#The Gorilla is the matchmaker here

[fromthedeskofelizabeththird]

Habanero

You're a good girl, well behaved.

Absolutely not the type to rail random guys in nightclubs.

Until you are.

Fandom: BNHA

Pairing: Aizawa x Reader, eventual polyamorous Erasermic x Reader

Rating: Gen

Trigger Warnings: None in this chapter. Just Nemuri and Hizashi being dweebs

AO3: Here | Want to support me? I have a Kofi

Chapter: 6/16 (all chapters)

While you slept and Shouta squinted at the collection of food in his fridge, Hizashi and Nemuri sat in silence at the izakaya.

They’d stayed at the school for much longer than planned to go over the upcoming sports festival. Going for a beer had seemed like a good idea at the time, but the alcohol only added to how tired they already were.

Nemuri picked at her garlic fries with one hand and rested her head on the other. Hizashi had mostly abandoned his beer in favour of checking his phone.

You had texted him when you found Shouta’s apartment and then again on the train ride home. That should have been the end of it, but he couldn’t stop opening and closing the thread. Almost everything about that sequence of events was strange. He had concluded mere weeks after meeting you that you were a charitable sort of person, so the fact that you had gone to see Shouta wasn’t out of the ordinary. He couldn’t, however, understand why Shouta had let you in.

“Say, Nemuri,” he said. “You’ve known Eraser about as long as I have, right?”

“Sure,” she said, “what’s on your mind?”

“In all of the time you’ve known him...has he ever...you know…”

Nemuri raised an eyebrow and he sighed.

“Dated?”

Nemuri’s reaction was all he needed to know. Instead of saying yes or no she cracked up into boisterous laughter, slapping her hand against the table.

“Good one!” she said, reaching up to wipe the tears from her eyes. “Do you remember Shinohara?”

Shinohara was a girl from general studies who attended UA at the same time they did. She had always been the shy sort, though just about everyone knew she had a crush on Aizawa. Everyone, that is to say, except Shouta himself. He never noticed that she blushed and hid when he passed her in the corridors. Whenever he found love notes in his locker he assumed they were meant for someone else.

Eventually Shirakumo got tired of his obliviousness and explained the truth of Shinohara’s feelings in detail. It was painful watching her be so thoroughly ignored, however innocently. He urged Shouta to say something to her, even if it meant letting her down gently.

That’s not exactly how it worked out, though.

Shouta did ask to meet her after school in one of the empty classrooms. He got there five minutes early and Shirakumo, Hizashi and Nemuri all hid in the classroom next door to eavesdrop. Shouta had never expressed any interest in anyone romantically or otherwise prior to this moment and it was strangely fascinating, like watching gorillas hump at the zoo.

Nemuri brought snacks; Hizashi brought custom made earphones from the support classes to listen in.

Shinohara was so excited that it was almost painful. She arrived several minutes late, having neatened up her hair and fixed her makeup. She was already incredibly awkward and, now that she was alone with her crush, stumbled over every word to cross her lips.

“Shinohara,” Shouta had said. “Is it true that you have feelings for me?”

She nodded.

“How long for?”

“Two years now.”

“I see. Well, don’t waste your time anymore. I don’t feel the same way.”

That was the last thing he ever said to her and Shirakumo, Nemuri and Hizashi all winced.

Years had passed since that moment and he had never expressed any desire to date or hint of a crush. They were pretty sure he’d never even had sex.

“What do you suppose his type is?”

Nemuri leaned back in her chair, still picking at her fries.

“Hmmmm,” she said. “Why do you ask?”

“Something strange is happening,” said Hizashi. “I spoke to (Name) earlier and she…”

He leaned over to whisper, as if he was about to reveal confidential information.

“...she called him by his first name.”

Nemuri dropped the fry in her hand.

“No!”

“She went to his apartment...and He. Let. Her. In…”

“You’re lying.”

“No, I swear,” he said, turning his phone to show her.

Nemuri read the message chain, eyes widening.

“We’ve fallen into an alternate dimension,” she said, aghast.

“The sky’s going to fall!”

“We have to do something about this,” she said. “(Name) is a kind person...perhaps he’s mistaking it for affection.”

“Could it be...he’s the Shinohara?”

“Oh my god,” said Nemuri, clapping a hand over her mouth. “He’s the Shinohara.”

“Poor Eraser,” Hizashi said, tears forming in his eyes, “and his maiden’s heart.”

“We have to do something,” said Nemuri, “I don’t know what a rejection would do to him.”

They both fell into a stunned sort of silence, going over their complicated situation.

“Wait a second,” said Hizashi, eyes bright. “I think I’ve figured it out.”

“Oh?”

He opened up his phone and searched through his photos.

“There was a girl a while ago,” he said. “We went to Ego and...here!”

He turned his phone so Nemuri could see the screen. He had taken a lot of photographs that night, many of which with fans who had gotten incredibly excited to see him. He had also filmed a video, which just so happened to face out onto the bar.

“Say cheers, listeners,” he yelled over the thumping music, tossing back shots with the crowd.

Hizashi paused the video and caught Nemuri’s eye.

“Did you see it?”

“I see that you went without me.”

“No, not that. Watch again.”

He restarted the video and paused it moments before he shouted cheers.

“Look.”

Nemuri peered over as he pointed to the screen, showing a clear shot of the bar, however briefly. It wasn’t much, given the darkness of the video and sheer number of people in the room, but it was enough to show Shouta sitting at the bar, and he wasn’t alone.

Hizashi pressed play and the video continued, though this time they both focused on Shouta and the mysterious woman with him. As Hizashi and the girls with him downed their drinks, Shouta led the mysterious woman away from the bar, hand in hers.

“Who is that?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t get a good look at her face.”

Nemuri took the phone and replayed the video several times, watching over and over as Shouta and the woman left the bar.

“For Eraser to show any interest, she must have had three tits or something.”

“Perhaps he’s still hung up on her.”

“You’re right.”

Hizashi took his phone back and shook his head.

“Poor (Name),” he said, “she has no idea she’s Eraser’s rebound.”

“She’s the Shinohara after all,” said Nemuri, wiping a tear from her eye.

“We have to do something,” said Hizashi. “At this rate both of them are going to get hurt.”

“As I see it, we have two options. We can find that girl and reunite our dear Eraser with the love of his life.”

“Ooooh, I like that. What’s the other option?”

“We play matchmaker. Get Eraser to forget that other woman and (Name) to consider him as husband material. That way neither of them is the Shinohara.”

Hizashi nodded sagely, picking up his beer.

“You know what we have to do,” he said, reaching up for a toast.

Nemuri nodded and lifted her own drink.

“That settles it then,” she said. “Once the sports festival is out of the way, it’s game on.”

“They’re not going to know what hit them.”

Unfortunately, through a grave misunderstanding, Nemuri and Hizashi had come to completely different conclusions.

Nemuri toasted to convincing you and Shouta of one another’s better qualities.

Hizashi toasted to finding the mysterious woman from Ego .

Little did they know that while these options appeared contradictory on a surface level they both led to the same outcome.

Similarly, neither you nor Shouta could possibly have predicted the chaos heading your way.

[poetic-emptiness-fanfic]

8th of May (Echoes of the Past 9: First loves)

Characters: Hande Kuura, Salma Kuura, Sargon Hakimi, Helena Kuura (mentioned), Sardar Gul (mentioned), Afsoun Gul (mentioned), Armas Vuorimaa (mentioned), Paavo Kuura (mentioned), Hugo Kuura (mentioned) & Taika Kuura (mentioned)

Content warnings: some profanities, mention of blood & death

Words: ~3 300

@arcana-echoes

[Extracts from Hande's diary – she writes alternately in Karnassian and Hongas; also letters]

17th April 828, Vesuvia

I think I'm going slightly mad... Today amme Afsoun summoned me to the shop after the post was delivered: I received a letter. Since I've only been in Vesuvia for two weeks, I was sure it was from home – not many people know I'm currently here. I don't wish everyone to know each and every move I make, so I appreciate that even Salma has kept her mouth shut. And speaking of the Devil, the letter was from her. Amme didn't want any help with the shop, so I went upstairs immediately, back to ”my” reading haunt (I just love that turquoise armchair...) to read what the Monkey had to say this time. I include the letter below:

15th April 828, Karnassos

My dearest Gorilla,

I hope you’re enjoying your time with Amme in Vesuvia. I’m still a little nettled that I got this stupid flu and couldn’t go with you - I miss Vesuvia’s marketplace and Amme. Don’t worry, I’m still happy for you; you get to see the Flower Festival and learn some awesome magic. You must show me, when you get back home!

Luckily, I no longer have a fever, but my throat is still sore and I feel tired all the time. Baba cheers me up by drawing beautiful pictures of animals and flowers - I’ve hanged the drawings on my wall! Äiti is quite busy with her clothing commissions, but in the evenings she comes to play chess with me. Otherwise I’m reading and daydreaming and listening to that music box - thank you for sending it to me! It has brought me a lot of joy!

By the way, Sargon visited here yesterday. He wanted to see you and was quite disappointed when he heard that you are visiting Amme. I bet my bottom daric he has a crush on you… ;) And don’t claim anything else, I’ve seen earlier, how he looks at you! You’d be a daft for not noticing that! He’ll be one lucky guy if you two started to date. Yeah, yeah, he’s handsome and kind and all… but we both know, which one of you is the awesome one! ;)

I’m not going to tease you anymore, I just want you to be happy, that’s all! But for now, make the most of your trip in Vesuvia! And please, write me as soon as you can.

Your oh, so darling sister,

Salma the Monkey

Yeah, she still mixes Karnassian and Hongas in one letter, but well, I find it fun – at least it'd be quite difficult for an outsider to read it. Good luck with two different alphabets, hah! But holy shit, I still can't believe that last part: Sargon has visited our home to see ME? And he was DISAPPOINTED, because I wasn't there??? Is Salma messing with me? But why would she – she may be even more mischevious than me, but she isn't mean. Oh, now I regret I told her I had fallen for a CHILDHOOD FRIEND... I'm so stupid... But what if Salma's right? What if Sargon has a crush on me? No, it can't be it... He's handsome, kind and rich... He's practically the most wanted boy of our age – many parents even try to arrange their children to get engaged with him. He's only 15, turns 16 in a couple of months... Argh, Salma, why did you make me confused?!

To be entirely honest, I still miss her. I've said it before, but I really am also nettled that she wasn't able to come with me – the carriage trip would've not been so boring if she was there keeping me company. Well, at least I got my books... Oh, speaking of books, I hope my package is delivered in time! Tomorrow is baba's birthday and I found a perfect book for him. I still hope he likes it – it's a little sad to be away during his big day, but oh well... Luckily he turns 41, so it's not anything too special... Ugh, I just can't stop thinking about Sargon, damn him! And damn me, now I hope I never get home, I'm going to be so screwed... Luckily I know a spell for invisibility so I can just avoid everyone if needed. Or I can escape to Hjalle, vaari¹ can keep me safe, heh.

Amme has already fallen asleep. I try to follow suit. Good night!

7th May 828, Karnassos

I'm really going mad! I must be imagining everything and I'll find out that I really am in a mental asylum... So much has happened after I returned back home. Äiti, baba and Salma surprised me on my birthday and brought me breakfast to bed. I also didn't have to attend agha Akhtar's lessons, he even made me a birthday card! I was really surprised he took the time – usually he just brings some sweets (and even that's so kind from him!). But that wasn't all: in the afternoon that day, Sargon came to say hi and he gave me a present! I didn't know he even remembers my birthday – he's a little absent-minded when it comes to birthdays or other important dates. He gave me a drawing set with pencils and a sketchbook with fine paper – it really felt too much... Of course the Monkey teased me THE WHOLE DAY after that so I might have hexed her... Nothing serious! She just couldn't remember where she did put her things for the rest of the day.

Yesterday wasn't any special, but today Sargon visited AGAIN. I'm a little mad at baba that he let him in... I just... Now I feel like äiti and baba also have figured out something and they have this conspiracy with Salma to try to play matchmakers for me... It feels so awkward... And now I really suspect it's just some kind of a sick joke and Sargon is plotting with them... Sargon asked me especially to go out with him – usually we go with Salma together, since they're also friends. I didn't have the courage to say no so I went. It was fun, actually: we were wondering along the bazaar, feeding stray animals and later Sargon took my to their estate to see his horse. She is beautiful, her name is Zeka – the wind. Their stablemaster even let me to ride with her. It was nice, although I was a little nervous, since I haven't ridden that much.

Well, when the sun set, Sargon walked me home (or more like offered a carriage ride – it's so strange how rich his family is, having their own carriages). When we were in front of my doorstep, he even opened the door for me! And when I said him goodbye and was going to open the door, he KISSED ME ON THE CHEEK! And he just left, without saying anything more!!! I just ran straight to my room and to my embarrassment I need to admit I screamed on one of my pillows so Salma or my parents woldn't hear me. I just can't believe it really happened... I love his smile and the way he fiddles his fingers when he's concentrated and... He can't feel the same for me, he just can't! I'm not that special (I can do magic, but that's about it)... Everyone says how Salma is the beautiful one, although she'll just turn 13 in a few days... I'm just a weirdo who happened to inherit the ”exotic” look from my äiti...

I don't think I'll get much sleep next night. Maybe I try to read or probably brew some calming potion, if I can concentrate enough... My life is a mess...

8th May 828, Karnassos

I can't believe it. I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!! Me and Sargon... We are a couple now!!! I feel like I'm in a wonderful dream and at any moment I might wake up. Today, when I was at the marketplace to buy new yarns and check if our bookseller had any new additions to their collection, I met Sargon again. My hands started sweating immediately and his face just lit up and he smiled so widely after he noticed me. I thought I must overreact and that's just how a friend would react... Well, he asked me to come to their place, he was trying to find a way to catch the cool air and push the warm air out and it could be used at homes. It was really fascinating, seeing his drawings and miniatures – he understands the physics way better than I do, but I could help him with chemistry. I'm sure he's going to be an engineer when he grows up!

But yeah, he always kept touching me a little: holding my hand, putting his hand on my back, even stroking my cheek. I thought I would explode! But still, I kept on thinking that I'm just imagining and overanalyzing and that was nothing... We talked and laughed and well, I even met the mayor (he's Sargon's uncle). I was so nervous, I've never met him like this before, only Sargon's parents. He told me he had heard about me and my sister, because Sargon has talked about us a lot during these years. The mayor of Karnassos KNEW ABOUT MY EXISTENCE??? Holy shit... But back to the matter at hand (I just can't help my mind, it keeps racing...): I spent the whole day at Hakimis, I even ate dinner with them.

Then Sargon again suggested that he'd escort me on my way home. Unlike usual, our carriage trip was spent in silence. It made me a little uneasy – I feared that I had disappointed Sargon somehow and that he was mad at me... Later, about halfway through the trip he suddenly took my hand in his. Then he just said my name and then he KISSED ME. Not on the cheek, but on the LIPS!!! I thought like I was struck by a lightning and luckily I was sitting, for I'm sure my legs would've given out if I was standing... After that we just kept staring each other, until I finally mustered my courage and whispered the words I had wanted to say for a long time: ”I love you.” He answered that he loves me too... The rest of the trip he came to sit next to me and we just hugged each other. I wished that the trip would never end, but eventually it did... Sargon opened the door for me again, but before I could get home, he kissed my hand. I also felt his stare in my back, until I turned around and waved him goodbye. But well, when I finally had floated to my room, I looked out the window and he was still there! He wanted to see I got there safely – what a moron, I was at my home already. xD But yes, I still found it cute.

He loves me. He really loves me...

22nd December 828, Karnassos

My dearest Ray of light,

Words can't describe, how much I miss you right now. Still, I'm happy you get the chance to spend some time with your family from your mother's side. I actually wish we'd also celebrate Midwinter Feast, it sounds so nice. Maybe I should ask mum if we could do that too next year...

Things here are the same: baba is always working and mama tries to entertain herself with dinner parties and theatre visits. I'm working on my studies and that ”ventilation system”. I hope I get it ready soon, it would be wonderful to try to test it! How's your short story doing? I really loved the previous one, it made me laugh so much! Do you let me read your next one when you get back home?

By the way, how's your family doing? I hope they are fine and your celebrations are going like planned. Is Salma still up to mischief? Well, I can imagine you'd be her partner of crime so Hjalleans and Forestian should keep their guard up! And let's pretend I'm not interested in your antics, but please, if you make any good jokes during your stay there, you must tell me when you get back!

I'm sorry that I'm not that good at words... You're so talented with them that I get nervous when I need to answer your letters. I can't do them justice and it makes me a little sad. I still keep trying for you, I really want to make you happy by writing back to you. You have made me so happy during these months and I really miss your voice and laughter and clever remarks.

Have a great Midwinter Feast! I send you lots of hugs and kisses! Remember, that I love you more than anything!

Forever yours,

Sargon

28th December 828, Hjalle

My lovely King²,

Thank you for your last letter! You don't need to worry about your writing – your letters always bring me great joy and I'll cherish them forever! I also miss you greatly, although I'm enjoying my time in Hjalle. It's been snowing for the last few days and the view when I look out of the window is spectacular! I made a drawing about it in my sketchbook – I hope I managed to capture the atmosphere...

My family is doing fine, thank you for asking! Baba and äiti enjoy the chance to relax, and vaari as well as Paavo-eno entertain me and Salma with playing funny games and of course we've played with our cousins, too. Erkki is 12 and Marjatta is 11, but they still are fun to be with and it's also nice to see our other uncles and aunt and their children. It's a little crowded here since the whole family is here, but in a good way.

Well, my short story is still a work in progress, but I guess I can show you some parts of it when we get back to Karnassos. And hah, I won't admit anything about making mischief! How could you even think of that of us, we are just little angles (heh)? I'm also very happy for you, I'm sure you'll get your invention ready soon!

I'm sorry about your baba. It must get lonely for you and your mama if he's not home very often... I wish I could do something to help for your situation... What if I make a potion for him that makes him stay at home and you slip it into his drink or something? Well, I don't think that's really very ethical thing to do... Maybe your mama should try to talk with him? And you, as well. I know it can be hard, but maybe he'll take more time for you if he learns that both of you feel lonely...

Although I've enjoyed my time in Hjalle, I really miss you, too. To be honest, I still get a little confused sometimes, about the fact that you're really with me. It's just like from a fairytale! Well, without the wicked witch part (there are just a few magicians, and they're harmless). But yeah, I really miss your cute eyes, babbling about your inventions and our trips together... Just remember, that we come back in two weeks, so it isn't that long time anymore (although for me, it feels like eternity).

I need to stop now, Taika asked me to join the dinner. Take care, lots of hugs and kisses! I love you very much!

Forever yours,

Hande

20th June 829, Karnassos

My love,

I hope the courier delivers this to you soon. I want to warn you: stay away from the Count of Vesuvia. He's dangerous. I won't say anymore until we meet face to face, but you will hear soon, that my uncle has died. That bastard killed him, because my uncle dared to complain that he stole our city's food storages. He's going to claim that my uncle was a demon, and that's why he killed him, but I don't believe it! Well, I guess you'd have known if he was a demon for real, since you're a magician...

But please, my mama is hysterical and baba is worried as well. They fear that the Count's army is going to occupy Karnassos because of this. We don't know how the Shah reacts to this... If the Count or his soldiers are in your neighbourhood, don't go near them. I don't want to lose you, too... We're staying at home just in case, so the Count can't think we're planning an uprising...

Please, stay safe, all of you! I love you!

Forever yours,

Sargon

27th June 829, Karnassos

Salma is dead... My little sister is dead... I don't want to talk about it...

15th November 829, Karnassos

It's over. My and Sargon's story I mean. I can't believe how he can be so cruel and heartless!!! I met him today at the park. He wanted to make out, but I didn't feel like it and he started to sulk like a little brat... How can I just ignore that we were meeting at the place where me and Salma used to play together for all these years? I didn't sleep well last night, I saw nightmares again... I must've screamed, because baba came into my room and woke me up. He stayed with me until I fell asleep... But yeah, I wanted to talk about my nightmares with Sargon, but he wouldn't listen. He just told me to think of something else. Something else??? He didn't see my sister crushed under the hooves of those BEASTS and he didn't have my sister's blood on his hands AGAIN!!! IT HAUNTS ME EVERY DAY AND I GET SICK!!!

I tried to ignore it and then suggested if we walk a little. I held his hand which seemed to make him a little happier. We just walked and neither of us talked for a long time, but then Sargon opened his stupid mouth, ”Look, Hande... My love... It's been four months since Salma died. You can't be sad all the time, it's giving me the creeps. Could you give me even  a little smile?” I was shocked. How dared he?! MY SISTER HAS DIED, IT WAS THAT DICKHEAD'S FAULT, ÄITI AND BABA ARE CRYING ALL THE TIME AND I HAVE NIGHTMARES AND GET ANXIETY ATTACKS EVERY FUCKING DAY, AND I SHOULD SMILE A LITTLE BECAUSE HE'S GETTING THE CREEPS??? I yanked my hand away and just stared at him. Then something snapped in my head and I started to shout at him, everything I've been keeping in my chest for all these months. I also called him a spoiled brat who doesn't know anything about real life. I don't regret saying that, he was asking for it...

Sargon got alarmed and tried to calm me down, but I didn't want him to touch me. I told him I was not his plaything and that since he couldn't even respect my grief, he didn't earn my smile. I dumped him and told him to stay away from me or I would curse him. He looked like he wanted to say something, but then he looked at my face and left with tail between his legs. I just ran home and started crying when I finally got here... Shit, I'm still crying... He betrayed me... I love Sargon and he betrayed me too... I thought that he would stay by my side... Well, I guess he's just like those others, who just ditched me because I didn't play their clown anymore!!! Fucking traitors... At least Azita is still my friend... If she left me, I couldn't take it anymore...

I feel like shit... I hate myself, because I wasn't good enough for anyone... Not for Salma, not for my so-called ”friends” and now, not for Sargon... Love is just a trap to make you suffer! I was stupid to give my heart to that slimy snob... Well, like agha Akhtar, amme and Hugo have always said, I ALWAYS learn from my mistakes. I will NEVER give my heart to anyone again, mark my words!!!

TRANSLATIONS:

¹ grandpa in Hongas

² the name Sargon means ”king” in Karnassian, the inside joke between Hande and Sargon

My AO3

[currentfandomkick]

Miraculous and the Batboys - Week 3

So i am back(ish) and I bring the Update. Editting is for those with patience and time that i lack. ao3 link HERE

--

A weekend dodging Gina was… eventful. Even moreso when celebrating ‘No More Gabriel Brand’ time was cut short by a barrage of akuma.

All weekend.

Marinette is convinced the man has too much free time.

She would admit (ONLY when no one else was around) that having someone else checking info during battles was nice. Out of the visiting bats, she had come to rank them from least to most irksome: Red Robin (most helpful), Nightwing (helpful), Red Hood (… he was slightly less annoying—he seems to understand she is the leader of the team) then Robin (who can’t get that she knows what she’s doing, AND hurts the minions more than necessary).

Okay, maybe she’s holding a grudge from when they first met (Tikki enjoyed reminding her of that new found habit—grudge holding) but you don’t go around calling a bunch of magic jewelry powered superheroes incompetent before finding out what they’re fighting and how they have to fight!

And yes, this is a hill she will die on.

Chloe and Adrien are in full agreement, well, Queen Bee and Chat Noir are.

“Are you sure we can’t just…” Chat gestured with his eyes to where Robin was perched at the edge, “just a little?”

Marinette didn’t answer him. She turned to Queen Bee. “You need to influence chaton less.”

“Never.”

--

Tim almost collapsed when he saw Marinette on her own. Why?

Because he was Certain that he saw a, a red thing—creature? Poke something out of her purse.

Red was Ladybug’s color. Yep. She’s. Yep—mini Red Robin hard since he’s pretty sure she’s avoiding someone too.

She was too—he knew for a fact she’s avoiding Gina excellently (either hiding at the hotel with Chloe, the teashop or one Adrien Agreste and his… legal cousin but Tim is certain there is something off about that with the Holy Doopleganger Batman! Vibe he got from checking out the pair’s apartment. He now had a fun thing to look into when he’s bored and tired of Hawkmoth Shenanigans).

She’s also… yep. Dodging a bunch of teens he’s certain are her classmates.

And… Damnit demon spawn!

--

Marinette managed to disentangle herself from class parkour (miraculous training as civvies) when she got a text from Damian.

Apparently he wanted to ask how she was handling the whole… Thing with Bustier and Lila.

She wonders if he’s dealt with bullying too, and was looking for advice. She was certain hers was crap, but she did say she’d be around so…

She met up with Damian not too far from the park at a café, nothing fancy, and waited for him to start once they’d placed their orders.

“I know it is a personal matter and not my place to ask, however I would like to know how you have managed to endure the repugnant behavior of our teacher and the harlot.”

Marinette forgot she should think before responding.

“Pretty sure whores and sex workers are paid. She’s more con artist for attention than anything else.”

She missed Damian’s response as the waiter put down their drinks and raised an eyebrow at them.

