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magicalmanhattanproject · 4 months ago

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Rugby Sevens Players From Each Team In The Vancouver 2025 Tournament That Compel Me Personally

Listed in the order they're playing tomorrow

Men's Ireland - Jordan Conroy

The only competent player on the team (along with Mark Roche) after the rest of them retired or went on to fifteens. Vainly trying to keep Ireland afloat while everyone else around him gets injured or sick or injured and sick. Still a genuinely world class player, but he has a mountain to climb.

Men's Kenya - Patrick Odongo Okong'o

A new star on the rise for a team on the rise. There are a lot of guys in rugby whose whole Thing is being really, really fast, and Odongo Okong'o is one of the fastest among them. And one of the strongest among them. And one of the smartest among them. Give him a few years and he'll be going down in history as one of the greats, though his history will hopefully be a lot longer than that.

Women's Spain - Juana Stella

Despite only turning 18, like, last week, Juana Stella managed to secure a nomination for Rookie of the Year from one of the worst teams on the series that same year. Her skill and vision are undeniable, but she is held back a teeny tiny little bit by the fact that she can't actually be a one woman team.

Women's Ireland - Alanna Fitzpatrick

This Irish team is a young, inexperienced side. They didn't have to be, but all their best players went to play fifteens, leaving a team of mostly debutantes. Can those debutantes really hack it in the world series? Alanna Fitzpatrick can, at least.

Men's USA - Aaron Cummings

To understand the Men's USA team, you must first understand Perry Baker. Perry Baker is one of the all time great players, third greatest try scorer ever and the only one of the top five in the men's game still active last season. That was last season. And the USA still almost got relegated last season. Aaron Cummings is the guy who has to captain an already struggling USA side in the absence of the most "just give the ball to him and we win" guy of all time. It's a heavy burden to bear.

Men's Uruguay - Diego Ardao

Uruguay is a team on the rise and Diego Ardao is the man leading that rise. They've fought their way up from the Challenger series and they're trying to prove they can hang with the big dogs. So far, they've gotten a shock win over Fiji and New Zealand in the same day and that's about it. He's a man who can do the impossible, but maybe only once. We'll see.

Women's France - Carla Neisen

One of the older and more experienced French players with over 200 matches under her belt. France have come third in every tournament this season. This time around they wished for not third too hard and find themselves in the 9th place playoff. They'll need a steady hand to right the ship and that's something Neisen can provide along with the monster tackles. She's also the woman I'm thinking will probably take over as captain with Anne-Cécile Ciofani out injured, since she's held the post before.

Women's China - Chen Keyi

China are another team on the rise. Chen, taking over captaincy from Yan Meiling, is a really exciting player to watch. Tall, strong, and always making extra meters in contact. I adore watching her play. This is a really promising placement for China as they try to break into the World Series after an absurdly dominant Challenger run.

Spain Men - Alejandro Laforga

Close your eyes and imagine the Most Spanish Man. Okay, you got him. You got Alejandro Laforga. Spain are the story of the season. They were 12th place last season and they're currently tied for 1st with Fiji and Argentina, though obviously whatever result comes from this tournament will break that tie. Genuinely bonkers batshit improvement and we love that for them. I keep waiting for the spell to break and for them to fall off, but they never do. They're just legitimately really good now.

Argentina Men - Luciano Gonzalez

My darling Lucho about whom my feelings are normal and composed. It's rare to see him tackled successfully by less than three men. He runs like a steam engine trained in classical ballet. Has the fattest ass you will see on a rugby pitch, which is a place where fat asses accumulate. Argentina are a team of behemoths and Marcos Moneta so he's not actually the physically largest guy on the team, but he sure impacts the game like he is.

Men's Fiji - Terio Veilawa

Fiji are a legend in Sevens and for good reason, but when people talk about them, there's a tendency to go for a "Fijians are massive, big, huge genetic freaks with a genetic advantage in this sport genetically on account of their big massive size" that's uhhh. It's not ideal. Terio Veilawa is two apples tall and his playing has to be seen to be believed. Here. See it. I've been so good about not linking plays for everyone trust me you gotta click this one link.

Men's South Africa - Tristan Leyds

The South African Rugby Twink is a Special Kicking Boy.

Women's Japan - Marin Kajiki

The problem facing the Japan team is that they're just physically smaller than most other teams. On average, they almost never have the height or weight advantage in a sport where that really really comes in handy. Their solution? Just get good at technically solid tackling. Marin Kajiki has get gooded at technically solid tackling and frequently uproots and slams down women twice her size. Japan's highest ever placement is 5th and they've just made the semifinals, so they can't finish below 4th. It's only up for the Sakura Sevens.

Women's Fiji - Vika Nakacia

It's too early to start nominating for Rookie of the Year, but Nakacia has my vote. Fiji has been really struggling lately and as of this tournament, they're turning it around. There's an adage in rugby that the Fijian style is the optimal way of playing rugby, but only Fijians can do it, and the Fijiana are proving that point both ways. They were absolutely faltering for failing to make the style work, but now that it's finally coming together, it's glorious. Having a player as strong and solid as Nakacia really helps make it work.

Women's Australia - Charlotte Caslick

Charlotte Caslick is the Australian rugby stalwart. In a team of ridiculous superstars like the Levi sisters and Faith Nathan, it's hard to imagine anyone else would take up the spotlight, but Charlotte Caslick is the one doing all the work in midfield to let them score, and in the meantime she's eking out a few scores of her own. 185 as of this post, to be precise. The 4th most in women's history, ahead of even Maddison Levi, for now. Sure, it took her a hell of a lot longer to get there, but it's a place only three other women have ever been.

Women's New Zealand - Sarah Hirini

With the Black Ferns, it's almost impossible to narrow down who to talk about. There's just such a wealth of good options. There are names you will learn. Michaela Brake, Jorja Miller, Dhys Faleafaga, Stacey Waaka, Mahina Paul, to say nothing of Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who retired last season but can't be forgotten that quickly. But if I have to narrow it down to one, how about the woman in the center of it all? Doing all the hard yards in the middle without glory or valor but with one of the best rugby minds you'll ever see, it's Sarah Hirini, captain of the Black Ferns.

Men's Australia - Maurice Longbottom

We're past the semifinals now and back down to the 7th place playoffs. Maurice Longbottom is here because I just think he's neat. Every time he's on the pitch, I'm focused on him. No real reason, he's just fun to watch, and that's okay.

Men's France - Enzo Benmegal

I was gonna pick him anyway for his beautiful brown eyes and floppy curls, but I looked over the France team to see if I forgot anyone important and ended up going "wait he was on the team??" over people who usually make a much bigger impact, so shoutout Enzo for actually doing things and making an impression on the game itself. This was not France's best tournament, but some people are still trying.

Women's Canada - Asia Hogan-Rochester

She literally plays with glitter on her face what's not to love? Also an incredibly skilled and potent winger but like. Glitter.

Women's USA - Kristi Kirshe

One of the physically strongest, most bull headed, most go-forwardingest women in all of sevens, let alone just the USA team. If you need a bulldozer or a bulldog, she's your woman

Men's Great Britain - Charlton Kerr

Big Man Go Bash. Good for him and all but honestly Great Britain rarely leaves much of an impression on me and I missed most of their games because I had to "go to work" and "do my job" so.

Men's New Zealand - Joe Webber

The fifth place playoff is profoundly not where the vaunted All Blacks want to be, but it's better than the ninth place they managed last tournament. Still, it's hardly much to be congratulating them for, given their usual standard. Instead, we will be congratulating Joe Webber on his haircut. Does the haircut look mediocre at best to you? Sure, but it could be a lot worse. Google him if you don't believe me. It could be a lot worse.

Women's Great Britain - Grace Crompton

With Ellie Boatman, their star player, taking a nasty injury in the first game, Grace Crompton had to step up to fill her shoes as the main try scorer and speedster, a role she managed with, uh, grace. She also wins the comically British name award, so there's that.

Women's Brazil - Thalia and Thalita Costa

They're identical twins I can use them both. They're identical twins with completely opposite playstyles. Thalita is a forward with a big, punchy, aggressive playstyle. Thalia is a back and Brazil's top try scorer in history by a significant margin. Second place is in the 60s and third place in the 30s. She has over a hundred. She's also two apples tall and makes crazy tackles on the regular because she's the only player fast enough to reach the player who needs tackling. It was one of her crazy tackles that won Brazil a massive, impossible to foresee upset against Australia that helped get them to the fifth place playoffs. Wherever they finish will be their best finish of the season and I'm so excited for them.

#sorrelposting #rugby #rugbyposting

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starlitsilvereyes · 3 years ago

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19 Things I, Draco Lucius Abraxas Black Malfoy, Learned at Nineteen

I originally intended to post this on my 20th birthday (last September 17) but I was drowning in College work and I only found the time to post now!! :(( | Warnings: References to the wizarding war, therapy, implied sex | Read on Ao3 | Ko-fi

Life after the War felt like the same difference at first. The world spins too fast and everyone is too good at pretending they’re okay.

Putting life on pause isn’t such a bad thing. Before I took a leap of faith with Wizarding Medicine, I sort of... wandered for a while. It was nice not to have darkness loom over me on some days.

Making a career out of something you love can be difficult. I love far too many things. I like to think that I’m an astronomer in another universe, a florist in another, and an apprentice Healer in this one.

My love for the stars only grew over the course of silent nights spent studying on my apartment’s rooftop. I study the stars right after I’ve studied the human brain. I can’t decide which one is more interesting—the consciousness that lives inside of us or the unknown that lives out in the universe.

Muggle tattoos feel incredible. I have three at the moment–a snake that wraps around my thigh, a dragon on my back, and the narcissus flower on my forearm. Mother wasn’t very fond of them at first, but I think she likes the flower more than she admits.

Father likes it when I call him Dad. He remains complicated, but has learned that there are more things in life than anger and resentment and power. He sends me a letter every Sunday to tell me about his week and ask how I am. I think he’s trying to make up for lost time. It’s okay, I am, too.

Potter gets into accidents more often than I get to visit Mother in France. Seriously, he’s in the emergency ward at least twice a week.

Things have changed since I left Hogwarts. This includes whatever Potter and I had.

Muggle psychology is interesting, though less advanced than the wizarding one. I go to a Muggle therapist once a month. I prefer that my therapist only knows and believes what I tell them. It makes me feel better about the part I played in the War.

I enjoy watching Quidditch matches, despite deciding that I preferred medicine over this career. It’s nice to see a familiar face dashing towards a snitch, too. Especially if it’s a pair of forest green eyes looking back at me.

Potter has gotten wickedly good at being a Seeker. He’s always been good, but I think he’s better than me now, especially since I’m out of practice.

A "clubhouse" sandwich might just be the most magical thing I have ever tasted. After Mother’s blueberry pie, of course.

Potter is a wonderful cook, but a bad baker. He burnt the cupcakes three times in two hours!

I'm a decent baker — at least better than Potter.

The ocean isn’t as scary as it sounds. I used to fear it as a child, because I was always afraid of what lay in the unknown. Turns out, it isn’t too bad. Especially if I’m with Potter.

I cannot fucking sing the Happy Birthday song. It’s out of tune no matter how hard I try. It’s a stupid song anyway—it’s not funny, Potter!

Apparently, Potter can speak four languages now. What a menace! I’m learning another one as we speak so I could outlanguage him.

Muggle ‘cars’ are... something else. I still don’t trust it enough. No, definitely not more than a broom. This thing called the "engine" is too loud and—Potter!

Apparently, theoretically, you could have intercourse inside of a Muggle vehicle. At the back, rather. I’m too tall for the front. Good to know.

—

See: 18 Things I, Draco Lucius Abraxas Black Malfoy, Learned At The Ripe Age of Eighteen

(If someone could find the Tumblr link for this one I’d really appreciate it. I can’t seem to find my own post 😅)

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difx-writes · 4 years ago

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Wildest Dreams - In the Death of the Night

Masterlist

After turning 10 and losing her soulmate, Marinette would imagine how Damian Wayne would be.

Would he be tall or short? Did he have blond hair or brown or did he dyed it? Would he be shy or have a bold personality? Perhaps he was an artistic soul, a poet, a writer? Or would he be a baker like her parents? Why did his last name change?

The wonders and questions took over her mind for days with no end.

On good days, she imagined how he would interact with her friends, how her parents would take him in as their own son, how he would fit into her life.

She liked to talk to him, pretending there, alive, with her. She asked his opinion on what to wear, how she should do her hair, what colors with go well with the design. He was her voice of reason. Talking to "Damian" brought a smile to her face, even when she knew she was deluding herself.

On bad days, she pretended he was right there with her, comforting her, encouraging her, whispering that everything would be alright... Sometimes it worked and she felt better the next days but most times she felt bitter, she felt robbed of a future where he was in her life.

The realization that the person she was supposed to share her soul with was no longer alive, that his death was painful, gruesome, and... lonely... It always ended with her taking a few days to prevent a breakdown...

When she turned 13, Hawkmoth appeared and Marinette became Ladybug, the hero of Paris.

Soon after, Marinette stopped talking with "Damian", she couldn't afford to wonder about him anymore. She couldn't afford the bliss of her own delusions. She couldn't afford to let herself grief and fall pray to Hawkmoth's manipulation.

As she couldn't fail Paris and its citizens, Damian Wayne mostly disappeared from her life.

But there were days when her “friends” demanded a lot from her, akumas were too violent and draining and everything was just too much, those the godawful days.

On godawful days she wished Damian was there to take her away to a place she could feel she belonged. Away from everything to a place she could call a home.

_______

Most nights Damian recalls a voice talking to him during the time he was dead.

His soulmate, he supposed, talked to him regularly, she started her day asking his opinion on her outfit for the day, when at home she would tell him how her day went, what she did with her friends, what she learned in class, etc...

At first, Damian was pretty much annoyed that he couldn't "rest in peace" with all the noise pollution but after a few weeks, he slowly started to tolerate her talking to him.

Unfortunately, he couldn't talk to her nor see her very clearly so it was a pleasant surprise when Marinette would ask his opinion to make a decision, she always picked what he chooses.

Perhaps it was their bond that allowed her to know what he was thinking without actually hearing each other's thoughts. Or maybe they were more in sync with one another. Most likely it was pure luck on her part. (Him being dead is enough proof of how bad his luck was.)

In the months he was dead, Damian learned a grand lot Marinette. He liked how she made him feel he wasn't alone, like how her voice calmed him when he remembered the family he left behind in his death. Marinette was his only lighthouse in the vast void of the afterlife

_______

Impotent, despair, and hopeless.

That's how Damian felt every time Marinette had to relive his death. He hated it so much. She didn't deserve that and it broke his heart every damn time.

Why did he have to die? Why did it have to be in such a painful way? Why did she have to feel it on repeat over and over and over again? Was it a twisted way the universe tried to make them reunited? If they can't find each other in life, then they can be together in death? That isn't right!

But it always hurts more when she wakes up and talks to him. Wondering if he was happy and in peace, in wherever place he ended up.

He was there but she didn't know.

He felt sick.

After being revived, Damian felt an immense sense of loss. Sure, he was kinda happy to reunite with his family and grateful for being alive again, but he missed her.

It was difficult to readjust to being alive again, it was crystal clear that Damian Wayne wasn't okay. What hurts him the most was how her name turned into a scar on his wrist.

During the day paranoia settled in making him always on high alert, lashing out when it got too much for him.

In the night, he couldn't sleep properly as a feeling of unease latched onto his every nerve and when he did sleep, nightmares plagued him.

Damian tried to calm down in various ways, but ultimately it was Marinette's voice that soothed him and lulled him to sleep.

It quickly became a habit to replay their one-sided conversations as he tries to fall asleep.

He went over what Marinette Dupain-Cheng spoke to him time and time again as to engrave her voice in his mind. Unfortunately, her voice was fading away, every time he recalled it, he hear his own voice.

At least some memories remained, which was relieving for Damian, even when important ones like what language she spoke or the name of her school were completely wiped out.

He never told his family his experience while he was dead, he guesses Jason was the most likely to know about it but he never brought it up to anyone, so Damian did the same.

Now he was lying in bed, remembering about the time Marinette tried embroidery for the first time.

She started by searching up what she wanted it to be and after much talking, she chose a Robin, Damian smile at the eagerness he felt for her to chose it. It was a fun day, with her making comments here and there about the work, he wishes he could see it.

A knock woke him up of his thoughts, Alfred emerging from the door.

"Master Damian, I'm here to inform you a guest will be joining us for tomorrow's dinner."

"Whose guest?" He didn't really feel like dealing with new people.

"It's Master Jason's guest."

Damian groans, perhaps he could go visit Kent.

"It would be in your best interest to participate, Master Damian." Alfred gave him a look.

He sighed, definitely can't miss tomorrow or he'll have to face Pennyworth.

So, I've written another chapter while listening to a sad song on repeat :') I know it doesn’t really connect to the last chapter but I wasn’t feeling okay and didn’t know how to continue from where I left off.

I hope y’all enjoyed this and have a nice day!

P.S.: The taglist is temporarily closed as some tags aren't working. Again, I'm very sorry if I missed anyone. If you no longer want to be tagged please hit me up.

Taglist:

@thestressmademedoit @moonlightstar64 @dast218 @moonystars14 @buticaaba @urbanpineapplefarmer @thedragonbug @little-lady-bird @an-actual-changeling @ladybug-182 @ash-amg @g-arya @nnon-it-up @hateswifi @maribat-is-lifeblood @kikooaaaaaa @jessigurl-design @vixen-uchiha @acoursedprophetwithasmothie @snow-leopard-777 @theatreandcomicfreak @zalladane @fusser90 @finallyaniguana @danielslilangel @dreamykitty25 @corabeth11 @ellymae21 @books-and-left-behind-journals @hetalia-lover-is-here @dorkus-minimus @magic-miraculous @waywardpeachgardenshark @darkthunder1589 @jaggedheart11 @daminettes @todaylillypads @schrodingers25 @pheonixashtree @mikantsume @eliza-bich @miraculous-simmer7 @goblinwhoships @fidget-eep @rosalineandrosemary @lunarwolfspn @more-or-less-human-i-guess @aestheticnpoetic @amayakans @abrx2002 @karategirl119 @agentofscifi @flower-and-drawing @itsmeevie01 @suddenly-i-kin-oikawa @ii-fox-demon @thatonecroc @dawnwave16 @bigpicklebananatree @violentbisexualprophecywriter @scribblinggraveyard @heaven428 @toodaloo-kangaroo @ravennightingaleandavatempus @chylou34 @silvergold-swirl @magictragic-world @snowstar1016 @heldtogetherbysafetypins @awkwardoneout @novicevoice @thenillabean @bookishdork13 @laurcad123 @thezestywalru @k-poplunardreams @coloursforyourportrait @fandomsaremylifeline @goddessofthewestwind @captainmac6 @chocolatecatstheron @princessanimeangel11 @throneoffirebreathingbitchqueen @ur-beautiful-when-u-smile @batlover1303 @softlysobbingpostendgame @justconfusedperiod @clumsy-owl-4178 @bluesimani @iwritelikeimrunningoutoftime @kokotaru @totalyasexual @professionalfangirl1738 @nitholites @zestyzealot @pawsitivelymiraculous @autiegirlshit @raz-b-rose @thanks-captain-obvious @emilytopaz @nightstarblue @2confused-2doanything @niknak-3 @blackroserelina @fortunatelyoptimisticdeer @ira-sairain @pepelachanel @naimena @iloveitwhen @disneyfoxuniverse @ur-average-reader @lylshyt @jerusalemandolives @anonymously-odd @southamericanghotamite @a-star-with-a-human-name @we-want-mini-mini @literallytryingmybestbutok @alenee13 @animegirlweeb @our-preciousss @prudencerika @byronsacademics @ivymala07 @shamefullove @susiej1118 @technicallyburninggarden @sentimentalcrap @ertyzeta @tomanyfandomsonmymind @starmist19 @synnesstra @nokia75 @swiftie-miraculer13 @solideogloria172 @a-door-into-my-mind @road-work-ahead123 @madking-warqueen @caseoftheblues @buginetye @ihavehomeworkbutistillhere @i-wanna-go-to-outerspace @insane-fangirl-of-everything @ultimatetornshipper @chaoticstarworld @adrestar @wolf-for-life @blacktea-ba @pinkk-sheep @autiegirlshit @chocolateherringtacofan @blackroserelina @samopotahto @blur-of-colours @stainedglassm @redbullgivescaswings @khneltea @amigotasbien @sdg-demachera @alyssadeliv @greatcatblaze @raesofmoonlight @galla02006 @sunflowers-and-mooncakes @novaloptr @qualitypeacepainter @solangelo252 @unnamed2357 @thespianlesb @mildlydeadly @yuriyuhitsu @hewantedbeefintheparkinglot @literaryhiraeth @luna025 @henie04 @trashesa @castle-bookworms-world

#daminette #maridami #damian x marinette #marinette x damian #marinette dupain cheng #damian wayne #maribat #ml x dc #soulmate au #angst #in the death of the night

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poedamneron01 · 4 years ago

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DREAMBOAT.

summary: you are new to AEW, a well known women’s wrestler for your daring and ballsy matches, Kenny is intrigued after the Bucks show him some of your matches, so intriguing he makes it his mission to find you and get to know you more.

