#this book has a gorilla grip on me send help

[suv-draws-stuff]

troubled old people my beloveds (also omagah its lanyon)

[cherrycocaineee]

6. Draco Malfoy - Rainy Nights, Warm Drinks

*Warning - smut*

“I want you.”

“Keep your eyes open, look at me, baby.”

Draco’s p.o.v

  Loud chatter filled the jam-packed dining hall as students discussed their Christmas plans while their grubby hands reached for the feast laid out before each house. My gray-blue eyes stared blankly at the turkey and sides that touched my plate, my fork picking at whatever it could reach without me moving too much. I was counting down the moments that led up to Dumbledore clinking his fork against his glass that would dismiss everyone from Hogwarts, sending them home. Each single tick drove me crazy as I shook my leg, desperately pleading for time to move faster. At the end of this feast, everyone would be on the train heading to their families, while I would finally get to see the one person that I couldn’t get off my mind. Even now, the only thing I could think about was seeing her beautiful face and hearing her soothing, angelic voice, tuning out the voices of my friends.

  “Draco? Earth to Draco!”

  Pansy’s voice sliced right through my current thoughts involving my plans after school. Blinking a few times, I turned my head to see Pansy, Blaise, Crabbe, Goyle, Pike, and Nott staring at me. While Pansy stared at me with concern, the guys stared at me skeptically.

  “What?” I muttered, dully.

  “Pansy asked you what you were doing during the break,” Blaise informed, taking a sip from his cup.

  “Yeah,” Pansy agreed, “I was thinking you and I could go on a date since we won’t be in school.”

 A date? I had broken up with Pansy a year ago with the excuse that dating her had become boring, which it had, however, the real reason I left Pansy was because I had fallen in love with another girl. The whole thing had torn me up since day one because I hadn’t believed that I, the Slytherin Prince, could have fallen for a muggle, and yet I did. After a whole week of thinking about it and running everything carefully through my mind, I finally decided that I didn’t love Pansy and needed to end it with her before things got too serious.

  “I won’t be returning home this Christmas,” I stated, “Dumbledore has asked me to stay and help tutor some second years in potions.”

 “That’s ridiculous!” Pansy sneered, “it isn’t your job to teach those brats.”

  “You’re dad’s okay with that?” Nott asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

  “He wasn’t at first but once Dumbledore told him that I was the highest ranking student when it came to potions, he settled down and decided that I’d make a great leader for those snot nose brats,” I spoke, pride dripping from my lying tongue.

  Of course, staying at Hogwarts wasn’t a complete lie, it was just not the full truth. For the first four days of break, I’d be staying with Maggie and her Grandmother then I’d come back to Hogwarts to help out with tutoring, and it’ll keep going like that until school starts again. It was an agreement that I had worked out with Dumbledore after he found out about Maggie, which if I’m being honest, I’m not even sure how he found out.

  “And you’re okay with it?” Blaise asked, amused.

  “Doesn’t matter to me,” I muttered.

  I looked back down at my plate, feeling their eyes still watching me but not paying attention to it. Eventually, Dumbledore stood up from his seat and clinked his silverware against his wine glass. The chatter stopped immediately as everyone turned their impatient attention to the headmaster. Excitement was bursting through my chest, something I never thought I’d ever feel for a girl like Maggie. Dumbledore started by wishing everyone a Merry Christmas and happy holiday, then proceeded in telling everyone what to expect when they got back from break. We were expected to practice and prepare for our O.W.Ls that were coming up, which Umbridge decided to announce after interrupting Dumbledore. I may have pretended to like Umbridge and do as she said to appease my friends, but in all honesty, I hated her more than I hated anyone else.

   After all of Dumbledore and Umbridge’s talking, the feast disappeared from our tables and it was time for everyone to head to the train. I saw my friends on the train. Pansy turned around.

  “Well maybe I can stay here with you, so you aren’t alone,” she offered.

 Annoyance broke out across my face, “I’ll be fine, Pansy. I’m not interested in spending time with you anyway, so you’ll just be alone.”

  She started pouting while the other snickered behind her back. Scoffing, she stormed past everyone onto the train. I waved goodbye to the others and they followed after Pansy to the cart. Those leaving for the Christmas holiday were finally headed towards the platform and those who would be staying at Hogwarts for the vacation headed back towards the school.

As I was approaching the entrance, I saw Dumbledore standing there waiting for me, a smile on his face.

  “Good evening, Mr. Malfoy,” he stated, “have you gotten your belongings together?”

  “My bag is sitting in my room,” I replied.

  “Once you collect it, go to Hagrid’s. He’ll be waiting for you there to help you get to the muggle world. Have a safe trip.”

  With that, Dumbledore walked away allowing me to go fetch my belongings.

I grabbed my trunk out of my dorm room and carried it all the way towards Hagrid’s small hut just a little ways from the school. Hagrid was outside playing fetch with his large hound as I finished walking towards him. Immediately, he looked up after tossing the rather large stick across the field.

  “Malfoy,” Hagrid said, “what brings you here?”

I raised an eyebrow. He was kidding, right?

  The big oaf laughed heartily and patted my shoulder with his gorilla sized hand.

 “I’m messing, is all,” he bellowed, “let’s get a move on it before anyone notices.”

 Hagrid opened the door to his home and gestured me inside. Sitting on the table when he opened the door was a thick, black bag filled with dark, gray powder. Hagrid scooted around me and picked up the black bag before meeting my gaze. This was awkward for me, and I knew he could tell but fortunately he didn’t say anything to make it worse. Instead, he told me that the floo network would take us to Diagon Alley and we’d have to walk through another entrance into the muggle world. From there we’d take a wizard bus, which I found odd, straight to Maggie’s farmhouse just on the outskirts of London. However, I grew bored with being explained the plan and just wanted to get there already.

   I went through the floo network first and waited for Hagrid patiently for a moment. Once he was standing by my side, he took my luggage and walked with me through Diagon Alley. We both walked through the less populated parts of Diagon Alley until the two of us reached a dead end. Hagrid tapped his umbrella against the wall in a pattern and they started pulling apart revealing the empty alley of the muggle world. The smell was different from the one back in the wizarding world. I could definitely smell freshly mown grass, but there was an oil smell mixed in too. As Hagrid and I walked past all of the people and shops that adorn the streets, I could smell pastries, coffees, and other foods that I recognized. I could feel the inside of my mouth water.

We waited on the sidewalk near a coffee shop for what seemed like forever before a bus came to a sudden stop in front of us. No one seemed to notice its incredible speed.

  “Why hello there, Hagrid,” said a frail, stubbled face man wearing a purple suit.

  “Hello to you too, Stan Shunpike,” Hagrid laughed, “starting work a bit early, aren’t you?”

  Shunpike gave a crooked smile and nodded his head before gesturing us on. I went to grab my trunk when Shunpike grabbed it instead, pushing me inside. The smell was something to gag at. It smelled worse than anything I could imagine. Hagrid took a seat.

  “Aren’t you going to have a seat, Malfoy?” He questioned.

 “No, I’d rather stand,” I muttered, disgust lacing my voice.

  “Where to?” Shunpike asked.

  Hagrid gave the address and Shunpike looked at us confused.

  “That’s a muggle household.”

   “Not completely,” Hagrid said, “Loral Belle is the homeowner, Dumbledore’s friend.”

  A slow nod bounced off his thin shoulders and sat down.

  “Ernie, you know where to go.”

As soon as the knight bus took off, the speed pushed me back. Not even my grip was strong enough to keep me in place and I ended stumbling backwards until Hagrid’s large hand grabbed ahold of me. I pretty much clung to Hagrid’s large arm as we whirlwind through the busy streets of London. Two trucks stood in the way of the bus and I thought we’d slow down. However, we didn’t. Instead, the bus warfed itself so that it was thinner and we slid right through the small crack separating the two muggle vehicles. It wasn’t long before we reached the dirt road that led to Maggie’s farmhouse. Hagrid paid Shunpike and told him that there was extra in it for him if he waited for him and kept this visit a secret. Shunpike agreed with a large smile on his face.

    Hagrid grabbed my trunk and led the way to Maggie’s. He tried to make small talk with me as we hiked down the dirt road, but neither one of us knew what to say to each other.

 “How did you meet her?” He finally asked, catching my attention.

 “My father had some work to do with an old, retired friend,” I said, all of the memories flooding back to my mind, “I saw her sitting by the fountain reading a book when a group of guys started harassing her. I watched her try to get away from them, failing miserably, so I stepped in despite her being a muggle. A gentleman never lets a woman get pushed around. She already knew I was a wizard when I helped her, she said that her Grandmother had taught her to tell the difference from a young age. The more I talked to her, the more I liked being around her.”

  A goofy smile appeared on his face, “she sounds like an amazing young woman.”

  “She is.”

  Sitting on the porch when we got there was Grandma Loral rocking back and forth while a red scarf was being knitted next to her in the air. When she saw us, a smile appeared on her face and she climbed to her feet, approaching us at the edge of her porch.

  “Hagrid,” she greeted, “it’s been years.”

  “Nice to see you too, Loral,” Hagrid said, “I wish I could stay long, but I’m only here to drop off Mr. Malfoy. I’ll see you in four day.”

 I looked up at Hagrid, “thank you, Hagrid.”

If I didn’t know any better, which I didn’t, I could have sworn I saw tears in Hagrid’s eyes. He tried to push it away and claimed that dirt had gotten in his eye, but I knew the truth. No one was use to me being so nice, and seeing me do so meant to them that I was finally deciding things on my own and not because my father wanted them. Just like my decision to continue seeing a muggle. Grandma Loral and I waved goodbye to Hagrid, once he was gone, Grandma Loral sat back in her seat.

  “Maggie’s in the garden out back,” she said smiling, “thank you for coming, Draco. I know that the decision couldn’t have been easy.”

  “Actually,” I admitted, rubbing the back of my neck, “it was the easiest choice I’ve ever had to make in my life.”

  Grandma Loral told me to head back there and she’d take care of my trunk. Nodding, I walked down the steps and headed down the cobblestone path to find Maggie sitting underneath a tree reading a book. Dozens of flowers of all shapes and colors surrounded her and blew in the breeze. Her brown, curled locks of hair brushed delicately against her freckled face. She was as beautiful as the day I first saw her. I walked over to her and smiled at how deeply invested she was in her novel.

  “Mind if I sit?” I asked.

 Her body jerked and her head whipped around to see me standing there with a smirk on my face. A large grin stretched against her face from ear to ear before nodding eagerly. As soon as my body was positioned next to her, she threw her arms around me and squeezed tightly.

  “I’m so happy to see you,” she said, releasing me from her tight grip.

  “I’m happy to see you too, Maggie,” I said, “how have you been?”

 “I’ve been fine. Things have been a little difficult lately.”

When I asked her why, a sad expression came to her face. I thought maybe she was being bullied more, but as she explained, I realized that it wasn’t that. Grandma Loral was getting sick and it was getting worse and worse. Maggie was worried that she’d lose her grandmother and have no one once she’s gone. I touched her hand and told her it was going to be okay. She looked up at me.

  “How have you been?” She asked, her smile trying to distract me from her growing tears.

  I told her about Umbridge and my family, she never looked away from me and held on to my hand the way I held on to her’s when she told me about her Grandma. It seemed we were both going through some stuff right now and all we wanted was for someone to talk and relate to.

The remainder of the day moved quicker than I had hoped. Maggie was now in the kitchen cooking up some soup for dinner while I set up the dining table. From the kitchen, the two of us could hear Grandma Loral coughing up a storm. Maggie grabbed a glass, filled it with water, and brought it to her grandma before returning to finish dinner.

   After supper, Maggie helped her grandma to bed before joining me in the living room with two glasses of hoto cocoa. Rain started to drum against the roof of the farmhouse, lightning slashing against the darkened sky and thunder rolling across the heavy clouds. With each passing second, the rain got harder and louder. I sipped on my warm beverage and looked at Maggie. She had whipped cream sitting above her lip and I laughed causing her to look at me.

  “What?” She asked, an innocent smile dancing on her face.

  “You’ve got some whipped cream on your lip,” I chuckled, leaning forward and wiping it away with my thumb.

  A small red tint appeared on her face as she tried to avoid eye contact with me. I could tell she was embarrassed and I found it to be more attractive than ever. I scooted closer to her and she looked at me.

  “Draco, is everything okay?” She asked.

  “I love you,” I blurted out.

 Her bright green orbs widened in shock and I started to regret saying anything to her. I looked away from her, but she grabbed my shoulder, pulling it to face her.

  “I love you too,” she hummed.

Before I could stop myself, I smashed our lips together, saying a silent prayer that neither of us were holding that hot beverage. The kiss deepened and I pulled her into my lap, gripping her waist tightly to keep her in place. When we pulled away, she was panting from the lack of air, her lips red and slightly swollen from the heated kiss. I leaned down and started nibbling on her neck, earning a small whimper from her.

  “D-Draco,” she gasped.

  I unattached my lips from her warm flesh and peppered her jaw with kisses before reaching her ear.

  “I want you, Maggie.”

 Her body shivered at my words and I smirked. Maggie was gripping onto my blazer tightly.

  “But I-”

  “Shh,” I cooed, “I’ll be gentle.”

  I waited for her to give me the signal to continue. When her head nodded, I laid her down on the cushioned couch and began kissing her again. I traced my tongue against her bottom lip and tasted the cherry lip gloss she had coated her plump lips with after dinner. My fingers squeezed her thigh and she gasped, giving me full entrance to the inside of her mouth. I slipped my tongue into her warm, wet mouth and our tongues fought over dominance, however, Maggie’s submissive side kicked in and she let me take control easily. Quiet moans spilled from her muffled mouth. When I pulled away from her, a small string of saliva pulled from both of our lips. A rosy tint illuminated off her face and her green eyes were hazy, her floral shirt was pulled up, revealing her black, laced bra.

  “Fuck,” I hissed, my pants growing tighter at the sight of her coming undone from my touch.

Pulling myself up, I removed my blazer and tie before unbuttoning my white, dress-up shirt. Her glistening eyes watched my every move, widening at the sight of my bare chest. She started nibbling on her bottom lip as I pulled at the hem of her shirt.

  “Let's get this off,” I muttered, my voice husky and dripping with arousal.

  Maggie didn’t argue, she just pulled her shirt above her head revealing more of herself to me. I groaned as I leaned down and started sucking on her exposed skin, leaving wet kisses against her porcelain skin. Her heartbeat was pounding against her chest, her skin was heating up, and her fingers gripped the couch cushion. I reached behind her and unclipped her bra clasp. Immediately, her hands moved to cover herself up. I lifted her chin.

   “Don’t hide yourself, baby girl,” I whispered, “let me see you, please.”

  “Okay,” she whispered.

She allowed me to remove her bra from her small body and I tossed it to the side with the rest of our clothes that littered the living room floor. I pressed my lips against hers once again, my left hand gripped her left breast and I almost melted at the feeling of her perfectly soft, fleshy breast. Her pink, peachy nipples hardened from both the cold air and my calloused hands pinching at them. Her moans were becoming louder, but not too loud since her grandmother was sleeping.

   “Draco, please,” she moaned, her hips moving against my own.

  “What is it?” I moaned back, “what do you need, baby girl? Tell me.”

   “I-I need you. Please.”

Those words turned me on even more. I unbuttoned her shorts and pulled them off, her black matching panties hugged her hips. I hooked my fingers to her lacy panties, pulling them down and revealing her perfect pink cunt. My pants were becoming more and more uncomfortable by the second, so I quickly removed them from my body, discarding them to the floor with the rest of the pile. I started kissing her breast, sucking on her nipples, and tracing open mouth kisses against her body until I reached her lower area. The sweet aroma coming from her was intoxicating and I felt drunk from the scent alone.

   I traced my tongue against her already soaking slit causing her to shiver and moan. My tastebuds were coated with her delicious nectar and I couldn’t help but dive in quickly. Her small fingers tangled themselves into my gelled hair, messing up every strand. A list of moans echoed off the walls as I flicked my tongue hungrily over her clit. Maggie tried to close her legs, but I pinned them back down. My gray-blue eyes flickered up, meeting her lustful orbs. She was covering her mouth because she was becoming too loud. Careful not to hurt her, I slipped a single finger between her folds and she flinched. I stopped.

   “I’m sorry,” I whispered, “do you want me to stop?”

  “N-no, it’s okay,” she panted, “i-it’s all just a n-new experience.”

  Nodding, I went back to lapping up her flowing juices and started entering my finger again. This time it slipped in with ease. A few seconds passed and I added another finger, moving them slowly in and out of her.

 “D-Draco, faster.”

I didn’t waste time and started moving my fingers faster and faster into her sex. Her back arched off the couch, I could feel her clenching around my fingers and I could tell she was getting closer and closer to her release. I started sucking on her swollen clit and she yelped out before cumming all over my fingers. I removed them from her then placed them in my mouth, sucking every last drop off of them. Groaning against my fingers, I pulled them out with a pop.

  “Delicious,” I hummed, watching her chest move rapidly as she caught her breath, “have a taste.”

   I captured her lips with mine and rummaged my tongue around her warm mouth. Her eyes rolled to the back of her head making me smile at how undone she looked for me. I pulled away.

  “Doesn’t that taste amazing, sweetheart?” I whispered in her ear.

  All she could do was nod her head. Sweat was beaded against her forehead and her hair was starting to cling to her face, it was the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

  “Ready?” I asked, “and use your words for me.”

  “I-I am,” she muttered, “I-I’m ready.”

  Climbing on top of her, I aligned my hardened member with her entrance before pushing it, peppering kisses against her face as she cried out in pain. Once I was finally nestled inside of her aching cunt, I stayed there to let her adjust to my size. A minute passed by when she gave me the okay to move, then I started moving my hips at a slow pace. Every time I pulled out and pushed back in, I felt myself get squeezed around.

  “God damnit!” I groaned quietly, “so fucking tight. It feels amazing, Maggie.”

  “D-Draco, you’re s-so…” she couldn’t even finish her sentence.

  I started moving faster and harder with each stroke and both of our moans filled the room along with the sound of our sweaty skin slapping against each other. Despite the noise coming from us, we remained quiet enough so we didn’t wake up Grandma Loral.

   Maggie squeezed her eyes shut as I started snapping my hips harder to meet hers. I grabbed her chin with my right hand and pulled her head to meet mine, my lips feathering over her. Her warm breath fanning over my chapped, slightly parted lips.

  “Keep your eyes open. Look at me, baby,” I said strictly.

  Maggie’s eyes opened and our eyes stared at one another as I drilled into her repeatedly. Her nails raked into my back causing me to growl at the stinging pain. I lifted one of her legs over my shoulder for a better position, my cock now going deeper into her sweet sex.

   “Fuck, fuck, fuck,” I moaned, resting my forehead against her, never tearing my eyes away from hers.

  “Oh my God,” she said.

  “Feel good, huh sweetheart,” I praised, “you love being fucked like this.”

I didn’t want to take it too far, afraid that me being rough or even degrading her would cause her to push me away. She was sensitive. But Maggie seemed to love my words and nodded her head furiously as she started meeting my thrust.

  “Yeah you do, fucking slut.”

  Her moans were like music to my ears and I could feel her tightening around my throbbing cock. I wrapped my hand around her throat, not too tightly, her free hand gripping my arm as I practically slammed into her with inhuman speed. I didn’t know what came over me, but everything felt intoxicating and I felt energy rushing through me. 

  “I-I’m going to cum,” she whimpered.

  “Then do it,” I growled against her lips, “cum.”

 Her body started shaking as pure pleasure rushed over her small form. I watched her emerald eyes roll to the back of her head as I continued to slam into her, riding out her high. Our moans got louder, and we didn’t care that we were being loud. If we got caught, we got caught. All that mattered to me was watching her, being with her, loving her.

My thrust started getting sloppy as I felt myself coming to my end. I removed my hand from her throat, letting her lungs collect the well needed air, and buried my head into her sweaty neck. With a few final, strong thrust, I came inside her dripping cunt and moaned in her ear, or more like growled with pleasure. Her body shivered at the sound as she knotted her fingers in my hair. My body collapsed onto her, our chest heaving up and down as we tried to settle down. Once our breathing returned to normal, I pulled myself out of Maggie and laid next to her. I looked at her.

  “Sorry,” I whispered, as I tiredly chuckled, “I didn’t mean to finish inside you.”

She giggled and shook her head, “it’s okay. I’m on birth control, so it’ll be fine.”

  I smiled at her and leaned down to pick up my dress-up shirt. It was cool to the touch and as I cleaned up the mess on Maggie, she closed her eyes enjoying the welcoming, cold cloth. After I cleaned the both of us up with my shirt, I laid back down. Lightning flashed against the sky once again as a loud rumble of thunder hit the clouds. Maggie sat up and cracked the window open, the cool breeze washing over our sweaty bodies. I pulled her into my arms and nuzzled against her.

  “I love you, Maggie,” I whispered.

  “I love you too, Draco,” she said, “now and forever.”

Forever, huh?

  A smile appeared on my face as I closed my eyes and drifted to sleep next to the one girl I would sacrifice everything for. All of the thoughts that once invaded my mind, the unsureness of being with a muggle, how my father would act once he found out, all of it, disappeared. The only thought left was how I would protect her from Voldemort, and if she would still be by my side when she found out I was destined to be a death eater. But all of that could wait. I wanted nothing more than to enjoy the next four days with her.

I’ve never felt so relaxed before.

Forever sounds nice.

[starshine583]

Le Paon Part 13

(Chapter 13 is out guys!! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I did!)

Part 1 / Part 12 / Part 14

Felix stared up at the two story building as Fu hobbled forward to unlock the door. He had originally intended to call a cab and let the old man find his way from there, but Fu sheepishly admitted to not remembering the exact address of his house. So, Felix rode with him, and after twenty minutes of searching, they ended up here.

“You own a massage parlor?” He asked, noticing the small sign out front.

Fu nodded. “Yes, for many years now. It has been of great use to me.”

Felix didn’t respond, instead following the man inside once he unlocked the door. Someone with old joints like that must have trouble massaging others. Maybe he has employees? 

“I can’t thank you enough for helping me.” The old man began as he led them up a flight of stairs and through a hall.

Felix shrugged. “I couldn’t just leave you. It’s what anyone would have done.”

Fu stopped at a door towards the end of the hall and gave him a smile. “You live to be my age, and you’ll know that not just anyone would stop to help a random stranger.”

Felix furrowed his brows at the knowing look in the man’s eyes. Was there something he was missing?

“...If you’re all set here, I should be getting back to the theater. Adrien will be waiting for me.” Felix said, moving towards the stairs. He didn’t like the sudden feeling of exposure that this man was giving him.

“Oh, please, let me repay you somehow.” Fu requested. “I don’t have much money, but perhaps I could give you a soothing cup of tea?” 

Felix rose a brow, hesitant, but ultimately sighed. Repayment wasn’t necessary, since they lived in a mansion, but with everything that’s happened lately, maybe he needed some soothing tea. “One cup, and then I really should get going.”

“Wonderful.” Fu smiled as he pushed open a door and walked inside. “I already have a heated pot of water on the stove.”

Felix followed him into the room and sat on the mat that was in the middle of the floor that Fu pointed out to him. 

“I’ll go get the cups and pot.” Fu remarked, before strolling back out of the room. 

Felix simply nodded, taking the time to observe his new surroundings. The room was nearly bare, but it provided an open, calming space that helped him relax. A phonograph sat on one of the dressers in the room, which Felix found quaint. Not many people owned a phonograph now-a-days.

He stood up and walked over to the music player. The craftsmanship seemed to be delicate yet detailed, something he could admire. There were even strange, red symbols lining the sides of it. 

“It’s an antique.”

Felix whirled around to see Fu standing in the doorway, cups and teapot in hand.

“It’s exquisite.” Felix found himself replying.

Fu nodded and walked forward to place the teapot and cups on the mat. “It is a treasure that has been passed down through many generations.”

Felix rejoined the man and sat back down on the mat. “You’re very lucky to have it, then.”

Another smile crossed Fu’s lips as he poured some tea. “Yes, I know. I’m happy that it’s managed to remain undamaged during these akuma attacks.”

“Yes, the Miraculous Cure is a wonderful thing.” Felix said in a leveled tone, taking the cup of tea that Fu offered.

Fu hummed. “Indeed. I wonder when the attacks are going to stop.”

“One can only guess.” Felix muttered into his tea cup. In all honesty, he’d like to know when the attacks were going to stop as well. How long will he have to fight his own brother? How long will Marinette and numerous others be put in constant danger for the sake of one person?

“What is your guess?” Fu asked, taking a sip of his own cup of tea.

Felix faltered. “Uh- I can’t say for certain, but I suppose it’ll end when Ladybug takes down Hawkmoth or when Hawkmoth gets the miraculous.”

“And what of Le Paon?”

His grip on the tea cup tightened. “...Well, he works for Hawkmoth.. So it’s only fair that he’s taken down with him.”

Fu nodded. “That is true. He does work for Hawkmoth, but I’ve seen him save lives too.”

Felix cast his gaze to the floor. “Yes, he’s saved people, but only from the damage he’s caused.”

“From the damage Hawkmoth has caused.” Fu corrected. “Perhaps Le Paon has a reason for joining the terrorist’s side, hm? We cannot judge a book by its cover.”

Felix met Fu’s eyes again at that. Aside from Allegra and Marinette, he hadn’t seen anyone else defend his alternate identity. It was surprising, to say the least.

“Perhaps..” Felix murmured. He then set his cup aside and stood. “Thank you for the tea, but I need to get going. It was nice meeting you.”

“Are you sure you can’t stay longer?” Fu asked as Felix walked to the door.

“Unfortunately, yes. I’m sure. Have a nice evening.” 

Felix turned to go down the hall, when Fu called out his name again.

“I believe this is yours?” The man said, holding something out to him.

Felix’s eyes widened as he saw his peacock pin in the man’s palm. 

His hand shot to his chest, feeling the empty space where his miraculous used to be. How did it fall off? Why didn’t he notice when it did?

“Oh, um, y-yes. Thank you.” He fumbled, taking the pin back. Thank goodness the man realized it was Felix’s. If he had gone home without the peacock miraculous, Father surely would have been furious.

Fu smiled. “Enjoy your ride home.”

~~~~~~

Gabriel tapped his fingers together as he sat in his chair, his thoughts raging. That monster should have given Ladybug and Chat Noir plenty of distractions when it came to damage control and protecting the citizens. Felix should have had every chance to get at least one of their miraculous, and yet, Le Paon barely got away with his own! He just danced around the heroes like some game! 

On top of that, Felix hasn’t returned home from the movies yet, despite the fact that Adrien has. 

Gabriel’s office door cracked open, and he shot it a glare as Nathalie slipped inside. 

“Well? Is he back yet?” He asked sharply. 

“He’s about five minutes away.” Nathalie answered. “He claims to have stopped to help an old man who got mugged.”

Gabriel rose a brow. “Claims?”

“Well, Gorilla wasn’t with him, sir. We can’t be sure what happened.” She replied, her expression ever-so-neutral.

Gabriel’s eyes narrowed with disapproval. “Nathalie, I’m aware that you don’t trust Felix, but he is my son. If he says he was helping someone, then he was.” 

Nathalie nodded. “Of course, sir.”

A flash of light passed the window, causing the two to pause.

“That should be him.” Nathaniel murmured.

“Send him in.” Gabriel ordered, gesturing for her to leave.

Nathaniel nodded again and swiftly left the room to collect his son. 

A few minutes later, Felix was standing before him with enough audacity to look Gabriel in the eyes as if he had done nothing wrong.

“You called for me, Father?”

Gabriel gave him a steely look. “You’re late.”

“I had to help an old man on my way back to the theater.” 

“So I’ve heard.” Gabriel responded curtly. “But that’s not the main issue here. Care to explain your performance tonight as Le Paon?”

Felix didn’t so much as flinch, and it only enraged Gabriel more. 

“I did the best I could with the circumstances you provided.” His son replied coolly.

“That monster was a perfectly capable distraction-”

“To both the heroes and myself.” Felix interjected.

Gabriel scoffed. “Aside from the monster, you still avoided the heroes’ advances, or rather Chat Noir’s.”

Felix stiffened, proving Gabriel’s statement correct. He had been avoiding Chat Noir. But why?

“..Where are you going at night?”

Felix blinked. “What?” 

“Where are you going at night?” Gabriel repeated forcefully. First the late night outings, then the purposeful evasion- something had to be going on. Was he talking with the heroes? Were they trying to turn his own son against him? “Nathalie’s shown me the video surveillance of you leaving as Le Paon without my permission. Where have you been going?”

Despite his son’s obvious efforts, Gabriel could see the panic on Felix’s face. What had he been doing that would warrant such nervousness?

“I..” Felix paused. “I didn’t think you would approve.”

“Approve of what?” Gabriel bit off.

“Patrols.” His son spit out hastily. “I didn’t think you’d want Le Paon roaming around at night in case someone spotted him, but I knew that Ladybug and Chat Noir would roam the streets at night too. I figured that I might be able to get the jump on one of them at some point.”

Nathalie scoffed behind them, but the way she froze when they turned to her gave Gabriel the impression that she hadn’t meant to be heard. 

“So you’re going on Patrols?” Gabriel asked, turning back to Felix with a suspicious expression.

“That’s the truth.” Felix said calmly. “But if you don’t believe me, feel free to take the pin back.”

Nathalie, to no one’s surprise, eagerly reached forward to take the miraculous, but Gabriel held up his hand to stop her. 

“That’s not necessary. Just make sure to check in with me before doing something flaunting your miraculous around again.” 

Felix nodded. “Of course.”

Gabriel stared at him for a moment, searching for a crack in the boy’s facade. 

Felix stared right back, unblinking, as if he was challenging Gabriel to find something else underneath his words. 

“You may go.” Gabriel finally remarked, waving him away.

Felix didn’t hesitate. He whirled around on his heel and strolled right out of the room. Gabriel wasn’t sure if that meant his son was eager to escape or simply had other things to do.

“You’re just going to let him go?” Nathalie asked incredulously.

“Is there some other action you think I should have taken?” Gabriel shot back. His secretary had become rather outspoken over the last few months.

“Oh- I don’t know -take his miraculous maybe?” She remarked, utterly bewildered towards his reactions.

Gabriel sighed. “That is enough, Nathalie. I will not sit and listen to you denounce my son so openly. You are dismissed.”

Nathalie opened her mouth to argue, but smartly thought better of it. She gave him a stiff nod and exited the room quietly, though he swore he could hear grumbles out in the hall afterwards.

Gabriel ran a hand over his face with another sigh. The possibility that Felix might have secretly joined the heroes both infuriated him and made him sick. Was Felix a traitor to their family? Or was he doing more than Gabriel could see? Time could only tell, he supposed. Once he got the miraculous, had Ladybug on her knees, they would see who’s side Felix was truly on.

~~~~~~

Marinette fluffed out the ruffles on her light pink dress to get a good look at them. They seemed poofy enough, and the black lining definitely made the light pink tips pop. A few more tweaks for the flower patterns, and it should be good to go!

“You know, I just don’t get it.” Alya said as she draped herself across Marinette’s chaise.

“What’s that?”

Alya held up her phone, showing Allegra’s blog “Birds of a Feather”. “How can so many people enjoy this blog? It’s glorifying one of Paris’ biggest threats!”

“He’s not all bad.” Marinette felt compelled to say. “He’s saved me on multiple occasions.”

And done a few other things. She refrained from adding. He still hadn’t come back to visit her after that night on the Eiffel Tower.

Alya looked at her like she had two heads. “You’re defending him?”

“I-I’m just saying-”

“He’s working with Hawkmoth!” Alya said emphatically, flailing her arms a bit.

“Maybe he has a reason?” Marinette replied sheepishly.

Like his mother being in an incurable coma.

Alya shook her head. “I get that he saved you, and that was nice of him and all, but he’s still helping a terrorist. Whatever reason he has shouldn’t take precedence over the lives of other innocent people.”

Marinette gave a nod, though she couldn’t find it in herself to completely agree. Le Paon’s choice of action wasn’t the best, but he only wanted his mother back. He wasn’t trying to destroy the city of Paris. His saving the civilians even when it put his chances of getting the miraculous in jeopardy proved that. Le Paon- or Hawkmoth -merely chose a horrible way to get the wish they needed.

Alya set her phone down with a sigh and shifted on the chaise to face Marinette. “Anyway, are you ready for tomorrow? It’s a big day.”

“I think so. You might have to help me fit the dress a bit, but other than that-”

“That’s not what I meant.” Alya interrupted before Marinette could ramble any further.

Marinette somewhat glanced to her right in a lazy attempt to look over her shoulder. “We’re talking about Homecoming, right?”

“Yes,” Alya drawled, “but I’m also talking about who will be there. Like a certain someone named ‘Felix Agreste?”

Marinette paused to avoid stabbing herself with the needle.

“What about him?” She asked, all too aware of her voice being an octave too high.

Alya smirked. “Don’t play dumb. You know exactly what I’m talking about. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t refuse to tell me what happened between you two last week during the movies.”

“Nothing happened.” Marinette replied, continuing her work as her cheeks burned. Granted, something almost happened, but something almost happening and something actually happening are two completely different things. 

Not to mention, she didn’t even see him for the rest of the evening. By the time she got back to the theater, Adrien was telling everyone that Felix wouldn’t be back because of some old man that needed help on his way home. (A noble pursuit, mind you, but that didn’t ease the nerves that swirled in the pit of her stomach later that night. Did he regret it? Was it only a heat of the moment thing, and he didn’t actually love her? Would they even talk about it at some point? One could only guess.)

“If nothing happened, you would tell me!” Alya countered.

“I did tell you. The movie sucked, so we went for ice cream instead. That was it.” Marinette said, hoping Alya would just accept that answer for once. 

It’s not that she didn’t want to talk about it. She did. Almost kissing Felix left butterflies in her stomach and a wonderful warmth in her chest, but Alya would blow everything out of proportion. Due to the craziness of the upcoming dance, school work, and being Ladybug, Marinette hasn’t gotten to talk with Felix yet about the “almost kiss”. She hasn’t gotten to talk with him about anything, really. Telling Alya would only cause unnecessary pressure. 

Alya sighed. “Well, whatever happened last week, you’ll definitely be seeing him tomorrow night. You might even get to dance.”

Marinette bit her lip to avoid squeaking. Felix? Dancing with her? The very thought sounded heavenly.

“So, I’ll ask you again: Are you ready for tomorrow night?”

“I.. I don’t know.” She answered honestly. Was she ready? What if they did dance tomorrow night? What if they didn’t? What if he avoided her the entire evening because of the ice cream incident? 

What if they actually kissed?

Alya smiled and knelt down next to her, placing a comforting arm on her shoulder. “Don’t worry, girl. We’ll get you ready. When Felix sees you tomorrow, he’ll be so love struck that he’ll have to dance with you.”

Marinette giggled despite herself, because the thought of Felix being head over heels in love with her like that sounded too good to be true. 

Nevertheless, she smiled. “If you say so.”

“I know so.” Alya replied with a wink.

The two shared a small laugh, but as Marinette went back to sewing the finishing touches of her dress, Alya’s question continued to turn in her mind.

Was she ready to face Felix again?

