#breaks my tumblr silence to be totally normal about this girl

[squishysnake]

Have You Seen This Inkfish? ⬇️

Now You Have ⬆️

[munamania]

gonna complain again even tho i already spent time on it yesterday immediately after having to hang out with this person (oh my god i ranted for so long this is going under a keep reading)

so i hung out with my fun cool stoner friend and our one roommate from when we were in la last night and i mostly put up w her for the sake of my other friends but she’s sooooo annoying in that she’s someone that’s impossible to hang out with as a dyke im sory but there are the other issues too. like ok for instance her idea of being bisexual!! and having her gay AND straight media taste!!! (first of all huh) is like heartstopper and the summer i turned pretty. girl in neither of those situations are there women and especially lesbians at the forefront i mean yes ik heartstopper but like thats for two seconds. and im annoying and brought up my lesbian media to resounding silence shockingly whatever. and then. this part burned me and insulted me to my core. bc you know how kit connors kind of like a baby butch to me and im so serious sorry like he contains multitudes. and i kinda made a little comment abt that affectionately and she shows me this prettyboy from like whatever fucking show and tried to be like ‘abby just imagine him as a butch’ and i flat out was like im sorry he is Not giving. like that is just an annoying toxic skater niceguy blonde. whatever. like do not ever ever ever disrespect butches like that in front of me ever again. and then shes also just sooooo hyper consumerist and like. she brought up the low committment long distance etc joke from barbie and didnt even know it was from barbie and was like haha need me one of those i guess. i was like girl why would you want someone that disrespects u and ur time and uses u like purposefully. that was meant to poke at how toxic men get away with being to girls in modern dating. want better for yourself!!!!! and then i was sooo fucking stoned from a bong rip having the time of my life doing a little bit with the other friend and our buddy on facetime and she just kept going on about this person shes going on a date with except the other friend was like oh! they use they/them pronouns. and she was like right sorry i keep screwing that up!!!!! and then continued to use he/him. so im mostly non verbal cause shes like exhausting just going on and on and im high but i keep trying to be like. yeah they seem cool. hope it goes well with them. like. i felt like i was being microaggressed not necessarily in that instance just as a lesbian. shes bi but very much not past her internalized misogyny and homophobia. clearly. it’s exhausting!!!! im sorry i cant talk about men for that long and then i try to be excited about my attraction too and u get all funky............. like. ok. or making weird comments alluding to me just being wildly sexual abt women. like. yeah ok sure. for sure thats normal. like. this is also the girl whos a marketing major and uses ai all the time and pisses me off with her hella hyper consumerism grindset mentality bc it’s like she always wants us to comment on how productive she is and if i try to nicely be like You should give yourself a break sometimes too! she’ll be like Yeah haha guess im being a bit self destructive. girl it’s not sillyquirky like!!!! we all have our struggles but you gotta work on getting better abt it... and she also just gives ‘haha what drugs were they on thats so crazy’ about like everything i say or like or whatever and its like babe its really not even that crazy like. u are just so boring and you speak solely through references to memes. but you wont even just bring it up and joke about it in the present moment with your friends like. she spent a while finding a screenshot of a tumblr post that i was like haha yeah i saw that! it’s totally - u know whatever. and was not satisfied until she could prove she like saw it idk u get what i mean like. i understand i literally reblogged the post. its a silly little joke yes i relate. say something true and beautiful. idk. thanks if u read this ig i couldnt tell if my one friend was prompting me today to see if i was annoyed last night bc i thought she might also be too (bc it got so awkward silent with her going on and on abt the date and that fucking show and we were all like yeah. mhm. no for sure yeah. like how do u not get self aware idk) but we’ve all spoken abt this girl like shes some saint and ive just kinda been like haha sure... but i dont want her near my work and art and etc cause shes so shallow and has social media brain disease. she freaked out about twitter being weird now and how she prefers threads perhaps. like u have threads??? ok... it was so hard for me to be nice guys

[sweetcathedral]

🕸Haikyuu! — The Butterfly’s Ripple Effect🕸

Note: Currently a developing short story as I’m trying to figure out how to format it on tumblr, so that it’s easy to read (might take me a few months for the rough draft). The plot and ending is solidified, just need to piece together the scenes. Of course all Haikyuu characters are post-timeskip, it’s easier for me to write them as adults. It doesn’t make sense, but it will when I have the whole story down!

⚠️: blowjob, raw, forceful (?), cheating, giving in to temptation

The warmth of the sun gently wakes you up, making you flutter your lashes and wince at the brightness of the room. Memories of last night play back in your head as you pull the covers over you, but you look around to see that there was no sign of Kuroo. You hesitate to go back to sleep or look around the house to see if the others were okay from last night, since it wasn’t as loud as it should be.

“G’morning,” Kenma was leaning at the doorway with a cup of tea in his hand and a plate of omelettes in the other. “May I?”

You nodded, rubbing your eyes to fully wake you up.

“It smells nice. How are the others?”

“Oh, Kuroo’s driving them back to Sendai. The others wanted you to tag along on their road trip, but I told them that you’re probably jetlagged and needed the rest. They helped unload your stuff at the entranceway though,” he settled the tea and omelettes on the nightstand before pulling out a bed tray table from one of the drawers.

“I didn’t know you were the type to have breakfast in bed.”

“I’m not. A friend left it here last year, forgot about it and told me to keep it in the end. I just thought you’d like breakfast in bed today,” as Kenma was about to unfold the table, he paused in hesitation. It looked like he wanted to say something, but instead he lowered his head onto your lap. Thinking nothing of it, you run your fingers through his soft hair,

“Tired?”

“. . . I guess . . . I don’t know . . .”

You started humming the tune Kenma used to sing to you back then, when the two of you were still normal. The familiar feeling began to cloud your judgement, letting your fingers trace down the nape of Kenma’s neck. He immediately grabs your wrist, startling you from your trance.

“What do you think you’re doing?” he lifts his head.

“I—, sorry, I didn't mean—”

“Your food’s getting cold,” he changes the subject and continues to set up the bed table, arranging the tea and omelette. Before he was able to leave the bed, you reach for his hand,

“Kenma, wait . . .” the words you’ve always wanted to tell him is caught in your throat, “. . . I’m sor—!”

His hands clamp over your mouth as he gently kisses your forehead, softly dragging his cold fingers down to your throat. Unable to shake off the way it made you feel, he left you in silence.

After closing the door, Kenma briskly walked towards the bathroom, turned the faucet on and locked himself in. He leans against the door, slowly sliding down to the floor and pulled his hoodie completely over his head,

“. . . what am I doing? . . .” he sighs, pressing his head into his folded hands.

A moment later, the sound of your footsteps makes him jolt back up to turn the faucet off. He opens the door to see you standing there, knees clasped together.

“Don’t just stand there, move!” you push through him to get to the toilet and quickly kicked your panties off, landing at Kenma’s feet. “Phew, okay, you can leave now.”

Just as you finished cleaning yourself up, he picks up your wet stained panties.

“Hey! Give me those!” you tried grabbing them back from him, while covering yourself.

Fuck it. Kenma decided to cross the line he drew for himself. At this point it didn’t matter to him anymore, nothing mattered to him anymore. Everything that’s been holding him back has reached its limit, and he was more than ready to risk it all.

“What, it’s not like this is my first time seeing you naked.”

“Kuroo can walk in at any moment,” you argued back.

“He left two hours ago. It takes a total of eight hours driving to and from Sendai, plus the amount of stops he probably took to settle them down,” he quietly closes the door. “Which means I’ve about six hours to have you all to myself.”

The weight of Kenma’s words dawned on you. The sound of your heartbeat echoes in your ears, racing at the pace things were moving in. It’s only been a day since you got back, but Kenma had been displaying signs of temptation. You knew he was selfish, but you didn't know he can be this selfish—to the point of sleeping with his best friend’s girlfriend. Maybe you should’ve set the boundaries right then and there when you and Kuroo told him about your relationship. But you’ve been sleeping around with Kenma for so long that you didn’t realize that these things weren’t normal for someone in a relationship. It wasn’t right at all, especially to Kuroo. It’s cheating, but—

“Don’t worry, it’ll just be between you and me. I promise,” Kenma cups your face so that your eyes meet with his and draws you into a kiss. You quickly pull away from him,

“Kenma, we can’t. You know we can’t, I’m dating Kuroo, and . . .this is cheating—”

“Only if we get caught,” his fingers trace up your thighs.

You grip his wrist with trembling hands.

“Kenma . . . please, I—I can only hold back so much,” your voice begins to break.

“Do you trust me?” he pauses, waiting for your reply.

With guilt, you shyly nodded.

“That’s my good girl,” he lifts you up onto the edge of the sink. Kissing you along your neck and collarbones.

“Not there, you’ll leave a mark,” you stop him.

“Right, . . . sorry,” he pouts. With how far you’ve already taken the situation, you decided to let go of all senses of your morals.

“Come here,” you reach for his face, pulling him back into a kiss. Shocked that you took the lead, but relieved, he places his hand on your wet spot. The feeling of his fingers brushing over your clit makes you throb inside.

“Look at how messy you’re getting and I haven’t even put my fingers in you yet,” he crosses his fingers. “I know you like it when I do this.”

The twisting motion inside you sends waves of pleasure throughout your body, making your toes curl. Hot breaths escape your wet lips, feeling yourself come closer to ecstasy. Before you could reach your climax, Kenma pulls his fingers out.

“No, no no,” you whined.

“What’s wrong?” he cocked his head, knowing damn well what he’s doing. “You know begging doesn’t work on me, you need to show that you want it.” He leans in closer to your blushing ear. “Now get on those pretty knees of yours.”

The glazed look in your eyes catches Kenma’s attention. A smirk tugs across his face, gently gripping your throat, embracing you into another wet kiss. His teeth softly grazes your bottom lip as he pulls away. Reluctantly, you get on your knees.

You work your tongue, stroking up and down his cock. “Fuck,” he grunts, giving you a sense of pride. Impatiently, you start to touch yourself to relieve that aching feeling,

“Ah, ah, ah,” Kenma pulls you by the hair to get you off his cock. He grabs both of your wrists and pins them over your head against the edge of the sink, preventing you from touching yourself. “I’m not gonna let you take that satisfaction away from me. Now open your mouth nice and wide, and stick your tongue out.”

Your hips squirm and tremble, doing as he says.

“Hrmph!” the impact of his cock thrusts to the back of your throat, his grip tightening around your wrists. Tears stream down your cheeks and saliva dribbles down your chin, taking in every thrust he gives you. You choke on his load, filling you so much that you can’t do anything but swallow.

“You think I’m done?” he pushes you to the floor and turns you over, pinning one leg to your chest. The glint in his eyes tells you how long he’s been waiting for this moment. A single, long, moment to put you in a sloppy daze. You can feel his thumb brushing over your slick folds before pressing it in. Although you’re already a soaking mess down there, he wants to make sure you're fully prepped before going in raw.

“Don’t forget, I have you all to myself for more than a few hours,” he says in your ear as he slowly penetrates you. The tip hits you in the right spot making your walls flutter. Only the sound of your panting and moaning escape your lips.

You forgot how rough Kenma gets when his stress builds up and he has nowhere to vent it off on, but that privilege was taken away from him when you and Kuroo started your relationship. Admittedly, you miss Kenma from before he knew about your relationship with his best friend. You didn’t know how he truly felt about it and didn’t want to ask. You avoided wanting to ask ‘cause you’re scared about knowing how he really feels. The day you confronted him about it was also when he started to become distant and detached from you. 

Slowly, your mind enters a daze, getting lost in the comfort you find from his guilty pleasure.

[millenialfanfictionaddiction]

hey mother! <3 how have you been? i hope you know you've been a real help and i absolutely adore your blog, i swear, it's amazing!

anyways, i got back from school again. this time, we had a power outage during lunch break and let me tell you, living on the goddamned equator doesn't help that, especially since it was so hot and most of us were sweaty. he asked for my hand fan and of course i lent it to him.

nio asked me to switch seats with his seatmate so he could fan me as well. discreetly only though, since apparently that's considered as pda which isn't allowed either. the thought is what matters and the fact that he asked someone to switch seats with me is so sweet. he didn't talk to me much, but the silence was comfortable anyways so that didn't matter to me. it's sweet, honestly.

the fact that most girls in my class would talk about their crushes on our seniors and stuff, meanwhile i'm on tumblr expressing my interest in a guy to someone who cares more than my other female classmates could. this part isn't a vent, more of me feeling left out, but not enough to will me down. which is normal, sometimes i fit in, sometimes i don't. which i have accepted because the only reason i don't 'fit in' sometimes is because my interests aren't similar to theirs and i could never change my interests to fit in with them because i just love what i love.

also, i want to know, with all the updates i've given you; (hopefully i don't seem forceful on just randomly popping up from nowhere and suddenly sending you these updates); what romance trope do you think i'm going through? and which hq character best fits nio especially now that i've sent in a lot of these updates and he has much better depiction?

Hi!!! I've been good! Busy because it's almost time for me to send my rl kiddos back to school but I'm so ready 🤣 I love them but this summer has tested my patience! And thank you 🥺 this blog is totally my escape from the real world because it can be very hectic right now.

Ok first off, how sweet that you leant him your fan and that he switched seats to make sure you got some air too! I can't imagine living on the equator 😱 I live up towards the top of the United States, close to Canada. We have hot ass summers here but AC is really common so it's at least bearable. But not the power going out because omg I'd actually die!

Also, I'm just going to say this as a former teenager because I understand the pressure to fit in! Just remember it's ok to stand out and be different. It's ok to like what you like! Don't ever feel like you need to change for anyone because of any reason. It's then when you start to lose yourself and trust me, changing for anyone isn't worth it. You're the only one that matters to you and you should put yourself and your feeling first!

So I was trying to think of a good trope to fit this. It seems like a friends to lovers type but with more repressed feelings. Like he's trying to deny his feelings for you but he still wants to be close to you! He's giving me me Asahi or Kenma vibes. I totally feel like both of them would struggle to come to terms with their feelings!

[liliesoftherain]

My Hero Academia Main 3 Boys x Reader

Ch. 18 Code Names

A/N: Guess who’s back... back again.. shady’s back.. tell a friend- But really! Hey guys! I bet none of y’all missed me, but I deeply missed you.

So this is a little rant so you can 100% skip this and read the story! Enjoy! 

Anyways, I kinda stopped talking to everyone I met here on tumblr, and that makes me really sad. I mean, I have no one to blame but myself, but now that I’m in a better place, I hope things can go back to normal, so, @pocket-is-obsessed​ @pinky-the-elephant-room​ @sunnieskies02​ , and everyone else, I’m sorry. I love y’all, and I miss y’all.

Masterlist

If anyone wants to be added to the taglist, or if I missed you, please send an ask and I’ll add you!!

TAGLIST(ANY BOLD-I CANNOT TAG YOU FRO WHATEVER REASON): @rizamendoza808​ !(: @iris-suoh​ !(: @quicksilverfangirl​ !(: @shortperson202​ !(: @noodlenerd101​ !(: @matchamidoriya​ !(: @thorsbtch-captainnoobmaster69me !(: @pastel-prynce​ !(: @sunkissedneptune​ @monetfatalia​ !(: @legit-fandom-trash​ !(: @lovethewitchofendor​ !(: @dekuxlink !(: @water-melone98​ !(: @helena-way07​ !(: @nothing17-7​​ !(: @hopelessdisasterr​​ !(: @karmaboundlife​ !(: @lunamoonmint​ !(: @ihatemyselftoinfinityandbeyond​​ !(: @beew​​ !(: @kaylees1414  !(: @axerrri​​ !(: @icythotsenpai​​ !(: @iwantapoptartqwq​ !(: @acehyacinth​ !(:  @sspidermanss​ !(:  @httpswwwtbhkcom​ !(:  @omgthatonenerd06​ !(:  @mochicheeks-world !(:  @gvthic-gvrl​ !(:  @jinxed-egg​ !(:  @themagical1sa​ !(:  @cherriomilkmangos​ !(:  @1-800-schmacked​ !(:  @human-watching-ads-from-devildom​ !(:  

The following days were spent resting up, allowing your body to heal from the taxing day you endured; any cuts or bruises that had managed to slip pass Recovery Girl were now reduced to nothing but a memory. Monday came by, quicker than you hoped, and you were on the train headed towards the school grounds. You basked in the steady hum of the engine, watching the scenery fly by, until the area around you began to break out into murmurs.

 “That’s Hakamata, isn’t it?”

“Best Jeanist’s daughter!”

“She won third place at the sports festival, it’s amazing!”

“Oh wow!”

“Hey, good job at the festival! I totally knew you were going to hit it big!”

“You were so close to winning!”

“Good luck!”

“Keep working!”

Exiting the train with a wave, you sigh in relief. While it left your heart fluttering with pride at the praises and recognition, it was still overwhelming to have so many people talking about you, to you, at once.

You arrived at the school gates, quickly rushing inside, shaking your umbrella off as you broke it down. You quickly grab what you need from your locker, placing your umbrella with the others before heading off to your classroom. 

Pushing the door open, you smile at the conversations that were going on--everyone seemed to be in high spirits, and you missed the rambunctious energy of your friends. 

“Hakamata!-” Denki was grinning and waving excitedly, turning to look at you as you sat down, “How was it coming to school this morning? I bet a lot of people noticed you! Isn’t it great how we’ve all been thrown into the spotlight after just a few days, huh?”

“I guess, it’s nothing much really. We should all be proud of how far we’ve gotten huh?”

“Of course! 1-A is awesome! Only 1-A kids took any of the top spots after all!”

Your attention is stolen as the door opens, catching the eyes of the boy who had been on your mind all weekend. Todoroki blinked at your stare, only for your eyes to be forced away as Kaminari demanded your attention on something. You struggle to focus, nodding along as you desperately try to make his words have meaning--since your thoughts drifted towards your last encounter.

“Aizawa-sensei, your bandages are gone!”

“Oh, I’m so happy!”

Your eyes snap to the front of the room, seeing your teacher--looking way better than he had previously. He looked as if nothing had ever happened, the only indication being the freshly made scar residing under his eye.

“Yes, they are. Thanks. However, more importantly, we’re having a special hero informatics class today…”

Silence hung in the air, each student desperately trying to figure out what could possibly be going on--a pop quiz, maybe?

“You all need code names.”

The class shouted in relief and excitement, only to have Aizawa glare at the noise. You all quieted down immediately, one menacing look from your teacher was all it took. Once settled, he explained further on the subject: how the code names worked, about the internships, and how these offers weren’t normally given to first years such as yourselves. 

“Here, the offers…” 

Aizawa clicked a remote, causing a holographic image to appear on the board, showing how many hero agencies put in offers for each student. The first three statistics were large, the rest of them dropping drastically from the thousands, to a few hundred and less. 

You see your name as the second highest ranking, shocking you, beating the first-place festival winner by more than 50 whole offers. 

“Normally the offers are more spread out, but this year all eyes were on these three.”

“Gah, there’s such a big difference!”

“Todoroki is first, Hakamata is second, and Bakugou is third…?”

“How is that, when Bakugou was the winner?”

“Seems the scores are the opposite of the sports festival rankings.”

“Guess some people may be too scared to ask a guy who had to be chained to his podium.”

“HAH!? What are the pros scared of!?” Bakugou whipped around, glaring at Sero for his comment. 

Ignoring the loud outburst, you glance behind you at Todoroki, who looked as unbothered as ever at the fact he had the most offers. You give him a small smile as your eyes once again connect, just as they did right before the start of class, and he--surprisingly--returns the gesture. 

“Despite these results, you’ll all be interning with pros. Offers or not.”

“So, we can all intern?”

“Yes. Seeing as you guys have had combat with real villains--thanks to the USJ incident. We believe it will be beneficial to see real pros up close, on the field, and to do that…”

“We need hero names!”

“Yes. They may be temporary, but take them seriously or--”

“THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!”

Aizawa was cut off by the sudden shout, the door followed by slamming open, stealing everyone’s attention. He sighed as the risque pro hero Midnight sauntered inside, smirking at the attention that fell upon her. 

“Midnight is going to have final approval over your names,” your teacher starts, pulling up his sleeping bag, “It’s not my forte--but just remember, the name you give yourself represents what kind of hero you want to be. It’s important.”

What kind of hero I want to be, huh?

You were handed a stack of white cardstocks, passing the remainders back as you grabbed one for yourself. It seemed like a normal, blank canvas, but you saw it as a gateway to your future as a hero. You remember all the times you tried on different hero names--mostly different variations of your fathers, even if now you cringed at the memories. 

You knew your hero name was important and necessary, a name to prove to the world who you were and what you were capable of. 

‘Your hero name is supposed to represent your desires-- to allow you to become your ideal self. What kind of hero do you want to prove yourself to be, or better yet, just--who are you?’

You take a deep breath, taking comfort in your father’s words as you write down your name…

“Now students, who is ready to share?”

You watch the students go up one-by-one; cringing slightly at the--extravagant--name Aoyama had chosen from himself, feeling bad for Mina as she was sent back to her desk to rethink, and giddy at the cute name Tsu had picked. The rest of the names went by alright until Todoroki had gone up to present his hero name.

“Shoto.”

“Oh,” Midnight blinked in surprise, “just your name?”

“Yeah.”

You frown slightly, Shoto hadn’t looked up, choosing to stare down at the podium with a blank expression instead. You watch as he trudged his way back to his desk, still no eye contact towards anyone as he sat down. Biting your lip, you try to shake the image from your mind. He had his reasons, and you didn’t have to know them. 

“Jet Black Hero: Tsukuyomi!”

“Oh, God of the Night! I love it!”

You snap your attention back towards the front, giving a small clap to Tokoyami as he presents his name. He bows at the class before sitting down.

Mineta and Koda present their names, both very fitting and true to their image. You felt yourself grow the tad bit eager as Bakugou was the next one to present his name.

‘I wonder what it could be? He excels in just about everything, he must have a really cool hero name picked out-’

“KING EXPLOSION MURDER.”

The name wasn’t what got you, it was the serious look on his face as he said it that did. You slap a hand over your mouth, snickering as quietly as you could into your palm. You weren’t the only one holding back giggles, Eijiro, Sero, and Kaminari doing the same. 

“Um, I’m going to have to say that one is too violent.”

“Hah!? Whaddya mean-”

“Why don’t you be Explosion Boy instead!” Eijiro suggests.

“Nah, he should be Grenades!” You chime in, a smirk on your face as you mimic his gauntlets.

“Or what about ‘BOOM PSH BAWHH’, you know, explosion noises!” Denki laughs.

“How would you even spell that-”

“SHUT UP ALL OF YOU, OR I’LL SHOW YOU WHY MURDER SHOULD BE IN MY NAME!” Bakugou interrupts, a scowl on his face as he yells at the three of you.

“Maybe your hero name should be ‘Anger Issues’, it’s fitting, dontcha think-”

You were cut off by a growl from Bakugou, his face morphing into pure anger as he points straight at you.

“BRING IT, GLOW WORM! I BET YOUR HERO NAME IS GOING TO BE CRAPPY.”

You say nothing in return, standing up and making your way towards the podium, giving him a teasing smile as you got close enough.

“Go sit down and maybe you’ll see.”

“Good idea, go sit down and rethink your name a bit, Bakugou.” Midnight agrees, clapping her hands to diffuse the tension. 

He grumbles on the way back to his desk, and you just face the class with a sheepish grin. 

“Well, here’s what I want to be--who I will be; Luminary!”

You picked a name like Luminary because you wanted to prove that you were more than just another person; you wanted to be the guiding light, leading people to justice, leading people to their hope. Maybe you weren’t there yet, you did have a long way to go before you could be considered a pro, but that doesn’t mean you weren’t going to try. 

You’d be the light, shining in the darkness, for all others to see and follow. 

“Oh how sweet, you’ll be a very inspiring hero, I’m sure!” 

You shyly smile at the applauds, only for the demeanor to change, a smirk growing as you see Bakugou roll his eyes and look away.

Checkmate.

After a few more people presenting, Izuku shakily stands at the podium, taking a deep breath before showing his cardstock.

Blinking in surprise, you zone in on the singular word on the card, raising an eyebrow questioningly at the boy. 

“Really Midoriya?”

“Are you sure about that?”

“Yeah man, remember that can be your name forever.”

“Right,” He looks down, “I used to hate it, but then something changed… I guess, someone taught me that it could have a different meaning, and that had a huge impact on how I felt about it. So now, I like it!”

You smile wide as he makes direct eye contact, giving him a nod of encouragement. 

“Deku, that has to be my code name!”

-----

“Now that that’s all done, we can go back to talking about the upcoming internships. They are a week long, and as to who you’ll be interning with; if you were on the board, you will choose from one of the offers you were given, as for everyone else, you’ll be choosing from a different list.”

The lists were handed out as soon as the bell rang overhead, signaling the end of the first half of the day, and the beginning of lunch.

“I wanna fight crime and bad guys in a big city!” Kirishima grinned, eyes taking in every name on his sheet of paper.

“I just hope I can intern at a place where there’s a lot of water!” Tsu sighed.

“Turn in your choices before the weekend.” 

“We’ve only got two days!?”

“Yeah, so you better figure it out. Dismissed for lunch.”

Aizawa shut the door as he and Midnight walked out, leaving the class to class among themselves. 

You read down the list, sighing in defeat as you had multiple papers of agencies stapled together. You should feel grateful, and you do, but there were too many places to choose from! Plus, you were probably just going to end up interning with your dad--

You pause as you read a specific agency, blinking before rereading it to make sure you weren’t seeing things. You weren’t, because right there in bold lettering:

“Endeavor Hero Agency”

What could Endeavor possibly want you to intern with him for?

Taking a look around the room you see most of your classmates breaking off into groups--some heading for the mess hall, and others staying in their seats. You spot Todoroki as he walks out the door.

“Ne, (y/n), what agency are you thinking of-”

“Sorry Eijiro, I’ll talk to you later,” You smile apologetically, standing up to race after the boy--not feeling the few pairs of eyes on your body as you leave.

“Todoroki, wait up!” 

He turns to you, confusion in his eyes but waits for you nonetheless. You stop in front of him, clutching onto the list you had brought with you.

“Yes?” His voice was vacant of emotion, and while it was normal, it made you feel nervous. 

“Uh, sorry, I just have something to tell you.” 

He tilts his head, an indicator for you to continue, and you take a deep breath before presenting him the paper. His eyes search the words, bewildered as he tries to understand what you were trying to show him. Pointing at the hero agency you knew he was familiar with, you see how his eyes widen ever so slightly. 

“Endeavor made me an offer…”

“I see.”

“Well, I just wanted to say I won’t-”

“You should take it.”

Your brows furrow, taken aback by his statement. 

“What?”

He hands you back your list, looking straight into your eyes with a small flame of determination. 

“You should take it. It’s a great opportunity to be working with the number two hero.” 

“I was going to go for my dad, who still is in the top five, you know.” You respond, crossing your arms over your chest.

“Oh,” Todoroki’s eyes widen once more, “sorry. I didn’t mean to say your father... he is a great hero. I just… I may hate my father, but I know working with the number two hero will provide some benefits. His agency is pretty good with things like rescue and evacuation, along with battle. It’s a good opportunity, something different than what you see every day at your father’s own agency. Isn’t it good to want to get a new perspective on things? To take these ideas you learn, and make them your own, I guess?”

You’re unsure of what to say, agreeing with the boy internally as his gaze falls towards the ground.

“I know I want to be a better hero than my old man. I want to be seen as someone not in his shadow, not ‘Endeavors son’. And if that means I have to put up with him for a week, so be it. I’ll learn to be better, I swear it.”

“Um,” You rub your arm shyly, “so that means you’ll be interning with him, then?”

Todoroki nods in response.

“Well, I suppose that means I’ll see you there. If, um, if you’re okay with that.”

“Yea, I am.”

You smile, and a spark of emotion floods through his eyes as he mirrors your expression, and it somehow makes you relax. He was completely right; he had said everything you had ever thought about yourself, how you wanted to prove that you were more than just a daughter of a great hero. That you were a great hero yourself. 

With that in mind, you had no regrets as you turned in your list--even if it was Endeavors Agency.

You’d be ready.

[squarecarousel]

Interview with Elizabeth Beals

Here we are at the end, our final interview! Fittingly, we're capping it off with Elizabeth Beals, the other long standing member who has stuck around since Square Carousel's very beginning. While Elizabeth's signature style has remained instantly recognizable from Challenge 1 through Challenge 143 and counting, her skills have undoubtedly blossomed over the past decade. Today, we're catching up with our resident long haul Square Carousel member, admin, and comics professional, Elizabeth Beals!

Emma Frost

Q: Even though your art style is beautifully consistent, your work still stays fresh with each new challenge. What are the biggest aesthetic changes you notice in your work when you compare your most recent pieces to your graduation portfolio?

A: I haven’t looked at my graduation portfolio in a hot minute, it’s pretty wild seeing how far I have come. I’ve gotten better at compositions/ I’ve leaned into cooler, more saturated palettes/ have a better use of textures/ and I also don’t force myself to create a full bleed illustration if it’s not completely necessary to get the story across.

Elizabeth’s workspace

Q: Has your art making process changed at all during your post college years?

 A: Oh yeah, definitely!

In college I would thumbnail/ flesh out the comp at scale with normal mechanical pencil/ ink with a 005 micron/ erase the under drawing/ scan in the piece/ clean up in Photoshop/ then color until completion. 

Whereas I now thumbnail/ scan in the one I like/ format and print it out at a larger scale (in light blue)/ go back over the print with a blue pencil to refine details/ ‘ink’ it with a extra fine mechanical pencil/ scan it back in/ clean up in photoshop/ and then color until completion. 

And if we want to do an even deeper dive we can look at the ‘Color until Completion’ portion.

In college I would create a top layer, which was always the scan/line art set to multiply, and then I would place the coloring layers beneath it. I was just getting into textures and color holds so they were pretty crude but it was nice that I was still fussing with them.

I currently use the same process as a base but I’ve also started painting on top of the line art (like, A LOT), using overlays, adjustments, effects, and more.

Glitter Hearts

Q: What's been your favorite professional project to work on?

A: Mmmmm, I think this one’s a tie for me, the first one would be my cover run on Star Trek: TNG - Terra Incognita. It was my first cover run and the writers/ editors I got to work with were a complete and total dream. They whipped up some pretty fun concepts and I really got to stretch my art muscles for it. Plus the Ice cream I designed for issue one got worked into the story, so having a cannon ice cream design is pretty dang neat. The second would be my first OGN, Virtually Yours, with writer Jeremy Holt! It’s been a project that we’ve had waiting in the wings since 2015 and got to revamp for ComiXology Originals in 2020. It was the largest project I’ve ever worked on and it was such a tough/ joyous/ and complete learning experience for me. I was glad to have an amazing team of people to work with and you should deff check it out if you haven’t already ;D
  [Link to Virtually Yours on Comixology]

Virtually Yours cover

Q: Any non-art hobbies?

A: Baking / Cooking/ Trying out new recipes! *Chef’s Kiss* Just chilling outside in general/ soaking up some sun ( as a former So. Cal girl I miss the high/ dry heat.) Binge watching trash T.V.

Q: Tea, coffee, or hot chocolate?

A: I love all three dearly but coffee wins, hands down.

Q: What's a career goal you have for the next decade?

A: Pretty broad but I would love to get to a place where I become less dependent on private/ personal commissions and focus more on Comic Covers and Pin-up work. 

She Hulk

Q: Do you have a favorite superhero? A: Short answer, no.
 However, I can provide a short list of some of my faves: Jubilee, Storm, Rogue, Spider-Man, Anya Corazon (Spider-Girl), Spider-Gwen, Mystique, and I’m gunna end it there before I just keep rambling.

Q: What's one thing you wish more people knew about you or your work?

A: One fun thing about me/ my work is that my love of drawing hair came from wanting to create Cammy White (Street Fighter) fan art. With braids as long as her’s you gotta take your time and learn to draw them right! XD

Q: While working, do you prefer to watch tv, movies, listen to music, or sit in silence? Any recommendations for background media?

A: Definitely a TV series or movie, preferably something I’ve already seen (less potential to distract me). I always end up falling back on older shows like Murder She Wrote or Midsomer Murders, basically anything with a long syndication. When I was working on Virtually Yours though I would have HBO’s Gentleman Jack on. It’s a newer series with only one season but it served as a good timer/ work schedule for me.

Star Trek TNG: Terra Incognita (issue 6)

Q: If you could choose one character from the Star Trek universe to befriend, who would it be and why? A: To avoid getting too crazy, I think I’m gunna limit myself to TNG (plus I have the most knowledge of that series) and go with Guinan. She’s wise beyond her years (if you could believe that), funny, empathetic, resourceful, and makes a mean drink! And not to break the 4th wall or anything, but it’s freakin’ Whoopi Goldberg!!! ;D

Elizabeth herself

Q: Excellent choice! Anything else you would like the readers to know?

A: Just that y’all are fantastic and we appreciate all the love and support you’ve shown us over that last 10 years! Thanks for letting us go out on a high note!

P.S. Stay safe. Stay healthy. And get vaccinated <3

You heard her folks! Thanks so much to Elizabeth for sharing her answers, and to you, dear readers, for getting to know us all at the Square Carousel Collective these past years.  Check out Elizabeth’s website, and follow her on Tumblr, Twitter and Instagram for fresh art as soon as it drops!

[jungshook69]

Comforting him

DISCLAIMER: This doesn’t represent the members’ actions or the army’s actions in any manner it’s pure fiction. This is an original work, do not copy.

WORD COUNT: 2.3K

PAIRING/S: Taehyung X female reader

GENRE: Idol x Staff au ; Best friends au

WARNINGS: None

SUMMARY: Being an idol brings an overwhelming pressure on one’s shoulders. And that pressure is heightened when there’s an audience in front of you and you’re in a very vulnerable emotional state. Taehyung needs your help. He needs your comfort. And that’s exactly what you give him.

A/N: This is not necessarily my first fanfiction, but it is the first one I’m ever gonna post on Tumblr! Well hope you guys like it and it does well:) Also I’m sorry in advance if there’s any spelling errors:(

Hi, my name is Min Y/N. I’ve been working as an editorial assistant under Big Hit for a group known as BTS for the last 5 years, ever since BTS had their debut.

I was sitting in my hotel room on my desk eyes fixed on my laptop screen as I watched some of the boys on their own Vlives. Yes this became a part of my job for the last 2 years. I was responsible for watching their Vlives and making sure nothing went wrong. By wrong I meant there were incidents when fans asked questions that were too personal or idols lost their cool on Vlive but Bang PD-nim trusts the boys and I was just assigned to do this as a precaution.

Today only Taehyung, Yoongi oppa and Jin oppa were doing Vlives. Jin oppa wrapped up pretty quickly with his EatJin Vlive segment and signed off. Now the only ones left were Yoongi oppa and Taehyung. Yoongi was bopping along to his own lyrics while Taehyung was just sitting and staring at the camera.

Even though it was just me watching his Vlive, I could almost feel his eyes bore through the screen staring straight into my soul. I suddenly saw Yoongi oppa’s screen go black. I didn’t hear him say anything it just stopped. I texted him asking him if he wanted any help with setting it back up but he said that he didn’t have any problem he actually ended it by saying goodbye and everything. Maybe I didn’t hear him because I was busy staring at Taehyung.

And yes I texted him. I know they don’t really text too many people and very rarely females, but me and Jungkook’s makeup artist Park Min-Young, were the only females from the staff that the boys were closest to and most comfortable with. Personally I am the closest to the ’95 liners Jimin and Taehyung, not just because of the same age but we just get along the best.

Soon I shifted my gaze back onto the only Vlive left, Taehyung. He was leaning over and reading the comments. He remained still for a long time with a blank look on his face.

Soon curiosity got the best of me and I wondered what he was reading and began reading the comments too.

Comments:

@army1: Oh my god your guys 3rd muster performance was amazing!!! I was there Taehyung oppa!!

@army2: Aww I’m broke I couldn’t go T-T

@army3: Taehyung oppa are you okay?        

@army4: What happened?

@army5: Didn’t you hear Taehyung cried during the concert?

@army6: Oh my god I cried too T-T

@army7: wHaT?! send me a link aSaP!! T-T

@army8: The concert was just yesterday it’s not up yet!!

I was going through the comments when I heard Taehyung speak up. He looked up at the screen with a serious face. I knew exactly what was gonna happen. He was gonna tell everyone the same thing he told people on the day of the concert. About his grandma.

I was surprised at how calm he was because everyone knew how sensitive he was when it came to his grandmother. He kept a straight face and told everyone about his grandmother. I suddenly heard his breath hitch and looked at him concerned. I knew that face. He wanted to cry but he was holding himself back. I watched as he suddenly picked up his phone and began doing something on there. As soon as he kept his phone back down my phone lit up with a little ‘ding’. I opened it and saw what he had written.

I was surprised he texted me and not Jimin. Without overthinking it too much I quickly put on my hoodie and my white sneakers and put my phone in my pocket and stepped out of my hotel room.

I was on the 2nd floor and got into the elevator to ride to the 4th floor. I reached his door and stopped in front of it. I took a deep breath and knocked on the door. I heard a bit of shuffling on the inside and about 5 seconds later the door opened and my eyes met with his.

“Come in…” he said.

“Yeah…”

I said as I proceeded to take of my shoes.

*A/N: don’t come at me with the whole stinky feet thing y’all where I live its normal to be barefoot in the house*

“Soooo….” I started.

“Here take a seat”.

I sat down on his bed and he pulled up his chair in front of me.

“I want you to know that you can tell me anything okay. Whatever you feel whatever’s been on your mind just pour it out don’t hold anything back. I’m listening okay?” I said trying to comfort him.

With that he burst into tears in front of me.

“Heyy heyy its okay just let it all out its okay” I said softly.

“You must be thinking I’m such a baby right?” he said sniffling.

“No no no no who said showing emotions is being a baby?”

“T-t-thanks.”

I raised my hand to touch his arm to comfort him. As I touched his arm he looked up at me. I thought he felt uncomfortable so I quickly jerked my hand away from his arm.

“I’m sorry.”

“No no no just—“

With that he engulfed me in a warm embrace. And its not like we haven’t hugged before. We have plenty of times. But this was different. He seemed more vulnerable now. He buried his face in my neck and sobbed onto my hoodie. I could feel his tears soak my hoodie but I didn’t mind it at all. My hand instinctively flew up to his back and started rubbing it.

After a while of enjoying each other’s comfortable silence and warm embrace I felt him stir under me. He pulled away desperately trying to wipe away his tears. I pulled my hoodie over my palm and grabbed his face with one hand. Using the other hand I wiped away his tears slowly. We looked into each other’s eyes for a few seconds till I broke the eye contact.

Smiling I said to him, “Are you okay?”

“Y-yeah…”

“Ok good. Lemme get u a bottle of water.”

I stood up and walked over to his side table and picked up his water bottle. I walked over to the bed and sat back down. I handed him the water bottle and he took a sip as I waited for him to finish.

“Don’t look at me I’m a total mess right now.” He said.

“Personally I think you guys look better without makeup.”

He stared at me and the corner of his mouth lifted a tiny bit.

“Yaaahhh there’s that smile.” I said.        

“Thank you so much Y/N.”

“Anytime Tae Tae.”

I giggled. I checked my phone. It showed the time 11.00pm. I didn’t realize I had been here for an hour.

“Well are you sure your feeling okay?”

“Yeah much better” he said smiling.

“Ok cool. Its not like I wanna escape or anything but it’s 11 so maybe I should let you sleep and I should be heading back to my room.” I blurt out. Truth being I wanted to stay with him. But I didn’t want to seem too clingy.

“Oh yeah right.” He said with a disappointed look on his face.

I grabbed my phone from beside me and put it in my pocket.

“I’m sorry I soaked your hoodie.” He said.

“Heyy don’t worry about it.”

“Ummm Y/N?”

“Yeah?”

“If you don’t mind me asking how’s your life going? I mean I feel like all we’ve been talking about is me…”

“Yaahh I’m…” I sighed. “…fine.”

“What’s wrong? Is it about the guy your crushing on?” he asked his tone slightly off.

Yes I told Taehyung and Jimin that I’m crushing on a guy but I refused to reveal his name. Well if I would reveal his name to anyone all hell would break loose.

*A/N: I think you know what I mean ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)*

“N-no… I mean m-maybe” I said stuttering, scared to accidently reveal the truth.

“Tell me what’s wrong?” he pressed further.

“Don’t you have to sleep or something?”

“No talk to me.”

“Well I haven’t told him that I like him.”

“Why not?”

“I can’t!”

“Why not?”

“Because—because I just can’t. Let’s just say it’s forbidden or it’s against the rules or something.”

“You’re still not gonna tell me his name huh?”

How can I tell you that the man I’m in love with is you.

“You’re still not gonna tell me his name huh?” he pouted.

“Nope.” I said popping the ‘p’.

“Are you afraid?”

“Yeah, that he won’t like me back, cuz I’m me and he’s…” I sighed. “It won’t work out.”

“What do you mean you’re you? You’re literally one of the smartest and prettiest girls I know. Your kind, forgiving, humble and caring towards everyone around you.” He said practically ranting.

“Aaaaww thank you Tae but correction I’m not pretty… look at me c’mon?!”

“I am looking.” He says in a deep voice.

He stares into my eyes and his hands reached out to my face as he took of my glasses.

“I think you have beautiful eyes it’s a pity I can’t see them well because of your glasses”

“Yaahh that was Jimin’s line!!” I smile.

“But I meant it.”

He said putting on my glasses.

“Oh god it’s so blurry”

He said pinching the bridge of his nose and rubbing his eyes. His gaze didn’t falter once from my eyes. I looked down at my lap trying to avoid his gaze. I could feel my cheeks heating up. I froze when I felt a finger gently lifting my chin up.

And there he was the man that I couldn’t have, the man that I was too afraid to confess too, about to steal my first kiss. He stared at my lips while licking his own. He slowly leaned forward and I closed my eyes waiting for the impact. And then I felt it.

Soft plump warm lips gently brushing against mine. He pulled away to see my reaction and I sat right there with my eyes closed and lips still puckered waiting for his warmth to come back again. He clearly saw me wanting more and leaned in again. This time his hand went to the back of my neck as he pulled me closer to deepen the kiss. He got up from his chair and leaned over me. He began to push me back gently as I felt my back touch the bed and felt him hovering over me. We remained in that position for like barely 10 seconds until the loud doorbell rang.

Me being me, I panicked at the loud sound of the bell and and jerked my head up to sit up and accidently banged my head with Taehyung’s who was hovering over me. I immediately apologized and touched his forehead.

“I’m okay, are you?” he says brushing my forehead.

“I’m fine”

He begins chuckling as he made his way to the door.

“Wait! What if someone sees me here at this time?” I freak out.

“It’s probably just one of the guys relax.”

He opened the door to reveal Jimin look up from his phone.

“Taehyung-ah I saw your Vlive and I cam— oh hi Y/N what’re you doing here so late?

“Taehyung texted me to come over so I did.”

“Oh Taehyung-ah are you okay? Cuz I saw the Vlive…”

“Yeah I’m fine now thanks to Y/N.”

He said biting his lip and smirking at me.

I blushed looking away.

“Anyways it’s pretty late. I just came to check up on you and now that I know you’re okay I’m gonna have to get going. I have practice early tomorrow morning with hobi hyung. I’ll leave you two alone now! Byee!!” he spoke in a blur and left immediately.

As soon as Jimin left I got up from the bed and checked the time, it read 11.20pm.

“I should really get going Taehyung.” I said looking down at my feet unable to meet his gaze.

I started walking towards the door. Suddenly a hand flew from beside me and pushed the door close. I turned around to see Taehyung looking down at me, trapping me between the door and him.

“So your still not gonna tell me his name?” he said, his voice extremely gruff.

“W-who?”

“Aaaww look who’s all flustered.”

“I-I’m… n-not…”

“You know exactly who I’m talking about.”

“Well whoever he is, I think you should tell him that you love him no matter what the rules are. He deserves to know. And if he says anything to hurt you I swear to god I’m going to break his spine in half!”

I think he was trying to be threatening but I found it rather cute. I giggled. Oh Taehyung-ah if only you knew…

“You really think I should tell him?’

“No, be mine…” He mumbled.

“What?” Did I hear him right?

“Y-yes.”

“Ok then I will.”

“Great.” He sighed.

He moved away from me and started walking away towards his bed.

“I love you Taehyung.”

He stopped in his tracks and turned around slowly his gaze fixed on me. I looked down at my feet feeling the heat crawl up to my cheeks. I jerked my head up in shock when I heard what he said next.

“I love you too Y/N.”

With that he walked towards me grabbing my face with his hands as he smashed his lips onto mine as we stood there against his door, not wanting to escape each other’s warm embrace. That’s when I knew that something called true love does exist.

*A/N: I hope you guys liked it:) Smile for me:)*

Don’t forget to follow @jungshook69​ for more content:) You can check out more works of mine here. Have a great day:)

[piracytheorist]

A Kiss for Good Luck (4/14)

Summary: So this is the story of one born lucky, and one born unlucky. Fate will keep making them cross paths, but is it to bring them together, or to test them? Captain Swan AU.

A/N: Prepare thyselves, here be angst. And warnings. Next update will come on Saturday, then from next week updates will come every Tuesday and Friday.

Rating: T (make sure you’re okay with the warnings) Warnings: This chapter contains minor character death, cancer, child abandonment, and some minor child abuse.

Word count for this chapter: 2.6k (47k in total) AO3

Read from the beginning: Tumblr | AO3

~

Chapter 4: Killian Jones, August 11th 1995 – October 31st 2000

Killian doesn't expect to get the girl's name from two policemen who were searching for her. They say she was sneaking out and that they need to get her back home.

He looks at her as she's leaving; her head is low and she doesn't look back at him.

He steps away from the children still playing. He's not in the mood anymore, he's feels more like... eating something... or running to the bathroom to puke. He's not really sure.

He's certain he knows his first hardship on the difficult trip back to England. While still at the airport in Boston, his mother keeps saying something about an "immigration office" as she talks to his father on a payphone, eventually hanging up angrily. She apologizes to Killian and tells him they'll figure things out soon.

They miss their flight. He's too tired to calculate but he's sure they stay in the airport for more than a day, hardly getting any sleep on the hard chairs of the lobby. He's lucky he's got his mama's lap to rest his head on, at least.

He spends a few good hours trying to remember the girl's name; Liam would be so curious to find out about his younger brother's first kiss, and he can't even remember her name! Anna? Enya? No, he would've remembered such a name.

After even more hours they reach home tired, unwashed and hungry, and for the first time he hears his parents fight.

That same night, still shaken by hearing the fight, he goes to his brother's room. They just sit together, looking at Liam's star light that projects constellations on the ceiling. He thought that, upon coming back, he'd spend hours telling him everything about the summer school, and Boston, and having his first kiss, and flying on a plane... instead they just sleep next to each other, and for the first time he understands why some of his friends had said that they sleep with their parents after a nightmare.

That night is, actually, the first time Killian ever has a nightmare.

It only takes a week. He would later consider it the calm before the storm. Calm, or more like quiet, because his friends don't talk to him much, which he interprets as jealousy because he had the trip and they didn't.

But the storm hits exactly one week after they've gotten back; his mother passes out while coming home from work. Some long hours of Liam babysitting him later, his father brings her home from the hospital.

He's never seen their faces so saddened before.

He has so many questions, ones that fifteen-year-old Liam apparently doesn't. Like, what cancer is, and why it's bad that it's fast-acting. What is chemo and why is it too late for it to have effect? Why does mama have to stay in bed so much?

"How long will you stay in bed?" he asks that out loud.

"A few months," his father says.

Another question; why is mama not talking at all?

"And then you'll be up, mama?"

She looks at him, and tears fall from her eyes. She stands up slowly, sits between her two sons on the couch and holds them close.

Killian cannot explain it, but somehow, he knows. Somehow, the knowledge sets itself in his mind as if it were always there.

That October 24th is the most underwhelming birthday he has had. He's so used to big parties and celebrations and gifts, that a simple cake shared between the four of them around the quiet table feels out of place for a birthday.

They never tell him anything, but it doesn't come as a surprise when two weeks before Christmas his father starts preparing a black attire for himself and the boys.

He takes one black dress for mama, too, though Killian knows someone else will put it on her.

The house is silent when they leave for the funeral, and it feels even more silent when they come back.

Killian has a feeling that it will never stop being that.

This night it's Liam who comes into Killian's room and sleeps next to him.

Time becomes a blur; it's one of the days where Liam sleeps next to him that Killian wakes up early, and father isn't home. He doesn't worry much, he just tries to spend time on the TV. Only one channel has signal, and though normally Killian hates listening to the news, he prefers that over the silence now.

He remembers it's a Saturday, but father still hasn't come home when Liam wakes up and takes up making breakfast for the two of them. Killian offers to help, but he burns his hand trying to make an omelette and Liam, with a patience Killian doesn't think he deserves, takes over for him.

Had Killian known more, he would have realized that on any other day he would be getting stressed and angry. Instead, he feels empty – almost as if anticipating the news that, by two days later, become a reality.

Their father left them. He took clothes and personal documents, withdrew all the money they had in the bank, including Killian's and Liam's college funds, and apparently sold their home two days before he left.

Killian didn't cry at mama's funeral. He didn't cry when the social worker confirmed that father had left by his own choice and left them with nothing. But when they tell him that there aren't any foster families that will take both brothers together, Killian breaks down sobbing.

He can't... he can't lose him too.

"I'll visit, brother," Liam says, his voice shaking. "I will call you every day."

Killian trembles in his brother's arms. He'd rather not have a home than not have him right now. He's all he has left.

But the social workers don't seem to care. They pull Killian away – and damn Liam, why isn't he holding onto him? Why is he letting go?! – and put the two brothers in two separate cars.

It's three long but empty weeks before the phone rings and for the first time, it's Killian they ask for.

Mr. Silver doesn't look happy when Killian reaches the phone – not that he ever looks happy when Killian is concerned. He gives him the receiver with a frown.

"Don't take too long," he whispers at him and Killian fights back a shiver.

"Hello?"

"Killian!"

"Oh, Liam! Where are you? Are you coming? I miss you."

"I know, brother. I'm sorry. They took me to Bristol."

"Bristol?! How?! That's too far away!"

"I know. Maybe I can convince someone to drive me to London."

"I miss you. Please come."

"I miss you too. I'll try."

"Come where, Jones?" Mr. Silver's strict voice is heard from the other room.

"Bollocks," Killian whispers.

"Killian!"

"Oh, shut up. You have no idea how much that guy curses."

Mr. Silver appears in the hall right in front of Killian. "I asked you a question, Jones."

"It's- it's my brother, sir."

"You're not answering my question."

Killian swallows hard. "He- he said he may visit one day."

Mr. Silver snorts. "Not in here. Make it quick, now. I'm waiting for a call."

He doesn't leave, instead he stands there, arms crossed, and this time Killian can't stop the shiver down his spine.

"Killian," Liam's calm voice comes from the phone.

"Yes?"

"Is that man treating you right?"

"Yeah, kinda."

"Does he hit you?"

Killian grabs the phone tightly. He's never heard his brother's voice like this. "No." Not yet, he thinks. He's seen how he pulls at the bigger boys' ears when they aren't behaving.

He chances a glance at Mr. Silver, regretting it immediately. His eyebrows are raised suspiciously and he makes a gesture with his hand towards the receiver.

"I gotta go. Try to- please." He doesn't dare say much with that man so close to him.

"I will. I promise, brother. I love you."

"Me too. Goodnight."

He doesn't get a goodnight back. Mr. Silver grabs the receiver and hangs up.

"Move," he says, picking it back up and dialing.

It takes two more months for Liam to actually visit, but Silver doesn't let them go further than the playground a couple blocks away, with him sitting on the bench across from the swings where the brothers sit.

Killian is still young, but his mind is hardening enough to start knowing better. Silver is not suitable for a foster parent, but maybe it's not a coincidence that the other two boys in the house have already sullied criminal records.

"You're not gonna be like them," Liam says.

"Can't I come to Bristol too? Isn't there room in your house?"

"I've talked to the social worker, but I don't know how this works. She says it's not that easy."

"You're lucky," Killian says, looking down at his feet. "My social worker won't answer my calls." When I do get time for a phone call, he thinks.

"Hey, I'm still here. We may be far, but we're both still here. We'll get through this. My foster father said that when I turn sixteen he may let me help around his brother's gas station. I'll make some money, I'll find a job, and when I turn eighteen, I'll do my damnedest to get custody of you."

Killian feels tears well up in his eyes, but he quickly blinks them away. He can't let Silver see him like this.

Empty weeks turn into empty months, and those turn into empty years. Killian changes foster homes, never getting closer to Liam's, but eventually he gets in some kind of trouble – biting back at school bullies, staying out late, getting caught with alcohol – and he always finds himself back to Silver's house.

It's there that he feels the most empty, the most lost. It's only Liam's occasional phone calls, less occasional visits, and the hope that he'll get a job and get them a home for themselves that keeps Killian afloat.

There are times he wonders how things could turn out like this. He used to be happy. Things used to go well for him, he had a bright future... he had a family, a home. Now he's resorted to just waiting until he's old enough to take some control over his life, no matter how little.

And the more time goes by, the more he feels his patience running out.

Nothing is permanent in his life, nothing is stable. Homes come and go. Liam comes and goes. Having only a miserable plastic bag to keep his stuff in, most of the drawings he makes to pass the time end up in the trash. His mother was the one who encouraged him to draw and hang his pieces all over his bedroom walls. Keeping them now only serves as a reminder of what he's lost.

The only thing he actually treasures is the photo of himself, Liam, and their mother, which he managed to grab just in time while the social workers were urging him to pick up only the essentials from his childhood home. As it almost was victim of being ripped to pieces by whatever bully targeted him, he now keeps it in the most uninteresting place he could have thought of; his math notebook.

After turning eighteen, Liam finally moves in London, but he's working two jobs and only has time once a week, for a few hours, to visit Killian.

Killian doesn't celebrate his fifteenth birthday. Not that Silver would care if Killian had asked for a celebration. And when, just two days later, the police call him to come recognize his brother's body after he was killed in a work accident, Killian finds the lack of celebration so fitting that he actually bursts into laughter. He laughs and laughs until his chest starts hurting and he's on his knees, shaking but unable to call for any help.

Silver is still talking to the police on the phone, shouting at him to stop being a brat. It's Ed, the only boy older than Killian in the house, that kneels down to him and slaps him, getting him out of his hysterics.

Killian struggles to hold on, but his resolve breaks into pieces when the doctor raises the sheet covering Liam's body. He doesn't have any care left about Silver seeing him crying and sobbing like this.

One last broken hope he had, that Silver might give a damn after seeing him so devastated, is gone too after that.

It's just that one time; for the next two years that he stays under that horrible man's roof, he cultivates a cool, careless exterior, while his pillow soaks his silent tears almost every night.

At least, Silver doesn't care much for Killian causing trouble, like trespassing, breaking curfew, or even drinking. He just gives him the ceremonious slap and goes on with his day.

So Killian doesn't think too much before deciding to sneak out and into the Halloween party on the other side of the city that Ella – or Cruella, as the kids in the house call her – the first girl in the house in years, suggests they go to. With his meager savings he puts together a pirate costume, puts a thick line of black around his eyes with the eye pencil he borrowed from Cruella, and together they hot-wire the first car they find and drive to the extravagant villa where the party is at.

At first glance, Cruella scoffs and searches around the house for booze.

"I can't believe there's adults here. What was the point?!"

It's a good thing Killian got an eyepatch. The pencil irritates his eye and he has to wash it off in the bathroom, then cover his reddened, smudged eye with the patch. His other eye isn't done and the eyepatch looks weird on the side it's on, but the lights are so low that probably no-one will notice. He doesn't expect anyone to look at him long enough to notice, anyway.

Like any other party, he feels like an outsider, but he doesn't care. He dances by himself while occasionally looking around to check if Cruella found the alcohol. Instead he spots a girl, probably his age and dressed as a zombie princess, who is looking at him. Like, looking looking.

He doesn't connect the feeling in his stomach with the one he'd felt at that game of spin the bottle so many years ago. He's so older, his mind burdened with such darker thoughts, that right now it's confusing to feel an unknown emotion that isn't scraping away at his soul.

And the girl is walking to him, just as a ballad comes on.

"Wanna dance?" she says.

He just offers his hand. His mouth feels so dry he fears his voice won't come out if he tries to say anything.

He heard the term 'butterflies in one's stomach' before, but he had no clue it would feel like this, so overwhelmingly confusing but making him happy at the same time. The girl is smiling at him as they slow dance, and he reckons, so is he. From the corner of his eye he spots Cruella, holding a cup that most definitely doesn't have a plain fizzy drink or juice in it, but he can't tear his gaze away from the girl. There's something familiar about her bright eyes, whose colour he can't decipher in the red and purple lights.

Her expression is soft; her smile falls, but not out of any sadness. The song draws to an end, and suddenly her lips are on his.

[amphtaminedreams]

The Women of Euphoria and Personal Style: Lookbook no.8

Hi to anyone reading,

I hope you’re well considering everything going on! It feels weird to want to talk about fashion or TV shows or red carpets or whatever when 90% of my Google searches are COVID-19 related but there you go. It’s all about trying to power through as normal (minus the social interaction) and pretend the world isn’t ending, right? Queue nervous laughter.

And as if things aren't shitty enough, production of season 2 of Euphoria has been postponed until further notice. 

Okay, in the grand scheme of things, having to wait a bit longer for a TV show isn’t catastrophic but it does just about sum up the transition from 2019 to 2020 thus far that after HBO redeemed itself by broadcasting Euphoria in the summer following an ending to Game of Thrones that has made the whole series unrewatchable, the glimmer of hope in me reignited by the prospect of series 2 this year has been quickly dashed. 2021, I’m rooting for you, because it doesn’t seem like things are getting better any time soon, and in all seriousness, I think everyone needs a break from the collective suffering of the last few months.

For me (and undoubtedly for many others if the hundreds of makeup looks and styling videos are anything to go by), Euphoria’s effect on the world of fashion and beauty is unprecedented. I really can’t recall a TV show in living memory that has had as much of an impact on the way young people dress. I mean, this might partially be because the style of the characters already kind of caters to and draws from the target audience but also, aside from Blair Waldorf did anybody really give THAT much of a fuck about what anybody in Gossip Girl wore?

The draw of the styling on Euphoria is that it has something for everyone. The style of each of the main girls, Rue, Kat, Maddy, Jules and Cassie, all of whom I’ve attempted (emphasis on attempted!) to base (emphasis on base!) outfits around, is varied and distinctive but still so current and realistic at the same time. It’s also consistent; even if you don’t own the specific pieces worn by any of them, similar shapes and details reoccur enough in different looks throughout the series that it’s not hard to create an outfit which matches your favourite character’s overall vibe without buying anything new. That’s kinda what I have attempted to do here and without further ado, I’m gonna get on with it! First up:

Jules (Played by Hunter Schafer)

When it comes to whose style is the most experimental, Jules is the obvious answer. A lot of her outfits are what I imagine a cartoonist in the near-distant future will envision their cool girl protagonist wearing. Whilst her ensembles are generally whimsical and girly for the most part, there’s usually a few slightly punk-ish finishing touches thrown in there too be it through chunky shoes or bold makeup or that incredible mesh trench coat she wears in the series finale with the trans symbol on the back which, honestly, deserves a moment of silence. 

There are definitely nods to current fashion trends sprinkled throughout her wardrobe too. I'm not going to lie, despite someone at work seemingly thinking it was an insult to tell me I look like someone who does (I still don’t know but this person has a Rick and Morty keyring so I don’t give it too much weight), I’ve never watched any anime. BUT, that being said, given the abundance of anime screenshots posted by all these aesthetic oriented Instagram and Tumblr moodboard accounts, I have a vague idea of what some of the more iconic characters look like and a lot of Jules’ looks seem to be very much modelled after or at least inspired by them. In a way, I see a lot of her looks as a blend between modern “e-girl”, Y2K skater chick (yes, I’m thinking early Avril Lavigne), and 2013 Tumblr “hipster” a la 2014 Joanna Kutcha and Charlie Barker, and though on paper that sounds like a nightmare combination, it works. I know-if that sentence were a Depop description I would’ve just gained 30 followers.

When it comes to my own interpretation of Jules’ style, it’s definitely something I like to channel when I’m putting together a proper OUTFIT outfit. Meaning an outfit I actually put effort into and thus will most likely want to get a good photo in, lol. The way her character dresses is almost quite Christopher Kane in that it’s fresh and unusual but still understated enough that I wouldn’t walk into a room wearing any of these feeling like I’m doing a Rick Owens runway.

I’m not TOO far out of my comfort zone but still at the same time, I’d be trying something new and maybe a little bit more zany than I'm used to. As for noting where any of these pieces are from, only a few have been bought in the last 6 months, but from left to right clockwise I have marked out those that have in case they’re still available (though be wary of the fact that it seems a lot of online clothes stores are still forcing warehouse employees to work in close confines at the moment and so perhaps aren’t operating the most ethically):

LOOK 1

Corset-Jaded London

Shoes-TK Maxx

LOOK 2

Dress-Motel Rocks

Boots-Koi Vegan Footwear

LOOK 3

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 4

Dress-Jaded London

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 5

Beret-Ebay

LOOK 6

Mesh Top-Depop

Hair Clips-Urban Outfitters

Kat (Played by Barbie Ferreira) 

Eurgh, Kat. 

I LOVE THIS BITCH.

If I had to choose my favourite character in the show, it would be a very close toss-up between her and Rue, and though I think Rue might just about nab the top spot for her relatability factor, Kat is the girl I want to be or wish that I had been when I was at school. I mean, there’s definitely an argument to be made in that a lot of what she’s doing with her cam work could be seen as a means of validation (Sam Levinson has basically said everyone on the show has some kind of an unhealthy coping mechanism and I would guess due to the circumstances in which her cam girl career was borne and the fact she’s underage, this would be hers) but I do think in other ways we really see Kat reclaim her power and recognise herself for the smart, capable, gorgeous woman that she is. Honestly, the definition of divine feminine energy, and I would completely let Barbie Ferreira/basically Kat if she was also actually 23 dominate me.

Plus! Her! Style! Is! The! Bomb! Definitely the easiest character to base looks around because if I’m totally honest Kat’s energy is pretty much just what I want to emulate in every day life. 

It’s either pieces that are typically feminine, cutesy, and even slightly preppy at times drenched in everything grunge OR vice versa where you have something semi-gothic and then add a colourful, more playful touch in there that harks back to the beginning of the series before Kat had began to explore her identity and sexuality and dressed slightly more Forever 21.

I’d say, not yet with my whole chest, that on a good day the outfits I put together when making an effort aren’t too far off something Kat would wear, minus the more overtly BDSM touches; if wearing a ring choker in London is enough to get me a creepy comment from a gross middle aged shopkeeper (because I apparently forfeited my right not to be perved on when I decided to buy a bottle of Oasis summer fruits), then you can only imagine the kind of looks wearing a full-on harness would get in my conservative OAP dominated hometown. Not the most doable right now, especially considering the only time I get out is to work and to go for a run. The chafing I could deal with but the horrified glares of pensioners whose M&S prawn mayo sandwiches I’ve ruined by simply being in their eyesight not so much.

LOOK 1-

Corset-Urban Outfitters

LOOK 2-

Bodysuit-Depop

Skirt-Zara

Harness-Ebay

LOOK 3-

Co-ord-Depop

Lace-up Corset-Missguided

LOOK 4-

Dress-Vintage

LOOK 5-

Belt-Ebay

LOOK 6-

Coat-Topshop

Dress-Jaded London

LOOK 7-

Fishnet Top-Ebay

Skirt-Urban Outfitters

Maddy (Played by Alexa Demie)

Not gonna lie, I was kind of scared to do Maddy. I’m scared to be posting this, lol! Alexa Demie has played this character for a single season and she’s already one of the most iconic women to grace our screens in years. This is a huge undertaking and I don’t have the bank balance or the body confidence (lmao) to raid IAmGia. 

And this is where I want to stress: THESE ARE NOT OUTFIT RECREATIONS. THESE ARE INSPIRED BY. I HAVE ADDED ELEMENTS OF MY OWN STYLE INTO THEM. PLEASE DON’T DRAG ME. I KNOW, I’M NOT ALEXA DEMIE. I WOULD NEVER ASSUME TO BE ALEXA DEMIE. I’M NOT ABOUT TO TAKE THE LORD’S NAME IN VAIN LIKE THAT. So now we’ve got that out the way (wipes bead of sweat off forehead), let’s continue. 

Everything about Maddy Perez is extra. She has very much been established as a centre of attention character, and her outfits are a key part of that. They’re daring, they’re hyper-feminine, and they are always glamorous. We’re told that she competed in beauty pageants when she was younger and it’s clear that level of excess and coordination and glitz and all-round-boujeeness wormed its way into her DNA during that time. Even the “depression” outfit she wears to school following Nate becoming violent at the fair is costume-like, a 2019 Bratz doll Off-White street style collaboration.

Do you know how HARD I had to try to be HOT!? For these photos. Alexa Demie is one of those blessed women who doesn’t have to try at all, and that translates into the character completely. At any given moment, Maddy could add or remove one item or clothing and be let straight into the VIP section of a club, and that, honestly, is inspiring to us all in these dark times. 

One thing I tried to keep in mind is that she always looks polished and coordinated, I.E the kind of look I would prepare for a night out is something Maddy would wear on an average day. Co-ords and delicate prints seem to be more subtle wardrobe staples along with mesh and PVC and glitter and feathers and fur and basically anything that toes the line between expensive looking and tacky. Yes, I am aware we may toe different sides of that line but please let me stay delusional and believe that’s not the case for 5 minutes. Much appreciated xoxo

LOOK 1-

Bodysuit-Jaded London

LOOK 2-

Bralette-Depop

LOOK 3-

Co-ord Suit-Boohoo

Bodysuit-Boohoo

LOOK 4-

Dress-Motel Rocks

Shoes-Schuh

LOOK 5-

Bodysuit-Zaful

Trousers-Depop

Coat-Topshop

LOOK 6-

Dress-Zaful

Belt-Zaful

LOOK 7-

Top-Jaded London

Hair Clips-H&M

Rue (Played by Zendaya Coleman)

I have a complicated relationship with Rue as a character. When I started season 1 of Euphoria, I was like “Oh my god, this girl is the worst. Jesus, she’s so negative and draining and willingly self-destructive and-”

Then, oh my god is this what it’s like to live with me!?

I will say, to my own credit, that I don’t think I've ever been quite as hard to deal with as Rue (a lot less smashing stuff up and a lot more moping), and to HER credit, by the end of the season we come to realise she’s been through a fucking lot and so it makes sense, but wow. I don’t think I have ever seen a teen show handle drug abuse and mental illness in such a brutal way. It’s quite a talent to be able to show a character cause so much pain to those closest to them and yet do so through a sympathetic lens. And issues aside, whether it’s her occasional social awkwardness or her relationship with her family or watching bloody Love Island (still quite surreal to see Zendaya Coleman witnessing the Amy/Curtis drama unfold), Rue is just my favourite character to follow. 

Her style, though. AH. The thing is, I can hardly drag it, because it’s pretty much what I wear when I’m moping about the house-or just any time I can get away with it to be honest-to a T. I want to stay true to character, but that being said, creating a “Seth Rogen”-esque outfit that’s worth posting on here is difficult. So, with the same kind of artistic license that had me wearing berets whilst cosplaying Maddy Perez, here is the best I could do:

I know, I know, it’s probably too much colour and jewellery for Rue but this is as toned down as I could do and I tried to stick with the key silhouettes we see from her throughout the season; I mean, I can’t see her wearing leopard print but the structure of the coat in outfit 1 is very similar to the one seen in Shook Ones pt.II. I think the bottom line when it comes to her character is keeping things effortless and not overly-feminine; you want to mix street style, athleisure and your dad’s wardrobe favourites like your life depends on it. Plus messy hair and smudged makeup, both of which I’ve already got down according to the completely inappropriate number of customers who’ve asked if I'm tired at work so thanks for that guys, and glitter tears. Lots and lots of glitter tears.

OUTFIT 1-

Dungarees-Vintage

OUTFIT 2-

Trousers-Depop

Cardigan-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 5-

Beanie-Depop

OUTFIT 6-

Shirt-Boohoo Man

Sports Bra-TK Maxx

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Shirt-Jaded London

Cassie (Played by Sydney Sweeney)

Style-wise, Cassie is a hard one. When putting outfits for her character together, I found myself gravitating towards a direction that’s probably a bit too bohemian for her character, under the guidance of loose terms like “girl-next-door”, “floaty”, “delicate”, you get the idea. She definitely feels the least fully-realised in terms of all the main girls and I think it’s fair to say she’s probably got a bit of self-discovery to do. Most of her storylines in the season are dictated by her relationships to other people: McKay, Maddy, Lexie, her parents and so on. 

Nevertheless, I tried to stick to the airier, more traditionally “pretty” pieces whilst still channelling the confidence and ease with which Cassie pulls them off. Sydney Sweeney has the most incredible figure and I feel like whilst the clothes the on-set stylists put her in flatter that and don’t hide anything, they’re still the focus. It doesn’t feel like there’s anything more inherently sexual about her character than any of the other main female characters despite the way the men within the narrative view her, and I think it’s a testament to the the wardrobe department that to me she still gives off big modern Disney princess energy and a certain innocence even whilst we hear her being continuously sexualised by her male peers. 

If anything, Cassie probably dresses the most like an actual teenage girl, and her style, whilst less distinctive than the other girls, still does a good job of capturing the youth and romanticism of her character. 

The colour palette of her wardrobe tends to be quite neutral, with a couple of pastels thrown in there, and if there are any details, they’re usually quite dainty. Similarly, Cassie is probably the least experimental when it comes to her makeup; we don’t really see her wearing the bold eyeshadows or liners or gems like the other girls at any point.

OUTFIT 1-

Bodysuit-Motel Rocks

Hair Clips-Bershka

OUTFIT 2-

Dress-Jaded London

OUTFIT 3-

Trousers-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 4-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Hairband-H&M

`OUTFIT 5-

Top-Urban Outfitters

Jeans-Zaful

Headband-Primark

OUTFIT 6-

Top-Urban Outfitters

OUTFIT 7-

Dress-Urban Outfitters

Hair Clips-Boohoo

SO, I guess that’s it for my Euphoria lookbook! As always, let me know what you think (nicely pls, my ego is fragile lol) and I’d love to hear your opinions on the show too! I really haven’t got this excited over a new TV show in ages and I just think that it does everything so excellently-from the writing to the cinematography to the soundtrack, you can tell each element is so carefully and purposefully constructed. It immerses you into the dramatic highs and lows of being a teenager in a way I haven’t seen since UK Skins and I never thought I’d watch a show which held a candle to that. 

In terms of what I’m doing next, I’ve got a very delayed fashion week masterpost in the works as well as something to fill the Met Gala shaped hole in our lives, which I hope to get up over the next couple of weeks. In the meantime, if you read to the end, THANK YOU! And I hope you’re staying safe and AT HOME where possible. I know this self-isolation feels never-ending and if I’m honest, it is having a hugely negative effect on my mental health, but NHS staff are doing their very best with the shitty recourses they have and whilst it seems that our government have thrown workers under the bus once again, we can all do our bit to combat that by slowing the spread of the virus. Also thank you to anybody who’s out working now in such a scary and uncertain time! I work at a grocery store and can say from experience that the best way to show this thanks is just through kindness and following employee’s instructions without giving them grief for it. Everyone’s scared right now and the best we can do is pull together and look out for each other, as difficult as that might seem at times.

Anyway, sorry for the ramble, and like I said, stay safe! Thanks once again if you read til the end or even if you’re just here for the photos. Appreciate it more than you know either way!

Lauren x

[kiarcheo]

It’s All Coming Back to Me Now    7/?

To read on  Ao3 click here 

You can read the previous parts on Tumblr click here

Shortest chapter to date and it's a bit of a filler, but I hope it still works to move the story along and get them back on track. 

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

At the end of the session, the doctor recommends both individual sessions for them to deal with personal issues and ones to attend together to work on their relationship.

Knowing they are getting back on track takes a weight off Kat’s mind. Mental and physical energy coming back to her, her attention soon turns to their musical project and she calls for a meeting.

‘I want you to be honest,’ Kat starts, ‘with me.’ she adds. Maybe they already had a talk with each other. ‘Is the musical something we’re not doing anymore? That’s totally fine,’ not really. She would be incredibly disappointed and sad. But it’s not like she is going to force them. ‘I just want to know.’

‘What?’ she asks after getting nothing but silence...and glances exchanged among the others.

‘Up until yours all the songs had been in good fun.’ Anne starts.

‘I wouldn't call Jane’s song funny.’ Kat points out.

‘Kat, you broke down singing. It’s clearly affecting you. I mean, obviously. But-’

‘We weren’t sure...not that it would be the right thing to do, but that...you’d still want to do it?’ Anna interrupts what was gearing up to be a typical Jane’s rambling.

‘Sharing something so personal and painful with the public.’ Cathy specifies.

‘I do. Still want to do it. And share my story. That’s sort of the point. Take control of the narrative. Telling the truth. My truth. And I want to break the silence, the shame, also for other girls, other people. Because it’s not our fault. And we can speak up. Speak loud. And there will be people believing and supporting us…just like you did with me.’

‘Okay.’

‘Okay?’ Kat looks around. It feels a bit anticlimactic after her spiel, but everyone seems to agree. ‘So we are officially back on track?’

‘Hell yeah!’

‘Anne!’ Jane’s scolding is more out of habit than anything else.

‘Cool. Because I have something for the first song and I would have hated to waste it.’

‘Way to make us feel bad.’ Anne mutters, winking at her cousin who replies sticking out her tongue.

‘Definitely back to normal.’ Catalina rolls her eyes, but a smile betrays her true feelings.

‘This could be the introduction part, the one about what people know, or think they know about us. If you like it, we can try and work out the rest of the song. Like introducing the concept of the musical and all of that. Or we can just scrap it and start from scratch. I won’t be offended, I promise.’

‘Wait. Now? You have it with you?’ Anna asks. Did she somehow miss Kat’s laptop bag?

‘It’s not even two minutes long, so I just have it on my phone.’ Kat shrugs. ‘We can do another time if you prefer. There is no rush.’

‘Now is perfect.’ Cathy smiles at her.

‘Absolutely.’ Catalina nods encouragingly. She had not noticed how much she had missed Kat messing about with her instruments, constantly humming as she creates or just singing around the house along with her latest fixation...Not until she started to fill the house with music again and Catalina had felt like a heavy fog had lifted.

Kat starts, the first two parts going down quite well with the respective queen.

 Jane Seymour the only one he truly loved

‘Rude.’

‘Jinx!’ Anne cries out as she realises she and Catalina said it at the same time.

Kat makes mental note to add it to the song as something they all say, while continuing to sing.

‘I’m not sure I like it.’

Kat is taken aback for a second – that’s not what she expected to hear after she concluded Cathy’s part – before nodding with a small smile. She doesn’t want them to think that they can’t be honest with her because she will take criticisms personally. ‘Like I said, we can change it. What would you like your part to say? Unless you had in mind something completely different and that’s fine too. I don’t have the monopoly on this, you know.’ She hopes they do.

‘No, no, I like my part. Especially the see-more joke.’ That’s totally something Jane herself would say, so she appreciates Kat including it. ‘But…your part…’

Kat looks around and realises that everyone looks slightly uncomfortable. ‘Is it about the prick up your ears part?’

‘No. Although don’t think I didn’t notice you slipping that in.’ Jane sends her a fake glare. It has become a running joke, everyone but her having some kind of ‘swear’ word in their songs. Or their part of the song, in this case.

‘Then what-Oh.’ It dawns on her. Could it be something similar to what they had discussed with Catalina after one of their therapy sessions? How one of the things that made her mum uncomfortable the most in her song was how, up until the Henry part, she almost makes light of what happened to her with innuendos, jokes and upbeat music, seemingly presenting it as something positive and consensual while it was the complete opposite.  

‘That’s what I’m known for, unfortunately.’ Kat gives it a try. From the scowls she gets, she thinks she got it right. ‘But that’s the whole point of the musical, isn’t it? After my song they will know the truth. And that this,’ she picks up her phone, waving it a bit, ‘is not it.’

‘It’s your story. And your choice how you want to tell it.’ Catalina sends a look towards the others that is clearly a warning. ‘And if that makes people uncomfortable...too bad for them.’

There are definitely no objections after that, not that they had any after Kat’s explanation.

‘We got most of the songs figured out...but how is it going to work? I mean, a musical needs a story...or not?’ Jane asks. She is not an expert, but she did ask Kat for suggestions and had a good look at some after they had started planning their own.

‘Does it mean we need to include...him?’

‘Fuck no!’ Nobody reprimands Anne for her language. They all thought the same...pretty much in the same terms.

‘We could just do a concert? With eventual explanations in between?’ Catalina proposes. That would probably not be a musical but still get the job done?

As they contemplate the idea, Anna proposes, ‘What if we make it a competition?’

‘What about?’  Cathy asks, light frown on her brow. She is not ruling it out, but she is not sure what Anna meant with that.

‘Who was the most important?’

‘Not it!’

‘Same!’ Anna raises her hand to high-five Kat.

‘What could we compete about?’ Jane wonders aloud.

‘We don’t have that much in common...except being married to the same asshole who puts us through-’

‘That!’

‘Like who had to deal with more bullshit?’ Anne immediately catches on.  

‘Comparing ourselves?’ Cathy sounds unsure. ‘I really don’t' like the idea to be honest.’

‘It would obviously be fake.’ Kat reassures her.

‘Oh. It could be the message of the show!’

[timextoxhajima]

NCT One Shot Collection

Member: Kun

Genre: Friendship, a teaspoon of mean girls

Word Count: 3.2k

Qian Kun had his fingers in his hair, his usual cheerful smile completely wiped off his face despite how loud and boisterous his friends at the table were.

You were at your table with your own female friends, who were all too busy scrolling on Instagram or Tumblr, looking up gifs of their favourite idols.

"y/n?" The one sitting next to you nudged your shoulder.

"She's been calling you a few times now, are you alright?" Another friend sitting opposite you put her phone down and studied your distressed expression. She watched your eyes fixate on a distant table behind her at the loudest table in the canteen hall and followed your line of vision. She turned back and sighed, looking at you with eyes of exasperation.

"If you're so worried about him, maybe you should talk to him. I've been hearing all those things about how his girlfriend is treating him too. It's not any of our business, but we know you've been friends with him longer than any of us, and since none of his friends seem to giving any shits, maybe you should," Whatever she said got the attention of the third friend at the table, sitting diagonally across you.

"I know, but have you forgotten what she did the last time I tried to step in and help him?" You shook your head, finally peeling your eyes away from him and looking down at your unfinished fruit salad.

It was only 2 weeks ago when you tried to talk to your friend of 5 years about his girlfriend, which you found was the worst possible thing that could happen to him. Qian Kun was sweet, gentle, loving. Him being a cook and being such an understanding man were just bonus points. But the downside was that it had attracted the wrong butterfly to his flame. 

Instead of a butterfly, it was more like a moth. A disgusting, brown colored, hairy moth. 

*flashback

You were at a party his friends Lucas and Ten had thrown, and the younger ones of Qian Kun's social circle, Yang Yang, De Jun and Hendery had begun telling you the stories of how horrible his new girlfriend was treating him: always expecting him to cook for her like he didn't have his own grades to worry about, wanting him to buy her expensive bags and clothes, even refusing to call him for days on edge when he shows any bit of frustration with her. 

You couldn't blame Qian Kun, because half the time the girl wasn't even around to keep him company. She would be at a club, drinking her life away and probably sucking other guys off when she had a perfect specimen of a man waiting for her. Out of goodwill and pity, you approached Qian Kun during the party, trying your best not to seem like an intruder into his toxic relationship. Yet, it was as if she had some CCTV installed in the house, because the moment you sat down next to him and began talking, she appeared before the two of you. She flashed you the most flirtatious smile you had seen on a woman, and the way she pushed back her wavy brown locks before proceeding to sit on Qian Kun's lap made you want to hurl your dinner out onto her shiny hair.

"Who's this, K?" She gleefully raised a brow at him, throwing one of her arms around his neck. Qian Kun forced out a smile, eyeing you from the corner of his eyes. You know he hated when people called him K.

"She was my partner on a big project in the school we were in before. I was in my final year and you were in year 1, right? We've been friends for more than 4 years...?" Qian Kun looked at you directly, his eyes softening, very unlike the way he looked at his own girlfriend.

"5 years this autumn," You nodded, trying your best not to look at his girlfriend.

"Aww, cute," She cooed. There was an awkward silence wafting in the air between the three of you despite how explosive the music was. "Anyhoo, K, baby, I have a thing tomorrow and we gotta cancel that lunch date we've got," She pouted, flitting her long, fake lashes at him. Qian Kun's eyes were dim and dull for a moment, like a moment of disappointment, but he recovered in a second, putting on his soft, pretty smile and nodding.

"Okay, is dinner still on?" He questioned. She paused and hummed to herself, now twirling a bunch of her hair on her fingers. "I'll update you?" She looked at him with those disgusting "please" eyes again. The amount of effort it took you to stop yourself from rolling your eyes and throwing up was enough to get you straight As for the semester.

"Alright then," Qian Kun pressed his lips together, still trying his best to smile. She grinned like a snake, or a wasp, before you watched her wrap her fingers around his chin and finger pads press into his cheeks, pulling his face upwards to kiss her.

You were completely grossed out. You didn't have feelings for Kun, so this move was just trash. What was she trying to prove? She wasn't even cherishing him the way a normal girlfriend would cherish her boyfriend, why keep him with her?

You turn away, knowing very well that she was only doing this to spite you. She was probably forcing her tongue down the poor man's throat and biting his lips into some bleeding oblivion. After a good half a minute, she finally pulled away, satisfied.

"Hey, I'll get you a drink, wait here?" She suddenly looked to you and asked. You were about to reject the snake's offer, when she just hopped off Qian Kun's lap and patted your shoulder like you were friends with her.

Once she walked into the kitchen and out of sight, you turn to Qian Kun who was busy drinking water, washing away the poison she had left in his mouth and throat.

"Why are you still with her?" You blurted out, frowning at him the way your parents would if they ever found out about such a woman. Qian Kun remained silent despite hearing your question crystal clear above the loud sound.

"Here you go, sweetie," Her horrid voice sounded from behind you. She placed a can of Sprite into your palms, walking over to Qian Kun again and now sitting on top of him, her legs spread out on his sides as she got ready to eat his face again.

"God, help you," You mouth to Qian Kun as you got off the couch.

The drink had been expired for a year, and it caused you to miss school for half a week of the most important part of the semester - pre-examination period.

*now

"Right," Your friend nodded, then shook her head at how despicable Qian Kun's girlfriend was. "Does he know?"

You shook your head, highly doubtful that he noticed you weren't in biology lecture when he was busy keeping his girlfriend awake the entire hour. Break passed relatively quickly, your friends starting an online game that entertained all four of you until the bell rang. You went off for Psychology, sitting at the end of the line you and your three friends always sat in during lectures. Strolling into the theatre was De Jun, Lucas and Hendery, who were your age. You were friends with De Jun, the most soft-spoken one of the three, so it wasn't surprising that he decided to sit next to you and the other two next to him.

Without a word, De Jun took out a piece of paper and dropped it on your lecture table, halting your writing and motivating you to look at him with curiosity.

"Is this a confession letter, Xiao De Jun?" You teased. De Jun snorted softly and rolled his eyes.

"Just because we are both Chinese doesn't mean I have to like you."

"That's racist," You gasped playfully.

"To our own race, so it hurts a little less," De Jun said as-a-matter-of-factly. You blew out through your mouth, giving De Jun a slightly more annoyed look. You open the folded piece of paper he had given you, and in it was a short letter, written in Chinese.

I wanted to apologise in person but never got the chance or the courage to. I know what Xin Han did to you, I hope you're alright now. - Qian Kun

"I thought he didn't know," You whisper to yourself. De Jun looked over at you, knowing that he wasn't supposed to hear that.

"Just so you know, we don't like her either," De Jun said softly without looking at you, so the lecturer wouldn't catch the two of you talking. "She's been messing around with him so much, he isn't the person we know anymore."

"Haven't you tried persuading him to dump her? Why hasn't he anyway?" You shook your head in dismay, folding the piece of paper back up and stuffing it into your pencil case.

"The man doesn't want to break her heart, or seem like an asshole for breaking up with one of the prettiest girls in school," De Jun began copying some notes off the screen.

"What? 'Break her heart'? The entire school knows she's Satan's spawn, if it's any heart that's breaking, it's Qian Kun's. And for the record, she's not even that pretty,"

De Jun laughed.

-

You were at the bus stop waiting for your bus to come, when you suddenly remembered what De Jun told you earlier today. You wished you could do something for Kun, but the man was too kind and too nice to break up with anything. He would totally wait for Xin Han to dump him first just so that he wouldn't hurt her. You pull out your phone, searching for Kun's contact before you heard some snake call out your name. You look up to see Chen Xin Han walking towards you in her excessive outfit that shouldn't even be allowed to be worn in a university campus. Crop top, black leggings, boots, hoops on her ears that could fit a dolphin. You took a deep breath, silently praying to God to give you all the patience and tolerance in the world in case Chen Xin Han was in the mood to mess with you.

"I heard what happened about your absence from school recently, what was it about?" She smirked, quietly but obviously scanning you from your head to your toes. While she was dressed like a college hooker, you were in a simple long-sleeved top and ripped jeans with ankle boots.

"I think you would know better, don't you?" You reply without looking at her.

"Oh my! Was it the drink I gave you? I would never," Xin Han pressed a palm to her chest, her eyebrows tilting backwards near the edges of her eyes. She actually looked remorseful for a moment.

"Why hold on to him?" You asked, choosing to ignore what she had done to you two weeks ago.

"What?" Her tone flipped like a table. She went from fake-sweet, to downright hateful and detestable.

"Qian Kun. You don't love him. Why not let him go?" You finally look at her straight in her blue-contacts covered irises. Her hair today was straightened, long enough to touch her belly where her skin was exposed.

"You don't know..." She smirked, eyeing you cautiously.

"What? Don't know what?" You frowned for the umpteenth time today.

"He was offered training from SM Entertainment, you didn't know?"

You turn away, even more pissed off. So what if Kun was offered to train at SM? It doesn't give her an excuse to stay with him. Is she now only with him because of his very likely bright future?

"What the Hell, Xin Han? So, the sole reason why you're with him is because he might become a celebrity? That's it?" Your voice was now louder than usual, other students at the bus stop turning and watching you get angry about something Satan's spawn had said to you. She gave out a sharp, short laugh, folding her arms across her chest, eyeing you precariously.

"Maybe, maybe not. He's not your boyfriend, so why should you bother?" She took a step towards you, glaring at you straight in the eye, almost like she was daring you to challenge her.

"At least I'm more of a friend to him than you are a girlfriend, bitch," You spat, watching her shut her eyes as she felt some small drops of saliva land on her perfect cheekbones. Her demure, perfect stance was broken down immediately, and almost instantly, she was nearly clawing your eyes out. She was pulling your hair and grabbing on your clothes, the students around either taking out their phones or moving away uncomfortably.

"What the--" De Jun nearly yelled out, noticing the commotion at the bus stop right outside school. Lucas and De Jun sped towards the commotion as if their life depended on it, and when De Jun realised you were being attacked by Xin Han, he pulled you away. Lucas grabbed onto Xin Han and held her wrists together.

"Get off me!" She screamed, writhing herself free from Lucas's grasp. Yang Yang, Ten, Hendery and Qian Kun caught up. De Jun was brushing your hair aside, studying your face and arms, noticing that you had scratches on your forearms from Xin Han's long nails.

"Kunnie!" Xin Han gasped and threw herself at Kun, her hair in a slight mess and her shirt a little out of place. "Let's go. We don't hang out with low-lives," She linked arms with him and practically dragged him away. Qian Kun looked back at you, his eyes filled with remorse and regret.

"Are you okay? Jesus," De Jun had his palm on your shoulder, his eyes unable to tear away from the scratches on your arms.

"I'm alright," You shook your head. You were more bothered by the truth of Kun and Xin Han's relationship than the scratches on your arm.

"Come on, let's get you some Disney plasters," Lucas laughed, nodding his head back towards the school.

De Jun sat by you, checking the scratches on your arms as it started to bleed a little while Lucas received a first aid box from one of the office ladies.

"Did you know that he was offered training in SM?" You asked quietly, watching De Jun carefully wiped the scratches and cleaned the blood away before pasting the blue Frozen plasters on the more serious cuts. De Jun looked up at you through his fringe, taking in a deep breath and then releasing it in the most exasperated manner possible. Lucas must've heard the question, since he immediately got quiet and stood awkwardly in a corner, staring at his feet.

"Xin Han told him that if he broke up with her, she would send in horrible remarks about him. Though they might take it under investigation but it's not a risk Kun is willing to take," De Jun pressed on the plaster, pulling back once he was done.

"What? Are you for real? That's awful! Can't Kun just get a lawyer or something? He has nothing to be afraid of!" You were on the brim of punching someone, but you held back because the only person you wanted to punch wasn't in the room.

"I mean, people did film you and Xin Han fight just now, you didn't attack her but you have a ton of scratches on your arm. We could actually get a restraint order on her," Hendery strolled into the room, his hands behind his back as if he had figured out some big truth of the universe.

"Right, they did," You remembered all the cameras pointing at you. "We could... and Qian Kun could file for a restraint order too if we get evidence of sexual assault on him."

"Oh, that's not a problem," Hendery rolled his eyes. "Remember that party at our place two weeks back? We have cameras installed in the house. I'm pretty sure Xin Han giving you that can of expired drink is on that hard drive somewhere."

De Jun's eyes were gleaming when he looked at you. Finally, you could help Kun get free of Satan's spawn, but first, you chose to give her one last chance for redemption.

Xin Han had her eyes shooting darts and lasers through you and the boys behind you. They decided to come for protection and to deter Xin Han from picking a fight with you. Though she was popular in school, the boys’ reputation was of no match.

"We have evidence of you sexually assaulting Qian Kun, and assaulting me at the bus stop three days ago. I have the diagnosis of my food poisoning from the expired drink, we have the video tape of you shoving your disgusting tongue down Kun's throat at the party, and a billion versions of the fight at the bus stop, followed by physical injuries suffered by me."

Xin Han was in disbelief. You could see the blood boil through her eyes and her veins, her chest heaving up and down more obviously than before. You heard De Jun hush Hendery, knowing that he was trying his best not to laugh.

"You either get a restraining order or you leave Kun on your own accord, let's see which way you prefer," You folded your arms across your chest, watching her Satanic soul spiral out of control on the inside, the hate she had for you spilling through her eyes and through her lips.

Later that day, De Jun set up for Qian Kun to meet you face to face to share the great news. You had a voice recording of your confrontation with Xin Han on your phone. De Jun was sitting nearby while Hendery and Lucas were standing around, busy ruffling each other's necks.

"Hey, you called-- What are all of you doing here?" Qian Kun frowned, noticing that his own group of friends were standing around.

"She has something for you," De Jun smiled widely.

-

You and your three friends were busy playing the same game as you did with them a week back. Only with a much more occupied game room.

"Dude, stop firing!" Your first friend yelled.

"I'll die if I don't fire!" Lucas screamed back.

"Shut up, oh my God!" Another friend shouted.

"Back me up!" Hendery urged.

"Gonna hurl a molotov!" Your third friend announced.

You were in the game too, but you were too busy to notice how Qian Kun's eyes were fixated on you, only looking away once every while. You looked up from your phone after the game ended, finally connecting eyes with him. He was the happiest he had been in… forever, and seeing him happy made your heart feel full.

"Thank you," He mouthed.

[luv4fandoms]

Earth Angel (GabrielXOFC) Part 2.1

Part 2 is finally here!! I had to split it into 2 parts because of Tumblr's limit but the link to the 2nd part can be found below.

I'm so glad everyone is enjoying this story! I loved all of the comments and asks I got on the last chapter ❤. Sorry this one took so long to get out, my mom and I are trying to kinda start a small business so that has been my focus lol. But as I say in all the chapters...

This doesn't fully follow the Supernatural timeline, somethings have been changed (like Gabriel's death in the au world cause it was stupid and I refuse to accept it lol) so just a heads up. This is also inspired by @askpsychocas 's Angel Courting Ritual post (which I use in my story. Askpsychocas if you want me to take those parts out let me know and I will). This story also has a Scott Pilgram vibe lol.

If you would like to be added to the story taglist let me know

Part 1...Part 2.2...Masterlist

Pairings: Gabriel x Original Female Character, (hint at Destiel)

Warnings: Killing, Adultery, Gabe being a charming/fluffy lil sh*t

Word count: (total) 8,724 (this part) 4,199

https://ko-fi.com/luv4fandoms

(From @askpsychocas 's Angel Courting Ritual)

Step Two: Make your intention known.

Sometimes your intended will not recognize your intent straight off. There are a number of ways angels would seek to subtly inform their intended.

Making eye contact is essential.

Make sure your intended recognizes your impressive plumage and strength.

Personal space must be intruded on as often as possible.

If all else fails an angel might simply tell their intended.

Traditional courting outlines this, and if the intention is accepted you may proceed to the next step. An angel may also receive a courting trinket as a sign of intent and goodwill if they accept the courting. Angels can only court one other at a time. Neither the wooer or the wooed are allowed to accept advances, or give advances to another.

Modern courting is more direct, in which an angel would simply ask to go out on a date, perhaps with a smile. Smiling and good humor are not necessary for any courting, but most are apt to use it when trying to woo a human, as they get confused without such things. Exclusivity is not necessary.

Earth angel, Earth angel, the one I adore

Love you forever, and ever more.

I'm just a fool, a fool in love with you.

I hadn't planned on living with the boys, stay a few days sure, then back on the road...But here I am, a week in, still at the bunker and helping them look for a new case. It was actually really easy living with them, growing up with older brothers probably helped, that and the fact Sam and Dean were just easy to get along with. I had met their friend, and Gabriel's brother,Castiel a few days into my stay, a very quiet guy who would randomly appear out of nowhere, which I noticed Gabriel did often as well. The thing was-Castiel didn't have wings,or at least if he did, he didn't show them off like Gabriel. I also noticed that most of the time when Cas would show up, Gabriel would be gone, and if he did show up Cas would excuse himself quickly. Speaking of Gabriel, he had been acting...odd? Or maybe it was normal for him? I noticed that Cas often stood extremely close to Dean a lot, so maybe invasion of personal space was just a family thing? Either way I noticed Gabriel seemed to always find a way to be very close. Reading some lure in the library? Gabriel plops himself in the seat next to me. Looking up some cases on my laptop while on the couch? Gabriel appears out of nowhere right next to me, causing me to almost throw my computer.

One time I was even baking a pie as sort of a thank you to the boys and when I turned around Gabriel was right there, causing me to jump and almost fall backwards, and of course him making a joke about me "falling for him" when he caught me. Another thing was the fact that Gabriel was always the first one to help if I needed to get something out of storage for the boys that I didn't realize would be as heavy as it was, or anything needing a lot of strength really. I would have joked about not being a damsel in distress, but it seemed he already knew that as he would only help when he knew I would really need it. He also seemed to be almost flaunting his wings more, or at least happily stretching them often, I had noticed that they seemed much fuller than they did back on the hunt, they were still the same beautiful golden color, but they seemed...Healthier? They were impressive really, but I tried not to get caught looking at them, I still didn't know what the custom was since no one talked about them. Another thing Gabe did was a lot was eye contact, which for someone like me who usually never held  eye contact for long, it was different-or maybe it was cause Gabriel had such pretty eyes that one just had to look away from them or you would be lost forever. Either way when I spoke I always seemed to have his full attention,which, after growing up around guys that would just brush you off cause you were both a girl and the youngest, was nice. It took a couple more days before we got a new case, a bunch of women being killed by their boyfriends, fiance, husbands, all of who claimed they didn't remember doing the killings. The case came in from the boy's friend Jody in Sioux Falls,so right away we were loading up our cars and heading out. Jody had emailed the police reports to Sam who in turn emailed them to me, which Gabriel read while I followed the boys. 

"So, first up we have the lovely Mr and Mrs Tucker. Married for thirty years, two kids, and a dog...Is that just the thing to do? Kids leave the nest, the house is empty,it's finally you and your wife again after eighteen plus years and you think, what do we do now? I know! Let's get a dog!" Gabriel laughed.

"One, dogs are awesome" I started with a smile

"Oh don't get me wrong, I love them, used to have a little Jack Russel myself, but it just seems to be what people do" Gabe added

"That is true...I wonder why that is...Dangit Gabe now you have me wondering why old people insist on pushing their love onto animals instead of focusing on this case" I laughed, which caused him to chuckle as well before he turned back to the computer.

"Always ready to be a distraction sugarplum"

"So what did the lovely Mr Tucker have to say for why he slaughtered his wife?" I asked.

"Well, it says here that he said, and I quote, I don't know what came over me, I loved my wife, she was my everything, sure we had our problems but doesn't every couple?" 

"Not problems that are bad enough to kill over"

"Says he doesn't remember the act, just before and after the deed" 

"And all of the men say this?" Gabriel quickly scanned the files before replying

"Yup, everyone is a blank" 

"So we have how many couples?"

"Six, three happily married, one engaged, and two dating" I thought about it for a moment, couples that seemingly had no problems but the woman always ended up dead, at the males hand.

"I can see the gears turning in that pretty little head of yours" Gabriel spoke, breaking the silence of the car.

"Come on" he added, closing the laptop and giving me his full attention. I looked over for a moment and almost wished I hadn't, there he went with the eye contact again-had they always had an almost gold color to them? Like they could match his wings? As if sensing my fascination a grin spread on his face before he spoke again.

"Like a buddy cop movie, you can be the serious one who's all about the job"

"And which one are you?" I asked with a smile, finally able to break my gaze away.

"The loveable comic relief of course!" He smiled.

"Now come on Sugar, you're already thinking something"

"Well for one, these couples weren't as happy as they said they were"

"Duh"

"And it's the men who kill the women"

"Correct"

"As subconsciously I bet, a brutal way to get out of said problemed relationship.

"Ok, I think I am picking up what you're putting down"

"What is probably the number one thing that can put the final nail in the coffin on a man  ending a relationship?" 

"A beautiful woman"

"Exactly my lovely partner, throw in a little supernatural flair to that and we may have men forgetting just what they were doing"

"Don't let anybody ever tell you that you're just a pretty face" he smiled.

"Oh Sweetheart I am so much more than just a pretty face" I replied with a wink, watching as his wings ruffle a bit at the action.

"I also have enough issues to fill Texas" I laughed, watching as he laughed as well, one which I hadn't seen before, this one looked far more..Relaxed.

"Don't we all Sugar, don't we all"

A couple of gas stops later and we were parking outside of the Sioux Falls police station. I had changed into more of a "detective" style outfit consisting of a white button up top, black blazer, black pencil skirt and black heels at the last gas stop. Though keeping my focus on the road after that was hard since Gabriel had also changed, and boy did he pull off a suit. The black button down tucked into black slacks and partially hidden under a black blazer and tie, ZZTop's words never rang so true until that moment, every girl really was crazy about a sharp dressed man. I tried to keep my eyes on the road as much as possible, especially after getting caught twice by those golden honey eyes, but if the extra confidence in his walk on our way into the station said anything it was that he had noticed every glance. 

"There you two a--" a woman's voice spoke behind us but stopped suddenly, I turned towards the sound, noticing a woman who appeared in her late thirties, or maybe early forties.

"Jody, this is Liz and Gabriel" Sam told her while making his way over to her, followed by Dean.

"Oh right, yeah sorry you mentioned them on the phone, it's been a crazy week" she sighed.

"You ok?" Dean asked, his hand resting on her shoulder, she smiled at him and patted his hand.

"Yeah, just...I knew these people, they were all happy...Normal" 

"Nothing out of the ordinary?" Sam asked

"Unless you count Jamie not going to the bakery the night before she...she was forever bugging Cathy about how her wedding cake was coming along" 

"That's why I called you guys, it doesn't look like it's up your alley, but something's not right here" 

"And Claire?" Dean asked sternly

"I told her to stay out of this one but you know how she is" 

"Alright well we're gonna need to talk to the husbands" Sam told her.

"Well we have three of them here, the other two were cases Donna sent over"

"So this thing started someplace else?" I asked, seemingly making the trio remember Gabe and I were still here.

"Over in Hibbing Minnesota" Jody replied before smiling.

"Sorry, I'm Sheriff Mills, Sam and Dean told me about you two" She added, shaking both of our hands.

"Pleasure to meet you Sheriff" Gabriel smiled, and I couldn't stop myself from looking over at him. He really could go from playful to professional if the situation called for it couldn't he? 

"Right well, come on there are already two of the men in the interrogation rooms" she told us before leading the way. Dean and Sam took Martin Cowell, boyfriend to Stacy Young. While Gabriel and I took Jason Smith, fiance to Jamie Wilde. The man seemed regretful enough upon first glance, around mid thirties, black hair partially hiding brown eyes that were red from crying. 

"Hello Mr.Smith I'm Agent Rose and this is my partner--" shit, I realized quickly, Gabriel and I hadn't talked about his fake FBI name.

"Agent Speight" he added, seeming realizing just as soon as I had. 

"I think you may already know why we're here" I stated as we both sat on the other side of the table.

"Because of what I did to--I didn't mean to,"Jason stated, soon falling into tears.

"We just want to understand, we need you to tell us what happened," Gabriel explained,easily falling into his role. After a moment Jason started talking.

"We were out with our wedding planner, she was showing us a venue, this really fancy mansion, hell, it almost could have been a castle" he stopped to collect himself before continuing. 

"Jamie always wanted to be a princess, so this place was perfect, even if it was expensive. We booked it and made our way home--We ate, went to bed...Jamie was still talking about the place" he laughed, seeming to remember how excited she had been.

"The next thing I know, I'm standing over her body..I don't…I don't know what happened" he trailed off into a whisper.

"Did you ever become irritated by Jamie wanting expensive things?" Gabriel asked calmly.

"I mean, she could get crazy but...I guess I kinda knew what I was getting into, Jamie came from a well off family...They always said she was too good for me...Guess they were right"

"Did you ever think about leaving Jamie?" I asked 

"No never I-I mean…"

"Never looked at another woman? Never thought maybe life would be easier with someone else,maybe someone with a cheaper taste?"

The room went quiet for a moment before he sighed.

"There was once, Jamie had been getting crazy with all this wedding stuff..I just...I needed a break. So I said I was going to have a guy's night, and I went out of town, alone. I went to a bar, and met a girl there and...I'm not proud of what I did ok, but I would never have killed Jamie, if I didn't want to be with her I would have just left."

Before I could say anything a knock sounded at the door, Dean peeked his head in and motioned for us to come out.

"So do you think I'm guilty?" Jason asked when we stood up.

"Of killing your fiance, I can't share that. Of being stupidly unfaithful simply because times got hard, yeah, you're guilty of that" I stated before walking out, Gabriel following. 

"You ok?" He asked as we made our way to Dean and Sam.

"Yeah just-long story" I sighed.

"So what were you able to find out?" Sam asked.

"Well he doesn't remember doing the deed as far as killing Jamie" Gabriel told him

"What do you mean as far as?"

"Well he did confess to getting it on with a random girl at the bar one night" Gabe added

"Really?" Jody asked, shocked. 

"They seemed so happy"

"Martin confessed to cheating on Stacy as well" Dean added 

"So we have two unfaithful men" Gabe stated

"I wonder if the others were able to keep it in their pants?" I wondered out loud.

"Right, why don't Dean and I go talk to Larry Tucker, Jody, if you could call Donna and ask them if there is any way to find out if their two cases were ever unfaithful or if anything odd happened before the killings?" Sam asked.

"Yeah I'll get right on it" Jody nodded before heading to her office to make the call.

"Jason had mentioned checking out a venue the day he killed Jamie, maybe we could check that out?" Gabriel asked with a shug.

"That's actually a good idea, maybe someone there saw something or someone suspicious" I nodded, before looking back at the boys who nodded as well. I stopped one of the officers who was walking past to get directions to a mansion in town that could pass as a castle like, lucky for us there was only one. Willington Manor, a spacious 20 bedroom 10 bath home that had a pool,hot tub, tennis court, large outdoor garden, and an extra 20 acres of green grass.

"Ever feel like you're in the wrong line of work?" I asked as we parked in front.

"If only you could have it all right?" Gabe asked as we stepped out.

"If only" 

"Would you really want something like this?" He asked while we walked up the stairs.

"Eh, maybe not this, too many rooms to clean. But this much land would be nice,"

"You seem like a farm girl" he smiled before knocking on the door. 

"Grew up with chickens and stuff but sadly never on an actual farm" I laughed before we heard the door opening, an elderly woman standing there.

"Hello, how can I help you?" She asked

"Hello ma'am, I'm Agent Rose, this is Agent Speight, FBI, we were wondering if we could ask you some questions about a couple that came here a few days ago, they were looking at your home for a wedding venue"

"Oh yes I remember them, such a lovely couple, terrible thing that happened, they seemed so happy" she told us as she stepped aside for us to enter.

"Yes is it, so nothing seemed...Off about Jason while he was here? Nothing that would have raised any flags?" Gabriel asked while glancing around before his attention rested back on the woman, who seemed to blush under his gaze.

'Welcome to the crowd' I thought.

"No he seemed perfectly lovely, seemed very compliant with everything his soon-to-be wife wanted, and between you and me, boy did she want a lot" she told us. 

"Do you employ anyone ma'am?" I asked.

"Oh yes, I have a chief,a butler,  two maids, and two grounds keepers," she replied, her eyes never leaving Gabriel, even as he looked over at me.

"And who all was here when Jason and Jamie was?" Gabriel asked her.

"Everyone was" she told him.

"Is everyone here now?" I asked

"Yes of cour-actually no, one of the maids that worked then I had to let go" 

"Let go? How come?" Gabriel asked.

"Well I caught the little hussie trying to steal some of my jewelry, they were my great grandmother's, priceless heirlooms" she explained.

"You wouldn't happen to have employment papers would you? Or a name and description?" I asked

"I don't have papers, but I can tell you her name was Delilah"

'Probably a fake name' I thought

"and she was about five foot seven, long red hair that she kept up in a bun, pale skin. She was quiet,kept to herself but I noticed her often trying to make advances towards both of the grounds keepers...didn't work for her of course" 

"How come?" Gabriel asked

"Their both gay" she chuckled.

"That will do it" I smiled

"Well thank you for your time ma'am" Gabriel smiled.

"If you think of anything else please contact the sheriff, she knows how to reach us" he added, charmingly, making the old woman grin like a teen.

"Most certainly Agent" she replied watching as he headed towards the door. She stopped me when I went to move.

"Are you two...You know?" She asked, stunning me for a moment.

"Ah, no we are strictly-"

"Well then, don't be afraid to send him my way dear" she replied with a wink, I let out an awkward laugh and nodded before heading over to the door. Once outside I couldn't help but laugh and shake my head while we headed to the car. 

"Care to share with the class sweetheart?" Gabe asked once we got in.

"You are never to be left alone around old ladies" I chuckled.

"Oh? Did I not play the part well?" 

"She asked me if we were together, and when I said no she told me not to be afraid to send you her way" 

"Sharing is caring" he laughed

"No thank you" I replied with a small laugh.

"No threesomes?" He chuckled.

"Na I'm good, I don't like other people touching what's mine" I replied, glancing at him when I heard him inhale sharply. His wings seemingly wanted to stretch out but he held them down. 

"Never pegged you as the possessive type" even his laugh sounded forced right now.

"Not possessive, like I wouldn't tell a guy what he could or couldn't do, I just draw the line at sharing him with someone else" I explained as we pulled up at the motel Dean had texted that he got two rooms at. 

"Can you honestly say you would be completely fine with sharing a girl with another guy?" I asked as I shut the car off.

"Well I mean-" he started, wiggling his eyebrows, which only caused me to roll my eyes.

"If you really loved her, like head over heels"

"If she wanted to-"

"Never mind what she wanted, would you be comfortable watching another man put his hands on the woman you love?"

"No" he answered quickly, the gold color coming back to his eyes for a moment, before it was gone.

"See, we all have that in us, that feeling of wanting someone that is yours, just yours-"

"A mate" he answered quietly, almost as if he didn't mean to say it

"Yeah, a mate...I bet all these women thought they had found theirs...They never would have thought they would get cheated on and later killed by the ones who supposedly loved them so much" 

"If they loved them so much, would they have fully given in to whatever influenced them?" 

"No, I guess they wouldn't have" I sighed.

"This is why it's always us women who end up with a broken heart" I added while getting out of the car, missing the odd look Gabriel gave me. I knocked on the boy's room door, announcing myself, and waited only a few seconds before Sam opened the door.

"So what were you two able to figure o-" I stopped when I noticed a young blonde girl sitting on the bed looking beyond done with the boys.

"Ah Liz, Gabriel, this is Claire" Sam explained.

"Ooooh this is Claire" Gabriel nodded, leaving me completely clueless aside from remembering that the boys mentioned her while talking to Jody.

"Claire was working the case even though Jody told her not to" Dean replied while giving Claire a stern look.

"Ok and what have you all figured out?" She asked, but all of us stayed quiet, unsure if we should share information with the young huntress.

"How about this, tell us what you know and we'll tell you what we know" I stated.

"Liz" Dean started.

"She's a rebellious teen who is gonna work this case whether anyone likes it or not, at least this way she won't be running in blind" I explained, Sam and Dean shared a look, both not wanting to get Claire involved but knew I was right.

"Well it seemed Larry wasn't too faithful either, said he needed something exciting in his life since his marriage had gotten stale" Sam started. 

"Did you talk to Peter Jones? He was Becky Davis's boyfriend, dude was a total creep" Claire added.

"He didn't try to-"Dean started but Claire just rolled her eyes.

"It wasn't anything I couldn't handle, trust me"

"Ok so all of the men were unfaithful, that plays into my theory" I sighed, sitting next to Claire.

"Theory?"Sam asked.

"Sweetcheeks here pretty much hit the nail on the head before we even got to the police station. Theorizes these men weren't happy, subconsciously wanted a way out, and something influenced them to find a way out" Gabriel explained, biting into a chocolate bar he made appear, I had noticed he did that a lot. He handed both Claire and I one, at first she seemed hesitant but then took it with a nod. 

"So you think some supernatural babe is convincing these guys to kill the women they're with?" Dean asked.

"Does it seem that far fetched?" I asked 

"Not compared to some other things we've faced. 

"And I think we may know what she looks like, if she's not some sort of shifter anyways." I stated before eating some of the chocolate.

"The Madame of the mansion our lovely engaged couple were looking into, had recently fired a maid that had been working the day Jason was visiting. Said she was about five foot seven, red hair, and pale-Oh and kept flirting with the male employees" Gabriel told them.

"Wait that sounds like the woman people said they saw Peter flirting with the night he killed Becky" Claire stated

"Yeah it matches with what Jody just sent me too" Sam added while looking at his laptop.

"The two from Donna, both had been unfaithful in the past, and both had witness accounts of them talking to an unknown red haired female the day and night before each of them murdered their wives." 

"So a chick who can influence guys, siren?" Claire asked.

"That would fit," I nodded.

"Not with what Jody just sent, this was found in Larry's house, I bet there is one in each of the houses" Sam stated spinning his laptop around to show us all.

"Is that?" Claire stated.

"A hex bag" Gabriel finished.

"Man I hate witches" Dean sighed.

"Should we call Rowena? Ask her if it's someone she knows?" Sam asked but Dean just shook his head.

"At this point after what she's cause, I don't care if Rowena does know her, she has to be dealt with"

"So how do we lure her out?" I asked

"Well she goes after couples right? Where is there a lot of couples right now?"Dean asked

"The fair is in town right now"Claire started

"But more people show up at night"

"Looks like we're going to the fair"Dean nodded, looking over at Sam who looked terrified.

"Don't worry Sammy, I'm sure it's clown free" he chuckled, earning a bitch face from his brother. We each went our ways after that to prepare. Jody picked up Claire, stating she would meet us at the fair later. I went to the room the boys got me to take a quick shower and the boys seemed to have the same idea.

Once night fully fell we headed out to the fairgrounds, hoping we could find this witch fast and end the case before someone else got hurt. But once we got there Gabriel turned to me, a smirk on his lips before he proposed his question.

"Why don't we up the ante? Try to lure her out ourselves while we're here?" 

"What did you have in mind?" I asked.

"Let's make this a date"

I hope everyone is enjoying the story so far! It only gets better from here. And as I said before you can find the link to the 2nd part of this chapter

Here

Also some little facts, I gave Liz the agent name "Rose" because if I would have been born a boy my mom wanted to name me Axl Rose because she was a GNR superfan lol.

Also here is Gabriel in his suit for your viewing pleasure ~_^

Taglist

@sydknee624 @studentdoctorstark @ilearnedthatfromethepizzaman @ambivertedcroissant @sunny-shine44

[mikauzoran]

Adrienette: Serendipity: Fifty Marichat and Adrienette Kisses: Kiss Ten

On AO3: Serendipity: Fifty Marichat and Adrienette Kisses: ...desperately.

(Oops. I forgot to post this on Tumblr last week. ^.^;)

The end-of-the-school-day akuma had been brutal.

Adrien was a little surprised that they hadn’t cancelled the rest of it, but he guessed that, after three years, akuma attacks had become almost normal for Paris, so they no longer merited quite so drastic a response as they once had when they were new.

But the akuma battle had been brutal, so when Marinette whispered, “Skip fencing today and meet me at the side door to the bakery in fifteen minutes” as she passed him on her way out of the classroom, Adrien was more than happy to comply.

Fifteen minutes later exactly she opened the side door and motioned him in, putting a finger to her lips to entreat silence.

They snuck up to the apartment where Adrien noticed the PlayStation set up on the coffee table.

“Oh, is that the new Mecha Strike game? I haven’t gotten the chance to play yet,” he explained, making a start towards the living room. “Can we—”

“—Adrien,” Marinette called from halfway up the stairs to her room. “Come on.” Her voice had the odd ring of a mother calling to her child as he strayed too near the edge of a pond where kelpies were known to drown hapless victims.

With a frown, Adrien obediently followed.

“Hey,” he called softly as the trapdoor closed behind him. “What’s wrong?”

In lieu of an answer, Adrien got a mouthful of Marinette’s tongue.

With a start, he sprang back, hands up in defence. “Whoa! Sorry, but could we…just…like, not today?” he implored with pleading eyes. “Can we just hang out, please?”

Marinette shook her head, tears building in the corners of her eyes as she reached out for him, gripping at his shirt, hands shaking. “I need to not think right now. If I don’t stop thinking, I’m going to get akumatized, and I can’t get akumatized. I can’t make Chat Noir fight me.”

“Geez,” Adrien hissed, petting her hair with one hand while the other rested supportively on her shoulder. “What happened? What’s wrong? Marinette, if you ever need to talk about something, I’m here for you. You know that, right? I’ve got you, okay? No matter what, I’ve got you.”

“Please just kiss me,” she whimpered, tears beginning to spill over onto her cheeks.

Adrien pulled her in for a gentle, soothing kiss full of care and comfort.

Marinette quickly escalated matters, guiding him over to the chaise longue without breaking contact and pushing him down so that she could settle in between his legs which fell to either side of the chaise. She didn’t hold back, putting all of her need and anxiety and fears into the kiss.

The akuma attack had been brutal.

Ladybug had screwed up badly, getting both Rena and Carapace captured. They’d later told her not to beat herself up when she’d taken back their Miraculouses, but she couldn’t help but go over and over all the ways she should have reacted faster, spotted the akuma’s object sooner, given directions to her teammates better, figured out her Lucky Charm more quickly.

Maybe she was the only one who would even think to blame herself, but Marinette knew the truth, and that was enough. She wasn’t fit to be Ladybug. She couldn’t cut it as team leader and wasn’t meant to be the Guardian.

She couldn’t do it. She was a failure…but what choice did she have?

There was no one to turn to for help or guidance, no one in whom she could confide. She was on her own. Totally alone with all of Paris counting on her to be perpetually perfect, all of Paris waiting to blame her the second she made a mistake.

It felt like that first akuma fight all over again, screwing up, letting everyone down, proving she couldn’t do it…only there was no option to give up this time, no one to take her place. The burden was hers alone, and she was drowning in it.

“Ohime-sama,” Adrien gasped, turning his head away, breaking the kiss. He gulped, trying to find his breath. “Slow down. You’re panicking.”

“Of course I’m panicking!” she squeaked. “I—”

“—Shh,” he interrupted, placing his fingers over her lips. “Take a deep breath.”

With a put-out huff, Marinette inhaled slowly.

“Now sit up,” he urged.

She acquiesced so that they were both straddling the chaise, facing one another.

“Keep breathing,” he instructed as he took each of her legs, one at a time, and hooked them over the tops of his own. He scooted in closer so that she was effectively sitting in his lap.

Marinette’s breath hitched as he drew her in, pressing her to him as his lips latched onto her neck.

“Keep breathing,” he chuckled airily against her skin.

She moaned, her mind going blank as his teeth carefully nipped at her throat.

He worked diligently, making his way down one side of her neck and then up the other.

She tipped her head back, granting him full access all down the front of her throat.

He kept going, following the line of her sternum down but stopping before he crossed the threshold of her breasts.

“Keep going,” Marinette groaned in protest, reaching down to further unbutton her blouse.

Adrien caught her hand, lightly restraining her. “No, Ohime-sama,” he answered contritely. “I’m sorry, but I’m not ready to go there right now.”

Marinette let out a little moan of frustration, dropping her head to Adrien’s shoulder and nuzzling his neck. “…Are you sure I’m the only person you’ve ever kissed? You’re way too good to be completely inexperienced.”

He chuckled as he started rubbing a hand up and down her back once more. “Other than a handful of akuma kisses that I can’t remember? You’re it. I swear I’ve learned everything I know from anime and fanfiction. Guess I’m a quick study…or it could be that you’re just similarly inexperienced, so you don’t know what’s good.”

She gave a halfhearted snort. “Trust me. You’re good…even if you don’t seem to enjoy this much yourself.”

He pulled back a little and angled his head so that he could see her face more clearly. “Why do you think I’m not enjoying this? I like making out.”

“Pft.” She nuzzled his neck lazily. “Adrien, I might not have much experience with male anatomy, but I’m practically sitting in your lap, and I can feel just how into this you are…or, in this case, how not into it.”

Adrien blanched. “That! …is not an accurate representation of…of anything,” he spluttered.

“Hm,” Marinette responded lukewarmly, mind starting to dip back into dark thoughts.

“Seriously,” Adrien insisted a touch defensively. “I like making out with you. I enjoy kissing.”

“Okay,” she replied as if she had no skin in the game. “Sorry. I just… Not that I know what I’m talking about, but…I always got the impression that guys were always horny. Maybe it’s just a sexist stereotype, but…but if it wasn’t…both you and Chat Noir don’t really seem to want me like that, so I was just wondering if I was doing something wrong,” she muttered, attempting to hide her face in his neck.

Forcefully, he pulled back so that they were an arm’s length from one another, his hands on her shoulders. “Marinette, there is nothing wrong with you, okay?” he stressed, the intensity of his gaze driving home his point, making her believe it. “Okay?”

She nodded, agreeing, “Okay.”

With a sigh, he untangled himself from her and got to his feet, beginning to pace. “Chat Noir wants to make love to you. Eventually. He’s just…” Adrien scrubbed a hand through his hair, trying to find ways to explain both of himselves so that his girlfriend didn’t think that she was undesirable.

He stopped and looked back at her. “He’s still not over Ladybug and how he messed up things with the girl he tried to date after he realized that Ladybug was never going to come around. He doesn’t want to screw up with you, so he’s taking things really slow. It has nothing to do with anything you are or aren’t doing. The issue is one hundred percent his.”

“Oh,” Marinette breathed, some of the melancholy seeming to come out of her with the syllable. “Oh, good. So…it’s really not me?”

“No,” he assured. “Trust me. An uncomfortable number of our schoolmates would sleep with you in a heartbeat. It’s not you.”

“Oh,” she repeated, still processing this information. She frowned, a look of distaste settling between her eyebrows. “Who at school said they’d sleep with me?”

He shook his head. “Don’t think about it. Pretend I never said that. I’m having a hard enough time just competing with Chat Noir here; I don’t need more rivals.”

Marinette pursed her lips, considering for a moment before letting it go. “Okay. So…if I’m not the problem…why don’t you want me?”

Adrien winced, turning away, going back to wearing a path on her area rug with his pacing. “I do want you. In my own way. Eventually. I’m kind of…in the same boat as Chat Noir.”

He peeked back over his shoulder at her.

She was gazing at him attentively, concentrating on his words, trying to understand.

He sighed, averting his gaze once more. “I told you I’d only ever loved one other person, right?”

“Mmhm.” She waited patiently for him to continue.

He went over to the ladder up to her loft, resting his forehead against the handrail as one of his hands tightened around one of the rungs. “She’s also the only other person I’ve even considered in that way…sexually. I don’t…” He bit his lip. “I don’t have much of a libido. So there’s nothing wrong with you.”

“Oh,” she reiterated, not able to come up with a more complex response. It was all she could do to take in what he was saying and try to make sense of it.

He spun around, crossing his arms and leaning back against the ladder defiantly. “And there’s nothing wrong with me either.”

She opened her mouth but then thought better of saying anything. This was obviously a touchy subject, and she didn’t have the resiliency necessary to survive yet another mistake at that moment.

“Luka told me that there are plenty of people who don’t have the desire to express love physically,” he informed as if quoting a vetted authority on the subject.

In the back of Marinette’s mind, she wondered when Luka and Adrien had gotten so close that they would have discussed something like that. She knew they’d been spending time together over the years, but she hadn’t realized how good of friends they’d become.

Adrien continued with his explanation, “It’s called being asexual, and it’s a spectrum, not some kind of binary dichotomy, so…there are varying degrees of… Are you still with me? You look overwhelmed.”

“I…” She bit her lip and decided to go for honesty. “I am overwhelmed. This is kind of a lot.”

With a sigh, Adrien strode back over to the chaise, dropping to kneel at her feet. He took her hands in his, bringing them to his lips for a kiss.

When he was done, he looked back up at her, eyes penitent. “I’m sorry. I had no intention of dropping this all on you. I was waiting until further along in our relationship because I didn’t think sex would even be an issue for another year or two.”

Marinette’s vocal chords spasmed, forming a sound that was somewhere between a cough, choking on air, and a spit take.

Adrien’s eyes widened, and it was his turn to be speechless. “…Oh….”

He licked his lips nervously. “So…I guess our timetables are a little…not in sync.”

She shook her head slowly, looking horrified.

He sucked in a breath. “Oh. Okay. So…maybe we put a pin in the issue and come back to it later. Right now, I just want to explain asexuality to you so that you understand that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. You are so hot and so sexy, Marinette. If you just wanted to sleep with someone, you could have that easily. Heck, if you wanted a different boyfriend, you could have that too. You are in no way lacking….”

An impish, self-deprecating smile slid across his lips. “It’s just the guys you’ve picked.”

With a sigh, Marinette tipped to the side, slowly lowering herself so that she was curled up on her side on the chaise, facing him. “There’s nothing wrong with the guys I’ve picked. I have impeccable taste in men.”

Adrien snorted softly, stretching his legs out to one side and leaning over, supporting his weight on his palms. “I’m really glad to hear that you don’t regret your choice.”

A warm, silly smile blossomed like a daisy on her lips. “Never. …So…explain ‘asexual’ to me? That sounds like that would mean no sex, but you were talking like sex would be a thing eventually…but not often?”

Adrien grimaced, reaching out to stroke her hair. “So, it’s not really high on my list of priorities in a relationship…. It’s…not on my list at all, actually,” he confessed. “I mean…we’ve talked a little bit before about how it’s more important for me to snuggle and kiss and organize romantic surprises and go on dates straight out of rom-coms.”

Marinette groaned. “I must have a type or something because your list sounds just like Chat Noir’s.”

“You totally have a type,” he snickered, twisting a strand of her hair around his finger. “…Let’s just say…that when it comes to sex, I’m not going to be the one to start something, but your wants and needs are important to me. I want you to be happy and satisfied with things between us, so, when it comes time to incorporate that into our relationship, I’m more than willing to work with you. We’ll figure this out, Marinette.”

“Okay. That sounds…good. Thank you, Adrien.” She sighed, turning her head to nuzzle his hand affectionately.

His eyebrows pinched together in concern. “You don’t sound happy. What’s wrong?”

She pressed her lips together, studying him for a moment before letting out a little groan of frustration, “What if I’m ready now?”

He couldn’t help but laugh, a short, sharp sound of incredulity. “Now? When you’re dating Chat Noir and won’t be alone in public with me without one or more of our friends along to serve as chaperon so that it won’t count as an actual date so that you’re not technically cheating on your boyfriend?”

Marinette flinched, rolling over onto her back so that she could stare up at the ceiling and not have to face him. “You could have just said, ‘no’,” she grumbled, “or, ‘no, I’m not ready yet’.”

“Marinette, we are a mess,” Adrien retorted, halfway between a snort and a scoff. “We don’t need to further complicate things between us. We’re not going to be ready until we’re in an official relationship, until we can be seen in public and don’t have to hide and don’t have to keep secrets.”

Silently, Marinette lamented the fact that there would always be some secrets she could never tell him.

“Marinette,” he called gently. “There’s a lot that has to change before we’re going to be ready to take that kind of step.”

She sighed again dejectedly, whispering, “All right.”

He took her hand and gave it a squeeze. “Sorry…but even if everything was perfect at the moment, right this minute still doesn’t work for me.”

She lifted her head and frowned interrogatively at him.

“I’m marginally freaked out about what you said about being afraid you were going to get akumatized,” he confessed. “Marinette, what’s going on? Is there anything I can do?”

She pursed her lips, sitting up and considering him for a minute before replying, “Take your shirt off?”

Adrien blinked, momentarily thrown by the request. Then, to his credit in Marinette’s book, he let go of her hand, stood, and slipped off his shirt, laying it carefully on the back of her desk chair.

“Tada?” he chuckled sheepishly.

She cast him a grateful smile. “And your shoes?”

He toed them off and lined them up neatly at the base of the chair. He looked to her for further instructions.

“I want to snuggle up in my bed under the covers,” she explained, her cheeks reddening. “Have you ever just wanted to feel someone else’s skin against yours? Soak up their body heat?”

Adrien nodded, well acquainted with those particular longings.

She chewed nervously at her lip, continuing, “I’ll keep my bra on, but I’d like to take my blouse off, if that’s okay?”

Adrien gulped and then nodded. “I’ll head up to the loft first, then?”

She smiled shyly. “I’ll be there in a sec.”

Adrien wasn’t sure what he’d been expecting from Marinette’s negligée—This was a lie. He’d always pictured something simple and cute and pastel pink—but it wasn’t black lace with a small green bow and a golden bell at the center of her chest.

“Still breathing?” she giggled, pulling down the covers and joining him underneath.

“Y-Yeah,” Adrien managed. “…I’m a fan of the bell.”

It reminded him of their first kiss and the bell necklace she’d been wearing, the one she’d worn again on their first date.

Her eyebrows arched slightly in surprise, but her expression quickly turned pleased. “Noted. Lie down, please.”

He did and soon found himself being used as a body pillow, her head tucked under his chin, her chest against his, her stomach resting along his side, her top leg hooked slightly around his left one.

“…Do you want to talk?” he asked after a minute or two, breaking the silence. “About what’s bothering you, why you think you might be akumatized?”

She shook her head, effectively nuzzling his collarbone.

He bit his bottom lip. “Okay. That’s okay. You don’t have to talk to me, but…is there anyone else you could talk to? Maybe your parents or Alya or Chat Noir?”

“Adrien,” she replied, sounding fatigued. “This isn’t something I can talk to anyone about. I have to deal with this on my own.”

“No,” he protested. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from attending school and making friends, it’s that you never have to do something alone. There’s always someone who can help if you just ask. There’s got to be someone you can ask, Marinette.”

“No,” she countered, sounding equally as sure as he had.

With a tired sigh, Adrien relented. “Okay. If you can’t talk about your problem, you can at least talk about your feelings.”

“My feelings?” she echoed uncomprehendingly.

“Mmhm,” he encouraged, lightly running his fingers up and down her spine. “Like, for example, today I felt worried and like things weren’t in my control. I felt a little helpless…embarrassed…scared of rejection…scared of letting a person I care about down…guilty. Your turn.”

“Wait.” She tipped her head to look up at him. “Why are you feeling guilty?”

He shrugged. “I always feel guilty. I mean, here I am in my friend’s girlfriend’s bed. Enough said, right?”

She winced.

“Your turn to talk about your feelings,” he repeated.

She sighed, dropping her head back down to his shoulder. She started off slowly, hesitantly, grasping at the words, but as she kept going, she found that they came faster until they were like an unstoppable tidal wave, flowing out of her with a crushing force. “I…feel…overwhelmed…. Like…everyone is always counting on me…and I need, I need to be perfect because I can’t let them down, and failure isn’t an option, but I’m always on the cusp of failing. And I can’t do this. I can’t do this anymore. I need help, but there’s no one to help. I just have to suck it up and figure it out, and it feels so unfair. Like, no one else has to put up with this. No one else has to constantly balance all the things that people need me to balance, and no one even knows I’m doing this. No one knows, so there’s no wiggle room. No one cuts me any slack. No one realizes what a tremendous weight I’m always carrying around, and…I…It’s crushing me,” she petered out into a small voice, closing her eyes and letting herself go boneless against him.

Somehow, it all felt better in his arms. His scent, his heat, the solidity of his body against hers…it all made things feel just a little bit more okay. Even though she was still mentally alone, having him there physically made the difference she needed to keep herself from losing control.

He pressed a kiss to the top of her head and held her tighter, murmuring, “Oh, Marinette. Why haven’t you ever said anything?”

“What’s the point?” she mumbled, lacking energy. “No one can do anything about it.”

“But sometimes talking makes you feel better, even if there’s nothing you can do to fix the problem. Trust me. I know about problems I lack the power to fix. I mean, case and point: my relationship with my father and my mother’s disappearance. It helps to talk about my feelings,” he confided. “It takes the edge off…. Maybe that’s something you could do too in the future the next time you’re feeling overwhelmed.”

“I don’t want to burden people,” she whispered, feeling guilty for bringing it up.

How could he understand the magnitude of her problems? He didn’t know she was Ladybug. He couldn’t understand the situation. He probably just thought she was whining about stress over insignificant things. Her problems probably seemed small when compared with all he put up with on a daily basis. Adrien had no way of knowing what Marinette was up against.

“It’s not a burden,” he insisted vehemently. “I want you to tell me. I want to hear about your problems. Marinette…don’t you know I love you?” he asked softly, voice suddenly meek. “I want to be by your side, especially when you feel alone and overwhelmed. I want to support you…but if you don’t want me to be the one to do that, please talk to Chat Noir. He loves you too, and if he knew you were struggling, he’d say the same things that I just did. We’re here for you.”

Marinette curled up even tighter against him as the tears started to fall once more. “You both already have so much going on with your own lives.”

“There’s room for you,” he assured in a warm whisper, giving her a squeeze. “We have space. We have time.”

She choked on a sob. “I don’t deserve you. Either of you.”

“Oh, Marinette,” he sighed into her hair. “No. It’s the other way around. We both feel so lucky to have you.”

She pushed herself up on his chest to look him in the face, eyes dull yet intent. “Do you really? You were just talking earlier about all the things wrong between us.”

His brow scrunched uncomprehendingly. “What? What are you talking about?”

“I know you’re not happy with things like this, Adrien,” she replied bitterly and yet resigned. “I know you want a real girlfriend you can take to dinner parties and go on dates with and actually tell people you’re dating. I know you’re not happy being my dirty little secret. I know this whole situation with me is eating away at you.”

He opened his mouth to refute her claims, but he couldn’t think fast enough.

She continued, dropping back down so that her ear rested over his heart and he could feel her tears falling on his chest, “And poor Chat Noir. All he wants is to take me on ridiculously romantic dates. Because of the way things are with secret identities, that can’t happen until Papillon is defeated…and he doesn’t even know that I’m cheating on him. I am the worst.”

“You are not,” Adrien insisted indignantly, all the while thinking, “I am. I’m the worst for getting you into this mess”.

Marinette shook her head. “I never meant for this to happen.”

“Me either,” Adrien sighed, sliding his fingers through her hair, gently pulling out her hair ties so that he could wrap soft strands around his fingers. “Marinette…things can’t go on like this. We need to do something.”

She laughed bitterly. “Like what? Adrien, I’ve been trying to break things off with you for how many months now? …and it just feels like we keep getting deeper and deeper entrenched. What am I supposed to do?”

“Let Chat Noir tell you who he is,” he suggested, internally praying that she’d let him break this hellish cycle they were caught in. “Then you could date openly, and you wouldn’t have to sneak around with me anymore.”

Marinette lifted her head to glare up at him. “You know who he is, don’t you?”

“Haven’t the foggiest.” Adrien managed to deliver the line with a completely straight face. “Please let him tell you.”

She groaned, burying her face in his neck. “Adrien, I can’t do that. The safety of Paris depends on it.”

“Screw Paris,” Adrien scoffed. “I care more about you.”

She blew out a tired sigh. “No. It’s not happening.”

“Okay. Then…you need to break up with him and date me,” Adrien decided, moving down the list of desired outcomes from the most ideal to the ones he could live with.

Marinette flinched, and he could tell she was rejecting the idea outright. “…I couldn’t,” she whispered, exhaustion dripping from the words. “I couldn’t stand not having him in my life.”

Adrien sucked in a deep breath. “Okay…so break up with me.”

She laughed at that, lifting her head to press a delicate kiss to his lips. “I couldn’t,” she repeated, smiling adoringly. “I’ve tried. I’ve tried getting over you so, so many times, Adrien Agreste…. You’re hard to live without.”

He gulped. “Well…you certainly know how to boost a guy’s self-esteem.”

She shrugged, smiling even though it didn’t entirely reach her eyes.

He bit his lip. “Maybe…you need to tell Chat Noir about what’s going on.”

All color faded from her skin, leaving it looking like parchment. “Absolutely not. Adrien, I could never hurt him like that. He can never know.”

“Maybe he wouldn’t mind,” Adrien countered, grasping at wisps of cloud.

She snorted. “Oh, and I suppose you wouldn’t mind if you learned I was secretly making out with-with Luka behind your back?”

Adrien grimaced and had to admit that if his girlfriend really was sneaking around with one of his friends, he would be beyond wrecked.

“See?” It didn’t sound like she derived any pleasure from being right.

“Maybe he’d understand and forgive you at least,” Adrien tried. “Wouldn’t you at least feel better?”

She shook her head slowly. “It’s more important to save his feelings than to assuage my guilt. I couldn’t bear to hurt him.”

“I can’t bear you feeling like this,” Adrien muttered in defeat as he carded a hand through his hair.

Out of the blue an idea occurred to him. “Maybe I should just tell Chat Noir myself. Confess, tell him it was all my fault.”

Marinette gave a start, pushing herself up so that he could see her terrorized expression. “What?! No! Don’t do that! Adrien, we’ll break his heart! He’ll get akumatized!”

“He won’t,” Adrien groaned, going back to feeling defeated because there was no way he could win against this girl.

“He will! And it will be all. My. Fault. Paris will be destroyed! Adrien, I can’t have that on my conscience. You can’t tell him. I will never speak to you again,” she threatened.

“Noted,” he grumbled, going back to playing with her hair.

She breathed a sigh of relief and snuggled back up against him.

They lay there for a while in an uneasy silence, each fretting over their own shortcomings in the relationship.

Marinette was right in the middle of mentally berating herself for being ungrateful when Adrien asked, “What if I’m Chat Noir and I’m just trying to make our lives easier?”

He had an odd quality about his voice. It was slightly pinched, a little tight, as if he were verbally walking a high wire.

Marinette’s brain quickly latched onto the idea and had run a mile with it before logic caught up and she groaned. “Adrien, don’t. That’s not even funny. I’ve seen you two together before. You’re not the same person.”

“Yeah,” Adrien sighed. “Sorry…. Sorry for getting you into this mess.”

“Oh, Adrien.” She shook her head. “I helped enthusiastically.”

She leaned in, gently pressing her lips to his.

He kissed back, eager to lose himself in her and forget the complicated situation that was their relationship.

[icaruspendragon]

— Get to know me! 

The last time I filled this out was in July of 2017 and I just wanted to see how my answers changed, the new answers are in parentheses. 

1. Who was the last person you held hands with? A boy named Igor (My husband John Paul)  2. Are you outgoing or shy? Shy (Shy)  3. Who are you looking forward to seeing? My mom today! (JP when he gets home from work lolol)  4. Are you easy to get along with? I would say yes, I don’t really fight with anyone. (same)  5. If you were drunk would the person you like take care of you? He already has haha. (same answer, different person) 6. What kind of people are you attracted to? Kind people. (same, also boys with long hair)  7. Do you think you’ll be in a relationship two months from now? Yes (I sure hope so)  8. Who from the opposite gender is on your mind? Igor (Zuko lmao)  9. Does talking about sex make you uncomfortable? Nope (same)  10. Who was the last person you had a deep conversation with? Patrick (JP)  11. What does the most recent text that you sent say? “You can be anything you want. I’ll support you.” ( “I was just training.” ) 12. What are your 5 favorite songs right now? The most recent Bastille album lol. ( Waves by Bastille, Rosie by John Mayer, Swimming In The Moonlight by Bad Suns, Thank Me Later by Anna of the North, and Jackie and Wilson by Hozier)  13. Do you like it when people play with your hair? YES ( same)  14. Do you believe in luck and miracles? Yes (kinda)  15. What good thing happened this summer? Going to Gay Pride in Nashville (I got married)   16. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? HELL YEAH (ye)  17. Do you think there is life on other planets? Yes (same)  18. Do you still talk to your first crush? No (same)  19. Do you like bubble baths? Yes (same)  20. Do you like your neighbors? I don’t really talk to my neighbors (no i do not like them)  21. What are you bad habits? I doubt myself a lot. (I used to do a shit ton of cocaine and still want to do a lot of cocaine haha)  22. Where would you like to travel? YES (same)  23. Do you have trust issues? YES (same)  24. Favorite part of your daily routine? Cuddling with my cats after I wake up. (going to bed lol)   25. What part of your body are you most uncomfortable with? I love myself totally. (All I want in this world is a fat ass)  26. What do you do when you wake up? Check my phone. (crawl over my still slumbering husband to quietly get ready for work)  27. Do you wish your skin was lighter or darker? Neither. I am fine just the way that I am. (yeah same)  28. Who are you most comfortable around? Mackenzie. (JP)  29. Have any of your ex’s told you they regret breaking up? Yes. (same)  30. Do you ever want to get married? I think so. (I am married)  31. Is your hair long enough for a pony tail? Yes. (same)  32. Which celebrities would you have a threesome with? None. (same)  33. Spell your name with your chin.  bdfdfmkljde (ber5klkier) 34. Do you play sports? What sports? No, I’m in band. (no, but I was in band for 11 years)  35. Would you rather live without TV or music? TV (same)  36. Have you ever liked someone and never told them? Yes. (same)  37. What do you say during awkward silences? Nothing. That’s what makes them awkward. (lol, yeah) 38. Describe your dream girl/guy? Tall, dark, English major. (same)  39. What are your favorite stores to shop in? Amazon lmao. (i’m a slut for etsy and i greatly enjoy candy stores)  40. What do you want to do after high school? I’m already done with high school thank God. ( i dunno)  41. Do you believe everyone deserves a second chance? It depends. (No)  42. If you’re being extremely quiet what does it mean? Nothing. (probably thinking about zutara tbh)  43. Do you smile at strangers? Yes, I’m from the South. I think it’s ingrained in my DNA to. (yeah)  44. Trip to outer space or bottom of the ocean? Space boi (same)  45. What makes you get out of bed in the morning? That morning wee (work and wee)  46. What are you paranoid about? That none of friends like me and that they’re all just pretending. (same)  47. Have you ever been high? Yes. (same)  48. Have you ever been drunk? Yes. (same)  49. Have you done anything recently that you hope nobody finds out about? Oh honey. (nope)  50. What was the colour of the last hoodie you wore? Black. (yellow)  51. Ever wished you were someone else? Nope. (ye)  52. One thing you wish you could change about yourself? