#they will jump on the chance to give as many big grandiose gestures as they can. like they killed in his honor this is NOTHING

[qoldenskies]

CC!Donnie and his music-his music that the canon brothers have already expressed their audible dislike towards offhandedly, and how he likes to play it so loud. I know it doesn't sound too bad, but I'm sure a lot of people have had their taste in music mocked (especially when you're a teenager) and it's never a good feeling

i mentioned his fear to show passion not long ago and this definitely applies, especially when it comes to things like with the spreadsheet its obvious he'll try to connect things like little comments like that to any perceived current fault-- like an i should have seen this coming. its why even though they werent extremely specific about what he enjoyed in the family meeting, he got the impression-- they don't want to hear about what he likes, especially when it comes to things they've already expressed distaste for.

even if his tastes shift i dont think they'll ever know about it; pretty much anything he gets up to in his personal time is something he keeps close to his chest and never talks about, very rarely even when prompted. a year or two down the the line i think they're going to come to the realization that they dont even KNOW what donnie enjoys anymore, outside of tech. it makes gift-giving kind of hard, doesnt it?

[funeral-clown]

for @matttheratking

happy birthday king

you ever take a look at your hands and wonder, how did i get here?

i don’t

pepe the prawn/rizzo the rat 4 times someone thought they were dating and the 1 time they realized they were

1. Kermit

Kermit knocked on the door rapidly, trying to quell his rising frustration.

“Rizzo, c’mon, open up! The cast meeting is in ten minutes, and you still need to present your ideas for the Pizza Rat sketch! It’s cultural relevance is dwindling by the second!”

When no reply came, he grumbled loudly before lifting his tiny green hand to bang on the door again. Before he could connect, it swung ajar in a sudden jarring motion. Light filtered from the dressing room into the dim backstage hall, illuminating the shadowed wooden floor. Kermit wished vaguely for eyelids, so he could blink. Instead he looked down.

“Oh. Er. Hi there, Pepe, I was expecting Rizzo.”

“I know,” the prawn snapped, “I am thinking the whole county knows! Your frog lungs are very loud, and I,” he gestured grandiosely to himself, “am trying to take a nap!”

Kermit coughed, feeling awkward.

“Right. Well. There’s a staff meeting in ten minutes. What are you doing hanging around in Rizzo’s room anyways?”

The prawn shrugged.

“We are the same size. It makes his clothes the perfect size to steal, okay?”

Kermit frowned.

“You have more arms than he does!”

“I also have scissors, okay? Now leave! This king of prawns, he needs his beauty sleep.”

“Yeah, well,” Kermit fumbled for the reigns of the conversation, “Well. If you see Rizzo, tell him-”

“I will be telling him you want to see him. Okay? Okay! Now leave! You are late for your cast meeting.”

With that the door slammed shut. Kermit turned to leave, only to hear a rusty wheezing laugh.

“D’ya think he bought it?”

“Of course he bought it! I am an ACTOR, okay?”

“Yeah, yeah, whatever. Now help me back into this pizza costume.”

Inexplicably flustered, Kermit dashed towards the stage for the meeting.

2.Bunsen and Beaker

Rizzo and Pepe were playing their usual game of “Who Can We Scam Into Buying Lunch” when Bunsen and Beaker slid across from them at the table. The friendly banter halted immediately as they blankly stared.

“Hello!” Bunsen offered cheerfully.

“Meemeep!” Beaker echoed.

“Uh. Hi,” Rizzo responded. “What, uh. Whatcha up to?”

“Well! I’m glad you asked, my rodentious friend! Beaker and I were hoping to share our luncheon with our two similarly minded friends today!”

Pepe’s antennae twitched.

“So you will be begging off food too?”

Bunsen and Beaker looked at each other and laughed.

“Oh no, I’m sorry, but we won’t be trying to steal anyone’s lunch. WE have worked tirelessly through the night, and have constructed a perfect alternative for the worker on the go!”

“Please don’t blow to table up,” Rizzo muttered, “Please, God, don’t let them blow the table up.”

“Don’t be silly! Of course we won’t be blowing anything up outside of the lab!”

Beaker nodded, meeping in agreement.

“However, as a pair of hard workers yourselves-” Pepe laughed- “We think this might interest you.”

“Is it food?” Rizzo asked bluntly.

“In a way!”

“Is it sentient?”

“Not so far!”

Pepe looked at him and shrugged. He shrugged in return.

“Alright.”

Bunsen jostled excitedly.

“Very well! Prepare to feast your eyes, and your bodies, on THIS!”

He rolled up the arm of his lab coat dramatically to reveal several stickers with various food shapes.

“Uh, Doc, I don’t wanna harsh your vibe here, but are you saying you’re edible, or are you trying the feed us stamps.”

“Not stamps, my dear friend! Oh no, these are no mere stamps at all! These are nutrition patches! A whole serving of food, compiled on a simple slab of sticky paper! We have cut out the need to eat entirely! We’re sure they will be all the rage.”

Beaker meeped excitedly, showing his own arms covered in piles of the things. Bunsen paused, alarmed.

“Beaker, I thought I told you to stick to just a few! These are still in beta testing, there’s no telling what wearing so many at once will do!”

Rizzo chuckled nervously.

“Hey, you guys haven’t seen Willy Wonka by any chance, have you?”

“No, why, does he work here?”

Rizzo and Pepe slowly started making their way from the table.

“Great visit. I would rethink the nutrient patch thing, though. Taste and smell and texture are all parts of what make food so great!!

“Plus, the unions, they will be all over you, okay? Workers will be told to wear patches instead of eat, it will be a whole mess, okay?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t worry, Mr. Prawn! Beaker and I have been in our own union for quite some time! Another thing we have in common!”

“....Yeah, sure, okay! Just be ready to juice him.”

“Juice him?”

Beaker slowly began to swell, turning purple.