Guess there was only one way to find out.

~~~~~~

Felix straightened his tie as he got out of the car and brushed off his suit coat. He’d never attended a homecoming dance before, but Allegra said it was somewhat similar to an informal ball or party. Hopefully the gym wouldn’t be too crowded.

Adrien gave him a light nudge as they started up the school steps. “Are you nervous?”

Felix frowned. “Of course not. Why would I be nervous?”

“Oh, no reason.” His brother replied with a shrug. “It’s just that Marinette’s going to be there.”

Felix turned his head slightly to avoid giving Adrien the satisfaction of seeing him blush. “And?”

Adrien smirked. “And she’ll probably be all dressed up and looking awfully beautiful. Are you going to ask her to dance?”

“That is for me to know, and you to find out.” Felix answered flatly.

Adrien chuckled. “I still don’t know why you’re so defensive about your crush on her.”

“I’m not defensive about it-” Felix stopped short, but it was too late. 

Adrien’s grin turned Cheshire-like. 

“Not defensive about it, you say?” His brother nearly purred. “So you do have a crush on her then?”

Felix groaned. “Can we just go inside?”

“That’s not a no~.” Adrien sang.

Felix smacked him, but Adrien only snickered as they continued inside the school. 

Though most of the lights were dimmed, Felix could hear the beat of the music and see the occasional flash of light from the gym. Echoes of laughter grew as they made their way to the decently-sized crowd at the center of the school, and soon, the two were merging with the other students under the red, green, and blue strobe lights. Adrien smoothly joined his classmates, while Felix opted to linger on the edge of the crowd. The atmosphere was a bit too loud for his liking, and the flashing lights prevented him from differentiating Allegra and the others from the rest of the people.

Felix took a small cup of punch from the refreshments table- which was also on the edge of the crowd -and enjoyed a few sips of the pink drink. Unfortunately, the lemony taste didn’t soothe his nerves. 

He knew he shouldn’t be nervous, because Marinette would never be anything remotely close to cruel, but they still hadn’t talked about the kiss that almost happened last week. Between his school, the new fashion line that he’s had to help supervise, and Adrien’s shoots, Felix has barely had enough time to even look in Marinette’s direction. (Though that never stopped him from doing so.) 

Father’s punishment for sneaking out was certainly severe, more so than he probably knew. With the extra security surrounding Felix now-a-days, his nightly visits to Marinette as Le Paon were also impossible. He hated not being able to see her more.

Someone stopped next to him at the punch table, but he didn’t realize who it wasn’t until they poked him to get his attention.

“Why am I not surprised that you’re hiding in the back?” Allegra teased.

“It’s called ‘skillful evasion’.” Felix corrected, a slight smirk tugging at his lips.

Allegra snorted. “Sure it is. How long have you been here?”

“We’ve only just arrived.”

She nodded. “That’s good. Marinette’s here, you know.” 

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Felix grumbled, despite knowing full well the reason behind the comments.

“Oh, I don’t know,” Allegra began sarcastically with a roll of her eyes, “Maybe it’s because you texted me to ask if you could use me as an excuse to see her, or maybe because you haven’t been able to stop staring at her since then. Or-”

“Alright, alright. Point taken.” Felix cut in with a glare.

Allegra smirked. “She looks stunning. You should really go talk to her.” 

Felix glanced down at his cup as he leaned back against the punch table, not replying. He should go talk to her. But how? He couldn’t just stroll up to her like nothing’s happened between them, right? How does one approach a situation like this, exactly?

Allegra heaved a playful sigh. “Alright, come on. Let’s go find her.” 

“What-” was all Felix got out before Allegra started tugging him through the crowd. 

“I thought I saw her over here somewhere.” Allegra muttered to herself as she pulled him along.

“Allegra, wait-” Felix tried to interject.

Allegra whirled around to face another direction. “Or was it over here?”

“You can’t just-”

“Hey! There you are!” Claude suddenly exclaimed next to them. “I’ve been looking for you, Fe.”

“Oh good,” Allegra smiled, “because we’re looking for Marinette. Any idea where she went?”

“Marinette?” Allan spoke up, popping up behind Claude. “I think I saw her with Alya next to the DJ booth under the hanging lantern things.”

“Perfect!” Allegra chirped. 

Felix jerked on his hand, to no avail. “Now, wait just a minute-”

“Let’s go!” Claude cheered, gathering with Allan behind Felix. 

The three then proceeded to push Felix to the other side of the gym. He struggled as best he could, but it was no use. The trio- specifically Allegra -had an iron grip on him. Felix was at their mercy.

A few of the students gave him odd looks for being shoved across the gym floor, but Felix was much more worried about Marinette’s familiar giggles growing closer and closer. 

Alya came into view, and with a final shove, the trio sent Felix stumbling towards the two girls. He flailed his arms a bit to regain balance, before shooting a glare at the three. They gave him a cheerful wave, but swiftly disappeared into the crowd again before he could chew them out.

One day.. Felix thought to himself with a scowl as he straightened. One day I’m going to get them back for all of these stunts.

“Felix?”

Felix grimaced at the voice he knew all too well. 

He turned to Marinette, ready to give some sort of greeting or apology, but when his eyes landed on her, any words that had been forming in his mouth promptly disappeared. 

Words couldn’t possibly describe how radiant she looked. Her light pink dress fluffed out around her with flowers peppered along the different pieces of fabric. The silver necklace hanging loosely around her neck brought attention to her creamy skin color, and her hair- oh her hair. In all the time he’d known her, Felix had never seen Marinette’s hair completely down. Now that he had, however, he would gladly admit that it’s something he could never get tired of seeing. The lightness of the dress only accented her hair’s naturally dark color, and it looked as if the inky, night sky itself had decided to curl around her shoulders that evening.

“I…” Felix cleared his throat. “I see you finished the dress.”

A light blush dusted her cheeks. “I did. Do you like it?”

She took the tips of two of the ruffles and did a small twirl. The back of the dress, he realized, dropped low, almost reaching the middle of her back.

Felix swallowed. 

“It’s stunning.” You’re stunning.

Marinette smiled brightly, and Felix swore he felt dizzy. “Thanks! The patterns were a nightmare to get, but I like the way they turned out.”

“So do I.” Felix said. “You did a fantastic job.” 

“Didn’t she?” Alya suddenly spoke up, wrapping an arm around Marinette’s shoulders. “I told her it looked great. Oh!-” Her gaze snapped upwards and a feigned look of concern crossed her features. “Is that Nino calling? I should go see what he wants. Have fun you two!” 

Alya gave Marinette a playful pat on the back that swiftly turned into a shove, and Marinette stumbled forward with a yelp.

Right into Felix’s arms.

Felix fell back a step as he wrapped his arms around Marinette to help balance her. “Are you alright?”

“Yes, sorry, I didn’t expect her.. too..” Marinette trailed off as she looked up at him, a heavy blush slowly forming across her cheeks.

Felix flushed too, because he knew exactly why she was flustered. They were- once again -pressed against each other, so close that he could almost lean forward to finish what they started last week.

Almost.

“It’s not your fault.” Felix said softly, loosening his grip on her.

Marinette straightened, and he reluctantly let his hands completely fall back to his sides. 

“Right..” She replied absently, still staring at him with a dazed look in her eyes. 

Felix offered a small smile, but he couldn’t help wondering what it meant for her to stare at him like that. Was she thinking about their almost-kiss too? Should he bring it up? 

~Alright, everyone, it’s now time to slow down!~ The Dj exclaimed over the speakers.

Their classmates cheered, and the strobe lights shut off, only for the pink lanterns above them to turn on. Soft music floated through the speakers, causing students around the room to pair up. 

Felix glanced at Marinette, who was now staring up at the red lanterns with awe. He cleared his throat to get her attention, and mentally crossed his fingers as he extended his hand to her. “Would you, um, would you do me the honor of having this dance with me?”

Felix winced at his wavering tone. Was that too formal? Could she tell he was nervous? He’s never actually asked anyone to dance with him before.. Maybe he should try again more casually-

The feeling of Marinette’s hand in his stopped his thoughts in their tracks.

“I would love to.” She said, a hidden layer of giddiness and bashfulness lacing her tone.

Felix’s smile as he pulled her close had to have been the goofiest expression he’d ever made, but he couldn’t bring himself to care. Marinette was in his arms, and the way she giggled as they spun around the gym made him feel lighter than air. 

“I’ve never seen you wear a suit before.” Marinette commented after a few spins, rubbing her hand over his arm to feel the material. “It looks nice.”

“Thank you. It’s part of my Father’s brand, though. He’s always having us wear his things to promote the company.” Felix responded, holding her hand up so she could twirl again.

Marinette nodded thoughtfully before spinning out. “The design’s a bit plain for being part of the Agreste brand. If they wanted to promote it, they should have put a little twist on it to help stand out.”

Felix smirked as he pulled her back. “Are you criticizing one of the top fashion designers?”

Marinette flushed a deep scarlet, almost missing his other hand when she crossed her arms to lean her back against his chest. “Uh- no, no! I mean- not necessarily criticizing, I-I just-”

Felix laughed. “Don’t worry, I completely agree with your opinion. Father’s become lazy with the fact that he’s so famously known.”

Marinette let out a sigh of relief. “Yeah..”

“Maybe you can make my suit next time I go to a formal event.” Felix then suggested, before spinning her back out.

He thoroughly enjoyed Marinette’s eyes blowing wide at the remark.

“Wait, really? You’d want me to?” She asked, shock written all over her face as she drew back into him at the end of the twirl.

Felix chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist once more. “Of course. Father would be furious, but I think it would be worth it.”

Marinette fell silent, which worried him. Did he say something wrong? Was she upset about the comment of his Father’s temper? 

A sniff came from her before his thoughts spiraled too far, and Felix froze as tears started to glisten in Marinette’s eyes. Was she crying?!

Before he could react, Marinette flew forward, wrapping her arms around his neck and burying her face in his shoulder.

“Thank you.” She said, her voice a bit muffled. “For being so supportive of me.”

Felix, though confused, relaxed a bit and hugged her back. “It’s the least I could do.”

“Well, it means more to me than you could ever know.” Marinette confessed. 

You mean more to me than you could ever know. Felix thought to himself, holding her a bit tighter. 

“It’s my pleasure to help you.” He said honestly.

A breath of a chuckle brushed his neck. 

“Even when you have to go out of your way to do it?” She asked lightheartedly.

Felix nodded. “I don’t mind going through a few obstacles to make your life easier, Marinette.”

After all, he would do anything for her, even if it meant giving up his Father’s approval, or giving up his carefully built freedom that came with it. 

That thought should terrify him, knowing someone could control him so easily, but who could possibly be afraid of those shimmering blue eyes?

Marinette lifted her head off of his shoulder, which he would have been disappointed about had she not grabbed his hand right after. “Let’s go get some strawberry lemonade. All of this dancing has made me thirsty.” 

Felix smiled. “Lead the way.”

Tag List:  @im-here-for-the-content @novicevoice @mewwitch@minightrose @frostymoon11 @multishipper1needshalp@unabashedbookworm @unholykrow @trubel43@kaydenth3gayden @stardustrevoutionx @legendaryneckjudgestudent @aurordraws @crazylittlemunchkin @uwuteamleader @chocolatecustarddanish @iambi-thilla-meena @corabeth11 @asainfrustration13  @chrismarium @agumon1123 @luciferge @yue-caelum @persephonebutkore @constancetruggle @fanficaddict4ever @johnlockfeelz @imfreakingmagical @tinybrie @procrastinatingrightnow @bee-wrecker @dontcallmecedge @shadowhex99 @daminette-is-life @thethirdwheelfriend @myazael @sizzling-fairy-oil @sparkle9510 @chaosace​ @the-navistar-carol​ @sannsibarr​ @grumpy-vixen-kitten​ @hauntedfreakdeputyhero​ @utcaro​ @more-or-less-human-i-guess @mlbutatbspofsalt @dawn-the-rithmatist @artcart0n @mermaidreject @tori-mmm  @fifaanayd  @novicevoice  @dreamykitty25

[multibug]

3: flowers (ladrien)

AO3

The florist closes in ten, Adrien’s just under twelve minutes away and the Gorilla is currently doing 112 kmh through the bustling streets of Paris to get him there before the store locks.

Stupid, stupid, stupid, he thinks to himself, window rolled down and his head sticking out the window a bit unsafely. 

The Gorilla glances at him through the rear-view mirror and grunts. 

Adrien knows he means business from the tone of it and settles into cushioned seat of the Mercedes-Benz. He rests his folded arms over the soft flap of the window, chin atop them. 

Paris flutters by in its pristine glory, shops upon shops, bakeries upon bakeries, people upon people. Lots of people that Adrien studies casually as he taps his fingers idly against the warm metal of the car. 

An orange-pink sky is slowly being tinkered away by midnight blue, a waning crescent tickling the edges of the sun out of view. Lingering remnants of summer and warm fill the air, clinging to his skin, his face, the interior leather seats, even the flaps on the window.

17:55 the clock reads, tick tick tick edging into Adrien’s anxiety like a knife. 

He knows the Gorilla can’t drive faster. He understands that it’s his fault for taking his sweet time dressing and undressing in different outfits. Plagg reminds him of it with a small snicker that’s not heard to his bodyguard. 

Max has told him time and time again that statistically speaking, the better chance he has of woo’ing a potential partner is to show he cares. Now he wonders whether his messily slicked-back hair, white button-up tucked into navy shorts and birkenstocks is overkill. 

