cook your future children and eat them”

“KARMA’S A B*TCH!” Yelled while playing a game of uno in homeroom very loudly

a kid walked around our lunchroom with a fake blue bird pinned in his hair which was life size and honestly the weirdest part of lunch

“What should i put on my shirt for (x club)? It’s between uwu, Space Boi uwu, and rawr XD. My goal is to be as cringey as possible.”

*crying* “Well you just threw off my groove and i-“

(To the tune of G-6) “I’m a dumb bish, I’m a dumb bish”

“(X name)! How far would you have been if i didn’t stop you to tell you you’re a thot”. “Probably yeeted off a bridge by now”

“He just looks like a sad pigeon with a boss hat”

(To the tune of celebrate good times) “end my suffering, come on!”

“My hands are white!” “YOU’RE WHITE!”

“I’m a firm believer in don’t judge something unless you try it, unless it’s illegal or drugs; don’t do drugs kids”

“.....but not all dogs can fit on skateboards!”

“Can we just cut my legs off and sell them”

“Invade my body, daddy bacteria”

“That’s what I imagine it would sound like if a spider ran in tap shoes”

“My church had an average attendance of 421 this year, we were so freaking close”

“Did you know that Waluigi has the same number of syllables as hallelujah, so if you think of any song with hallelujah in it you can replace it with Waluigi and it’ll fit”

“Anyone wanna feel my swollen gland”

“Your gay is like your mother’s tendency to sleep with men: plentiful”

“If being gay is a sin is satan the gay fairy”

“Vines are like actual vines: you get stuck and you never get out” “vines can choke you though” “Yes choke me daddy vine”

“You are each gonna have a burger component on your back” “I wanna be the meat ;)”

“Grab me however you want daddy hamburger”

*showing a paper with a picture of a bottom bun* “I guess you could say I’m a.... bottom”

“STOP EATING THE DUCT TAPE!”

“Shut up, don’t talk about my potatoes like that”

“Can you snort tide pods”

*whisper screaming and hitting a chair* “WHY IS COTTON EYED JOE BACK”

“But if two furries screw, is god cool with that?”

“PHD- pretty high dolphins”

“Do crocs have memory foam? i think not”

“I’ve run out of creative ways to whip”

“This is why we shouldn’t legalize weed, because we’re having this conversation sober”

“Don’t you just get sad every time a chair dies”

“Praise our lord and savior, Magic Mike”

“I’ll give you fifty bucks if you can guess what’s in my thermos.” “Coffee.” “No. It’s chicken noodle soup”

“I’m gonna eat your fingernails” “did you say EAT” “yeah, I’m gonna chew his fingernails off”

“I already went back to Mexico”

“You’re the BFG” “How so” “Big Frickin Gay”

“But since you’re gay, would you date me if i was” “the only way I’d date you is if you were an online catfish”

“We have a speaker with fake arms today” “he cant bring those in the school those are weapons” “how is he gonna throw them?” “With his feet”

“did you say the THOT police?” “no you idiot the THOUGHT police”

“I’m not scared of Russia. Like honestly i can beat them”

“I share a brian with satan and it smells shirty” (not a typo. Those exact words. I think it was making fun of a typo)

“I look like I’m about to go repaint all my mugs with lead paint”

“And today on the game show of sentences i never thought I’d have to say: it’s not a necklace if you buy it in the pet aisle of walmart”

“You look like the kind of person who would cut spaghetti with dull scissors”

“Hey, hey, hey, not in my f***ing Christian Minecraft server”

“We’re all going to hell” “Not me” “listen we’re in a school we’re already there” “True”

*to the tune of “what is love? Baby don’t hurt me”* “POKÉMON! BABY DON’T HURT ME, DON’T HURT ME, NO MORE”

“YO! PITBULL JUST CAME IN AND OFFERED DONUTS!”

“I’m gonna suck your eyeballs”

“Are we not allowed to have our nails painted since we’re guys” -a definite female, to another definite female

“Ok, so here’s the deal: straight people are uncooked spaghetti. Gay people are cooked rotini. I’m kinda like a cooked spaghetti. I’m not straight, I’m in between.” “The Italian is now interested I’m here what’s up with pasta”

“This song reminds me of Mexican food” “How does this remind you of Mexican food it’s jazz?”

“You’re not allowed to switch schools, I need my twin cop”

“You guys are the reason I wanna die” “you guys are the reason I drink”

*taking a huge drink of peanut butter hot chocolate* “I’m allergic to peanut butter” “THEN WHY DID YOU DRINK IT????” “Because i wanna die”

“so there’s two kinds of country hicks: the yee haws and the haw yees. Now the yee haws are the ones in country songs, they’re vaguely normal and drink and do horse riding stuff. The haw yees are the ones who fish with their hands and then f*** their cousins afterwards”

“Pop is just spicy water”

“I’m sorry, it’s not pizza Steve anymore” “Who is it” “the fresh prince of bel air”

A kid took his phone out of the microwave like that was a normal thing that humans do

“BUT IS HE DATING THE DEER?!”

“Chinese people eat cats, why not lesbians?” *teacher looks up* “saying Chinese people eat cats is too far”

“A gryffindor and a ravenclaw ooh this is good”

Two girls at the exact same time: *Gasp* TEA!

*girl leans back and cracks her head on a counter kind of thing* a friend:”that’s the third f***ing time!”

“SUCK MY WEENIS!”

“If you ever need a professional con artist I’m here” *teacher looks up* “you didn’t hear that” teacher:”hear what”

“Guys I’m stupid. You know when there’s a big number and then a lil number what’s the lil one called” “exponent?” “Yeah!”

*impersonating yoda screaming*

*chugging coffee* “well, I’m still just as tired, but now my atoms are just jazzed.”

“Not to quote Frozen, but you can’t marry a man you just met!”

“Not knowing what kind of exorcise people are talking about is always interesting, because I don’t know if we’re talking about working out or satan”

“If we actually die in the scene where they kill themselves, do we get bonus?” Teacher: *sighs* “sure.”

“Physically you have hair but spiritually you’re bald.”

*Singing boyfriend by BTR for about an hour straight*

“Stop saying teehee you sound like off brand Michael Jackson”

“He smells dead mice for a living!”

*kicking someone’s foot off a ledge* “long live the king!”

*holding a banana like a weapon* “give me all your debt!”

“I want my fingers to be four inches long”

“Let me read your head for a second”

“Oh no you’re white out now”

“This is what happens when your insides are cold”

“Did you just call me a dumb banana?”

“So Kelvin is Fahrenheit...”

“Let me add another fat roll to your arm”

“You wanna see a cute pic of my baby nephew?” “Sure but I might cry”

“Listen I need these pictures to load so I can see if my goats are being little crackheads”

“I keep trying to see if you’re a VSCO girl but you’re holding out on us”

“Pumpkin. Spice. Bleach.”

“I’m already a mother and I don’t like it.”

