#‘papa said it was MY turn on the room customization terminal’

[vaultnewt]

BREAKING NEWS:

Local veteran & his confidant’s pet bowling ball discover the internet. Neither are impressed by it. Not even a little. More at 6.

[pl-panda]

To Marry a Vigilante: Part 4

MASTERLIST || First || Previous || Next

To Marry a Vigilante: Part 4

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The next day, Marinette woke up in her bed, still dressed. By the time her father brought her into her room, she was already asleep. The emotions finally caught up with her somewhere along the way. Remembering the end of the evening, her eyes immediately latched onto her finger, but the ring was not there. A mere second before a panic attack, she looked at the bedside table, where both the box and the ring rested. She let out a breath. She didn’t lose it. 

“Morning cupcake,” a voice startled her. “Are you okay?” Her father was looking through the repealed doors. 

“Yeah… Did yesterday really happen?”

“We are still at Wayne Manor and I seem to remember to have put the ring on the night table.” 

“I can’t believe he actually proposed!” Marinette jumped off the bed and started to pace around with a dreamy look on her face. “I mean I know we are married, but it was still so romantic! And in front of so many people! Oh, Papa! I’m so happy!” She fell back onto her bed. 

“I’m glad you’re happy, cupcake. Remember that your Maman and I will always be here for you.” His smile took a sadder shade. “I know you’re almost a grown-up with a job and all, but to us you will always be the same little girl that I used to fit in the palm of my hand.” 

“Don’t worry Papa. I won’t forget you and Maman.”

“Good. Now let’s go open the presents! Race you!” He ran out of her room and toward the big tree in the hall. Mari giggled at her father’s antics before following him; the ring shining on her finger. 

In the back, Tikki floated with a big smile on her face. Her chosen finally had a chance for some happiness. If only that ruddy alley cat did not run away with the miraculous. She could still feel Nooroo and Duusu active. She could wait one more day before telling Marinette though. The girl deserved a peaceful Christmas.

---------

By the time Marinette arrived by the tree, most of the people were already gathered. Dick was seated in a large armchair next to a pile of gifts. He was dressed in a full Santa Claus outfit, complete with a fake beard. The only reason she recognized him was because of his voice.

“Now that everyone’s here, who wants…” He started, but someone interrupted. 

“Before that, I need to apologize.” Johnathan Kent turned toward Marinette. “Yesterday, after you left, I made some unsavory accusations about you, for which I want to deeply apologize.” Just for a second, his eyes jumped toward Sabine. The girl noted that her mother was glaring at the older man. “I’m a simple man and this… secret world you all live in is strange for me. Please, accept my sincere apology.” 

“Oh… No problem Mr. Kent. To be honest I’m still getting used to it all myself.” She smiled at him. Marinette was not that oblivious not to guess what kind of accusations the older man had made. 

“With that out of the way, I think we can get started. Maybe let’s begin with the youngest?” Dick said, trying to imitate how the real Santa Claus would sound. Marinette would admit that he was close.

“Me! Me!” Mar’i started floating in the air until Jon pulled her gently to the ground. He really got into the ‘older brother’ role. 

“Yes, you, sweetheart.” 

Mar’i received several gifts from the pile. Marinette was surprised to see one from her family. Inside were several baked goods from their bakery. She didn’t remember her parents packing any, but maybe they made them here.

“Me next!” Jon was giddy. His pile of gifts was slightly smaller, but there was a box of sweets there too. 

After that, it was Marinette’s turn. She received probably even more than Mar’i. There were also gifts from her Nona, grandfather, uncle Wang, one without a name tag that she was pretty sure came from aunt Sandra, a giant box from Chloe, and a small one that she had no idea who sent her. It was wrapped with a paper with black cats that would look better somewhere around Halloween, but she was too distracted to question it. Damian was busy arguing with Jon about whether he would get the Kryptonite knuckle dusters or not. 

She started with the largest box that Chloé sent her. Inside, there was a giant chest filled to the brim with detective novels and a letter that she chose to read when she was alone. Next was the gift from her uncle, which turned out to be an intricately decorated stone bowl for mixing ingredients. 

Her grandfather got her a beautiful rolling pin made half from cherry wood and half from solidified resin. The resin was in dark green color that reminded her of Damian’s eyes. But Roland had no idea about that, did he…?

Many gifts were some nice fabrics, a gift card to Gabriel, which she was tempted to burn as soon as she got it, but out of politeness just put it back into the box for now. Finally, the gift from aunt Sandra contained a set of beautiful daggers, a Katana, and a hairpin that had a space to pour poison inside. 

Her parents gave her a new rope dart, this time with a sharp end that she could use in combat. The line it was attached to was made from titanium-carbon alloy that would be able to withstand point-pressure of at least two tonnes. The weapon itself was practical instead of good-looking. The blade was thick, looking a bit like a diamond. The edges were sharp and the tip very pointy. The grip of the weapon was wrapped in a red cord for a more comfortable grip. Mari thanked them both before pocketing the weapon into her bag for now. She would probably fashion a better place for it.

Finally, only one box remained. The mysterious cats. Mari was about to open it when Jon noted it and leaped at her. The bow came undone the moment he covered the small box with his body. Everyone waited, watching carefully what was going on.

Nothing happened.

“Tt. Kent? Mind explaining to us why you decided to smash my Angel’s gift?” Damian glared at him.

“Um… I might have accidentally scanned it. You don’t want to see what’s inside. I definitely don’t want to see what’s inside ever again,” he shuddered. 

“Show me,” Sabine demanded. She picked up the squashed box and opened the top before closing it. A small lighter made its way into her hand and before anyone knew better, it was aflame. Seeing people staring at her, she smiled. “Nothing to worry about. It was a terrible prank.” She wrapped the now-charred remains and some vaguely straight shape into the torn paper. 

“What was this Maman?”

“A very distasteful prank.”

Marinette looked at the shape in her mother’s hand and her blood suddenly ran cold. It was shaped like a knife. The knife.

“No… He knows?! He can’t know!” She panicked, but Damian quickly pulled her closer to him, immediately soothing her some. 

“No, Sweetie. That bastard thought he would appease you by offering a painting of a stabbed Ladybug.” Sabine’s expression was heralding God’s wrath.

Jason growled. “He is sick.”

Next to him, Tim muttered so that only Stephanie could hear him. “You gave B. a crowbar on your first Christmas back…” Superman heard it too, judging from his reaction. 

“So what now?”

“Well, I think it’s safe to say we won’t be coming back beyond ‘appearing’ at the airport when your class is scheduled to leave. I still can’t believe how incompetent your teacher must be to force you to travel with them.”

“I know it might sound stupid, but I think you will be safest in Gotham City.” Lois offered. 

Mari nodded sharply before cuddling into Damian. “Don’t worry, Angel. I will protect you.” He reassured her while hugging her close to his heart.

“I can protect myself.” She huffed but didn’t reject his hug. 

“That I don’t doubt.”

“There is a good chance he won’t be able to reach you in Gotham anyway. He is just one kid, which will make crossing the border much harder for him.” Stephanie pointed. 

“He has his daddy’s money. That will probably be enough.”

“Let’s hope not. I will send the warning to the border control that he might be trying to enter the country, but that’s the best I can do.” 

“Meanwhile I will go check if my guns are working…” Jason tried to leave, only for Tim to grab the back of his jacket and pull him back into place.

“There is no point worrying for now. Let’s just enjoy Christmas.” Sabine nodded for everyone to return to gifts. When no one was looking at her, she pulled Jon to the side and placed the knife paper on the stone floor. They didn’t speak, not to start another drama, but the boy understood. A short heat-vision later the knife was no more than a piece of smoking paper and molten steel.

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

A blonde boy walked toward the terminal. He was dressed in a light gray long-sleeved dress shirt underneath a dark gray vest. He also sported a black necktie, dark gray dress pants, and black dress shoes. His hair was combed back, adding to the impeccable look. The green eyes swept over the guards as they observed him closely. He presented the passport.

He noted that it took them longer than it should. His eyes fell on the wanted poster next to the guards. 

“I’m not my idiotic cousin if that’s what you’re worried about.”

“Ah… Um…” The guard that was speaking to him was clearly confused. 

“Really? Ugh! That idiot decided to play supervillain and suddenly I have to suffer for it! I am not Adrien Agreste.” He ruffled through his bag, not caring that several guards almost drew their weapons. He finally pulled out a magazine with him and Adrien standing side by side, modeling for Gabriel. When side by side, the difference in their styles was even more pronounced.

“Apologies, mister. You must understand thought…” The man started to back-track.

“Yeah yeah. Spare the prostrating.” He dismissed the guard and walked past the checkpoint. Once he was out of the hearing range, he grinned. “It’s not you that I want to see on the floor…” He whispered omniously. 

-----------

Marinette and Sabine arrived through a portal five minutes from the airport, with ten minutes to spare before class was scheduled to meet. The two did not carry any luggage so they would get past the customs much faster. An upside to having all your things brought through a magical portal the day before. 

The airport was buzzing with activity. Marinette and her mother quickly got past the checkpoint and met with Chloé, who awaited them eagerly. 

“Dupain-Cheng! How was Christmas with the Waynes?” She asked in a hushed voice, so the class didn’t hear her. 

“Well…” Mari grinned before showing the blonde her ring.

“What? Now that’s what I call a good Christmas gift.” 

“How did you like the belt?” Marinette asked. In response, Chloé showed her that she was already wearing it. It was white with some golden glitter around the elegant buckle. There was a barely visible MDC logo etched on the buckle. The designer worked on it for some time before repurposing it as a Christmas gift. She had to cut on the glitter decorations, but in the end, the more minimalistic design appealed to Chloé. 

Sabine watched the two girls talk. A year ago, the woman wouldn’t believe her eyes if Marinette and Chloé acted this friendly. Now though, they were cute. 

“Did you get my gift?” The blonde asked impatiently.

“Um… Yes. The books are great.” 

“What was under the books!” The girl whispered, hoping to avoid Sabine’s watchful eye and ear.

“What?” Marinette looked surprised and Chloé had to resist the urge to facepalm. 

“Honestly Dupain-Cheng! You’re ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!”

And then the mood was broken when the rest of the class found them. 

“Good morning Marinette.” Madame Bustier greeted the girl. “Sabine.” 

The older woman did not return the greeting. “It’s Madame Cheng. We are here in the role of chaperones.” She almost seethes. “Let’s keep at least the illusion of professionalism.”

“Um… right. Moving on kids!” The slightly embarrassed teacher declared. 

“She is just as bad as Maribrat,” Alya muttered to Lila when she thought Sabine couldn’t hear her. The glare she received in response made it clear she made a mistake in her judgment.

After they got to the plane, people started to whisper when Chloé and Marinette didn’t join them in the economy class where they had their tickets. Instead, the two left for the first class. 

“Why aren’t they joining us!?”

“Because Chloé’s father paid for hers and I can afford mine.” Marinette normally would be against such blatant flaunting of wealth, but she couldn’t stop herself from rubbing it a bit into them that she earned the luxury. 

“She probably…” Kim suddenly lost his ability to speak when he was met eye-to-eye with Sabine Cheng. 

“Think carefully about what you want to say next.” 

He could almost see the flames of hell burning brightly behind her. “Um… she probably earned it?”

“Good boy.” 

“While I agree that Marinette earned it,” Caline started speaking and Sabine, Chloé, and the girl in question all had to resist the urge to groan, sensing there was more to that sentence. “I think it would be preferable if the girls joined the class for the duration of the flight. It would serve to strengthen the bonds between kids.” 

“And how exactly do you plan on fitting them when all the places in this place are bought out. Not to mention the price difference. Or maybe you thought money was not a problem?” Sabine asked, her voice dripping in sarcasm. 

Before Caline could answer, Lila decided to open her mouth. “Maybe Madame Bustier and you, madame could switch places with them. We know how hard our teacher worked and a bit of relaxation and comfort would do her good. You too could probably relax a bit from all the hard work in that Bakery.” 

Immediately after that, everyone started to agree and try to convince the chaperones to leave them alone. Sabine was about to protest when Caline spoke up. “Well, I think it would be acceptable, provided the girls agree.” She sent both a glare. 

Sabine’s blood boiled. She wasn’t sure if any normal girl would actually have the strength to stand up to a teacher in that position. Only the fact that Marinette looked completely unbothered stopped her from reacting. 

“Of course they won’t agree! They are too selfish!” Alya shouted. 

Some of the people on the plane started to stare at the group, with many gazes falling on Marinette and Chloé. 

The blonde scoffed, but her best friend grinned. “Sure.” She pulled her ticket and handed her to the teacher. “But we’re blocking the flight, so let’s move.”

Chloé handed hers to Sabine, smiling politely at the woman. “Marinette suspected this would end like that.” She whispered before taking a seat next to Dupain-Cheng. Both girls pulled out old-fashioned dictaphones and started recording what was going on with the class. Then Chloé gave Mari one of her detective novels and they started reading. 

Sabine shook her head. Her little girl had a plan and she would trust her. And after seeing Lila in action, she now had some idea how that liar worked. The way she manipulated people’s opinion reminded her in some ways of the assassin training she underwent. 

-----

The plane was already half-way to Gotham. Sabine did her best to ignore Caliné’s rambling about Marinette, switching between praising her and making her into the heart of all the problems with the class. If she didn’t know better, Sabine would think that the teacher had some sort of mental disorder. Beyond simple stupidity that is. 

Out of the blue, Caliné stopped rambling and Sabine saw her asleep, snoring lightly. 

“A strong sedative. It should give us at least an hour of peace.” A calm voice spoke from behind her. 

“Sandra.” Sabine greeted her sister politely, but without the usual cheerfulness. “Clever of you to choose here of all places to meet me. Don’t think that it will let you escape my wrath. You left that girl on the mercy of a monster.” 

“Cassandra was… I did regret what I did, but I couldn’t risk trying to reclaim her. Not until I was sure she could defend herself.” Sandra said, allowing emotions to enter her voice. Sabine could tell she was genuinely saddened by the situation. 

“You could’ve brought her to me. I would raise her along Marinette without a second thought. And you know that nobody would dare to come after me.” The older turned in her seat to glare at her sister. Two men at her side were both also sleeping, each with a small wound on their neck. They had complete privacy. 

“I… I’m sorry. By the time I managed to find her again, I… I was ashamed. I admit that it pained me to see what Cain did to her. But I couldn’t…”

“We will talk about it when I can scream at you properly.” Sabine cut her off. “For now I want to know what is so important you decided to show up personally, risking my wrath.”

“The boy has allies.” 

“Who?”

“I don’t know, but they are influential enough to shield him from many of my contacts.”

“Don’t worry. I’m sure you tried. As opposed to with your daughter.”

“I deserve it…” Sandra lowered her head. 

“Yes, you do.” Sabine huffed. 

“If I find the kid…” 

“He sent Mari the knife he stabbed Ladybug with. I have no idea how he got his sticky hands on it…” 

“You still have the bag, right?”

“Already waiting for me in Gotham.”

“I will try digging some more, but I’m getting blocked at each turn.”

“Meanwhile I will keep both our girls safe.”