Too late to go back and change, so Adrien rolls with it, plucking a loose strand of hair off his forehead before leaving it with a pout. ‘No matter how much gel I put in it, that piece always lets gravity win.” 

His comment pulls an unusual grin out of the Gorilla. 

17:59 and the Gorilla is skidding to a stop, Adrien hauling his ass out of the car and into the aesthetically-pleasing flower shop. Flowers upon flowers, beautifully-colored ones that are vibrant against the shops dark paneling fill his vision. 

It’s overwhelming and his brain hurts from overstimulation. 

An elder florist dressed in a light and airy skirt turns the corner and shocks Adrien enough for him to nearly fall over, steadying himself on the counter closest to him. It’s filled with bright colored peonies and hydrangeas he almost knocks off, fumbling to catch the beautifully arranged assortments. 

“You look lost,” the florist quips with a hint of amusement on her otherwise stoic face. 

“I am in desperate need of help,” Adrien replies, eyes wide as he scans the excessive amount of flowers and arrangements and it’s all too much oh my god. 

Said florist tilts her head to the side, tapping a patient foot on the ground. “Are you looking to send threatening flowers? Because that’s not really my thing,” she pauses, leaning in with twinkling eyes. “If you pay me a little extra, though…” 

“No, oh god no, it’s just—It’s a special day for this girl I really care about and I want to show her how much I care, if that makes sense.” Shuffingly awkwardly in place, Adrien’s hands twist into one another to stop himself from touching his neck. “I don’t want to go overboard either, even though I think she deserves every flower in this shop.” 

“If you’re not careful enough, you might accidentally send her threatening flowers with that mindset,” Agnés—her name tag reads as she approaches him—tells him with slanted eyebrows. “Alright, lover boy. I’ve got you covered.” 

  Please still be here, please still be here, please—

Oh dieu merci, Adrien thinks as he slows his breathing from running across the Champ de Mars. Decorations scatter around the vicinity, Ladybug and Chat Noir themed merchandise lining the park in mobile kiosks. Balloons with their faces being held by small, crying children with overjoyous parents. 

Heroes’ Day is a time of celebration, filled with joy and love and happiness that warms Adrien to the brim. Him and Ladybug, plus all of the temporary miraculous holders, share in festivities that reminds the population of Paris that their savours are still human, like them. 

The extra time spent with Ladybug each year is an added bonus. 

Adrien left the celebrations a little early to find the Gorilla, grab his flower for Ladybug, and take off into a sprint across the grassed field behind tour Eiffel to catch her before she left. 

Ladybug rounds the corner after signing a civilian’s signature book, clearly ready to leave, when Adrien calls her name loud enough for her to hear him. “Ladybug!” 

They practically bump into each other as they both try to round the corner synchronously. Ladybug’s eyes widen as she takes note of him and his trajectory, digging her feet into the ground to stop the seemingly inevitable crash. 

It doesn’t happen. 

Before either of them can ram into one another, Adrien’s free hand lands on Ladybug’s shoulder and halts their movements, warmth flooding to his cheeks. 

His hands burn, his cheeks burn, his whole body burns now that he’s here. 

‘Adrien Agreste?” Her voice is stricken and slightly shrill, so unlike the Ladybug he knows and has come to love that he almost—keyword being almost—laughs. 

“H-Hi Ladybug,” he says, dumbly, cursing himself for acting so starstruck around her. Get ahold of yourself, idiot, this is your partner for crying-out-loud!

“Hello,” she replies a bit unsurely, her own cheeks matching her suit color. “Is everything okay?” 

No. You’re too pretty for me to think clearly. “Yes. I have something for you,” Adrien spits out, cringing internally at how blunt he is sometimes. “I wanted to get you something for Heroes’ Day—”

A smile grows on her face, a slow rise akin to a blooming flower. “That’s so sweet, Adrien! You really didn’t have to!” 

Shrugging his shoulders, the hand behind his back appears in front of him, showcasing his flower for her to see. 

It’s a red hibiscus with coral undertones, so vibrant in color it rivals that of her suit. The flower is encased in a small paper cup with intertwining colorful designs on it, soil and all. “I didn’t want to buy a pot for it because I wanted you to find one that suited your room, or something,” he trails off dumbly at the expression on her face, slightly panicking. “If you don’t like it, I can always get you another? I mean, the florist I went to doesn’t open until tomorrow, but—” 

“—Adrien,” Ladybug interrupts, her hand finding his bicep with a pretty smile on her face that has Adrien’s stomach soaring. “Please, it’s perfect. Don’t you take this flower away from me.” 

Adrien chokes at her words, eyes dipping to glance at her hand before they raise to meet hers, except—

She’s leaning in. 

Time stops. Adrien’s lucky his grip on the cup is tight as Ladybug’s soft, plump lips graze his cheek. Her lips touch the corner of his mouth and it sends shocks through his body as she takes the paper cup from him. “Thank you. This is one of the nicest gifts anyone’s ever gotten me.” 

“Am I dead?” His brain-to-mouth filter is gone, eyes widening in mortification at her giggle—the cutest giggle he’s ever heard.

“Not yet, no,” Ladybug tells him through her quiet laughs, blinking up at him through her eyelashes. “As much as I would love to stay and chat—”

Heh. Chat.

“—I must be going now. Thank you again for the flower, Adrien. It’s really lovely.” 

With a surge of confidence and determination, Adrien gently grabs one of Ladybug’s gloved hands in his. Lips graze over the top of her hand, across the ridge of her knuckle and the dip where her fingers meet her hand. “Get home safe,” he whispers, smiling stupidly at her. 

“I—I,” Ladybug stutters, her eyes wide and mouth ajar. “I’ve gotta go,” she squeaks out, quickly but carefully ripping her hand out of his and yo-yo’ing away. 

“You two are disgusting,” Plagg grumbles in Adrien’s shirt pocket, face-palming with his tiny hands.

(Later on, Marinette buys a pot and decorates it with her paints and keeps the flower tucked away in Tikki’s garden so it lives longer). 

((Tikki tells her to google the flower and Marinette has a near stroke when she realizes the symbolizing behind Adrien giving it to her)).

(((Ladybug shows up at Adrien’s house and kisses those same words into his mouth, forehead, and cheeks until he believes her))).

[alphawave-writes]

Evil actions and good intentions Chapter 2: Phoenix Down

Synopsis: In this chapter, find out the sequences of events that left Dr. Harold Winston stranded in space. Meanwhile in the present, watch as Harold and Sigma make a fool of themselves at breakfast. 

It’s a classic Alphawave chapter in which I mix a completely different genre with comedy. You’re welcome.

Read it on AO3. Read my Sigma fanfic series ‘The Universe sings’ here. If you like my writing, please do reblog or send me a comment. 

-

He was so blind. Blind to his colleague’s treatment of the animals. Blind to the growing dissatisfaction amongst the gorillas. Blind to the rebellion growing in everyone’s eyes. A war was brewing, but he was distracted. In a few weeks time, he would be back on Earth. In a few weeks time, he would see Siebren again. They already had so much planned. He’d tell Siebren about all the specimens and their wonderful progress, the fulfillment in their life. Siebren would finally introduce Harold to his mother for coffee. They’d chat and laugh, and then when Siebren least expects it, Harold would go down on one knee and propose. It would be like the fairy tales he’s told to the animals. It would be magical, beautiful, perfect.

 But that day never arrived. In his quarters, he heard the slide of a card on the card reader.

 “Sport?” He mumbled. Sleep was an elusive beast and time was no longer linear in space, but he checked his clock anyway. He had been sleeping for two hours. Only Specimen 28 would approach him at this time of night. After all, he was the only other being to have the card to his door.

 He stifled a yawn as he walked up to the door. It swung open, revealing the imposing figure of a gorilla. The light didn’t turn on. “A bit late, isn’t it, champ?” He smiled sleepily. “Come over to the bed. I've got just the bedtime book for you.”

 Before he can react, the gorilla grabbed him by the neck and shoved him to the wall, their free hand covering his mouth. Two more gorillas walked into the room. As the light filtered in from the hallway, Harold realized it wasn’t Specimen 28 in front of him but Simon. Hypatia was busy going through Harold's computer while Specimen 28 stood near the doorway, mutters of discomfort escaping his throat. Harold couldn’t stop staring at him.

 “For years you have pushed us aside and locked us in cages, my brothers and sisters and I,” Simon growled. “For years you take us away from our home and experiment with us, injecting us with foul poisons that curse our bloodstream. But we are animals. We are better than you lowly humans.”

 Simon shoved him to the wall, the grip on his neck tightening. Harold gasped, wincing in the pain, trying to pat Simon to let him down.

 “Let him go, Simon!” Specimen 28 screamed. “Dr. Winston hasn’t done anything to us. He’s only been kind, and caring.”

 Simon swiveled his head. “He’s one of them.”

 “He's our father!” The fur and skin on Specimen 28's body seemed to be turning red.

 Simon glanced between Harold and Specimen 28. He let out an animalistic huff and dropped Harold on the floor. He breathed deeply, gasping for air with desperate breaths. Simon approached him while he was down and ripped the glasses off his face, throwing them over his shoulder. Specimen 28 scrambled to catch them, letting out a quiet sigh of relief. His skin seemed to be returning back to normal.

 “You’re going to do what we tell you to do," Simon sneered. "You’re going to tell the scientists that there was an emergency malfunction at airlock E-35. Bring them all there.”

 Hypatia grabbed him by the shirt and flung him to the lone computer terminal in his room. She gestured at it. “Type.”

 Harold stared at Specimen 28, who turned his head away. Bruises were forming at his neck, and it still hurt to breathe, but he knew he had no choice. Standing up against the gorillas will just make him their enemy. Bloodlust filled their eyes, making them see red. They itch for battle and bloodshed and death. Everyone was going to die anyway. It was just a matter of time.

 He turned on the computer and typed his final message to the other scientists. He could only hope they realized something was wrong by his incorrect use of grammar. He leaned back in his chair and covered his face with his hands. He sobbed quietly, his body shaking as he desperately tried to calm his mind in this dark, claustrophobic room. 

It’s his first morning in Talon’s HQ, but already he’s made himself comfortable. Siebren—or Sigma, as he now calls himself—has showed him around the base so thoroughly that he already knew the way to the common break room. It’s no different to the break rooms up in Horizon and the universities he’s worked at in the past. There’s a fridge with groceries, a coffee machine, a kettle, and a variety of tea types. Harold makes himself a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with some coffee, sitting down next to Siebren. He glances at Siebren’s breakfast food of choice: a single stroopwafel over a mug of earl grey tea. He’s tempted to remind Siebren about his unhealthy breakfast habits, but decides against it. His own breakfast isn’t that healthy either, but after eating space food for decades, he will kill for anything that's remotely solid.

Siebren has his phone out, eyes closed, headphones placed over his ears. Harold is tempted to ask Siebren what he’s listening to, but he stops himself before the question can escape his lips. Siebren seems to be enjoying his music, his right hand conducting silently. Many years ago, this was a common enough sight in Harold's life. A smile escapes Harold’s lips as he turns on the tablet in front of him and continues reading the book he’d chosen for himself.

Not long after he’s finished eating his sandwich, a boisterous young woman skips past. She heads for the fridge, stops, then turns to him. Harold does not notice the sly smirk that creeps up her face. Quietly she approaches him, tilting her head over his shoulder. Harold barely pays any attention to her. He’s too engrossed in his story.

“You the new guy, huh?” She pokes at one of the tubes near Harold’s neck. “Anyone ever tell you you look like a cyborg?”

“His name is Harold Winston, and at the moment he’s our guest here,” Sigma says for Harold. His brows crease as he pauses his music. “Please don’t prank him, Sombra.”

“I’m hurt you’d think I’d do that, Sigma. Not to my new friend.”

Sigma stares at her, unamused. Her eyes glance down at Harold’s tablet, still smiling. “Whatcha reading?”

Harold doesn’t look up from his book. He turns to the next page and says, in a serious tone, “Gay erotica.”

Coffee ejects violently from Siebren’s face, a crimson blush caressing his face. Sombra cackles loudly in his ear. “Oh, good one. You really got him,” she sniggers.

“I’m not joking,” Harold says. “When you’re stuck in a space station run by a Chinese space corporation, your options of entertainment are quite limited.” He flips to the next page and frowns. “I’ve forgotten how bad erotica can be.”

“Oh my god, you’re serious,” Sombra laughs in disbelief. Before Harold can protest, Sombra rips the tablet out of his hands. “Hands caress his inner thigh, drawing soft moans. ‘Yes, yes’, he cries. ‘Give it to me’.” She slowly hands it back to Harold, blinking rapidly in disbelief. “You get off on this stuff?”

“Not when it’s this badly written, no.”

“So you can get off on smut like this?”

Harold glances at Siebren beside him, who’s staring very intently at his mug. He suppresses a laugh. “Well, let’s just say I’ve gotten some interesting ideas from books of this genre.”

Siebren’s eyes balloon in size. Harold smirks as he watches Siebren adjust his collar nervously, relishing in the small victory. Siebren coughs loudly in a futile effort of masking his embarrassment. “You…you shouldn’t say that, Harold. What will everyone think?”

“It doesn’t matter what people think about me anymore,” Harold says with a hint of melancholy. “Everybody thinks I’m dead anyway.”

An awkward silence sits in the air. Harold feels Sombra’s eyes burrow into his backside, a thousand possibilities filtering through her head, but he does nothing to stop them. He turns his attention back to his book, letting himself get swept up in the poorly-written fantasy.

-