“This is a vegan cult, Jessica”

“Did you just say you started a religion?” “Yeah, I think I’ll call it the Fedoras”

“Isn’t a fedora just like... a cowboy hat but formal”

“Yes choke me daddy panic”

“I’m your emotional support crackhead deal with it”

“She got possessed by country satan”

“If you think about it toes are just little feet”

“Oh my god imagine if you pronounced Roosevelt like goose”

“Roosevelt got really sad when i broke up with him.”

“I love how I just classified reaper as its own state of being”

“So Santa’s not a cryptid”

“We’re not meat creatures like crabs”

“Do you want to be a famous writing?”

“Self care is becoming a breaded chicken tender on the weekends”

“You are a little yellow boy”

“I gotta look up how to have a stroke”

“At least you still have straight privilege”

“You piece of b*tch”

“Children having skulls is scary”

“You wanna crochet my friend a rat”

“If you kill yourself and you have a life insurance policy that your family then collects, is that insurance fraud?”

“Spaghetti man is talking about pregnancy and I’m scared”

“You’re the cutest trash I’ve ever seen”

“Poetry? Lame. DriversEd? Lame. Dousing myself in butter and becoming a dinner roll? F*ckin’ MINT”

“Finally, an invention to get rid of me” *zooms in on words garbage disposal*

“Is Swiper from Dora a furry or an actual fox?”

“I’m laughing because I just realized the word identity has t*tty in it”

“Oh my god I thought Paris was a country”

“Girl if you are having a baby this month the only thing you are birthing is FLAT Stanley”

“My eyes really said gardening”

“I snorted soapy water this morning”

“Intestines: do you really need them or are they a social construct?”

“I watched the first episode of that show illegally, and it was great”

“How much does a hit man cost in this economy?”

“Is santa wearing stripper heels?”

“No, I didn’t give birth to a baby cow”

“I am a whole grape not a raisin”

“I’ve decided on my career. I’m becoming a hit man for cheap”

“And you fought the tomato”

“You can be gay with the homeless”

[thekuroiookami]

Epic first kiss scenarios for the Gom? Feel free to make it as simple or extraordinary as you want (awkward, angry, forced, long-time-coming type of kiss, etc, whichever suits you) ;D

Dear me, it took me ages to write this one because I ran out of ideas at one point. I’m sorry the last two are a bit lacklustre, but I hope you like it, anon. Tell me which ones worked and which ones didn’t - personally I’m quite proud of the way Kuroko’s and Akashi’s turned out.

Akashi

Asusual, when the teacher let them loose into the playground, you ran over toAkashi like a homing pigeon, unswerving in your determination. He watched withunblinking eyes as you plopped on the ground next to him, your legs foldingunder you. You looked at the sandcastle in front of him. “That looks cool,Akashi-kun. Can I help?”

Henodded, not really invested in either outcome. You picked up a trowel and beganto carefully scrape a moat around the towering structure. The both of you weresilent for a while as you worked, Akashi gazing distantly at the sand. You madea little bridge of rocks over the moat before speaking. “Why are you sad,Akashi-kun? You usually tell me off by now.”

Hisfists clenched as the observation hit its mark. It wasn’t fair, nothing wasfair, and you didn’t get to just ask him what was wrong. “I should be the oneasking questions. All of the others are afraid of me. Why do you keep comingback?”

Youblinked at him, surprised. “Because I want to be friends, of course.” Youfrowned at the idea that your classmates were avoiding him. They hadn’t donethat before. It wasn’t until he started coming to school with that dark facethat everyone thought something was wrong.

Hedidn’t say anything, expression shuttered as he etched the outline of a windowinto a sandy wall. You waited, feet tapping together while he came to aconclusion. You were good at waiting. You had to wait a lot for him, after all.His voice was so quiet when he spoke that you became worried he was sick.

“Mymother isn’t here anymore. She left.” His eyes had no tears left to fall, buthis voice broke all the same.

 Youtilted your head in puzzlement. “Where did she go? Is it far?”

Hebent his head to hide his face, crimson locks shading his eyes. “I don’t know.But she’s not coming back.”

Youreyes widened to impossibly large orbs. “Why not? Akashi-kun’s mother wouldnever leave, she loves you, doesn’t she?”

Heasked himself the same question every day. “They said she’s asleep, a very deepsleep. But I know that’s a lie,” he said fiercely. “People always wake up inthe morning. She hasn’t woken up yet.” He didn’t know why he was telling youthis, but you seemed to understand. You scooted closer and took his hand inboth of your chubby palms.

“Ifshe’s just sleeping, then maybe we can do something. Mama read a story to meabout a princess who fell asleep for a hundred years and then a prince woke herup. Akashi-kun’s mother is like a princess, isn’t she?”

Henodded reluctantly. “I suppose so.”

Yougripped his hand harder, eyes bright with excitement. “And you’re like aprince! So all you have to do is kiss her and she’ll wake up!”

Akashigave you a look heavy with scepticism, as cynical as a ten-year-old could be.“I don’t think it’s that simple.”

Youpouted. “We won’t know unless we try.” You thought about it for a moment. “Whydon’t I practise with you?”

Hisface shifted into lines of surprise. You hadn’t realized his eyes were sopretty until they widened. “Practise?”

“Yeah!C’mon, we need to hold hands first.” You solemnly curled your fingers aroundhis. He didn’t resist because it was futile where you were concerned. Youshuffled so you were facing each other. “Now our faces need to be closer.” Youleaned forward until your nose was brushing his.

Hefrowned. “And then?” You suddenly realized you weren’t entirely sure how aprince kissed a princess. The pictures in the books always showed them justbefore whatever happened actually happened. Akashi sighed again when youadmitted as much.

“Ah!I know their lips have to touch!” You looked at him and thought about it. “So,like this?”

Akashiwent still as your lips pressed against his mouth, soft and warm. It wasn’t thesame, not exactly, but it felt like his mother’s hand in his hair. Safe,beloved. A tear trickled down his cheek when you pulled back.

“Akashi-kun?!I’m sorry! Maybe that wasn’t it after all!” You patted his cheek, trying tocomfort him the only way you knew how.

Hetouched his lips and blinked. What had happened was important somehow, but hedidn’t know why. Akashi looked up at you. “I don’t think that will work, butthank you.”

Younodded gravely at him. “It will be okay. I know it will. Princes always get ahappy ending.”

Hestood up and brushed off his shorts. Happiness bubbled up in your stomach andspilled over in a brilliant smile when he held a hand out. “If I have a friendlike you, maybe.”

Aomine

Everyoneassumed Aomine was some kind of sex god because of his swagger and well-knowninclination towards gravure magazines. The reality was quite different.Confidence did not equate to experience, as he found out one day.

Hestrolled into the konbini where you worked part-time and dropped his bag on thecounter. “Oye, bill this for me.”

Youturned to him with a long-suffering expression and exhaled slowly. He notedthat the heat of summer had left you with a shirt unbuttoned till yourcollarbones. Humidity glistened on your throat in a fine sheen, and turned yourhair into damp curls at your neck. You tapped a pen on the cash register to gethis attention.

“Don’tyou have somewhere else to be? Like high school?” He grinned as you fell backinto the easy back-and-forth of your usual conversation. As always, you beganby asking him why he was skipping.