“Remember the girl that framed me a while back and tried to expel me the first Scarlet Moth round?”

“Ah.” The waiter turned to Damian then. “Don’t insult whore by putting them in with that, well, work and I see my boss so I can’t say what I want again, but we both know what she is, and whores are no where near that level. Politicians, most, whores? No.”

Marinette snorted into her drink as they left.

“And to answer your question, well, I don’t really have a choice.”

Damian narrowed his eyes at that.

Marinette could feel his eyes on her, but couldn’t meet their gaze with this topic. (It still hurt, even though it’s a been years since it began.)

“Lila had everyone charmed or uncertain if she was lying until two weeks ago. Bustier said I had to be a good example and class representative putting that above everything else in my life. Even though everyone knows I’ve been helping run three different businesses on top of handling my program and own business and clientele, and help take care of Fu with a few other small business kids. Nothing could come before the class’s harmony—nothing.”

Marinette took a small bite of her pastry.

“So I saw someone who could force her to listen or have to deal with actively and knowingly violating anti-akuma laws—something she’s only managed to narrowly avoid since, well,” Marinette gestured to herself. “I got tired of constant akumas in class and managed to convince the school board as my last act as class rep to require daily and weekly mental health checks and mitigate potential akuma triggers during weekly checks, daily being more ‘answer these questions honestly’ for stress levels. The system flags major changes, and the students affected see one of the counselors immediately to find ways around what’s bothering them.”

Marinette missed Damian staring at her for that, or how his mouth opened ever so slightly.

“When I stepped down, everyone noticed I wasn’t comfortable alone with Bustier, so it became a rule to stop it whenever they could. The other classes are field specialty and ours is the only one for people doing more than one program or close to.”

Marinette looked up at that with a  smile. “Fashion is my official program, but since I do so much business outside of school, I kept having to take classes to help out early on. I never enrolled in the program officially like Chloe did, but the school has me credited as able to graduate with both programs, so until they can justify opening another multi-program class, I’m not allowed to transfer out of the class and stay in Dupont.”

Her eyes hardened when she said, “And I’m not letting a liar and a Bustier be the reason I left the only school that’s willing to go as far as they have for me program-wise—especially not when I only have a year left.”

Damian nodded at that, deciding he’d have to sic Drake on the harlot either way… perhaps Todd and Gina too. He was feeling spiteful.

--

Marinette decided that when she meets Hawkmoth, she is not only punching him in the face, she is going to do, she doesn’t know exactly what (Tikki has a few ideas that Marinette is certain involve torture) but it will hurt.

Why?

Third akuma on a Sunday. THIRD! What is this man not doing that he was before? She wants to know since whoever freed up his time is on her list now.

Robin was being less annoying (re: tracking the akuma and leaving the minions less battered than usual) while Red Robin was helping the police evacuate affected areas with Nightwing. Somehow Red Hood got it in his head to stick with Chat for “on the job training” her team is trained asshole and she is debating how far she should go when they finish off Hawkmoth for good.

--

Monday was… interesting. The emancipation was approved—Adrien Agreste legally required no legal guardian.

When Gabriel tried to fire Gorilla, well, Adrien pointed out Gorilla had been in Adrien’s employ this whole time as mother hired and paid him from her accounts. Which transferred to Adrien when she was declared dead.

Marinette dreaded the akuma Hawkmoth might cook up using Gabriel. How he wasn’t akumatized again was anyone’s guess.

Class was…

“So last night Damiboo said—“

Marinette put her head on her desk, and decided to raise an eyebrow at a… for some reason ill-looking Damian.

“Is it because you guys share a name?”

Damian blinked.

Adrien turned around then. “Or because someone has commitment issues.”

Marinette squinted at Adrien because… “What?”

Nino sighed. “Adrien is on another MatchMaker spree.”

“ah. Who are the victims?”

“Not touching it dudette, not touching it.”

Marinette snorted. “It’s not like he’s going to match anyone with well,” Marinette gestured at herself.

“Your infamous army.”

“They are not an army.”

“How many ‘relatives’?” Nino used air quotes.

Marinette narrowed her eyes. “Well under a hundred thousand, so not an army.”

“I am counting the fans.”

Marinette scoffed. “They do not count.”

“They do, and I’m pretty sure Adrien’s fan girl army is applicable.”

“Okay, just because they made up titles and help out during akuma evacs does not make them an army—they’d need weapons training, clear chain of command, coded strategies—”

“And the fact you know this only proves my point, you have an army.”

“Who has an army?” Chloe asked as she walked over.

“Marinette.”

“I do not!”

“You do,” Chloe agreed. “Kim!” the boy looked over at that. “Marinette’s ‘family’ is a small army.”

“I, yes?” Kim’s face scrunched up in confusion. “Any one that picked her up had how many knives on them when we were kids?”

Damian turned to her with a suspicious eye.

She blushed. “Nonna’s friends.”

Damian nodded slowly.

Marinette wondered if the earth could just… swallow her up now.

--

The rest of the week was in a similar vein. Constant attacks, the batboys helping, her class being weirdly fixated on her family (they aren’t violent, just… prepared.)

Her gymnastics classes were a godsend, and her instructor was checking up on her more than usual, but that might be her more or less running her own classes and lessons as she worked out her routine, music choice, and requirements for her teammates and partners for her routines on trapeze.

Tim was around more. He got it in his head that she needed “guidance” (and okay, she does) on how to conduct corruption investigations into the whole company’s practices and staff.

Then there was Damian being… distant? She was busy but they weren’t talking as much as they were at first and fine, whatever, she got it. She’s not someone he wants to be around…. It happens.

It just… hurts a little is all.

At least she had Adrien and less secrets there. He was fixated on Damian having “commitment issues” and she thinks he’s trying to set him up with someone (Chloe maybe? Why else would he be this focused…. It’d be interesting explaining she’s pretty sure Chloe like girls better than boys and that Damian isn’t her type. At a later date—she’s too busy to now).

Then she had chores and was called in for a hearing on Bustier which was… interesting…. (her duties weren’t too bad for class president. she wasn’t making lesson plans or anything. The role model and forgiving everyone for hurting her and being told to let Lila walk all over her for years was not okay at all, but any teacher would have said that, right?)

Oh and Gina was now convinced Marinette needed protection and now semi-stalking her (Jason was weirdly close to Jason now and talking to him a lot). So random Grandma Attacks when she wanted to draw in Peace.

Lord Murder was her best stress buddy, and Gina is now well acquainted her. She was also given Gina’s Seal of Approval to take over her house for the purposes of keeping Lord Murder and staying there once her current tenants were out (no seeing it until then… unfortunately. She did get dimensions for cat things though. she may browse a bit obsessively… only a bit.)

--

Tim froze when he ran into Jason with Civilian Chat Noir. And a giant man (Gorilla). At their base. Playing videogames.

“Hey Tim, this is Adrien, Adrien, Tim. Adrien is your mini’s buddy and this is the guy that keeps the harpies away, Gorilla—yes he refuses to tell me his real name—and they’re family now. B can suck it.”

Adrien waved at him before turning back to the game. “I have no idea why he keeps saying that.”

Tim took a deep breath. Apparently adopting strays was just another Bat-thing. “So its nurture, not nature.”

Damian came out, sighed when he saw the group still there, and took a drink into his room while saying. “I did not adopt him.”

Adrien looked back at him then. “You have too many commitment issues to. Don’t worry, though, I’m good at destroying pesky problems like that.”

Tim blinked at that.

Damian sighed as they had this conversation too often now. At school and apparently, his home now. “I am not going to—”

“That’s just your fear talking—we both know that.” Adrien spoke like he was talking to a petulant child. “Why don’t you text your friends and see what they think since I already know the answer and you need more convincing.”

Damian narrowed his eyes. “Jon thinks you are annoying.”

“I’m a delight.” Adrien turned back to his game then.

Jason grinned proudly next to him. A bit too much like a proud parent for Tim’s comfort. (He may also be realizing his keep-his-mini-from-Damian-dating may end up in vain thanks to one Adrien Agreste(?))

--

Dick sent Bruce exactly (1) update: You are a grandpa now—Jason has a blond cat-hero son who can’t dodge.

Bruce may have had a small heart attack as now he has a magic grandson that he never met, apparently controls raw destruction, and is deeply traumatized. (It was the grandpa part that freaked him out—the rest is par for the course as Batman. He’s a Grandpa Alfred—he’s too young for his children to pull a him and adopt tiny traumatized children and train them into (heroes) vigilantes. Alfred stop laughing, he’s being serious!)

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

HEY so thanks for patience with the updates as life is Extra Hell now between puppy training when i'm finally home and work being Extra Hell with longer shifts and more to do during.

And before anyone asks about the peacock!marinette thing, look at the two series I have going with Bronywn as those are ongoing as my stress writes.

Any preferences for next update? Open to ideas as my mind is too stressed to do more than work off a prompt of some kind for the time being, and next to none of this story has been planned so far, so ideas are very welcome to keep it moving forward.

--

@worlds-tiniest-spook-pastry @littleredrobinhoodlum @northernbluetongue @kceedraws @pirats-pizzacanninibles @theatreandcomicfreak @daminett4life @catthhay @weird-pale-blonde-person @amayakans @chocolatecatstheron @tired-butterfly @multplelifes @yin-390 @area51qt @toodaloo-kangaroo @bzz75 @ilovefluffbutsmutisalsogreat @freshbark @soup-served-chilling @daminett4life @smolplantmum @karategirl119 @goblinwhoships @melicmusicmagic @maribat-is-lifeblood @spartanxhunterx @maribat-is-lifeblood @toodaloo-kangaroo

[quicksilversquared]

Cookies and Croissants: Chapter 3/3

As a superhero, saving the world is standard fare. It’s practically expected. But saving one’s civilian friend from her best friend’s off-target assumptions?

Somehow, that’s almost harder.

links in the reblog

If it hadn't been for Marinette and Nino, Adrien probably would have assumed that- somehow, impossibly- Alya hadn't heard about Ladybug and Chat Noir's visit to the mansion. For once, she had clearly put a lid on her curiosity and restrained herself from interrogating Adrien about what the superheroes had said. Alya hadn't stopped theorizing, of course, but she wasn't doing it in front of Adrien, or even in places where Adrien might 'accidentally' overhear.

"She's pretty dead on with her assumptions," Marinette told Adrien as they planned their next "meeting", two days after the first one. It had seemed a bit soon to both of them at first, like they were desperate to be seen, but- well, it made sense that Adrien would want frequent updates. A lot could change in two days, at least theoretically. "She guessed that they were probably just keeping you updated and that there wasn't much to report yet."

Plagg cackled. "Technically, she wasn't completely accurate," he quipped. "As I recall, you tried and failed to talk about the weather, too."

"Okay, yes, but- hey, it's what we intended to have people think!" Marinette protested. "It's what we would have said if we were actually doing the meeting. And I did give an update and there wasn't much to report yet."

"Yeah, that's a bit- well, maybe I had my hopes too high that the Order would be able to help Mom really fast," Adrien sighed, leaning into Marinette's side. She leaned back, solid and comforting, and he relished in the contact. They still had to be careful with how they acted around each other most of the time- whenever people might pop in on them- so the moments when they could be close were fewer than Adrien really would have liked. "I mean, I know they're doing their best, and I really appreciate that they're working so hard to be careful so that Mom doesn't get worse, but today's update was still 'stabilizing and starting research'."

"They did tell us that it could take a while," Marinette pointed out quietly, pulling him closer to her side. "There's a lot of possibilities of what could have gone wrong, and how the magic could have affected her. Acting on the wrong assumption could make it harder to heal her properly once they figure out what the real problem is." Her chin rested against the side of his head, and Adrien couldn't help but smile as she nuzzled him. "D'you want to come over tonight as Chat? My parents commented yesterday that they hadn't seen you around recently."

Adrien perked up. Did he want to come over? Did he ever. "I'd love that."

"I figured you might." Marinette gave his hair an affectionate ruffle, and Adrien gave into the urge to lean into her hand and purr right away. "I'll get out the blankets when I get home."

"Oooh."

"But that's later, and we still have to do today's 'visit'." Marinette peeled herself away from Adrien (who absolutely did not whine at the loss of contact) and reached into her bag, pulling out a small box that Adrien recognized as a Miraculous box. "It's pretty much the same time as the last visit, and regularity is probably a good thing."

"Right, we won't have to do as much to get people to come and look." Adrien glanced over at Marinette. "You know, if you wanted, we have a study room that overlooks the courtyard. You could just transform and stay in there and be able to get a pretty good view of what's going on."

Marinette considered that, then shook her head. "Not this time. I need to be able to be pretty sure that there won't be any surprise pigeons that could disrupt the illusions on their way over. Once I don't have to really catch people's attention, then that would be nice. I'd just have to remember to include a bit of illusion in front of the window, so that no one sees me looking out."

Adrien hadn't thought of that. It was really smart, though. One glimpse of anything Fox-related, and Alya would be on them in a second. With a sigh- he didn't really want to get up- Adrien pushed himself to his feet. "Okay. I'll go out to the steps. Meet you back here afterward?"

"Of course."

Their second 'meeting' went much like their first. Adrien frowned at the gawkers by the gate more openly this time- seriously, didn't any of these people have common decency? Or something better they could be doing?- but only a very few people skittered away.

"We could try to get the Gorilla to shoo them away," Marinette suggested afterwards. She was flopped on Adrien's lap, idly playing with one of her hair ribbons. Her one undone pigtail was splayed out over one of his legs. "Mention that it's annoying to have people taking pictures and trying to listen in. Honestly, it would probably just add to the realism, don't you think? After all, why would anyone bother staging something fake if they didn't want anyone else looking?"

"Except he might do too good of a job." Adrien twisted his fingers through Marinette's loose hair, happy to be able to play with it. "And we still need to get you in a picture or two with Ladybug. Maybe we can do that if people pick up on the schedule and we get, like, bigger crowds or something. He'd probably pick up on it on his own at that point."

"Mm. Right."

"D'you want to add yourself to the illusion sometime next week?" Adrien suggested after a minute. "We can ramp up the closeness at school a bit, so it's not a surprise that you would be over here. Then we can get a picture or two with you and Ladybug out."

"Yeah, sure. I don't think it'll take much, honestly." Marinette leaned into his hand, and Adrien didn't miss the opportunity to brush his thumb across her cheek. "Alya knows that we've hung out together without her and Nino before, and not just when they 'subtly' ditched us."

Adrien had to laugh at that. Now that all of their feelings were out in the open, the truth had come out about their friends' not-so-subtle attempts to set them up had come out, too. And now that he had more context for the weird behavior- the weird behavior from all of his friends, not just Marinette- and he wasn't wondering what he was missing or doing wrong, it was all pretty funny.

"Are we taking bets on if the Ladyblogger is going to start up the matchmaking again soon?" Plagg asked, zipping around to join them now that his cheese was finished. "Or do we think that she's still off on her assumption that Pigtails is dating Chat Noir?"

"I have a name, Plagg," Marinette said with a sigh. She started to sit up, only to stop and flop back into Adrien's lap with a huff of amusement when he let out a whine automatically. "And it's hard to tell what Alya's thinking about that at the moment. She's stopped with the hints and pointed questions and whatnot, but it's hard to tell if she's dropped the idea completely or if it's just that there's so much else going on and there's more important things to worry about."

Adrien worried his lower lip. That probably made things more difficult, then. Marinette would be the one who would have the best idea about what Alya was thinking, and if she didn't have any idea of what Alya thought…

"My guess, though, is that she hasn't forgotten," Marinette spoke up again after a minute. "She's not had any truly conflicting evidence yet, so she hasn't had any reason to drop the idea fully."

"Unless she's realized that her jump to conclusions didn't exactly have any evidence, either," Tikki chimed in. "Isn't that a possibility?"

Marinette snorted. "You're talking about the girl who was convinced that Chloe was Ladybug. No."

Adrien turned red and glanced away. He had been thrown off by Alya's suspicion, too, at least briefly. In his defense, thought, he had assumed that she would have good evidence if she was willing to risk Chloe's wrath. "Uh. Right."

"But I guess it doesn't really matter, not right now," Marinette said. She grinned up at Adrien. "We'll see what happens later, after the other meetings and after Ladybug and Chat Noir start dating."

Adrien grinned back. "I can't wait."

  The next several meetings went smoothly, now that they had gotten into a groove. General public curiosity seemed to have largely dropped off- after all, there were no dramatics and they couldn't hear anything anyway- but a couple tabloid reporters could be counted on to always show up, peering through the gates and snapping a few photos of Adrien and the superheroes before they could get chased off by the Gorilla. A few times, paparazzi had even managed to snap pictures of a girl with Adrien, standing at his side and listening in on part of the conversation before excusing herself to head indoors and give him a bit of privacy with the superheroes.

Alya pounced on Marinette after that, dragging her off to the locker rooms to interrogate her about what she had heard. She was a bit disappointed to hear that Marinette hadn't stuck around long enough to hear anything of interest, but had to admit that it was probably smart to do it that way.

And despite the regular- and frequent- meetings, no one suspected the Fox's involvement at all. Ladybug was good at keeping her illusions safe and far away from anything that might disturb them. On top of that, she had decided one day to add on an illusion of pigeons flying right past Ladybug and Chat Noir, making Chat Noir 'sneeze' and almost giving Adrien a heart attack in the process because she had forgotten to warn him that she was going to do that beforehand. He had been convinced that all of their hard work to separate their identities was about to go up in twin puffs of orange, pigeon-scented smoke, and for it to not do that…

Well, it was lucky for both of them that Adrien hadn't slumped to the ground in relief once the illusions landed safely. That would have looked pretty suspicious, though it was possible that they would have been able to chalk it up to the news: Mrs. Agreste's condition had been fully figured out, treatment had started, and she was already making great improvement with her recovery.

And then, a day after they got the news that Mrs. Agreste had woken up, Ladybug and Chat Noir were seen looking very close in public. Paris went mad when Madam Chamack managed to get her hands on a photo of the two superheroes sharing a kiss over what looked like a midnight picnic.

And Alya was clearly left confused, if the multiple texts consisting entirely of question marks that she had sent Marinette was any indication. Marinette had just sent question marks back, playing dumb about why Alya would be anything besides ecstatic that the superheroes were clearly dating now.

Next to her, Adrien had snickered at the exchange. He had come back to the bakery with her after their picnic (not, of course, without a fair bit of teasing about going home with her on the first date) to help put things away, and he had lingered long enough to watch the entire exchange.

"I would have thought that you would be over the moon about Ladynoir actually happening, Alya!" Rose exclaimed the following morning, when her eager 'Alya! Alya, did you hear?' was met by a long face. "You've wanted it to happen for ages now? What happened?"

"Oh, I, uh…." Alya started, clearly taken aback at being questioned by anyone, and Adrien snickered quietly from his spot next to Marinette. He knew as well as she did that Alya couldn't exactly admit to thinking that Marinette was dating Chat Noir without explaining why, and even with Hawkmoth behind bars she wasn't supposed to tell anyone about her secret identity just in case- but clearly she couldn't explain that she was hoping that she was right about Marinette dating Chat Noir so that she could figure out his identity. And now, since they weren't dating, her dream of finding out who he was that way had gone down the drain. "Uh…"

Neither of the two superheroes felt at all guilty about the destruction of that particular dream. Alya shouldn't have been trying to ferret out their identities in the first place, she shouldn't have been jumping to conclusions, and she shouldn't have been bothering Marinette about the "relationship" at all, even if it had been confirmed instead of just speculation.

"They're so cute, I don't know how anyone could be anything but thrilled!" Rose gushed, apparently not willing to wait for Alya to finish muddling through her half-baked explanation for why she wasn't thrilled about the superhero development. "A midnight picnic on the rooftops of Paris, how romantic! Did you see the candles in the photos? A candlelit midnight picnic!"

There were murmurs from their classmates. Mylène nodded in agreement, clasping her hands together just like Rose. "It's so cute! I do wonder about the timing, though- do you think that they wanted to date before, but didn't let themselves because of Hawkmoth? And then now that-" Mylène caught herself, ducking her head sheepishly as she glanced at Adrien and then away again. "Anyway, now it's safe, and everything's being dealt with, so they can relax and date!"

"Or they were already dating and they were just keeping it secret, like in a novel!" Rose beamed at the thought. "I mean, there were pictures and videos of them kissing and flirting before, but they just denied that they were in a relationship and that things were taken out of context. Maybe that was actually just when they slipped up!"

There were murmurs at that, and then the gossip exploded as people chimed in with interactions that they had seen themselves, if they thought it was romantic, the likelihood that the superheroes had actually been trying to hide a relationship…

The general consensus, from what Marinette could make out in the babble, was that the superheroes would have done a better job of hiding their flirting if they had actually been dating in secret. She supposed that that was about as good as she could hope for.

At least her classmates had some faith in her and Chat Noir. Marinette would have been super embarrassed if they decided that the superheroes just didn't have enough common sense to be able to hide their relationship properly.

"How are you doing, dude?" Nino asked, appearing at Adrien's side. "Let me know if you need to, like, step out or anything."

"I'm good," Adrien assured him, smiling. "I've gotten used to- to everything. And it's not like I'm not interested in Ladybug and Chat Noir anymore or anything. I think it's sweet that they're dating."

Nino looked supremely unconvinced. "You, the ultimate Ladybug fanboy, are totally fine with Ladybug dating Chat Noir instead of you?"

"Chat Noir knows Ladybug, though," Adrien pointed out reasonably, though his cheeks had turned pink. "Way better than anyone else in the city. Are you really going to think that I would throw a fit over someone dating my celebrity crush?"

Nino considered that, then shrugged. "Nah, fair point. I always think of celebrity crushes on being on famous people that you've never met, I guess, and you've definitely met Ladybug. But I can see how that's different!" he added hastily. "Or how meeting Ladybug is kind of like doing meet and greets with bands or whatever. You don't really get to know them, just meet them. They're not, like, suddenly obtainable because you've met them once."

Adrien nodded, a little too fast and jerky. "Yup! Exactly."

Nino narrowed his eyes suspiciously at that, but didn't comment on it, simply shrugging and moving on. "Did you know about it before the news broke? I think you're the person that the superheroes have been in closest contact with."

Adrien blinked. "I… don't follow?"

"Were they being obvious flirts, I think he's asking," Marinette cut in before Adrien could give away anything potentially incriminating. "Which they wouldn't be, right? They always seemed pretty down-to-business from what I saw."

"Yeah, they pass on what they know and then they're off," Adrien agreed. "After answering any of my questions, of course. They have lives to get back to, after all, and they probably have to make excuses to go out and talk to me."

Nino considered that. "Okay, yeah. That's true. But speaking of which…" He glanced around to make sure that they had some privacy- all of their classmates seemed to be caught up in the gossip and speculation about Ladybug and Chat Noir, and Marinette could overhear Alix and Kim tossing the word 'bet' around- and then leaned forward, genuine curiosity and concern on his face. "How's that going? Any word on your mom yet? I heard she woke up."

Adrien grinned. "Yeah! So yesterday, the superheroes told me…"

  Mrs. Agreste returned home once she was fully recovered, accompanied by a police escort to keep away gawkers and people who might have some misplaced anger at her because of Mr. Agreste's actions. Adrien met her at the mansion, with Marinette at his side.

They weren't dating as their civilian selves, not yet. The delay between the superheroes' announcement and theirs would hopefully be a good buffer of time so that people wouldn't associate the two fledgling relationships too closely, and so people wouldn't be so suspicious about the admittedly odd timing of them starting to date right after Adrien's father had been arrested and his mom had been found in a coma. It would also allow time for Emilie Agreste to return to Paris and reunite with her son before also having to adjust to the idea of her only child dating. Adrien thought that his mom would be delighted- despite being married to Gabriel Agreste, she was a romantic at heart- but Marinette was a little more cautious.

She didn't want Adrien's mom to dislike her just because she came back to everything changing too fast and Marinette was an easy target to blame for some of that change. Maybe that wasn't likely, if Adrien was to be believed, but it was better to not make waves. Mrs. Agreste could meet Marinette as Adrien's Very Good Friend, notice the romantic vibes between them, and get eased into the idea of Adrien dating someone a little more slowly.

Tikki thought that it was a good approach, too. Adrien had groaned about it for a little bit- after all, with his mom home, it would be far harder for him to slip out as Chat Noir, so he wouldn't get to do rooftop dates with Ladybug as often- but admitted that it was probably smart. If his mom was having a really hard time adjusting, they could always tell Marinette's parents that they were dating in secret and be able to cuddle there until Mrs. Agreste was more ready to accept their relationship.

Hopefully it wouldn't take long. Having to sneak around wasn't much fun, not after months and months of sneaking and excuses and flat-out lies so that they could go fight akumas. Even though it wasn't serious sneaking- they could probably just tell his mom that they were studying together- it was just…. well, a little exhausting after everything else.