Kenny Omega x f!reader

warnings: mentions of anxiety, swearing

Kenny Masterlist.

Kenny walked into The Elite’s shared locker room for a jam packed night of Wednesday Dynamite. “Yo, Ken did you hear about Y/N being signed?” Matt asked excitedly, looking up from his phone for a moment and Kenny sent him nod “Yeah, I heard she is a freak in the ring.” Kenny replied as he took a seat beside Nick and the brothers nodded “Dude, you should see this footage Matt found from one of her matches, six stars.” Matt shoved the phone in front of Kenny as he replayed the highlights of your match against their good friend Marty Scurll from a couple of weeks ago. Yeah, you were a fucking freak. Kenny’s eyes widened when he watched you take a DDT off the top rope out onto a table on the floor. “I think I am in love.” Kenny blurted out causing the guys to laugh “Is she here tonight?” He asked and Nick nodded “Yeah I think I seen her get dropped off when we arrived.” Kenny nodded, he made it his mission to find you and introduce himself.

You walked backstage with Tony Khan, familiarising yourself with all the different places you might need, like catering, medical and locker rooms. “You have your own locker room, we have you close to the gorilla so you don’t get lost.” Tony informed you as he opened the door to a decent sized room with a couple of couches and tables. You smiled and rolled in your suitcase full of gear and whatever you would need for tonight “Thank you,” you paused and turned to look at Tony “I am so excited to be here Tony, you have no idea.” He smiled brightly “No, thank you for being here. I’ll leave you to unpack and start preparing yourself, here’s a script for the show, it explains everything for your segment. If you have any questions or worries someone in the gorilla should be able to help if I’m not there personally!” You nodded and took the script from him with a small thank you, before he left and closed the door behind him.

You could not believe you were here. You had finally made it to the big league’s. All your crazy and daring matches, all the injuries and time off had finally payed off! You wheeled your suitcase over and lifted it onto the table and unzipped it, pulling out your gear and laying it out like you always did. You pulled out your headphones and slipped them on, playing your pump up playlist loudly before grabbing the script for the show and your phone, before heading towards catering to start preparing.

“Hey Tony!” Kenny called as he walked down the hallway towards the ring “Hey Kenny, how are you?” Kenny smiled and nodded “Not too bad, hey where is the new signee? I figured I’d introduce myself.” Tony nodded “Her locker room is the closest to the Gorilla.” Kenny nodded and clapped the smaller man on the shoulder “Thanks man!” He took off, walking quite quick and his heart belted his chest hard. But why was he nervous? It was just some girl from the Indies? Only you weren’t any girl, you were the best women’s wrestler in the business. Kenny finally reached your locker room and knocked a couple times, though was met with no answer. He frowned and looked around for a few moments, maybe you were out at the ring?

You were sat in catering, reading through the script, the segment you would be in specifically, biting the inside of your cheek anxiously. You were supposed to come out during Britt Baker vs Ruby Soho and ambush Ruby, seemingly aligning yourself with Britt, but would turn on her too. Do some spontaneous moves and call it a night, no biggie? You got up and set off for the ring, another thing you did ceremoniously before every show, music blaring in your ears. Once you walked out onto the stage, your eyes widened at how big the arena was, sure you knew AEW was pulling huge crowds in now, but you hadn’t realised how big they really were. You noticed the ring was completely empty, maybe it was because you were pretty early for a show? You walked down the ramp, eyes darting across the arena and thousands of empty seats, and the anxiety finally began to sink in. You pulled off your headphones, placing them with your phone and script on the floor beside the steel steps, before jumping on the apron and sliding into the ring. You clasped your hands together and did a few small circles in the centre of the ring in awe of the stadium, it brought tears to your eyes.

Kenny made his way out onto the stage, the stadium eerily quiet, though he spotted a figure stood in the ring and smiled to himself. He made his way down the ramp which caught your attention “Sorry if I’m interrupting anything.” He held out his hands as he rolled into the ring with you, leaning against the top rope “No, no I was just off in my own little world.” You replied and looked over at the man you noticed who was only one of the best in the world. “I’m Tyson or Kenny.” He extended his arm out, palm open and you nodded “Yeah, anyone and everyone knows who you are.” You chuckled with a smile and slid your hand into his, shaking it “Y/N, it’s nice to meet you.” You told him and he nodded, curls bobbing “Welcome to AEW.” He continued to smile and you exhaled sharply with a nod “Thanks,” you paused and sat down in the middle of the ring, leaning back on your hands “I’m not going to lie, I’m freaking the fuck out.” You blurted out and he followed your actions, sitting down against the bottom rope “Yeah, I get it.” He nodded, folding his arms across his chest. “You keen to give me any advice?” You asked with a hopeful gaze, meeting his eyes and you noticed how gentle and inviting they really were “Honestly, just have fun. You know your craft, we won’t make you change it. Just keep being you because that is what the people want to see.”

“Wow, you know you could become a great inspirational speaker.” You teased him and he laughed “I seen your match with Marty earlier, it was fucking nuts.” He complimented and you felt yourself blush “I bet it’s nothing compared to your matches, I am a huge fan of your work, especially your time over in New Japan.” Kenny was in shock, how could a pretty girl like you, enjoy his work? “Thank you.” He fell silent, admiring the structure of face “Y/N I wouldn’t stress too much, everyone will love you.” He added quickly and you puffed your cheeks out as you exhaled deeply once more “God I hope so.” Kenny swallowed hard, “Did you want to grab some food after the show? I know what it’s like to be in a new company, some friends can help.” You took a double take, biting your lip to suppress the grin from spreading across your face. You nodded, looking over at him once more “Yeah, yeah that’d be really nice.” Kenny nodded “Just us two okay?” He added and you giggled softly “Yes, that’s fine.” He nodded, you were a dreamboat of a woman, and he only wanted more of you.

“There you are Kenneth!” You looked past Kenny and spotted two men walking down the ramp and towards you both. “Oh hey Y/N! Welcome!” The shorter one smiled and you could tell immediately it was Nick and Matt Jackson, The Young Bucks “Hey, thank you.” You stood up and greeted them, shaking each of their hands “Did we interrupt something?” Nick asked, a knowing smirk on his face as he looked between you and Kenny. You grinned “Only everything.” You teased and rocked back and forth on your feet “Do you want to be in our youtube series?” Matt asked as he whipped out his phone and you became nervous all of a sudden “No, no I don’t want to be a bother.” Kenny noticed your change in demeanour “No, you won’t be a bother at all come on!” Matt waved his hand in the air before looking over at Kenny “Do you want to join The Elite? We need a new member and you are a perfect fit!” Nick exclaimed excitedly and you shrugged “I mean, only if you guys are down, it is your thing after all.”

Kenny looked between the boys “How about we make it a progressive thing, like film us walking out onto the stage and see her in the ring? We just come out randomly on some Rampages and Dynamites and then eventually ask her to join?” You were surprised by how open and inviting they were and Matt and Nick nodded. “Alright, I’ll go and get Brandon so he can film we’ll be back!” Nick and Matt left you and Kenny in the ring and you laughed softly “You really want me in your group?” You asked in disbelief and Kenny nodded “We could use someone awesome like yourself, we can talk more about it at dinner if you want?” Kenny felt like all his chat and spark disappeared when talking to you, you left him like a teenage boy in high school. You nodded “Yeah, that sounds great.”

God Kenny was falling hard already.

#kenny omega x reader #kenny omega imagines #kenny omega #aew #aewedit #aew wrestling #aew all out #aew dynamite #being the elite #the young bucks #the elite

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absolutebl · 4 years ago

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This Week In BL

May 2021 Wk 2

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs.

Ongoing Series - Thai

Lovely Writer Ep 12 fin - that was a long arse final ep, but solid performances. I liked that we focused on the fallout amongst the side characters. (Very clever of them to depict Chap with Tae, his Y-Destiny pairing. Especially as both actors are slated for new BL roles with different partners again, The Tuxedo and You’re My Sky.) The camera certainly enjoyed wallowing in Sib & Gene’s separation, but that’s an Asian drama for you. They like to DWELL. (Frankly, I like a bit of wallowing myself.) I thought the inclusion of the “actual” writer at the very end thoroughly unnecessary. I don’t think they had to beat us over the head with the 4th wall meta quite that much. Still, this is probably one of the best BLs we’re getting from non-GMMtV Thailand this year. RECOMMENDED

Y-Destiny Ep 8 - (Thurs) I found the first half uninteresting but once Casper the Friendly Gay showed up it was fine. The ghost reminded me a bit of Fuse from MIR.

Close Friend Ep 4: (Just One Life) - is it just me or is Talay insanely charismatic? Anygay, the director got ahold of a drone for this one and would like us to KNOW ABOUT THAT FACT. Look, I just don’t think YoonLay have great chemistry but this was alright, cute enough.

Fish Upon The Sky Ep 6 - This was a better installment than we’ve had in a while. I like the obsession vs love explanation from Mork, insightful if creepy. Meen & Duean are okay, I guess. A bit annoying. Everyone in this show is a bit annoying. But the wipe toothpaste then wipe eye crud got to me. Toothpaste in the eye, yech! And then I was all, oh that’s basically this show: toothpaste in the eye. It just reviewed itself. (Also why do they keep switching aspect ratio between the two pairs? It’s like they were filming with two completely different camera types... oh. ah. Weird, GMMTV usually doesn’t make mistakes like that.)

Call it What You Want Ep 6 fin - I skipped to the last ep on this, I told you I do that sometimes to find out what happened. So CIWYW ends happy for the main couple, but trigger warnings on: eating disorders, suicidal thoughts, depression, mental abuse, and a few other things. If you don’t mind your BL dark, gritty, self aware, and honest then you should be okay with this show. But if your preference is for fluff, then there are other fish in the sky. Speaking of...

Nitiman Ep 2 - Giving me My Engineer vibes. This is OLD school Thai uni BL. I kinda feel like it was meant to come out in 2018, the gap year that was, but I am SO GRATEFUL we’re getting it now. Pay TF attention FUTS this is how you redeem a tsundere uke. Also I love that Bboom is just a terrible flirt and the football match twist was great. I love this show.

Top Secret Together Ep 1 - it’s out there but no eng subs. It’s an office set romance with multiple couples all tangential to one building. A bit stilted and low production values but I’m intrigued. I hope we get subs... eventually.

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

HIStory 4: Close To You (Taiwan) Ep 9 - gets the safe sex gold star for lube + condoms AND a verse discussion? Not to mention asking for sex advice from queer fam? Is this a first in BL? Might be. (I still think it’s weird that product placement hasn’t jumped on the lube bandwagon, too slippery perhaps?) I like the embezzlement drama. I always enjoy good outside conflict playing to setting, and this is the kind to be easily resolved in next week’s finale. What a roller coster this series has been.

Papa & Daddy (Taiwan) Ep 5 - I LOVE THIS SHOW. A heartbeat after i thought, “they better address what he’s doing to the girls he’s dating,” they did it. Clever scripting that. The messaging is gorgeous, the idea that pride and media coverage and knowing about a changing world can broaden minds and lead to acceptance was basically Taiwan making a case for itself paving the way for marriage equality in Asia. Genius.

Most Peaceful Place 2 (Vietnam) Ep 1 (AKA 4) - dropped with subs and improved production values, someone is learning (or got more dough). The younger brother’s drama is a bit confusing, but I am here for cute boyfriends being cute boyfriends together. And I love that they took the seme’s previous pair (from Nation’s Brother) to be the faen fatale, very crafty of them. Even though it’s not a trope I like, there’s great chemistry all around.

My Lascivious Boss (Vietnam) Ep 6 - I weirdly love this show, okay? I’m just hoping Long has known Minh’s secret all along and is playing a reverse long con cat & mouse game, waiting for Minh to tell him the truth. Because that would be THE BEST. I could do without the faen fatale but ya can’t have everything. (I’m so glad it’s not the standard 6 ep arc, MOAR!!!)

Gossip

Rumor is GMMTV Thailand started shooting Baker Boys (here’s the teaser trailer). This is a remake of Antique (AKA Antique Bakery) a 2008 Korean movie (you can watch it on Viki) which is a remake of Antique (a 2001 Japanese series) with is an adaptation of wildly popular manga Antique Bakery. Knowing the plot I’m not sure this will qualify as BL. I’m still predicting Lee gets his first gay kiss in this series from Singto. More details about this series here.

Breaking News

Love Area release pushed out, reportedly due to C19. (source DramaCool)

Be Love In House: I Do (Taiwan, of course, with that title) got a new softer trailer (no subs). It drops next week, May 19, 2021 on Viki. All the information I have is here.

Tangential to BL

Two BL-adjacent shows, both from Taiwan.

I’m watching Love is Science? on Viki which has a het foundation, but it’s a good one. There’s a BL side couple who are on an enemies to lovers slow burn trajectory; featuring a disaster bi slut meets elegant bad ass super gay. So there’s THAT. The mains are an older career woman and the sweet boy from her distant past who has pined for her for years. (He is the softest sweetest service sub you ever saw.) Props to Taiwan for a seriously underused het dynamic. As usual in Asian rom coms the straight boy love interest is a Perfect Cinnamon Role (yes I’m looking at you True Beauty & Love O2O) but I find Taiwan’s version more palatable than Korea’s or Mainland China’s. It’s not finished yet but... RECOMMENDED.

Starting this week is Love Outlet a 50 (?!) episode show about a mall that sells relationships. It is supposed to have a main gay romance, but it might be a side dish. Very little else known about it. Coming to Line TV.

Honestly, I’m at the point where if Taiwan makes it, I’ll probably watch it.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Some shows may be listed later than actual air date for International accessibility reasons.

Starting:

Be Loved In House: I Do (Taiwan)

Golden Blood (Thailand) we think, like Love Area this may be delayed due to surging C19 cases

Love Outlet (Taiwan) we think

Upcoming 2021 BL master post here.

Links to watch are provided when possible, ask in a comment if I missed something.

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bog-o-bones · 4 years ago

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Who the hell is CM Punk and why is he “All Elite”?

If you’re reading this post, you’re most likely somebody who’s heard the latest buzz around the wrestling world: CM Punk is back! But who exactly is CM Punk? You’ve probably heard the name before, either in the context of pro wrestling or as part of his time in UFC, and have always wondered what the big deal is about the guy. You’ve also probably seen or heard about All Elite Wrestling, up-and-coming wrestling promotion airing live Wednesday and Friday nights on TNT. But what exactly is AEW as well? That’s where this post comes in. In this long-ass post on Tumblr, you’ll be given a crash course on the history of one of pro wrestling’s most iconic superstars as well as the abridged history of AEW, the premier wrestling promotion in North America, allowing you to (hopefully) understand the significance of Punk’s return to the squared circle as well as give yourself significant knowledge of AEW enough that you can begin to enjoy the weekly shows they put out!

Okay, so who the heck is this CM Punk guy anyway?

To put it simply, CM Punk is one of the most significant pro wrestlers of the 21st century as well as the history of the industry itself. While he’s not on the level of mainstream recognition as Hulk Hogan or Stone Cold Steve Austin, Punk’s contributions to pro wrestling are arguably as important to the industry. To understand Punk’s significance, you need to have a little history lesson about the industry in the early-to-mid 2000��s.

When you think of professional wrestling, you probably think of one name above all: WWE, World Wrestling Entertainment. WWE was, and still is, the most mainstream wrestling promotion ever. People associate all wrestling with WWE, no matter what. But what about what’s below WWE in terms of recognition? The Minor League Baseball to its MLB? To that, we have to look at the independent scene.

The independent scene is, simply put, the underground punk rock of pro wrestling. It’s where the stars make the names for themselves to rise to the success. Indie wrestling is important because it’s where Punk began. CM (the initials jokingly standing for whatever is on his mind at the moment, ranging from “Cookie Monster” to “Charles Montgomery” or “Chicago Made”) Punk began his career in the independent scene around the turn of the millennium. He rose to significant prominence in the promotion Ring of Honor, one of the most premiere indie leagues in the United States. This prominence was brought on by Punk’s oozing charisma and wrestling talent, making him one of the best known “underground wrestlers” at the time. Then, in 2005, Punk signed a contract with the major league: he was WWE bound.

To regale you with Punk’s career in WWE would require an entirely separate post, so I’ll spare you the specifics and get to the good stuff: Punk was over in WWE. “Over” of course meaning the fans loved him. And why shouldn’t they? Big time wrestling fans knew Punk from his days in ROH and to see him rise to be on national television broadcasts and pay-per-view was rewarding. To those who were introduced to him, he was a fantastic talent and provided immense entertainment because of his talent in the ring and outside it.

Later on in his career at WWE, Punk provided one of the most scathing promos of all time, criticizing the company for its horrific decision-making and idiotic management. The promo was a “worked shoot”, wrestling lingo for a promo that seems like it’s breaking character but is all planned out (Punk was allowed to say anything he wanted, no matter if it was in character or not) but it was still extremely satisfying for the fans who agreed wholeheartedly with Punk about the state of WWE at the time. This promo (now known as the “pipebomb promo”) is just one of the many reasons why CM Punk has remained an immense fan favorite. The idea of a wrestler taking the mic, airing their grievances, and showcasing how a major corporation treated their employees with disdain and damnation is utterly unlike anything seen since Stone Cold Steve Austin back in the late 90′s. Punk, to many people, was one of the first of many “indie stars” that WWE had “poached” from the independent scene, turning them into corporate icons, stripping away their unique qualities as a person and transforming them into recognizable brands to sell merchandise with. To see Punk spit back at the WWE made a lot of people realize that enough was enough for them. Punk was the voice of the voiceless, a wrestler echoing throughout the halls that he wasn’t just a brand to slap onto a cheap mass-produced product, that he was a wrestler (in the mid-2000s at WWE, the term “wrestler” was seen as an irrelevant term, the terms “sports entertainer” and “superstar” preferred by management) in this business to prove himself as the Best in the World. And like clockwork, on July 15th, 2014, Punk was removed from WWE’s active roster after he had effectively walked out of the company weeks prior.

One of the most significant events post-WWE with Punk was his appearance on close friend Colt Cabana’s Art of Wrestling podcast. Colt’s podcast was known for featuring “shoot interviews”, basically interviews with wrestlers out of character detailing backstage information and telling stories. Punk’s episode of the podcast is significant as it eventually led to a total legal dispute with one of WWE’s doctors whose misdiagnosis of a staph infection was one of the reasons for Punk’s departure from WWE. Along with that, Punk’s general dissatisfaction with the “WWE Machine” as it’s been coined was another reason, with him even mentioning at times post-retirement that WWE was responsible for him never wanting to wrestle again. And so it seemed, as Punk later on signed with UFC in an attempt to get a MMA career off the ground, that the legacy of CM Punk ended with his tenure at WWE.