Henodded at the bottle of iced tea on the counter. You picked it up with a scowland the machine beeped as you scanned the barcode. “Don’t you have somewhere tobe? Like university?” Your fingers were cool from the condensation on thebottle when they brushed his. A spark of awareness raced down his spine.

“It’smy day off. Don’t tell anyone,” you whispered as you leaned closer, “but that’sone of the perks of being an art student. You can plead to a fit of inspirationand stay at home.” His heart stuttered at the secretive curve of your smile.

“Huh.Not really in a position to be telling me what to do, are you?” He followed youas you moved to restock an aisle of snacks, eyes tracing the line of your backthrough the thin fabric clinging to you.

Youshrugged and continued stacking boxes on the shelves. “Hey, it’s your life. Ican afford to slack a little because I got my work done ahead of time. I alsoneed the extra money. What’s your excuse?”

Itcame out of nowhere, dropped like a ticking grenade in the space between youboth. “You are.”

Youfroze and turned to look at him, eyes wide. Aomine’s cheeks darkened as herealised the enormous implications of what he’d said. He backpedalled with astutter. “Crap, I mean-“

“Aomine-kun.Calm down. I’m not going to eat you or anything.” You patted his shouldergently and moved past him to the next aisle. “I know I’m fabulous, but youcan’t skip school to bask in my presence.”

Asurge of relief and disappointment washed over him. He leaned against the shelfand eyed you sceptically. “I was going to say you sell the best ramen, but ifit boosts your ego, whatever.”

Youlaughed and his chest tightened with longing. “So are you going to drink thator not? It’s getting warm.”

Aomineunscrewed the lid and took a long swig of the lemony sweetness. “Here,” he heldout the bottle, surprising you again. “You look like you need it as much as Ido.”

Youlooked at him a for a long moment. “Are you sure?” Your gaze turnedcontemplative when he nodded. “Alright then, thanks.”

Aomine’sbreath caught as you lifted the drink to your mouth. An unfamiliar heat spreadout over his limbs as your lips closed around the mouth of the bottle, fittingover where his had been. He swallowed hard when you finished and dragged yourtongue over your lip. “A bit too sweet,” you murmured. “I don’t know how youdrink this.”

Hescrambled for a response, but his brain had come to a full stop and there wasno getting it to move. You smirked at his silence. “Oh dear, is thehigh-schooler hung up over the indirect kiss? How cute.”

“Don’tcall me cute!” Aomine folded his arms as he growled. “I didn’t say anythingabout a kiss.”

Youmoved closer, a sly smile hovering at the edge of your mouth. “But you werethinking it, weren’t you? I can tell.”

Hispulse pounded madly and the orderly colours of the shop seemed to melt away asyou stopped in front of him, close enough for him to see the colour of youreyes. His attention was completely in your thrall, gaze pinned to your mouth. Timestopped with a screech when your lips fitted to his in a slow, languid kiss.Aomine stood unmoving as your mouth moved over his, softer than anything he’dimagined. He didn’t know what to do. Where did his hands go? And wasn’t thereusually tongue involved?

Younoticed his hesitation. “Relax. Just let your instincts guide you.”

Aominelooked at you with a mixture of confusion, trepidation and heated thrill beforedipping his head again. This time he just let himself sink into the sensationsand his hands glided over your back, pulling you closer. Sparks of golden fireburst into life over his skin as your lips parted and your tongue swept intohis mouth. You drank in a surprised moan when he tasted the lingering sugarover your lips, his senses on fire from the slick slide of tangled tongues. Hewas panting when you broke apart again.

“Andthat is how you kiss someone, young man.” You smiled at his bewilderedexpression. “Consider it an educational experience.”

Aomine’sfingers wrapped around your wrist as you moved away. “Then,” he said huskily,“I need another demonstration. Your teaching isn’t very good.”

“Certainly.Would you like to start now?”

Kise

Ifthere was one person you avoided with a vengeance, it would be Kise Ryouta, aceof the basketball team and model extraordinaire. You didn’t have anythingagainst him personally, but his presence was a disruptive force in your life,throwing everything into chaos by sheer virtue of the fact that he existed. Youstifled a scream when he walked into the library for the third time that week, lookingaround curiously.

“Kise-kun.”You gritted your teeth as he sauntered over. “How can I help you?”

“I’mlooking for a place to hide,” he announced cheerfully. “There’s a whole crowdof girls after me trying to give me chocolates.”

Andof course he’d picked the quiet haven of the library to hide in. Why were youso unlucky? “And this is a problem because?”

Heshook his head sadly. “I can’t take any of them. If I take one, I’ll have totake them all, and there are too many. I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings.”

Youwanted to screech at him that he was seriously injuring your feelings in theprocess, but you had learned from experience that it was pointless. “I’m notabout to aid and abet your crimes. Go somewhere else.”

“There’snowhere else to go, I checked.” His eyes glinted with something dangerous.“Besides, if you don’t want them all attacking me here and making a fuss, youshould help me hide.” He smiled brightly as the first echoes of many footstepscame from the hallway. “See?”

“Fine,”you snarled, frustrated that he had a point. Your eyes widened as the doorbegan to creak open. You looked around frantically and yanked Kise into a storecupboard, trapping the both of you in semi-darkness. You heard the murmur ofvoices as the fanclub searched for Kise, one girl getting perilously close toyour hiding spot.

“Iwonder where Kise-kun went? I could have sworn I saw him here.”

Theymoved away, speculating on his sudden disappearance. You exhaled in relief, butstopped mid-breath when you realized Kise’s broad chest was pressed againstyours. You slowly looked at his face to see him watching you with predatoryintent, eyes glowing amber in the dim light. You tried to shift away, but hishand pulled the door shut.

Youpressed back against a stack of books, cursing the limited space. “Wh-what areyou doing? They’re gone now.”

“___-cchi.”You stilled as he purred your name, the word rolling over your skin in afeathery brush. “Haven’t you wondered why I’ve been coming to the library somuch even though I don’t like to read?”

Youhad noticed, but this didn’t feel like the time to have that discussion. “Maybeyou just- just want some peace and quiet.” You tried to sidle past him, but hisarm was blocking the way.

Hepursed his lips in frustration and dipped his head closer. You blinked into hishopeful face, your heart beating a staccato rhythm at his nearness. “That’s notit, ___-cchi. I come here to see someone.”

Yourpalm flattened against his chest as you tried to keep him at bay. “S-someone?”His scent was all around you, clouding your mind and pulling you in. It wasfrightening and exciting at the same time.

Hebraced both hands on either side of you, caging you in. Pools of liquid goldfilled your vision as he came impossibly close. You forgot everything – how tobreathe, your own name, where you were. “It’s because of you,” he whispered.“Because I want to be with you.”

Somewherein the depths of your mind, the part which had watched him with regret everytime he traipsed into the library, a longing stirred. The feelings you hadlabelled impossible and filed away with no small amount of sorrow came tumblingback. Your chest suddenly felt as if someone had poured a bucket of happinessinto it. “I like you, Kise-kun.” It felt right to say it.