 Reality didn’t settle in until he’s suddenly being carried roughly by the gorillas. They throw him over their shoulder like he weighed nothing, parading his dangling body like a hunter would display a trophy. The subjects hooted and hollered, vicious screams of delight released into the air. He didn’t fight back. He thought that if he played along then maybe they will show him mercy. But they flung him into airlock E-35 and locked it from the outside without so much as a second glance. He banged helplessly on the door.

 “Please don’t do this. I know you are equals." He tried to think of something that will help him. "I’ll stop the treatments. I've been meaning to stop the treatments. You've read my e-mails, you know it's true. Please, help me!”

 “Dr. Winston!” He hears Specimen 28 shout from the ruckus. “Dr. Winston! Dr. Win—” There was a grunt, and then the sound of a struggle. He heard someone approach the controls from the other side of the door. It slid open to reveal Specimen 28 , bloodied and bruised and red all over. Quickly, he chucked something at Harold’s feet; an orange space suit and helmet. Specifically it was Harold’s space suit and helmet, never worn. He’d never had the need to venture out of Horizon One.

 “Sport,” Harold gasped.

 Specimen 28 frowned. “Get to Horizon Two.”

 “Champ!"  He pleaded.

 “Hurry!”

 The door shut again. Harold scrambled to pick up the suit and slip it on. It was a tiring, laborious process that normally required multiple people, but he had to do it. He barely secured his helmet on his head before he heard Simon’s menacing chuckle from the other side. There was a beep, then a warning siren, and suddenly his body was pulled out of the base and onto the surface of the moon.

 Out in the dark reaches of space, Harold saw the bodies of his colleagues scattered across the ground. Their bodies have expanded to twice their size, making them look like human-shaped balloons. They had no spacesuits to save them, their skin sunburnt and blistering and pale. All his friends were here. Yoshida, Nevsky, they were all dead.  

 And he led them to their doom. He killed them.

 Harold spared one final glance at the Horizon One lunar base, his home for years. The gorillas were his family in every sense of the word, and he loved them like they were his children, and they were betrayed by the humans that were supposed to nurture and support them. It was no wonder they seek revenge, leaving him and all the other humans to die by the hand of the cold and merciless moon. He couldn’t feel anger, or rage, or even sadness for the trail of events that led to this very moment. All he could feel were the haggard breaths that squeezed his lungs and the crushing guilt that threatened to break his ribs.

 He checked the coms on the spacesuit, but there was nothing. It was broken. He couldn’t contact Horizon Two to let them know what happened. He couldn’t contact anyone to let him know he was possibly the only survivor.

 Assuming he survived the journey, that is.

 With a heavy heart, Harold said his goodbyes to the base and walked the surface of the moon, leaving behind his family, his home, and his life.

-

His new life in Talon is rather peaceful, which is a bit of a relief. Adventure usually meant danger, and danger is something that Harold has to avoid now, especially given his current physical condition. It’s late in the afternoon and he’s just finished reading the original Grimm Brothers version of ‘The Little Mermaid’ when Moira arrives unannounced. She has come to escort him to the medical bay, where her team will perform a number of medical checks on him. He expects as much. Any sensible organization would have reason for concern when they see him and the tubes that stab into his skin. He’s a dead man walking. They just don’t know it yet.

He follows Moira to a small clinic room all set out for him. It’s been recently sterilized, the scent of the detergent still lingering in the air. Various medical machines and equipment stand beside a standard hospital bed. Another doctor takes Moira’s place and gestures for him to lie down on the examination table in the centre of the room. He complies, his eyes squinting at the bright lamp above his head. He almost expects a nurse to come in to take his dental records, but he does not get the luxury of familiarity. They strap him in snugly, a blanket covering his body.

“We are going to perform a full medical examination on you, Dr. Winston,” the doctor smiles tightly. In the past, Harold might have found the young doctor attractive, but fear fills his lungs and he lies paralysed. The doctor notices his hesitation. “Do we have your consent?”

Harold wills himself to calm. He tells him the story of Jack and Jill in his head and lets out a quiet breath. “Sorry. I’ve just had some bad experience with medical examinations in the past.”

“Oh? If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask about your previous experiences?” Harold’s lips twist into an ugly expression. The doctor frowned slightly. “It’s fine, you don’t have to talk if you don’t want to.”

Harold doesn't want to say anything lest the horrible memories resurface, but he knows that silence is not an option. “I…it’s fine, I just…the last time I had a proper medical examination, I nearly lost function of my lungs.”

“Your lungs?!"

He slowly pulls the blanket back and gestures at a mechanical ventilator on his person. The doctor takes it in stride, but he can see the nervous glint in their eyes. Harold’s used to people walking around eggshells around him.

“I’m not going to stop breathing if you disconnect it,” he explains. “It just takes a lot more effort if I don’t have this on.”

The doctor nods shallowly, making a note on his pad. “I’m going to ask some questions about your health, and then I’m going to perform some tests. You might experience some discomfort when I draw the blood but otherwise it should be painless. If you feel uncomfortable, do let me know. Depending on what I might find, I might also ask for some additional screenings.”

Much as he would like to skip this step, Harold has no choice but to comply. He submits himself to the tests, trying his hardest to forget the last time he went through this ordeal, barely a month ago. The Talon medical team are professionals, but they treat him with the same callous disregard as did the Horizon medical team. He’s a patient first, and a human being second. It's familiar in all the worst ways.

He closes his eyes as he’s hooked up to a machine. The splutter of the electronics do little to ease his discomfort.

A full medical examination from Harold’s experience is long and tiring. It’s no surprise when, after the first set of tests have been completed, the doctor asks for permission to perform additional screenings. He gets X-rays, and MRI scans, and probing, invasive questions about his medical history. The only good thing about the ordeal is that Harold himself tends to become familiar with the doctor performing the tests. Dr. Irvin Laszlo is a kind if emotionless man, with pale skin and steady hands and a zero-tolerance policy for jokes and jests of any kind.

It’s while they’re waiting for the results of the final test—a gene marker that will determine his susceptibility to an array of common diseases—that he notices Irvin sigh deeply. Their fingers rub circles around their temple. Harold has to stop himself from coming over and doing something about it. It was small things like this that caused the gorilla rebellion in Horizon One so many years ago. A sigh of annoyance here, an overreaction there. It all adds up. He feels the power drift into his fingertips but does not dare release it. A memory of the last time he used this power plays in his memory. He remembers that betrayal well, and it's that betrayal alone that makes his blood boil. He vows never to make that mistake again.

The final test results of the day are finished. The rest require a few more days to be processed. Harold doesn’t need to see the final paper of the day to know it’s bad; all he has to do is look at Irvin’s even-paler-than-normal face.

“How are you alive?” Irvin gasps.

“I’m sorry?”

“It’s just…well…” Irvin’s brows furrow. “In the condition you are in, you’d be comatose in the ICU ward of a hospital, but here you are.” They scratch their head. “Shouldn’t you be in constant pain?”

“Of course I am. But after a decade, you learn to live with it.” Harold chuckles. “Of course, I’ve got a little bit of help to deal with everything.”

“The serum in your systems,” Irvin surmises. “I wonder how it works.”

The serum that saved his life, the serum that’s ruined his life, that’s all that people cared about. Not about him and the constant pain of living and the utter loneliness of being stuck on the moon. He sees now how Irvin looks at him, like a curious experiment that needs to be dissected. All the other scientists on Horizon looked at the gorillas like that too.

“You wouldn't believe me if I told you,” Harold mutters, too quiet for Irvin to hear.

-

 The lunar buggy had run out of fuel a long time ago, his oxygen supplies were dwindling, and he was absolutely alone. He didn’t have the proper underclothes and thus his EVA spacesuit scratched at his arms and legs. He’d been walking for hours, but he still couldn't find Horizon Two base. Polaris shone above his head, achingly familiar and hauntingly beautiful. It wasn't true north like it was on Earth, he knew that, but it was his only guide for direction.

 It was almost ironic, his fate. He’d spent all his childhood watching the moon with utter fascination and love, wondering what it would be like to live there. Now, he would die on the moon, his home away from home, the one place he felt accepted and respected. The one place he had finally found love.    

 His hand bumped against the syringe he kept in his underclothes, light in weight but heavy in depth. The last genetic therapy treatment meant for Specimen 28. A genetic treatment specifically designed to reduce the burdens of space travel.

 He hesitated to use it, even though it was his lifeline. Taking aside the dangers of removing his spacesuit for even a second, the treatment was designed for gorillas in mind, not humans. If he injected it into himself, he had no idea what would happen. Perhaps it will do what it’s supposed to do and keep him alive for longer—maybe long enough to reach Horizon Two—but there was also a huge risk involved. Many of the gorillas became aggressive. Some subjects rejected the serum altogether, with devastating consequences. There was every chance that could happen to him as well.

 Wasthe risk really worth it? Wouldn’t be better to just let go and succumb? Forget it all and die on the surface of the moon? No one would miss him. Not his sister, living her life in Lijiang without a care or thought about him. Not his colleagues, who would forget about him with the spin of the Earth. The only ones who's miss him were Specimen 28 and Siebren.

 Harold stared up at the big, blue Earth. God, what would Siebren say? Would Siebren mourn for him? No, that was a stupid question, of course he would. Siebren might pretend to be a proud man too intelligent for emotions, but in private he cared. Harold could not recall the countless amount of times he’d caught Siebren, teary eyed after he read him a particularly sad story. Harold could not recall the times Siebren hugged him tightly and hummed the nursery songs of his childhood. This was the man Harold was going to propose to. This was the man he was going to leave behind if he died.

 "No," he said, his face solemn and resolute. "I have to get back to him."

 He fished out the syringe and held it tightly in his hands. His arms shook in fear and purpose. He held his breath and ripped the front of his spacesuit off for just a second, the syringe’s needle pressing into his left arm. Golden liquid sank into his skin, making his arm glow faintly with unnatural light. He secured his spacesuit once more just as he felt a strange warmth flow through his veins. The pain from the injection went away almost in an instant. His short sightedness was gone, the world in perfect clarity, and it's barren and beautiful and so, so empty. In the far distance, he could barely see the top of the Horizon Two lunar base. He felt stronger, like nothing was the limit anymore, like he could climb every mountain and swim ever river. He felt invincible.

 And then, all too suddenly, a terrible pain seized his head. Pain and terror wrapped around his body, the cobra's embrace tightening, tightening. He could feel his life disappear in his breath. He closed his eyes for a second, and succumbed to the darkness, repeating the words he'd never get to say to Siebren ever again.

 "I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry."

 When he opened them again, he was in another room altogether.

 A medical bay was before him, similar in appearance and construction to Horizon One's medical bay. His eyesight was still clear, but even if he was still shortsighted, he could see the thick black straps that pinned him down to the bed, the wires connected to every open surface of skin. 

 “He’s awake,” a person said. “Subject: 31 is awake.”

 Harold tried to concentrate on the figure, but the world was beginning to spin. He was faintly aware of liquid rushing faster into his blood. All he could see was a mop of dark curly hair before he collapsed.

 The sound of a dissatisfied hum filled the room. “Dr. Williams, shouldn’t he be asleep already?”

 Someone else in the room huffed. It’s low, but vaguely feminine. “He should be dead by now, no thanks to you. We’ve already taken a litre of his blood.”

 “But you haven’t extracted the serum, have you? We need it. Look what it’s done to his body. Accelerated growth and regeneration. Muscle mass has increased, and has been maintained for months! RBC and WBC production is through the chart, and yet he’s shown no signs of developing cancer. If we only figured out how it works.”

 “He’s still just a man. Remember the Soldier Enhancement Program?”

 Harold groaned, forcing himself to sit up. The two people in the room stared at him, eyes wide and pupils tiny. He saw his reflection in the machines hooked up to him, pale and thin with hollow cheeks and dark circles under his eyes. The picture of death.

 He tried to rise from his bed, but a hand pushed him down with terrifying power. The woman screamed. The man clicked his tongue in dissatisfaction.

 “Put him to sleep already!” They growled.

 Harold thrashed violently, shouting with the full effort of his lungs until he suddenly stopped. The last thing he heard was the drone of the machines by his bedside.

-

Harold wakes up from a tireless slumber. He teared the mask off his CPAP machine and gently placed it down on the bedside table next to him. Nightmares fade away into the whispers of the night, leaving behind an empty space in his memory. He doesn’t expect company here in Talon, which is why he’s surprised to find Siebren here, napping in the armchair opposite the bed, a tray full of breakfast food on his lap.