Until, that is, the wrestling world got a little...elite...

Okay, so I get who CM Punk is now, but what’s this All Elite Wrestling business?

AEW, All Elite Wrestling and the sole reason you’re reading this post right now, is the second biggest wrestling promotion in North America and quite possibly the world. Its inception begins with a group of wrestlers signed to the aforementioned Ring of Honor and a little bet made with wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer on Twitter.

Meltzer had proclaimed on Twitter that ROH did not have the capability to sell 10,000 tickets to an arena-run wrestling event. ROH-signed wrestlers Cody Rhodes (son of Dusty Rhodes and brother of Dustin Rhodes f.k.a. “Goldust”) and tag team brothers Matt and Nick Jackson (known as “The Young Bucks”) took Meltzer up on the bet and immediately scouted an arena for such an event. Partnering with Ring of Honor along with other wrestling promotions around the world such as Lucha Libre AAA Worldwide, Impact Wrestling, and New Japan Pro Wrestling, the trio promoted the event as All In and managed to sell out the arena in less than 30 minutes, even exceeding the goal by an extra thousand or so, becoming the largest attended wrestling event not held by industry leader WWE since 1993.

Naturally, the success of such an event caught the attention of many leaders in many industries. The idea that an independent wrestling event could create such a huge success in a time where WWE was kingpin of the industry was unprecedented. It was clear that the wrestling world was ready for a change and the numbers didn’t lie.

On the 1st of January 2019, All Elite Wrestling was announced with the running of All In’s sequel event Double or Nothing which would also be the inaugural pay-per-view event for AEW itself. Backing the company financially was Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shahid Khan along with his son and co-owner of the Jaguars Tony Khan, who would lead the company as president, CEO and head of creative. The announcement of the company was peppered with signings of some of independent wrestling’s hottest stars such as “Hangman” Adam Page, Joey Janela, Britt Baker, and Kenny Omega, often cited as the greatest wrestler in the world with multiple 5 star+ matches under his belt. Also announced were some of the most interesting inclusions: former WWE stars Chris Jericho and PAC (f.k.a. Neville) had joined as well. At the premiere event of Double Or Nothing, the most shocking addition to the roster made his debut as well: Jon Moxley, formerly known in WWE as Dean Ambrose, one of the highest-profile stars in recent history had jumped ship from top of the card in WWE to the newest promotion. Ripples in the wrestling world had turned into immense shock waves.

Alright, I kinda know the history now but why is AEW so important?

AEW’s significance today cannot be understated. Before its inception, the world of professional wrestling consisted of two pillars: WWE and the independent scene, and the two could not be less equal. WWE was seen by many as the top of the line, the area where a wrestler could be seen by the most eyes and where they could be paid top dollar moreso than any indie promotion. But it was also seen, as detailed earlier by CM Punk, as a place of dull, corporatized profiteering. WWE does not treat its wrestlers as characters in engaging, eventful stories. To the WWE, the wrestlers are no more than brands, recognizable faces and repetitive phrases that they can slap onto t-shirts and other merchandise to sell for a quick buck. WWE as a company does not care about the world of professional wrestling, even recently going so far as to call themselves not a “wrestling company” but an “entertainment” company. Wrestlers in WWE are not given the opportunity to come up with material they think will best suit the story of the match and appease the fans, they are given pre-written scripts of dialogue to act out as if they were in a movie and storylines meant to tell the story the writers want to tell rather than what the fans want to see.

For many wrestlers, the art of wrestling is a finely tuned craft. WWE’s corporate micromanagement of the whole process is utterly disrespectful and soul-crushing. At AEW, the story is different.

AEW’s creative team allows its wrestlers to do whatever they think the fans will like. While not necessarily allowing the wrestlers full creative control (Tony Khan, after all, has the final say on things), AEW at least allows the wrestlers flexibility to try new things without being railroaded by storylines. This results in characters like Orange Cassidy (see above) a wrestler whose entire gimmick is that he just doesn’t care. In his matches, he’ll lazily loaf about the ring, putting in the bare minimum effort at attacking his opponents except when the opponents REALLY strike back at which Cassidy explodes into an array of athletic fury while simultaneously never losing his cool. And it works! The gimmick worked insanely well on the independent scene, away from the strict guidelines of a major corporation who probably would not understand it, and fans adored Cassidy’s laidback, lazy attitude. And in AEW, Cassidy’s gimmick transfers flawlessly due to the company’s trust in Cassidy to make it work. And so, AEW remains a place where wrestlers can succeed not at the whims of an out-of-touch old man playing with his action figures in a way that satisfies only himself, but at the whims of creative people who believe in the equally creative minds out in the squared circle who themselves believe in the hearts of the audience, understanding full well what it is they want to see when they come to or tune into a wrestling program.

There are a multitude of other reasons AEW is probably the best wrestling promotion on the planet (ease of access, LGBT diversity among the roster) but the creative freedom it allows its wrestlers remains one of the greatest.

Okay, now I kinda get the appeal. So where does CM Punk tie into this?

As with any new promotion heavily allowing for greater creative opportunity for its wrestlers, fans are gonna want to see their big favorites join the roster. Names like Daniel Bryan, Aleister Black, Adam Cole etc. known from their time on both the independent scene and at WWE have been tossed around a lot during discussions in the past as far as who should jump ship to the promotion that will best suit them. But one person has always been the biggest “what-if” when it comes to joining AEW: CM Punk. As laid out earlier, CM Punk’s dissatisfaction with WWE was wholly responsible for his greater retirement from the pro wrestling scene. And when there’s only one really significant promotion on the market, why bother? Punk has been vocal in the past on Twitter, in interviews and many other places that his love for the business of pro wrestling was soured and that something truly significant would be required for him to return. It seemed natural to fans that, should AEW prove to be a significant competitor to WWE that, somehow, some way, it could lead to the in-ring return of one of the best to ever step foot in it. And when AEW announced it would be running the second episode of its brand-new show Rampage at the United Center in Chicago, Punk’s hometown, the rumors began to fly.

Punk himself is known for joking about and debunking rumors, hearsay and other lies about his potential signing with any wrestling-related outlets. So when the rumors began to fly that Punk was signing with AEW...the man himself stayed uncharacteristically quiet. And the wrestling world began to gasp...was it true, then? Teasers were thrown about here and there on AEW programming, small things that could go either way but to hardcore fans seemed to understand were plain as day. Punk himself even got in on the action, posting cryptic videos on his Instagram that fans eventually linked to the United Center and a return for the Best in the World. It’s been known as wrestling’s “worst-kept secret” and today, it was revealed in all its glory.

CM Punk, one of the original independent wrestling superstars, one of the few men responsible for changing the culture of professional wrestling in the 21st century, had finally returned home.

Okay, that was pretty explanatory. So now, where the heck can I watch all this?

Excellent question! AEW currently has three methods of airing content:

- Through their network TV shows aired on TNT

- Through their YouTube channel

- Through pay-per-view events

AEW Dynamite is the company’s flagship show airing Wednesdays at 8:00 EST/7:00 CST on TNT. All the company’s major storylines are told on Dynamite and the show usually runs for ~2 hours. There are over 90+ episodes of Dynamite and its not really required that you see every single one though there are many episodes that have aired in the past that feature matches, promos, and other segments worth checking out.

AEW Rampage is the company’s second show and currently only has two episodes aired. It also airs on TNT, Fridays at 10:00 EST/9:00 CST. Rampage has been given the description of being a little more “action-packed” than Dynamite, with shows only lasting for a single hour and featuring little promo time instead focusing primarily on matches themselves.

The company’s biggest stories tend to culminate in one of its four annual pay-per-view events. AEW pay-per-views are available via WarnerMedia's B/R Live service in the United States and Canada, and on FITE TV internationally. Additionally, AEW PPVs are also available via traditional PPV outlets in the United States and Canada and are carried by all major satellite providers. AEW PPVs generally cost around $50-60 and run for about four hours or so.

In addition to the two TNT shows and pay-per-views, AEW also runs two weekly shows on its YouTube channel, AEW: Dark and AEW: Dark Elevation. Both shows are generally referred to as AEW’s “developmental” shows, created mostly for unsigned or up-and-coming talent to showcase themselves in a taped format that forgoes the traditional network TV deals for easier access online. Dark and Dark Elevation’s differences are negligible but both tend not to crossover too much with the main shows, although some stories definitely do. Both shows run for ~an hour and a half on Monday nights at 7:00 EST/6:00 CST (Dark Elevation) and Tuesdays at 7 EST/6 CST (Dark).

AEW talent also provide a few extra sources of entertainment through their own YouTube outlets as well. The Elite, a popular stable in AEW consisting of current champion Kenny Omega and current tag team champions the Young Bucks, feature themselves in their own weekly travel vlog/comedy sketch series Being the Elite while other individual wrestlers like Sammy Guevara, Allie “The Bunny”, and Ethan Page provide more individualized backstage looks at the company through their own vlogs. These aren’t necessary to enjoy regular AEW programming but they definitely add to the atmosphere and you can tell through each how much the locker room loves and respects each other.

Wow, this was really in-depth and definitely not a small task at all. Thanks for the help!

No problem! If you have any questions, feel free to send me a message, though its doubtful I’ll receive it since I barely check Tumblr anymore! If you know me on any other platforms, the message still applies! Thanks so much for reading! I really do hope this helped you understand the situation a little better. Enjoy wrestling!

#all elite wrestling #aew #cm punk

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twistedtummies2 · 3 years ago

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Two Weeks in the TARDIS - The Tenth Doctor

Welcome to Two Weeks in the TARDIS! I’m talking about the different versions of the titular protagonist from “Doctor Who.” Each day I’ll be covering a different Doctor, going in order from the First to the Thirteenth.

Today, we’ll be discussing arguably the most iconic modern Doctor. This is David Tennant, the Tenth Doctor!

BACKGROUND

After Christopher Eccleston left the program, Scottish actor David Tennant - a rising star - was called upon to take his place. While every other Doctor before and since was allowed to keep their natural dialect, Tennant was directed to speak with an Estuary English accent. This, of course, did absolutely nothing to prevent his popularity: to this day, when people think of Doctor Who, Tennant seems to be one of two key faces to automatically come to mind, the other being Tom Baker. Matt Smith, his successor (more on him next time) seems to be catching up, however…but I digress. I think this is because of the reason I said last time: “You never forget your first Doctor.” While Tennant was not the first New Who Doctor, he lasted significantly longer than Christopher Eccleston, with three seasons and more than three times as many stories within them. As a result, more people would simply RECOGNIZE him as the Doctor, and since many of these young budding fans had likely never even seen Tom Baker or any of the other Classic Doctors, it’s not surprising that Tennant would rise rapidly in terms of popularity. I strongly suspect the same goes for Smith, and given a few years, more and more people will say the same about Peter Capaldi and Jodie Whittaker. It helps that a lot of the people who worked on and STILL work on the modern series were and are huge fans of Doctor Who themselves: it’s become a show made for fans BY fans, and Tennant was no exception: he was a HUGE fan of Doctor Who, and this became his dream role. That fact is not surprising, because, alongside Tom Baker and perhaps Sylvester McCoy, I would argue that Tennant’s portrayal of the Doctor has the least disconnect between the role and the performer. It’s telling that, ever since seeing him AS the Doctor, nearly every time I hear or see Tennant in anything, the Doctor is all that comes to mind: Kilgrave from the MCU? “Oh, so THAT’S what it would have been like if he played The Master instead!” His version of Hamlet? “Oh, so THIS is what it would have been like if Shakespeare had invited him to perform in one episode!” Scrooge McDuck? (pauses) Okay, actually, as Scrooge he’s pretty invisible, but hey, if DuckTales had ever featured the Daleks? I wouldn’t have been surprised. Tennant brings a natural zaniness and melodramatic intensity to the role, mixing swaggering humor with something much deeper and darker to create a truly fascinating take on the Time Lord.

PERSONALITY

Of all the Doctors I’ve talked about, Tennant’s Tenth is actually the single hardest for me to analyze and describe in terms of personality. That’s actually, I think, what makes him so particularly fascinating: he’s not an easy Doctor to categorize, so to speak. Mixing elements of various early Doctors with his own special seasoning, Tennant creates a particularly changeable Time Lord, whose moods and ethics are not easily explained. On the surface, Ten at first seems like a stark contrast to the Ninth Doctor: instead of the moody, slightly standoffish character of Eccleston, Tennant’s is superficially more extroverted and chipper, with a particularly zany sense of humor and a sort of wild-eyed passion in everything he does. He is, at first, a seemingly much happier person, but we soon start to realize the traumas are still there, and just as strong as ever: this is a man haunted by failure, who no longer wants to see things fall apart the way they did. As the Tenth Doctor’s era continues, the character develops in a startling and unexpected way: still haunted by his actions in the Great Time War, the Tenth Doctor puts on a veneer of apologetic pacifism, always trying to give his enemies a chance, even when they don’t deserve it. But at the same time, he is absolutely ruthless when he has to be, and does things to his foes that often make him seem more villainous than almost any Doctor (the only other one who might come close is the Seventh), as his vengeance on his foes is particularly nasty at times. There’s something particularly unhinged about his Doctor, like he’s constantly teetering on the boundary between sanity and madness; between being a good samaritan and a punishing devil. He can be hilariously silly, he can be vulnerable and sympathetic, and he can also be a holy terror, sometimes almost all at once. There’s a reason that, in the audio plays, there’s actually a parallel universe where the Tenth Doctor ends up becoming a villain rather than a hero: of all the Doctors out there, he’s one of the most morally and psychologically questionable, but he still manages to be endearing. The most notable thing people have noted about the Tenth Doctor’s era is the “Space Jesus” angle: Christ-like allegorical imagery and elements are used with the character constantly throughout his time on the TARDIS. He’s also VERY certain of his powers, perhaps to the point of outright hubris: this was the first Doctor to give what I like to call the “I’m the Doctor, STFU” speeches that modern Who is filled with today. Just by saying who he was, in grand fashion, this Doctor could bring his foes to their knees, and placed himself as a high authority. However, what’s interesting about all this is the way it’s used, and how his story arc tracks through his time in the franchise. At first, in the series, his attitude is actually treated as a good thing, as he takes down wrongful authority figures and saves lives, and while he’s egotistical, he’s also compassionate…but as time goes on, his arrogance starts to spiral out of control. We start to see that he’s not nearly as perfect as he believes, or as anyone would like to think. Without going into too many spoilers, this Doctor’s end is particularly bitter, as he is forced to come to terms with the fact that he’s neither invulnerable nor almighty, and the toughest challenges in his life are ones he ultimately has to face alone.

COSTUME

Again, the NewWho series tends to go for costumes that are less about “walking anachronisms” and instead ones that would fit in more with a modern, contemporary society’s norms. However, with the Tenth Doctor, the costumes DO start to become more eccentric. In some ways, this was another very Sherlockian Doctor: not as detached as Sherlock Holmes, but with the same mixture of madcap heroics and flawed danger. In fact, many of his stories played out almost like detective stories, including one episode where he met famed mystery writer, Agatha Christie. As a result, Tennant’s costume is something of a sort of “eccentric detective” getup. He’s often seen wearing a trenchcoat, like someone out of an old film noir, and under the trenchcoat he typically wore a suit of brown or blue, with pinstripes and a tie. All of this is elegant and almost 1940s esque, but then it gets contrasted by the unconventional choice of sandshoes, a spiky sort of hairdo, and the wide-lensed reading glasses he occasionally wears. He’s both classy and yet a total dork, for lack of a better way of putting it. On anyone else, the costume might look a bit bizarre, the different elements not necessarily smoothly tying together, but Tennant is so at home in the costume, that the way he moves, sits, and stands in it always makes it feel like a second skin: it’s all natural to him, and so he can be all the things he needs to be - from dangerous to daffy - no matter what the weather.

NOTABLE COMPANIONS

The Tenth Doctor started out with Rose Tyler as his companion, carried on from Christopher Eccleston. Fans have mixed feelings about Rose’s time with the Doctor, but personally I didn’t mind it, and the moment when she left the show was really quite sad. My big problem is that Rose seemed to be treated as the “uber-companion” for the reminder of Ten’s time in the series. I suppose it makes sense, since - unless you count Grace Holloway and POSSIBLY Jo Grant - this was the first time the Doctor had actually apparently fallen in love with his companion. However, it became a problem when the next major companion - Martha Jones - showed up. Martha starts off with promise, but in my opinion she became rather bland as the series went on; she really felt like she was just a replacement for Rose, and one wonders why she even HAD to be replaced. Did Billie Piper, Rose’s actress, just not want to do the show anymore? (Seems unlikely, since she returned several times as a recurring character for the rest of Ten and even Eleven’s run.) Then came the third major companion, Donna Noble: in Donna’s first appearance, she’s a bit annoying, in my opinion, but when she became a fully-fledged companion...I’m going to be honest, I think she became my favorite companion of David Tennant’s. Part of this may be because of the relationship between both the actors AND the characters: in contrast to Rose and Martha, the Doctor no longer wanted a romantic interest, he just wanted a friend. And that was cool with Donna, because that was all SHE saw the Doctor as: her absolute best friend. In a way, she was a lot like Sarah Jane Smith (who made a surprise return during this era as a recurring character), but with even more sass and spunk than before. Actress Catherine Tate and David Tennant had amazing chemistry, and it’s telling that they would often work together after this - especially in comedic settings - as their friendship offscreen is and was just as powerful as it was onscreen. One last character worth noting is River Song: not a COMPANION, but a major recurring character who first appeared in this era. River was revealed to be the Doctor’s wife, but who met the Doctor in a future lifetime. Naturally, this led to shenanigans and heartbreak alike; all in a day’s work for this series.

RECOMMENDED VIEWING

DEAR GOD, WHAT DO I CHOOSE?! XD The issue with the Tenth Doctor’s era, in stories, is that it’s sort of a giant mixed bag, in my opinion. There really isn’t any one episode of the entire show I would truly call definitive. Some showcase great villains, or have great stories, but aren’t necessarily most emblematic of what this Doctor was all about. Others are terrific showcases for David Tennant’s character, but lack the proper Companions needed or have particularly famous baddies involved. Some episodes are still great, some were well-received back then but have since received some rightful backlash, and some suck but at least have a sort of “so bad it’s good” quality to them. So...jeeze and darn, what do I even PICK here? I siphoned through a LOT of iconic stories before finally deciding on what I felt was the best choice here...not my FAVORITE Tenth Doctor story, I should point out, but the one I think comes the CLOSEST to a “definitive Tenth Doctor episode” I can find. That episode is the two-parter “Silence in the Library/Forest of the Dead.” In this one, the Doctor and Donna Noble have their first meeting with River Song, while doing battle with a race of carnivorous shadow monsters known as the Vashta Nerada. The story is dark, high-flying in its intellectual mind-bending, has a great sense of humor underneath it all, features the best Doctor/Companion relationship of the era (in my opinion), showcases River Song, and has one of the Doctor’s most iconic “I’m The Doctor, Now STFU” speeches in the show’s history. There are so many other episodes worth noting, it’s not even funny, but this one, I think, has the MOST of all the things I love about the Tenth Doctor’s era, so it gets my vote: if you’re only going to watch ONE David Tennant episode...don’t, please, watch more than one if you can, but consider starting with this one first.

Next time we’ll be discussing Matt Smith, the Eleventh Doctor: The Madman in a Box.