“Juice him.”

In the frantic mayhem left behind them, one could almost miss the small exchange.

“How do you think he knew about the actors guild for small animals?”

“I dunno, okay? My question is how long until Kermit decides our next parody movie is gonna be Willy Wonka!”

“Honestly,” Rizzo added, “I’m shocked we haven’t done it already.”

3. Gonzo

“Wait, you’re moving out?”

Rizzo stopped to look up at him from throwing things in a suitcase.

“Of the room? Yeah.”

“But where will you go?”

Rizzo dropped the jacket he was holding and jumped up to sit on the bed.

“Well. It’s a bit pricier, rent-wise, but I was thinking down the hall.”

“You pay rent?”

Rizzo wished his eyes could roll.

“No you lamebrain, and neither do you! We all live in the same house, I just thought, you know, it might be time for me to move up in the world. Literally. I’m bunking with Pepe now, things are a little more my size with him.”

Gonzo frowned.

“Is this because I keep stepping on your stuff on accident?”

“It is, in fact! It is in part because of that!”

“I said I was sorry!”

“And I forgive you but you can’t help being a big.....whatever you are any more than I can help being a rat! And when a rat’s stuff gets crushed for the twenty thousandth time, a rat starts looking for other lodging.”

Gonzo sat on the floor so they were eye level.

“You’re not mad at me?”

Rizzo laughed.

“Nah, besides. I think your girlfriend wants to eat me.”

“Camilla would never!”

“A chicken can’t help being a chicken anymore than a rat can help being a rat!”

“Why not live with some of the other rats then?”

Rizzo scoffed.

“I’m related to most of em, and the ones I’m not want their own space too. If y’know what I mean.”

“I don’t!”

“Yeah that’s for the best. Anyway, aside from not getting stepped on anymore-”

“That was only once!”

“Ahem! Aside from not getting stepped on anymore, I think me bunking with Pepe would be good for us from now on too. Give us a chance to grow the act without being around each other all the time.”

Gonzo shrugged, setting a blue hand on Rizzo’s shoulder.

“Well. I like being around you all the time, Rizzo. We’re best friends. But if this is what you wanna do, go live with the prawn, I understand. Besides, I can finally fit that chicken coop in here!”

Rizzo laughed awkwardly.

“Yeah you go wild buddy. I’m gonna finish packing.”

Pepe poked his head in.

“Hey, Ritzo, you ready to go?”

Rizzo pulled Gonzo’s hand off his shoulder before hopping down.

“Yeah almost.”

Pepe squinted.

“There is a weird energy in this room right now, eh?”

“That’s just Gonzo. He can’t help it.”

“It’s a medical condition!”

“I pity your doctor,” Pepe stated.

Rizzo grabbed his suitcase and dragged it to the door.

“Hey buddy, any chance I can get some help with these?”

“Oh, sure!” Gonzo leaned over to pick them up, only to heave and huff dramatically trying to lift the tiny luggage with his fingers. “Oh wow, what do you have in these, rocks?”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” Rizzo scoffed, “It’s the set of encyclopedias my mom sent me for Christmas. Now let’s go, it’s just upstairs!”

He and Pepe ran ahead before Gonzo could object.

“Well,” he muttered, “At least the suit each other well.” He jiggled the suitcases in silent reiteration of the pun.

4. Miss Piggy

She saw them practicing ballroom dance with Pepe in a tutu and just assumed.

+1

Rizzo frowned at the mail.

Pepe looked up from the blueprints of the vending machine he was studying.

“What’s wrong? You look upset. We’re finally pulling off the snack heist of our dreams, okay! We’re never paying for chips again! This is a time of joy, okay?”

Rizzo hesitated.

“I just got a letter from my ma.”

Pepe got up and walked over, concerned.

“Is everything ok?”

“Yeah, it’s alright, it’s just. Well, look.”

Pepe scanned it over.

“Congratulations on your- Oh. She thinks we’re?”

“Yeah. And I mentioned it and turns out she’s not the only one.”

Pepe frowned.

“Really?”

“Yeah! Like what, just because we live together, we’re in a relationship?”

“And eat together every day?”

“And are listed as each others emergency contacts?”

“And know each other’s bank account information?”

“Wait, what?“

“Nothing! We were listing things!”

“I’m changing my pin number.”

“Eh, I can guess it again.”

“Pepe!”

“Back to the list, okay! And we, uh, we share clothes!”

“Sure, if laundry’s backed up! And we, um, we hatch schemes together!”

“Snack heist!”

“Snack heist!”

“And sometimes at night if I am lonely I steal your blankets to simulate the warmth of another person!”

“That’s- I have nothing to say to that.”

“Well I wouldn’t have to do that if I could just crawl in with you, okay?”

“You- Wait. Pepe do you WANT to be in a relationship?”

“I don’t know! If we get married we can’t testify against each other in court.”

“True. And it would be a pretty big tax break, if either of us paid taxes.”

“Kermit and Piggy would finally have competition, okay? We can overthrow there cutest couple powerstreak and usher in a new age! It’s the time of rat and prawn, okay!”

“Year of the rat, baby!”

“And prawn!”

“And prawn!”

They both stared at each other for a moment.

“So I guess she was right. We are in a relationship.”

Pepe shrugged.

“Eh. I could do worse. And you could not do better.”

Rizzo wished again, and not for the last time, that he could roll his eyes.

“Whatever you say, babe.”

[pickalilywrites]

Yes! Requests are open, and it's for the holidays!! A cute idea came to mind, a fic where the women of Attack on Titan try to get their crush/boyfriend under the mistletoe. [Rivetra, RicoIan, MikeNana, EreAni, JeanKasa, NikoSasha, Hilow, MobuHan]

all those and a lil more as a gift to u xoxo

Ten Kisses

YumiHisu. MikeNana. Eld x Fiancee. JeanKasa. RicoIan. EreAni. MobuHan. HiLow. NikoSasha. Rivetra. Modern AU. 