He could feel his breathing stop then and there. It’s been so long since anyone has done this for him. It’s been so long since Siebren has done this for him.

Slowly, he rises up from his bed and approached Siebren, chuckling softly. He taps him lightly on the face, smiling. “Wakey wakey, Sleeping Beauty.”

Siebren stirs, then blinks, rubbing the sandman’s dust away from his eyes. He glances around the room, then at the breakfast tray on his lap, then finally at Harold himself. He smiles sheepishly as he lifts it slightly.

“I, uh…thought you might like breakfast.”

Harold glances down at the smorgasbord of food items on the massive tray; there’s toast and scrambled eggs and ham on a gigantic plate, flanked on either side by two mugs filled with coffee and tea respectively. Stroopwafels lie on top of the mugs.

Harold smiles knowingly at Siebren. “You know I can’t eat this much.”

“I know, I know. I just thought it would be nice to make you feel welcome here.” The corner of Siebren’s lips quirks upward. “And of course, I always offer my help in helping you clean your plate.”

“Ah yes, your famous motto. What was it? ‘Help others by helping yourself’?”

Siebren smiles bashfully, before clearing his throat. “Yes, well…it is the least I can do.”

It’s in moments like these that Harold sees the old Siebren hidden beneath the layers and feels the insurmountable pressure of time. He can only imagine the inevitable dwindling of affection and emotion as the years passed by, imagine the hole in a person’s heart widen to fit another’s love. He can only wonder how Siebren feels now, seeing a phoenix rise from the ashes. A ghost walking on solid ground.

He takes the tray from Siebren’s lap and together they walk over to the common break room, eating the breakfast tray together. From a security camera, Sombra watches in utter silence, waiting to hear the fateful words that will blow the mystery open. Talon wants something from Dr. Harold Winston, and she’ll be damned if they find out before her.

[princessniquane]

A Smirk And A Flirtatious Eyes Roman Reigns/Reader

It’s been six months since these Shield guys came onto the scene. It was shocking for all of us. They came from NXT formerly known as FCW. Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and the most dare I say, b.e.a.-utiful man Roman Reigns.

These three guys have been wrecking havoc backstage. Beating down just about every superstar in the back. It was kind of unsafe for all employees. But I have to give it them they are dominating this industry.

Just like everybody else I try to stay clear of them. And for the most part I do but there are times when we cross paths. I don't make eye contact just look down and walk away as fast as I can.

I watched backstage as they went after Sheamus. Poor guy. I look to my side as Dolph walked up to me. He had a match coming up against Mark Henry.

"Promise me you will be careful. I know they already attacked Sheamus but that doesn’t mean they won’t attack again," I tell him.

"I know and I will. I promise. But you got to promise me to stay clear of them too. Especially with what you working with tonight," he teases.

I was wearing camouflage jeans and a hot pink shirt with my long black hair straight out and black combat boots. It was nothing special, just an outfit. Unlike the other women I don't care about designer clothes and shoes. As long as I'm comfortable I'm good.

"Nothing special," I shrug.

We talk a bit as I walk him to the gorilla for his match. The guy gives Dolph his cue as his music plays.

"Wish me luck."

I roll my eyes but kiss him on the cheek anyway. I go to walk backstage to find Summer to pass the time and hoping that I don't run into The Shield. But with my luck these days I don't see that happening. I get a text from Summer saying she's in catering as I round the corner.

I bump into a wall and fall on my ass. Well at least I think it was. I'm pretty sure that I didn't walk into a wall. I look up when I hear snickering. Ryback.

"Well well. Look who it is. Are you lost LITTLE girl? He he," Ryback laughs and starts towards me.

I lift myself up to tell him to fuck off but before I could get anything out he gets  attacked. I push myself up against the wall stuck in place as The Shield lay a three on one beat down on him.

After they triple powerbomb Ryback through a table they turn to me. Rollins looks me up and down but quickly walks away. Ambrose has a smirk on his face as always and it sends chills down my spine.

The last to leave is Reigns. He looks me up and down slowly as if he's undressing me with his eyes. When he finally looks at me there's a smirk with flirtatious eyes baring right into me. I feel a wetness between my legs as we stare at each other.

Then suddenly Dolph appears in front of me as to protect me from the Juggernaut. Roman scoffs at him and walks away.

"You ok? Did they do something to you? What happened?"

"Dolph calm down. I'm fine ok," I tell him.

"Calm down! You want me to calm down after-. Why does Ryback look like he went through a table?" Dolph asks. Ryback is slowly getting up.

"He deserved it. If you would just listen to me and let me explain."

"Explain what exactly? That The Shield put Ryback through a table. I can pretty much gather that since they are the only people beaten superstars down," Dolph says.

"They SAVED me from Ryback!" I grab his shoulders to explain.

"What?"

"They saved me from Ryback. I was going to meet Summer in catering when I accidentally bumped into him. He tried to intimidate me but The Shield attacked him before he could do anything," I explain to him and he calms down a little.

He sighs. "Come on let me take you to catering to Summer so I can shower."

We walk in silence. He doesn't greet Summer just tells her to keep an eye out for me. Seriously I get that they are dangerous but I can protect myself. I tell Summer all what she missed while having a quick bite to eat. Later after the show ends and everybody is making their way to the hotel, Dolph won’t talk to me.

Like come on what is he so mad about? He just gives me one word answers or shrug his shoulders. Fine whatever. As we get in line in the lobby I can’t help but think about the way Reigns was looking at me. I really need to stop thinking about this guy and forget about him.

Even though I usually share a room with Dolph or Summer. I don't want to deal with Dolph's attitude tonight. I ask the lady who my roomie was going to be. She looks it up.

"Um a Roman Reigns."

When she says that name I freeze.

"Right. Can I get a different room? I know the company already paid for a room but ill pay for this myself. He has a girlfriend and I really don't want any drama to happen. So...do you think you could give me another room?" I frantically ask.

Of course I didn't even know if he did have a girlfriend. I don't even know one thing about him except that he is apart of The Shield.

"I'm so sorry but we're all booked."

"Um...ok. Thanks."

I go to Summer who was waiting for me unlike Dolph who already left to his room and explain who I'm rooming with. She scoffs at me and tell me teasingly how lucky I am.

We are on different floors, her on the third and me on the fourth, so we part all too soon. I finally get to my room and its dark. Well I guess that means he hasn't gotten here yet. I take my shoes off and head to the bedroom.

There's only one bed. Fuck. Then the shower running registers in my mind. Oh fuck! Oh fuck! Oh fuck! Wait I shouldn't be saying fuck when Roman Fucking Reigns is naked, dripping wet in my shower.

I try and shake the naughty thoughts in my head and grab my things for bed since I showered earlier and wasn't needed in the ring. I was so in my thoughts that I didn't hear the shower turn off.

I instinctively look behind me just to see a hot sexy wet dripping adonis standing in the doorway of the bathroom. I looked him up and down from the towel to the abs to the chiseled chest with the tattoo on the right pectoral to his gray eyes. Oh shit! I look away.

"Well well well. Isn't this a surprise. Don't worry I won't bite, unless you want me to." I can just hear the smirk on his face. Cocky bastard.

"This is going to be a fun night. I can tell. Can’t you? I mean you've already started stripping for me. How bout you give me a show babygirl?"

I scrunched my face up confused until I looked down. I only had my tshirt on and my black short shorts in my hands. I quickly bend over to put it on. He chuckles.

"Babygirl there's no need to cover up from me," he walks up behind me.

He puts his hands on my hips. I'm still bent over slightly so I can feel the heat radiating off his body. When he grinds his sex against my backside is when I realized he is no longer wearing the towel.

He pushes back and forth against me making me even more wet. I know he can feel it to because there's only one thing that is separating us is my panties. He grinds harder grunting and I push back moaning.

"You like that baby? Huh?" I nod my head. "You want my cock?" I nod again. "You want my big fat cock to fill that pussy of yours don't you babygirl. I want you to beg for it."

Fuck this feels so good. I can feel just how big he is and I just need for him to take me. I don't beg but the way he is going I may have to make an exception. Just this once. But wait...

"What about your girlfriend?"

"Ever since I got in the WWE we've been separated. So don't worry about that because I'm sure not," he stops his movements. "You're wearing to many clothes."

He takes my shirt off and lay me on my back and hover over me. He kisses me hungrily as he palms my wet heat. I moan his name.

"Beg for me." He slips his hand in my panties and rub my clit.

"I don't beg."

He chuckles. "We'll see."

Roman takes my bra and panties off and spread my legs as he gets in between. He thrusts two fingers in slowly while sucking and tugging on my nipples. I arch up into the sensation he gives me.

When he switches to the other nipple he pushes a third finger inside my pussy at a fast pace. I was moaning and grinding against him. I can feel the precum from him on my thigh as he breathes in my neck.

"Beg!"

"No," I say as i shake my head side to side.

"Do it!" He goes to an extreme slow pace as I clench close to orgasm.

"Fuck! Yes! Please Roman...I want your cock so bad! I need it so much! I need you fat cock to pound my pussy hard! Roman please!" I finally beg needing more of that feeling.

He grabs the back of my neck and pulls me into a bruising kiss as he removes his fingers. He licks them clean then start to leaves kisses and bites as he goes down my body spreading my legs. Roman sucks on my clit then nips at my right thigh then left and back to sucking my clit.

"Please," I whisper.

Roman wastes no time and dives into my heat. Licking, sucking, and biting at my core while my hands are in his hair and gripping the sheets moaning. The heat builds up to fast and quickly and before I realized I let go screaming Roman's name. He takes every thing that i give him.

Our neighbor bangs on the wall telling us to be quiet.

As I catch my breath he circles my clit with his tongue. I whimper. He kisses back up my body and to my lips. He slowly pushes his length inside me as he continues to kiss me. I arch up as he slides home and let out drawn out moan.

Roman wraps my legs around him as he thrusts deeply. He moans in my ear and it is the sexiest thing ever. I don’t think I can get more turned on then I already am. This feels way to good.

He sits me up with him with me in his lap thrusting fast. I have my arms around his neck and shoulders scratching and running my fingers through his hair. I pull him in for a kiss as I grind hard on him making him groan.

He surprises me with a slap to my ass. I moan.

"You like that?" He does it again. "Huh? You like it when I spank this fat ass?" He hits the other cheek.

All I could do is moan every time he gives it a smack. He pulls out and gets me on my side and goes behind me thrusting back inside. I tangle my leg with his as he bites and licks at my neck while he pounds into my heat.

His grunts and moans in my ear felt so erotic as he grabs, touches, pinches, and rubs anywhere he can. Roman rubs my clit at a fast pace. I bulk up to his fingers while grabbing onto his arm.

Roman bites down on my neck extremely hard on one thrust. He pulls out again and forces me on my hands and knees. He fucks me harder and goes deeper penetrating my g spot everytime. He pins my hands down and lifts my bottom upwards.

"Aaah! Yes...oh fuck. Just like that baby. You feel so good," he moans. "Almost there. Almost there...shit."

The only sounds in the room were our moans, obscenities, and skin smacking skin. Roman then starts back giving each cheek a smack. I moan in bliss as he doesn't stop fucking me from behind. It is way too much for me that I'm on the brink of-.

"Oh shit! Fuck Roman...." I scream out as my orgasm hits me hard.

"Aaaaah fuck! Babygirl...fuck!" He cries out as he cums.

He pulls out when he catches his breath. He then wraps his arm around me pulling me close. I snuggle up to him and feel the bite on both sides of my neck. Well that's gonna be hard to cover up.

"Don't bite much my ass."

He looks down at me and I show him the marks on my neck and shoulders. He just chuckles.

"And you loved every single second of it," he kisses me on the head.

[xavierfiles-blog]

Entry 080 - Domino

Name: Neena Thurman

Code Names: Domino

First Appearance: New Mutants #98 (Feb ‘91) Though it is a bit more complicated than that

Powers: Luck

Teams Affiliation: X-Force, X-Men, Six Pack, Merc$ for Money

About

There is a beauty in coincidence. Domino Harvey was the daughter of Academy Award winning actor Laurence Harvey and, if she wanted, she wouldn’t have ever had a care in her life. She bounced around jobs for a while, looking for a thrill. One she found in 1993 when she decided to become a bounty hunter. It was a gripping story. What made this rich girl from London want to chase people in SoCal who thought skipping their court date was a good idea? Her story inspired director Tony Scott to make a movie loosley based on her life. That hard living life style caught up with her and at the age of 35 she overdosed on fentanyl. Her luck ran out. The X-Men character Domino was in no way inspired by the real Ms. Harvey, but it is funny the way things work out sometimes. If you are lucky enough, things line up and you are left with an exciting story.

To be portrayed by Zazie Beetz in Deadpool 2

Neena was a spy first and foremost. She was recruited out of the church she was raised in at a young age by the NSA and assigned to protect Dr. Milo Thurman, a man who developed the same abilities that the forgettable Inhuman from Civil War II had. While she initially hated the man, Domino fell in love with him and the two were wed. Like the great spies before her, Domino’s love wasn’t to last. AIM attacked and in the fray, Milo believed his love to be dead. A fact Domino never cared to correct.