#two weeks in the tardis #doctor who #dr. who #sci-fi #tv #history #retrospective #new year's countdown #january special #tenth doctor #david tennant

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pinkhairedlily · 4 years ago

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Chapter 11 - Student Council President Sakura / Graduation Chapter

SCPS AO3 | PREVIOUS CHAPTER

Youtube playlist for your reading accompaniment

They held a run-through of the graduation ceremony on the last day of class and technically the last day of the trio’s high school life. Unlike their first general assembly, Uchiha Sasuke was to deliver the graduation speech but not without great sulking from Haruno Sakura who landed a close second despite ranking first in their final exams.

And obviously, not without Sasuke trying to give up his speech privileges by campaigning instead for Sakura.

In the end, all three of them were granted speech slots – one for Sasuke as valedictorian, Sakura as student representative, and Naruto as the school’s first national MVP. It was this debacle that led the three of them to brainstorm in an empty AVR after the dry run.

“Done!” Sakura yelled like the diligent student she was. “Let me look at yours!”

Sasuke presented her a blank paper while saying, “It’s all prepared in my head”, and Naruto showed her his baseball doodles.

“Oh God, you’re all so hopeless.”

Then the electricity suddenly got cut off in the AVR. Sakura expected the boys to screech in surprise and cling to each other, but she only heard silence in the dark. She jumped in her seat when the doors opened with a loud bang, a confetti splash, and the lights coming back to life.

Sasuke and Naruto were still in front of her, holding two bouquets of irises and yellow roses. Behind them were the old and new student council members with other students holding a large banner saying Thank you, Student Council President Sakura!

She started to leave her seat to come to them, but they gestured for her to stay on her seat. In front of the room, the large monitor beeped and showed a compilation of videos.

Sukehiro Aoi, an alumni and currently an intern in an animation studio. “Hello, Ms. Pres. You once asked the body to submit a publication material for an event of the student council, and I sent mine through a dummy email with no expectations of winning. I wasn’t comfortable with the public seeing my art. I was afraid of the unsolicited remarks so sending it anonymously gave me some relief. You chose it however, and you knew how big a credit was to an artist. I was really scared when you were able to hunt me down just by my watermark, but my name in the info blast caught the attention of a school board member and referred me to this animation studio. It was the littlest thing, but you handed me my dream.”

Watanabe Kota was a year below them. He has a small frame, round thick glasses, and battled with face acne. “Ms. Pres! People never had much confidence in my physical appearance, so I don’t know what you saw in me when you asked me to take over the school radio. But here we are – we’re airing daily and we even produce documentaries and radio programs. Thank you for seeing what I didn’t.”

Ito Amanaya, a typical jock in the football team, muscular and came across as intimidating, but he had the gentlest cadence. “I was bullied by the same group that bullied your dynamic duo. When you ran them off, you also saved my life. Thank you, Haruno.”

Kimura Shinze, a classmate in third year, beautiful, popular, and the captain of the cheering squad. “Hope you’re having a great day, Ms. Pres. Remember that time when the class was guessing who were our crushes and I blurted out that it was a girl, you told me thank you for telling us. That was…a big deal to me. Thank you for that gesture.”

Himurata Aoi, president of the koto club. “Sakura, I know you had many people come up and confessed to you so when I did try, I was glad that you didn’t give me a bullshit reason like you’re not into girls. You turned me down because you have someone you already love. I am thankful for your honesty.”

The biology teacher, Takahashi Kande. “Student council, thank you for your mental health program. As a single father to twins, I don’t have the luxury of time to sit in a couch and sort out my issues. To be able to do that in my workplace during breaks is a heaven-sent gift. You saved me and my family. Thank you.”

Many more messages came on, from a classmate she lent spare change to, from a staff she helped clean, from countless students who she wasn’t aware she gave kindness to.

“Why….” She asked breathlessly.

“You’ve been beating yourself lately. We thought you needed some reminding,” Sasuke muttered, under his breath, the bouquet still in his hands. “You left some pretty big footprints, Ms. Pres.

“You might not have noticed,” Naruto jested. “But this is always innate and natural to you, isn’t it?”

“Why did you bother so much?” She was reduced to tears.

“It was Naruto’s idea.”

“Huh? You did all the compiling though!”

“Shut up, it was me,” yelled the current president.

“Thank you, everyone.”

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

It was a weekend, but Sasuke requested Sakura and Naruto to meet him at the school gates. He only gave the time and place, and he knew well enough that they would be there – no questions asked.

They stood there, minutes earlier than planned, a first but nothing more unusual than homebody Sasuke asking them to go out on a weekend. Sakura wore an oversized rust shirt over a pair of muted cotton blue trousers tied with a brown leather belt and tan fisherman sandals, her long hair kept in one single braid at the back. Naruto probably expected a fancy lunch with his outfit – black silky long sleeves over gray pants and black loafers.

Sasuke, high on impulsive decisions, wore bright colors, a complete departure from his usual neutrals; mustard vest over a deep violet polo, baggy pants, off white converse, and a white fanny pack. “Well, we’re mostly dressed for comfort, except for that idiot beside you.”

“What do you mean dressed for comfort? I borrowed these loafers from my vice-captain and my feet aren’t used to them,” Naruto whined. “Besides, aren’t you taking us out to a five-star meal, Mr. Valedictorian?”

“Wow, what a way to show off.” Sakura pursed her lips in annoyance. “Don’t worry Naruto, I got your next café order.”

“Ah no. It was just something we heard from the grape vine.” Naruto scratched his head and carefully glanced at Sasuke. “Grumpy got his trust fund today.”

In bated breaths, they waited for him to respond with a scowl or a retort, but he just nodded. “Come on, we’ll miss the train.”

They traveled for three stations and disembarked on the fourth, Sasuke sandwiched in between the two, his shoulders pillows again to their heads and yet such burdens were light as cotton. The surfacing emotions since last week were taking hold of him, but he needed to pull through somehow because breaking down while commuting was one thing he did not really see doing.

“Word just got in. The house was turned over this morning,” Itachi told him over the phone.

“Impeccable timing when I’m also moving abroad next week.” Sasuke pulled out his Bleachers vinyl and anticipated another lonesome lull for the night.

“Do you miss the cream puffs?”

“Nothing comes close.”

“Hmm. I’ll pay for the rental fee of your car.”

In Itachi’s defense, while he was an afficionado of escapism, he also knew how to read between the lines. “Watch me get a Mercedes-Benz.”

“I have a good driving playlist.” This only meant math rock, and Sasuke wanted something to scream his lungs too.

“Don’t need one.”

“Treat your friends to dinner, okay? Gotta go.”

“We’re walking?!” Naruto almost limped out of the train. Sasuke took one look at his heels and saw that they were bruised red. He took off his converse and socks and gave them to him.

Sakura whipped out a small first-aid kit and covered the rash on Naruto’s heels. “Hey don’t look at me like that. Brought it just in case we’re going on a day survival tour. A camping would be nice too.”

“Did you scrub your feet, idiot?”

“You think so low of me grumpy. Of course – last week!”

With Naruto now comfortable, the three resumed walking on the unfamiliar residential area. Sasuke gestured for them to enter a bamboo forest on the far side of the main road. Hidden in the shadows of the clumped stalks were a small opening, the growth hampered and ground rid of grasses and weeds; many people have also chosen this shortcut, walked through the forest, did a little nature bathing, and emerged behind the bakery, still there, still standing, still operating.

Sasuke tapped on the large glass window cum counter on the front and bought three sets of cream puffs.

“Oh, it’s you,” the old baker greeted. “You brought your friends over? You always buy one set.”

Sasuke offered her a smile, briefly glancing to his periphery where Sakura was fussing with Naruto’s feet, and nodded as he accepted the paper bag. “It’s on the house, kid.”

“You brought us to stalk someone’s house?” Sakura dug in one paper bag, bit the puff in one bite, and with full mouth, she sighed. “This is heaven.”

“It’s our old family house, before the accident that is.” Sasuke also took out one puff and munched on it, ruminating on the sight before him, a two-story house with an imposing façade, his mom’s climbing hydrangea gone and cut by the new owners, beds of roses and daisies already withered, but the wisteria tree on the vacant lot beside continued to grow and shade what he supposed were the children’s rooms. It was in his third bite that he saw the tomato fruits he planted, alive and full with harvest. “Do you think my parents know?”

Naruto slid an arm across his shoulder and grinned sheepishly. “Then they would be happy ghosts or maybe they would voluntarily move away to give the new owners the opportunity to make it a happy a home like yours.

“What part are you gonna miss?” Sakura asked, halfway through her set of puffs.

“The sight of the wisteria before I sleep and after I wake up, and the sunlight in my parents’ room. My dad liked to make these suncatchers for my mom. The play of light was a good morning greeting, she said.”

“What’s your funniest memory?” Naruto sat on the grass, uncaring for the stains that would taint his good pair of pants.

“It was probably Christmas when I was seven, and Itachi had this big idea to bake a cake, but he swapped the sugar for the salt and we were wondering why it wouldn’t make a custard. Our parents still ate it, saying it was a very salty version of dark chocolate cake.”

“It was a good home,” Sakura patted the space between her and Naruto and Sasuke sat down cross-legged too, dipping his hand on the paper bag with the last cream puff.

“It was a good home,” Sasuke agreed as he bit into the last vestige of his family memory. He was suckling the powdered sugar off his fingers when he realized he was already crying, and the two were downright sobbing on his either side.

Such an embarrassing sight to see; he wondered what would the new owners feel if they looked out their windows this instant and saw three teenagers breaking down on the road across. It was honestly stupid and laughable to a point, considering how funny it was for grief to become lighter when someone else cried with him.

Naruto was sniffling so much that he had to offer his handkerchief to him. “I forgot to tell you guys. Hinata confessed to me during the cultural festival.”

“Oh my god. What did you say?” Sakura took a tissue out of her bag and dabbed her eyes. She flashed an apologetic look to Sasuke who already offered his hanky to Naruto’s fluids.

“Ah, what else? I had to reject her.” Naruto sneezed on Sasuke’s handkerchief again. “I told her I was in love with someone else.” He slyly glanced at his raven-haired friend and pursed his lips which Sakura quickly caught.

“Who is it?”

“Sasuke also likes someone.”

“Shut your mouth, blondie. Point is already moot. Besides, we’ve already been rejected.”

“Who are these people and why don’t I know them?” Sakura genuinely looked offended. “I could have vetted them!”

“Exactly why it was fortunate you didn’t meet them,” Sasuke said as an excuse though he pegged Sakura for not being that naïve. She, thankfully, let it go and gathered their trash. She dropped the bomb as she was brushing the grass blades from her trousers. “My parents are divorcing. Such a travesty not to have them show up on graduation day, and I thought I did a great job.”

The two, ever so sure, held onto her hands in case she was trembling again.

“Let’s get that five-star dinner,” Sasuke suggested, “and we need to rent a Mercedes-Benz.”

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

Graduation Day

“Let’s welcome to the stage, class valedictorian, Uchiha Sasuke.” Kakashi was the officiating faculty today so she expected difficulty going through the event, but for some reason, he slipped into her mental back burner, no longer taking up room in her active consciousness. That was a good step, she smiled to herself. Her smile became wider as Sasuke got up the stage.

His fans club’s cheers were heard outside the auditorium, and the graduating class chuckled at the quick interruption. He cleared his throat and started his piece.

“Please get it on record that I was coerced to do this speech. Then again, I also had a hand on the turn of events that led me here today, in front of you. And it’s a little too on the nose, but I came to high school with a clear set of goals – have high grades and lead an uninteresting life. I accomplished the first one rather easily, and it’s a good metric for the future that’s upon us right now. Good grades land us good colleges. Good colleges land us good jobs. Good jobs land us good life.

But it’s not the sole benchmark as I have learned lately. You see, my second goal really missed the mark. Good life can also mean good friends, fun experiences, a caring environment, a complete family. If you ticked off each one, then that’s very notable. You have the four-leaf clover, and it’s a rare blessing. I only ticked off three, but that goes without any regret. If you only have one silver lining in your high school memory, then that makes us all the more human. And if there’s none, there is still is still a whole stretch of possibilities we can discover to find one. Thank you for your kind attention.”

Sakura was pretty sure she heard several sniffles across the student body. “The bastard delivered a good speech,” she muttered to herself.

“We would like to welcome our first national MVP, Uzumaki Naruto.”

Outside, the school band played the cheering anthem for his last national games. The cheerleaders also did a routine in tribute to him. That made him well up when he got to the podium.

“Wait oh my god, I’m tearing up so much.”

Sasuke grunted loudly and went back the stage to hand him a handkerchief which Naruto quickly used to wipe his snot.

“Thanks Sasuke. How can Kakashi-sensei let me follow after that rousing speech, and before Sakura too. It’s kinda evil.”

Laughter broke out.

“Well, this one’s a bare minimum. I didn’t have any goals or expectations, unlike genius grumpy over there. I just wanted to live my life like an ordinary boy. Someone said that how you spend your day is how you live your life so I did just that – ate ramen, slept in class because I am a growing kid, and played each arcade game until I won them. I also believe in serendipitous – thanks Sakura for this word, for the spelling and meaning – serendipitous coincidences. I just pitched and batted for former captain Haru one afternoon and now we landed in the national finals. I had loneliness for a friend, but now I’ve got all of you. And you know what else, the magic of working together. We wouldn’t have stepped foot in the nationals if it weren’t for your collective help. When we work towards a common goal, that also gives us common happiness, right? It’s infectious, a bouncing energy that gets thrown around and still makes it one piece. So wherever you will be after this, believe it!”

When Kakashi called her name next, she thought she was deaf, the noise around her collapsed in muted decibels. It took a minute before her fellow classmates shook her and motioned for her to quickly come up the stairs. Her silver-haired teacher looked so concerned in the shadows, but for what it was worth, she was civil and calm enough (at least in the matters concerning him) to nod at him in quiet exchange of assurance.

It was because she saw both of her parents at the side with a bouquet of roses. She struggled with the paper she brought with her although she had it memorized in her head; she even went through it flawlessly for three times last night. Tears blurred the words and the mere shock of the sight of their togetherness disabled her mental function to string coherent thoughts. She also started hyperventilating, her breaths coming faster than what her lungs could pump.

Then she felt Kakashi’s hand on her shoulder, a steady presence, and it reeled her back to reality. He tapped the mic and the feedback echoed. “Ah, Ms. Haruno had some technical issues. Again, let’s welcome former student council president, Sakura.”

Sasuke and Naruto in the front were almost standing, but she flashed them a smile as if to say she was okay now. “Hello, good day to our honorable guests and graduates. I think it’s safe to say that Sasuke and Naruto provided really good words of advice. So I have nothing more to offer, but to share my gratitude. Everyone was saying the student council did a good job in its programs, but it was actually the lot of you who made this possible – from your activity suggestions to participation and feedback. After all, you were the makers of your memories.

Earlier last week, my councilmates and friends reminded me how small actions go a long way – a smile, a wave across the hallway, a short exchange of good morning and see you soon, and I thought, aren’t we all just an accumulation of these small, little things? As such, it was what you think your insignificant moments were that pushed us to deliver you the best. It was the passing comment, the top-of-your-head tips, the interlude stories we hear during lunch breaks that allowed us to give you grand gestures and memories we hoped were worth keeping. And if we could start to use that perspective as well in our lives then maybe the uncertainties of a future wouldn’t be so heavy on us. We will face tomorrow with a lightness in being.

In behalf of the student council, thank you for allowing us to serve you.”

She bowed at a level where her torso was almost aligned at her hips, and she was confused with the lack of reaction. Sakura sighed, mulling over the deficiencies in her speech, but she straightened her back to a sight of a standing ovation and a thundering applause.

Then, she let her tears fall.

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

“Why would you let Kakashi-sensei take the pic?” Sakura hissed at them.

“Just this one time, Sakura!” Naruto grinned.

“Sakura, you’re out of the frame,” Kakashi remarked. “Okay good. Say cheese.”

In spite of her recent heartbreak with him, she permitted herself to bask in fleeting cordiality. “Cheese.”

“Grumpyyyyyy.”

“Idiot blondie.”

Kakashi took three more shots and handed the camera to the trio. He almost turned away when Sakura caught his sleeve.

“Just one more,” she said. “With you.”

Sakura shifted to the front, almost kneeling with the camera angled for a selfie, her two friends beside her looking equally annoyed as the other, and Kakashi behind them, his hands on either head, smiling with his deceptively charming beauty mark.

It was the last picture of their high school life.

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The three were rushing through the airport crowd fifteen minutes before the immigration closes gates.

“Here!” Sakura slid a folder on the large pocket on Sasuke’s bag. “It includes your passport, your flight details, your valid IDs, your itinerary, and letters from us! Don’t forget our Friday video calls!”

“I can’t see. These tears are bullies,” Naruto said through tears. He was continuously wiping his eyes with his sleeve.

“And If I don’t get on my flight because you made us eat ramen for one last time and the orders took too long, I’m gonna have you cursed by a witch and a shaman!” Sasuke growled. The guards were starting to close the gates when a sobbing Naruto sprinted and basically tackled the guards on the floor.

“Sasuke come on, hurry up!”

“Drink your vitamins! And if you miss cream puffs, I’ll teach you how to make them.” Sakura was trying hard to keep pace with Sasuke’s brisk walking, but she ended up breathless anyway.

The three of them finally reached the immigration entrance, and Naruto was profusely apologizing to the guards for the interruption. Sasuke showed his documents, wheezing as they looked at it. They gave him a thumbs up and opened the gates.

The two were already slumped at the floor, waving without words, and exhausted from the clock race. Sasuke was almost through when he remembered something he forgot. He muttered a quick sorry, ran through the opening, and hugged his two friends.

“I’ll miss you.”

#SCPS #student council president sakura #haruno sakura #uchiha sasuke #uzumaki naruto #hatake kakashi #team 7 #sasusaku #kakasaku #narusaku #fic!pseudolily #fic!pinkhairedlily

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bothcreativitybois · 4 years ago

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The Mayor’s Sweet Treat Chapter 1

Description: Small town AU where mayor Remus knew everyone, until a cute baker opened shop in his town. Patton is struggling to keep open the small bakery while his mother is gone. Then the rambunctious and rowdy Remus appears and vows to save him.

Ships: Intruality

TW: Swearing, stress, crying, slight burn, implied past bad relationship, food (obviously), sexual references (it’s Remus)

Taglist (ask if you want to be added): @crazydemigod666 @star-crossed-shipper

The old green truck rumbled down the road. Remus rubbed his stubble and tried to neaten his hair out but it didn’t do much.

How did I miss the opening of a new shop? What’s wrong with me?

-A few minutes earlier-

“Uhg this meeting sucks.” Remus groaned and leaned back in his chair. “Why do we have to do them every Monday morning?” His coffee wasn’t enough. He contemplated where he could get something stronger.

“Be my assistant Virgil. I need you Virgil.” He mocked his employers past words.

“Remus, you’re the mayor.” Virgil reminded him. “I know you have trouble paying attention but you need to listen. For your citizens.” The assistant looked over his notes as his employer whined.

“I already know what everyone thinks.” Remus defended. “Mrs Patty needs more wheelchair access, the berry farms proposed an idea to work with the high school to get more workers and Janus was caught spray painting again. It’s not hard to keep track when there are only like 100 people.” Virgil smiled smugly and looked up from his notes.

“So you know about the bakery reporting losses?” Virgil asked. Remus sat up and looked at him dumbly.

“We have a bakery?” Remus was dumbfounded.

“It’s new. Opened 5 months ago.” Virgil informed as he threw some papers on the desk. “The owner asked if there was any assistance we could provide the- Remus?” Remus was already jingling his keys.

“I’ll be back soon.” Remus said as he left. Virgil sighed.