2582 words. 

Buy me a ko-fi!

“All I want, Connie, is one thing,” Ymir says sulkily as she slouches on the couch. “All I want for Christmas is…” “Me?” Connie says absentmindedly as he types away on his phone. He’s used to Ymir being a miserable lump on parties, moaning about how boring parties are and how there’s no one to talk to even though she makes no effort to be more approachable to others. “Don’t be disgusting,” Ymir says, unamused. She stares forlornly out the window and sighs. “All I want is a cutie to kiss. Is that too much to ask?” “You could always just kiss a cutie yourself,” her friend tells her as he nibbles on the edge of his Styrofoam cup. He doesn’t really know why he bothers to give Ymir advice when she usually ignores him. Connie holds out a hand, gesturing to all the people at the Christmas party. “Find someone cute, lure them under the mistletoe, kiss them on their sweet lips, and then be on your merry way.”

“That’s easier said than done,” Ymir mutters, still pouting. 

“So, are you just going to sit there and pout?” he asks.“Yes,” Ymir replies. “Alright,” Connie says, patting Ymir on the knee. He rises from the couch with a tight-lipped smile and raised eyebrows. “Have fun with that.” “Are you just going to leave me here by myself?” Ymir says. She doesn’t know if she’s angry or horrified that her only friend would leave her here alone. She doesn’t have a chance to yell at him to come back or threaten him to keep him from leaving her, so she sulks some more on the couch by herself until she finally grows tired of being alone. She pulls on her jacket, heading out the door after another disappointing party, only to bump into someone on the way out. “Shit, sorry!” Ymir blurts out, mortified when she sees that it’s that cute blonde girl in her class that she’s been ogling all semester but has been too scared to talk to. “Ah, it’s fine. It’s bound to happen in crowded places like these,” Historia says, rubbing her head where she had bumped into Ymir. Ymir is about it move past her, thinking that she had embarrassed herself enough and shouldn’t even attempt a conversation, but Historia looks up with a small smile on her face and the poor girl stands there dazzled by the blonde angel’s smile. “Oh, a mistletoe,” Historia says with a shy grin. “Oh, we don’t have to,” Ymir says hastily, but she regrets it immediately. Here is the opportunity she’s been looking for, and she’s letting it slip right between her fingers. She really is an idiot. No wonder Connie had abandoned her sorry ass. “Well, if you don’t want to,” Historia says with a shrug. She turns to leave, but Ymir suddenly grabs her by the wrist. “Wait!” Ymir says. She licks her lips nervously, glancing at the floor. “I…I want to though.” Historia doesn’t say anything else, just laughs and turns to Ymir, leaning up towards her for a kiss. 

“Should we tell them to stop?” Eld wonders as they watch Mike and Nanaba under the mistletoe. Most couples went for a swift kiss when they were caught under the mistletoe and then moved on, but it seems that Mike and Nanaba hadn’t gotten the memo. They were having one of those big, grandiose kisses like you would see in a romance movie – Titanic, The Notebook, or The Vow. It’s sweet and beautiful to watch for some, but others don’t care for it as much. “They’re getting in the way,” Auruo mutters, watching them with a sullen expression.“It’s a little cruel to be that happy,” Gunter mumbles, a similar look on his face. “Well, I can’t say I feel the same way,” Eld says, giving his friends a sympathetic pat on their backs. He walks towards the mistletoe, looking back and shooting a grin at Auruo and Gunter. “Maybe you two will find someone to kiss next year.” “Eld, what are you doing!” his fiancée Rosalind yelps when Eld grabs her by the hand, leading her to where Mike and Nanaba are.He doesn’t answer right away. Instead, he taps Mike on the shoulder. “Sorry, mate,” Eld grins. He gestures at Rosalind, looking at her with eyes full of love. “Some people want to have a turn too.” Even though Eld has interrupted his kiss, Mike doesn’t look at all bothered. He simply steps away, pulling Nanaba back with him, and allows Eld and his fiancée to take their place. “I didn’t see you there, Jinn. You should have said something earlier or else I would have been there kissing Nanaba all night,” Mike chuckles, not even dodging Nanaba’s playful swat. “Eld, this isn’t really necessary,” Rosalind laughs as Eld twirls her underneath the doorway. “It’s not,” Eld agrees. He holds her tightly in his arms as he dramatically dips her. “But I want to anyway,” he tells her before pressing a movie-worthy kiss of his own on her lips. 

“Oh, Mr. Kirstein,” Mikasa says as they sashay across the room together, stopping so that Jean can give her a twirl. She looks up above them, not at all surprised that they’ve somehow ended up underneath the mistletoe. “Did you plan this?” “How did you know?” he asks with a grin, not at all ashamed at being caught. “You stepped on my toes a few times because you were too busy steering us over here,” Mikasa tells him with a laugh. “Did I? Sorry,” Jean says. He really is sorry, but he can’t stop smiling when she looks at him like that. “Make it up to me,” Mikasa says, holding his face in her hands as she pulls him closer, and he does just that. 

Rico doesn’t mind being short most of the time, but there are times when it’s a pain in the ass. Like now, for example, as her much taller boyfriend dangles that damn mistletoe above her head. No matter how far she reaches, she’s not even close from snatching it away from him. She had tried jumping a few times, but she couldn’t manage to reach the holiday decoration then either. “Please stop holding that up,” Rico begs, embarrassed when she sees that more people are looking them as she tries to wrestle the mistletoe away from him. “Only if you promise to kiss me,” Ian says, not at all bothered by the attention. He continues to hold the mistletoe up high, cheekily shaking it. “That’s what this is for, after all.” “In front of everyone?” Rico hisses. It’s not that she minds kissing him, but public displays of affection feel a little embarrassing. It’s why she’s tried to avoid the mistletoe, but her aversion to the holiday tradition only made Ian want to tease her with it even more. “In front of everyone,” Ian says with a nod.“Fine,” Rico says. “Just put that thing down!” He lowers it but still holds it between them as Rico leans up to give him a quick peck on the lips. When he opens his eyes, he sees Rico’s bright red face and can’t help but laugh. He reaches out to caress her cheek with his free hand. “How cute,” he says softly, bringing her closer for another kiss, and even though Rico dislikes kissing in front of so many people, she lets him anyway. 