“I got the picture of Talia by the way.” Lady Shiva allowed a smile to ghost her face. “I carry it framed and put it by my bed. She got a few copies too.” 

“Good. That might remind her not to trifle with us.” The sisters shared a laugh, but Sabine was still angry and it showed. She would give her sister a piece of her mind when the time came. 

-----------

A figure stood cloaked in shadows. The small screen showed a series of images. 

“Poison Ivy; Bane; Penguin; Riddler; Mr. Freeze; Two-Face; Scarecrow; Clayface; Falcone; Harley Quinn; Killer Croc; Joker…” 

“The previous Hawkmoth was a fool.” Another figure spoke from the shadows. Their voice was neither feminine nor masculine. “He stuck to a moral high ground, giving powers to untrained kids. Then again, he was fighting kids.” 

A small, butterfly-like creature floated in the air. “But that is precisely what the Butterfly Miraculous is supposed to do! Its powers will work best with the common people.” 

“Interesting.” The main figure grinned. “So my father wasn’t such a fool after all.” He laughed when another image appeared on the screen. “And I see that my trap is already working.”

Duusuu had to hide from fear. This was not the kind boy they knew. What could’ve happened to Chat Noir, the great kind Chat Noir that made him into… this.

-------

Masterlist // Next

[hanaasbananas]

100 Ways to say I Love You Chapter 39

We'll figure it out (Adrinette)

AO3

Marinette barely noticed the tray of macarons dropping from her numb fingers, bouncing once off her foot and landing face down, the cookies that hadn’t broken on impact rolling across the floor in every direction.

She didn’t notice Nathalie sniff disdainfully at her clumsiness, or papa’s hands tightening on her shoulder, his outrage on her behalf.

All she was aware of was the blood roaring in her ears, her mind racing as she processed Monsieur Agreste’s words-his threat -his face distorted on Nathalie’s tablet through the tears in her eyes.

She couldn’t do it. She couldn’t break Adrien’s heart, but then...how could she be the one to take away his freedom?

Marinette needed time. Time to think, and make some kind of plan. Squaring her shoulders, she spoke quietly, blinking back her tears. “Can I have a few days?” she paused “please?”

For a long moment, Monsieur Agreste was silent, until… “very well,” he said eventually “but you must break up with Adrien by the end of this week if you don’t want him to be pulled out of school.”

Nodding to show that she understood, Marinette watched as he terminated the call, as Nathalie left, plunging the bakery into silence.

“Marinette-” maman began, but she shook her head, shrugging off papa’s hands and running upstairs. Tikki flew out of her purse as soon as she got to her room, zipping up to hover in front of her face, her blue eyes wide and troubled.

“What are you going to do, Marinette?”

“I don’t know yet,” she replied grimly, taking out her phone to text Adrien. After a second thought, she texted Alya as well. The more people to brainstorm with the better. “But I’m not gonna give in to that...that bully!”

***

“Hey Tom, Sabine!” Adrien greeted Marinette’s parents cheerfully. “Is Marinette upstairs? She asked me to come over.”

The two of them exchanged a look, too fast for Adrien to decipher, and Tom nodded, coming out from behind the counter to clasp him by the shoulder, squeezing gently, a strange expression on his face. Not for the first time that day, Adrien felt a prickle of unease, like a sliver of ice down his back. Shoving it down, he instead took the cookie Tom offered him, making his way around to the back into the apartment.

He was halfway through the door when Tom called out to him. “You’re always welcome here Adrien. No matter what happens, that will never change.”

“Um…I know…?”

Tom seemed to understand his confusion, smiling and waving him off, turning to greet a customer who had just walked in.  “Go upstairs now, Marinette’s waiting for you.”

***

“-the hell does he think he is? He can’t get away with this!”

Marinette sighed from where she sat at the kitchen counter. “I just can’t believe my idol turned out to be such a raging asshole,” she mumbled, resting her head on the cool granite countertop, trying to soothe the throbbing headache that pulsed between her eyes as she watched Alya pace back and forth across the kitchen.

Alya had come as soon as she could-after Marinette had burst into tears over the phone, and now they were attempting to brainstorm ideas for what they could do.

Key word: attempting.

The plate of cookies papa had given them to share sat untouched on the table beside Alya’s notebook filled with half baked ideas and scribbled out plans. After half an hour, Alya had resorted to ranting in earnest, and Marinette was just tired.

So, so tired.

She closed her eyes for a moment, breathing deeply to try and alleviate the pressure in her head, but it was no use. Marinette wouldn’t be able to feel better yet, not until-

The apartment door creaked open “guys?” Marinette’s head whipped up at Adriens voice, spinning around and almost slipping off the stool she was sitting on before grabbing hold of the counter to steady herself.

Adrien’s brow was furrowed as he took in the scene before him; stepping further into the apartment, and coming over to her, wrapping an arm around her waist when she stood to greet him. “Hey,” he said, pressing a soft kiss to her lips “what’s going on?”

Marinette shook her head, unable to speak, her heart constricting in her chest at the concern she saw in his eyes.

How could she lose him? This beautiful, perfect boy who loved her so much? How could she break his heart when she had sought so long to be the one inside it?

A sob built in her throat at the thought, and she threw her arms around Adrien, burying her face in the crook of his neck, finally allowing her tears to fall when he was there to hold her, his hands rubbing soothingly up and down her back.

Distantly, she heard Alya excuse herself, and she allowed Adrien to lead her over to the couch, letting go only when they sat down, though he tried to pull her into his lap.

If Adrien had looked worried before, he looked downright frantic now, and Marinette swallowed. “Adrien…” twisting her hands together in her lap, she began haltingly, “Y-your father-”

His face shuttered as the whole horrible story came spilling out of her, but the worst part was how he didn’t even seem surprised at all that his father would ask such a thing of her.

When she was finished, he sat silent for a long while before meeting her eyes, and Marinette was startled by the fear that she saw in them. “You’re not…” Adrien swallowed “you’re not going to do what he says, are you?”

“No! Never!” Marinette exclaimed. “We'll figure it out, okay?”  Reaching up to cup his face, she stroked his cheek gently as he leaned into the touch with a sigh.

Pulling his head down to meet hers, she sealed her words with a kiss, feeling him exhale shakily against her lips, his arms coming around her to hug her tight.

“I’m not gonna lose you, Adrien. I won’t.”

[damnthoseyes]

Welcome Back, Baby

A/N: So quite a long time ago I received this request and then my life fell into a wood chipper so the motivation for writing fell into a ditch and set itself on fire. This is probably why people shouldn’t send me requests. However, an incredibly soft dream about the boys that has resulted in a very soft day has created this monstrosity. This is part 2 to my Saying Goodbye head cannon I did a very long time ago. I couldn’t do it as a traditional head cannon so it has been written out. Hope you enjoy it and please do let me know what you think! xx

Zabdiel

“You have been fine this whole time.” Richard sighed as he watched Zabdiel tap on his arm rest.

The pilot had announced they would be landing soon and he had been acting like a jittery child ever since. He couldn’t stay still, his excitement to be home was too much to contain.

He tried to race off the plane as quickly as possible, groaning in frustration when he saw the line as passport control and nearly throwing a tantrum at how long his suitcase was taking to come around on the carousel.

He yelled a quick ‘see you later’ to his band mates and friends still waiting for their bags while he ran through the terminal, dodging through every man, woman and child in a desperate attempt to get out of there.

A small wave of panic washed over him as he scanned the waiting area, looking for you.

A very loud “Zabdiel!” was all he heard before you crashed into his arms. He let go of his bags and wrapped his arms around you, holding you as close to him as possible. You pulled your face away from his shoulder, smiling widely as his big hands tried to move your hair away from your face and kissed you.