Remus thought as he drove. He looked at the store fronts trying to find what had changed. They all looked the same. General store, Salamander Silk clothes store, café he’d just gotten another coffee from, Sammy’s restaurant, the closed down florist- wait. The widows weren’t blocked anymore. Remus pulled up in front of the building and got out of his truck. He didn’t bother locking it, there was only one criminal in the town and it was his best friend. There were no new signs on the building, but the old signs were gone. The windows were uncovered but the door was closed.

Remus wasn’t sure where the bakery was exactly but there was only one street of shops so it wouldn’t be hard to find.

Maybe the Ahujas opened a bakery? I’ve always loved Nisa’s kaju katli.

“It couldn’t be here…” Remus said to no one. He trampled up to the door to check if it was unlocked, it was. He swung it open and was greeted with a sweet scent and bright colours. The walls had new light blue wallpaper and the old stone floor had a cute pink rug trying to cover the large crack. “Are you open?!” Remus shouted past the displays of baked goods.

There was a crash.

Patton worked lazily on the cake in front of him. He tried not to let his tears get in the lovely icing he’d just finished flattening.

No one is coming anyway. Why bother?

He usually could control these thoughts but this morning he was tired and stressed. He hadn’t had a single customer for a month, he was reaching the last of his back-up funds. Patton dropped the icing spatula and pushed away from the cake for a break, the rolling stool he was on slid to the wall.

It was a mistake. No one wants you here. I should’ve stayed wit-

A ding cut through the room. Patton realised he was now full on crying. His cheeks were warmer than the bread he’d made this morning. He stood shakily and walked to the oven, he couldn’t let them just sit there. He put on his green oven mitts and opened the industrial ovens. The muffins sat there, plump and cute. He slowly reached up to get the heavy pan out. Benefit of a large pan is being able to make two dozen at a time, the downside was carrying two dozen dense muffins at once. He’d built up a little muscle these past few weeks hauling the flour himself but it didn’t help much.

“Oh fuck uh…” The tall figure said, Patton hadn’t quite looked up to see them properly yet. Remus frantically looked around for something to help the man clutching his arm. A sink. Remus grabbed the small man’s good arm and dragged him to the large sink. The tall person pulled Patton to the sink and turned on the water for him. He let go of his arm and shakily took off his oven mitt and put his arm under the stream of water.

“Are you open?!” A voice shouted through the small building. Patton turned in shock, accidentally hitting both the pan and part of his arm against the oven door. He dropped the pan and clutched his arm.

“Ah!” He let out a small noise. There were heavy footsteps and a tall man appeared next to him. Patton felt his tears rise back up. Not from pain, he was used to burns, but he was overwhelmed.

“Can you get that pan I dropped?” The smaller man muttered quietly. Remus looked across the room to see a pan of what looked like muffins in front of the oven. Thankfully it had landed without sending any muffins flying. He walked over and picked up the still hot pan. Patton turned to warn the tall person the pan was hot but was met with Remus holding the metal easily. The tall man was wearing a green flannel over a black shirt and some ratty black jeans, a stark contrast to Patton’s light blue t-shirt and pink apron and pants. The man had stubble that thickened along his upper lip and long brown hair pulled back into a messy bun. Remus placed the tray down and looked at Patton, his cheeks were red and he could see tears clouding his eyes. He noticed how much Patton was shaking.

“Are you okay?” Remus asked, concerned. Patton turned away and focused on his arm.

“Yeah, you get used to burns.” Patton said weakly. He knew that wasn’t what Remus asked but hoped he’d get away with that answer. Remus knew what he was doing but decided not to press the man he’d just met. Patton took his arm out of the cold water and turned to Remus. “So who are you? A prince in shining cowboy boots?” Patton laughed weakly at the black square toe boots.

“Oh right.” Remus suddenly remembered why he was here. “I’m Remus.” He reached out a hand for a handshake. Patton took one look at the dirty hand then looked back up at Remus.

“I’m Patton.” He introduced himself happily. Remus realised his hands were dirty and pulled back. Patton giggled. Something about that giggle made Remus smile. “So Remus what do you do other than scaring innocent bakers?” Patton joked as he walked to his muffins.

“I scare innocent baristas.” Remus retorted, Patton laughed and wiped his face. “But if you mean work, I’m the mayor.” Patton looked up in a mix of doubt and surprise. “I’m surprised you didn’t know that. Actually I’m more surprised I don’t know you. Did you go to Mindville Public?” Remus referenced the public high school which was the only one in town.

“Oh no. I just moved here actually.” Patton answered. He began removing the muffins one by one. “Came here to start the bakery with my mother, but she had to go back to the city for some stuff so it’s just been me for a few months.” That made sense to Remus. It was unlikely that just one person ran this place. But he still wasn’t sure how he hadn’t heard of the bakery opening.

“I would’ve visited earlier but I didn’t know you were… well… existed.” Remus rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly. Patton sighed.

“Yeah, it seems no one does.” Patton said dejectedly as he took out the final muffin. He picked up the now cool tray and moved past Remus to put it in the sink. Remus caught a sad look in his eyes as he passed, a look that even though they’d just met he could tell was not usual. Remus walked over and put a hand on Patton’s shoulder.

“Hey, you're one of my citizens now.” Remus stated and turned Patton to face him. Patton saw a sparkle of determination in Remus’ eyes. “I’d do anything to help my citizens.” They lingered close to each other. Patton began to tear up, then quickly wrapped Remus in a hug. Remus raised his arms as the small man squeezed his ribs, Remus looked down at Patton. He realised how tired he looked, he blushed as he buried his face into Remus. Patton pulled away and wiped his eyes.

“Sorry… it’s been hard these past few days and... “ Patton looked up at Remus, eyes catching each other. “Thank you.” Patton looked tired, sad and weak. Remus felt a sense of protectiveness rise in his chest. Everyone in town was rowdy and strong, that’s what happens when you’re raised in the country, but Patton was different.

“Remus!” A voice shouted from outside the building. The men looked out the windows to see a tall lanky man with dark hair falling over his face.

“Who’s that?” Patton starred as Remus began walking out of the kitchens. Remus sighed.

“My assistant. I have to go.” Remus said, then he stopped and turned to Patton. “How much are those muffins.” Patton beamed. He picked up one of the still warm muffins and threw it to Remus.

“They’re carrot cake and walnut.” Patton laughed. “Just stop by tomorrow and tell me what you think of them.” Remus nodded. He pulled out a card and a five dollar bill then put both on the counter.

“I’ll call you.” Remus winked. Patton felt his chest tighten, but in a good way. He waved as Remus walked out to Virgil.

“You can’t just drop out of meetings like that!” Virgil scolded as Remus walked out. Virgil saw an all too familiar crooked smirk on Remus’ face. “Oh no. No no no. What are you planning?” Remus took a bite out of the muffin, the aromatic flavours tingled against his tongue.

“I’m gonna save the bakery.” He said.

“Okay that actually seems reaso-”

“Then get the cute baker to grab my cake.”

“-there it is.”

#sanders sides fic #sanders sides au #sanders sides small town au #intruality #ts remus #remus sanders #ts patton #patton sanders #ts virgil #virgil sanders #sanders sides #thomas sanders #sanders sides fanfiction #platonic intruxiety #ts janus #janus sanders #roman took over

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bunnozi · 5 years ago

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early morning tea ; asra x reader (apprentice)

summary ; asra had always been a cuddle bug, especially when it comes to sleeping. but what do you do when he just won’t let you get out of bed?

you awoke to the warmth of sunlight illuminating your face, pouring in through the open bedroom window. stirring slightly, you managed a sleepy smirk at something you’d come used to over the years.

asra had always been protective of his apprentice, even in the realm of sleep. when you awoke, it was almost guaranteed to be surrounded by him, wrapped up in his tanned arms and pressed against his silky smooth chest; his head resting atop of yours.

“he’s cradling me like a baby…” you thought to yourself.

tilting your head up as much as him caging you in would allow, your eyes lingered on his face. the smooth curve of his upper lip, soft snow colored lashes, and similarly colored hair, like a cloud. you gingerly caressed his cheekbone and pressed a kiss upon his temple. his featured twitched a bit and he smiled in his sleep, but did nothing further to suggest he had woken up.

you sighed, knowing it was about time for you to get up and make sure the shop was ready to open for the day. as quietly as you could, you attempted to slip out of his protective grasp.

“mmh,” he groaned in protest, burying his face into the curve of your neck.

“asra, I need to get up!” he ignored your protest and seemed to curl around you more, if possible. “five more minutes…” he murmured sleepily.

you tsked at him but didn’t try to move again, sinking down against him. he seemed pleased at your compliance and lazily traced shapes and patterned against the curve of your back.

“okay, its time to get up now, seriously. we have a new order of your favorite tea coming today. in fact, it should be delivered any minute now.”

right on queue, a knock sounded on the wooden door of the shop. you quickly pried yourself from asra’s hold (albeit with many complaints from him) and through on one of his shirts that had been lying around over your loose cotton shorts.

these past weeks had been getting chilly with fall approaching, and the sweet spice sent of his shirt along with the warm fabric soothed you.

“coming, just a second please!” you shouted in the general direction of the door, quickly trying to fix up your hair before swinging open the aged and well worn front door. “good morning mr. parson! fine day today isn’t it?”

mr. parson, a well acquainted friend and you and asra’s usual deliverer for his favorite blend of tea gave a radiant grin and passed you the crate. you inhaled deeply and sighed from your nose, enjoying the smell wafting from it.

“a fine day indeed! especially now that I’ve gotten a look at my favorite magicians’ shop. that asra still in bed?” you snickered at his disapproving scolding and nodded your head.

“he decided to sleep in today, tried to trap me in with me too.” the man in front of you nodded thoughtfully before perking up as if remembering something important.

“oh! almost forgot, the baker in town asked me to pass along a message. says he trying out some new bread recipe or something of that matter, wants you and asra to be the first to try it out!”

just as he finished the sentence, asra stumbled out of the back bedroom, hair still a muss and soft clothes disheveled. somehow, he still looked like the most attractive person in the city with the sunlight bathing is features.

mr. parson gave one final ‘good day’ before deciding it was time to move on for another delivery, and you shut the door.

turning around to face your sleepy lover you gave a knowing smile.

“well look who finally decided to wake up,” you teased. he gave a grin and eyed you up and down, as if you were the most precious thing in the world to him. (spoiler alert: you 100% are) he then slumped down into a seat at the small kitchen table, almost cat-like in stature, looking very much half asleep still. he idly picked at his nails and you wondered how someone could look so attractive doing something so casual.

you shook yourself from your stupor, padding over to the counter top and grabbing a small jar of tea leaves, as well as politely asking asra to take care of the crate while you brewed some tea for the both of you. he nodded his head and rose to take it out of the kitchen.

—

off in your own little world preparing the tea, you had failed to notice a certain white haired somebody returning to the kitchen and seeking up behind you; not until he had his arms wrapped around you and chest pressed to your back.

asra nosed at your hair and you jolted in surprise, you could almost feel his smug grin from behind you. “is there something you need, love?” you questioned with a quirked eyebrow.

“your undying love and affection, please.” he deadpanned.

turning around in his hold you pressed your cheek to this chest, listening to the thumping of his steady heartbeat and took in the spiced scent you’d grown familiar with.

“is this better?”

asra was quiet for a moment, as if thinking, then gave a mischievous look. “almost, but this-” he hauled you up into his arms and you shrieked like a little mouse, wrapping your arms and legs around him for stability, “-would be much better.”

you squealed in protest as we carried you back towards your shared bed and tried to wriggle out of his arms, only for him to squeeze tighter and laugh.

“hey! just what do you think you’re doing? we can’t stay in bed, asra!” trying to reason with asra when he was dead set on being lazy in bed was like trying to negotiate with a brick wall you had learned, and gave a sigh.

he tossed you right back onto the bed, almost like a nest with all the blankets and pillows you had collected over time, and curled over you once more almost like a mother bird protecting her egg.

“one day closed couldn’t hurt, my darling. if there are any emergencies i’m sure we can handle it but other than that why not let yourself relax?”

he leaned over you to pluck a stray incense stick from the nightstand, and placed it in the nearby holder. using magic to manifest a small flame he lit it up.

“dragons blood?” you questioned, and he gave a smile and nod in your direction.

smiles from asra always gave you butterflies in your stomach, a blush adorning your cheeks along with them. sometimes you wondered if he was even aware of the feelings he brought up within you, like a schoolgirl crush.

“probably not,” you decided. “its just apart of what makes him so…him.”

you grumbled in defeat, and gave in finally. it was hard not to accept it when he had been trying to stay in bed with you all morning. “but what abou-”

“already took care of selene’s order of nightshade last night, dear.”

“and portia-”

“-portia said she’s busy with ‘milady’ today, and that you two can plant that special basil some other day.” asra gave you a pleading puppy eyed look and asked exasperated, “now can we please snuggle now?”

with a final desperate attempt to wrack your brain for something dire that needed to be done today, you turned in his hold and let him lean against your back, radiating warmth. asra pressed his chin to your shoulder blade and his eyes fluttered shut, muttering a gentle “i love you, my star.”

“i love you too, asra.”

#asra alnazar #asra the arcana #the arcana #the arcana asra #x reader #asra x apprentice #asra x mc #asra x reader #the arcana game #the arcana x reader #nadia satrinava #julian devorak #muriel #count lucio #portia devorak #tags are hard

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unmaskedagain · 6 years ago

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Ladybug: A Young Avenger

Hey Everyone, I got prompt for a civil war ML crossover fic but I was really into Team Iron Man on Ao3 for longest of times and, after endgame, I kind of need some team fluff. So I tweaked the prompt. It’s still team Iron man; just… not the way you’d expect. (Also did anyone know else know that Penny’s last name was Rolling?)

It took Tony Stark all of five minutes to figure out Ladybug’s identity.

“Jarvis, buddy?” Tony called out.

“Yes, sir?”

“What’s up with teenagers and being bug-themed heroes wearing inappropriate costumes?”

The A.I took a moment before answering, “…I, for one, blame Vine.”

Tony sighed. First fifteen-year-old Peter Parker aka Spiderman. He took the kid on an as an intern the second he learned about Spiderman. Now fifteen-year-old Marinette Dupain-Cheng aka Ladybug.

He groaned.

What could he do? He needed help.

Captain America needed to be stopped. The Winter Solider needed to be taken down. Team Cap had gone too far.

It was war.

Getting Harley Keener, a mechanical mastermind to agree to be his intern was a bit like chewing nails but Tony always knew the kit would agree. Getting Peter Parker, a child genius with a bright future as a scientist, to agree to be his intern was a piece of cake. Honestly Tony could’ve asked for the kid’s soul in repayment and Peter would’ve asked if he wanted on a silver plate or if plastic was okay? Getting Riri Williams, an engineering prodigy to be his intern, was easy. Too easy; her mom practically threw her at him, all while making him swear into a recorder that he wouldn’t sue. No matter what. Introducing the kids to his labs made him feel like Willie Wonka hand-delivering the golden tickets.

They were all future scientists and engineers like Tony. They grew up worshiping at the altar of Stark Industries like ever future MIT graduate did.

Marinette Dupain-Cheng, on the other hand, was an entirely different beast who played an entirely different game. She was a fashion prodigy who had designed for stars like Jagged Stone and Clara Nightingale. She had interned for Style Queen Audrey Bourgeois, had her clothes walk the runway during Paris fashion week, and had a summer job that somehow lasted over a year, working for Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-Chief for Runway Magazine when the scary woman took over Paris: Runaway. Said job ended when Miranda when back to New York. Marinette only prayed to the fashion gods. So when Tony Stark, god of the nerds, showed up at her door, she only blinked once.

Said girl sat between her parents, with cool blue eyes glaring at him suspiciously. Luckily Tony was smart enough to bring Pepper with him.

Pepper Potts smiled at the family in front of her; two bakers and the daughter, who made the most delicious macarons that she ever tasted. “So you see, after Tony came across Marinette’s wonderful re-design sketch of his suit on her website, he was very impressed with her talent.”

“But to take Marinette on as an intern?” Sabine asked. “Excuse me, but Marinette has always leaned towards the arts than science.”

Tony gave the woman his best charming smile, “What is science if not another form of art. We both create, strive to better our talents, work to make names for ourselves; experiment and test out hypothesizes. Granted no one in my field ever created the disaster that was crocs.”

Marinette narrowed her eyes, “Didn’t your father help on the Manhattan Project?”

Silence.

Pepper cleared on her throat. “Tom, Sabine, before anyone agrees to anything I’d like to go over safety procedures in place. Would you mind stepping outside with me, I could use a bit of fresh air.”

Tony and Marinette just stared at each other as the three left the room. When the front door closed behind them, Marinette leaned forward, “What do you want?” Her patience had reached its end.

“Aren’t you being a little rude?” Tony smirked.

“Aren’t you a little old?” Marinette snapped back. “What do you want?”

“I want Ladybug’s help.”

Marinette flinched back in shock. Her heart raced in her chest. “How do you know?”

“I’m Tony Stark,” He shrugged easily, picking up a mint chocolate Macron. “I know everything.”

Marinette fought the fear racing through her, and steeled herself like Miranda and Audrey had taught her, “So Iron Man’s wanted Ladybug as an intern? So what does Iron Man get? What does Ladybug get? What does Tony get? And what does Marinette get?”

“You made clear distinctions,” Tony said approvingly, his business-side gearing up. “But I am Iron Man.” He said. “You come to New York for this spring break and for the summer. I get Ladybug’s help in handling a personal issue that has developed within the Avengers. Ladybug gets training from the Avengers. Marinette gets to add Stark Industries and a personal letter of recommendation from Tony Stark to her resume.”

“On the condition, that identities stay secret from the media,” Marinette crossed her arms. “I don’t suppose I can hide it from the rest Avengers for very long. And I get an additional letter of recommendation from Pepper Potts. Pepper takes my friend Chloe on as an intern; she’s the hero, Queen Bee. And only one who knows my identity, besides you. Also, I actually do get to help design your next suit. My expenses?”

Tony smirk widened. The girl knew how to cover her bases. She even wanted to have an Ally with her should things take a turn. “All paid for by me. First-class all the way. You and Chloe will stay in the Stark Tower on the same floor as the other interns.”

“Other young superheroes, you mean?” Marinette guessed, causing Tony’s eyes to twinkle in joy. “Spiderman, Iron Heart, and WarIron. Based on their sizes, I had guessed they were young; teenagers probably. Why didn’t you ask Chat Noir too? Or why aren’t you? Because you’re not, you would’ve mentioned it by now?”

“You mean the Agreste kid?” Tony said, not noticing Marinette’s eyes widen in surprise. “He’s not serious enough for me. I play games but he goes too far. Surprised you haven’t dumped him yet. Get a better partner.”

Marinette took a bit of a macron to get a moment to think. Adrien was Chat Noir. In retrospect, it made a lot of sense. Both were socially immature, and a bit naïve. Each had an idealistic view of things and didn’t let the real world break them of it. For example Adrien and his dealing with Lila’s lies. Chat Noir and Ladybug turning down his advances.

“Very well,” The bluenette finally agreed. “I agree to be your intern. Shall we discuss my salary now or later? Well, need to before I or my parents sign any contracts.”

It was Tony’s turn to narrow his eyes. Not one; not a single one of his interns: Harley, Peter, or Riri ever asked about how much they’d get paid. They’d all assumed it was an unpaid internship and was surprised when their contracts included a salary. “You’re a shark.”

Marinette hummed, “You should see me when there’s blood in the water.”

That was something Tony was looking forward to seeing.

The official paperwork was signed three days later; Marinette was officially a Stark intern. Due to go to Orientation for spring break in New York in a few weeks.

Those weeks flew by. She let Fu know she’d have to go back and forth for a few weeks. She didn’t bother telling anyone else. Her friendships in the class had dwindled dramatically. While most weren’t her outright enemies, her classmates tended to avoid her. If they couldn’t do that, they were beyond cold to her. It was Lila’s doing. She got her hooks into the class, who all wanted to tie themselves to the golden goose, and when it was clear that Lila and Marinette didn’t like each other, they picked sides. They chose their meal ticket over their lifelong friend.