“I can’t believe I’m dating such a Grinch,” Eren says with a sigh. “I’m not a Grinch just because I won’t wear one of those hideous Christmas sweaters,” Annie says as she looks disdainfully at Eren’s jumper, a knitted sweater with what looks like a disfigured reindeer on it. “If you hadn’t noticed, no one else is wearing those either.” “It’s not only that,” Eren says, shoving his hands in his pockets. He leans against the wall, his head resting back as he thinks of everything Annie hadn’t done to celebrate the holiday. “You refused the wishbone from the Christmas turkey that Reiner kindly offered to you even though that’s a tradition that no one in their right mind would pass up. You played on your phone instead of watching the Christmas movie that was playing on the TV. You didn’t even bother taking one of the ornaments from the tree and hiding it!” “Okay, I’m pretty sure that last one isn’t even a real thing that people do,” Annie says. While she has noticed ornaments disappearing from the tree, she’s fairly certain that that’s mostly Eren’s doing. “And don’t think I didn’t notice you bolting right past the mistletoe,” Eren says. He leans over, a teasing smile on his lips. “What, are you afraid of a little kiss, Leonhardt?” Annie looks at him with a sour expression, hating the smug smile on Eren’s face. Without a word, she yanks him down by the collar and presses a hard kiss on his lips. She smirks at his stunned expression when she pulls away. “Don’t be stupid, Jaeger.” He blinks at her in surprise for a moment before breaking out in a wide grin. “That was great, Annie,” he says. He pushes himself off the wall and puts an arm around Annie, walking her to another part of the room. “Now you just have to do it under the mistletoe!” He only laughs when she mumbles about how that’s hardly necessary. 

“Oh, Moblit,” Hanji says in a singsong voice. She dangles a cluster of leafy greens and red berries in front of his face. “Look what I have!” Moblit wrinkles his nose as whatever Hanji has falls apart in her hands. He looks down at its remains that have fallen into his lap. “Hanji, is this lettuce and cranberries?” He frowns as he picks up a limp leaf that he’s pretty sure had come from one of the Christmas dishes they had eaten earlier. “And the cranberries…mistletoe berries aren’t red, they’re white. Holly berries are red.” “Eh, details,” Hanji says with a wave of her hand. “Those mistletoe things are poisonous anyway. At least you can eat cranberries. If you add a lot of sugar.” “Is this your attempt at getting me to kiss you?” Moblit asks as he cleans up the mess she had made. He collects the lettuce leaves and cranberries, dumping them in a small pile on the corner of the coffee table. “Are you not going to?” Hanji asks, giving him a knowing grin. “I suppose it can’t be helped,” Moblit sighs, smiling when he sees that Hanji is already leaning for a kiss. 

Marlowe doesn’t really know what he did wrong. He had planned all of it – from the beginning of the party when he had walked her in and took off her coat all the way up until this very moment where he led her under the mistletoe to pull her in for the perfect kiss – so why is she laughing at him as she pulls away? Is it the outfit he had picked out so carefully just for today’s Christmas party, or maybe his hair had gotten messed up while he wasn’t paying attention? He reaches up to pat down his hair, but it doesn’t seem like any strand is out of place. “You taste like mint,” Hitch giggles, hiding her smile behind her hand. “Did you prepare for this?” “…Yes…I planned everything,” Marlowe says reluctantly. Had he been that obvious? He rubs at his neck, blushing as he looks down at the ground. He mumbles, “I just wanted everything to be perfect for you.” “You’re so silly,” Hitch says, rolling her eyes, but she smiles. She grabs him by the collar, pulling him in close. She leans in, her lips so close that Marlowe is tempted to kiss her again. “Don’t you know that it’s perfect enough for me as long as it’s you?” she asks as she finally presses her lips against his for another perfect kiss. 

“Surprise!” Sasha says, dangling the little cluster of white berries and leaves in front of Nikolo’s face. “Now you owe me a kiss, mister!” “Is that the mistletoe?” Nikolo asks with a frown. The ribbon that ties the decoration together is tickling his nose, so he swats at it to keep from sneezing. He glances outside the kitchen, wondering if people are watching. Looking back at Sasha, he hisses, “Sasha, did you steal that? People have been looking for that thing all over the place!” “Aw, relax,” Sasha says. She leans against the counter, fiddling with the mistletoe in her hands. She pouts a little bit, sullen because Nikolo had snapped at her. “I’m just borrowing it! I was going to give it back later.” Nikolo doesn’t say anything, just watches Sasha sulk out of the corner of his eye. He does feel a bit bad for speaking so harshly to her earlier, but she does have a habit of stealing things she shouldn’t. He’ll admit that he shouldn’t have made the assumption that she would do such a thing during the holidays though. Still, he doesn’t know quite how to apologize. “Hey, Sasha,” Nikolo says, picking up the tiny chocolate tart he had just finished dusting with powdered sugar. “Open up.” She opens her mouth to ask why, but he pops the pastry into her mouth before she can say anything. She tastes the sweet chocolate cream on her tongue, the burst of raspberry juice when she bites into the berry, and the flaky golden crust, savoring every second that it lasts in her mouth. She looks almost mournful when she swallows the last of it. “It’s good!” she says in delight. “I’m glad,” Nikolo says, glancing over at her. He sees a smidge of chocolate on the corner of his girlfriend’s mouth and, without thinking, holds her chin in his hand as he licks it away followed by a swift kiss. “You kissed me!” Sasha says in surprise after Nikolo quickly pulls away. “I did,” Nikolo says. The response would be a lot cooler if he weren’t blushing so hard as he tried to avoid looking at her in embarrassment. Sasha grins, throwing her arms around his neck, and leans in to collect another kiss – as many kisses as she can – from her beloved chef. 