Kisestilled and his eyes flashed. You shut your eyes tightly, waiting for theinevitable kiss with both anticipation and terror. When nothing happened for agood minute, you opened one eye to find him staring at you with huge eyes and aflushed face.

“Y-youreally like me? Really?” Kise seemed shocked. You swallowed and nodded. Hecovered his mouth, cheeks pink. “I thought you hated me. I was prepared to waitforever until I could make you like me.”

Yourface felt hot with embarrassment. “I-I don’t hate you! I just- I don’t knowwhat to do when you’re so close.”

Helaughed joyously and picked you up in a bone-crushing hug. Your breath flew outof your lungs in a startled squeak. He buried his face in your hair with asmile. “I’m so happy. Thanks, ___-cchi.”

Youshyly took his hand when he set you down again. “I’m happy too. Can we, erm,leave now?”

Youmoved to open the door, expecting him to follow, but he tugged you back. “Ne,___-cchi,” he said, that wanting look back in his eyes, “I really want to kissyou. Can I?”

Youstared at him, confused. “But you didn’t want to just now?”

“Eh?Was I supposed to?” He stared back, equally lost. “Wait, is that why you closedyour eyes?”

Theembarrassment was back full force. You turned your face away, unable to bearthis awkwardness. “S-shouldn’t you know all these things? You’re supposed to bea playboy.”

Yougasped when he suddenly hooked an arm around your waist and pulled you intohim. “Well, it’s not like I’ve done this before, so…”

Yourhands automatically slid up his shoulders, but your expression was incredulous.“You haven’t? But I thought-“ Your fingers tightened on his shirt. “I-I haven’tdone this either.”

Hegrinned brilliantly. “Then it’s fine, isn’t it? We can just figure it outtogether.”

“ButKise-kun, I- mmph.” Your voice was muffled as Kise latched his lips over yours.At first the angle made it difficult until Kise tipped his head and you did thesame. He kissed with a cautious patience, learning the shape of your mouth withslow passes of his lips. You flinched when he accidentally nipped a bit toohard at your lip.

“Ah,sorry ___-cchi! I got carried away.” His thumb rubbed over the spot, soothing.“Are you okay?”

Youhad to take a moment to breathe to answer him. “I-it’s fine. Just…kiss meagain.”

Kisesmiled, eyes honey-dark. “Whatever you want, ___-cchi.”

Kuroko

Kurokowould always remember his first kiss vividly. He suspected it would always bethat way, because it happened so much later than it would have for most people,in his early twenties.

Andeven that hadn’t been the case, it would still be carved into his memoryforever, a burning line in the otherwise quiet landscape of his mind.

Whenhe first ran into you, it was because you both tried to enter a café at thesame time. Being invisible as always, you had to knock elbows with him beforeyou realised he was there. You turned around, horrified, as a soft sound ofpain left him.

“Ohmy goodness, are you alright?” You started patting him down to check forinjury. “I didn’t watch where I was going, how stupid of me.”

Hestood there in a state of mild amusement as you petted him, even going so faras to ruffle his hair. “Don’t worry about it, I’m used it to it.”

Yougave him an even more horrified look. “What does that mean? No one should beused to being ignored.”

Heblinked, strangely warmed by your words. “I have a naturally low presence. It’snot unusual for people to overlook me.”

Youfrowned as you pushed open the door to the café and he followed you inside.“That’s no excuse for not noticing you. You’re a whole person who exists. It’sjust rude.”

Kurokostopped short as his heart faltered. He hadn’t thought it existed it untilthen, but there it was. Love at first sight. He rubbed his chest, a curiouslyfluttery sensation beating against his ribs. You smiled, oblivious to the speedof his pulse, which only kicked up further. He was about to say something,anything, when he noticed the table you sat down at.

Kuroko’sstomach lurched sickeningly, heart crumpling like tin foil as he approached thesame table. Ogiwara looked up with a bright smile. “Hey, I was waiting for you!This is the special person I wanted you to meet.” You gave Kuroko a delightedsmile of shared conspiracy that made something in him break irrevocably.Ogiwara pulled you close. “____ and I are getting married.”

Throughoutthat whole afternoon at the café, Kuroko was a bundle of quiet misery, smilingeven less than usual. He resolved to forget you. He’d known you for all of fiveminutes. It shouldn’t be that hard. There was no way he would get in the way ofOgiwara’s happiness, after all. Then the blow struck.

“Soyou’ll be my best man, yeah? Don’t say no.” Ogiwara gave him that sameeasy-going grin he’d been smiling for years.

Kurokohesitated. “I…” He made the mistake of looking at you. Your eyes shone withsoft hope as you grabbed his hand. His breath hitched at the contact.

“Pleasedo, Kuroko-san. Hiro and I would love to have you around.” It was so foolish, atemperamental decision that Kagami or Aomine might make. It was going to hurtforever and he would regret it. But he said yes.

Anyhope of Kuroko ever falling out of that instant love with you was cruellykilled off. He had to spend at least a day each month talking to you, each timediscovering something new and infinitely fascinating. You were impossiblysweet, lively and somehow you always knew when he was there. Somewhere alongthe way you had become part of the fabric that made up his being; if someonecould see into his soul, your name would probably be stitched into it. As thewedding approached, Kuroko made more wishes on the stars than he cared tocount, knowing very well that the stars were too far away to do anything.

Onthe day of the wedding, Kuroko thought he might actually fold up and disappearunder the weight of the pain. He forced a smile onto his face and became aghost in truth, a shell that barely operated on the outside. He didn’t think itcould get any worse, but it did.

“Whatdo you think? Does it look alright?” Somehow he found himself alone with you inyour bridal boudoir as you twirled in a dress that wasn’t meant for him. Hetraced the slope of your bare shoulders and the line of your neck with hiseyes, expression soft. You pursed your lips, worried. “Is something wrong?”

Heshook his head and gave you a small smile, heart stretched to the breakingpoint as he told you the truth. “You look beautiful.”

Yousmiled, sparkling with an unfair warmth. “Would you mind helping me with theveil?”

Kurokocomplied, fingers moving delicately as he adjusted the lace over your hair. Thegauzy fabric fell over your face, taunting him with the impossibility. Kurokoknelt in front of you when he was finished. “It’s in place, ___-san.”

Youtouched his elbow before he could stand up. “Kuroko-san, I just wanted tosay…Thank you. You’ve been a wonderful friend to both me and Hiro. I couldn’tpossibly say how much.”

Somethingin him snapped at the words. For one instant Kuroko wanted. He wanted sodesperately that the yearning threatened to crush his bones. And he thoughtthat for once, he ought to be a little selfish. “Forgive me, ___-san.”

Youpaused in confusion as his fingers laced with yours. Kuroko felt heat seepthrough the satin of your gloves, his nerves tingling with awareness. Youstilled in shock when he pressed his lips to yours, the thin barrier of theveil between you. Kuroko briefly wondered what it would be like to kiss youwithout the lace, but that question would have to remain unanswered. It was agentle kiss, a soft communication of endless longing and unrequited feelings.Teardrops darkened the fabric, but he didn’t know whether they were yours orhis.