Honestly, it made Marinette almost wish that Lila had lied about her instead; accused her of being a bully or something. Anything. Because at least then her ex-friends would have somewhat of a reason to be ex-friends. Even if it wasn’t a very good one. Instead, they were just bad friends all on their own.

Still, Marinette didn’t mourn their loss as she sat in the back of the class with Chloe on a Sunny Tuesday morning, and they were living for New York that Friday. She had a steadily rising career in Fashion. She had worked under Miranda Priestly and Audrey. From them, she learned it was best to drop fair-weather friends and how to spot wannabes, fame-seekers, and gold-diggers from three miles away.

She was happy with Chloe as her bestie. The girl had turned a new leaf and proven her loyalty to the point where Fu made her a permanent hero. And the Blond had been ecstatic when Pepper Potts had shown up at their door. She had hugged Marinette a full five minutes for getting her the internship. All while screaming with joy.

Both girls were excited to go. Though Marinette did encounter one downside. The night before, Jagged Stone and Penny Rolling; or as Marinette deemed them #RollingStone, called her. Or rather Penny did the talking. Jagged was trying to wrestle his newest jacket away from Fang’s teeth. Penny offered Marinette a chance to spend her spring break traveling around on tour with Jagged, as his personal stylist. Marinette had no choice but to turn the job down. She loved her honorary Uncle Jagged but she already signed the contract.

That morning Lila had spun another set of lies. The first was about helping Tony Stark fix his Iron man suit when she was traveling in America. The second was about the newest song Jagged Stone wrote about her. It was exhausting to listen to but the class hung on every word.

Bustier had just finished her first lesson of the day when she invited Alya to stand up.

The glasses-wearing girl grinned at the class, “So as everyone’s aware; there’s a class pool party is this Saturday; first day of spring break, baby!” The class cheered. “Everyone who’s invited should’ve gotten their invitation. Don’t want any drama,” She cast a cold look to the two girls at the back of the class. “Invite only. So no party crashers. Marinette, Chloe what are you doing this Saturday?” Alya smirked at her call out that the two girls weren’t invited; that they were the only ones who weren’t.

As if on cue, the classroom’s door burst opened and in walked Tony Stark, followed by a very apologetic looking Pepper, “Marinette; it’s time to go! Grab Pepper’s minion and let’s go.”

There were gasps from the class. Max sat up straight. Iron Man was in front of him, in his class, this was the best day of his life.

Marinette just sighed, “Did you kick the door open, Tony?” Disapproval clear in her voice.

“…No?”

“I can’t go now!” Marinette explained. “I have class. We weren’t supposed to leave until Friday, remember.”

Tony waved her off, “Details. Spring Break starts now. Queenie, Mari; chop-chop! New York is waiting!”

Bustier decided to step in. She may not always be the best teacher but she refused to allow a strange man, even if that man was Tony Stark, to take away any of her students. “Mr. Stark, can I ask what you want Marinette and Chloe for?”

Thankfully, it was Pepper that answered as she closed back the classroom door, “They have been employed as interns for Stark Industries. They’ll be attending orientation during their spring break at Stark Tower.”

Max actually fell out of his seat. Because this couldn’t be happening. Stark industries rarely ever took high schoolers’ as interns. Tony Stark only chose the best of the best. How could Marinette land the job?

“Marinette’s my intern,” Tony grinned. “Blondie’s Pepper’s. Who else is gonna teach her how to rule the world.”

A slow smile spread across Chloe’s face, “With an iron fist.”

Tony pointed at her, “You scare me. Pepper get your intern!”

The other students were amazed. Marinette was Tony Stark’s intern. Chloe somehow got Pepper Pott's attention. What had they missed? Why didn’t Marinette tell them? How?

“That’s what we’ll be doing this Saturday, Alya,” Chloe drawled. “In New York, hanging with the Avengers.” Causing Alya to flush with anger. “We couldn’t come to your pool party even if we wanted to. Which we don’t.”

“He found my sketch of a potential Iron man suit design,” Marinette explained, continuing the story Tony had told her parents. “He loved it and offered me the job a few weeks ago.”

“Weeks?” Nino asked. “And you didn’t tell us? Dudette, not cool.”

Alix nodded, her arms crossed, “Yeah I thought we were friends!”

Marinette and Chloe just looked at them like they were stupid.

Alya put her hands on her hips, “Mr. Stark, why didn’t you ask Lila Rossi to be your intern? She helped you with your suit before. She’d be much better than Marinette!”

The girl in question face turned bright red, “This can’t be happening.” Lila muttered.

Tony looked honestly confused, “Lila? Who’s Lila? No one ever helped me with my suit except the kids I already got as interns.” He looked at Pepper. “Do I know a Lila Rossi?”

Pepper shook her head, and turned fierce eyes towards Lila, “Miss Rossi, please refrain from lying about Tony Stark and or Stark Industries. Or we will sue you on the grounds of defamation.”

Lila squeaked. Sue? She couldn’t be sued. Her mother would kill her if she got a lawsuit from Tony Stark.

It was the rest of the class’s turn to look confused.

However, before anyone could ask any follow-up questions, the classroom door burst opened again. Jagged Stone strutted in, followed by a very apologetic look Penny and happy Fang with, what looked to be, the arm of a leather jacket.

“Marinette!” Jagged yelled. “What’s this about you not coming on tour? I need my favorite stylist, love.

Marinette just sighed, “Did you kick the door open, Jagged?” Disapproval clear in her voice.

“…No?”

The bluenette just shook her head, “I have plans this Spring break. I’m sorry.”

“Plans?” Jagged whined. “What could be better spending your Spring Break with a Rock Star? You can even bring your Blonde. Penny could use an assistant!” He paused, finally noticing it wasn’t just kids. “The bloody hell is Tony Stark doing here?”

The two famous men eyed each other. The women they came with just looked so done with the world.

Tony crossed his arms, “I got custody of Marinette for Spring Break; you snooze, you lose.”

“What?!” Jagged hissed. “She’s my designer.”

“She’s my intern!”

Jagged glared, “I knew her first. By rights, I get custody.”

“I have a contract that says otherwise!” Tony taunted the Rock Star. “Her future is Stark Industries.”

“Her future is Rock and Roll!” Jagged yelled back.

Both men glared at each other.

“Pepper!”

“Penny!”

Both women groaned. How was this their lives? Why what was this their lives? What bus full of nuns and orphans did they rob in a past life?

Penny smiled, “Marinette means the world to us. I’m her honorary Aunt Penny,” She held out her hand for Pepper. “Jagged’s her honorary Uncle. We’ve known her for years. Contracts were already signed?”

Pepper nodded, “Tony doesn’t play when it comes to his interns. He won’t budge. Trust me; we’ve done this three other times. Marinette’s his kid now, all but legally.” For now, Pepper didn’t bother to add. Every now and then she found discovered a new set of adoption papers with one of the interns’ names on it; one time she found three sets for all three. Plus if Tony kept hinting any harder, May was going to gut him. “She’ll be in New York for Spring break and all of the summer.”

“Summer!” Jagged whined. “He gets custody for summer too! No!” he shook his head. “Not happening. Call our lawyers, Penny. We’re going to family court!”

Tony blew him a raspberry. Tony Stark blew Jagged Stone a raspberry. The class could only blink, trying to process what was happening.

Marinette just wanted the earth to open up and swallow her.

“Marinette already designed your clothes for the tour,” Penny tried to placate. “They’re amazing. We can call and skype if we need any additional tips. We have a concert in New York over spring break so we can go and see.” They didn’t. But Penny would be damned if she could have one booked within the hour. Anything to stop jagged from mention family court again. “Most of our summer is free too, we can visit Marinette whenever we want.”

Jagged huffed but didn’t say anything.

“Well not whenever you want,” Tony teased.

“Family court!” Jagged hissed.

“Tony!” Pepper said warningly. She was not going to let this going to court. No matter how lovely Marinette was. “Be nice.”

Tony pouted.

Marinette raised her hand, “You guys know that legally my parents still have custody of me, right?” There was no answer. “Right?!” Nothing.

The bluenette just sighed.

Alya took that moment to break in, “Jagged, don’t you want to say hi to Lila? She’s right here,” Alya pointed to her bestie. “Oh, can we listen to the songs you wrote for her? Can you tell us how she saved your cat from getting hit by a plane?”

The look Lila gave Alya could’ve killed a thousand men.

Jagged looked affronted, “Lila? Who’s Lila?” He looked at his fiancé. “Penny, do I know a Lila?”

“No!” Penny glared fiercely at Lila. “Jagged Stone has never written a song about an underage girl before. He has never owned a cat. What parents and airline would careless enough to allow a child to rush onto a runway for a pet? Refrain from spreading any further slander. Or we’ll hit you with a lawsuit so fast you’ll get whiplash.”

“I’m allergic to cats by the way,” Jagged told the class. “All fur actually. That’s why I got Fang here.” He pointed the crocodile who had made its way to Marinette for cuddles. “I’ve had him for twenty years. He’s the only pet I’ve had all that time.”

Marinette rolled her eyes and took the crocodile in her lap.

“Twenty years?” Kim’s eyebrows furrowed. “Whoa, that’s long that we’ve been alive.”

Nino glared at Lila, “Yeah it is.” He finally realized the girl was lying. Most of the class had in fact.

“Enough of this,” Tony waved. “Marinette, Chloe, time to go. Leave the dinosaur.”

Bustier took a deep breath, “No one is taking Marinette or Chloe anywhere. Until I get a note from their parents verifying that is. I’m going to have to ask you all to leave.”

Penny and Pepper nodded understandingly. Jagged and Tony just looked shocked.

“But I’m Tony Stark!”

“I’m Jagged Stone, love!”

Bustier just rolled her eyes and shooed them out of her class. It took some handling, and eventually, the women had to drag the guys out. The teacher shut the door with a sigh of relief. She brushed off the imaginary dirt on her clothes. “Marinette,” She called. “If you could tell any future visitors to wait until after school to pick you up, with a note from your parents that would be most helpful.”

“Sorry,” Marinette blushed, a deep dark red.

Bustier walked back to her desk before pausing. “Is that Crocodile still in my class, Marinette?”

“…Yes.”

“I think he’s here for the rest of the day,” Chloe shrugged. “Unless you want to invite Jagged back?”

Bustier paused. No. Never again. “No. No. Fang can stay for the day.”

When the lunch bell rang, Marinette found that it was easier to avoid her classmates' questions, as they were too busy yelling at Lila. It wasn’t long after that Ladybug had to take down Lila’s seventh akuma form.

Marinette and Chloe left that night to New York. Somehow he managed to convince their parents that missing three days of school to study in the most advanced building in the world was a good thing.

When they got to Stark Tower, they were given a quick tour. Then Pepper took Chloe to show her where she would be working. And Tony took Marinette the workshop where three other kids were already working.

The oldest one glanced at her and snorted, “God he kidnapped another one.” He was the tallest in the room with dark brown hair and a smirk on his face.

The other two snickered.

Tony looked affronted, “Oh please; your parental units practically threw you at me.

The younger looking boy smirked, “Aunt May threatened to shank you next time you took me out of school early.” He had light brown hair and big brown eyes

The genius pointed, “You tell Aunt Hottie to leave me alone.”

“HI, I’m Marinette!” She waved happily. “He keeps mentioning he has custody. And I’ve become moderately concerned.”

“And you should be,” The other girl in the room laughed. She was a pretty brown-skinned girl with black wild curls. “Name’s Riri.”

“Harley,” Said the first boy who spoke.

“Peter,” The other boy introduced.

Marinette nodded and eyes them, “WarIron,” The pointed at Harley. “Iron Heart,” Then at Riri. “Spiderman, right?” She pointed at Peter.

The three looked at Tony with questions in their eyes. Tony raised in hands in surrender, “Hey, I told her nothing.”

Harley eyed the new girl, “You’re from Paris, right?” She nodded. “Ladybug, I’m guessing.” Marinette blushed. “Welcome to the Young Avengers, I guess. Why’d he bring you in?”

Marinette shrugged, “He said to there was a personal problem happening with the Avengers. He wanted my help.”

The teen froze. Peter just shook his head, “You didn’t, Tony!”

Tony looked sheepish.

“What?” Marinette asked.

Riri rolled her eyes, “That personal problem? It’s called ManHunt.”

“I’m sorry?” Marinette asked. She was going to have to hunt a man?

“It’s a game,” Harley explained. “Team Iron Man versus team Cap. One team hunts the other in a sort of hide and seek type of thing and tries to capture as many members as they can. Last time we played it, Team Cap crushed Team Iron man. It’s why Tony brought us all in. Revenge.”

Said Man didn’t look one bit ashamed, “Rules were since Thor and the Big guy are gone I can bring in whoever I want to replace them.”

Marinette tossed up her hands, “You brought me here to play a game?” Unbelievable.

“No,” Tony said. “I brought you here to take out the Winter Soldier.”

“Say what now?”

“Welcome to orientation,” Was All Tony said to her question.

The kids trained together for a week; Chloe, a girl named MJ who was Pepper’s other interns, and a boy named Ned who was a tech intern, were brought in as well. When it turned out that Kagami was in New York City for a fencing tournament. Tony was happy to bring in the scary girl as well. (And somehow get her mother to agree to let her stay for Spring Break) He made practice stealth and learn hand signals. Tony drilled them on the Team Cap’s strengths and weaknesses. They reviewed videos of previous missions until they had everyone’s fighting style memorized. Tony went over body anatomy aka where the best place to hit them was. They memorized plans and scenarios to take out each specific member of Team Cap.

The teens spent a lot of time in the lab creating gadgets to use against the Avengers. Each one straight out of a spy movie.

As far as Tony was concerned this was War. And there would be no prisoners.

Team Cap consisted of Captain America, The Winter Soldier, Black Widow, Hawkeye, Scarlet Witch, The Falcon, Antman, along with several Shield employees which included Fury, Melinda May, and Coulson.

Team Iron man consisted of Ironman, War Machine, Vision, Maria Hill, The Wasp, Quicksilver, Daisy Johnson, and a bunch of names Stark employees: I.E the interns. (Black Panther refused to participate. Though he and sister would watch from Wakanda.)

Each team had a total of thirty players; no more, no less.

The game would take place at the compound. Anything area within the compound legal territory was free to use. The living room would be home base and were all ‘out’ people had to stay. Until they were freed. Or until every member of the hiding team was captured and then it was Game Over. Everyone could communicate with their own team using special mics; normally only taken out for missions. However, those imprisoned in the home base couldn’t communicate with their team.

On Saturday, just before sunset; the main superheroes of the avengers met up. Tony facing Steve. Rhodey glaring at Bucky. Vision versus Wanda. Hawkeye to QuickSilver. The wasp against Ant-Man and the Falcon.

Steve smiled, “Tony.”

“You ready for war, Cap?” Tony asked.

“Training exercise,” Steve corrected his husband. “I trust your team is ready.”

Tony smirked, “Oh you have no idea. Your little spies are already hiding in the shadows.”

“Like your team isn’t?”

The alarm went off.

Tony suited up, “You have 1000 seconds, Steve.” His helmet shut. “I’d get running.”

Steve rolled his eyes. His team split up, running into the growing shadows.

The game had started.

Marinette waited, hiding in the shadows on the roof. Her ladybug costume was all back with little red polka dots; mostly easy to move around body armor. This wasn’t her actually Ladybug suit; Tikki, while willing to create a new suit design, decided it wasn’t a good idea to involve magic. So Marinette designed herself a new suit, and Tony help her trick it out.

Tony had pointed out the all-good hiding spots located in the Compound. She was the overly large landing pad. She forced herself to stay completely still. Even when she saw the Falcon take flight with WarIron right on his tail.

The smallest of moments caught on the corner of her eye, the glint of metal. An arrow, she realized. She smiled. Hawkeye.

She watched the man take stock of the room, looking in every possible place a person could hide. Unfortunately for him, Marinette had a bit of luck on her side.

“All clear on the roof, Cap,” Clint said into his mic. “I’ll keep a lookout from up here.” There was silence as he listened to Cap’s orders. “Okay. Will do. Stay invisible, got it. Over and out.”

The second the conversation had ended, Marinette through a smoke bomb at his feet. Before Clint could even finish saying, “What the he-” Marinette was on the attack. Using the smoke to her advantage, she swung her yo-yo at Hawkeye’s feet. The String wrapped around his legs, tripping him. Five seconds later, Hawkeye was hogtied on the ground.

Marinette touched her mic, “Tweety Bird down. Bringing him to home base now!”

“Copy that, Ladybug,” Tony said. “Be careful.”

Clint looked up at his assailant; expecting to see Tony or the Wasp, any avenger. Instead what he saw, was a teen girl with a scary blue-eyed glare on his face, “Who are you?”

Marinette leaned down, “Your reckoning.” She hissed.

“What the fuck!” He said as he was thrown over the girl’s shoulder and carried to home base.

When Marinette got to home base, she saw Harley putting a rather put out Falcon on the ground, Spiderman with five webbed up shield agents, Chloe had brought in two, Kagami and Riri brought in six. MJ and Ned both brought in one random shield agent. Marinette tossed Hawkeye on the couch.

It had been twenty minutes, Clint knew by the clock on the wall. Twenty minutes since sunset and the game had started. And they had already lost just over half their team to a bunch of teenagers.

Clint couldn’t help but wonder what the hell had Tony unleashed on them.

“Foghorn Leghorn secure,” Harley said into his mic. “Tweety in his cage. The shadows are all accounted for.”

“I’m Tweety,” Clint told Sam.

Sam paused. “…Am I Foghorn Leghorn?”

“Wasp and Vision on their way with The Blue Fairy,” Tony’s voice rang their ears. “They’ll play guard dog. QuickSilver is down; Miss Tuffit got him. Seven minions gone; Captain Hook and his jolly crew got them. Over and out.”

“Queen Bee, MJ, guard the Home base until they get here,” Harley ordered. “Guy in the chair, Mj, back on monitor duty. Fulfill mission Top hat ASAP.” They nodded and left the room.

Top hat was important. The two were trying to hack into Team Cap’s communications, once they did; it was game over.

“The rest of you complete the assignment,” He told them.

Then all split up again. Vision and Wasp arrived with Scarlet witch just as they were leaving. All three avengers gave the kids confused looks as they left.

It would take Marinette another hour before she came across another member of Team Cap. And she didn’t so much as come across, as she did respond to Peter’s cry for help.

“Captain Sparkles!” Peter yelled in their earpiece. “Training yard. I’m trying to hold hi-No I won’t give you back your shield! Hurry! Over!”

“I’m around the corner,” Marinette hissed into the mic as she ran for the yard. When she arrived it was just in time to catch the shield that was flying at her face.

She held the shield tightly in her hand, feeling like Wonder Woman, as she stared down Captain America.

Steve looked at the young girl who had joined the fight, “My shield, miss?” He was aware that Spiderman had landed behind him.

Marinette smiled sweet. Then she launched the shield at him with such brute force, he was lifted off his feet. “The Name’s Ladybug.”

Steve didn’t catch the shield in time and it bounced back to Spiderman.

Captain America glared at the two teenagers.

Then the fight was on.

Spiderman hits Steve with his shield, distracting him. The shield falling to the ground. Ladybug barges Captain America backwards. Steve shoulders her to the floor. Marinette lands on the ground; pain flaring across her shoulder. Spiderman punches Steve who just lifts him and slams him against the ground. Spiderman raises a fist but Steve twists it. A web shoots out of his hand, the sound of a small explosion fills the training yard.

Marinette takes the distraction to trip Captain America and jump up. As Steve falls to the ground, Marinette uses the electro-shooters that Riri made and shocks the dear life out of him. It wasn’t enough to bring him down but then Peter added in his own shocking web-shooters.