Davin Perrin, Harry Candelario, and Joe Rosas

She soon left the NSA and joined a new mercenary group led by a grizzled veteran named Cable. Their team, Six Pack, often worked for the morally dubious Mr. Tolliver but Domino lived for the thrill of it all. She stayed close with Cable and the two often used each other to release steam between missions. Cable did his famous disappearing act after a meeting with the mysterious Strife and the Six Pack soon split up.

Mike Mignola, Bob Wiacek, and Steve Buccellato

Domino was captured by Tolliver and the mutant shape-shifter Copycat was sent to infiltrate Cable’s new team, X-Force, in her place. Tolliver tortured her but Domino stayed strong and resourceful. When X-Force attacked Tolliver’s base, Domino used the opportunity to escape and reveal what happened to her. Cable had unfinished business he had to attend to shortly afterward and handed the reins of X-Force to his most trusted Lieutenant, Domino. She led the team while he was away and became further integrate with the mutant world.

Greg Capullo, Al Milgrom, and Joe Rosas

After X-Force disbanded, Domino returned to the life of a gun for hire. Over the years, Domino wondered about the mother she never knew and took jobs for intelligence contacts in return for the mysteriously classified information. She found reference to a Project Armageddon and decided to track the military installation down. She broke in and snuck her way towards the most secure room in the building. She readied her pistol and opened the door, only to be confronted by a five-year-old boy who looked just like her.

Brian Stelfreeze

Regardless of if this child was the world ending Project Armageddon or not, Dom couldn’t kill him. He had been tortured, experimented on, he was a victim too. The guards quickly closed in on the room and Domino fought to bring the child to safety. As they made their escape they were confronted by the Armajesuits, a militant branch of Catholic ninjas, led by Domino’s mother. She revealed that Domino and the boy were both her children. She has artificially inseminated to produce mutant children for the government to use as genetic weapons. The boy, Lazarus, was deemed a success and put into cryostasis. Neena’s mother had a change of heart and spirited the wee baby Dom away to be raised by a priest. She had returned to prevent Lazarus from becoming the ultimate weapon he was made to be, by any means necessary. Domino had done some bad things in her life, but she wasn’t on board with child murder. She gunned her own mother down and escaped with the boy, leaving him in the same chapel she was raised in.

Brian Stelfreeze

Dom bounced around mercenary groups for a while until she ran into Wolverine’s secret X-Force. Wolverine wasn’t aware of the extra baggage she had brought with him. Domino was lucky enough to upset both the Hand and the Assassins Guild by stopping a black market sexual slavery ring the Hand was running and stealing a quarter million in cash from the Assassins Guild. Both groups understandably wanted her eliminated. She enlisted Wolverine to help her by appealing to the sexual tension that had built up between the two and soon all of X-Force was mixed up between the warring factions. X-Force fought the group to a standstill and Wolverine convinced Domino to send all the money to a Japanese orphanage as penance for what she did. She sent most of it.

Gabriele Dell’otto

After this iteration of X-Force was made public and disbanded, Domino stayed with the X-Men in Utopia. She joined Storm’s security team and helped defend the island from any threats. When Cable finally reformed X-Force, she was among the first people he called. They fought bravely together, but after the Alexandria Incident, he needed her talents elsewhere. She infiltrated Yellow Eye’s mutant surveillance facility and was key in revealing that he was actually Mojo. After some nastiness with Fantomex, she remained on Hope Summers reformed team to protect the mutant world from the shadows.

  Rock-He Kim

The only problem was, Domino liked getting paid and she returned to the mercenary world for an interesting project. Deadpool’s Merc$ for the Money had all but abandoned him, leaving the young mutant Negasonic Teenage Warhead imprisoned by the evil organization Deadpool had recently turned her over to. Neena wasn’t keen on that. She let Pool known what her new team of Merc$ (including Machine Man, Hit Monkey, Massacre, and Gorilla Man) would be taking over from here. There was some tension between Dom and Deadpool and the team broke up about the same time Deadpool’s marriage did. Recently, she was targeted by the newest version of Weapon X who wanted to use her mutant power to apparently make a very lucky Hulk with Wolverine claws and that is all I wish to say about that.

Brian Level and Guru-eFX

Must Read

I was struggling over this one until I discovered a hidden gem over the weekend. The 2003 Domino mini-series by Joe Pruit and Brian Stelfreeze is fantastic. It combines the pacing and world class action sequences of Samnee and Waid’s Black Window with the page turning writing and moral ambiguity of Uncanny X-Force. It contains a pitch perfect Domino doing exciting spy stuff and it is a crying shame it has never been collected. You can pick up the issue digitally at the link below, and for $1.99 it is well worth it.

  Rankings

Domino is a character I always like seeing but I never particularly love. Creators can do neat things with her powers, but she often falls into the role of the girl with guns. Like Longshot, they have struggled to build the right tension around stories with Domino. I like her a ton more than super spy Pete Wisdom but I get more excited to see Glob Herman in books (I really love that guy). I do think she is better than Rockslide so that put Domino in as the new #38 in the Xavier Files.

Domino was requested by a Reddit user with a name I won’t repeat on this site. Thank you for the request. If you have a request for how about you send it below? If you want to cut to the front of the two-year long line, we have a Patreon you can support Xavier Files for just $1 to get a line cutting reward.

Click here if you want to see the full ranked list, with links to every entry in the Xavier Files so far.

If you liked what you read be sure to follow Xavier Files on twitter, Tumblr, Facebook!

Next week we will talk about a guy cursed with one of the worst mutant powers ever. We got us a Beak!

Character Request

Who do you want me to write about? *

Who are you/what name do you want me to thank you as for the request?

Entry Key

Entry 080 – Domino was originally published on Xavier Files

[tessatechaitea]

The Flash #33

There's a whole voyeuristic shit eating fetish thing going on here that I don't want to think about too deeply.

Afterward, The Flash gives Steel the "I have a huge boner" eyes.

After Superman disappears into a black hole which certainly leads to the Dark Universe because reasons, Gorilla Grodd attacks the city. But it turns out it's not Grodd at all but a hungry person who just needed to eat a Snickers. It's a weird moment but it's good to see superheroes actually doing some good and helping regular folks for a change. Steel contemplates fucking the Anti-Monitor's giant butt plug but The Flash argues against it. It's too dangerous! He points out that Batman fiddling with it is why they're in the mess they're in. I'm not sure they can really blame Batman though. Didn't they read Dark Nights: Batman Lost #1? Batman was manipulated by Barbatos for his entire life. I bet Barbatos even manipulated the radiation around Thomas and Martha Wayne so that Martha only had one viable Bat-egg and Thomas, one viable Bat-sperm. The other members of the Justice League are all on missions to find Nth Metal. Remember when that happened in Metal? It was just before Detective Chimp was murdered by BatJoker. I know that Detective Chimp never dies on-panel but what other result should readers expect?! That maybe Detective Chimp jerked off all the Bat-monsters so he'd be spared? I suppose that's something that would take place off-panel, so I can't argue against that being what happened. Also I don't want to argue against that being what happened. It doesn't matter what the other Justice League members were doing because they all get sucked up in Evil Boom Tubes. I'm sure they'll get back to their missions in the next issue of Metal. But for now, they need to fight some of the Bat-monsters to a stalemate so it seems like Metal is full of more action than it really needs. I'd like to scan a picture of some of the big battles that take place but I can't because they don't exist. Okay, one exists. Doombat and Cybat beat the shit out of Steel and send The Flash into a dark room. The other Justice League members also find themselves in this room. This is probably the hell that the bats must get out of. And by bats, I don't think the title refers to the Batmonsters. I think the bats refer to the Justice League members who aren't Batman. It makes sense because fuck you. It's a clever take on a known phrase! People read it and go, "Oh yeah! I've heard people say that! It was even a Meatloaf album!" The hells they wind up in are different versions of the Batcave where they're all individually attacked by the Batmonster inspired partly by each of them. And that's where the issue ends because this was all prologue to the big action scene. And in comics, the big action scene is the only reason people keep reading them! So exciting! The Flash #33 Rating: 4 out of 10. It might earn a higher score if it had left out all of that Narration Boxing. A writer's use of Narration Boxes tends to make it so the writer doesn't need to write a script for a comic book. They just write the plot out through the character's rendition of what happened and leave it like that. It's also the way a writer can force a theme into the story's unwilling orifice. So The Flash, through Narration Boxes, tells a story about how he races Superman. Then that leads to him saying that Batman always advises him to run faster which leads to the big twist conclusion where The Flash points out that he's hearing Batman again but he's telling him there's nowhere to run! It's classic Flash storytelling! Just mention running as much as you can and equate it to whatever the fuck else is going on. Then finish it off by saying, "See? See what I did there? Clever, right?!"

[ecotone99]

[RF] Lies

The bell that signals the start of lunch for Cell Block C whined in the distance and Arnold clapped his worn composition book shut and placed the pencil in the pocket of his jumpsuit. Arnold and Jeffery walked down. Arnold’s face remained blank as ever as he stood in line waiting for the long line at the serving table to end. As the man in front of him placed his drink carefully on his tray and shuffled forward Arnold feigned clumsiness and bumped into him.

I may be the most talented liar in the world. My school teachers would always let me off the hook for whatever as soon as my venomous tongue licked their ears. If I were so financially endowed I would be a world class lawyer - the gangsters and inside traders of the world would flock to my firm if I was not born into a poverty stricken family. I scammed and stole my way through university at every chance I could get. The only way I could afford my fees was cutting down on them at some point. Surely there were others like me but I am driven by divinely gifted knowledge.

So here I sit on this concrete slab in a state penitentiary. Scrawling out my ramblings on this college ruled composition notebook as if I’m some sort of madman. I was able to negotiate a deal with a guard that regularly patrols our cell block that he would never look inside so long as I behave well. I assure you I am not guilty of what I am convicted of. If you don’t trust me ask my cellmate. I told him all the events of the trial proceedings and he is convinced there was a kangaroo court in place. My beloved cellmate Jeffery is in on an escape plan I have cleverly developed.

I bought a small amount of rat poison off of the underground market place and plan on slipping it in the drinks of our ‘companions’ in the canteen. Once he has gathered the attention of the guards I will give him the signal and he will attack a guard and hopefully be able to grab a weapon off of his belt.

The bell that signals the start of lunch for Cell Block C whined in the distance and Arnold clapped his worn composition book shut and placed the pencil in the pocket of his jumpsuit. Arnold and Jeffery walked down. Arnold’s face remained blank as ever as he stood in line waiting for the long line at the serving table to end. As the man in front of him placed his drink carefully on his tray and shuffled forward Arnold feined clumsiness and bumped into him.

The man in front of him looked down at Arnold uncomfortably, as though he was scared of what lay behind his eyes. Arnold profusely apologized as he dropped the flakes of rat poison in his drink.

“Whatever you say man.” Said the tall man in front of Arnold with a shake of his head. The man took a sip of his water and scrunched his face up. He swore audibly and mumbled about the jail’s quality of food.

Arnold returned to his assigned seat that was right behind the man he stood behind in line. He began coughing profusely. He dry heaved, and everyone at his table stood up quickly and backed away. A guard walked over and placed his baton on the man’s shoulder.

“What’s going on here friend.” Said the guard in a condescending tone.

“Man fuck you.” Said the inmate in between dry heaves

The guard called for a few more to help escort the man to the infirmary. The guard that Arnold made a deal with approached the man from the back and tried to lift him up out of his chair to stand him up. Jeffery stood up quickly as Arnold signalled him and deftly passed him the pencil he had placed in his pocket.

Jeffery gripped the pencil with the strength of a gorilla and stalked behind the first guard that walked over. He placed his hand on the guard’s shoulder and turned him around. The pencil moved like a snake aiming for the guard’s ear. A wave of exclamations rose from the gathering crowd in the canteen. Arnold shrunk back as the guard collapsed to the floor and Jeffery reached for his baton.

The guard that regularly patrolled his cell block unhooked his baton from his belt and clocked Jeffery across the jaw sending him crumpling to the floor.

Arnold sat with his wrists bound by handcuffs, linked to a table. His guard friend smiled and thanked him for the information he had provided about his now ex-cellmate

“I’ll talk to my commander about seeing you lowered a security” the guard paused, “And I still won’t read that book of yours.”

submitted by /u/Palladas [link] [comments] via Blogger https://ift.tt/2D3eX1Z