“Welcome home, baby!”

He signed in relief and pulled you into another hug, smelling the top of your head.

“Damn bro, are you crying?” He heard Chris giggle as he came around into Zabdiel’s line of sight. He stuck his middle finger up at him and shook his head, letting his arm fall around you again, melting into you.

Richard

He’s been trying to play it cool for a while now. As excited as he is to finally come home, he knows he needs to chill. Zabdiel was enough crazy for one flight.

Aaliyah tugged on your jeans, pulling your attention away from your phone.

“Yes, honey?”

“When’s papa coming?” Her cute little face nearly broke your heart as you didn’t have a definitive answer for her.

“Soon, baby,” you tried to smile for her, growing nervous.

“You said that ages ago.” She frowned and looked down at the floor.

“I know but his plane landed, he just has to walk through the big doors over there.” You gestured over and she followed your hand. “He’ll be here soon, I promise.”

She nodded and walked away to continue playing with the other kids in the arrivals area.

Soon, voices flooded the room as people started emerging from customs. You scanned the faces, looking for Richard but couldn’t see him in the crowd. Then there he was. Clearly exhausted, sunglasses covering most of his face and laughing with Chris as they walked past Zabdiel. Aaliyah squealed loudly and ran for him. He started walking through the room in that way he thinks is cool as she approached. You shook your head and uncrossed your legs, getting up and walking over.

He scooped her up into his arms, kissing all over her face as she laughed, overjoyed by his arrival. You stood back and let them have their moment, admiring how happy they were.

Richard met your eyes and grinned, extending his arm and gesturing for you to come closer.

“Long time no see,” his brilliant smile spread across his face as you kissed his cheek.

“Welcome home, baby.”

“Glad to be back.”

Joel

Joel’s flight was supposed to land in about 3 hours and you were already ready to meet him at the airport. He had been away for far too long.

A number of apps had failed to entertain you for long enough so you decided food was the only solution. You opened the fridge door and started tapping on the side, trying to decide what you’ll have.

A small click interrupted the silence in the house. Your head shot up but when you heard nothing else for a few seconds, you shook it off.

Finally deciding on the strawberries, you picked up the punnet and turned around to wash them.

“You know those go better with chocolate, right?”

The three strawberries in your hands flew into the air and you had to brace yourself on the bench in an attempt to slow your racing heart rate.

You turned your head and glaring at the man leaning against the door frame. “How long have you been standing there?”

“A little before ‘fuck it do the strawberries’.” The corner of his lip lifted into a half smile. “You look so cute when you’re trying to make decisions.”

“Shut up.” You closed the gap between the two of you, taking long strides to get to the other side of the kitchen and wrapped your arms around his neck. His hands slid around your back, holding you to his chest as he took in your scent and kissed you temple.

You pulled away to face him, taking in his features before letting your lips meet his.

Then it hit you.

“Wait, wasn’t your flight supposed to come in later?”

He licked his lips. “Okay so I lied.” You glared at him again. “I wanted to surprise you!”

“There’s a difference between surprising someone and scaring the shit out of them.”

“Yeah one’s funnier.” He raised his hands in defense when he saw your expression and kissed your forehead. “I won’t do it again.”

You sighed as he enveloped you into his arms again. “Welcome home, baby.”

“Missed you babe.”

Christopher

Chris unlocked his suitcase on the front porch, fishing through the pockets for his house keys; the dim light doing very little to assist him in his search. he grunted a “yes” in triumph under his breath as his fingers wrapped around the metal, pulling them out of their hiding spot.

He unlocked the door and turned on the torch on his phone to guide him, not wanting to turn on the lights and blind himself. Leaving his suitcases and backpack by the front door, he made his way to the bedroom. He smiled to himself as he watched your back rise and fall evenly, your face buried in the pillow as you slept.

Chris turned the torch off and put his phone on the bedside table before taking off his jacket, shoes, shirt and jeans. He lifted the covers and slid into the bed beside you, getting close and kissing your bare shoulder before making himself comfortable. You stirred and groaned, trying to roll over.

“Chris?”

He hummed in response.

Your eyes still didn’t open, your body desperate to keep sleeping.

“How was your flight?”

“Alright. I survived.” The fatigue was evident in his voice.

You hummed back and snuggled into his side. He kissed the top of your head, pulling you in and starting to drift off.

“Welcome home, baby.”

You could feel him smile on your head. “It’s good to be back.”

Erick

Erick stared out the window as the car traveled down the freeway, nearly drifting off a few times. The street lights weren’t enough to keep him awake. As happy as he was to be home, he was exhausted. He barely noticed when the driver pulled into his driveway.

Finding a key under a flower pot by the front door, he quietly entered the house. The wind coming from an open window was too much noise for him in his current state. He went over to close it, breathing a sigh of relief and looking around the empty living room.

He shuffled into the kitchen, got a glass of water and found his way into the bedroom. Your frame facing away from him, deep in sleep, was enough to make him jealous. He took off his shoes and collapsed into bed. He was asleep in minutes.

Your alarm was an unwelcome interruption to what could have been a pleasant dream. You reached up for your phone but found very little pull in the covers. You turned your head to find Erick asleep on top of the comforter, still in his clothes. You turned off your alarm and rolled over, facing him and pressing gentle kisses all over his face.

He squirmed and smiled, slowly opening his eyes.

“Welcome home, baby.”

He bit his lip and reached over to cup your face. “Morning.”

“When did you get in?”

“Late. I didn’t want to wake you.”

You pressed your lips together. “I wouldn’t have minded.” You smiled at him and pressed your lips to his softly.

@my-only-angelle @savloveschrisandjoel

[justlookfrightened]

Locked out, Part 25

Start from the beginning here:  Part 1

Read previous installment here: Part 24 

*******************************

It took approximately three hours for Eric to remember why he hadn’t wanted to come home for the summer.

Arriving was fine, even if walking out of the terminal to stand next to the pick-up lane felt like having a hot, wet washcloth draped across his face, and even if Coach was the one to come and get him.

“Your mama was elbow deep in something or other,” Coach sad, after Eric tossed his bag in the bed of truck and climbed in. “So I said I’d make the trip.”

Eric decided to make a little bit of an effort, so he said, “That’s fine. How’s your summer so far?”

“Hot,” Coach said.

“How’s the team look for next year?”

That started Coach off, as he talked about how the starting quarterback had graduated, and there were two coming up who would have to fight it out for the starting role, and thank goodness the defense was sound …

Eric made appropriate noises until Coach ran out of words about 10 minutes later.

They rode in silence for a bit, until Coach offered, “How are things up north? You look like you’re staying in shape. Not making you work too hard at that job?”

“No sir,” Eric said. “I can only work 30 hours a week because otherwise they’d have to give me benefits, so I have Fridays off. And my friend Jack -- the one I told Mama about -- has been skating with me every Friday, so that helps.”

“She did say something about that,” Coach allowed. “He plays hockey professionally, right?”

“He does,” Eric said. “But most of his team travels over the summer.”

Except that Eric had just met several of them. He wouldn’t mention that.

“Still nice of him,” Coach said.

“Yessir.”

They fell into silence again until Eric turned up the radio, letting the twang of Coach’s favorite country station fill the cab.

Mama, on the other hand, couldn’t stop talking, exclaiming over how much he’d grown (He hadn’t. He measured.) and how grown up he looked. She wanted to know the names of everyone in the office, whether they were married or single or in a relationship (“That’s how you young people say it, isn’t it?”), what they all did and how Eric fit in. She asked if his friend Jack was still skating with him, and did he want to visit his old rink this week -- not the one in Madison, the one the other side of Atlanta where he’d learned to figure skate from Katya.

And while she was catching him up on everything else, she was also showing him the list of dishes she planned to make with his help for the family gathering the next day and for the community picnic on the Fourth.

The list was long, but nothing was especially difficult, and Eric was ready to roll up his sleeves and dive in when she said, “Dang it, I forgot the blackberries. And we’re definitely going to need more butter and more powdered sugar for the cupcake frosting. Tell you what. Get the money out of my wallet, and take my car keys and run to the Ingles. Pick up a couple of those rotisserie chickens because I clean forgot to make anything for supper, I was so focused on tomorrow.”

“Sure thing, Mama,” Eric said.

As soon as he settled in his mother’s old minivan and tuned the radio to a pop station -- one from the 2000s at least -- he took his phone out to read the string of texts Jack had sent him.

Made it home. Are you in Georgia yet?

I really want to show you Montreal

Maman said I get gooey eyes when a I talk about you. She wants to meet you

Papa too

Miss you

Eric had texted back once he got home, letting Jack know he arrived safely. And that he’d love to see Montreal. But he didn’t know how to respond to Jack’s texts about his parents. Of course he wanted to meet them -- he would have jumped at the chance to meet Alicia Zimmermann in any case, and Bad Bob was nearly as much of a draw now that he’d learned about his hockey history.

But meeting the parents -- wasn’t that kind of a big step? When he couldn’t even tell his own parents he was seeing someone? Or, at least, not who he was seeing?

He texted back, Miss you too. Mama’s got me busy in the kitchen, but she goes to bed early. I’ll text when I can Skype.

Then he put the minivan in gear and drove to the supermarket.

Once there, he collected several cartons of blackberries -- it would have been better to buy them by the quart at the farmers market -- then three pounds of butter and two pounds of confectioner’s sugar. Then he got in line in at the deli counter to get chickens fresh off the spit.

Where he came face-to-face with Tommy Barber. The same Tommy Barber who had once complained -- loudly -- that the football team shouldn’t be expected to change in the locker room when Eric was there waiting in Coach’s office, and had asked everyone on the football team if they knew of anyone poor little Eric Bittle could go to prom with, since none of them were gay.

They had all found it hilarious, even though Eric never once even considered coming out at high school. And he had prom date, thank you very much. Melissa was one of his best friends from skating, and they went to one another’s proms to save each other from the boors in their respective schools.

She, at least, had turned some heads, and made them be quiet for the duration of the dance.

“Hey, Eric,” Tommy said, like he was any other customer. “What can I get you today?”

“A couple of those rotisserie chickens,” Eric said.

“Sure,” Tommy said. “Any cole slaw or potato salad with that?”

“No thanks,” Eric said.

He watched as Tommy placed the chickens in containers, then said, “You working here for the summer?”

Tommy snorted.

“And the fall, winter and spring, too,” he said. “Couldn’t afford to stay at Valdosta State after my dad got laid off. Gotta save some money. What about you? You home for the summer?”

“No, just visiting for the holiday,” Eric said. “I’m working up in Rhode Island this summer. Got an internship.”

“Sounds cool,” Tommy said. “Say hey to Coach. Let him know I’m around if he needs any help next season.”

“Sure,” Eric said, tucking the chickens into his cart and heading for the checkout lanes.

While he was waiting in line, he texted Jack again.

Do you ever feel like you don’t belong at home anymore?

*****************

Tagging:   @thehockeyhaus @cow-mow@communistchexmix@falling-out-girl  @whatnowpunk@wikihowpunk@zimboniiiiii@butterflyimportantstuff@ladyaulis@delicatelycrispyblizzard@cyn2k @eyesforeverwithpride @bookbelle494 @herecauseoftheweirdo

Read the next installment: Part 26

[wishingforatypewriter]

The Opposite of Casual

Summary: How far they had come from hooking up at other people’s weddings, and all without moving a single step. Follows On Casual Commitments and Business Casual. 

It had been late when Erina received the call. 

She and Souma had been sitting on the hardwood floor of the empty space that would become their San Francisco restaurant, taking swigs from a half-empty bottle of Jack Daniels and arguing over paint swatches. 

Cool colors, elegance, royal purple, blue blood. No, warm colors, energy, crimson and gold. 

He had been leaving for Paris in the morning to see to his affairs, and kept trying to convince her come with him. He said he would miss her; that’s when she knew he had to be drunk. Because when had missing her ever stopped him from leaving at the drop of a hat? When they gotten so bad that they couldn’t spend a measly two weeks apart? 

She refused his offer because she had to stay in California if they were to keep to the schedule and open Canvas in seven weeks. She had been losing her resolve with each sip of whiskey that burned down her throat and each kiss he left at the base of her neck. 

A little before midnight, she had sighed and said, “Fine, but I’m only staying for a few days. You’re so lucky I’ve been craving Shino’s.” She’d picked up her phone to book a ticket just as it started ringing. 

“Alice?” he asked with a knowing smile. It was a well known fact that the Nakiri cousins rarely went a day without talking. 

“No, Chef Doujima,” she replied, perplexed. The head of the tourism department seldom called her at all, and always stuck to business hours (in her timezone, mind you) when he did. “I must’ve missed a deadline or something.” She shrugged, then answered. “Hello?” 

“Erina-san,” the man said with a weary sigh. “I’m sorry to disturb you at this hour.” 

“It’s no problem. I’m still awake. Is there something I should attend to?” 

“So it’s no problem when you take business calls after hours,” Souma teased. She rolled her eyes, shushed him. 

“It’s about your grandfather,” Doujima explained. “We were in the middle of a meeting when he collapsed. A heart attack.” 

“What?” The room had started spinning at that point, all the alcohol hitting her at once. Ever since she was a child her grandfather had been absurdly healthy, in better shape than most thirty-somethings when he was well into his eighties, running and hiking and swimming whenever his schedule allowed. Just two months ago, Alice had sent her a video of him doing one-handed push-ups with Kurokiba. “No, that can’t be right.” 

“We were quite surprised as well, but...” 

She could scarcely hear him anymore. She was sobbing, or hyperventilating, maybe both and it felt like the air in the room was growing ever thinner, like she was stranded at the summit of some far off cliff. She could feel Souma rubbing her back while he asked her the questions, the are-you-okays and what’s-wrongs. Erina knew she was probably scaring him because he never saw her cry before, she had seen to that, but she couldn’t bring herself to answer. 

 “I...is he...I mean, did he...” She prayed Doujima wouldn’t make her say it out loud. 

“Senzaemon-dono is still alive. We’re at the hospital, but they haven’t disclosed much information. They would prefer to speak with a blood relative. Your uncle Soe and his family are on their way from Denmark, but-” 

“I...I understand,” she said, grasping for some of her usual composure. “I’m on my way. Thank you for letting me know, Doujima-san.” 

After she hung up the phone Erina buried her face in Souma’s chest, letting the black cotton of his shirt absorb the last of her tears. She would give herself sixty seconds, no more, because she was still the demon lord of food’s granddaughter and heir. No matter what happened in the next few hours, she would have to be strong for Alice, for Auntie Leonora and Uncle Soe, for the Nakiri Group and the Tōtsuki network, students and alumni alike. She would leave her weakness on the worn out Restaurant Yukihira logo where it could do no harm. 

When her minute was up, she wiped her eyes and exhaled deeply. “I can’t come to Paris,” she finally said, her voice level. “Not this time.”  

It was time to go home.

They reached Tokyo after an eleven hour red-eye flight that Souma had more or less bribed their way onto. They flew coach, which made Erina miserable in addition to her being jet-lagged, mildly hungover, and terrified that her grandfather had died hours ago and she didn’t know because, in her words, humanity had advanced enough to put a man on the moon but still couldn’t find a way to give her cell service on a goddamn plane.   