Yet Steve still looked ready for another round of their fight. Marinette quickly picked up the shield and slammed it across his head. Steve Rogers fell forward in a slump.

Spiderman webbed up with quick-drying cement.

Both teens breathed heavily; struggling to catch their breath, tense from the fight. Marinette could even find it in herself to unclench the shield.

“Captain Sparkles is down, over,” Marinette said into the Mic.

“We’re bringing him in, over,” Spiderman added.

There was a moment of silence.

“…What the fuck?” They heard War Machine say.

When Marinette walked in with the shield in one hand and helping Spiderman carry Cap with the other, the avengers present quietly lost their shit. Kagami nodded, where she stood over Fury who looked more pissed than ever before in his entire life. Chloe stood over Coulson, who just looked put out. MJ and Ned looked overly pleased. Their mission had been a success but it only lasted long enough to get Fury and Coulson. After that, Team Cap was smart enough to ditch the communications, figuring something was up.

“Who’s left?” Spiderman asked in the Mic. “Over.”

“Stoneheart,” Kagami answered bitterly, referring to Melinda May, into the Mic so the team could hear them. “She took out Daisy and got away. Hill is after her now.”

“Jon Snow and Miss Tuffit,” Chloe said referring to the Winter Soldier and Black Widow. “Iron Man and WarIron are after Small fry. War Machine has eyes on Miss Tuffet.”

“I’m closing in on Miss Tuffit, over.” War Machine said.

Marinette looked at her team, pressing on her mic, “Guy in Chair, Mj, I want you on Stoneheart’s tail. Spiderman go be back up for the War Machine. Iron Heart, meet me on the Location 12. Over.”

“What are you going to do, over?” Harley asked.

Marinette clenched the shield in her hands, “I’m going to go tell Jon Snow that Winter Is Over. Queen and Dragon with me. Over.”

The battle with the Winter Soldier was epic. The showdown happened in the gym. It turned out they weren’t hunting for the Winter Soldier, the Winter soldier was hunting for them. The second they walked into the gym, the doors closed behind them.

Bucky jumped down from the rafters. He stared at the girls. He had seen them fight. None of them fought with any ounce mercy but plenty of skill. But they were clearly just kids. Just Dames in over their heads. He’d go easy on them. “Shall we, Ladies?”

Ladybug, Queen Bee, Iron Heart, and Dragon shared a look before giggling.

The Winter Soldier only just barely stood a chance.

The girls laid Bucky gently on the floor on home base. He grunted and glared at them.

A few minutes later, Tony and Rhodey walked in with the Black Widow. The last of Team Cap.

Tony smirked, “Game over.”

Rhodey shook his head, “Record time; two hours and four-two minutes. Beats the last one by about seven hours and sixteen minutes.”

Then they debriefed. Video of the fights and footage was seemed was shown so everyone could see where they could improve. The image of tiny Ladybug clocking Captain America in their head with his own shield was rewinded and watched seven times.

Tony fell over laughing, “I’m putting on Youtube!”

“I will divorce you!” Steve snapped but couldn’t fight the smile on his face.

Once The random agents of shield and Stark industries left, Steve glared at Tony. His team had gotten demolished. In record time. “You brought in outside heroes, that’s not fair.”

“No,” Tony laughed. “I brought employees of Stark Industries as agreed upon. Everyone meet WarIron,” Harley lowered his helmet. “Iron Heart,” Riri lowered his, “You know Spiderman already,” Peter took of his mask and waved. “MJ, and Ned” Both teens nodded. “Ladybug,” Marinette took off her mask. “Queen Bee,” Chloe glared as she removed hers. “Dragon!” Kagami took off her black mask. “The interns. Otherwise known as the Young Avengers.”

“Oh, fuck you too Stark,” Clint complained. “Did you see what they did to poor Bucky. He’s the deadliest assassin in history, and I felt they went a little rough.”

Bucky nodded with a wince, “Can I have my arm back.”

Steve looked at the bluenette still holding his shield, with a charming smile.

Kagami glared. She held the metal arm like trophy. “Spoils of War.”

Marinette giggled.

Being a intern was going to be fun.

#ml fic #ml salt #adrien salt #marinette dupen chang #Marinette deserves better #Avengers #stony #tony stark #team iron man #peter parker

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angrylizardjacket · 5 years ago

Text

guardian as a title {Machine Gun Kelly}

Summary: Casie's not technically your kid, but as you think about your future with Colson, maybe that won't always be the case.

A/N: 2512 words. I keep seeing fics about having a kid with MGK, but there's a lot of folks who can't have kids or don't want to have kids, but they shouldn't be excluded from having fluffy family fics!! And hes already got a kick ass daughter, so here. Written on my phone so potentially buggy. I just kind of love writing MGK who's so loving and protective of his daughter okay??

----

It took a long time to meet Casie. Colson had been hesitant; if you met his daughter, that meant whatever was going on between the two of you was real, was serious, and he'd been burned too many times to make that step so easily. Of course she knows about you, but she understands her father's hesitation, and the two of you unknowingly share patience, waiting for Colson to feel ready.

So you and he had been dating for almost a full year before you finally meet her. He picks a fancy restaurant for the three of you, and as you're making your way there, you realise you're actually nervous. By now you know where you fit in Colson's life; his friends like you, even his management team likes you, but Casie? You have absolutely no idea how she feels about you, but you know without a shadow of a doubt, that if she ends up not liking you, you can kiss any sort of future with Colson goodbye. To him, Casie hangs the stars in the sky, and he'd choose her every single time, not that you'd ever expect anything different.

You get to the restaurant first, and the reservation is under his name, so you head on in and nervously start on the ice water they bring to your table. About five minutes later, you hear Colson call your name, and you look up from your phone, eyes wide, and stand abruptly. Casie looks nervous too, all of seven years old in a pair of dark blue jeans and a pretty blouse, and you smile at her as they approach.

"Hi," she's quiet, looking you over and evaluating you, and after a moment you offer your hand. She shakes it, grip surprisingly strong for a seven year old, and she tells you its nice to meet you.

"Its nice to meet you too, I've heard so much about you," you tell her, and she gives a little smile at that. Colson pulls out her chair for her and she thanks him. She's so proper, making a show of putting her napkin in her lap as you pour her a glass of water.

Its awkward at first, of course it is, but then Casie asks what you think of the album Colson's about to release, and the tension breaks. Your enthusiasm for his music goes a long way to reassuring her it seems, and its suddenly much easier to relax into the conversation.

After dinner, you suggest swinging by McDonalds for milkshakes, and Casie practically cheers. You graciously slide into the back seat before any confusion arises, and when Casie's putting on her seatbelt, Colson looks over his shoulder to you and gives a warm, grateful look. Its going better than he'd hoped.

Its still a little strange; you practically live with Colson, though previously you've been crashing on a friend's sofa whenever Casie's come to visit, so its strange to wake up in his house on a Saturday morning, and find the two of them eating waffles and watching cartoons. It's… endearing.

Casie's staying for two weeks this time, and on the third day of her stay, Colson's called away for a meeting about his album that was releasing in a few months. He says it'll only be a few hours, but you need to watch Casie. Its easy enough to keep her entertained; after lunch she pulls out her DS, and sits next to you, not really paying attention to the Spongebob rerun on TV.

"What are you playing?" You can't help but be intrigued at the strangely familiar music coming from the device. She turns the screen towards you and you see a little dog panting happily. Nintendogs. A wave of nostalgia hits you. "That game's so old," you say with a gentle smile, but Casie just looks confused. Its turns out to be Nintendogs + Cats, but the premise is still the same. She's surprised that you take such an interest in the game, and is more than excited to show you the tricks her dogs can do, and tells you very matter-of-factly that you can walk the dog to the dog park, so long as she supervises. By the end of the day, the two of you are acting like old friends, and Colson comes home to the pair of you curled up on the sofa trying to decide which dog she should get next in the game.

She names it after you. Its far more touching than you realised it would be.

For the next few months, whenever she visits, she makes sure to tell you how Y/N The Dog is doing, right up until she gets Animal Crossing: New Leaf and lets Nintendogs fall to the wayside.

You love her dad, and you take a genuine interest in her, and after several months and a few meetings over coffee, her mom trusts you to look after her when Colson's away doing press for his album and his new tour. Thats all that matters to Casie.

You start to think the world of her; she's an incredible kid, bright and fun, but strangely sensible at times, and effortlessly cool. You find yourself thinking that if you were ever to have a kid, you'd want them to be like her, though you know children of your own aren't on the cards for your future. You'd known that for a while now, and so did Colson, though neither of you try to dwell on it much.

Whatever chance Colson takes to support his daughter, you're there too. Recitals, public speaking contests, science fairs; if you're able to be there, you'll be there, making a conscious effort to befriend her mother along the way. Its clear you intend to stick around; you're good for Colson and you're good for Casie, and that's the mpst important thing.

As your year with Colson turns to two, to three, to four, the two of you start to consider what your future together would look like.

He proposes quietly over dinner at the same restaurant he took you and Casie all those years ago. Of course you say yes. Of course you both FaceTime Casie the next day and she cheers so loudly her mother's dog starts barking in the background.

"Can I help plan your wedding? Please, please, please?" She begs, and it hits that oh, that's right, a proposal leads to a wedding. You had been so caught up in the moment that the reality hadn't quite hit you. You were going to marry Colson Baker. Your smile widens at the very thought.

"We'll talk about it when you're next here," Colson tells her with a grin, his hand in yours, fiddling with the engagement ring. Casie is over the moon, and her mother peers into the video chat wearing a warm smile, congratulating you both.

After the call ends, you're quick to start peppering him with kisses.

"Do I take your last name?" You ask, breathless, straddling him.

"If you want," he shrugs, easy smile on his lips.

"Y/N Baker." There's a kind of awe in your voice as you say it, and Colson reaches out to cup your cheek in his hand, and you turn and press a kiss to his palm.

"Y/N Y/L/N-Baker," he suggests softly, and your expression lights up as you lean into to kiss him again, a giggle escaping you.

"I hadn't even considered hyphenating!" You say with delight.

Casie helped pick the wedding colors, and was quick to start a pinterest board for inspiration, and seemed more excited than ever, bursting with ideas and always eager to help, always asking questions.

"So you're gonna be my step-mom?" She asks, and you make a thoughtful noise in the back of your throat. You're on your phone looking through wedding dresses, and she's playing Breath of the Wild on Colson's Switch, and she pauses the game to look at you. "Do I have to call you that?" She sounds dubious, and you laugh lightly.

"No way," you assure her, "only call me your Step-Mom if I start acting like a Disney villain, okay?"

Casie snorts a laugh and agrees, going back to her game, but something about the interaction sits with you. You keep thinking about it, keeping coming back to it, and you're not quite sure why until the day she breaks her arm trying to skateboard in the driveway.

Thankfully its Summer and you're home, but Colson's on set filming The Dirt when you hear her start to cry. You get her to the hospital quickly and call Colson, and he says he's on his way. The nurse approaches you, looking at the paperwork you've filled out.

"I'm so sorry, ma'am," and that's never a good sign, "we really need a parent or legal guardian here to fill out this paperwork for her."

"I'm going to be her step mother in less than a month-" you tried desperately, giving a crestfallen look to where Casie was being administered pain medication. The nurse gave a deep sigh, and you already know that almost step mother isn't enough, "her dad's going to be here in fifteen minutes." You tell the nurse, and she gives a patient smile, somewhat reassured.

Colson comes in his full Tommy Lee getup, and rushes to wrap Casie up in as much of a hug as he can without hurting her. Its a heartwarming sight, and just having him there eases the rest of Casie's anxieties.

"They wouldn't let a doctor see me because Y/N's not my legal guardian," she whined, a little out of it from the pain medication, "she takes such good care of me; everyone here's a dick," she grumbles, and Colson laughs gently, sitting beside her in the hospital bed, casting you a grateful look. He won't admonish her on her cursing, not here, not now. There's a warm fondness blooming in your chest at her words, a protectiveness that you hadn't realised you'd been harbouring until today.

Casie stays in the emergency department overnight, with you and Colson by her bedside the entire time. You call to inform her mom, who's just glad that you got her to the hospital quickly. The next day, she's released with a cast and pain medication, and is entirely too grumpy for her usually sunny disposition, though she cheers up quickly when you tell her she can have whatever she wants for lunch and dinner.

"I'm gonna have a cast for your wedding!" She bemoans the next day, reading over the instructions the doctor had given you.

"And you're gonna look fantastic regardless," you tell her, but she just throws herself onto the sofa with a huff. Eventually she rolls onto her side and switches on the TV, occupying herself while Colson calls you into the bedroom.

He's sitting on the edge of the bed, fidgeting, looking surprisingly serious. When you enter, he looks up, expression pensive.

"Everything okay?"

"I just hate to see her in pain," he admits with a sigh, but you can tell that's not all that's on his mind. You won't push him, will let him work up to whatever he has to say, and so you just sit on the bed beside him and wrap an arm around him.

"So I've been thinking," he starts, "and Casie's been thinking it too, and we ran it past her mom, because we wanted everyone sort of on board before we brought it to you," and you're not quite sure where he's going, but your heart is in your throat, "and yesterday just made me think we should have talked to you about it sooner -"

"About what?" You ask, voice quiet.

"What do you think about becoming one of Casie's legal guardians?" A bright warmth floods through you at his question, and your at a loss for words, so he continues, "you do take care of her, and you know, you're family, and she adores you, and it means there won't be anymore shit like what happened yesterday at the hospital -"

"She'd sort of be my kid too?" You ask, quietly hopeful, and Colson goes quiet, takes in your smile and realises what he's implying. Slowly, he nods.

"She'd be your kid too."

"And she- you're all okay with this?"

"Casie and her mom both love you, babe, you've made it clear that you put her safety first; her mom wouldn't have agreed otherwise."

"And Casie… wants this?"

Colson nods sincerely, pulling you in close to him.

"What do you think? I know its a lot of responsibility -" he starts, but you cut him off, grinning.

"I'd kill for her; honestly I couldn't ask for a better kid," you tell him, and he's trying and failing to suppress and enormous grin.

"She's is gonna roast the shit out of me for taking so long to ask you," he admitted, and you snort a laugh, "I had to talk her down from a proposal of her own, though I will say, she designed a pretty sick banner. Ask her about it, I'm sure she'd love to show you." He chuckles fondly, before growing quiet and contemplative, "I'm so happy about this, babe."

"You should be," you huff out a laugh, but there's a disarming sincerity in his eyes when he looks at you.

"No, I mean it, before I met you, I was always so fucking worried that the girls I met would be put off by me having a kid, or they'd get jealous of the attention I give her, but she's my fucking daughter, man, and I knew if I met someone who loved her even half as much as I love her, I'd have hit the jackpot," he paused, giving you a warm, appreciative look, "and here you are."

"Oh," and you feel tears pricking your eyes, unable to stop smiling at the sentiment, "you're a good fucking dad, you know that?"

"I hope so," he says softly, before his expression brightens, "you wanna go tell her the good news?"

You head down to the living room while Colson collects himself, and you find Cassie drawing on her cast with sharpie.

"Hey, you mind if I float you an idea?" You ask, sitting beside her. She hands over the sharpie and offers her cast for you to sign.

"Is it about the wedding?"

"Not really," you say airily, avoiding her intrigued gaze, "what would you say to me becoming your legal guardian?"

Casie cheers before you can even finish the question, and before you can finish signing your name, she's wrapping her good arm around you.

"You're gonna sort of be my kid, is that okay?" You hear yourself asking, and she rolls her eyes, grinning.

"No, I'm cheering and hugging you because I hate the idea," she snickers, sarcasm dripping from her words, but she gives you a sincere smile, "dude, I love you, I'm pumped to be your kid, can you not tell?"

My kid, you think to yourself with a smile, the best kid I could ever ask for.

#mgk x reader #mgk imagine #mgk #machine gun kelly x reader #machine gun kelly imagine #machine gun kelly #colson baker x reader #colson baker imagine #colson baker #casie baker #the angry lizard writes

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gloster · 4 years ago

Text

FAVORITE FANFICS OF 2020

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

I know I speak for all when I say....I cannot wait to toss 2020 out the door the way Uncle Phil constantly did with Jazz. One of the things that got me through this rough year, besides family & friends & BTS, were fanfics.

It’s that time of year again where I make a list of all the fanfics that I absolutely adored. Some are by veteran favs of mine, others are new to me who just knocked it out of the park. If you’re interested in past lists, here is 2019′s list and 2018′s. If y’all are interested in doing your own fanfic favs of the year, please do so and tag me. Always on the hunt for new favs.

So without furhter ado, my fav fanfics of 2020:

1). Another Word for Forever series by stardropdream (sheith)

Summary: Shiro knows better than to expect love in an arranged marriage. This is all for the sake of universal peace, after all, and solidifying a Terran-Galran alliance. At the very least, Shiro can hope to make a friend out of this. Becoming friends would be much easier, though, if he and his husband could actually communicate.

With a language barrier and a mountain of cultural differences between them, getting to know Keith proves to be a challenge. Luckily, Shiro's always worked well with challenges.

2020 shockingly became the year of sheith. I ended up rewatching the show w/my bestie @littlenightdragon. Diving more deeply into it w/my other bestie @kila09. She and I spent the better half of this year devouring so many fanfics of them in various AUs. I came across new fanfic authors, and stardropdream is among them.

If I could describe this series & stardropdream, I’ll take a cue from Lady Gaga: “ talented, brilliant, incredible, amazing, show stopping, spectacular, never the same, totally unique, completely not ever been done before, unafraid to reference or not reference, put it in a blender, shit on it, vomit on it, eat it, give birth to it”

This series was just PERFECTION. I’ve gotten into arranged-marriage AUs and this has been one of the best I’ve read. It was just perfection. The language barrier definitely added an extra charm to it, in which Shiro finds his own ways to get to know his husband better: both creative and funny ways. So many cute moments, so many funny moments with Hunk being the translating middle man between them, and the smut. THE SMUT. THE SMUT. THE SMUT. Just *chef’s kiss* Incredible. It was just so so sweet, and such a comfort read. I reread this series 5 times already and hope Robin (the writer) does more stories in this AU.

Please read this series. You’re not gonna regret it. It will MELT your heart.

Honorable Mentions:

If I Called You Mine

Sail Across the Sky Just to Get to You

Finding Shelter (The Alien Baby Remix)

Say You Do(n’t)

2). The Golden Hour by @goldentruth813 (sheith)

Summary: After a space mission failure, Shiro loses his arm and his career. Two years later he's settled into a quiet and simple new life on his farm, but when a beautiful alien crashes in his field, he discovers the answers to his questions—and possibly the keys to his future—will come from the stars.

I’m sure no one, least of all Janel the writer herself, is surprised to see this author featured on this list. For now the 3rd year in a row. WOOOW 👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿 She is the reason I got into shieth, and she just continues to put out amazing conent with them. This story by far has been the best she’s done this year-possibly one of the best ever.

We have Shiro trying to have a simple life at the farm with his dog and animals. A curious BOM Keith who shakes things up with his boldness/innocence-and questions bound to test blood pressure, especially Shiro’s. Loads of cute moments, loads of funny moments, and also loads of oreos.

If summary and my thoughts don’t sell you, only one thing will: reading it for yourself.

Honorable mentions:

Two Hearts in Bloom

Mountain Men

Home is in Your Heart

3). Spun like Gold by Neyasochi (sheith)

Summary: Though Shiro is currently operating his fledgling bakery business out of a decrepit food truck he got for cheap in a repossession sale, he dreams of something more: a cozy bakery and cafe on a tree-lined street somewhere, filled with the smell of fresh coffee and sugar glaze instead of diesel. A little money could go a long way to helping him get off the ground-- and luckily, Keith has money to burn.