Aftera single, perfect moment, he drew back. Your eyes were wide and haunted beneaththe veil, and the shards embedded in Kuroko’s soul dug in a bit further. Hedidn’t mean to cause you distress, but what was one more regret among thehundreds? He stood up and drew in a breath.

“TellOgiwara-kun I’m sorry I couldn’t make it. And…I hope you have a wedding asbeautiful as you are. I wish you both many years of happiness together.” Ithurt all the more because he meant it.

Kurokowalked out of there without looking back. No one noticed, not until theceremony, and by then it was too late. But then, Kuroko would have argued, itwas too late a long, long time ago.

Midorima

Thedoor clicked as it fell shut behind you. The powdery scent of fresh laundrygrew stronger as you reached the bedroom. It was a Friday evening, so of coursehe was ironing clothes. Nothing short of a natural disaster was going to pryhim away from it. You hung up your coat on a hook and wrapped your arms aroundhis waist. “Hello, Shin-kun. I see you’re hard at work.”

Midorimastiffened slightly and then relaxed into your embrace, steadily straighteningout a crumpled pair of trousers. You had to hide a smile behind his back. Youhadn’t been dating that long, but by any standard he should have been used toyour affection by now. Yet he still froze up occasionally, as if he couldn’tbelieve this was happening and didn’t know what the next step in the procedurewas.

“You’relate, nanodayo,” he observed. “Did classes run over again?”

Youwandered around the ironing table and started folding a shirt. “No, it wasjust…an old friend.”

Hewatched you over the edge of his glasses, noting the strained expression onyour face. “A friend?”

Youregarded a button on his cuff intently and then sighed in resignation. “Well,more like…an ex.”

Itwas totally irrational, he knew. You were here with him, not this unseenperson, and nothing suggested you were happy about this encounter. You weren’tlikely to develop a sudden interest in them. He knew all that, but it didn’tmake him any less uneasy. “Did something happen?”

Youwaved away his concern. “Nothing, we just talked and went our separate ways. Ijust didn’t expect to run into them, you know?” You shook your head to clearyour thoughts. “Anyway, what would you like to do this evening? Read, or watchsomething together?”

Midorimadidn’t hear you at first. He was too busy calculating various possibilities. Heknew he wasn’t as demonstrative of his affections as most lovers were. Hetried, but it didn’t come naturally to him. You never seemed to mind, butsurely there was a limit somewhere? What if you left him when you got tired ofhis reticence? He hadn’t even kissed you yet…

Hewas still thinking about it as he stretched out the collar of another shirt.Midorima slid a glance at you as you rested your head on his shoulder, gazelingering on the soft curve of your mouth. He hadn’t ever spared it a thoughtbefore, but now that he had, kissing you was all he could think about.

Theproblem was that he had no idea how to ask for such a thing. How did peoplecommunicate a desire to kiss? Did he politely request you to join in? Thatseemed embarrassing. Did he just do what he wanted and hope that you wouldn’tpush him away? That didn’t sound right either. Was there a way for you toinitiate it instead? But you didn’t know he wanted it, so you wouldn’t try. Hewas very tempted to phone Takao and present him with this quandary.

Obliviousto this internal turmoil, you reached out across him. “Can I just get- Ouch!”There was a dull thunk from Midorima’s forehead colliding painfully with yours.You scrunched your nose as you tried to rub away the pain. “Shin-kun, what wasthat for? I wasn’t going to steal your clothes, I swear.”

Heturned into a wooden post, ears red. “I-I was not trying to hurt you, nanodayo!It was an error of judgement…”

Youwere confused, but let it go with a shrug. Silence permeated the room as youcontinued folding while he ironed, a neat stack of clothes steadily growing onthe bed. Midorima glanced at you again and wondered if there was a differentway to go about initiating a kiss, one that didn’t involve him hurting himself.He finally sighed and gave up on prevarication. “I-I have a request, nanodayo…”

Youlooked at him curiously, pausing in the act of hanging up a jacket. “Hmm?”

“Iwould like to…” He looked away and exhaled in frustration. “T-to kiss.”

Comingfrom him, it was such a strange and out-of-context statement that you stupidlyasked, “Kiss what?”

Hisgrip on the iron tightened and he shot you a glare. “Must I spell outeverything? You, of course!”

Youjust stared at him, dazed. He grew more and more uncomfortable under yourscrutiny. Midorima snapped out the vest he was ironing, face red. “I shouldn’thave asked, it’s an odd request-“ He turned to leave before this could get anymore humiliating.

“Ah!Wait!” He toppled backward as you tugged on his arm to keep him from leaving.The both of you fell over onto the bed with surprised expressions. Midorimapushed his glasses up with a sigh, propping himself up on one arm over you.

“Areyou alright-“ His eyes flew open as your lips fitted to his. By the time he hadregistered the soft sensation and created a new folder for it in his brain, youhad already pulled back. Your eyes shone with hope.

“Shin-kun,I thought you’d never ask.”

Hestuttered, unable to process this development or the utter embarrassment. Midorimastilled when your lips found his again, the foreignness of the feeling leavinghim at sea. It was so unlike holding hands or even hugging, so strangelyintimate. He felt as if you had extracted a secret part of his soul in theprocess. He relaxed into the kiss by slow degrees, fingers delicately brushingyour cheek.

Youpulled away for oxygen and regarded him anxiously. “Was that okay? Did I overdoit?”

Heglanced away, but nodded. “It was not unpleasant, nanodayo.”

“Good,because I have some bad news. Your shirt is burning, Shin-kun.”

Andthen Midorima belatedly remembered he’d left the hot iron on a perfectly goodshirt.

Murasakibara

If it had been anyone else, they would have been at leastmildly surprised when you fell out of the tree and onto them, but Murasakibarajust opened one eye, propped you up with one giant hand, and went back todozing. You shook your head to loosen the leaves in your hair. “Sorry,Mura-kun. I ruined your nap again.”

He didn’t bother looking at you. “Ne, ___-chin, do you haveany candy left?”

You patted your pockets and held up a sweet triumphantly. “Hereyou go.”

Murasakibara popped it into his mouth and chewedthoughtfully. “So why were you in the tree again?”

You brushed off debris from your shoulders before answering.“I just wanted to see the fireworks and the roof was closed off. Why are youdressed in a yukata, Mura-kun?”

He looked down at the dark haori with a furrowed brow. “Sa-chinand the drama club wanted me to. Mido-chin has one too. A pretty one,” headded.

You stretched out next to him and gazed at the darkeningsky. “Were you helping out with the play?” He hadn’t said anything aboutparticipating in the school festival.

He shifted uncomfortably and sighed. “It was for the BestCouple contest. Ne, let me use your lap as a pillow, ___-chin.”

Used to these random declarations, you shuffled so he couldrest his head on your lap. You leaned back against the tree, thinking. “Speakingof best couples, you know everyone thinks we’re dating?”

A low hum was his only answer. You looked him over,exasperated by his nonchalance. He grumbled when you poked his shoulder. “Don’tcare either way, ___-chin. ‘Sides, who is this everyone anyway?”