“Do you want to get an Airbnb first?” Souma asked her once they cleared customs. He was holding both of their carry-ons while skimming through flats near the hospital on his phone. “You should probably lie down for a bit.” He had bought her some sleeping pills before they got on the plane, but she was never out for more than an hour and always woke with fresh tears on her face. 

“I’ll live,” she dismissed, her right eye starting to twitch as her iPhone, with newly restored cellular service, vibrated spasmodically in her hand. Her schedule, now sixteen hours behind, demanded a kind of attention that she simply did not have at the moment. She stared blankly at the events on her iCloud calendar—tastings, ingredient orders, interviews, a doctor’s appointment—things that had seemed so important less than a day ago. Then she deleted all of them. 

“And we should get some food in you.” 

Naturally Erina couldn’t defile her god tongue with the tasteless refuse that was airline food, and airline food in coach at that. She did feel weak, and more than a little bit dizzy. On a normal day his suggestions would have seemed rational, even preferable, but she was not in the mood for logic. 

“Later.” 

“Nakiri-”

“I am going to see my grandfather,” she snapped, and instantly regretted it. He had flipped his schedule upside down just to be there for her, and she’d been bratty and ungrateful the entire time. “I’m sorry,” she said. “I just-”

“Don’t sweat it.” He kissed her forehead, stunning her enough to disrupt her train of thought; Yukihira Souma had never been one for public displays of affection, and neither had she. How far they had come from hooking up at their friends’ weddings. “I’ll get us a cab.” 

“Make it an Uber,” she said as they made their way to the terminal’s exit, and wondered if it sounded like I love you. 

In the backseat of the cab, Erina had attempted to pull herself together. She brushed her hair, wrapping it into a neat bun, and dabbed concealer under her eyes. So by the time they reached the hospital, she looked at least something like her usual self. 

The rest of the Nakiri clan had already assembled in the waiting room. Her uncle was flagging down a passing nurse, one who likely had nothing to do with her grandfather’s case, for questioning. Alice was sandwiched between her mother and her husband, sniffling, her eyes red and swollen. Auntie Leonora more than had her hands full between trying to make Alice eat some stale looking chips and telling Soe to stop harassing the hospital staff. 

The first person to notice their arrival was actually Chef Doujima, who had kept a respectful distance from the family. 

“Nakiri-san, Yukihira-kun,” he greeted. “Despite the circumstances, I’m pleased to see both of you well.” 

“Why so formal, senpai?” Souma asked, all good-natured charisma as usual. “You seen my pops lately?” 

“I ran into him in Spain a few months ago,” he replied. 

“That’s more than I can say,” Souma said, and Erina couldn’t help but crack a smile. Even his own son couldn’t top Jouichirou’s vanishing act. 

“How’s my grandfather?” Erina asked after a pause. “Have they said anything?” 

“Two hours ago one of the doctors came out to say his condition was improving, but they haven’t let anyone see him yet.” 

“That’s a relief,” she said, and was about to ask a follow up question when Alice fell upon them. 

“Erina,” she called, waving. “What are you doing?”

“What?” 

“You look like hell warmed over. Trying to hide those duffel bags under your eyes with drugstore concealer. Honestly.” She shook her head, knowing she’d taught her better. “I bet you came straight here from the airport.”

“You’re one to talk, Alice,” Erina replied. “You’ve probably been sitting right there since you got in from Denmark. How about you go find something to eat that didn’t come out of a vending machine?” 

“Me? I bet you didn’t even eat anything on the plane because you’re so spoiled.”

“I’m spoiled? You don’t even fly commercial.” 

“You’re such a hypocrite, Erina! How is only flying charter any different from only flying first class? Just go get some rest, already.”

“I’ll go when you do.” 

At this point, Souma turned to Ryo who had quietly followed his wife over. “Do they always have to do this?”

“Every single time,” the dark haired chef replied. 

“Yukihira,” Alice said, suddenly shifting her gaze his way. “You’re slacking. Hishoko would have had a hotel booked already. Go take her somewhere to lie down.” 

“Uh...I tried,” he said, scratching the back of his head.

“So you’re gonna take her side?” Erina asked. 

“What?” He glanced from Erina to Alice and back again. “How did I become part of this?”

“I told you not to get involved,” Ryo said. 

Just then, Nakiri Soe approached the group. “I was finally able to track down the right doctor.” 

“As expected of papa,” Alice said proudly. 

Soe adjusted his glasses, clearly moved by his daughter’s praise. “At any rate, we won’t be able to see father for another two or three hours. You two should take a break. I’ll call right away if anything changes.”

Alice glanced at her father for a long while and then sighed. “I’m honestly fine, but I suppose I’ll go for Erina’s sake.” 

“For my sake?” 

“Yes, for your sake.” 

The sounds of their argument continued all the way down the elevator shaft. 

“Who knew Mimasaka-kun had a restaurant around here,” Erina said as they went through the sleek chrome doors. 

“Everyone but you,” Alice replied. 

“Welcome to Silhouette,” the greeter said. “Would you prefer to be seated at the bar or a table.”

“Bar,” Erina said. “We may need to leave in a rush.”

“Understood.” The young girl led them to their seats with a pleasant smile. 

When the bartender asked for their drink orders, Erina only briefly hesitated before ordering a classic martini with two olives. “And you want a vodka cranberry, right?” she asked her cousin. 

“Just sparkling with lemon for me,” Alice replied with a sigh. Erina glanced at her, surprised. Alice almost never passed up her go-to drink. She blinked once, twice. 

“Alice...are you-” 

“Six weeks now,” she said with a sly nod, smirking around the rim of her glass. “Ryo thinks he’s getting a daughter, but it’s a boy. I can feel it.”  

“Congratulations!” Erina cried. “You...you’re going to be somebody’s mom.” It was a strange thought, really, considering how childish her cousin could be. 

“Thank you for stating the obvious, Erina,” Alice said as their appetizers arrived. “But yeah, I guess I am.” 

“Are you excited?” 

Alice shrugged. “Excited, a little terrified, wondering how all this is going to work with the restaurants and the research facilities. But Erina, I’ve been thinking lately.” 

“About?” She didn’t like the sound of her cousin’s voice, her playful lilt replaced with a more serious tone. 

“I wasn’t supposed to say anything, but I was talking to Hayama the other day.”

Oh yeah. Erina kept forgetting that they were friends. “And?”

“He asked me for Hishoko’s ring size,” she said. 

“He’s gonna propose?” Erina asked, her chest welling with happiness for Hisako, and for Alice, but there was a more unsavory feeling encroaching on her bliss. Not jealousy, never that, but perhaps a twinge of...panic.  

“He’s gonna ask her to elope,” Alice said. “And now that Dr. Arato is officially a thing, it won’t be long before they end up with a pink haired brat or two.” 

“That’s...” She sighed, the feeling of panic slowly intensifying. “That is true. In  fact, I’m surprised they don’t have a kid together already. But what’s your point?” 

“Do you want kids, Erina. Like in general?” 

Erina shrugged. “Sure.” 

“And if you were married, or in some kind of long term relationship, you might want them sooner rather than later, right?” 

“Where are you going with this, Alice?” Erina asked. She was too tired to play mind games. 

“Listen, I love Yukihira as much as the next person, and I’ve always rooted for you two to be together, but Megumi left him for a reason.” 

“Do I look like Tadokoro-san to you?” 

“It’s Aldini-san now,” Alice said with a pointed look. “All I’m saying is if you can’t have the life you want with him, maybe it’s time to start seeing someone else.” 