Or: Keith takes care of Shiro’s financial woes, in exchange for a little sugar.

OMG, OMG, OMG was this story so sweet. Neyasochi already sold me with the baking/baker Shiro trope, but went a step further throwing in sugar-daddy Keith who knows his way around his manic family and cars, but when it comes to asking a cute guy out? What better way to make an impression than becoming his best paying customer?

Honorable mentions:

oh, devour me

Healing Touch

on your hand of gold

4). The Destiny You Sold by @tryslora (drarry)

Summary: In which Draco knits, Harry makes wands, and things get very tangled up between them.

If there’s one thing I love about fanfics is how they introduce you to tropes you never would consider before. Draco and knitting was a combo I didn’t realize how much I needed until now. And I love the fact knitting played a big part of the accidental bonding. Also loved the fact everyone in their friend group shipped them like crazy. Highly, highly recommend

5) What’s My Age Again? by @lazywonderlvnd (drarry)

Summary: Harry Potter has had enough of pleasing the public, and his reckless tendencies are finally getting out of hand.

The Quidditch World Cup is only a week away; as Captain of the English National Team, Hermione has assured him that his immaturity won’t be tolerated by the Ministry.

And then Malfoy shows up.

(Inspired by the blink-182 song of the same name.)

It’s no secret that I’m such a fangirl of @lazywonderlvnd. Any drarry story I read, I always love. Last year, I ADORED The Changing Lights, which was one of my favorites last year, and her updating/finishing the story was a massive highlight for me. I thank ya for that.

This story was honestly refreshing. I’ve grown so used to Harry being responsible, always doing what’s right, that seeing a story where Harry pretty much has his middle finger in the air to “good reputation”, “being responsible,” because as he brought up: “I’m 25. I’ve been fighting all my life. I’ve earned my life to have fun.”

Okay, granted, it wasn’t quite like that but it was along those lines. And I agree. After all he went through, Harry deserves to have fun. He deserves to be reckless and make stupid decisions.

Also, it was such a blast reading a story where Harry is the brat & Draco has to keep him in line. LOVED.

Honorable mentions:

Inside Your Mind

Aletheia

6). Chocolate and Pastry by agentmoppet, anemonen (drarry)

Summary: When Pansy bets Draco that there is no chance he and Harry could carry out a genuine romantic relationship, he and Harry form a plan. But as their fake relationship progresses, Draco sees a side of Harry he never expected. Harry is struggling with something, pushing it far down inside him where he doesn't have to acknowledge its existence. Draco starts to worry, and then he starts to care, and then... horribly... he starts to fall in love.

Do not let the title fool you like it did me. Title alone, I was thinking it was going to be a fun, fluffy story involving baking, maybe chocolate crafting. However....it was not that at all. It was more. A lot deeper. A lot more angsty. It explored mental health, PTSD and the dangers of loved ones ignoring the signs, and contained an important message:

You can’t love someone out of their illness/disease/ addiction. Which is true and this story showed that.

7). i’m still here by owedbetter (zutara)

Summary: "You see me."

And somehow, that makes all the difference.

If there’s one of the few good things 2020 has brought, it was Netflix bringing back ATLA to their library. Which in turn ignited my love for zutara & had me drag @kila09 into that ship.

This story was just incredible. The way it was written, it really felt like it could have been canon. Deleted scenes that a certain creator didn’t want us to see. The way Zuko and Katara came together, starting from their peaceful friendship after the Southern Raiders episode up, becoming closer along the way.

I dare y’all to read this and not think OMG...is this secret canon bonus material? I definitely plan to read more by owedbetter.

8). all the what ifs i never said by rosegardenlake (sheith)

Summary: Keith is nine when he first notices Shiro. Shiro is gentle and quiet, always keeping to himself. Keith is rough and loud, running wherever his feet will take him, screaming on the top of his lungs into the wind. But despite that, they're a constant throughout each other's lives...if only that could be enough. As they grow, Keith just wants them both to be happy, but instead, he's falling apart.

Rosegardenlake is another sheith writer who I adored last year & adore this year as well. This was a story that I read during the beginning of quarantine-life and when I tell you the number of times Keith’s emotions of loneliness got to me, it’s a big number.

Keith’s struggle with life after high school, after peaking in school, and his mental health reminded me too much of where I was at 2018, which wasn’t a good year for me at all, especially mentally. So that was triggering but it was also helpful since I saw how far I came. And it was beautiful seeing how far Keith came.

Also the relationship between Shiro and Keith was just beautiful. It’s very funny how Keith was Shiro’s protector growing up and Shiro became Keith’s later on in life. There’s a chance your heart may be heavy, but will also be so swelled up with feelings these two bring it.

Honorable mentions:

Where the Light Doesn’t Reach

9). When Night Comes by Oh_Hey_Tae (BTS; poly ot7)

Summary: Jungkook’s tipsy, but he’s not buzzed enough to miss that he doesn’t recognize any of the four dozen people here. And seeing as his friends aren’t ones to ditch and there’s no way they’d play a prank this mean on him, Jungkook reaches the conclusion that he just walked into a stranger’s very expensive home, uninvited, and started eating their food and petting their well-dressed dog.

(Or: Jungkook shows up to the wrong Halloween party and meets the most powerful family in Seoul.)

I can easily say Oh_Hey_Tae easily one of my favorite BTS fanfic favs. Always come through with the stories, and this one was just amazing. We have Jungkook stumbling into a Halloween story, and soon enters into a intense, insane relationship with all six guys, who are already in a relationship with each other. Oh, and supernatural creatures at that.

You do see certain relationships are stronger, deeper. For example, a lot of moments between Jin and Jungkook. Vmin has their own story and moments. But it was just so amazing.

Fair warning. Halfway through, things get darker and Oh_My_Tae really loves playing readers diirty with the angst, but it’s so good.

10). peace-weaver by magisterpavus (sheith)

Summary: You will be the peace-weaver, his mother told him, smiling though her dark eyes welled with unshed grief. The one who brings two bitter enemies together and ends the bloodshed and death between us, once and for all.

But men will always crave war. The Galra, most of all.

Yet another arranged-marriage AU that I loved. This particular one is well-loved in the sheith fandom. I can definitely say it’s considered one of the classic fanfics that’s been read or shared at one point or another.

The story itself reminded me a lot of Macbeth, involving murder and dark forces at bay. The dynamics between Shiro and Keith reminded me of Drogo and Daenerys from GOT, one of my fav couples there, which only made it all the more better for me.

I do credit the author for the creative approach they took with quintessence and Shiro’s role/persona as the Champion

Honorable mentions:

The Boy in the Window

Sheith Demon/Priest AU

A Matter of Scale

Directive

Honorable mentions that I seriously wanted to add to the list but this post is already lengthy. All amazing, all greats reads by various writers y’all should check out:

Hold Me Tight, or Don’t by snowfallen (yoonmin with a Mr. & Mrs. Smith AU featuring assassins and hitmen, secret identities, fake marriage, and a lot of smut)

The Prince and Pirate by Maniacani, @nerdherderette (drarry with a splash of royalty and pirates. Perfect if you’re needing to fill in any Pirates of the Caribbean or Black Sails cravings)

First Kisses are the Best Ones by SashaDistan (sheith in a 50 First Dates Fusion heartfelt/heart-gutting story)

freely, as men strive for right by @bixgirl1 (drarry w/Harry explaining the many ways why Draco’s the love of his life. we love to see it)

The Sacrificed by SasuNarufan13 (sasunaru w/ dark fairytale elements similar to Little Red Riding Hood & Beauty and the beast + feat. mpreg)

Chasing Treacle Tart (and Draco Malfoy) by xErised (drarry feat. lunch lady Draco + scheming Harry + loads of fun w/sweets & more)

Red Desert by @beatitudinembty (taekook in a unique sci-fi AU; hard to explain but so worth a read

one way ticket to another life by starboykeith (sheith Hades x Persephone background)

Even So by lewilder (zutara; arranged marriage+ language barrier +soft strangers to lovers)

Well, lovely people, there you have it. My top 10 favorite fanfics of the year. I do notice a certain ship shows up a lot on this list, but I wasn’t kidding when I said they took over this year. Still, I tried to mix the list up with other fav ships/fandoms of mine. To the writers who created these incredible stories. I applaud you. I thank you for creating and sharing these wonderful stories. Anyone interested in doing the tag, please do.

HAPPY NEW YEAR, GUYS

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justcourttee · 5 years ago

Text

Girl’s Night Out

This was a request from AO3 and I hope you enjoy!

Marinette narrowly avoided his hand as she dove into her apartment, a flash of blonde slamming the door shut behind her.

“Marinette! It’s just a date! Why do you keep avoiding me?”

The pounding on the door prattled on for a few moments more as Marinette laid face first on the ground, catching her breath. As the noise drifted into silence, she risked a peek to where Stephanie stood, her eye glued to the peek hole.

“Are we clear yet?”

“Almost, Mrs. Baker from across the hall is giving him her signature lecture.”

The two girls shared a giggle as Marinette pushed herself into a sitting position.

“But you know Mari, he did bring up an interesting point.”

“And what was that?”

Stephanie’s mischievous glare turned to her, her stunning blue eyes boring hole into Marinette’s.

“At least twice a week, some guy offers to walk you home in an attempt to ask you out and every week, you always turn them down. Why is that I suppose?”

Her hand gracefully extended to offer Marinette help. Marinette’s eyes darted to where the hand awaited, the rogue in her cheeks beginning to monopolize her face as she slowly reached up to accept it.

“I don’t know Steph. Maybe I’m not just that into them.”

In one swift motion, Stephanie had pulled her to her feet, Marinette’s forehead level with the girl’s chin as she tilted up to get a better view of her roommate. While she had grown some over the year, Marinette had barely hit 5’0” leaving the blonde girl a cool half foot taller than her.

“Hmm, I don’t think it’s just them.”

Stephanie’s slim fingers cupped her chin as she pulled her tilted head upward, Stephanie’s own head tilting down until their noses were mere centimeters apart. Her eyes were sparkling, captivating Marinette every thought until she couldn’t remember how she had gotten herself into this position. She was so close to the very lips that had starred in her dreams for the past six months. She wondered if they would taste like strawberries, just how she imagined.

“Maybe, you’re not into guys at all. Could that be it Ms. Dupain-Cheng?”

“I-i,” Marinette’s eyes flickered between her roommates lips and the piercing, inquisitive eyes that seemed to be taunting her.

“Oh well, you like who you like huh? What do you want for dinner? I’m thinking of ordering a pizza, whatcha think?”

In a flash, she was gone, leaving Marinette a stumbling hot mess as she coyly walked away, her ever present smirk returning to her face. The smaller girl couldn’t help the flustered red that had moved from her cheeks to down her neck. The lingering smell of something tropical followed wherever Stephanie stood, and now as Marinette shook away her previous thoughts, she could notice the small blush that lingered on the blonde’s face as well.

“Um yeah, Pizza-a sounds me to great, I mean great me to, ugh great to me.”

Stephanie’s giggle rang in her ears as she darted past the blonde and into her room, mumbling something that sounded close to ‘call me when it’s here’ before slamming her door shut. She couldn’t will her heart to still as she slumped against the door, her mind replaying just how close she was to her roommate.

Absentmindedly, her hand reached up, tracing her lips. Her imagination began drifting to the idea of closing that distance the next time she had a chance, but if she tried and she was wrong about how Stephanie felt, she would be no better than the guys that pursued her from class.

With a great sigh, Marinette stood, moving herself onto her bed before her legs gave out again. Her hand flailed around her comforter until it connected on the cold smooth screen of her phone. Rolling over, she clicked on the first contact that she had, the one she always called about her girl problems.

“Mariiiii, when are you coming to Gothammm? Dami is only ever nice to me when you’re heree.”

“Hi Dick, how’s it going Dick? I’m doing great Dick, thanks for asking.” Marinette chuckled as the boy sighed dramatically, the sound of him plopping echoing through the speaker.

“Fine, how are you Mari? I’m assuming you’re calling to gush about Steph again instead of fixing my Damian problems?”

“I never gush about her,” Marinette felt her cheeks flush again as Dick continued trying to shame her. “Dick, I just wanted to ask you how to ask her out?”

The line went silent, almost too silent for Dick. Marinette pulled the phone away from her cheek to ensure that she had not accidentally ended the call. Bringing it back to her ear, she called out hesitantly for her friend.

“Ohhhhh, no no no, I’m still here, I’m still here, you just caught me off guard. You’re finally going to do it? Awww, Mari! I’m so excited! Okay, okay, where to start?”

Marinette felt wary as she listened in on the incoherent mumbling of Dick as he spewed what sounded like multiple scenarios for her love life.

“I’ve got it!” The smaller girl couldn’t help but flinch as his voice rang through the phone. “You should invite her to a dinner and movie! That way you only have to talk for like an hour and the rest of the time gives you a break to step back and try to hold her hand. Yes, yes, it will be perfect!”

She wasn’t sure if perfect was the right word for it, but hearing the excitement in Dick’s voice gave her the push she needed. After some brief words of encouragement, Marinette tossed her phone to the side before pulling out her sketchpad, her eyes determined as she placed the tip of the pencil to the clean page.

For a stunning woman who could make anything look good, Marinette was determined to make Stephanie the perfect date night outfit, one that her effortless beauty coils shine through. She was so lost in thought, she didn’t even notice the pitter of soft footsteps as they retreated from her closed door. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

As Friday evening rolled in, Marinette finally felt the nerves crashing down that she had been bottling all week. Gripping her carefully wrapped design, Marinette tried to count backward from ten to calm herself before entering the living room.

“Marii, you home?”

Her voice was so sweet as it echoed through the hallway, so soothing calling her name.

“Ah, there you are! What’s that?”

Marinette jumped slightly as the blonde seemingly materialized before her. Stephanie leaned in, her hair smelled fruity as it tickled Marinette’s nose. Gingerly, she poked the package, her eyes sparkling as the material gave way.

“No way, did you make me something?”

Marinette nodded quickly as she shoved the gift into her roommate's hands, her face on fire as their hands brushed. Stephanie gently unfolded the paper, her eyes widening as she lifted up the dress, allowing it to fall to its full length. With a giant smile, she darted past the smaller girl and into the bathroom, slamming the door shut behind her.

Moments later, she reemerged, sending Marinette’s heart into a frenzy.

“So, what do you think?”

The fabric hung off her every curve, just as the designer had anticipated, but perhaps she anticipated it a little too well. Her body was too distracting and Marinette’s eyes were traveling no matter how much she begged them to stop.

“Mari?”

Her eyes snapped up to meet two mischievous blue ones, her blonde hair swinging freely around her pale face, just as distracting as the rest of her.

“You’re beautiful Steph.” Her voice sounded foreign. Did it always crack like that? She wasn’t sure.

“You’re right, I was thinking I would wear it on our Girl’s Night Out tonight!”

Stephanie’s smile was blinding as she feigned a twirl, admiring the fluttering material.

“Girls night out?”

She nodded vigorously as Marinette’s skipping heart dropped to her stomach.

“I overheard you and Dick saying that we needed to go out and\\\\ you’re so right, we haven’t been out just the two of us in a while. So what’d you say? Dinner and movie for a couple of besties?”

Marinette swallowed hard as she forced herself to nod. This wasn’t anything like she had planned. She was supposed to finally ask her on a date, show her the time of her life, find out if her lips really did taste like strawberries like they had in her dream.

“Great! Now you go get changed and we can leave!”

Stephanie ushered Marinette into her room before pulling the door shut behind her. The designer stared at the outfit she had picked out on the bed, a pair of flared pants with a white turtleneck and the necklace she had never returned to Stephanie. It felt pointless and she couldn’t stop the hot tear that forced its way down her cheek.

“Hurry up Mari!”

The knocking on her door snapped her out of it as she slipped out of her clothes and into the ones on her bed. This wasn’t the time for crying, this was the time for a change of strategy. Stephanie wanted a girl’s night out? Fine. But for Marinette, tonight would be the night that she answered the question she so desperately wanted to know.

Cracking open the bedroom door, she forced a smile as Stephanie gushed over their coordinated outfits. Gathering her purse and keys, she allowed her roommate to drag her out of their apartment, the wheels turning before the door had even shut. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Every single one of Marinette’s plans had failed.

She tried at dinner to ask Stephanie how she felt, but the girl became easily distracted by the band that traveled from table to table serenading couples. As they walked to the movies, she attempted to grab her swinging hand, but Stephanie was faster as she linked their arms, dragging her faster to the theater. Finally, during the movie, she tried to sneak her arm around Stephanie’s shoulders, but the girl mistook it for her grabbing popcorn and moved the snacks into Marinette’s lap.

At this point, it felt hopeless.

“Marinette, are you going to tell me what’s wrong? You’ve been down all night. Kind of hard to enjoy a girl’s night out when you’re all bummy.”

Marinette couldn’t help the cringe that came with those cursed words leaving Stephanie’s mouth. They mocked her every attempt to turn this into a date.

“Stephaine, I never meant for this to be a girl’s night out.”

“Oh?” The blonde cocked her head to the side as she stopped in the middle of the sidewalk, her mischievous blue eyes glistening as always. “Then did I misunderstand something? Was Alya supposed to come in and you were going to ask her to accompany you this evening?”

“No!” Marinette cleared her throat before trying again. “No, I wanted it to be you, but I-uh-well-you see- itwassupposedtobeadate.”

“What was that?”

Stephanie was just rubbing salt into her wounds as those blue eyes shined like two spotlights on Marinette’s face. Of course, she wasn’t interested, why would she be?

“Nevermind, forget I said anything, let’s just go home.”

As Marinette took a step forward, a hand shot out, gripping hers, forcing her to turn around. Her forehead collided with Stephanie's chest earning a small yelp of protest from the girl as she tried to pull away from the hug.

“Stupid Marinette, I knew you were going to ask me out, I just was curious to see if you’d correct me.”

Marinette stopped struggling as she propped her head up to get a better view of her roommate.

“You...knew?”

Stephanie nodded before a giggle slipped through breaking into full-blown laughter. Marinette felt the blood rush to her cheeks from both the embarrassment and anger she felt.

“Don’t play with my emotions like that Stephaine! I really like you okay?”

The giggles ceased as Stephanie raised an eyebrow at the smaller girl. With one sudden movement, her lips came crashing down onto Mari’s. It was quick and messy and when she pulled back, Marinette was positive that she was going to explode.

“I’m not playing with anyone’s emotions. I like you too Marinette.”

Marinette stared in awe at the blonde as her forehead rested on hers, both girls donning ear-splitting smiles as the world seemed to stop.

“Uhm, Stephanie, would you like to be my girlfriend?”

“Is that your extremely adorable way of asking me out?”

Marinette nodded slowly, careful not to break contact with the blonde, terrified the moment would end.

“Then yes, I absolutely would love to.”

Stephanie’s lips inched closer, patiently waiting to connect with Marinette’s once more. As they were mere centimeters away, Marinette pulled back her head, breaking the serenity they had formed.

“One rule though.”

“Oh?” Stephanie raised her eyebrows in challenge at the smaller girl.

“You are never ever allowed to utter the words girls night out ever again.”

Stephanie’s smile was blinding as she pecked her girlfriend's cheek.

“Never again, I promise.”

In one smooth movement, Marinette tangled her fingers in the blonde’s hair, pulling her face down until their lips met.

Only one thought crossed her mind as she rode on the high of kissing the girl before her.

Her lips really do taste like strawberries.

Permanent Tag List:

@ash-amg @rebecarojas07 @heaven428 @long-lost-peace @thequeenofpotatoeunicornss @moongoddesskiana @nach0ava @iamablinkmarvelarmy @seraphkitty @clumsy-owl-4178 @pawsitivelymiraculous @mialuvscats @leagrey @smolplantmum @animegirlweeb @glitterflowercat

#maribat #marinette dupen chang #stephanie brown

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