The gates swung open, silent and imposing as ever, freshly oiled by the Gorilla just that morning, and the Agreste family car turned in. Two police cars pulled in neatly behind them, but Mrs. Agreste paid them no mind. She burst out of the car as soon as it pulled to a stop, dashing up the steps towards Adrien with a beam on her face.

"Darling!" she called, scooping him up in her arms. "You've grown! My goodness, you're going to pass me soon at this rate. You look so good! What have you been up to? No one has been able to tell me much. And who is this? Are you Adrien's girlfriend?"

Marinette blinked as the human hurricane that was Emilie Agreste turned to her. "Uh…"

She- she hadn't been prepared for Emilie to be completely eager for Adrien to have a girlfriend. Or- or maybe she wasn't, but she was just excited and so everything was exciting and fine with her and once- well, once everything hit her and she started getting readjusted to life in Paris, maybe she would be less fine with everything.

"Mom, this is Marinette- she's one of my best friends from school!" Adrien told Mrs. Agreste before Marinette could pull herself together. "She wanted to make sure that I wasn't waiting for you on my own, because I definitely would have gone crazy from anticipation."

"That's so sweet of you!" Mrs. Agreste exclaimed. "I'm glad that Adrien has made such great friends at- at school, right? I think I heard something about that."

Adrien nodded, and for the first time, Marinette saw some hesitance there. He had mentioned that his mom had been the one in charge of his homeschooling, at least for the earlier years, so she might be less than pleased about his move to public schools. "Yeah. I wanted to get out and go to classes and- and make friends. And it's been great! I'm learning a lot, and not just school stuff, either! There's a lot of social stuff that I've learned- that I'm still learning-"

"All good things," Marinette added hastily, before Mrs. Agreste could start jumping to conclusions about what kinds of things Adrien might be learning. "Dupont is a really well-behaved school, everyone- well, most everyone- is really nice."

"There's the odd bully, but everyone else is fantastic," Adrien added on. "It's really great, getting to experience group projects and proper presentations and, like, not being the only one answering questions. There's so many different points of view that people bring to the table!"

"I suppose that as long as the school is a quality one, it's probably fine," Mrs. Agreste decided after a moment's pause. "And normally I would assume that it had been properly vetted by Nathalie, but- well, I suspect that she's been a bit distracted. I'll want to have conferences with your teachers. When I get the time, that is." She sighed. "I suspect that I'll be quite busy for a bit. And- well, you're going to be entering lycée soon, I suppose I had better get on researching schools for that, too."

"My parents can send you some materials for the schools that most of the Dupont students end up going to," Marinette offered before Mrs. Agreste could get too wrapped up in lycée worries. "They're good schools, really- well, there's one that's not fantastic, but my parents won't have stuff for that school anyway."

Mrs. Agreste perked up. "Oh, that would be lovely, dear. Yes, yes, I suppose it wouldn't make much sense to look at all of the schools in the city anyway."

"Right," Adrien chimed in. He glanced at the waiting policemen. "Uh, should we see what they want…?"

Mrs. Agreste glanced that way, too, and the policemen took that as their cue to jog up the steps to join them. They smiled at Adrien and Marinette, then turned to Mrs. Agreste.

"We want to let you get settled and caught up with your family, of course, but we just wanted to let you know that the Paris police department is here for you," the shorter of the two policemen told Mrs. Agreste. "Let us know if people give you any trouble or if you need help with anything while you're settling back in. We started the procedure of undoing your status as a missing person as soon as the superheroes found you, so hopefully you won't have too much trouble as far as paperwork goes."

"Thank you," Mrs. Agreste told him. "And thank you to your entire department for arranging my flight home! It was so nice to have someone accompany me and make sure I didn't get lost in the airports on the way home!"

The policeman smiled. "Of course. And we do apologize that we couldn't just magic you back and you had to go through the flights in the first place. The superheroes wanted to use the- the Horse Miraculous, I believe?- to just magic you back home, but unfortunately that just couldn't be done."

Adrien and Marinette winced in unison. Using the Horse had been the plan originally, but somehow the Tibetan government had caught wind of the whole situation and stepped in. They had been none too thrilled with the idea of people magicking themselves over their borders unannounced and unmonitored and had ended up banning it. Which- well, a ban wasn't going to make the magic not work, but it was probably a good idea to act like they were going along with it. After all, Ladybug and Chat Noir would be popping over to the temple when they could for training in the future. If they resisted the government's order for Mrs. Agreste to travel the normal way, that could result in the temple being closely monitored and it would be impossible for them to slip in undetected.

So Mrs. Agreste had flown back to Paris.

"Oh, it's fine," Mrs. Agreste assured him. "I understand, and it wouldn't have made sense to cause an international incident over me. The important thing is that I'm back now!"

The police smiled at that, then quickly said their good-byes and piled back into their cars. They pulled out, and Marinette watched as the gates smoothly swing shut behind them. There were a few gawkers that had been near the gates, but they didn't linger long when the police cars paused.

"Well, now we're on our own," Mrs. Agreste announced, pulling Marinette's attention back to her. She was beaming at her and Adrien. "Why don't we all go inside? I want to hear about everything."

  Marinette and Adrien ended up waiting for two and a half weeks before they decided to "start dating" publicly, but as their civilian selves this time.

And, much to their relief, it went over well. It went over really well. Marinette's parents and their classmates had been waiting for it to happen, that much was obvious, and Mrs. Agreste….

Well, Mrs. Agreste was smugly satisfied with herself for having called it "literally the second that I got back, Adrien, I just knew that you were going to start dating that girl!".

The satisfaction, from what Adrien had told Marinette, was because she had been concerned that she wouldn't know Adrien like she had before and he might seem like a stranger to her now. The fact that she had picked up on the 'strong romantic currents' between the two right away had apparently been incredibly pleasing to her.

Marinette had laughed at that, but it had honestly been worth waiting a couple of weeks to "start dating" just for that reaction alone. It had helped Mrs. Agreste feel even more comfortable than they had anticipated, and that was definitely a good thing. Every time Marinette had seen her Mrs. Agreste had seemed a bit on the flustered side, trying to catch up with everything while still spending as much time with Adrien as she could. With the confidence that her son wasn't a completely different person and hadn't grown into someone unrecognizable- well, everything else didn't seem to be so daunting.

And- well, Mrs. Agreste's obvious approval put both Adrien and Marinette at ease, too, so it was a win on both sides.

Marinette smiled as she joined Adrien in front of the school, twining her fingers with his before they started up the steps together. A lot had changed recently, but- well, it had all been resolved really well. Adrien had a caring (if perhaps a little overly involved) parent at home again, he and Marinette were dating, and their secret identities were safely- well, secret. There were maybe a few odd ends that had to be wrapped up at some point- after all, Chat Noir had been coming over on a fairly regular basis and then suddenly stopped, and Marinette's parents were bound to wonder what had happened to their friendship at some point unless they did something about it- but for now, everything was in a good place.

"Where do you want to go for our lunch date?" Adrien asked, pulling Marinette out of the first musings about what, maybe, they could do about the whole Chat Noir-Marinette friendship situation. "Anywhere in particular?"

"Oh, there's a lovely little place down the street that sells these really good wraps," Marinette said at once, remembering the small store. "And we could either eat there or in the park. It's supposed to be really nice out today."

Adrien nodded enthusiastically. "Yeah! Yeah, that sounds good. I like that idea." He squeezed her hand lightly, sending her an adoring look that she automatically returned and- yeah, maybe it wasn't that much of a surprise that his mom had managed to pick up on their interest in each other. "I like this whole getting to go out on dates publically thing. No more secrecy, no more sneaking around."

Marinette nodded, rolling up onto her toes to press a quick kiss to his cheek, because she could do that now, and it was amazing. "Me too."

Paris was safe, and now- now they could be normal teenagers again.

[toorusquill]

i said i’d write kagevera hcs so here they are 😼 (sending this in again bc i have it somewhere in my notes n while i was going through it i spotted some mistakes so 😔) and this is the list from your post:

✓ your fellow slytherin friend had a mad crush on kuroo (but like who doesn’t tbh) so ofc they dragged u to watch the quidditch team practice solely for this babe when they figured out what time everything was scheduled

✓ and you had your eyes on a specific chaser 👀 (since i headcanon goshiki baby as the seeker) bc ngl he was pretty cute plus you see him around the common room a lot bc y’all are in the same house or just stuffing alarming amounts of food into his mouth @ breakfast

✓ the team was too focused on playing so none of them really noticed you were there for a while but when goshiki was flying around the field trying to catch the snitch again he stopped by when he recognized you two for obvious reasons

✓ he talked to the both of you about the game and just made small talk until kuroo called him out for getting off track, and thats when kags realized y'all were there

✓ he stared at u for a while even after goshiki left bc LETS BE HONEST YOU’RE STUNNING, and when you caught him, he just flashed u an awkward smile bc he didn’t know what else to do 😔🤚

✓ and lets say kags asked goshiki abt you after practice ended out of curiosity and goshiki went to tendou and teru bc he didn’t know much abt you other than your house and name AND WHEN I TELL U TERUSHIMA LITERALLY PULLED OUT A LIST OF ALL THE CLASSES YOU WERE IN AND WHAT TIME EVERYTHING STARTED I-

✓ daishou was just like what the fuck

✓ instead, daishou – the only one with a girl so he already knows LMAO – begrudgingly suggested that kags should ask u for help with his potions class if he wanted to get to know you better (ALL THE POTIONS HOMIE MADE EXPLODED AND SNAPE WENT APESHIT UHH) since he needed MAJOR help with that subject anyways so he did

✓ AHEM MATCHMAKER DAISHOU PLS THANK HIM

✓ and ngl kags n daishou were on good terms, daishou also wanted to piss off oikawa so like

✓ anyways you accepted bc you had extra time on your hands and didn’t mind BUT THE AMOUNT OF EFFORT YOU NEEDED TO PUT INTO TEACHING KAGS SHIT- ITS HARDER THAN IT LOOKS PLEASE YOU’RE ABOUT TO GROW GREY HAIRS

✓ you still continued to teach him though, starting to meet up with each other in the slytherin common room from time to time to review the textbooks so that’s how you and kags started talking

✓ kags starts waving at you when he sees you in the hallways n the corners of his mouth quirks up into a half-smile whenever you wave back :((

✓ anyways once y'all got closer through THE STRUGGLE OF HELPING KAGS WITH HIS CLASSES EVERY WEEKEND BC YOU WERE “HIS ONLY HOPE FOR PASSING,” you two would start eating breakfast together everyday (u also yell at him whenever he eats too quickly bc we already saw what happened at training camp smh), showing up to his practices and games and he shows up to yours if you play, etc

✓ one time at practice you were vibing and i hc oikawa and daishou as beaters so they were hitting the bludger at each other bc they HATE one another with a burning passion and they unintentionally hit it towards you bc while they tried to keep it from crashing into the stands y’all i-

✓ luckily for you tobio swooped in and saved you bc he was already kind of staring at you before this even happened 😔🤚 (while daishou and oikawa were trying to put the blame on each other i-)

✓ and eventually, kags even opens up to you abt his past one night while y'all are just gazing at the stars in comfortable silence which took you by surprise but you gave him words of encouragement, praise, and reassurance nonetheless AND HOMEBOY LITERALLY DIED YOU WERE DEADASS SO SWEET AND PATIENT W HIM ?? hes never really recieved anything like that before so he doesn’t even know how to react

✓ THATS WHEN HE STARTS FALLING FOR U HJDKJSHAJK

✓ he was becoming more shy around you, honestly blushing AT EVERYTHING YOU DO HE THINKS YOU’RE SO PRETTY

✓ shirabu was visibly cringing at all of this sis he dipped he couldn’t stand seeing how awkward y’all were around each other 😔

✓ kuroo finds out hella fucking fast and LITERALLY WONT STOP GRINNING WHEN YOU’RE AROUND LIKE SIR

✓ TERU AND FUTAKUCHI KEEP “ACCIDENTALLY” BUMPING INTO KAGS IN HOPES THAT HE FALLS ONTO YOU LIKE THOSE CLICHE WATTPAD STORIES HJDSALJF

✓ they’re never succcessful tho, kags literally broke a vase once and it gave everyone a heart attack bc mcgonagall was gonna kick their asses when she finds out😔🤚 they tried to gorilla glue the pieces back together i’m-

✓ meanwhile sakusa isn’t even there he’s too busy being a germaphobe

✓ and atsumu won’t stfu abt it kuroo always needs to slap a hand over his mouth whenever you’re around bc u bet he’s taking this opportunity to tell u that tobio likes u smh

✓ anyways fastforward a few months, daishou ended up talking kags into asking u to the yule ball w the help of tendou (bc oikawa refused to be there LMFAO)

✓ daishou even got mika in on it and she bought kags a bouquet of roses to ask u out with and HE WAS GONNA CHICKEN OUT LAST MINUTE BUT TERU AND FUTAKUCHI PUSHED HIM ALL THE WAY TO THE QUIDDITCH FIELD WHERE KUROO HELPED HIM ASK YOU TO SHOW UP AT

✓ when you saw kags with the flowers you were like “I BEEN WAITING FOR THIS ONE, TURN IT UP” bc shit you liked him too but homie is impossible to teach and a literal mess of a human being 😔

✓ manz took a sec to form proper sentences bc he was stuttering sm ??

✓ when kags finally asked u out, THE RELIEF THAT WASHED OVER HIM WHEN YOU DIDNT TURN HIM DOWN LMFAO HE WAS WORRIED

✓ HE WOULDN’T EVEN LOOK AT YOU HOMIE TRIED TO HIDE THE PINK THAT DUSTED HIS CHEEKS WITH THE ROSES HE HELD

✓ fastforward again LMFAO, when i tell u that u almost stumbled backwards and crashed into the tables of food when u saw your manz at the ball bc KAGS IN A TUXEDO UM YES PLEASE

✓ anyways i’ll leave what happens at the ball up to your imagination but allow me to mention how both your feet hurt like a bitch afterwards bc you kept stepping on each other while dancing 😔🖐️

—

ALICE LSDJFAL SORRY I POSTED THIS SO LATE BUT FCKKKK u really made my heart go !!! with these headcanons 🥺 these ARE LITERALLY SO CUTE. i love how you were able to draw interactions with all the boys why haven’t you started a writing blog yet i

goshiki and kags would be good friends ngl and kageyama in a suit at the yule ball…i am LOOKING <3

this was so good. alice i love u and u have stolen my heart once again. u are beAUTIFUL if akaashi doesn’t take you out for stargazing imma have to do it myself

[angelofthequeers]

Hold Me By Both Hands: Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I don’t own ML.

Chapter 9 | Chapter 11 | AO3 link

“And just where are you going?” comes an unwelcome voice as Adrien’s about to head through the front doors. He winces and turns to confront his father, who’s standing on the staircase as he always does when talking to Adrien.

“To get ice cream with my friends, Father,” he says. “You said I could.”

Next to Gabriel, Nathalie clears her throat. “You did, sir,” she says. “Adrien explicitly asked me to find a time when he had no obligations, and you gave your permission when I passed along his request.”

“Hmm.” Gabriel surveys Adrien with cold eyes. They’re grey, just like Marinette’s, but they couldn’t be any more different; while Gabriel’s are chilly and devoid of life, Marinette’s are like warm fire, blazing with the spirit and passion that’s present in everything she does. “How is your piano coming along?”

“I’ve mastered the piece you’ve had me play.”

“Chinese?”

“I got every single exercise right in my last lesson.”

“Fencing?”

“I’m still the best in the class. You can ask Mr D’Argencourt.”

Gabriel continues to stare at Adrien unblinkingly. Adrien holds his head high, willing himself not to gulp or shuffle or show any sign of weakness that his father can latch onto and turn against him.

“Be back by seven o’clock,” Gabriel finally says, and Adrien has to squash down the urge to shriek and start dancing a jig on the spot. “Not one minute later, or this will be your last outing.”

“Thank you, Father!” Adrien blurts out. “Um, what if there’s an akuma attack and I can’t get home?”

Something unidentifiable flickers across Gabriel’s face for a nanosecond. Then his face is smooth and blank as ever and he’s replying, “Then I expect you to hide appropriately and return home as soon as Ladybug and Chat Noir have defeated the akuma. I’m not unreasonable.”

Adrien’s sorely tempted to snort at that but considering that his father’s given him free reign for the evening, that’s probably the quickest way to get himself locked up in his room again. Instead, he smiles and nods and follows the Gorilla out to the limo so that he can meet his friends at the Trocadéro. Marinette, Alya, Nino, Ivan, Mylène, and Lila are already there when he arrives, and their faces light up in unison at the sight of his limo pulling up to the kerb.

“Adrien! Dude!” Nino gives him a bro hug once he makes it over to his friends.

“I’m surprised your dad let you out,” Alya says dryly.

“So am I,” Adrien says. “But I’m not gonna complain. Um, Lila, can you please not hang off me?” he adds when Lila tries to latch onto his arm.

“Oh! I’m sorry that you’re uncomfortable!” Lila says. “We’re just very physical in Italy. It’s how we show affection among friends.” She looks like she’s going to try and grab his arm again but thankfully, the looming presence of the Gorilla behind Adrien dissuades her, and so she settles for standing as close to him as she can without the Gorilla scowling at her. It’s still too close, but at least Adrien can breathe.

“We’ve got an escort?” Marinette says.

“Yeah,” Adrien says, “We can’t drive to find André, so he has to tag along. Is that…okay?”

“Sure!” Marinette smiles and waves at the Gorilla, but his face is as impassive as it always is. “So, guys, where’s André today?”

“The deal with André and his ice-cream cart is that you never know where he's gonna be!” Nino says, already tapping away on his phone. “You gotta follow his clues to find out where he's gonna set up!”

“The first time Mylène and I wanted André's ice-cream, it took us three hours to find his cart!” Ivan says and wraps an arm around Mylène with a laugh. “Do you remember?”

“Yeah!” Mylène chuckles in response.

“Hey! Someone posted a photo!” Nino cries. “He’s on his way to the Pont des Arts!”

“Let’s go!” Mylène grabs Ivan’s hand and takes off. Lila looks like she’s going to make a grab for Adrien again, so he turns to Marinette and hauls the surprised girl onto his back before she can react.

“Last one there’s a rotten akuma!” Adrien says and breaks into a sprint, carrying Marinette with him and leaving Nino, Alya, and the Gorilla to bring Lila. Okay, so maybe this is a little mean…but honestly, Adrien’s asked Lila not to touch him and he’s repeatedly made his discomfort obvious, so he doesn’t feel as bad as he thought he would for leaving her behind. Marinette’s giggling in his ear is just further proof that he’d made the right choice, especially because she’s got her arms and legs wrapped tightly around him to secure herself without constricting him and feeling him up, as Lila might have done. “Is this okay, Marinette? Sorry I didn’t ask you first –”

“Don’t apologise!” Marinette rests her chin on his shoulder, her hot breath ghosting across his skin as she continues to laugh, and he has to fight back the sudden shiver that threatens to break free and ravage his body. Huh? “I’m glad you’re having fun, Adrien.”

Being Chat Noir must be paying off, because Adrien’s surprised to find that he’s not tired in the least from carrying Marinette as they near the Pont des Arts bridge, where a fat, jovial man is singing in front of an ice cream cart. Ivan and Mylène are waiting, and the way they raise their eyebrows as Adrien draws level with them and sets Marinette back on her feet is…odd. Why are they looking at him like that?

“How sweet of you, Adrien,” Alya pants when she, Nino, Lila, and the Gorilla finally arrive just moments later. Lila looks very disgruntled, probably from being left behind, although Adrien can’t help but wonder if the way she’d directed her look at Marinette for a split second is just his imagination.

“It was a spur of the moment decision, honestly,” Adrien says, shooting a glance at Marinette. Her cheeks are flushed pink and for a brief moment, Adrien’s mind is drawn back to his visit last week, when he’d pinned her underneath him as Chat Noir. And okay, that had been a joke, but…why can’t he stop thinking about it, and why does he just want to touch Marinette every chance he gets?

“My name is André! André Glacier, the sweetheart matchmaker!” André sings nearby, ringing the bell on his cart. “With one scoop or two, I'll find love for you with magical ice cream flavours! My name is André! André Glacier, the sweetheart matchmaker! With one scoop or two, I'll find love for you with magical ice cream flavours!”

“Let’s go!” Alya claps her hands. “I wonder what flavours he’ll give us, Nino!”

Iva and Mylène are the first to reach the cart, and André’s face lights up when he sees them.

“Striking young Ivan and dear sweet Mylène!” he cries as he starts to scoop up an ice cream for them. “Chocolate, praline, and white nougat for you! A special concoction to keep your love true!”

“I wonder what I’ll get,” Adrien whispers to Marinette as Alya and Nino approach for their ice cream.

“Ah, these two, I’ve never seen!” André says. “This is your first time here with me?”

“Yeah!” Nino and Alya laugh, taking each other’s hands.

“Probably candy cane, for your father’s tie,” Marinette says, and Adrien devolves into a coughing fit from the sudden bubble of laughter that shoots up into his throat. “Oh my gosh! Are you okay, Adrien?”

“He’s choking!” Lila gasps. “I know the Heimlich manoeuvre, but my wrist is –”

“I’m fine,” Adrien forces out, wiping his eyes. Even the Gorilla’s lips are twitching now that he’s sure that Adrien isn’t in danger. “I just – sorry, that was just hilarious.” How has he never realised just how funny Marinette is? It’s truly a delight to be around her now that she’s so open around him and can string together more than two words. If not for Ladybug, he might have liked Marinette –

Whoa. Wait. Where the hell did that thought come from? Marinette’s a very good friend and that’s all.

“Adrien next!” Alya says and pushes Adrien towards André, who beams.

“Ah, hello to you!” he says and twirls his scooper. “Let us see what André can do!” He starts to form the ice cream of Adrien’s heart in front of Adrien’s eyes, singing, “Strawberry chocolate chip, with blackberry for her hair and vanilla blueberry for her sweet stare!”

Ladybug? Is his ice cream Ladybug? Adrien’s heart races as André hands him the ice cream. The colours certainly match…but what does the vanilla mean? Does that stand for her grey eyes in her civilian form? If only he knew who she could be…

“And you, pretty young miss!” André says to Marinette as she draws level with Adrien. “I have the perfect ice cream to give you bliss! Lemon for his hair, peach pink like his lips, and mint for his eyes! Eat this, my dear, and your love will materialise!”

“O-Oh!” Marinette’s cheeks flush to the colour of Adrien’s strawberry ice cream as she takes the ice cream. “Um…thanks!”

“I wonder who that could be,” Alya drawls, and Marinette’s cheeks darken. Adrien blinks. Marinette’s in love with someone? Who could it be? Someone with blond hair and green eyes –

Wait. Is she…in love with Chat Noir? The blackberry ice cream in Adrien’s mouth nearly trickles out when his jaw drops, so he’s forced to turn away momentarily to swallow the ice cream and avoid turning into a mess in front of his friends. She had mentioned liking someone who plays video games and is associated with the colour green, and Chat Noir has green eyes…but how did she know he likes video games?

“Oh, Marinette, that’s so sweet!” Lila simpers. “I can’t believe your ice cream is Adrien!” She gasps and covers her mouth, while Marinette lets out a high-pitched sound and Alya, Nino, Ivan, and Mylène freeze. “Oh no! I’m so sorry! I didn’t mean to let that slip!”

“Wait,” says Adrien around his suddenly-swollen tongue. Oh. Oh. “Marinette has a crush on me?”

The ice cream tumbles out of Marinette’s hands and splatters on the ground, causing André to gasp. But before he can even attempt to make an ashen-faced Marinette another one, she lets out what sounds horrifically like a sob and turns to hightail it out of there.

“What the hell, Lila?” Alya hisses. “Why’d you have to go and do that to her?”

“I’m so, so sorry!” Lila wails, although Adrien can’t shake the nagging feeling that she’d deliberately let that slip. “I didn’t think – oh my gosh – I hurt Marinette! I hurt my friend! I’m such an awful person!”

“No, you’re not!” Mylène rushes to comfort Lila. “It was a mistake!”

“I’m gonna go after her,” Adrien says hoarsely. But Alya shakes her head and throws an arm out to stop him before he can move.

“You’re the last person she’ll want to see,” Alya says. “Just…trust me. Let her deal with it. I’ll go and let her cry it out on me in a bit.”

A drop of vanilla ice cream with a vein of blueberry drips onto Adrien’s hand, and he swallows and hands his ice cream back to André. “Thanks, but I think I lost my appetite,” he says.

“But –!”

Adrien shakes his head and takes off in the opposite direction to Marinette before André can try and convince him to stay, the Gorilla following immediately. Once he’s reached the bottom of the bridge stairs, he sighs and lets his shoulders slump.

“I think I want to go home,” he mumbles. The Gorilla nods and heads back for the Trocadéro where the limo is parked, and Adrien follows, lost in his swirling thoughts.

The sun’s nearly set by the time they get back to the mansion. For once in his life, Adrien’s grateful that his father’s nowhere to be seen, because it means that he’s able to make a quick escape to his room without being stopped and subjected to a thousand questions.