“Alice, I appreciate your concern, but I am not having this conversation with you-”

“Good. Have it with him, preferably before you wake up in ten years wondering how you’re still a friend with benefits,” she instructed, just as her phone started vibrating. “We should get back to the hospital.” 

Erina sighed and paid the bill before her cousin could protest. “Let’s get going.”

Erina had sat with her grandfather for a long while, hours after Alice and her side of the family had gone home. It had been agreed that after he left the hospital, he would spend a few months with them in Denmark while he recovered. Doujima Gin would take over as headmaster of the academy, and Megumi Tadokoro-Aldini, who had spent years as his second in command, would become head chef of the Tōtsuki tourism department. 

Erina had stayed at her grandfather’s side, writing the contracts, making the calls, keeping her back straight and her voice steady despite the fact that she had never seen him so weak. 

After the business had been settled, they talked a bit. He told Erina how much she reminded him of her mother, the daughter who had been taken from him too soon. He had rarely talked about it when Erina was a child. Too painful, she supposed. But mostly they just sat, each wholly content and comfortable in the other’s presence. 

“Erina,” he said to her as it neared midnight. Visiting hours had ended long ago, but the Nakiri family was hardly bound by normal protocol. “Is that boy still out there?”

“Yes,” she sighed. “I told him already that he could leave.” 

She had told him to go to the Airbnb, back to California, off to Paris, let him know in no uncertain terms that she did not expect him to wait for her. But there he continued to sit in the waiting room, reading yesterday’s paper and chugging what had to be his tenth or twelfth cup of coffee. Idiot. 

“Send him in here,” the former headmaster said. “There’s something I’d like to say to him.” 

Only the gods knew what that meant. 

Author’s Notes: Thanks for reading! I’m thinking I’d like to wrap this story up in one or two more installments and then a short epilogue. The next chapter should resume right where this one leaves off. 

[therealmaggiemedia]

The Maggie Simpson Show Maggie’s Italian Family

Maggie’s Italian Family

 Written by

 Daniel Harrington

 FADE IN

 INT. THE SIMPSONS KITCHEN-DAY

 The Simpsons are having breakfast when the phone rings Marge answers it.

 MARGE

 Hello!

 MAN

 We were doing our family tree and we found out we are related to you; you are the Simpsons I am talking to right!

 MARGE

 Yes, we’re the Simpsons!

 MAN

 My name is Pedro I was wondering if me and my family could visit you in America!

 MARGE

 Sure, when can you come!

 PEDRO

 Well, it would be nice if someone could pick us up from Springfield Airport as we are there now!

 We see Pedro on the phone at the airport next to him are his wife and a girl.

 MARGE

 No problem I’ll send my husband to pick you up!

 She hangs up the phone and turns to the rest of the Simpsons

 HOMER

 You want me to go where and pick who up at the airport!

 MARGE

 Kids it seems you have another uncle your uncle Pedro who was born in America and went to live in Italy!

 MAGGIE

 I wonder what Uncle Pedro is like I hope he’s nice!

 LISA

 Don’t worry Maggie, he’ll love us!

 HOMER

 Well, I’m off to pick a brother up who I have never met what does he look like again!

 MARGE

 He looks a bit like my father!

 MAGGIE

 Grandpa Bouvier I’ve seen pictures of him its sad he wasn’t around when I was born, I would have loved to have met him!

 LISA

 You and Grandpa Bouvier would have been fast friends!

 Homer leaves the house and drives the car down the drive onto the road.

 INT, SPRINGFIELD AIRPORT-DAY

 Homer is looking around the airport for Marge’s Brother  eventually  he spots a man a woman and a girl  sitting on some seats in the terminal he walks over to them to talk to them.

 HOMER

 I’m looking for this guy Pedro!

 PEDRO

 I’m Pedro and this is my wife and this is my Daughter Maria!

 MARIA

 (ITALLIAN ACCENT)

 You must be Uncle Homer I have heard so much about you!

 HOMER

 Anyway, lets get you into the car and to my house to meet Marge and the kids my kids!

 MARIA

 I would be honored Uncle Homer!

 INT, THE SIMPSONS LIVING ROOM-DAY

 Bart Lisa and Maggie are sitting on the couch watching TV then Homer comes back with some people they have never seen.

 HOMER

 Kids this your uncle Pedro Aunty Martha and your cousin Maria!

 Maggie walks up to Maria and greets her friendly.

 MAGGIE

 Hi I’m Maggie!

 Maria Kisses Maggie’s Hand but Maggie is wondering why she is doing that.

 MARIA

 It is my pleasure to meet you Cousin Maggie (KISSES HAND)

MAGGIE

 Huh what the hell are you doing!

 MARIA

 I am sorry but it is an Italian Custom to kiss your hand when I meet someone!

 MAGGIE

 Oh, ok then!

 BART

 Hey Maria you want to kiss my hand!

 MARIA

 I said this to a boy once and I am saying it to you (SPEAKS ITALIAN)

BART

 Yeah whatever!

 PEDRO

 So where will we sleep if we are staying here with you!

 MAGGIE

 No problem Uncle Pedro Maria can share my room with me!

 MARIA

 I would be most Honored!

 LATER IN MAGGIE’S BEDROOM

 Maggie is showing Maria her room!

 MAGGIE

 What do you think of my room?

 MARIA

 Its how you say the best room I have ever seen!

 MAGGIE

 Forgot to ask you earlier how old are you!

 MARIA

I am six!

 MAGGIE

 So am i!

 MARIA

 That is Great Maggie we are the same age!

 Maria looks around the room and assumes she is sharing a bed with Maggie

MARIA

 Am I sharing a bed with you!

 MAGGIE

 You’re sharing a room with me that’s it as far as I know!

 FADE TO LATER IN MAGGIE’S BEDROOM

 Maria is in Maggie’s bed wearing pink Pajamas and Maggie is in a camp bed wearing her Pink Pajamas Maria is concerned about Maggie in the camp bed.

 MARIA

 Are you okay in that bed Maggie!

 MAGGIE

 Yes, thank you Maria!

 MARIA

 Well goodnight then!

 Maria turns out Maggie’s bedside lamp and goes to sleep then Maggie Sneezes and Maggie is sandwiched between the mattress Maria gets out of bed and tries to help her cousin but the bed is stuck.

MARIA

 Il letto del Bastardo non ti lascerà, chiamerò qualcuno che mi aiuti!

 MAGGIE

 What did you say!

 MARIA

 I’ll go and get someone to get you out of the camp bed!

 Maria leaves Maggie still sandwiched between the mattress.

 IN HOMER AND MARGE’S ROOM

 Maria is talking to them about the problem in Maggie’s Bedroom

 MARIA

 I am so sorry to wake you at this hour but I have a problem you see Maggie is stuck in the camp bed between the mattress!

 HOMER

 Stuck eh we���ll see about that!

 Homer goes in Maggie’s room with Maria and Homer sees what Maria meant.

 HOMER

 I know what will get her out of there!

 Homer leaves the room and comes back with a cordless drill.

 MARIA

 Uncle Homer I don’t think you should!

 He turnsd on the drill he frees Maggie but her injures his hand with the drill.

 MARIA

 Stupido Idiota!

 MAGGIE

 What she said!

 HOMER

 The problem now is where is Maggie going to sleep!

 MARIA

 Not a problem Uncle Homer she can share the bed with me!

 HOMER

 Alright but no you know what!

 MAGGIE

 Dad we are hardly going to do woo-hoo!

 HOMER

 No more Sims 4 for you!

 Homer leaves the room and Maggie and Maria get in the bed together.

 MAGGIE

 This is okay right!

 MARIA

 Yes, Maggie it is ok now goodnight!

 FADE TO THE NEXT MORNING IN MAGGIE’S BEDROOM

 Maggie and Maria are cuddling up to each other when Bart enters the room.

 BART

 What the hell is going on here!

 They both wake up and look up at Bart

 MAGGIE

 Good Morning Bart!

 MARIA

 Yes, Good Morning Bart!

 BART

 Wait till I tell the others!

 Bart leaves the room.

 Maggie and Maria get out of bed and Maria is worried what Bart said he’d do!

 MARIA

 Do you think he’ll tell the others as he said!

 MAGGIE

 Him nah he’s the biggest liar I know now lets have a shower!

 MARIA

 Be fun if we did it together!

 MAGGIE

 Alright but I’m just doing it because we’re cousins Maria!

 IN THE KITCHEN

 The Simpsons plus the Italian family are having breakfast at the table Bart is looking at Maggie and Maria who are sitting next to each other.

 MAGGIE

 Do you think he knows!

 MARIA

 Let’s hope so say let’s lead him on!

 MAGGIE

 It was so good in my room last night lots of woo-hoo in my bed!

 MARGE

 Maggie, I don’t want that kind of talk at the table!

 MAGGIE

 Sorry Mom!

 MARGE

 That’s better!

 PEDRO

 Say since it is the school Holidays I don’t I take Maggie and Maria to the local waterpark!

 HOMER

 Oh you mean Mount splashmore and I don’t want to go there again!

 MAGGIE

 That’s only because you got stuck on the waterslide!

 Maria laughs at what Maggie said.

 LISA

 I’d like to go too but I have a music lesson plus a have to work at the flower shop!

 BART

 And I have to be somewhere!

 Bart and Lisa leave the table

 PEDRO

 Well you want to go Marge and of course my wife Martha!

 MARTHA

 No thanks I will stay here with Marge and Homer!

 PEDRO

 Well then looks like its just us Maria and Maggie!

 MARIA

 Yes, that way me and Maggie can talk!

 EXT, MT, SPLASHMORE-DAY

 Pedro Maggie and Maria are walking around the waterpark.

 PEDRO

 Ok girls go in the changing rooms there and put on your bathing suits!

 Maggie

 Okay uncle Pedro!

 MARIA

 Yes Papa!

 They go towards a shed like building and go in a door that says Girls they come out now wearing bathing suits they decide to go exploring on their own.

 MARIA

 So Maggie what are we going to go on first!

 MAGGIE

 That one!

 The camera pans to a shot of a big waterslide that seems to be very high up the camera pans back to Maggie and Maria.

 MARIA

 That seems very high!

 MAGGIE

 Well, I want to go on it and it will be more fun if you do!

MARIA

 Well okay but only because you are my-

 Maggie grabs Maria by her left arm and runs with her to the waterslide after a long wait it is Maggie and Maria’s turn they both climb up to the top Maggie looks down and gets a dizzy spell.

 MAGGIE

 I’ve just released I am afraid of heights!

 MARIA

 Whatever you do don’t look down!

 MAGGIE

 Too late I did!

 Maria holds Maggie’s left hand

 MARIA

 Come on you’ll be fine let’s go down the slide together!

 MAGGIE

 Okay let’s do it!

 They both go to the edge of the slide they both sit on it and get ready to slide.

 MARIA

 Ready Maggie!

 MAGGIE

 I guess so!

 They both slide down the waterslide it goes very fast they both land in the pool at the bottom they both come up gasping for air.

 MARIA

 Wasn’t that fun Maggie!

 MAGGIE

 Yeah, it was fun!

 MARIA

 Okay let’s get out and go for ice cream!

 MAGGIE

 There is a slight problem we’re not wearing bathing suits anymore!

 MARIA

 What!

 She goes under the water and sees Maggie is right!

 MARIA

 Oh ny dio gente mio tintinnio!

 MAGGIE

 If that means who the hell cares I’m with you!

 MARIA

 (embarrassed) No Maggie it doesn’t mean that I find it very embarrassing!

 MAGGIE

 We have to get out of the pool at some point!

 MARIA

 Alright let’s hope people don’t notice us!

 FADE TO LATER ON THE FOOTBATH NEAR THE WATERSLIDE

 Maggie and Maria Face each other and Maria is wondering what to do!

 MARIA

 What will we do Maggie!

 MAGGIE

 I remember a long time ago my dad was in the same situation and he had to wear a reef of leaves and moss so if we go behind those bushes there, we can do the same!

 They both quickly go in the bushes then come out wearing two reefs round them.

 MARIA

 I hope this works Maggie if not I’m going to be very embarrassed!

 They both sit on the bench together then a park attendant passes them and sees them wearing leaves.

PARK ATENDANT

 Are you two playing pagans or something!

 MAGGIE

 No, we lost our bathing suits the pool over there!

 PARK ATENDENT

 Well, I’ll go and get them back for you!

 MARIA

 Let’s hope he finds them or we will have to go home as pagans!

 MAGGIE

 No, we don’t our clothes are in the changing room over there!

 MARIA

 Good thinking Maggie let’s go!

 They go in the changing room that is a wooden shack and a few minutes later they come out wearing their normal clothes.

 MAGGIE

 So, we are now good to go!

 MARIA

 Yes, but what about the park Attendant who you sent looking for our bathing suits!

 MAGGIE

 Oh, I just decided to piss him around!

 Then Pedro comes over to them with some ice cream cones.

 PEDRO

 Here you are girls they take the cones from him.

 MAGGIE

 Thank you, Uncle Pedro!

 MARIA

 Grazie Papa!

 MAGGIE

 What did you just say Maria!

 MARIA

 I said thank you to my papa for the ice cream he gave us!

 MAGGIE

 Oh, okay then!

 PEDRO

 After you have had your ice cream we should go home as it will be getting dark soon!

 Then the park Attendant comes running up to them with two bathing suits in both hands.

 ATTENDANT

 I have been looking for you two everywhere here are the bathing suits you lost in the-

 MAGGIE

 Yes, thank you we lost them and now you have found them!

 PEDRO

 Is there something you two would like to tell me!

 MAGGIE

 (NERVEUSLEY) No Uncle Pedro I am sure of it!

 MARIA

 Non scoprira mai la verita!

 MAGGIE

 What did you say Maria!

 MARIA

 I said we should go home!

 MAGGIE

 Oh okay!

 INT, MAGGIE’S BEDROOM-NIGHT

 Maria and Maggie are in the same bed but Maria can’t sleep her mind is riddled with guilt and she needs to tell her dad the truth.

 MARIA

 Maggie I cannot sleep I need to confess to papa about what really happened!

 MAGGIE

 Maria no we can’t do that!

 MARIA

 It was not our fault!

 MAGGIE

 I know Maria but will Uncle Pedro be understanding!

 MARIA

 I think he will!

 Then Pedro enters the room to see what all the noise is about!

 PEDRO

 Girls its very late why aren’t you asleep!

 MAGGIE

 There is something we need to tell you!

 MARIA

 Me and Maggie went on the big waterslide but when we hit the pool at the bottom, we lost out bathing suits that’s why the Attendant brought them back to us I am so sorry I didn’t tell you this earlier papa (CRIES)

 MAGGIE

 It’s true Uncle Pedro and I’m sorry too!

 PEDRO

 I’m glad you have told me now but please tell me if something like this ever happens again because I might be able to help you!

 MARTHA FROM DOWNSTAIRS

 (YELLING) Pedro!

 PEDRO

 Coming my dear!

 He leaves the room and closes the door and Maggie and Maria go to sleep

 FADE TO BLACK

 THE END