You ticked a list off your fingers as you spoke. “Kise-kun,Momoi-san, several of my friends, Haizaki-senpai…”

His breath ruffled his fringe as he huffed. “So what do youwant me to do? Tell them off?”

You rolled your eyes. “Of course not. I was just sayingpeople think that because we seem friendly with each other. I mean, you’re inmy lap right now.”

Murasakibara scowled like he’d been told dinner had beencancelled. “I don’t want to move from here.”

He was so thick-headed sometimes, you wanted to shake him. “I’mnot saying you have to leave. Sheesh, Mura-kun, you really…Anyway, do you wantto try it? Dating, I mean.”

He looked at you sleepily. “Hmm, I dunno…Do I have to doanything?”

“Well, it isn’t that different from what we’re doing now.Just spending time together. Talking. Maybe holding hands.” Neither of you was particularlyenthused by the idea.

He caught your hand and twined his fingers with yours. “Likethis?”

You took a moment to wonder at the size and warmth of hishand. “Yeah…something like that.”

Murasakibara also looked at your joined hands for a moment. “Don’tyou do other stuff as well? Like hug and kiss?”

You blinked, surprised he had brought it up. “I guess? Butwe’re not dating at the moment, so it doesn’t matter.”

He looked at your face, then back at your hand and seemed tocome to a decision. “Maybe ___-chin should kiss me and we can see what happens.”

You froze and gave him an incredulous look. “But- What for?”

Murasakibara shrugged, the motion lifting his broadshoulders. “You’re the one who wanted to try. If it’s not good we don’t have totry dating, right?”

You were mostly confused, but there seemed to be a grain oflogic in there somewhere. You had to admit you were a little curious. “Okay…areyou sure though?”

He exhaled in frustration. “Just come here, ___-chin.” Hegripped your tie and pulled until your face was level with his. You didn’t tryto move away, but kept watching him with wide eyes.

Murasakibara’s eyes flickered to your lips, the expressionon his face strangely hungry. His mouth slanted over yours, hand still wrappedaround your tie to keep you in place. His lips were a little chapped, andsomewhat sticky from the sugar. On instinct, your tongue flicked out to tasteit. He breathed in sharply, pulling you closer as his lips parted to claim you.He tasted you like he savoured his desserts: slowly, carefully. You weredrowning a little when he let you go.

“Mmm, not bad for a first kiss.” His lazy stare was filledwith something hot and possessive. “What do you think, ___-chin?”

You were still wondering why your world looked so differentnow. “I- I don’t know.”

He glanced at your face and burrowed into your blazer with ahum. “Then you’ll just have to do it again, until you figure it out.”

For the first time, you were tempted to card your fingersthrough his hair. The lilac strands were soft when they slipped through yourtouch. “Yeah, maybe I do.”

You could have sworn that you glimpsed the edge of a smileon Murasakibara’s face before he fell asleep.

[omgnotanothercpblog]

And I Fell In Love Instantly

Day 1: Meet Cute  @charmerweek

Hello, Wellies! 

Before we get started, the Samwell Governing Board asked me to make a short announcement: People are not allowed in the LAX frat. You might see LAX bros in the LAX frat. Do not approach them. Do not approach the LAX frat. Do not look at the LAX frat. It will not harm you.

Okay, now for some news.

Bitty, my teammate on the Samwell Men’s Hockey team – he’s ‘swawesome! – wanted me to let everyone know that he’s got plenty of pies, so stop by the Haus and try a slice. He’s been baking since this morning, and he’s running out of places to put them all. The porch is just covered! If he doesn’t already have your favorite kind made, he’ll whip one up for you while you wait. Bitty’s pies are ‘swawesome and I promise you, the five minute wait is totally worth it.

A new player for the Women’s Volleyball team came to Samwell today. She has perfect and beautiful eyebrows. I wonder if she likes hockey, specifically the Sharks? She’s so athletic. Well, many of us are, but she’s ‘swawesome! Anyway, she moved into the Women’s Volleyball house, the one next to Jerry’s.

Nobody does brunch like Jerry’s. Nobody.

An important safety reminder: the geese who live in River Quad are not to be approached. Or looked at. Or photographed. If you happen to make eye contact, run. Students and faculty are reminded to wear running shoes and protective head coverings if you plan to walk through River Quad.

This morning, hockey practice was disrupted by the mysterious appearance of an oversized puck. Seriously, it was the size of a Zamboni. It disappeared again after about ten seconds and nobody was hurt. It was probably the work of Yale Men’s Hockey. They’re always trying to throw us off our game. Not cool, Bulldogs. Not cool.

The new volleyball player – I just learned her name is Caitlin Farmer - announced an exhibition match. She has beautiful blue eyes and her eyebrows are perfect. Everything about her is just… perfect.

Bitty dropped by with some of his mini pies. They were apple pies, except he ran out of apples, and they are the most delicious apple-less apple pies I’ve ever tasted. Bitty is expecting a good harvest of apples though, from the orchard he planted behind Faber just last week, so expect those soon. Very soon.

I was piggyback racing with my teammates in the quad, as one does, when I stumbled into Caitlin Farmer. We fell into a leaf pile and I fell in love instantly.

I know what you’re thinking, but only the leaves from the trees in Lake Quad are used for love potions, which aren’t even a thing, according to Samwell Student Services. But we were in the Old Quad, you know, the one with the graveyard? And the trees there don’t even have leaves, so you see it was a miracle.

Great news from the Samwell Athletic Association. They’re going ahead with their planned outdoor ice rink on the Pond. I’ve seen the new facilities and they are fantastic. There is some concern that the Pond isn’t frozen over for the whole hockey-playing season, but we’ve still got Faber as backup! Anyway, we can share the facilities with Samwell’s swim team, if the Athletic Association ever figures out what to do about the sentient pondweed.

On a related note, Professor Atley’s cat has gone missing. He was last seen by the Pond. If you happen to find him, send word by carrier pigeon. She’s offering a reward of ‘the feeling you get when you do a good deed without expectation of reward’. That sounds ‘swawesome!

The SMH booster club – which is actually just my teammates Ransom and Holster, they’re ‘swawesome! – is selling bumper stickers to raise money during their fundraising week. I’ve got one right here in front of me and it’s one of the greatest bumper stickers I’ve ever seen. It’s Samwell crimson and it says in bold white letters: We are the ice and the ice is us. It’s ‘swawesome and I’m going to get two! Order yours now in the usual way. They’ll be delivered on the next full moon that’s on a Thursday.

Caitlin and the rest of the Women’s Volleyball team won their exhibition match when the other team failed to score any points due to being incorporeal.

“They were actually just us from another plane of existence,” explained Caitlin and her perfect eyebrows. “As a matter of fact, in their plane, they won the game. We’re pretty happy with our win. We’re also going to put this loss behind us and keep giving 110%. We’re looking forward to a rematch during the regular season.”

There have been sightings of Wellie the Dancing Well wandering around the campus. I know Wellie is a beloved Samwell icon, but whatever she says, do NOT drink deeply from her bucket. Do not.