“Are you disappointed?” Levi asks as he undoes his tie. “Disappointed? Why would I be disappointed?” Petra asks, sitting on the bed as she pulls off her stockings. “I had a fun time. Did I look sad?” “No,” Levi says. He rolls up his tie, putting it away in the drawer. “It’s just that you could have looked happier. Was it the mistletoe?” “It’s fine,” Petra replies, shaking off her stockings and leaving them crumpled on the floor. She yawns and runs her fingers through her hair, shaking it out because it had been up all day and she had only recently let it down. “I just thought it would be fun since it’s Christmas, but it’s fine if it’s not your cup of tea.” “It’s not that,” Levi replies. He turns around, crossing the floor in a few steps and stopping right in front of where Petra sits on the bed. Gently, he pushes her back on the bed, one hand under her chin as he lifts her face up towards his. “It’s just that I don’t need a reason to kiss you,” he tells her right before their lips meet.

[outofthisgxlaxy]

☯ + ruby and sapphire's wedding for ruby and sapphire

Send me ‘☯ + a scene from my characters canon’ and I will drabble it from my character’s POV.

The familiar chords of her and Sapphire’s song began to play, and Ruby knew once and for all that it was time. Were she human, she was sure her heart would have been racing from nerves and excitement all at once. Her hands strayed from the door handle and down to her white dress. Ruby knew that it might be a bit odd to see her in a dress, but she had liked the idea of wearing it. She wanted the day to be extra memorable for Sapphire, and wearing something like this would ensure it.

“Flowers for you, flowers for you, flowers for YOU!”

Oh, stars. Ruby definitely could hear Peridot adding her own flair to being the flower girl. It made her burst out in a fit of giggles. The nerves she’d felt died away as a result, and she gave silent thanks to Peridot. The wedding would be nothing without her, she was sure.

Is it time? Ruby wondered. She’d given everyone a chance to get into position, she was sure, and they likely were waiting on her to come out of the beach house. After taking in a small breath of air, Ruby reached for the door handle once again and opened it up. As she stepped outside, she caught sight of her beautiful wife to be. Sapphire was dressed head to toe in a dark blue suit with her hair tied back and the best smile on her face. In response? Ruby smiled back. That was her wife to be. Again, she reminded herself just how lucky she was.

She felt as though there was no more time to waste. Excitement got the better of her, and she hurried down the steps as a result. As she ran, she heard Greg speed up his guitar playing. Ruby didn’t even bat an eye. She wanted to get to Sapphire as soon as possible.

Finally, she shot down the aisle in a big ball of fire and came to a hurried stop in front of Steven. Sapphire didn’t even seem to budge. Future vision coming in to play, perhaps? Whatever it was, Ruby was glad she hadn’t startled Sapphire. Now that she was there, though, she knew it was time to start. Steven began to give his speech.

“Dearly beloved. Gems, humans, lions big and small, living gourds… Onion,” Steven said. Typical Steven. “We are gathered here today to celebrate Ruby and Sapphire. Two of my favorite people who combine into one of my other favorite people!” Ruby turned her head to look at Steven as he said this. She saw his eyes glistening like stars, and he had his hands up to show his enthusiasm. The boy probably had been looking forward to this all day, and it showed. Not that Ruby could fault him. She’d been looking forward to it, too.

“You all probably know her as Garnet,” Steven said. As he explained who Garnet was, Ruby turned to face Sapphire once more. It was so hard to resist the urge to just jump to kissing Sapphire right then and there. Ruby knew she had to wait, though. At least it wouldn’t be too long. Her vows weren’t that grandiose or anything.

“Now it’s your turn to talk about that,” Steven told them. All eyes were on Ruby. She ducked her head down for a moment and gathered her thoughts.

“I know this is all kinda silly. I mean… we’ve been together for 5780 years,” Ruby said.

“And eight months,” Sapphire added. Ruby just smiled. Sapphire knew the time right down to the month, and probably even to the day. That was just one of many things she loved about her.

“I used to feel like I wasn’t much good. Just… one of me on my own,” she said. Her gaze shifted down to the sand beneath them, but there was a fondness in her eyes. “But when we’re together, it feels like… it’s okay to just be me.” Her cheeks flushed again as her eyes shut. All of what she said was the truth. Sapphire had changed her life, and she was forever grateful for it. That wasn’t ever going to change, especially not now that they had restrengthened their bond.

“So I wanna be me with you,” Ruby said. She gestured to Sapphire with her hands as she did, and she had the biggest smile on her face. “And not even the diamonds will come between us!” This time, she had her left hand clenched in a fist and waved her right hand through the air. Her passion was bubbling to the surface. There was no denying what lengths she’d go to for Sapphire.

“And if they try?” Ruby asked. “We’ll beat ‘em up!” She punched and kicked at the air, and within moments she heard Sapphire giggling. That was the sweetest sound in the world to Ruby. Now it was Sapphire’s turn, though.

“Ruby,” Sapphire said. “My future used to look like one single, obvious stream… unbending ‘til the end of time. In an instant, you pulled me from that destiny and opened my eye to an explosion of infinite possible futures! Stretching across time, and altered and obliterated by the smallest force of will!”

Ruby’s eyes were wide and her cheeks were flushed. Sapphire spoke with such vigor. Such passion… all over how Ruby had changed her destiny. It was hard not to fall in love with her all over again in that instant.

“What I mean is,” Sapphire said as she took Ruby’s hand and held it close to her, “you changed my life. And then, I changed your life. And now we change our lives.” When Sapphire was finished, Ruby just gazed into her eye. She heard Steven call to Bismuth for the rings, but there was a pause. Bismuth wasn’t presenting them. Why? Well, the answer became clear when their dear friend finally did walk over. Bismuth’s eyes were wet with tears.

You big softie, Ruby thought with a smile. She took the silver colored ring from Bismuth, while Sapphire took the copper one. Then, she fit the ring she had taken on Sapphire’s righthand ring finger. Sapphire did the same, but to Ruby’s left hand. Ruby just continued to hold Sapphire’s hand until Steven said her name.

“Do you take this Gem to have and to hold on this and every other planet in the universe?”

“I do!” Ruby exclaimed. Steven started to ask Sapphire the same thing, but she interrupted him with a quick ‘yes.’ Ruby saw Steven frown from the corner of her eye.

“You didn’t let me finish!” Steven said in a hushed voice.

“I’m just very excited,” was all the explanation Sapphire gave. Ruby took Sapphire’s hands and gazed adoringly into her eye. She knew it was still hidden behind Sapphire’s bangs, but she could see it clearly. Steven went on speaking. The moment he said ‘I now pronounce you Garnet,’ Ruby leaned in to kiss Sapphire. Sapphire did the same. Ruby felt Sapphire’s hands cupping her cheeks, while her own found their purchase against her wife’s shoulders. Lips locked, eyes were shut, and for several long moments they held the kiss.

While still holding that kiss, Ruby gathered Sapphire into her arms and held on to her. She began to twirl them around in a circle. Then she did it again, until finally their forms began to glow with all too familiar light. In an instant, the newly weds vanished and were replaced by a single newly wed Gem.

Garnet’s hands were positioned above her head, her eyes were shut, and a smile danced upon her lips. In one swift motion, she brought her hands down and summoned her visor. It gleamed and glistened as Garnet’s smile brightened. The wedding was complete.

[heroes-of-our-hearts]

Chapter One: A Study in Stealth

“The number one hero in America is still missing. If you’ve heard anything or have any information, please conta-”

Click.

“All Might was spotted today helping civilians escape from a villain with a fire quirk. In just-”

Click.

“We’ve heard all about your career, now we’re really interested in hearing more about your personal life. What can you tell us about-”

Click.

You let out a sigh at the sudden silence. It was odd hearing everything in a different language, but you’d spent years studying so that you could come to Japan one day. You thought it’d be under better circumstances, but life seemed to have a different plan for you.

Your gaze slid around the empty apartment you called home. It’d been months since the move. You hadn’t bothered settling in though, realizing that each momento you had would put you and those you cared about in more danger. It felt barren, white walls and plain furniture.

Part of you didn’t even feel like the same person anymore, despite still going by your birth name. Your whole world had flipped upside down so quickly. You weren’t sure if you were more angry or sad.

You didn’t have time to mope, however, as the time on your phone showed it to be nearly 7:00 am. You were going to be late for your first day of work.

A smile tugged at your lips. UA High School had a big reputation, and you were excited to be joining their staff for the time being. It’d been part of the relocation process. They thought of choosing a lower profile job, but what better way to hide than in plain sight?

He’d never know you were here, and until you could devise a plan to catch him, you would be safe.

There was a pep in your step that had been missing for weeks now. You felt like you had a purpose again, your hands twitching with the thought of using your quirk. There wasn’t much of a chance to be able to use it since you’d left America, and it became apparent that using your quirk would draw too many questions. So, when you left, you’d settled on a new profile.

You hummed at the thought of it.

The train was quiet this early in the morning, allowing you to ponder what the students would be like. Entertaining, for sure. They were the future of heroes, after all. None would recognize you, they’d think you were some unknown pro from America.

You could live with it.

Especially considering your quirk was now water manipulation, instead of your actual quirk. Not even the other teachers could be privy to that information. The only one who knew of your origins was Nedzu, and he swore to not tell a soul.

Your nerves were alight the whole train ride, and you found yourself eager to jump off. It wasn’t a very far walk from the station to the school, and you rather enjoyed the weather. It was definitely a change of pace from what you were accustomed to.

As you approached the school, your eyes grew wide. You’d seen many, many grand places in your day, but to be at a school as renowned as UA, well, you were a bit overwhelmed.

Even more overwhelming was the press steadfastly trying to get within the walls of the high school. They were crowding the entrance, pushing past one another to get a peek of the school All Might himself taught at.

And didn’t that bring a smile to your face.

You were a fan, if you were being honest. He always exuded such strength and bravery. He was the one who inspired you to pick up heroics to begin with.

The press was a bit of a problem. You didn’t want the one who was supposed to be your temporary tour guide thinking you were just a news reporter trying to get the inside scoop. As respectfully as you could manage, you pushed your way through the crowd, spotting a glint just below the gates.

You recognized that face rather well. It was Present Mic, a pro hero and rather popular radio show host. He was no-so-covertly waiting for you, his hands in his pockets as he whistled a tune.

You straightened out your hero costume. Well, it wasn’t really your hero costume. It was one that’d been designed for the sake of your cover. This was a fair bit more blue than you were used to.

“Present Mic,” you called, catching his attention almost immediately.

His gaze zeroed in on you, or at least you think it did, it was difficult to tell with the sunglasses.

“I’m Poseidous,” you told him, holding out one hand for him to shake. “The new teacher.”

You hated that name. It was cliche, really, without a lot of creativity behind it. You weren’t really expecting much though, considering an FBI specialist had created the profile for you.

It was like a lightbulb went off above his head. He took hold of your hand before pulling you in for an all out hug.

“American,” he said in English, pulling back from your embrace to hold your shoulders, “Very nice.”

You chuckled, awkwardly patting at the hands resting on you.

“It’s nice to meet you.”