“Lila said that deliberately, didn’t she?” is the first thing out of Adrien’s mouth as soon as his bedroom door is shut.

“What do you think, loverboy?” Plagg drawls, wriggling his way free from inside Adrien’s shirt. “Every other person managed to avoid “accidentally” letting it slip.”

“But why? Why would she do that?” Adrien starts to pace, to try and sort out the chaos in his head. “She had to know that Marinette would be upset!”

“Maybe that’s what she was aiming for?” Plagg says with an eyeroll.

“She’s never been mean before, though. A shifty liar, yeah, but she hasn’t been outright nasty. Maybe it was a mistake?”

“Kid. Not everyone’s got a tragic backstory. Some people are just rotten.”

Adrien sighs and runs a hand through his hair. “I have to talk to Marinette. I have to make sure she’s alright. And I don’t want her to get akumatised because of it.”

“Yeah, ‘cause you’re the person she really wants to see right now.”

“Not Adrien, sure. Plagg, claws out!”

“Oh, come ooooon –!”

The best thing about being a dark superhero is that Chat Noir’s pretty much invisible as he bounds through Paris at night, so no one’s staring at him and pointing and speculating if there could be an akuma. When he makes it to the Dupain-Cheng bakery, his stomach starts to churn at the sight of a dark-haired figure leaning on the balcony railing with her head bowed, and for a moment, he just sits on his rooftop and stares and wonders why all he wants to do is squeeze her and never let her go. But then Marinette’s shoulders spasm, and Chat Noir’s in motion before he can even think about it, leaping over to perch on the railing next to her.

“Chat Noir!” Marinette jumps back with a hand over her heart. “You scared the hell out of me!”

“Sorry, princess.” Chat Noir attempts to smile, but all he can manage is a small twitch of his lips. Marinette immediately picks up on this.

“What’s wrong?” she says.

“Nothing.”

“Uh huh.”

“No, really, nothing’s wrong with me. I, uh…heard about what happened.”

“Oh.” Marinette crosses her arms and looks away. “Did my friends ask you to come and play therapist?”

“Your friends don’t even know I’m here,” Chat Noir says. “Well, most of them. Actually…Adrien asked if I could come and make sure you’re okay. He figured you wouldn’t exactly want to see him right now.”

“Wow, and I thought he was oblivious,” Marinette mumbles. But she turns back to face Chat Noir and unfolds her arms, and Chat Noir’s heart lurches at the sight of her cheeks glistening in the orange Parisian streetlamps. Did he really cause her that much pain? How had he never noticed before? The stammering, the nervousness around him…

“He is,” Chat Noir says with a little shrug. “He didn’t realise that till Alya told him. Uh, that’s what he said to me.”

Marinette snorts. But she gestures for him to jump down next to her, so that’s a good sign at least.

“I thought I was finally getting around my c-crush on him,” she says, hunching over the railing and using the balls of her feet to rock herself. “Ti – uh, a friend told me to focus on being his friend, to forget about asking him out, because that’s when I’d turn into a mess around him. And it was working! I still l-liked him, but I could actually talk to him. And then – then Lila said that, and the look on his face, and I just – it was like every nightmare I’ve ever had about being turned down, because I forgot that he didn’t actually know that I was crushing on him.”

“He doesn’t hate you for it,” Chat Noir says. “He’s flattered. Really. Or he wouldn’t have asked me to talk to you. So, um…what made your friend tell you that? If you don’t mind me asking?”

“I just realised a few things.” Marinette’s mouth twists in a way that doesn’t suit her at all, and Chat Noir would Cataclysm whoever she asked him to just to avoid seeing that distorted smile ever again. “Like when we got grouped with Lila for a class exercise and I got so competitive with her for Adrien’s attention. I didn’t like the person I was becoming just to get him to notice me. I realised that I was better off with him being a friend I could talk to instead of…you know, someone I couldn’t even function around. But I’m so glad I’m his friend. I still love how sweet and nice he is.”

“Sweet and nice. Sounds…generic.”

“Don’t be rude, kitty.” Marinette grabs the black-gloved hand resting on the metal railing. “I know everyone thinks he’s just some perfect little angel, but I know that he’s a sweet person! I know that when he really smiles, not his bland model smile, his eyes light up and his whole face smiles, not just his mouth! I know that he’s a lovely person when he could have turned out to be a mean jerk like Chloé – heck, I assumed that about him at first and I thought he was the one to put gum on my seat, until I realised that he’s everything Chloé isn’t! I know that he’s lonely and appreciates genuine friendship and heartfelt gestures over fake social status stuff, which is why I didn’t say anything when he thought the blue scarf I knitted for him was from his father, because I knew how much it meant to him to think it was from his dad!”

Chat Noir freezes, staring at Marinette with wide eyes and an open mouth. Is that really what Marinette thinks of him? Is that really how she sees him? And the scarf – the scarf that she’d knitted, it had been her, but she’d let him think it was from Gabriel just to make him happy, when any other person would have made sure he knew it was them? Dear lord. How has he never noticed just how amazing Marinette Dupain-Cheng is before now?

“You made that scarf?” is the first thing he says when he finally finds his voice again. Marinette squints at him.

“You’ve seen it?” she says. “Wait…do I –” She cuts herself off, no doubt to refrain from asking if she knows him. Oh, if only she knew.

“You do,” Chat Noir shrugs. “But that doesn’t matter. I…” He pauses for a second to gather his thoughts and recall what Ladybug had said about him on the night of their interview, when she’d confessed her own feelings for Adrien. “I know Adrien, okay? Really well. And he hates it when people say they’re in love with him, because they’re not. They’re in love with…the bits of information they’ve got that they blow up in their own minds as some perfect image of him. They’re the people at school and around Paris who chase him and scream for him to marry them and give them his babies.” He gives Marinette an odd grin and adds, “Sounds like you’re a great friend of his, though, if you like him for who he is rather than for what he can give you.”

“Yeah. And I’m happy being his friend. At least now I can talk to him without stammering like an idiot.”

“That sounds absolutely adorable, purrincess,” Chat Noir teases. Marinette whines and leans over to punch him on the shoulder.

“Don’t make fun of me!” she says. “That’s the last time I talk to you!”

“Okay, okay, sorry!” Chat Noir says, holding his hands up in surrender. “For what it’s worth, I think he loves having such a cute friend like you.”

“Chat!” Marinette scowls, and she’s so adorable right now that Chat Noir can’t even. His mind traitorously reminds him of the bed thing, but he shoves that aside because he’s not going to think about that. “I – you can’t just say something like that!”

“I can if it’s true,” Chat Noir smirks. He takes her hand and kisses the back of it, and Marinette’s face looks like it heats up by about a thousand degrees. Ah, so his dashing cat charms are finally getting to her. The implications of how irrationally happy he is about that thought are something that he’s very firmly going to suppress, just like his emotions around his father.

“I – thanks for listening to me,” she finally says. “You didn’t have to let me dump on you.”

“Sometimes, it’s good to let other people help you,” Chat Noir says and nudges her. “And you helped me a lot, princess, not just tonight but every other time you’ve let me hang out here. You’ve helped me realise some stuff I needed to hear. And you’ve graced me with your ameowzing compurrny when I was feline down.”

“One more pun and I’ll push you off this balcony,” Marinette threatens, though she’s also grinning. Good. Sure, Chat Noir’s a serial punner, but he only tends to chain them like that when he’s trying to lift someone’s spirits, and it looks like he’s succeeded with Marinette.

“Don’t you know that cats always land on their feet?” he says.

“Science is all about experimentation, right?”

“Then you should fall with me. It wouldn’t be fair to just make a super handsome superhero fall off a balcony.”

“But I’m not a cat,” Marinette says with a triumphant jab of her finger. Chat Noir pretends to clasp at his heart.

“The princess has defeated me!” he cries, and his heart soars when that wrenches a giggle out of Marinette. A few moments later, he holds his arms out, waiting until she leans in before wrapping them around her, squashing her in a tight hug. She melts into the embrace and hugs him back, and her smell of strawberries and vanilla invades his nostrils, involuntarily relaxing his whole body like he’s been rolling in catnip. “You know…Adrien’s actually told me about you before.”

“He has?” Marinette moans into his chest. “He’s probably told you all about what a weird loser I am –”

“Actually, quite the opposite,” Chat Noir says. “Didn’t you listen to me, princess? And if he did say that, I’d kick his butt for you. No, he’s told me that you’re…sweet. That you’re always there with a smile and a hug and some homemade pastries when he’s having a hard time at home. That you’re so brave that you stand up to Chloé when no one else will. That…you’re one of his dearest friends, and he really appreciates you, even if he didn’t have feelings for you in return.”

“Oh,” is all Marinette can say faintly as she pulls away just enough to be able to see his face. Her grey eyes are dark in the glow of the streetlights, piercing but soft, and for the briefest of moments, she reminds Chat Noir so much of someone, but the thought slips away before he can latch onto it. “Um…yeah, he did tell me that he valued me as a friend.”

“Then stop doubting yourself,” Chat Noir says. “He wouldn’t say something like that if he didn’t mean it.”

“You’re right. It’s just…I guess I needed to hear it from someone else to confirm it. I hate my brain.”

“Well, I happen to like it. And the girl it belongs to.”

“Oh, stop it, you mangy flirt,” Marinette says, swatting his chest. He breaks the hug so that they can lean against her balcony side-by-side, though he keeps his arm around her. “Thanks, Chat. I think I needed that.”

“Anytime, princess.” Chat Noir squeezes her. “At least I can report to Adrien that my mission was a success.”

“Yeah, that’s the only reason you came,” Marinette drawls. “I think –” The balcony rumbles before she can finish her sentence.

“Look out!” Chat Noir grabs Marinette in a bear hug and yanks her away from the railing at the sight of the gigantic freaking ice cream snowman that’s stomping through the streets. The snowman slowly turns its head to look at them, raising its hand to aim right at their huddle, but just as Chat Noir’s preparing his baton to deflect an incoming attack, the snowman lowers its hand and thumps away.

Huh. Okay, then.

“Lila!” the snowman calls. “The breaker of hearts! Glaciator will turn you into a work of art!”

“André?” Marinette gasps. Suddenly realising how tightly he’s holding her to him, Chat Noir clears his throat and drops his arms.

“The sweethearts ice cream maker? He isn’t looking too sweet right now,” he quips.

“I don’t think he’s very happy with Lila either,” Marinette says. “You’d better go protect her, kitty cat.”

“It’s like you don’t want me here,” Chat Noir sniffs. Marinette rolls her eyes.

“You think I want to imagine you taking Lila for a moonlit stroll through Paris? Just go do your job.”

“So long as you hide in your room and don’t come out till he’s beaten.”

Marinette salutes and heads for her trapdoor. But before Chat Noir can bound off, she grabs his tail.

“Chat Noir?” she says. “Thanks for cheering me up. It means more than you think.”

“Well, after all the times you’ve let me impawse on you, it was the least I could do,” Chat Noir says. Marinette’s face falls flat at his pun.

“Get out of here,” she deadpans. Chat Noir grins cheekily and leaps off after Glaciator to find Ladybug and protect Lila, and a part of him wishes that it was Marinette he got to take for a moonlit stroll instead of Lila. Because Marinette’s his friend. And because he’s mad at Lila. That’s exactly it. Man, he’s so in-tune with his feelings. Him, oblivious? No way.

[headfulloffantasies]

Not So Different

5 things that are different between Spider-verses

1 

The Spider-people kept in touch once they realised they could universe hop. Miles hung out mostly with Gwen and Peter B. They went for snacks, and walks in the park, and helped each other on patrols. 

After a few weeks, Peter B invited Miles and Gwen over to his apartment to watch Star Wars. His universe was very bright, Miles thought. It was hard to see how the depressed Peter B could come from a world so full of colour. If Miles had his markers, he would love to sit in Central Park and sketch.

Peter’s apartment was cleaner than the first time Miles had been there. The dishes were put away and there was more than cold pizza in the fridge. It was obvious B was making an effort for MJ. They had been talking, Peter said. Miles was confident they’d be together again by the end of the year. 

Gwen and Miles took the couch. Peter threw himself on the rug. 

“Floor’s better for my back,” he said. 

The movie started. Miles kept sneaking glances at Gwen in the blue light of the TV.

“I thought C3PO was silver.”

“Shh.”

“Ian McKellen played Obi Wan in my ‘verse.”

“Shut up.”

The comments gradually died off as the movie progressed. Miles was trying to figure out how he could casually sling his arm over Gwen’s shoulder without Peter noticing. He started to creep his fingers over the back of the couch.

They’d reached that pinnacle moment of the movie. “No… I am your father.”

Gwen say bolt upright and screamed. “Holy crap! He’s Anakin?”

Miles startled, almost toppling off the couch.

“I thought you said you’d seen this?” Peter asked without looking.

Gwen grabbed Miles’ arm. “Why is Vader not Padme?”

“Padme?”

“Luke I am your mother!” She yelled, waving at the TV. “What is this?”

Peter and Miles exchanged a glance. “Do you have a different Star Wars?”

Peter interrupted. “Gwen, tell us Darth Vader’s Story.”

Gwen took a gulp of breath and started, “Okay, so Padme fakes her death in childbirth and vows vengeance on the Jedi for killing Anakin and she becomes Darth Vader. She raised Leia but she thought Luke was dead until they meet up again.”

Miles sat in stunned silence. “That’s not how this one goes.”

Gwen flapped her hands, “But then where’s the battle for the crown?”

“What crown?”

“Leila’s a princess, and Luke should be a prince, yes? But they’re twins and no one knows who was born first so they don’t know who is supposed to get the throne.”

Peter frowned. “Does Padme not know which child was born first?”

Gwen scowled, “She was a little busy giving birth to the second. It’s one of the greatest mysteries of Star Wars!”

She stared back and forth between their baffled expressions. “The whole second trilogy is based around the Skywalker crown.”

“Your Star Wars sounds way better than ours.”

2

Gwen had to laugh when Peter B told her Tony Stark was a hero in his ‘verse. In her universe Tony Stark was the playboy billionaire creator of Starkbucks, the overpriced coffee chain.

Miles glared at the chalkboard menu on the Starkbucks patio. 

“Pineapple should only ever be on pizza.” Miles spat.

Gwen sipped her pineapple mango frappuccino. “I like it.”

“Pineapple in drinks is weird.”

“I don’t get it man. It’s a fruit.” Peter said. 

“So’s a tomato.” Miles shot back.

Peter drank his black coffee and made a face. Served him right. No one came to Starkbucks for real coffee. 

Gwen waited until Miles took a big gulp of his drink, “In my universe we put pineapple in spaghetti.”

The spray of caramel chip macchiato was wide and satisfying.

3

Miles lay back on his bed and spoke into the phone. “You’re working in Hell’s Kitchen tonight?”

“Yeah,” Gwen sighed over the speaker. 

“Why don’t you ask Daredevil for help?”

The phone was silent for so long Miles thought the universal signal must have dropped.

“I’m not going to Murderdock.”

“What?” Miles sat bolt upright. “Why do you call him that?”

“He’s a murderer. The kingpin of New York.”

“Holy crap,” Miles breathed. He couldn’t match mild mannered Matt Murdock with Daredevil most nights. Nevermind thinking of him as a criminal mastermind. 

“Wait, what happened to the real Kingpin? Wilson Fisk?”

“Murdock killed him.”

“Matt, no.” Miles groaned.

“You know yours?” Gwen asked.

“Yeah, he’s a lawyer. And he’s blind.”

“So’s mine. Blind lawyer criminal scumbag.”

“Gwen, I’m so sorry.” Miles loved his Matt Murdock. Guy was a puppy dog until you let him loose on the streets in his costume. He brought Miles snacks on their team-ups. He had a laugh like a seal barking. 

Miles scrubbed a hand over his face. “It seems like all my heroes are their worst selves in your ‘verse.”

“Yeah…” Gwen trailed off. Miles fidgeted.

“Gwen?”

“What if this is the worst universe?” She asked quietly. “What if I’m the worst Spider-person?”

“You’re not,” Miles assured her.

“But you’re right. I’ve got no Iron Man, and Captain America hates me, Daredevil’s a criminal, Harry turned himself into a monster, and Peter…”

“I’m sorry,” Miles could think of nothing else to say.

“I just,” Gwen’s breath hitched. “I just need one person to be on my side. Just one.”

Miles’ heart skipped. “You’ve got me.” It passed like a confession over his lips.

A soft glow pulsed next to his head. A white gloved hand pushed through the light. Miles took it and pulled. Gwen fell through the tear in the universe. Miles wrapped her in a hug as her shoulders shook. 

4

Miles was jumping to visit Peter B’s Central Park. Peter didn’t see how the park could be any different from his, but Miles insisted. 

“The colours are different. Like, more saturated,” he tried to explain. Peter didn’t get it. But he took Miles and Gwen tagged along. They stopped for ice cream and watched the ducks while Miles scribbled in his notebook. This was nice. Peter leaned back on the bench with a kid on either side.

Miles tossed his ice cream trash in the bin. “Yeet.”

Gwen scoffed. “It’s yote.”

“It’s not.”

“Do you seriously say Yeet?” Gwen leaned around Peter to make a disgusted face at Miles.

“Yes,” Miles closed his notebook.

“I think I just threw up in my mouth.”

“Wait, what about Kobe?”

“Kobe?” Peter was lost. “For accuracy?”

“No, it’s Lebron,” Gwen corrected.

“I love Lebron James,” Miles said the name in a weird voice.

Gwen scowled. “I recognise the meme you’re trying to do, but it’s Serena Williams.”

“No!” Miles groaned.

“What do you have against the greatest basketball player of all time?”

“She plays basketball?” Peter asked.

“Yeah. The Raptors won the championship because of her.” Huh. Remind Peter to ask if she played women’s basketball or if the NBA was a mixed gender sport.

“She’s a tennis player here.” Peter offered.

“She’s a swimmer in my ‘verse.” Miles nodded.

“No!”

“Wait, what about the pikachu reaction meme?” Miles asked to Peter’s bewilderment. 

“Oh, ‘cause of the face he just made?” Gwen poked Peter’s cheek. He batted her away. “It’s not pikachu, it’s bulbasaur.”

Miles nodded. “Ok, cool. What about Galaxy brain?”

Peter stood up and walked away. The two could bicker about internet fads all they wanted. He was going to feed the ducks.

5

“What do you mean penguins are extinct?” Peter gasped.

“I don’t know, man,” Miles held his hands up. “There was an earthquake and Antarctica sank or flooded or whatever and now there’s no penguins except in captivity.”

Peter scrutinized Miles through squinted eyes. The kid liked to mess with him. Penguins couldn’t be extinct, right? That was a joke?

“Um, can you put me down?” 

Peter hadn’t even realised he’d lifted Miles up by the front of his hoodie. Peter carefully set Miles back on his feet.

“When did this happen?” Peter demanded.

“I don’t know,” Miles shrugged. “Like, thirty years ago?”

Peter gasped. “Does that mean you’ve never seen a penguin?”

“Um, no?”

“Field trip,” Peter grabbed Miles’ arm and yanked him through the space between universes. If he focused, he could materialise them right outside the zoo gates. Actually, they should grab Gwen too. Did her universe have penguins? Who cared. The zoo was the perfect place for the kiddies to get closer. Peter could just slip away while they were watching the gorillas or whatever, and presto, instant date. Peter smiled to himself. He was such a good matchmaker.

[sairenharia]

Queen of Secrets pt. 4

Part 3

AO3

The link for a top of the line laptop and a text. 'One hour of your time. You don't have to agree to anything, don't have to answer anything, just hear me out, and that's yours. Or any computer of similar value, but according to Max, most any nerd would love it.'

Leave it to Chloe to request something while insulting someone.

Alya still pondered just saying no. It IS Chloe, after all, and they've never made it a secret how much they hate each other.

...but it is a very nice laptop and she's been thinking about getting a laptop. Her phone is good for basic posting, but anything heavy duty required her desk top. Having a laptop would be really nice. And she can't pretend she's not curious. The fact Chloe is being this blunt has to mean something. And she can't think of anything she's done to earn Chloe to put in the effort to actually trick her into some humiliation. It's one thing to take the opportunity when it presents itself, but usually it takes earning it for her to go out of her way.

Plus it'd give her a chance to ask Chloe a few questions of her own. Marinette and Chloe have been weird lately. They've never gotten along, usually only hang around each other when Adrien was around or if Chloe was trying to provoke her. Lately though, Marinette keeps staring at Chloe like she's about to have a panic attack and that would be cause for pure alarm if Chloe was throwing back smug looks or some kind of taunt. Instead, she seemed to ignore Marinette completely. Even when talking with Adrien, she was more focused on him then how Marinette might be reacting.

It's weird and Marinette kept saying it was nothing.

After some long deliberation, she finally agrees, but only if they're talking out of public eye and Chloe has to let her hold her phone so she doesn't try to take any videos. She knows Chloe isn't actually dangerous, and if it is a humiliation plot, there's only so much she can do while they're alone. Plus it keeps whatever Marinette is freaked out about private.

It's clear by the curt reply that Chloe is annoyed, but agrees.

So Alya comes to Chloe's room in the Grand Paris. They get drinks, Alya gets what is actually the best thing on the menu in regards to snacks because she knows her mother's cooking, thank you very much, and it's almost like a tea party except Chloe is handing over her phone with a look at Alya like she's taking her baby as well as a card for the website. "That has enough money to pay for the laptop plus warranty. I'm sure you'll need it," Chloe said.

Well, Alya can't say she's wrong. "Let me just check," she said, pulling out her phone even as Chloe rolls her eyes. She goes to the website and checks the balance on the card. And there it was. She hummed and pocketed the card and her phone and set Chloe's phone down on the floor beside her feet. "All right. You have one hour," she said.

"You're far too kind," Chloe said with all the insincerity she could muster. "I know you want to ask, so let's get it out of the way, but I'm not letting you drag it out," she said, picking up her tea to take a sip.

"What did you do to Marinette?" Alya asked, glaring at the girl.

"Absolutely nothing," Chloe said, prim and calm. "I found out something. She knows I know."

"And you threatened to tell?" Alya demanded.

"No, I have no intentions of telling anyone," she said.

And that. Catches Alya off guard. "....you can't expect me to believe you. You hate Marinette!"

"Yes, but I know Adrien finding out about her little crush isn't going to be the world ending event she's convinced herself it is," Chloe said with a scoff.

And that...

Well, yeah, that WOULD explain it, wouldn't it? Really, Alya loved Marinette, she did, but the girl jumped to some pretty big conclusions. She seemed convinced if Adrien found out about her feelings, he'd either be madly in love with her, or would try to get her exiled to Tibet. Of course she'd freak out if Chloe of all people 'found out' even though it was obvious to most people with eyes that Marinette had feelings for Adrien.

"Seriously? That's what the girl has been stressed out about?" Alya asked, lightly facepalming.

"I know! It's actually sad enough, I can't even enjoy taunting her with it," Chloe said with a despairing shrug.

"Is that really why?" Alya asked, disbelieving.

"Hmm. Well. She did throw that party for me. Maybe I'm a little grateful," Chloe said, picking up a cream puff. "Feel free to tell her, I'm sure she'll never believe you. No one else will."

Alya scowled and sat back, crossing her arms. "I'm not sure I believe that's the only reason why she's freaked out."

"Then ask her. I'm not a monster, despite what you might think," Chloe said dryly. "I have limits to what I might do, even to Dupain-Cheng."

Which. Alya did actually believe. Oh, she hated Chloe, without a doubt. But what Chloe didn't know was that she was Rena Rouge. She knew despite Chloe being Chloe, it was obvious she had been dedicated to being a superhero. She had even apologized after losing Mayura. She had handed back the Miraculous with a surprising amount of grace. Chloe was a terrible person, could be outright vile, but she knows she's caused less Akuma's lately, and no one can put that much effort in a life or death scenario and NOT have something noble in them.

It's like Mylene said. It's just really deep down.

Alya considered her a few moments more and she sighed. "All right. I'll believe you. For now. Why am I here?" She asked, picking up her tea to take a drink.

"A few reasons, but first? I want your help to figure out how to get her and Adrien dating," Chloe said.

Alya choked on her tea, barely managing to not spit it out. She grabbed a napkin, coughing violently into it. Chloe just kept nibbling the pastry, waiting. "You want-YOU want to play matchmaker? For Marinette and Adrien?! I thought you wanted him?!" She demanded as soon as she got air in her lungs.

"I did," she said. "And no, I'm not going to explain the story behind that. I've accepted I'm not going to win his heart, but he is still my childhood friend. I'm invested in his happiness and as much as it pains me, Marinette can give it to him. If she stopped being a coward and he stopped being as dense as a rock."

"Marinette is not a coward!" Alya snapped angrily.

"She is when it comes to Adrien," Chloe shot back.

Alya opened her mouth. Then closed it. Okay, Marinette was kind of a coward when it came to Adrien.