Caitlin says volleyball practices are going well and the team loves the new volleyball court, which is scheduled to be built in about three years. Be sure to check it out at whatever point in time it happens to exist, everyone.

Class cancellations and other changes:

The Astronomy 210 class that was scheduled during tonight’s partial lunar eclipse has been pushed back to tomorrow night. While the eclipse won’t actually be visible at that time, students are free to use their imagination while viewing the moon. There will be a quiz on the eclipse next week, so take good notes!

All computer courses are cancelled indefinitely until the instructor can be removed from the computer program they wrote themself into. That’s too bad! See your advisor about replacement credit hours.

And now the latest piece from Samwell Men’s Hockey’s own team manager, Larissa “Lardo” Duan, available only on this program.

[1 minute of dead air]

Wow, that is ‘swawesome! What a great painting. Or maybe it’s a sculpture? I don’t always know what to say about abstract art, but this is really interesting. Don’t forget to let Lardo know what you think, guys! She’s taking comments by semaphore and telegram, so brush up on your Morse code!

According to Caitlin, the new volleyball court, which hasn’t been built yet, is back to being yet-to-be-built, and the Women’s Volleyball team is looking for a new place to practice. I think it would be great if they could share the ice with us, I mean the hockey team, until they find other accommodations. There really should be more cooperation between sports teams – except with the LAX bros – and also more ice sports, and I think ice volleyball could be the wave of the future. I would play ice volleyball.

Public service announcement:

Sharks: are they the best sea creatures ever? Yes. Also the best NHL team.

Jack Zimmermann, captain of the Samwell Men’s Hockey team – he’s ‘swawesome! – reports that there is a second ice rink under Faber. It is about one quarter of the size, as are the players who use it, and we can expect a friendly match against them any day now.

Caitlin, perfect and beautiful, came to visit the studios while looking for a new practice space, but she couldn’t stay for an interview. She says the studio, while large enough, is a little too unsteady due to the floating. She’s really passionate about playing volleyball, you guys, and I hope she’ll stop by again soon!

So that’s it for today, listeners. Tune in tomorrow for more general Samwell news, specific Samwell Men’s hockey news, including Dex and Nursey’s latest argument over who gets to control the body they’re temporarily sharing, and an update on Caitlin – I mean, the volleyball court situation, if anything changes.

Goodnight, Wellies. Goodnight.

[fordytwo]

Oi, looks like I got tagged by @halfstepwindchime and @nepetotoro

1. current favorite song?

Probably Jazz Fever by Rachel Bloom. Top tier parody imo.

2. little known fact(s)? about u?

I come from a line of corrupted politicians. My great-grandmother ran away though to be with her lover and opened up a bread shop.

3. is there someone yr thinking about rn? why?

GUY FIERI. No but really; I’ve been watching DD&D and Guy Fieri’s like “this is the submarine of flavortown” or “this is the hotdog lasso of flavortown”. Because this show has been running for, like, twenty years, how developed is the lore of flavortown, and how does it compare to the lore of well-loved fantasy novels? It probably has more lore than GoT, that’s for sure

4. what are u usually doing on yr free time?

Prolly drawing or playing some cutes, easy video game like Animal Crossing, Harvest Moon, or Dark Souls.

5. one skill you wish you knew?

General life skills lol. I procrastinate way too much.

6. tattoos or piercings?

Neither? I’m pretty vanilla. Gotta keep up my elementary art school teacher look, ya feel me?

7. if you could dye your hair any unnatural color, what would it be?

Mauve, I guess.

8. strangest dream you’ve ever had?

I’m super boring when it comes to dreams. I once dreamed everything was the same, but all the windows were on the wrong walls.

9. funny/embarrassing story (if u wanna share one)?

When I was a child and had no concept of death, I literally wanted to kill all men. There was a commercial for like MLP or some shit that was full of rainbows and unicorns and was like “A girls’ only worldXDDD”, so my four-year-old mind processed it as “That’s it, I’ve got  to murder all the men in my life if I want a pet unicorn”

10. (for all my theatre people out there) fav musical?

Avenue Q or Book of Mormon. I’m a comedy buff

1: Favorite animal? Why?

Pigeons, parakeets, or tuxedo cats.  2: Somewhere you want to travel to?\

Probably somewhere cold with cool architecture. Like Edinburgh or Warsaw.

3: What’s your pet peeve?

Metal spoons and forks scraping against ceramic bowls 4: What would you want to achieve for a career?

Something comfortable and fulfilling. Like I can work decent hours, like the job, and be able to support myself financially. 5: Hawaiian Pizza; Yay or Nay?

I’m not a godless heathen. No pineapples for me

6: Star Wars or Star Trek?

Star Trek. Don’t even get me started. 7: What fictional being would you want as a pet?

A graboid monster. Just kidding, I don’t actually know lol. 8: What do you prefer for a living space?Houses? Apartments? Condos? Etc.

Tiny houses or studio apartments. I love the idea of compact living for some reason. Victorian-styled homes with tons of hidden doors sound cool. 9: Marvel or DC?

DC just because it has Kate Kane, my love

10: What’s something you want me to know? 

Your blog content is a++

Tagging @adventuringlaziness @monsieurtoast @nepetotoro @lesibeonen @halfstepwindchime @takaska @solmightysolaire @rocketjumperofficial

1.What is your real life RPG class?

2.Dogs or cats?

3. Dark chocolate or milk chocolate and why?(Inside joke lol)

4.If you had a gun to shoot any fictional character, who would it be?

5.Fantasy or Science Fiction?

6. Least favorite book you had to read in school?

7. Weirdest thing you ate as a kid?

8.Favorite Movie?

9.Which country’s food do you like the best?

10.Most overrated show currently airing?

[janiklandre-blog]