He gave you a goofy little salute, a wide smile on his lips as he opened his arms in a grandiose gesture.

“Welcome to UA!”

His voice was loud and you cringed a bit at the sheer volume, but he was nice enough that you weren’t going to complain. As you stepped onto the grounds for the very first time, he launched into a detailed explanation of the school and the students that were attending.

You had little trouble keeping up, as you’d already been debriefed about important information- who you could rely on in the event of danger, training rooms, and escape routes. Hizashi, who had asked you to call him by his real name, was thoroughly enjoying your presence. The two of you got along well, playful banter and silly puns be damned.

“And I hate to do this to you,” he stopped in front of a door, one that seemed to be full. “But it’s time for you to meet class 1-A.”

You weren’t exactly nervous to meet the students, as you’d taught several young heroes previously, but you were more anxious about keeping your identity hidden. You had read and reread all of the notes that contained who you were, your backstory, your quirk, and even things as simple as your daily routine.

“Wait, hate to do it?” You echoed, but the man in questioned had unceremoniously shoved you through the doorway, slamming it shut behind you.

Silence followed, your eyes glaring so hard at the door you were sure a hole was going to burn through it. You’d known him for a whole of an hour and he was already acting like your best friend. You held back at cursing the man, sure that the students didn’t need to be exposed to you swearing like a sailor.

A cough caused you to look up, your lips settling into a fake smile. Customer service, (Y/N), you could do it.

“Oh, hello,” you greeted.

This time you weren’t able to stop the curse from making its way past your lips. You were so used to speaking English that you could sometimes forget where you were.

“Shit, sorry, force of habit,” you apologized, cringing at your own cuss.

Off to a great start, really. You got a handle on this whole ‘undercover’ situation. Nobody would ever figure you out now, especially considering how eloquent the media described you to be.

“This is a new teacher,” the current teacher introduced you, and okay, was that glare really necessary?

He looked utterly exhausted, and honestly, you could understand. It was early. Mornings were your enemy most days. You could never survive as a teacher, especially considering you struggled to get up during your school years.

Eraserhead, you realized. He was one of the teachers you’d been given a file on. You had to admit though, he was handsome in an unconventional way. It was more of a ‘I don’t have to try’ way, but you could still admire it.

“Hi, I’m Poseidous,” you announced, taking a moment to scan the bright faces of your new students.

You’d be teaching them on quirk development. At least, that’s what you were told. You still didn’t quite understand what UA was expecting of you. You’d taught a few kids, sure, but you by no means had any sort of degree that qualified you for teaching.

“I’m a pro hero from America,” you continued, glad that you didn’t have to stretch the lie too greatly. “And I’ll be teaching quirk development.”

A few hands shot up when you finished your little introduction. You raised a brow and looked back to Eraserhead. The man in question was staring at you, waiting for you to interact with his students.

Right, he thought you were an actual teacher. Fake it ‘til you make it.

“Yes,” you pointed to the kid with green hair and freckles. He seemed nice enough but the way his eyes were analyzing you was a bit concerning.

“Hello,” he mumbled, a bit shy. “I was just wondering what your quirk was? I’ve never heard of you.”

You raised your brow. Right to it then, eh kid?

“Water manipulation,” you lied, a smile ever present on your lips. “And what’s your name?”

“M-Midoriya,” he replied, too busy writing in his journal to allow for any further interaction.

Okay, okay, not bad.

“What’s up?” You nodded to the girl who was sitting up straight, her brown hair pulled high into a ponytail.

“What will your class entail?” You took note of how she went out of her way to speak English. It was surprisingly really good.

The studious one, you realized.

“We’ll be focusing on improving your quirk specifically. Each lesson will be tailored to help you develop strengths and minimize weaknesses.” Your reply was in English as well, and at the gentle nods she was giving throughout your talk, you knew she was understanding.

“Thank you,” she said back, a kind smile on her face. “I’m Yaoyorozu Momo.”

Just as you were about to call on another student, Eraserhead perked up again.

“Ask your questions later, you have an exam to study for.” He reminded them.

The students all grumbled, but one glare from their teacher, and they stopped immediately.

“Damn, where’d you learn that trick?” You asked, a playful smile on your face.

His expression was blank, his tired eyes just staring at you. You blinked.

“Not a talker like the other guy, got it,” you nodded, not put out by the odd behavior. In your time as a hero, you’d definitely seen odder. “I’m (Y/N) (L/N) by the way.”

You extended your hand in greeting, and weren’t the least bit surprised when he didn’t take it.

“Aizawa Shouta,” he said instead, his gaze flicking from your hand to your face.

You hummed.

“So I take it the other guy was referring to you when he apologized for throwing me in here.”

Shouta raised a brow, and you could see the hints of a smiling threatening to tug at his lips. Oh, you’d get there one day.

“Hizashi?”

Though it was a question, you knew he didn’t need any confirmation.

“Great guy,” you commented, holding your fingers up in a mock salute. “I’m off to go meet the others though. I’ll see you around, Shouta.”

You felt his eyes on you, as well as a few of the students, as you left the room. There, that wasn’t so bad. Just be yourself. Only, not yourself at all, because nobody could know who you were. So be yourself, just not your hero self, and don’t bring any attention to yourself.

Easy enough.

Two teachers down, and only a few more to go if you were being honest. You had to limit contact to those who would only be necessary. Apparently, only the teachers of class 1-A fit that bill.

You were roaming the halls rather aimlessly, not really worried about time constrictions. You didn’t teach until later in the day, and the meeting with Nedzu wasn’t for another half hour. Your mindless activity was interrupted by a very large, very sturdy body.

Your eyes slid all the way up the expanse of his chest- which by the way, what was he wearing? You made eye contact with the great Symbol of Peace, though you’d be lying if your gaze didn’t flick up to those legendary bangs for just a moment. You gulped.

Not intimidating at all, right? Just a seven foot man with more muscle than you had dreams.

“All Might,” you said as nonchalantly as you could manage.

Luckily enough, your voice didn’t crack. Now that would’ve been embarrassing.

“You’re the new teacher, yes?” He inquired, leaning down to get a proper look.

“Hey, I’m not that short,” you muttered indignantly. And okay, maybe you were that short in comparison, but come on buddy, your dignity couldn’t take the hit.

“Sorry,” he mumbled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Poseidous, right?”

You held out a hand to him, pleased when he shook it like a normal human being. One for three, (L/N).

“That’s me,” you proclaimed with a false cheeriness.

No, that was not you. That was so far from you, that you were sure you would’ve made fun of anyone who picked that name. Okay, no, you weren’t that mean. You would’ve definitely made a pun out of the name, or a Percy Jackson reference, or something else that wasn’t super mean, but definitely jested at the name.

“It’s a delight to meet another up and coming hero.”

You had no idea how he kept that smile up. To be honest, if the whole hero business ever fell through, he’d do great in the customer service industry. Would it be impolite to say that?

“And it’s an honor to meet Japan’s number one,” you replied in kind, though this time the smile was genuine.

You’d been wanting to meet him for some time. The last time you were anywhere near him was after you’d been rising through the ranks. Someone from your agency had worked out a meeting and everything, but it’d been cancelled last minute after a particularly gruesome villain attack. That was what you call a major disappointment.

He was supposed to be one of the world’s best, and honestly, you kind of wanted to fight him. Not like, ‘I’m evil and I want to destroy what you stand for’ kind of fight, but the kind where you test your abilities against somebody of his caliber.

It’d be interesting, that’s for sure. And it’d get one hell of a crowd. Perhaps it could be for a fundraiser event? You’d have to suggest the idea to your agency when you returned.

“I have a meeting with the principal,” you nodded your head in the general direction of his office. “Wow, didn’t think I’d be saying that again.”

The hero before you laughed, a deep and hearty sound. It was uplifting, and you found yourself joining in.

“Take care, I’m sure I’ll be seeing you around,” he said.

“Likewise,” you replied, leaving with a gentle wave.

The walk to the principal’s office was quiet. The halls were empty while students were in their classes. It was eerie, a high school hallway without the hustle and bustle of teenagers. But it was also a little nostalgic. Don’t be misled, high school was awful and you’d never do it again, but a part of you did miss being so young, having no real care in the world.

You found yourself in front of Nedzu’s office surprisingly quickly, making you wonder if the walk was shorter than you thought or if you’d really just been that lost in your own mind. Starstruck, if you will.

You knocked gently, waiting with your hands clasped behind your back. The little creature that served as UA’s principal didn’t make you wait for long. He was ushering you inside within a minute of your arrival, his little paws gesturing towards the couch across from him. You took the seat gratefully, feeling the stress peel away at not having to worry about keeping your identity a secret.

“How is it so far?” He asked, speaking to you in English.

You smiled at the principal. He was aware you could speak both languages, but he’d done everything in his power to make you feel more at home. Apparently, this included speaking your native tongue.

“Lovely, actually,” you answered, surprised to find that you were telling the truth.

From what you’d seen, the campus was beautiful and large. You couldn’t wait to make use of the training rooms, even if you would have to wait until night before using your quirk. The staff that you’d met was friendly, and the students were pleasant as well. All in all, it could’ve been a hell of a lot worse.

“Though I wish I could be here under better circumstances.”

Nedzu offered a grimace in reply. He had been asking for you to make an appearance at the last few sports festivals. You had wanted to attend one but your schedule had gotten a bit hectic. Now, it seems you’d finally have the chance. Though, he’d wanted your hero moniker to attend really, so it didn’t have the same effect.

“Perhaps you’ll be able to return after everything is settled.”

His tone was hopeful, lifting your spirits the smallest bit. You had faith in your own ability as a hero, so you weren’t afraid of being unable to finish the task. You were just unhappy it would take so long before you could reclaim your image.

“It’s been all over the news,” Nedzu added as an afterthought. He gestured towards the television tucked in the corner of his office, the title in big red lettering.

America’s Number One Hero, Where Has She Gone?

You scrunched your nose up at that.

“Why do they always use the title, not my hero name?” You asked a bit redundantly. Nedzu took it upon himself to answer anyways.

“The title is more recognizable here,” he informed you, shrugging. “Though, I’m sure many still know your hero name, Tempest.”

You managed a half smile at the words he spoke. Okay, maybe you weren’t the most creative at hero names either, but Tempest was what you chose when you were fifteen, and you’d be damned if anyone tried to make you change it now.

Besides, Tempest was the number one hero in America. Nobody would question your decision, even if they thought it sounded lame.

“Maybe the people of Japan will get to know Poseidous,” you stated, only half-joking.

You were itching to get back out into the hero business. At first, it’d been a nice break. Now, you were just getting antsy. Not to mention, everyone thought you had abandoned them. You’d been listening to the news articles about your disappearance and most of them were about how the public assumed he’d gotten to you.

The principal tsked.

“No patrolling,” he reminded you, crossing his arms over his chest. “No being a hero, just a teacher.”

You deflated at that comment.

“Yeah, yeah,” you muttered, slouching back into the seat.

“Now, let’s get you prepared for your first class.”

That lightened your spirits, if only a little. You had something to look forward to, even though you wanted nothing more than to return home and show them that you hadn’t been defeated.

Alas, they were forcing you into hiding until there was a better plan of attack, until you were ready to go on the offensive. Luckily for you, you’d kept your hero life and your private life entirely separate. There was no one who knew of both identities, except for Nedzu. Not even the agent who had created your profile knew who you really were.

You could do this. You could help these kids prepare for their future as a hero, and then return to your duties once you were ready.

It was just a matter of waiting.