"I have a deal with Lahiffe. You can ask him in case you're afraid I'm trying to do something underhanded, but I told him if he thinks Adrien wants to go somewhere, then I'll use my pull as the 'approved' friend to get Adrien permission to go. I'm offering that up to you plus any insider information to set up a proper atmosphere. Of course, outings will need to be group at first, and Marinette needs to get a back bone before we leave them alone too long. If the Gorilla figures out Adrien is off alone with someone else too often, it might shake my pull. He's more than willing to look the other way at Adrien having 'more' as long as the literal orders are met. Which is 'watch Adrien while he's with Chloe,' or along those lines," Chloe said with a wave of her hand, picking up a finger sandwich.

"Whose the Gorilla?" Alya asked, looking confused.

"Hm? Oh, a nickname for Adrien's bodyguard. We called him that all the time as children and just never stopped. I think he thinks it's cute, at least he doesn't glare at me for it," Chloe said with a shrug. "I can't remember what his real name is anymore anyway."

"Huh," Alya said, tapping the table. "And you're doing this....for Adrien?"

"Yes," Chloe said simply.

"Not some under handed way to break Marinette's heart or something?" She asked.

"I have no control what Adrien's answer will be," Chloe said. "And I don't think he's aware of just how fond he is of Marinette. But I have seen a lot of girls kiss that boy's cheek, Alya. A lot. I've kissed his cheek a lot." She was looking down at her tea, expression sullen. "He's never looked at any of them the way he looked at Marinette." She sighed and looked up, composing herself again. "So, we need to expose him to her more. We need to sent up scenarios so he'll think about her more in that light. So hopefully when her backbone finally kicks in, he won't be an idiot."

Alya stared at Chloe, silent for a long while. She doesn't look away, though she can see Chloe's eyes getting more distant. Like it's hard to keep the strong face this time.

Before, Alya would have never believed her. Thought it was a plot, a trap of some sort. But she saw Chloe give up the Miraculous without a fight, because it was right. Because Ladybug asked. She knows she didn't want to. Alya knows it's hard to give up the Miraculous, even if it's right to and that's her. She can only imagine how hard it is for a girl as selfish as Chloe. And to do it after Ladybug hurt her by telling her she wouldn't be Queen Bee anymore to boot.

She finds herself believing that maybe she was actually being honest. For Adrien's sake.

"Why are you sure Marinette would make Adrien happy?" She asked.

Chloe snapped to attention and actually glared at that. She scoffed and drank the rest of her tea. She grabbed the pot to pour more. "Marinette encourages people. She listens to people. Adrien needs people like that in his life. But when she stops being so star struck, she'll be able to handle him when he's being a brat. And I assure you, he can be a brat, just not often," she said, starting to put sugar into her tea. "She'll be able to take all he is when he let's down his barriers and I do think she'll still love him. I don't know why she fell in love with him, but she isn't the kind to use someone's fame or connections, especially since she's doing well enough on her own to make her own name. She'll give him the love and support he deserves and she'll have a guy who will adore her, I guess, but I think she'll push him to be better than he is right now because that's what she's been doing so far and ugh, do I really need to keep saying nice things about Dupain-Cheng?" She asked, finally devolving into a whine.

"Yeah, especially since you ruined your tea," Alya said with a smug grin, pointing down to the cup that had a pile of sugar just under the surface.

Chloe looked down and scowled. She stood up, picking up the tea cup and moving to the private bath as Alya laughed to herself. She comes back, over sugared contents having been dumped in the sink, and pours herself another cup.

"All right. I'm willing to believe you're doing this for Adrien's sake," Alya said. Then gave her a hard look. "But I swear if this is some plot to hurt Marinette..."

"Yes, yes, you'll destroy me somehow," Chloe said with a roll of her eyes. "If you're worried about Marinette, I'm not the one you need to watch."

"What? Who else would want to hurt her?" Alya asked, looking caught off guard.

"Lila," Chloe said.

Alya groaned. "Seriously? Nino confirmed it, Lila has no interest in Adrien," she said.

Chloe laughed. "You really think Nino can tell if a girl likes a guy?"

"He asked her!" Alya said, throwing up her hands.

"Which doesn't do a lot of good if she's a liar," she said.

"Just because she has an eventful life doesn't mean she's a liar! She's been nothing, but nice since she got here."

"And yet Marinette hates her."

"Because she's jealous!"

"Marinette doesn't lie when she's jealous."

"And how would you know?"

"Because I saw how she reacted to Kagami," Chloe said. "I know she can be mean when it comes to Adrikins, but I had to talk her into it, with her complaining the whole time, never once saying a bad thing about Kagami. She made it very clear her only problem was Adrien might actually run off to Japan with Kagami. If she's being cruel unprompted, it's not fueled by jealousy alone."

"Wait, when did this happen?" Alya asked, looking shocked.

"A few weeks ago. But long story short, we just tried to make it so the girl would have to go home and change or risk embarrassing her family. I never saw a lick of hate, and Kagami is far more likely to steal Adrien then Lila," she said, flipping over a sheet of paper she had on the table beside her. Showing Alya the picture of Lila kissing Adrien's cheek. "That? That is Adrien's 'don't cause a scene because of the handsy girl' face. He would not consent to a selfie like that. Certainly not one that got sent to everyone in class," she said.

"So she got a little enthusiastic, I'm sure he told her not to do it again," Alya said.

"Oh, he definitely would not. Adrien has trouble coming to other people's defenses when it might cause a scene, let alone himself. About the only time Adrien sticks to his bodyguard is when he goes to events where stuff like this might happen a lot specifically because the Gorilla would stop this from happening," Chloe said.

"I'm sure she didn't mean any harm! It's just a misunderstanding!"

"Except it doesn't explain why Marinette hates her. But if she's a liar? Oh, it'd explain a whole lot. Marinette hates liars with a passion. You know that and I know that."

"Why are you even talking about Lila? What does she have to do about getting Adrien and Marinette together?" Alya demanded, trying to stamp down her rage at Chloe bad mouthing her new friend. Lila is new. Maybe a little enthusiastic about making friends, misunderstandings happen! She knows how hard it is to be new.

"Because you're supposed to be a reporter and check your facts," Chloe said, leaning forward, crossing her arms on the table. "So why the heck did you make a post about Lila saying she's best friends with Ladybug on your blog?"

"Because she is!" Alya said, throwing her hands up in the air.

"Really? Really? How do they maintain their friendship?" Chloe demanded.

"Because she has a magic way to contact Ladybug," Alya insisted.

"Ah, yes, the magic spell. So, let me ask you this, Alya Cesaire, why did this girl get this close to Ladybug, get this special contact, within a few days of moving to Paris, before the number one reporter of all things Ladybug, and the girl who had been making Akumas on a weekly basis?" Chloe said, leading forward more. "Ladybug, who has told reporters off before for asking unprofessional questions, who never stays and chats beyond her duty, whose been unerringly professional. Why would she give special contact like that to some girl when she could give it to two people who have been first on the scene of many Akuma attacks? You know, a spell that would possibly let her know about danger faster instead of relying on the News or making sure her phone is on to get an alert from your blog? Why wouldn't she give it to me after I was made Queen Bee so I didn't have to rely on a giant light in the sky?"

Alya opened her mouth. Then she closed her mouth because, well, Chloe had a point. Anytime Ladybug needed Rena Rouge, she'd have to waste time on finding Alya. She wasn't always on the scene when she was recruited, after all.

"...and more than that," Chloe said. "And I will sue you for slander if you post this on the blog, because of some things I'll get into later, but Ladybug told me it's dangerous to ask for Queen Bee's help anymore. Because my identity is known. It puts my family and me in danger. She keeps that secret identity to keep herself and her loved ones safe. In what world do you think she would ever, ever trust someone that intimately who goes around saying she's Ladybug's BFF, they're close, she knows all sorts of things and let herself get interviewed on a blog most of Paris keeps an eye on? If it was true, it puts a big target right on her back to get hunted down and hurt repeatedly, the last thing Ladybug wants for anyone she cares about."

Alya was silent at that because Chloe had a good point. She had a lot of good points. Alya herself saw Ladybug tell Chloe she can't be Queen Bee because of that very concern.

"Plus Adrien and I saw Jagged Stone the first day he arrived. He came in with a crocodile," Chloe said, sitting back. "And he had a whole list of weird demands. That was a pet he had for a while."

Alya was staring down at the table, a feeling of dread growing in her stomach. Was it true? Was Lila lying this whole time? It's true, it would drive Marinette insane. And she has been weirdly insistent on it. Even for jealously, surely she would be at least a little inconsistent, right?

"....people who lie that often," Chloe started, looking away. "They hate being called out. Either they're desperately insecure, convince themselves it's true, or it's all about controlling and manipulating people. I can't say which one Lila is exactly, but I can tell you now, she's not honest. And if Marinette hates her and makes it known she doesn't believe Lila, there's a good chance it might come down to her word versus Lila's and no way the liar is gonna back down from Marinette. I'd be ready to fact check her before she feels threatened," she said.

"....I guess it wouldn't hurt to at least confirm her stories. Rose can talk to Prince Ali. And Jagged Stone is here, maybe I can talk to him about him those times he had to deal with Akuma's for the blog and just see if he remembers her," Alya said.

"Exactly. You don't even need to talk to her about it. If she does as much as she says, then surely people will remember her," Chloe said, grabbing another cream puff.

Alya nodded, grabbing her teacup, just to hold it. She didn't like it. Doubting a friend. A friend whose helped her. But not as much as Marinette. No one could compare to Marinette. But she'd doubted Marinette a lot, hadn't she? No, Marinette deserved Alya at least seeing if it was true. Maybe if she brought proof, she could show Marinette, and her and Lila could finally talk it out? Yeah, she's sure this is all just a misunderstanding, she just needed proof.

"That all?" Alya finally asked.

"...no," Chloe said, grabbing another cream puff, popping it into her mouth. Then she flipped over the other pieces of paper, showing a few pictures. All blurry, at a distance, hard to make out. It'd be hard to say what the image was.

If Alya didn't immediately know and she fights to react. Because while one picture has Queen Bee in it on top of a building, the other photos aren't. Some could be the same day, yet others showed signs of destruction, altered skies from other Akuma attacks. They're all at a distance and it's obvious she's trying to not be seen, but she knew who it was.

It was Mayura.

"What am I looking at? An Akuma?" Alya asked.

"No. That's Mayura," Chloe said. "Remember the strange moth creature that appeared on Heroes Day? After the scarlet army was defeated and we were confronting Hawk Moth?" She asked, Alya slowly nodding her head. "That wasn't him. That was someone else." She tapped the picture. "That is the Peacock Miraculous user."

"They've appeared? Why haven't they showed up with any Akuma's?" Alya asked.

"If they're never in sight, they can't be caught, probably. Ladybug and Chat Noir are pros at getting magical items off supervillains," Chloe said with a shrug. "That's just a theory. But I've been wondering if you've gotten any other pictures of her. People send Akuma sightings to you, don't they?"

Alya nodded, and the truth was, she had gotten a picture or two of Mayura. Not this many this. Usually only once every few weeks from Heroes Day. "I thought maybe it was a joke since usually the Akuma at the time looked totally different," she said.

"I think she's doing something else," she said.

"What?" Alya asked, picking up the pictures. They're all pictures low to the ground, too.

Chloe grabbed another cream puff and stuffed her mouth.

Alya looked up, raising an eyebrow. "Chloe?"

She grabbed her tea cup, taking another drink.

"Chloe!"

"I'm not sure. Not yet," Chloe said with a groan, slumping forward, hand over her face. "But I have some ideas, but I need to talk to Ladybug about it."

"I thought you said it's dangerous for her to use Queen Bee," Alya pointed out.

"It is! But it's not like I never see them or anything.... " she said, looking way.

"True. You do still cause Akuma's."

"I've gone way down and you know it!" Chloe snapped.

Alya hummed. "Why are you showing me this?"

"....I don't think Ladybug has realized how much she's moving around yet," Chloe said, rubbing her temple. "And I still...I still want to help. So. If you get a sighting of Mayura, I'd like if you could pass the information on to me. And. Keep her existence off the blog for right now."

"What? You can't ask me to hide a supervillain!" Alya protested. Honestly, she'd been trying to figure out how to post about Mayura without making it obvious she had been a superhero. Chloe saw that whole encounter and she's pretty sure she's not that dumb.

"And if one of my theories is correct, you could totally ruin a chance to catch her!" Chloe snapped, a fist hitting the table.

"I won't-catch her?" Alya said, looking confused.

"...yes," Chloe said, sitting back. "If I'm right, it's a situation that Ladybug could turn around. But only if Mayura doesn't suspect a thing. If Ladybug tells you about the existence of Mayura and gives the go ahead, okay, fine. Whatever. But I'm....asking you. As a....f....favor. To tell her to come talk to me first before she gives permission. In case it's a bad idea," Chloe said. Looking away. Then up again. "....please."

"...that looked painful."

"It really was."

Alya looked down at the photos. It's a roll of the dice how soon Chloe would see Ladybug. But Ladybug was calling on her more and more for help and she was always willing to take a question or two for the Ladyblog. She could at least send her Chloe's way, see what's up. It might delay sharing Mayura a week, maybe.

She looked up at Chloe. Chloe who was offering to help Marinette get her happy ending. Chloe who may have kept her from being taken for a ride, in case Lila really is as bad as Marinette said. At least giving her an idea on how to fix the problem if nothing else.

Chloe who still gave back that Bee Miraculous.

Alya sighed. "Fine. I'll send Ladybug your way, but the moment Ladybug gives the okay afterwards, I'm doing it," she said. "And she'll get all the Mayura information from me too, but I guess it wouldn't hurt to send the info to you for now. And I guess there's no reason to post about Queen Bee, public opinion really turned around on you after Heroes Day. It wouldn't reassure anyone to say you're on the bench for good."

Chloe sighed, slumping a bit. Then she shook her head and sat up again. "Then that's all I wanted to talk about." A very long pause. "Th....thank you."

Alya snickered. "You should see your face right now."

"Don't push it," she said flatly.

Alya laughed and sat up, grabbing the beef patties. "I'm going to take these with me. No need to waste them," she said.

Chloe waved her away. "Yes, yes, take it, I'm not going to eat it," she said.

"Thanks for the laptop. I'll talk to Nino, see what he thinks of your offer and we'll call you later."

She's still a little on the fence of how much she wants to work with Chloe, but a journalist checks her sources. She can decide what she'll do once she's verified what she can and get Nino's take on the situation.

And it's not like she totally hated working with Queen Bee.

[sasuhinasno1fan]

Best start to the Christmas break

@adrelianafernandes I’m your secret santa for the @mlsecretsanta and you get my very first ML story. Seriously, I’ve done a ML Au but never an actual ML story, so I hope you enjoy. You said you don’t mind spoilers so there are a few hinted, but I tried to make sure things weren’t too horrible. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this and Merry Christmas.

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me about this earlier!” Nino loudly complained as he and Adrien pulled on their coats to face the cold outside. It was the last day of classes and break was starting the day after for the Christmas holiday. “Dude, any other time we’d be celebrating your dad not being in the country, but this time he’s not in the country, you’ll be home by yourself and all of your friends also happen to be going on vacations themselves. Why didn’t you say anything earlier?”

“You were really excited for your trip and I at least thought Natalie would be staying back but the only person who’ll be at home with me is Gorilla and he’s only on call when I need a ride outside the house. Other than that, its security systems and ordering food.”

Nino looked at Adrien with such a look, like he was trying to figure out if Adrien was serious. “There is something wrong with you. But dude seriously? You really want celebrate Christmas by yourself?”

“Not really, but I don’t want you to cancel your trip just for me. I’ll be fine trust me.”

Nino looked like he didn’t believe Adrien, but there wasn’t much he could do. To ask him to go with him would end up with a resounding no and even if he could, he was sure Mr. Agreste would put his foot down. He threw an arm around Adrien’s shoulders, pulling his best friend in close.

“I want you to know I’m mad you didn’t say anything and I’ll be feeling really guilty. But you’ve got to promise me you’ll text and call me whenever you feel lonely ok? I’m serious, I go the whole break without you contacting me, and I’m flying back over here.”

“Alright, ok. I promise. I’ll be fine, I promise.”

The two stopped in front of the silver car waiting for Adrien. Nino pulled the blond boy in for a hug.

“You had better. Have a good break at least though.”

“I will. Get me a souvenir will you?”

“Sure. Later dude.” The two pounded fist before Adrien climbed into his car with a final wave, leaving Nino staring at the departing car. He jumped when someone wrapped their arms around his waist.

“Aww, is someone gonna miss their bro?” Alya teased, Marinette giggling nearby.

“You would to, especially after you found out he’s spending the whole break alone because he’s dad flying off to this fashion show.”

“Whoa, hold up.” Alya turned her boyfriend around so he could face them. “Gabriel Agreste is actually leaving his house, let alone France? And Adrien isn’t going with him?”

“Apparently there’s a photoshoot that’s been booked day after Christmas so he has to be here for it. But yep, Adrien’s spending the whole break by himself.”

“Alone? Isn’t his dad’s assistant staying with him?” Marinette asked

“She’s going with him. Only his bodyguard will be there and he’s technically on call. Ugg, I wish he told me earlier. I would have asked him to come with us.” Nino complained

“Same here. I mean he might already know Italy, but at least he has my siblings to keep him busy.” Alya said. “Christmas by himself, that’s horrible.”

“Yeah.” Marinette said, looking forlorn. She couldn’t believe this was happening to Adrien. She wanted to do something, anything to help.

“This isn’t what I meant.” Marinette muttered, loud enough for her grandmother to hear.

“So you don’t want to invite the boy to dinner?” the tall young grandmother asked, a knowing look on her face. She might have gotten a few things wrong about her granddaughter after seeing her again from so long, but it wasn’t like she was going to get everything wrong. She knew how Marinette felt about the boy. She had been a gleeful mess after receiving his gift on her birthday and she noticed the collage of pictures on her wall.

“I do, I just didn’t think we’d do this.”

Honestly when she was talking to her grandmother, while her dad was bringing up a few of the pastries he swiped from downstairs, and told her what she had found out that day, the idea of inviting him to dinner was brought up. Her dad was already planning on making more food than usual with the appearance of his mom so they had more than enough. She just didn’t think that when her grandmother offered to drive her around the city on her bike to see the life of everything, they’d be stopping at Adrien’s mansion.

“That son of mine is making more than enough food to feed an army and what kind of grandmother would I be if I left a poor child to celebrate Christmas alone? Maybe he can stay the whole break, it’s only about two weeks?”

“Nonna! He can’t do that!” Marinette yelled.

“Oh yes, because you wouldn’t be able to function correct? I’m teasing my dear, don’t worry. I’m not that horrible, to make you have your crush be with you for that long. It’s just dinner. He comes over, admires your designs, we eat and then play video games. Maybe something else happens.” Gina teased

“Nonna!” Poor Marinette could feel her face becoming more and more red. What did she do to deserve this? She watched her grandmother ring the doorbell and tried not to squirm as they waited for an answer. She gave a jolt when the camera eye came popping out of its home, Gina not seeming to mind, but allowing her granddaughter to hold onto her arm tightly.

“Hello?”

“Hello, is Adrien at home?”

“May I ask whose calling?”

“Gina Dupain, Marinette’s grandmother.”

“Oh, yes of course. Please come in, the door’s unlocked.”

“Not very safe.”

Marinette shrugged as the gates opened and they walked up the path, “if you meet his bodyguard you’d say differently. That and I’m more than sure there are other security measures. Famous fashion designer and all that.”

They eventually got to the front door where Adrien was waiting, a familiar blue scarf wrapped around his neck to help keep the cold away.

“Hi Marinette, and Ms. Dupain. What are you doing here?” Adrien asked after he let the two ladies in.

“My boy, I hear that you are spending your whole break by yourself.”

“Oh, uh, yes I am. But it’s fine.”

“Fine? I am a grandmother and I do not approve of having any child alone on such a happy occasion. Now I understand if you want to spend your break here, but I insist that you come have dinner with us tonight and if you like the food-”

“Which I probably will. Your family is full of amazing cooks.” Adrien complimented, making Marinette turn slightly red again.

“Flatter. Well, then I’m going to have to drag you back for Christmas dinner.”

“Oh, ma’am I couldn’t. Really.” Adrien tried refusing

“Don’t think you can win this against me young man.”

“Adrien, trust me. You don’t want to go up against her. But if you really don’t want to, we completely understand. But, um, well, we would like it. My dad was already starting to make the quiche you like.”

“Well…usually my father would be against it, but he went to Italy while he left me here, so what he doesn’t know won’t kill him. I’ll be honoured to join you for dinner. Thank you.” Adrien finally agreed

Gina clapped her hands, “excellent. Now, any chance you have a ride to the house? I didn’t think this through and brought Marinette with me on my bike you’re both tiny, but I wouldn’t think of even trying to fit us all on that.”

“Gorilla hasn’t left yet. He could drive us all, and you’re more than welcome to leave your bike here and collect it later this evening.” Adrien offered.

“Oh I couldn’t leave my bike here. I like the cold air against my face. How about Marinette goes with you?”

Marinette didn’t know whether to kill her grandmother or be slightly happy at the idea of being in a close space with Adrien.

“If that’s ok with you?” Adrien asked, looking for an answer.

“Uh, sure.”

“Alright then. I’ll go grab my coat. Thank you again. Ah, Gorilla.” The tall, muscular man came out from what Marinette remembered as the dining room. “Marinette and her family invited me over for dinner tonight. Is it ok if before you take the night off you can drop us off at her house?” Gorilla narrowed his eyes like he was trying to convey something to Adrien, which he seemed to understand. “Dad doesn’t have to know. Please?” the bodyguard stared down his charge before pulling out car keys, leaving Adrien smiling. “Thank you Gorilla. I’ll go get my coat.”

“How did he do that?” Gina asked

“We don’t question it. It’s a normal for us, but is the matchmaking necessary?”

“Would you try if I didn’t?”

Damn, her grandmother was good; it was like hanging out with an older Alya.

“You’ll thank me later, don’t worry.”

“Ok, I’m ready. Shall we go?” Adrien asked

Marinette tried to keep her composure as Adrien let her into the car first. It was fine, it was fine. Adrien was just joining them for dinner, like when he came over for video game practise, and her parents kept offering food. Oh she hoped they didn’t act too embarrassing.

“Thanks again for inviting me to dinner. You really didn’t have to.”

“No of course. We heard that your dad was leaving here, everyone was really upset they were leaving on trips and leaving you without anyone but I almost forgot I’m staying here. I was just really scared to ask you though.”

“Well I’m glad you did. My dad had the cook prepare me meals that fit my diet and apparently I need to lose a few pounds so I’m more than ready to eat anything other than that.”

Loose pounds? Adrien was one of the skinniest people she knew. He has some form of muscle – no Marinette did not stare him down on the days he wore more form fitting clothes – but compared to most of the guys in their class he was defiantly smaller.

“Well my parents love feeding you.” She reminded him

“And I can’t wait. So what were you planning on doing over the break? Since everyone else was away?”

Marinette shrugged, fiddling with a fold in her pink infinity scarf. “Help me parents in the bakery, take walks, finish my designs.”

“Designs? I almost forgot you’re a designer. Are you working on something new?”

Now Marinette felt shy and nervous. Adrien was the son of her favourite designer and he had modelled clothes from so many other designers. What would he think of her first fashion line?

“Um, well, I uh, I’m working on my first fashion line that I’m planning on releasing on my new fashion blog. It’s um, Chat Noir fashion?”

“Wait, really? That sounds so cool.”

“Really? You think so?”

“Yeah. I’ve heard some people talk about Ladybug fashion but not Chat Noir. What made you decide that?”

“Well remember the discussion we had in class about how the city has updated it systems to help with all the Akuma attacks? I got really upset that some people thought Chat Noir wasn’t useful. I’ve been saved by him a few times and while he’s been a bit of a flirt, he’s a really nice guy and I think he should be shown that.”

Adrien gave her a really kind smile. “I think he’d really appreciate it. Do you need models for pictures? I’d be really happy to help.”

“Really? But you model all the time.”

“I know, but I’d like to do one I really like. If that’s ok?”

“Y-yeah, if you want. A couple of the other guys are going to be helping me so I’ve been making clothes that fit them. I can draw something up while we’re waiting for dinner?”

“As long as there are no feathers. The hat you made was amazing but I don’t want to be a sneezing mess during the shoot.” Adrien teased, to which Marinette smiled sheepishly.

They finally pulled up to the bakery, Marinette’s grandmother waiting for them at the door.

“Tell your driver I can take you home if he’s ok.” Gina said swinging the door open and going inside, seeing the kids were safe.

“You think he’ll agree to that?” Marinette asked. She knew just how protective Gorilla could be.

“Hey Gorilla, you can use the car for the rest of your break if you let Marinette’s grandmother drive me home. I promise I’ll text you before I leave and when I get back and I’ll take the blame.” Gorilla stared the blond haired boy down but Adrien gave him a convincing smile. “I’ll text you updates throughout the night. And call if I really need you.” That seemed to satisfy him as he nodded and pulled away from the curb leaving the two teenagers outside the bakery. “You just need to learn what to tell him to satisfy him. Shall we?”

Adrien graciously greeted her parents who were still doing sales in the bakery, her grandmother joining them.

“You two can hang out in Marinette’s room while we finish here. Mari, do you think you can keep an ear out for the oven?” her mother asked as she rang up a costumer.

“Sure mom. Um, come on up.” Marinette lead Adrien up the stairs to the apartment and eventually into her room, or would have if she didn’t suddenly remember something, like a collage of some sort. “Ah! Adrien, uh, um, can you stay here for a second?”

“Is everything ok?” He asked, tilting his head like a cat

“yes, just um, stay here!” she quickly disappeared into her room, quickly rushing to pull down all the pictures she had of him, shoving them under her breath, also making sure her schedule was locked in place in case Adrien got curious. She swung the door back open when she was done, Adrien blinking up at her still confused. “Come in.”

“Is that buster skirt for Rose?” Adrien asked, noticing the clothing rack of black and green clothing on one side of the Marinette’s room as he pulled his coat.

“Yeah. How did you know?”

“It looks like something she’d wear. I guess it’s the amount ruffles.”

“She made me promise to make her a cat eared headband as well to go with it.” Marinette said, walking over to the clothing rack and pulling it over to them. “Can you guess which other stuff go to the others?”

“Oh challenge accepted.” Adrien said, a smug smirk on his face as he walked to stand in front of the rack. “Those joggers have to go with Nino and that shirt is obviously suited for Juleka. The cat keyhole back is perfect for her. Hmm, the tank top…that’s a tough one. Alix maybe? She dresses for sports and it has a sporty look, not too loose and flowy.”

“You’re good.” Marinette said impressed

“I might model the clothes but I’ve gotten good at realising people’s style. Did you design them especially for them?”

“I wanted them to be comfortable in them. I sketched out a few ideas and they confirmed and I Chat Noired it up.”

“These look really amazing. How long have you planning this? This had to take you forever.”

Marinette shrugged. “A few weeks maybe and besides, they’re nothing like your dad’s designs.”

“Yeah, they’re better. But don’t tell him I said that. He’d just make me do more photo shoots as punishment and then I wouldn’t be able to help you.” Adrien said with a smile, that Marinette shared with him.

“That would be bad. Are you sure you want to be in the shoot?”

“Absolutely. I am at your disposal. Plus I have my measurements already so you don’t have to struggle with a tape measure with me.”

“Oh what a shame- I mean, uh, great. I’m going to go check on the food in the oven. Here.” Marinette rushed over to her desk and pulled her sketch book out from its drawer and handed it over to Adrien. “I kinda sketched out outfits for everyone in class when I was starting to think about the idea for the fashion line.” She said opening to the right page and pointed to the sketches for a hoodie with paw prints. “Feel free to get inspired.”

Adrien paged through the book looking at all the Chat Noir inspired clothes, trying to control his smile. He knew Ladybug did get a lot of popularity but it always felt nice when people noticed him. This though, this was something else and he felt so humble that Marinette wanted her first fashion line to celebrate him. He’d have to remember to drop by her house after the shoot was over and thank her. He was focused on the cardigan with an asymmetrical front zip on the last few pages before full designs for Marinette’s models started.

“Find anything?” Marinette asked, the scent of cooked food following her as she closed her door again. “My dad made your favourite quiche by the way.”

“Really? The same one I had the last time I was here? He didn’t have to do that.”

“he remembered how much you liked it last time and since your joining us for dinner he wanted you to at least have it again.” She explained, bravely taking a seat next to Adrien on the chase. She looked at the page he was on in her sketchbook and nodded. “I like that cardigan. I couldn’t really fit it on anyone else.”

“Marinette?” when the pigtailed girl looked right at him he gave her a truly grateful smile. “Thank you, really. You didn’t have to do this, even if you felt bad but you did and your family has been so accommodating. My last Christmas wasn’t the best except for everyone having dinner at my house and I was sure this one would be worse because my dad left me here, but you’ve been making it better. I can’t thank you enough.”

Marinette could feel her cheeks turning red at the sight of such a soft look. She didn’t want him to have a bad holiday but she didn’t think her grandmother insisting would make him so happy.

“It was mostly my Nonna.” She tried directing.

“Still, you and your family didn’t have to but you did and I’m truly grateful. This might end up being the best Christmas holiday ever.”

“I’m glad I was able to make it better.” Marinette said, her face still red but glad she was able to help make his holiday better.

[winedwords]

Adam| Gasoline ½ | Cole

Title; Gasoline Part 1/2

Pairing; Adam Cole/reader 

Words; ~3,200

Summary; You’d do just about anything to win. And you really did mean anything. Part ½

 A/N: Repost from the old blog. 

 And being accompanied by The Most Dangerous Woman in the World, (Y/N), the challengers from Detroit, Michigan, Alex Shelley and Chris Sabin, the Motor City Machine Guns! 

This was it. This was the big one. Everything we had been working for was tonight.

The shot at the Ring of Honor tag team titles, currently held by Bullet Club’s Young Bucks. 

Chris and Alex were overjoyed when they became the number one contenders. I had been a little bit more reserved. The Young Bucks meant Bullet Club members, at the very least Adam Cole, at ringside. 

I could game plan for the Young Bucks, but having the entire Club at ringside to hold on to their last gold? That proved more challenging. 

Getting Hangman Page out of the picture had been easy. Just had to say the right words to both the Hangman and Bobby Fish, two notorious hot heads, and they became embroiled in their own vicious feud. It didn’t 100% remove the Hangman from ringside, but if shit went pear shaped, I knew I could count on Bobby flying down the ramp to get involved. He’d even said as much when I had run into him at the airport as we were traveling to this show. 

The two Gorillas of Destiny were thankfully called to Japan by the head of the Japanese Bullet Club, Kenny Omega. Rumor had it that there were going to be shenanigans at one of the tournaments the Club was in. 

Cole was the wild card, the one I wasn’t entirely sure how to plan for. When the Machine Guns became the number one contenders, he was beside himself, trashing the Bullet Club locker room. Cole had already had a thundercloud following him after the loss of his title at Final Battle to Kyle O'Reilly. Now? He stalked around backstage like a lion with a sore paw and an even nastier disposition. The former champion had been prone to snapping at the stage hands in the back even on the best of his days, now he snarled and lashed out at everyone for the smallest of things. 

Adam Cole was not a man that appreciated or would respond well to being manipulated. He was like fire; all consuming, mercurial, and passionate to the point of obsession in his pursuits. He was ruthless, reckless, charming, and cocksure and damned if that alone wasn’t catnip to me. 

Even given his faults, I’d be remiss in saying he wasn’t beautiful. Tall and strong, long dark hair and too-blue eyes, with high cheekbones and a jaw line sharp enough to cut glass. Top it all off with the scruff along his jaw and a cocky smirk that made my stomach do backflips…

I shook my head, trying to get those kinds of thoughts out of my mind. The tense game of cat and mouse that had been played between myself and Adam Cole for weeks now. What had started as flirtatious smiles and winks had steadily progressed into sly games of grab ass. I wasn’t sure who was the cat and who was the mouse. I knew he was doing it to get under my skin and I was strong enough to admit it was kind of working. 

This is why I had brought a couple… equalizers to ringside. 

The roar of the crowd in Las Vegas made my blood sing and the brass knuckles in my jacket pockets clinked against me with every step that I took towards the ring, between Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley. The brass knuckles were only there if things went really bad, because I was counting on this ridiculously skimpy ring gear I had poured myself into to help serve as a distraction for Adam Cole. Chris had raised his brows and Alex had wolf whistled when I had met them at the gorilla because of the neckline I had cut myself into my Machine Guns shirt, the amount of midriff and tits showing, and the particularly risqué pair of hot pants. The only thing that provided even a hint of modesty was my trademark leather jacket. 

The crowd had noticed too. The pop we normally got was intermixed with wolf whistles and catcalls. Both Chris and Alex chuckled under their breath as I hammed it up, winking at members of crowd and adjusting my shirt suggestively.  

It was during this playful interaction with the crowd that Bullet Club’s music hit and the crowd lost it. 

Being accompanied by Adam Cole, representing Bullet Club, they are the ROH Tag Team Champions of the World, Nick and Matt Jackson, the Young Bucks! 

 And so it begins. I turned towards the ramp, just to be met by a heated stare from Adam Cole. He was trying hard, very hard to not give a visible reaction to my appearance, but he was betrayed by the rapid clenching of his jaw and the pupils of his too-blue eyes were blown out. I schooled my face into a taunting smirk but my knees were a little weak and my stomach was filled with butterflies of anticipation. 

As the three members of Bullet Club made their way to the ring, I climbed onto the apron and motioned to both Alex and Chris that there needed to be a quick team meeting. 

“This is it guys. The match for the titles. I need you all to kick ass and not worry about Cole at ringside. I’ll handle him but I’m not gonna be able to do much else. Whatever happens, and I do mean whatever happens, unless I’m knocked out cold or being choked out with barbed wire, do not react to what’s going on at ringside." 

Both of the men from Detroit looked like they had swallowed a lemon. 

"Are you sure about this, (Y/N)? He’s a piece of shit and he won’t have any issues hurting you,” questioned Chris, his brows furrowed tight together. 

“Let me worry about Cole. I promise I have him handled, just take care of business. ” That half truth sounded convincing even to me. I was 75% sure I could handle this. 

Both of them still looked unconvinced but they begrudgingly nodded. 

“You be careful out there, (Y/N). If shit goes bad I want you to get out of here.” Alex said as he pulled me into a quick side hug. 

“Don’t worry about me. You got this. I’m gonna make this playing field as even as possible, by any means possible. ” With that, I hopped off the apron to the floor so the match could start. I looked towards the opposite corner of the ring, to be met with three pairs of eyes. The Young Bucks were staring at me with curiosity, like I was a puzzle to be figured out. Adam Cole’s face was practically thunderous and I wasn’t sure why. 

I didn’t get time to ponder as the bell rung. It was gonna be Alex starting off against Matt. They circled each other once and then locked up. It was a couple moments of grappling before Alex brought his knee into Matt’s abdomen and Irish whipped the Young Buck into the corner. I slammed my hands twice into the apron and crowed my approval. Across the ring, Adam scowled and I made sure to preen and blow him an exaggerated kiss. The crowd, having caught the exchange, cheered and his scowl deepened as he began to pace in the Bucks’ corner. 

This continued throughout the early moments of the match. Momentum shifted both to the Machine Guns and the Bucks, but never for very long. Adam and myself would trade flirtatious taunts whenever the momentum shifted but we stayed to our respective corners. The closest we had gotten to each other had been when Nick had landed a super kick on Chris; Adam had come to my side of the ring and had yelled at me to suck it while thrusting his hips at me. I didn’t even get a chance to respond in kind because Alex had charged in front of me after breaking up the count in the ring. Adam had backed off and moved to his corner of the ring, his hands up in mock surrender and an insufferable smirk on his face. Nigel himself was standing at the announce table in indignation. I couldn’t hear what the British man was saying over the raucous chants of “Super kick!”

It was too good to last. 

The Machine Guns had finally had the momentum swing their way for more than a couple sequences. Alex and Chris had dived through the ropes from the ring onto the Bucks and Adam Cole, who were attempting to regroup at ringside. The men from Detroit pushed their opponents back into the ring and Adam decided now was the time to make a move. He’d jumped up on the ring apron and began screaming absolute filth at the referee. The ref was too distracted to see Alex pinning Nick and I took off towards Adam Cole. He must not have seen me, as I was able to get behind him, grab both ankles, and with using most of my strength, I jerked Adam from the apron to the floor. He hit his head on the apron with a crack and I froze a couple feet away from him. It wasn’t until he swung his head towards me with a glare that I shot back to my corner, with Adam hot on my heels. I had almost made it to the announce table, where I was hoping to hide behind Nigel, the Matchmaker, whom I knew was a little sweet on me. 

Emphasis on the almost. I was maybe fifty feet away when I felt two arms wrap around my waist in a steel like grip and I was wrenched around. Chris Sabin saw as well and he made his way towards us from the other end of the ring, but he stopped and returned to the match at the subtle shake of my head. 

Every nerve ending in my body felt like a live wire. Adam was practically wrapped around me like a turtle shell and I’ll be damned if the feel and heat of his body against mine didn’t make me wet. He picked me up and practically frog marched me away from the relative safety of the announce table to a neutral corner. 

“I didn’t wanna do this sweetness. Especially with you looking like a fuckin’ wet dream,” he murmured into my ear, the iron like grip loosening around my waist as he set me down. It was enough for me to break the hold the former champion had on me and stumble backwards, to get a couple feet of distance between the two of us. I had the shake the fog from my brain that his touch caused. I needed to be aware of my surroundings both for my sanity and safety, given that both teams in the ring were prone to flying over the ropes. 

“You don’t gotta do anything you don’t want to, handsome. This is all in good fun.” I flicked my hair back with a wink, “fixing” my cropped shirt by pulling it down a little farther to expose more cleavage. Adam’s stare was hot as his eyes dragged from my face, to lingering on my chest, down my bare legs, and back up again. 

“You just gotta name the time and place for us to have some fun bay bay. You and I could be real good together. You didn’t need to ruin it by pulling me off the apron,” His smirk was predatory as he began to take slow steps towards me. A rapid glance into the ring revealed that my Machine Guns had the upper hand yet again versus the Bucks. 

Just a little bit longer. 

I stood my ground and maintained eye contact, mainly because I wasn’t sure if my legs would cooperate given how they felt like jello. “I can’t let you interfere in this match Adam. Though I am very, very sorry that that face of yours hit the apron. I’d hate for something to happen to it. ” Was that really my voice sounding so husky? A glance at Adam though left me reassured that he was just as effected by our little game as me. The pupils of his too-blue eyed were almost completely blown out, leaving just a sliver of blue, and the bulge in his wrestling trunks seemed to be more pronounced than usual. 

“I’m sure we can find a way for you to make it up to me, sweetness. I’ll only make you beg for my forgiveness a little.” He was now so close that I could feel the heat radiating off of his body and his hands skimming the sides of my hips. My skin broke out in goose flesh at the touch of his fingers and I began to panic through the pink haze that was taking over my brain. 

His hands were dangerously close to feeling the brass knuckles stashed in the pockets of my leather jacket. I had to do something extreme to distract him. 

“Do you promise?” I asked coyly, inching a little closer to him and making sure to tilt my head up to look at the former champion. The licking and biting of my lower lip was unintentional, but the glancing at Adam’s lips was intentional and exaggerated. Victory flashed in his eyes, accompanied by promises for much more pleasurable activities. “Oh sweetness, I would never joke about something like this.” He said as his left hand started to travel upwards, inside my jacket and up my rib cage. 

Fuck it. I had to break out the big guns. I leaned in just a touch closer and let my right had begun to wander up Adam’s right arm in itsy bitsy spider motions, then across his shoulder towards his neck. Wherever my fingers went, the corresponding muscles in that area contracted and my mouth went a little dry just watched those muscles tense. I was always an arm girl. It was now or never though. 

Mustering up all my courage, I grabbed Adam Cole by the base of the neck and pulled him towards me. Then it was just a little flex onto my toes and our mouths met. I only heard the roar of the crowd for but a moment before it was drowned out by the roaring of blood in my ears. The warring sensations of both the scratch of his facial hair and the softness of his mouth felt like a sensory overload. Just the touch of our mouths together felt like a lightening bolt straight to every erogenous zone and suddenly every article of clothing I was wearing felt entirely too constricting. 

A microsecond later, Adam’s arms dropped low, to the swell of my ass, tugging me a little bit closer to deepen the kiss. I wound my left arm over his shoulders to tangle in his hair. The kiss didn’t stay chaste for more than a couple moments. 

Say what you will about Adam as a person, but fuck, the man could kiss. Just enough tongue to make me tremble and teeth to make me whimper. The first time he caught a whimper over the din of the crowd, I could practically feel his self-congratulating smirk and the proverbial puffing of his chest. Feeling a little spiteful, I grabbed a fistful of hair and tugged. The ensuing moan I got from his lips was absolute filth and Adam pressed even closer to me. It took almost everything in me to not drag him to the back when I felt the growing hardness in his trunks. I had to shake the heated fog from my brain, I had to make sure that the Machine Guns won this. 

I cracked an eye open, mouth still feverishly attached to Adam’s, and surveyed the ring as discreetly as possible. Alex and Chris has taken my advice and ignored what was happening at ringside; Nick Jackson appeared to be knocked out cold and Alex and Chris were setting up Matt for the Made in Detroit - a vicious sit out powerbomb facelock combination from the top rope. I glanced back at Adam, eyes screwed shut, and knew I had to make my move and soon. 

I gave him one last nibble of his lower lip and a brush of my tongue against his in apology for what was to come, before I pulled back just enough so there was a fraction of space between us. I thought I even heard Adam whine at the back of his throat as I pulled away. 

“Sorry ‘bout this handsome.”

He didn’t have time to react before I brought my knee up hard into his groin. The air in his lungs rushed out of his body and the mostly male crowd “oooh’d” in sympathy. Adam was doubled over in pain, his hands moving to guard his groin. My hands shot to my pockets to try to get the knuckles on. Based off of the fading pain and growing rage on Adam’s contorted face, I only had a couple of seconds before he recovered enough to retaliate. 

I fumbled too long for my comfort with the knuckles, pulling the right one out of my pocket and finally sliding it onto my hand. 

“Again, I’m real sorry handsome, I didn’t want it to be like this.”

“Not as sorry as you’re gonna be sweet-”

He couldn’t get the endearment off of his tongue before I hit him with a brassknuckled right hook. Cole’s body went limp as the referee got to 3 in his count. The crowd went wild. 

The Motor City Machine Guns did it. They were tag team champions.

I wish I could say that I was happy on that moment, but it felt like my body temperature had dropped below freezing and every endorphin has just rushed out of my body all at once. It took everything in me to slide into the ring to celebrate with Alex and Chris, my body shaking as I pulled myself up to my feet. I like to think that even in the glory of the win, both Alex and Chris could sense something was wrong, as I was rapidly pulled into a sweaty group hug. 

“We’re gonna talk about it later, (y/n).” Chris murmured as he pressed his lips into my hairline. 

“Guys I don’t want to rain on your parade, but I need to get out of here. ” I whispered shakily, my right hook was good even without brass knuckles, but Adam was tough son of a bitch and he would be up any minute now. Alex’s arms squeezed around my shoulders comfortingly. “Let’s get out of here doll." 

With Shelley’s arm over my shoulder and Sabin’s arm around my waist, we made our way out of the ring. I felt like I was in a fog and I didn’t even see who held the second rope for me to hop out to the floor. Our entire way from the ring, the Machine Guns flanked me on either side, an arm from each supporting my shaky legs and I up the ram. 

"This isn’t over, (y/n)! Not by a fucking long shot!" 

The bellowing from the ring was enough to make the three of us turn. Adam was in the ring, flanked by the battered Young Bucks, his jaw already turning colors. Even from the top of the ramp, I could see the nuclear heat in his eyes practically searing into me as he was leaning against the ringpost and turnbuckle. Alex began to tug me towards the curtain, but I couldn’t tear my eyes away, even if my feet were begrudgingly cooperating. Adam’s final words were echoing into my ears as we moved behind the curtain. 

"You can’t run from me, (y/n)!" 

[papermoonloveslucy]

LUCY AND THE RAFFLE

S3;E19 ~ January 18, 1971

Directed by Ross Martin ~ Written by Ray Singer & Al Schwartz

Synopsis

Kim wins a fast sports car in a raffle, but Lucy won't let her keep it. To pay the taxes on her win, they hold another raffle not knowing that it is illegal. Lucy, Kim, and Harry are all arrested and hauled in to court!

Regular Cast

Lucille Ball (Lucy Carter), Gale Gordon (Harrison Otis Carter), Lucie Arnaz (Kim Carter)

Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter) does not appear in this episode, but he does receive opening title credit.

Guest Cast

Hayden Rorke (Judge Gibson) played one of the “New Neighbors” (ILL S1;E21), Tom O'Brien, who moved into the Mertz apartment building and are believed to be spies (but actually are just actors).  Rorke trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and made his television debut on “I Love Lucy.” Ironically, so did Barbara Eden, who played the title role in the sitcom that Rorke is best known for, “I Dream of Jeannie.” In 1947, he appeared on stage with Lucille Ball in Dream Girl. Rorke played the incredulous Dr. Alfred Bellows from 1965 to 1970, even returning for a “Jeannie” reunion special in 1985, his last screen project. He died in 1987.

Although the Judge’s name is not spoken aloud, his daughter, Betty Gibson, is named earlier in the episode as the winner of the raffle. 

SPOILER: The Little Old Lady (Florence Lake) is his mother!  

Paul Picerni (IRS Agent Frank Williams) makes the second of his four appearances on “Here’s Lucy.” He also appeared with Lucille Ball in the 1975 TV movie “Lucy Gets Lucky.” Picerni was a cast member of Desilu's “The Untouchables” from 1959 to 1963.

Picerni introduces this episode on the series DVD.  

Rhodes Reason (Lieutenant Egan) marks the fourth of his five episodes of “Here’s Lucy” having previously appeared in “Lucy, the Matchmaker” (S1;E12) and “Lucy and the Gold Rush” (S1;E13). He also appeared with Lucille Ball (and Little Old Lady Florence Lake) in the 1974 TV movie “Happy Anniversary and Goodbye.”

Although the character identifies himself as Lieutenant Egan, the end credits list him as Detective Haggerty.  

Robert Foulk (Permit Office Clerk at Window D) played the policeman on the Brooklyn subway platform in “Lucy and the Loving Cup” (ILL S6;E12) and a Los Angeles Detective in “Lucy Goes To A Hollywood Premiere” (TLS S4;E20).  This is the first of his six characters on “Here’s Lucy,” two of which are also policemen. 

Sid Gould (Permit Office Clerk at Window C) made more than 45 appearances on “The Lucy Show,” and nearly as many on “Here’s Lucy.” Gould (born Sydney Greenfader) was Lucille Ball’s cousin by marriage to Gary Morton and was married to Vanda Barra (Waitress). 

Irwin Charrone (Permit Office Clerk at Window B) made five appearances on “The Lucy Show.” The expressive character actor also did an equal number of “Here’s Lucy” episodes. He died in January 2016 in Maplewood, New Jersey, at the age of 93.  

Jody Gilbert (Woman in Permit Line aka “Mrs. Kong”) appeared with Lucille Ball and Gale Gordon on the 1952 special “Stars in the Eye” celebrating the opening of CBS’s new Television City studios.  She played a prison matron in her only appearance on both “The Lucy Show” and in her next and final appearance on “Here's Lucy.”  

Larry J. Blake (Man at the Front of the Permit Line) appeared as a Native American Medicine Man in “Lucy the Rain Goddess” (TLS S4;E15). He was an ex-vaudevillian making the third of his eight “Here’s Lucy” appearances. 

Florence Lake (Little Old Lady aka Mrs. Gibson) did four films with Lucille Ball between 1936 and 1938. This is her second and final episode of the series – both times as a classic Little Old Lady.  She went on to appear in the 1974 TV movie “Happy Anniversary and Goodbye” starring Lucille Ball and Rhodes Reason (Lt. Egan).  

Emile Autuori (Officer Collins, First Bailiff) makes the second of his six appearances on “Here’s Lucy.”  He passed away in early 2017.  He was the uncle of writer / director P.J. Castalleneta.

Although not spoken aloud, his name tag reads “Collins.”  

John J. 'Red' Fox (Second Bailiff) was best known for playing policemen, which is what he did on five of his eight appearances on “The Lucy Show” as well as three of his five episodes of “Here’s Lucy.”

Vanda Barra (Waitress) was Lucille Ball’s cousin-in-law and married to Sid Gould (Permit Office Clerk at Window C). This is just one of her over two dozen appearances on “Here’s Lucy” as well as appearing in Ball’s two 1975 TV movies “Lucy Gets Lucky” (with Dean Martin) and “Three for Two” (with Jackie Gleason). She was seen in half a dozen episodes of “The Lucy Show.” 

Jack Berle (Detective, uncredited, right) was the older brother of Milton Berle. This is one of his eleven uncredited appearances on the series. He previously did two episodes of “The Lucy Show.” 

Berle plays the Detective who arrests Harry, but has no dialogue.

Leon Alton (Courtroom Spectator, uncredited) appeared with Lucille Ball in The Facts of Life (1960) and Critic’s Choice (1963). He was in two episodes of “The Lucy Show.”  This is the last of his three episodes of “Here’s Lucy.” 

Shep Houghton (Courtroom Spectator, uncredited) began working as an extra while still a teenager, taking background jobs on weekends and attending high school during the week. Between 1934 and 1947 he made three films with Lucille Ball, including Too Many Girls, the movie that brought together Lucy and Desi Arnaz. He did two episodes of “The Lucy Show” and this, his only episode of “Here’s Lucy.” Houghton was one of the Winkie Guards in 1939’s The Wizard of Oz and a Southern Dandy in Gone With the Wind (1939).  