Sunday, April 30, 2017

Cool, sunny Sunday morning, 9:25 a.m. on April 30th, 2017   a somewhat lonely weekend - as my old age weekends tend to be.My Catholic Worker involvement used to be stronger - have cited some reasons for discontent - but also the fact that short walks have become long is a factor. It is one avenue block - from the Bowery to second Avenue, and two city blocks away from my house - close to a quarter mile - less than five minutes in earlier days - now closer to ten, I will time it. The tediousness of my walking troubles me. On a Saturday I would go thereat noon for a lunch, at 5:30 for dinner and then check out the movie Bill A. is showing by 8 p.m. - I did see people but have come to realize how little in a way of conversation I exchange with them. My teeth have greatly restricted what I can eat - altogether I find my interest in food fading - still eat enough to maintain the unwanted weight I started putting on when I reached 50. There are those whose 80's are their 30's - they maintain their girlish figures, dye their hair, exercise, groom with care, dress elegantly - never have given up the way they lived in their 30's - are admired, esteemed, cherished, their phones keep ringing, they are computer savvy, use all the technology that can be used, travel widely, entertain - are at all times sweet and even tempered, radiant, exuding optimism - are shown on TV, written up in major publications - held up to the rest of us with what is possibly, showing us how miserably we have failed. And yet - while I mist certainly am not among these top - how many percent - I still am fairly far up on the scale.  - for one thing I am still alive, quite a number of my class of 1953 at Mount Holyoke College are no longer alive. We know little of the less fortunate, they do not report in the alumnae journal. Perhaps I made it to the top of my class at the University of California in 1955 - getting an M.A, in German studies in nine months with straight A's and a professor writing to me later, you were the best student we ever had. Another professor did offer me a job in Pennsylvania - something Mellon U. By then I had come to live in New York City - this center of the universe - where I may be one of the millions who try to make it here, facing this incredible competition. Should I have looked for a small pond? Too late. Here I am sitting once again alone in the quiet computer room - no pain - my mind still working - looking at my smart phone next to me, that is not ringing - wherre I can make use of a tiny fraction of its countless functions. I am also one of those nervously most of the time searching for it when it rings, only not to have gotten it in time, immediately answering a call that then often is not picked up. Have not figured out why that happens.My heart beats joyfully when I do hear the nice ring tone my son installed - luckily only good news to this day.All the terrible news I read in the New York Times - just spent $6 for the Sunday Times. Did read about the thousands marching yesterday - my sons were among them - I used to be for years and years until the short walks became long. Scared by North Korea news. While I am spending solitary time at the computer many of the people around me these days are now in church or ready to go to church. I did spend $9 yesterday for the May 1 copy of the New Yorker to read about Bannon - then began to read the following story, forgot to bring it down with me, will tell you name of the man tomorrow - he has been doing a long time blog dealing openly and honestly with his personal concerns but also his concerns with God and religion and one million people read his blog. Interesting. Bannon. My son brought to my attention a mention in the long story of Synergia Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico where I visited a friend, she has died, in 1977 I believe. I have written about her, this visit, the ranch at length in my memoirs - still, have also come to realize by now how happily people as they get old and older tell stories, write stories, over and over. Not being read by millions we hope, try to make sure our stories will be remembered for some years to come - have people still talking about us, keeping us alive. This story easily could become long - luckily I do find myself written out after a while. The friend living at Synergia Ranch at the time had changed her name from Thelma to Cassandra and used the name of the father of her four sons, Baer. She was born the same year I was born, 1932 - I met her at a meeting in New York where we were in search of urban communes - was it 1969? - at that time still quite feasable in New York. She was a student - a brilliant student - of anthropology and by 1977 had passed Ph.D. qualifying exams at the New School in New York - notorious for having students spend  endless years on disseertations, never getting doctorates. Also by 1977 the bottom had fallen out from humanities. She saw herself in Santa Fe as an observant participant and she gathered reams and reams of material on the man mentioned in the New Yorker, John Allen and also on Synergia Ranch. It was by 1979 or so that she came back to live in New York (she had been born in Queens) - where she had secured early a rent controlled apartment on the corner of 9th Street and second avenue - it was in terrible shape, the landlord tried hard to get rid of her - it had two entrances, one to a kitchen with a shower in a stall, then three more small rooms, the last with a separate entrance. Unable to find a job she struggled at reinventing herself, broke down and in the last years of her life - she lived into the 90's perhaps even a bit longer - she did establish a community in this small space: a young gay man, a painter whose mentor she became and whom she loved dearly and a home health aid provided to her by medicaid - a Carribbean woman whose children she helped with school. That woman came for the day. All these people and three of her sons and a woman named Nancy, daughter of a famous TV personality with a house on Nantucket where she went with her gay friend - whom they took for cruises on their yacht, but not her. Ageing was not easy for her and  it was another woman - an Auschwitz survivor who also had passed New School qualifying exams - bravely worked the crummiest of jobs - she really took loving care of Cassandra as life got harder and harder for her and she became ill with cancer - and from her, Helen, I heard more about Cassandra's latter life and last days. From Cassandra I had heard endless details of Synergia Ranch that I briefly visited - that summer I met up with my son in Santa Fe - he these days listens on his computer to stories that interest him. Bannon also had been mentioned to me by a park friend, who found him fascinating. I until now have refused to take an interest in all those people around our president - all new names to me - and actually not one I want to know more about. Having been briefly involved with Synergia Ranch - and I am afraid the literally tons of material Cassandra assembled with the hope of making it into a novel - I wonder does any of it still exist? The gay friend held on to the apartment for a while, I still ran into him a few times and then lost track - he lost the apartment years ago. Once Cassandra had asked me to store for her her brilliant poetry - it burned in my 2000 fire. Bannon so the story says was hired by Bass, the oil millioner - to find out about millions a Bass brother had put into a venture called the Biosphere - of course I heard about from Cassandra in detail - a weird venture, later taken up by Columbia U., I saw it mentioned in the paper but missed hearing about Bannon confronting the Synergia Ranch people. Of course all these events that are momentous for a moment, totally pale considering events since then. Inadvertantly I now know more about Bannon than I cared to know - and about the man with the million readers of his blog, whose name I will mention tomorrow. The only live contact yesterday was L.P. - another very interesting woman - she may also show up in my memoirs where I indiscretely mentioned people by name - in its unedited 1000 page version a few have made attempts to read some - but any of you that I may have mentioned should not have too much to worry about at this moment. Writing does bring things to consciousness - how many interesting people there have been in my life - who like myself also, a number despite of great efforts, never have made it above the surface. It was L.P.s birthday yesterday and she asked me to meet her for a couple of hours. I came to the Holley statue in Washington Square Park - mobbed - a bit early. I watched a man who has an odd relationship with pigeons, they actually do flock to him upon his call, but then he also get extremely angry with people who interfere in some way - he was yelling and screaming but I could not understand what he was saying. Masses of pigeons surround him, sit on him, he feeds them then they take sudden loud flight, scaring many. A group of four, three women and one man, probably NYU film students had set up what looked like a video camera on a tripod, the "director" in mini jean shorts acting very important, giving endless directions to what looked very boring. Then two weird battery run vehicles passed - somewhat like cars kids drove in fairs, though those as I remember were attached by a pole to a ceiling. Finally some 20 odd women paraded by in red dresses with white hood - advertising a play, or a movie - the hand maidens, a book I read long ago. I glance at all these things in the nyt. L.P. and I went briefly to a diner corner 3rd street and 6th avenue - passing the Methodist church, now condos, that too played a role in my life. She was going to meet up with her family, some of whom live in New York, others not far. She sees a lot of them In the park I passed again the sad white mimic - he is so thin, standing on a post he brings. The man with the piano was playing, It was 3 p.m. by the time I was home. unable to reach my friend who now is the friend in the blog - her only identity here. I fell asleep. Went shopping. News that are no news. Then the long Bannon story kept me company - these writers are good writers and are putting a great effort assembling all the details on people of interest. Who have made it to the surface. 11:30 a.m.  See what I have to eat - canned tuna. Odwalla. Has nothing to do with what in theory I should be eating. Sunday Times. Plan to head for Central Park. Phone has not rung. Sweet, smiling Chinese lady has just arrived to watch her movies. Her husband is very sweet also. We can exchange five or six words. It is a live human contact. Adios, Marianne