Others at the Permit Office and in the courtroom are played by uncredited background performers.

January 19, 1971, the day after this episode first aired, Desi Arnaz Jr. (Craig Carter) celebrated his 18th birthday. Ironically, he does not appear in this episode.

When Lucy complains that the car her daughter won goes too fast (160mph!), Kim promises to put a governor in the car. Lucy says “Ronald Reagan has enough to worry about without riding around with you!”  Former Hollywood actor Ronald Reagan had been elected Governor of California in 1967, a position he held until 1975. He was later elected 40th President of the United States and served until 1989. He was previously mentioned in the second episode of the series, “Lucy Visits Jack Benny” (S1;E2).  

We learn that Harry plays croquet.

When the woman at the back of the line (Jody Gilbert) gets snide with Lucy, she says “Thank you Mrs. Kong. Give my regards to your son, King.” King Kong (1933) was a Hollywood film about a giant gorilla that attacked Manhattan.  A sequel titled Son of Kong was released that same year.

When Lucy and Kim stack up the money they've made from their raffle, Lucy says “Oh, ho ho!  You jolly green giant!”  The Jolly Green Giant was the advertising character used to promote Green Giant Frozen Vegetables.  Their ubiquitous TV commercial jingle went: “In the valley of the giant – ho ho ho – Green Giant!”  The character was previously mentioned in “Lucy and Tennessee Ernie's Fun Farm” (S1;E23).

The winning raffle ticket belongs to Betty Gibson, a college friend of Kim's. 

This episode is primarily based on "Ricky's European Booking" (ILL S5;E10) in which Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz illegally raffle off a television set to fund their trip to Europe. 

The Lucy character has been in the courtroom in front of many judges over the past 20 years:

“The Courtroom” (ILL S2;E7) in 1952, in which Moroni Olsen was the judge.

“Lucy Takes a Cruise To Havana” (LDCH) in June 1957, in which Jorge Trevino was the judge.

“Lucy Makes Room for Danny (LDCH) in December 1958, in which Gale Gordon was the judge.

“Lucy and the Runaway Butterfly (TLS S1;E29) in 1963, in which Ernest Sarracino was the judge.

“Lucy is Her Own Lawyer” (TLS S2;E23) in 1964, in which John McGiver was the judge.

“Lucy, the Metermaid” (TLS S3;E7) in 1964, in which Parley Baer was the judge.

“Lucy and the Soap Opera” (TLS S4;E19) in 1966, in which Sid Gould (who appears here as one of the Permit Office Clerks), played a judge in a TV soap opera.  Which neatly brings things full circle!  

FAST FORWARD!

Alan Rich plays Judge Cameron Potter in “Lucy, Legal Eagle” (S1;E7) aired on November 8, 1986.

Props! When Kim is shaking up the basket full of raffle tickets for Lucy to pick the winner, one ticket pops out. Lucie Arnaz says “Woops!” and pops it back in again.

“Lucy and the Raffle” rates 3 Paper Hearts out of 5

This episode isn't as compact and well-written as its inspiration, but it does feature a large cast of terrific actors and has a few laughs, too. 

[junotrash-blog]

Hihii~ can i request a inuoka kai one. Where he and this girl are eternal rivals at school and he hates her. He must hate her. Right ? But whenever they meet , his heart goes *badump badump* . And kuroo plays matchmaker. Thehehe. Thanks !!

A/N : if i remember correctly his name is Inouka So XD but sure! here it is, the long awaited (not really) request //i was busy so i apologize ;-;

“Kuroo Tetsuro I swear when I get out of this closet, I will shave your head bald so you won’t have to complain about your stupid bedhead ever again!!” You screamed, slamming your fist against the door like a mad gorilla. Kuroo, your upperclassman and captain asked you to go pick up some more balls since ‘there wasn’t enough’. And somehow you ended up trapped inside the storage room, yelling for help. You couldn’t help but think it was one of Kuroo’s schemes.

“Wah, ___, where did all the ‘respect your senpai’ go?”

“Up your ass!”

He snickered followed by footsteps getting further away from the door and everything became quiet.

…

“Kuroo-senpai?”

…

“This is not funny, are you really leaving me here?”

Dropping down to your knees, you feel your soul leaving your body at the realization that you’re going to be stuck in the supply closet until someone comes tomorrow. A movement caught at the corner of your eye made you yelp, your hands forming a fist.

“(L-L/n)?!”

“Geh, it’s you..!” In front of you stood Inouka Kai, an equally shocked expression on his face when he sees you on the floor. Unlike you, Inouka was pushed into the storage room by someone  instead of entering willingly and was trapped inside for about ten minutes until the door opened once more. And the person that entered was you who unfortunately is stuck this dark room.

The two of you remained silent, sitting beside each other with an awkward atmosphere surrounding the area. You swear once you get out of here, you’re going on a manhunt for Kuroo Tetsuro.

Inouka moved slightly away from you, the male was mumbling incoherently, fidgeting here and there.

“Stop shifting around, dumbass,” You grumbled.

He made an annoyed sound before saying, “Hah?! All I did was move a bit!”

You shifted closer to him, shoulders almost touching, “Why are you trying to stay away from me? Do I smell bad?”

“S-stop doing that!”

“Do what? This?” You inched closer to him and you could hear his breathing quickened, “What the hell..you sound like you’re dying. Are you okay?”

“I-it’s just whenever I see you, you make my heart would go BADUMP and then everything feels like WAAAHH, then-then when you smile my heart just- DOKIDOKI- I don’t know why-” Inouka paused then gasped, “A-Am I really dying? What did you do to me?!”

Oh..So that explains why he kept avoiding you recently. “You like me, Inouka-san.”

“N-no way! I don’t like you, it can’t be! I hate you-”

“You’re in denial.”

“No way..” Inouka mumbled, a hand over his face. his face may be covered but you can tell that it’s as red as a tomato from his reddened ears.

You crossed your arms over your chest, turning to look at him “I like you too, even though you can be annoying sometimes.”

Inouka froze, stiffly turning to face you. You were glad the room was dark enough to hide your red, embarrassed face, “W-what a funny joke (l/n). As if I’d fall for tha-mh..!”

Smashing your lips on his, you grab on the collar of his jersey and pulled him closer to you. Inouka let out a noise that sounds similar to a dog whining, his hands automatically went to hold onto each side of your shoulders. You pulled away, staring right into his eyes.

“There. You still think it was a joke?”

[lupintyde]

Master List of ML Crack Posts: #1

 As some of you may know, my memory sucks.  This list is as much for you guys as it is for me ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ 

I’ll be updating this thing periodically.  I’m putting the links under a “read more” so the updates will show up in case someone wants to reblog this.  I love it when something is reblogged (especially when I can read the funny tags), but y’all are random af.  You give me a good laugh on my rough days and I love each and every one of you ＾ω＾

Have fun down the ML rabbit hole of crazy (after the cut)!:

*PLEASE READ THE GENERAL DISCLAIMERS*

i won’t tell you how to live your life

but it’s probably a good idea to read the general disclaimers

I am no longer in this fandom for several reasons

so there won’t be any updates to this list

but here are the posts I’ve done

we watched the English dub because I have a kid who can’t read

and a husband who doesn’t want to

I prefer the French, but use the English names for all but Chat Noir

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Master list of ML Crack Posts: #2

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Have Y’all Noticed...?

This show is not just for kids  

Episodic Nerdery

Homages by episode

The Opening Credits Homage to Anime (Opening) ML’s Love Letter To Horror Movie Fans (Horrificator) Obvious homage is obvious (Kung Food) No one is above Naruto running (Kung Food) Gamer Geeks: UMS3 = Street Fighter (The Gamer) The Mime = Marcel Marceau (The Mime) Where have I seen that...? (Multiple) Historic Miraculous Holders (Multiple)

The Walking Pop Culture Reference

aka, Adrien is a NERD

Adrien the Old-School Nerd (Adrien = Fred Astaire) Dorito chins are easy to grasp when flirting… (Adrien = Tamaki) The Devil’s in the Details (Learning to make friends through anime) Life skills through gaming (Chat = Frogger)

That Was Random

Did...they mean to do that?  Yes.  Yes, they did.

The ZAG license plate Is this an inside joke or…? Continuity in ML Nathaniel the art director Dotting their eyes WTF psychic Hawky

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Jen & Dave’s Arting Adventure

My husband’s amazing fanart and my crappy artings.  I encourage reblogging, but please do not repost Dave’s art.  If you don’t know what that means, check out my rant.

Jen’s Crappy Artings

Don’t expect much -_-

Jen attempts to art (Chat Noir) Poor Hawky... (Hawkmoth/Papillon) Chat Noir Car Art Jen crappily arts all over Chat Noir

Jen’s Attempt to Comic

Comics is HARD

Jen’s Arting Problem: Silent, But Not Deadly

Dave’s Amazing Artings

You can tell which of us is the household artist

Hawmoth/Papillon

Jen & Dave’s Collaborations

Where we work together for once.

Chat & Nino: The Bromantic Fluffcanon (DJNoir Bromance)  Jen continues to art (with special appearance by Dave) Battle of the Nino Artings (Nino)

Miraculous Sewing

I sew for a living.  This show was bound to influence me...

Jen’s Completely Free ML Doll Tutorial So, I found this fabric... I made this thing... Then I made all the things All. The. Things.

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Adrien Agreste/Chat Noir

Our favorite sunshine cat son and what the majority of my posts are about.  Let’s be honest with ourselves.  He’s deserves a category of his own.  Literally.

General Adrien Goodness

Grumpy Chat (Adrien = Grumpy Cat) Chat Noir, the Blue Paladin (Adrien = Lance)  Adrien’s Adorkable Wink Master of the Cheese The Real Agreste Smile Chat’s gravity-defying hair When you’re making a You Tube video... It looks like he’s requesting takeoff First day of school...again Adrien Agreste, Professional Fanboy HIS SARCASM LEVEL IS OVER 9000!!! Chat’s face in Volpina He’s not gonna try to get out of this one Someone should put a bell on him Let it out Adrien’s...er...”talents”

Let Adrien Eat 2K17

Someone please feed this kid

Feed Him Rule #1 

Actual Model Adrien Agreste

In case you needed a reminder about what he does

The Photo Dump The Reality Your Chat Is Showing Taking Flight Sneaky Alya

Chat Is A Cat

=^..^=

That rare cat that comes when you call Coming home to your kitty Chat, The Jellicle Cat Chats don’t always land on their feet Cats can sleep anywhere It did him a startle Cat Memes: The Box Cat Memes: The 3:35am Marathon Cat Memes: The Invisible Fly

Adrien vs. Chloé

Exploring the dynamic between my favorite blondes

Adrien Vs. Chloe: Round 1 Chat can relate to this Chloé: The Mountaineer   When Chloé adopts Ladybug’s moves DO NOT WANT Slasher movie poster Marinette’s escape plan

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Marinette Dupain-Cheng/Ladybug

Our favorite Fearless Leader/Low-Key Stalker

Marinette vs. Cat (Part 1) Marinette’s not a cat person (Marinette vs. Cat Part 2) Mari Be Scary Ladybug Be Scary Epic conversational Skills LB = ctrl+z Mari’s charade game is STRONG Writing LadyNoir Fics Adrien’s Controller Learning an important lesson Marinette’s Guide to Being Hands-Free

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The Miraculous Holders

I think this category will grow next season.  Call it a hunch.

Cat and Bug Team

The LadyNoir meet-cute (Origins) Look at these dorks The Chat In the Hat The True Meaning of Bugaboo Raining Cats and Bugs: The Horrible Pun Transformations Reverse Transformations Chat’s premature gray is named “Ladybug” LB puns against Chat (Mr. Pigeon) LB puns against Chat (Reflecta) Lady Wifi’s plan went to pot The Cat & Bug Team (Bubbler) Ladybug Is Done, Y’all He was just kitten (Puppeteer) Breaking the laws of physics as a team (Stormy Weather) Synchronization  LB grabs some tail

Chat Misses His Punportunity

Bad puns based on lucky charms.  That’s pretty much it.  Sorry not sorry.

The Bubbler Stormy Weather

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The Kwamis

Again, mostly Plagg because I’m a cat person.

Plagg & Adrien

My favorite dynamic in this show

Plagg: Adrien’s Literal Shoulder Devil The original trash son (Plagg) Plagg’s True Love (Plagg/Camembert) Plagg’s True Love Pt. 2 (Plagg/Camembert) The Poster Child for Chaotic Neutral How can something so devious be so cute? It’s not like he’s magic... Plagg’s cheesy undoing When people look like their pets When you can’t see your cat...

Tikki & Marinette

aka Mari and her conscience

Tikki: Marinette’s Shoulder I-Told-You-So Tikki is Mari’s Toddles

Wayzz 

I See No Difference: Wayzz = Kif Wayzz is Chat’s biggest fan

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The Others

The-other-but-no-less-important characters

Nino Lahiffe

My second fav ML character

Nino the Peacock AU Pt 1: Shell or Feathers? Nino the Peacock AU Pt 2: Cluck cluck you guys Nino the Peacock AU Pt 3: Nino should have gotten the Troll Miraculous… WTF Nino… Nino Models

Alya Césaire

The real MVP of this group

Alya’s default reaction to Mari’s “love life” Alya’s Adventures in Matchmaking: This’ll Be a Breeze!

Secondary Characters

Mostly Chloé because I love her so

What would have happened in Dark Cupid... (Chloé Bourgeois) The Seeds of Chloe’s Redemption (Chloé Bourgeois) A dad & his baby girl (Mayor Bourgeois &  Chloé) Poor Gorilla (The Gorilla) On no you didn’t! (Sabrina Raincomprix) Kim’s expressiveness (Kim Lê Chiến) That sneaky tomato (Nathaniel Kurtzberg) Fang is a good boy (Fang & Jagged Stone)

Background Characters

What happens when the animation team only has a set number of characters made up for the background, but still needs a crowd.

The Return of WTF Dad WTF “Family” WTF Kids Xmas Special Minor Characters in ML (Mireille and Aurore)

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

Gabriel Agreste / Gabe Is Hawkmoth Theory

OR Gabriel’s evil twin idk

This is why he doesn’t smile The unmentionable post  Dr. Hawkmoth’s Guide to Parent/Child Relationships

The Main Theory Posts

Gabriel is Hawkmoth/Papillon Hawkmoth/Papillon’s Room Gabriel Has a Sense of Humor (Adrien’s butterfly shoes) Gabe’s Safe Gabe’s Old as Crap

Gabriel Notices Crap in Simon Says/Jackady

The cat’s out of the bag (also under “Crazy Headcanons”) If you want something done... (LB’s earrings) Not today, Dad (CN’s ring) There goes his freedom (Adrien’s ring)

(Insert Name) Is a Better Dad Than Gabriel

The Dad Clap™ (Nino Lahiffe) Kindred Spirits (Tom Dupain)

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Speaking of Outrageous Theories...

Theories, predictions, headcanons and CRACK.  It’s all crack.

Jen’s Crazy Headcanons & Bullet Point Fics

I apologize for what you are about to see

Crappy Gif Theatre: Hawky’s Cold Crappy Gif Theatre: Adrien’s Thirst Crappy Gif Theatre: The True Identity of the Easter Bunny

Second-Rate Storytime:  The Epic Tail of a Girl and Her Cat Second-Rate Storytime:  The Bully Blues

The cat’s out of the bag (also under “Gabriel Agreste”) LB Gets Woke: A Bullet-Point Crack Fic (Chat x OC, Ladynoir) Chat & Nino: The Bromantic Fluffcanon (DJNoir Bromance)

ML Theories & Wild Predictions: Spoiler-Free

Theories based on common knowledge

Gorilla KNOWS (Gorilla and the Kwami Social Club) That…makes so much sense (their identities are safe!)

Spoiler City: NOT Spoiler-Free

Theories using spoilers from upcoming seasons of ML

ML Season 2 & 3 Predictions Poor Kim... Is this foreshadowing or...? That leaked season 2 ep Who has the Butterfly Miraculous?

ML S2 Trailer Shenanigans #1: Adrienette vs. Chloenette ML S2 Trailer Shenanigans #2: Frenemies ML S2 Trailer Shenanigans #3: New Miraculous Season 2 Trailer (10/17)

ML S2 #1: The Collector ML S2 #2: Despair Bear

Thank you for visiting.  Please come again.

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

[themurphyzone]

Mayor Murphy Ch 4

Don’t think I’ve forgiven you, Coco....I’M REPLACING YOU WITH A TEAPOT ELEPHANT! SEE HOW YOU LIKE IT!!!!!

Ahem. There’s been some...drama in my personal town. 

Oh, and I finally have the T&T Emporium.

Ch 4- The Official Mayor

“Let the festivities begin, everybody!” Isabelle shouted, the other animals cheering. They swarmed the buffet table, knocking paper plates and utensils over as they scrambled for food. 

A white dog twirled a record on his paw, slipping his shades down and scratching out a beat. “Who is that?” Zack asked an alligator as he grabbed slices of cheese. “He knows how to make some really awesome beats!”

The alligator froze, a toothpick hanging in his mouth in surprise. “Humph. Don’t tell me you’ve never heard of K.K. Slider before, gronk.”

“Uh, where I come from dogs don’t usually DJ. And my name’s not Gronk. It’s Zack,” Zack said awkwardly, holding out his hand.  

“Right. You’re one of the mayor’s buddies. Name’s Del,” he said gruffly, giving a curt handshake. 

Zack quickly pulled a letter from his backpack. “Oh, so you were my pen pal then. Nook also said I’d be rooming with you.” 

Del scarfed down a sandwich, burping. “So you’re Zack. Can’t say you look like the musician type.” 

Zack laughed. “I get that a lot. I take it you’ve never heard of the Lumberzacks then?” He piled a delicious looking salad on his own plate, then topped it off with croutons. “Just about everybody back home sings our songs.”

“Never mentioned any lumber in your letter,” Del said. “Tell ya what. Show me one of your songs sometime and I’ll introduce you to K.K. Slider’s greatest hits.” 

“Deal.”

The white doe from the train station sat next to Melissa, her legs curling to the side in a ladylike fashion. “Pardon. Your name is Melissa, correct? I am Diana, named for the goddess of the hunt from ancient times.” She sipped her tea, setting the cup down on a floral-patterned saucer with a soft clink. 

“Uh, yes?” Melissa raised an eyebrow. “I’m from Swamp City. Named for, um, I have no idea.” 

“Well then, Melissa from the faraway land of Swamp City, you are to be my roommate for the next several moons. I sincerely hope we can form the greatest of kinships in Crossing Valley.” Diana enunciated each syllable carefully, her high-pitched voice raised slightly so Melissa could hear over the music. 

Melissa smirked at the odd diction. “Is that how you say friendship around here? Because I hope so too.”

Diana laughed, a polished hoof covering her mouth. “Oho! Yes dearie, that is merely my personal way of, as you say, establishing a friendship. Now, I must admit that I am curious about this Milo you always wrote about in your correspondence. Is he your boyfriend, no doy?” 

Nearly spewing her lemonade from her mouth, Melissa choked and quickly swallowed. “No, Diana. We’re just friends. We’ve known each other since elementary school.” 

Not skipping a beat, Diana asked, “Is the boy talking to Del your boyfriend?” 

“Again. We’re friends. That is all,” Melissa said plainly. “Nothing more, nothing less. So I’d appreciate it if you didn’t try to matchmake me over the summer.” 

“Duly noted,” Diana replied. “I deeply apologize for asking those silly questions.” 

“It’s cool,” Melissa said. “So you’re the oldest child, huh? What’s that like?” 

Diana tilted her head back, a handkerchief held to her forehead. “Absolutely chaos! Why, let me tell you what Deirdre did when she was but a tiny fawn. It started when I made the mistake of letting her into my prized makeup bag....”

“Oh my gosh! I’m actually rooming with a real ape! I can put together a Time Ape cosplay for you. But first I’d need the right kind of fabric and some felt for the stopwatch head!” Sara squealed. 

“I’ve always wanted to cosplay,” Cesar said, awed. “I don’t know how to make my own outfits though.”

“I’m thinking I could just make it like the hat Milo’s got,” Sara mused. “I wouldn’t want to cover up your mustache.”

Cesar preened, stroking the pointed end with a large finger. “It takes a lot of time and a generous dollop of mustache wax to maintain this beauty, highness.” 

Sara nodded. “I’ll bet. And that goatee is perfectly trimmed too.”

Cesar flicked his hand at her. “Flatterer. I’m glad SOME people recognize perfection when they see it!” He raised his voice, glaring at Coco, who was ladling punch nearby. “See, bunny? She knows my facial hair is the epitome of manliness!” 

Red liquid dribbled down Coco’s face as she drank the punch. Sara stuffed her mouth with crackers, trying to ignore the creepy atmosphere that just radiated off Coco.

“There is another who boasts a mustache far more fabulous than yours,” Coco intoned. Cesar went blue with shock, dropping to his knees. She turned to Sara. “Hello, I don’t think I’ve ever heard your name.”

“Um, Sara Murphy,” she chuckled nervously, extending her hand as a friendly gesture. Coco grasped it slowly, and it took all of Sara’s willpower not to pull away as she felt every dry pore and crack on Coco’s hand. “Enjoying yourself?” 

“Oh yes,” Coco said. She let go of Sara’s hand to refill her cup. The song changed to a jaunty salsa tune. “This is one of my favorites! You wanna dance?” 

“No, but thanks for the offer,” Sara said. Coco danced, though her face didn’t change as she abruptly changed from swinging her hips to a more formal dance.

Sara bent down to help Cesar up. The ape was surprisingly light, dusting gravel off the bottom of his t-shirt. “If I ever find that guy who supposedly has a better mustache than me, he’s gonna get the Cesar Crash treatment!” he exclaimed, pounding his fist into his palm. 

“What’s the Cesar Crash?” Sara asked. 

Cesar gasped. “You don’t know my signature move? It’s only locally famous! Yo, Del! I need to demonstrate the Cesar Crash for my new roomie!” he called to the alligator, who snapped his jaws in irritation. 

“No, Cesar. I refuse to be on the receiving end of your ridiculous move,” Del growled, ignoring Cesar as he pleaded even further.

Milo looked up from his conversation with Marshal. “If it helps, I have a dummy you can demonstrate with so nobody gets hurt.” The top of his backpack burst, a giant inflatable platypus popping out. It settled on the ground, its mismatched eyes facing Cesar. “I meant to do that.” 

“Thanks a lot!” Cesar gave a hard slap to Milo’s back, sending him sprawling. “Uh, sorry bout that.” 

“No worries!” Milo grinned. “It’s not every day I get to talk to a gorilla, or a chimp, or whatever ape species you are.” 

“RIGHT!” Cesar bellowed. He tore off his shirt, beating his hairy chest. “LISTEN UP YOU GIANT BEAVER DUCK! HOW DARE YOU INSULT MY AWESOME MUSTACHE! PREPARE FOR THE ULTIMATE MOVE, THE MOTHER OF BEATDOWNS, THE HUMILIATION OF THE ERA-” 

Diana sniffed. “It is always uncouth no matter how many times he does this.”

“I take it this is a frequent occurrence?” Zack asked. 

“Last time this happened he destroyed all my Ms. Nintendique magazines!” Isabelle pouted. “I’ve collected those since puppyhood!” 

“-A ONE APE ARMY, THE CATALYST TO END ALL CATALYSTS, THE CESAR-”

Cesar drummed on his chest one more time, then stomped his feet before squatting. Narrowing his eyes, he barreled towards his opponent. “-CRASH!” He slammed into the bill of the platypus, bouncing off the rubbery material. Smacking his back against a nearby tree, he groaned. 

“Right, so now that we’ve settled that, it’s time to plant the tree!” Isabelle clapped her hands, pushing Milo towards the dirt mound in the center of the Plaza. 

Milo looked out towards the crowd. Marshal, Coco, and Cesar could barely contain their excitement. Diana and Del nodded, their happiness much more subdued. 

“I packed a spare fire extinguisher,” Sara said, holding up a red container. 

“And I have the masks and hoses,” Melissa said. 

“And I’ll be over there,” Zack gestured to a peach tree he could run and hide behind, but before he could get far Melissa grabbed the hem of his shirt and pulled him back. 

Isabelle bowed and presented a small sapling to Milo. He cradled it carefully, dirt and roots crumbling in his hand. “Dear animals of Fortuna and our welcomed guests, it is our pleasure to plant this tiny sapling so that it will blossom and grow into a tall, beautiful tree to symbolize the growth of Fortuna! May you find fresh fruit and great catches for many months to come! Milo, step forward and plant the sapling with all your heart and soul,” Isabelle declared.

Everyone was waiting. This was it. He had new responsibilities ahead of him and new friends to make. Milo bent down to plant the sapling. 

As soon as his fingers brushed the topsoil, the leaves caught fire. Sara quickly put it out with the fire extinguisher. 

“The ceremonial sapling!” Isabelle shrieked, her paws flailing. “Ahem, it’s okay! Just a freak accident, folks! We’ll just use the backup ceremonial sapling!” She handed another sapling to Milo. 

“Okay, let’s see-yes, welcome one and all, metaphor for starting all over-we all know the drill,” Isabelle looked up from her cue cards. “Milo, if you’d please.” 

The backup ceremonial sapling was planted, but as soon as Milo stepped away, an angry mole popped out of the ground. Isabelle slumped over the remains of the sapling, a heavy cloud hanging over her. 

“Melissa, I think we found one of those mole people!” Milo called. “Hi. Me. Milo. Me. Friend. Made. Isabelle. Sad.” Each word was accompanied by grand hand gestures. 

The mole could only stare in shock before screaming his head off and twirl his pickaxe around. “OH, LOOK AT ME! I’m a surface dweller! I have opposable thumbs and good eyesight!” he mocked. “RESETTI’S my name and scolding’s my game! And since this WORM eating, brimstone crushing time stream got all wonky, it left me without a regular job! I used to YELL at humans who messed with the time stream too much without the PROPER precautions, but look at this poor mole now! Nothing to show for it but DIRTY hands and squinty eyes! So, new mayor, have a heart and give this poor, washed out soul his job back.” 

Isabelle turned around, her eyes a bright, flaming red. There were no pupils, just a soulless bloody void ready to devour whoever tried to oppose her. “YOU. HOW DARE YOU THREATEN THE NEW MAYOR!” she screamed, flames surrounding her in a beautiful, fiery vortex. Sara sprayed the contents of the fire extinguisher on her, but it simply dissipated in the flames. “LISTEN UP, CLOD! YOU DO NOT GO INTERRUPTING OUR CEREMONY AND YOU ESPECIALLY DO NOT DESTROY MY PLANTS! IN THE NAME OF SQUEAKY BONES AND TENNIS BALLS, I SHALL PUNISH YOU!” 

A wand with a bell on the tip appeared in her paw. She kissed it before stepping in front of Milo, tapping Resetti’s nose with the tip. “The belle of the ball stands out from all the rest to capture the heart of a handsome prince. I call upon her powers to bestow the same luck into banishing the party crasher! BANGING BELL BOOM!” 

Everyone covered their ears as a cacophony of invisible bells rang together to herald Resetti’s impending doom. A giant pair of wedding bells materialized out of the sky, the hollow end charging up and firing a giant yellow laser at Resetti. 

“THIS ISN’T THE LAST YOU’VE SEEN OF ME!” he screamed, ducking into the hole before the laser could engulf him. “DON’T MESS WITH THE TIME STREAM, YA HEAR?” His complaining faded away. 

“Oh my gosh!” Sara squealed. “Do you know what this means, Milo?”

“That the true secret to getting rid of moles is an angry canine secretary and bells?” Milo asked. 

Sara thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Well, yes. But also that we know a magical girl now! Dog? Magical animal? The real question is, what kind is she like? Senshi? Pretty Cure? Miraculous? I hope it’s not the kind that turns into giant monsters when they’ve been overwhelmed with despair.” 

“Actually the correct terminology is Fabulous Fauna!” Isabelle declared. Now that she had calmed down, Milo could see clearly that her outfit had changed into a golden crop top and skirt decorated with tiny bells. Pinned to her ears were several bluebell flowers. “We don’t really have secret identities. But enough about me. Plant the sapling, Milo!” 

Milo obliged, successfully planting the sapling this time. As a precaution, Sara roped off the area with police tape. Everyone clapped and cheered.

“Swing by Town Hall tomorrow so we can get you started on developing Fortuna,” Isabelle yawned. “I’ll be taking my leave now. Good night, Mayor Milo.”  

“We also need to talk to Nook tomorrow,” Sara said. “I can always sic Isabelle on him if he doesn’t cooperate.” 

“First it was the talking animals. Then the whole mayor thing. And now anime cliches,” Zack muttered. “I’m done for today. Night, Milo.”

It took Milo half an hour to say good night to everybody and lie down in his tent. He could hardly wait for the summer to begin! There were adventures waiting in Fortuna and Crossing Valley. 

There was definitely more than meets the eye. 

Isabelle the magical girl everyone. 

Cesar is just as nerdy as Sara. 

Coco is really sweet. I’m still mad at her for leaving...

[meenasmoon]

Please do a fanfiction of johnny and meena babysitting rosita ' kids and the kids setting johnny and meena up fluff johnny x meena

My mischievous little childrens are at it again. Will they succeed in pushing two stubborn teens together? You’ll have to read to find out.

Little Matchmakers

“Thank you so much for doing this you guys.” Rosita grinned and adjustedher favorite yellow purse on her shoulder. Norman came up behind her and lookedover the two teens that were currently serving as a jungle gym for theirtwenty-five children. Meena used her trunk to gently lift Casper off ofthe top of her head and onto the ground. He immediately began trying to climbup her body once more. Johnny was surrounded by Rosita’s little girls, who werepestering him with question after question as they tugged on his leatherjacket. He was kneeling on the ground trying to answer them but they werecoming to fast for him to get a word in edgewise.

“It’s no problem Rosita.” Meena smiled and picked yet another piglet offthe top of her head.

“Yeah it’ll be loads of fan.” Johnny looked up momentarily to smilecharmingly at the two wary-looking parents before returning toentertaining the piglets.

“So I left all of the emergency numbers on the fridge, bedtime iseight, they need to brush their teeth and they like a story before they go tosleep. We’ll be back at nine. Oh and make sure that Meena cooks, not Johnny. Ilike my kitchen the way it is.” She sent Johnny a stern look and the gorillashrugged innocently.

Meena laughed and nodded, “Don’t worry Rosita. I’ll handle dinner.”

“Good. Okay everybody!” She turned her attention to herchildren who immediately stopped messing with their babysitters and gatheredaround their parents.

“Now you be good for Meena and Johnny. I don’t want to hear aboutany shenanigans. Understand?” Rosita said as sternly as she could and the kidsnodded solemnly. Satisfied that they would behave she followed Norman to thefront door.

“Are you sure you two can handle them?” She suddenly turned around, aworried look on her face, “We could just go another time…” Norman frowned andMeena quickly stepped in to reassure the worried mother.

“Don’t worry Rosita. Johnny and I will be able to handle your kids, noproblem.” She gently ushered the couple out into the hall, “Have a great time.”

Rosita took one last look at her children who had managed to tackleJohnny to the ground and were climbing all over the poor gorilla. She openedher mouth to reprimand them but stopped when Johnny’s deep chuckle echoed outinto the hall and he roared like a monster. He rose up from the mass of pigletsand began chasing them around, growling about how he was a monster who wasgoing to ‘eat some delicious piglets for dinner’. A soft smile spread acrossRosita’s face and her nerves began to settle for the first time that night. Shelooked up at Meena who was glancing back at Johnny with a dreamy smile on herface. Her smile turned into a grin and as she walked away arm in arm with herhusband she hoped that her children might help their budding romance along.

Once Rosita and Norman had left the building, Meena closed the frontdoor and turned to watch Johnny chase the piglets around the living room. Everytime one of them would try to take cover behind an object or piece of furniturehe would scare them out and resume the chase. As he ran past her, Meena caughthis arm and pulled him to a stop. He looked at her in confusion and she gavehim a shy smile.

“Can you keep them busy while I make dinner?” She asked, gesturing towardsthe pack of piglets who were peeking out at them from behind the couch. Johnnynodded and gave her his signature lopsided grin.

“Yeah. Daan’t worry abaht it. I’ll keep these lil’ rascals busy.” Hesaid, slightly out of breath but still grinning widely.

“Th-thanks.” Meena stuttered, struck dumb by that cute grin of his. Hercheeks turned bright red when she looked down and realized that she was stillholding onto his arm. She let go, jerking away like he was covered in hotcoals, and her entire face turned bright red. She turned around and hurried tothe kitchen, expertly weaving through the mass of piglets who were playing onthe floor. Johnny watched her go with a small smile and then turned to thepiglets who he was supposed to distract.

“’Oo wants ter play ‘ide and seek?” His question was met with yells ofexcitement and a wave of giggles, “I’ll count first. Ya guys better ‘urry upand hide or I’ll catch ya.”

He put his hands over his eyes and began counting as the pigletsscattered throughout the house, desperately searching for a place to hide. Onepiglet in particular, Hanna, dashed for the kitchen where Meena was stirring apot of mac n’cheese and humming to herself. Hanna jumped up onto the counterand accidentally scared the crap out of Meena, who had been in her own littleworld in the kitchen.

“Hanna? What are you doing? You shouldn’t be on the counter.” Meenascolded gently and the little pig immediately hit her with a small pout andbig, teary eyes. Meena was under her spell in seconds.

“We’re playing hide and seek with Johnny. Can I hide in here with you?”She pleaded and Meena looked around nervously, unsure if she should give in tothe normally devious piglets.

“I don’t know Hanna…” She trailed off when one little tear escaped outof Hanna’s wide eyes and rolled down her cheek. For good measure Hanna wrappedher little arms around Meena’s arm and hugged it tight while holding Meena’sgaze.

“Please? I wanna hang out with you.” She laid down the clincher andMeena was putty in her hands.

“Awww. Well of course you can hide in here. But you have to stay awayfrom the oven and the knife rack okay?” Hanna nodded solemnly and gave Meena’sarm one last hug before heading over to sit by the large cookie jar that sheplanned to hide behind. Her sweet little face went back to normal, not even atrace of a tear on her face. She sat down in a position where she could see thestairs and the doorway to the living room where Johnny was still counting andher siblings were hiding.

“What are you making Meena?” She whispered loud enough for the elephantto hear. Meena smiled and pretended to hide what was in the pot.

“It’s a secret.” She winked at Hanna who giggled and arched her necktrying to see in the large pot that was about the same size as her. Her searchwas fruitless from her position so she quickly gave up and began playing with awhisk like it was a sword and she was a little knight defending her castle, thecookie jar.

“Aw wite! Ready or not ‘ere I come!” Johnny called from the livingroom. Hanna dropped her whisk-sword and dove behind the cookie jar forrefuge. Johnny came prowling into the kitchen a few seconds later, a playfulgrin on his face.

“Ya ain’t ‘arborin’ and lil’ fugitives in ‘ere ‘re ya?” He asked, comingup behind Meena and pretending to search around her. Meena giggled and tried tokeep a straight face, playing along with his game.

“Why no! Of course not.” She said dramatically and Johnny gave her thatcrooked smile that made her heart pound and her face heat up.

“Ya sure?” He leaned in, his face getting closer to Meena’s. She movedback until Johnny had her cornered against the counter, his proximity makingher flustered. Hanna watched the exchange with wide eyes and she almost forgotthat she was hiding from the handsome gorilla. She watched as Meena’s cheeksturned bright red the same way that her mommy’s did when her daddy complimentedher. She noticed that Johnny leaned in the same way that her daddy did when hewas going kiss mommy. As Hanna put the pieces together she made the realizationthat both Johnny and Meena had yet to discover. 

Johnny and Meena ‘like-liked’ each other.

“I-I um… no. I mean yes! No there isn’t anyone else h-here andy-yes I’m sure.” Meena rambled nervously and Johnny’s smirk softened into anaffectionate smile.

“I believe ya Meena. Daan’t worry.” He backed away and Meena breatheddeeply for what felt like the first time since he walked into the kitchen. Hewas walking towards the staircase when he looked over and noticed the abandonedwhisk lying innocently on the counter.

“Wot were ya usin’ that for?” He asked suspiciously, walking over towhere Hanna was hiding. Meena saw the frantic look that Hanna shot her and sheleapt into action.

“I-it’s dirty! I was cleaning it for Rosita!” She stumbled over herselfslightly as she hurried over to where Johnny was examining the whisk.

“Meena…It’s not dirty. Actually, it looks brand new.” Meena franticallysnatched the whisk from his grip and held it close to her chest as she moved infront of the cookie jar where Hanna was hiding. She could feel her cover storyfalling out from underneath her and she desperately looked around for adistraction.

She caught sight of a piglet peeking down the stairs to check whereJohnny was, and knew she had a chance.

“Johnny look!” She pointed towards the staircase and the piglet wentrunning back out of sight just as Johnny turned around.

“Wot? Wot was it?” He asked, examining the stairs for any trace of apiglet.

“It was one of the piglets! They ran back upstairs.” She pointedexcitedly and gently shoved Johnny towards the stairs.

“Meena wait-“ He protested but she quickly cut him off as if she hadn’theard him.

“Go, go, go. Catch all those piglets and when you’re done dinner will beready.” She gave him one last shove and then turned back to stir the pot ofmacaroni. Johnny gave her back a confused look for a few seconds, thensmiled and shook his head good-naturedly. He then began stomping up thestairs, calling out to the piglets hiding up there.

When he was gone Meena let out a sigh of relief and Hanna slowly creepedout from behind the cookie jar.

“That was a close one huh?” She laughed and Hanna giggled and nodded.Hanna didn’t say anything but continued to smile knowingly at Meena. Meenalooked at her suspiciously and raised an eyebrow.

“What are you thinking little missy?”

“You ‘like-like’ Johnny.” Hanna blurted out and Meena froze mid-stir,her cheeks turning a deep red color.

“Wh-what are you talking about?” She said nervously as she looked aroundto see if anyone else was listening.

“You look just like mommy does when daddy says nice things about her.”Hanna said matter-of-factly and Meena’s face turned an even darker shade ofred.

“I do not!” She protested and Hanna gave her a disbelieving look that nochild should be able to pull off so fantastically.

“Yes you do. Meena and Johnny sitting in a tree! K-I-S-S-I-N-G.” Hannabegan to chant and Meena quickly clamped a large hand over the little piglet’smouth. She looked around once more to make sure they were alone before shefinally released Hanna.

Hanna just grinned up at her and Meena gave her a desperate look, “Let’skeep this between us alright?” Hanna nodded, still smiling. Behind her back herlittle fingers were firmly crossed.

“Why don’t you go find a new hiding place in the living room?” Meenasuggested as she lifted the piglet off of the counter and down onto the kitchenfloor.

Hanna skipped away into the living room, singing quietly under herbreath, “Meena and Johnny sitting in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G.”

Fifteen minutes later Johnny had rounded up all of the piglets and washerding them into the kitchen for dinner. Meena had set out a bowl of macn’cheese with a plate of carrots and apples for each everyone. Like a mob thepiglets rushed the table and climbed into their seats, eagerly digging intotheir food. Meena sat at one end of the table and Johnny the other so that theycould keep an eye on all the piglets. 

When Hanna saw that their babysitters were distracted she leaned overand began whispering into her brother Casper’s ear about Meena and Johnny‘like-liking’ each other. If anyone could get those two together it was Casper.He was the most mischievous out of all of the piglets and was themastermind behind just about every stunt they pulled. Casper’s mischievousand slightly evil smile curled across his face as a plan formed in his deviouslittle mind. He whispered it to Hanna who lit up and adopted a grin much likeCasper’s. They gave each other a simultaneous short nod and then turned totheir siblings to spread the word. A minute later all twenty-five piglets werein on the plan and as a result they all began eating faster, consumed withexcitement.

Once they had all finished their dinner, Meena served chocolate puddingfor dessert and, with Johnny’s help, began clearing the dishes and loading thelarge dishwasher. Once they had loaded as many dishes as they could into thedishwasher they began hand-washing the rest of the dishes.

The piglets brought over their pudding bowls once they were done andone-by-one dashed off into the living room. When the kitchen was cleared andthe dishes were dried and put away Meena and Johnny went into the living roomto find out what exactly the piglets were up to.

They were all crowded around the TV watching as Tess, Kelly, and Freddysang along to the music coming out of the karaoke machine. The lyrics were onthe screen for the piglets to follow, but they were too young to keep up sothey just sang the song how they pleased.

Meena laughed and went over to join the crowd of piglets, cheering onthe three kids singing and dancing along with the onlookers. Johnny stood therewatching them for a second, admiring the way that Meena handled the kids andhow beautiful she looked when she was smiling and having fun.

Meena noticed he was still standing in the entryway and gestured for himto come over as one of the piglets shoved a microphone in her hand. A littlepiglet named Nelson ran over to Johnny as he carefully picked his way throughthe mass of piglets, and handed him the other microphone. 

“Your turn.” Was his only explanation as he led Johnny over to whereMeena was standing in front of the screen waiting for the kids to choose theirsong. Meena shrugged and smiled nervously as she fiddled with her microphone.

“I guess they want a performance.” She shrugged and Johnny chuckled.

“Ya kna… I daan’t think that ya and I ‘ave ever sung together. I’mlookin’ forward ter the performance too.” He winked and Meena blushed, pullingher ears close to her head reflexively. However, she couldn’t stop the flutterin her chest or the smile that spread across her face. Despite her timidresponse she was excited to sing with Johnny too.

“Aleigh’ ‘Anna.” Johnny nodded to the piglet, which was at the computerchoosing the song, “Give us summit good.”

Meena’s eyes widened when she saw who was picking their song. Hannagave her a mischievous grin that immediately made Meena’s stomach sink toher toes and her palms grew sweaty.

The music began and she felt her mouth dry up immediately. The song’stitle rolled across the screen and she nervously gripped the microphone,waiting for her turn as Johnny sang the first line.

“Don’t go breaking my heart.”

“I couldn’t if I t-tried.” She started out a little nervously butgained confidence when Johnny turned to smile at her, singing his next line asif they were just talking.

“Honey if I get restless?”

“Baby you’re not that kind.” She blushed slightly but laughed at the sillylyrics, finally getting into the music.

“Don’t go breaking my heart.” Johnny bounced along with the beatand Meena joined him, her ears flaring out and her smile growing.

“You take the weight off of me.” She laughed and inwardly wasstruck by how accurate the lyric felt. Johnny literally made her feel lighter,happier.

“Honey when you knocked on my door

 I gave you my key

 Ooh hoo

 Nobody knows it

 When I was down

 I was your clown.” Meena made a funny face at the piglets who immediately squealed withlaughter.

”Ooh hoo

 Nobody knows it” This time the piglets joined in, their little voices creating theperfect chorus.

“Right from the start” Johnny goofy expression turned serious as Meenajoyfully belted out her next lines, the truth ringing clearly in the words.

“I gave you my heart

 I gave you my

 Heeeeaaaart” Johnny was so mesmerized by her he almost forgot his part, barelycatching it on time.

“So don’t go breaking my heart

 I won’t go breaking your heart

 Don’t go breaking my heart” Johnny reached out and impulsively grabbed Meena,pulling her close to him and dancing along to the beat, completely forgettingthat they were supposed to be babysitting twenty-five little piglets. And fromthe starry look in her eyes, Meena had forgotten too.

“And nobody told us

 ‘Cause nobody showed us

 And now it’s up to us babe” Johnny winked as he sang the affectionate andfairly romantic term, trying to show Meena that he meant exactly what he sang.

“Oh I think we can make it” Meena sang a little breathlessly, butshe was still smiling widely up at Johnny.

“So don’t misunderstand me,” Johnny sang as he twirled Meenaaround and then pulled her back in close. Meena put a hand on his shoulder andswayed in time to the music, following his lead.

“You put the light in my life.

 You put the sparks to the flame

 I’ve got your heart in my sights.” This time, to Johnny’s surprise, Meena wasthe one to wink and then spin away, playful look in her baby blues.

“Woo hoo

 Nobody knows it

 When I was down

 I was your clown” Meena deftly avoided Johnny’s attempts to pull her in close orspin her again, her hips moving along to the beat of the music in a way thatwas foreign to her.

“ Woo hoo

 Nobody knows it

 Right from the start

 I gave you my heart

 I gave you my

 Heeeaaart” Meena finally let Johnny catch her, and she willingly melted into hisstrong embrace as they twirled across the limited space in the living room.

“So don’t go breaking my heart

 I won’t go breaking your heart

 Don’t go breaking my heart” The piglets began to crowd around them singingalong as they belted out the chorus.

 “Oooh hoo

 Nobody knows it

 When I was down

 I was your clown

 Ooh hoo

 Nobody knows it

 Right from the start

 I gave you my heart

 I gave you my

 Heeeaaart

 Meena noticed that some of the piglets were starting to yawn and rubtheir eyes tiredly, but being the stubborn little kids that they were, none ofthem admitted to agreeing to go to bed.

 Meena began to clap rhythmically and soon Johnny and the pigletswere following her example, dancing around with each other.

“So don’t go breaking my heart

 I won’t go breaking your heart

 Don’t go breaking my

 Don’t go breaking my

 Don’t go breaking my heart,” The piglets echoed them excitedly but as thechorus went on their energy started to fade and Johnny winked at Meena when herealized her plan. If they could tire them out now it would be easier to getthem to bed after the song was over.

“Don’t go breaking my

 Don’t go breaking my

 I won’t go breaking your heart.” The piglets were starting to collapse on theground, still trying to sing along through their sleepiness. As the song faded,Meena watched as only Hanna was left standing, wobbly but still stubbornlyawake.

“Don’t go breaking my heart

I won’t go breaking your heart

Don’t go breaking my heart

I won’t go breaking your heart” The music faded and Meena shut down the TV whileJohnny helped the piglets up and ushered them off to the bathroom to brushtheir teeth. Hanna still stood stubbornly in the middle of the room.

“I’m not tired.” She whined as she rubbed her eye with a tiny littlefist. Meena smiled and picked her up, carrying her towards the bathroom wherethe other kids were brushing their teeth.

“If you go brush your teeth. I promise I’ll read you a story.” Hannabrightened up and nodded her agreement. Meena set her down and she ran into thebathroom to brush her teeth.

“I guess we’re doin’ story time.” Johnny chuckled ad the piglets filedinto their room and got into bed. Hanna handed Meena a book and they allsettled into bed, waiting patiently for them to start. The insisted that Meenaprovide the voice of the princess while Johnny provided the voice of theprince. When the story was over and the kids were sound asleep Johnny andMeena went downstairs to watch a movie.

They started out at opposite ends of the couch but each slowly inchedcloser to the other until their legs were touching. The warm feeling ofJohnny’s leg against her was sending Meena’s heart into a tizzy whileJohnny was trying to work up the courage to wrap his arm around her. He was inthe middle of wrapping his arm around her shoulders when the front door openedand Rosita and Norman walked in. Johnny and Meena leapt off of the couch likethey had been stung and hurried over to the door. Meena grabbed their stuff andhugged Rosita goodbye.

“How were they?” Rosita asked with a smile and Meena mirrored her smile,still a little flustered from her almost contact with Johnny.

“They were great. Little angels.” She whispered and then headed out thedoor with Johnny. Rosita looked surprised at the good report from Meena andmoved to the window to watch them get to Johnny’s car safely.

They were walking slowly, talking about something that she couldn’thear. She watched with glee as Johnny reached over and took Meena’s hand in hisand she shyly looked at him. He leaned in and brushed his hand down her face,obviously nervous but not nearly as nervous as Meena looked.

Johnny leaned in and Meena’s ears flared out, blocking Rosita’s view.She stepped away from the window to give them some privacy and followed Normanupstairs to bed.

She knew they would get there eventually. It just took a little push.

[curiositydotcom]

Learn about why it’s harder to clean grease off of plastic than glass; how zoos use their own version of dating apps for breeding programs; and why science says you don’t have to be married to be happy.

Why is it harder to clean grease off of plastic than glass? by Ashley Hamer (Listener question from Lili)

Saig, A. (2012, May 17). Why does soap easily remove fats from metalware and glassware but not from plastic? Davidson Institute of Science Education; Weizmann Institute of Science. https://davidson.weizmann.ac.il/en/online/askexpert/chemistry/why-does-soap-easily-remove-fats-metalware-and-glassware-not-plastic-tom 

‌Lipids. (2020). Dcccd.edu. https://dlc.dcccd.edu/biology1-3/lipids 

‌Clean My Space. (2013). Cleaning Plastic Containers: How to Clean Plastic Food Storage Items Fast & Easy (Clean My Space) [YouTube Video]. In YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RQKei50JCNQ 

Zoos Use Their Own Versions of Dating Apps for Breeding Programs by Reuben Westmaas

Wright, R. (2018, February 12). There’s a Matchmaking Site for Gorillas, Too. The New Yorker; The New Yorker. https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/theres-a-dating-site-for-gorillas-too 

‌Stahl, L. (2018, May 13). Matchmaking for zoo animals. Cbsnews.com. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/matchmaking-for-zoo-animals/ 

You don't have to be married to be happy by Kelsey Donk

When it comes to happiness, what’s love got to do with it? (2020). EurekAlert! https://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2020-07/msu-wic072320.php 

Loved and lost or never loved at all? Lifelong marital histories and their links with subjective well-being. (2020). The Journal of Positive Psychology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17439760.2020.1791946?journalCode=rpos20 

Subscribe to Curiosity Daily to learn something new every day with Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer. You can also listen to our podcast as part of your Alexa Flash Briefing; Amazon smart speakers users, click/tap “enable” here: https://www.amazon.com/Curiosity-com-Curiosity-Daily-from/dp/B07CP17DJY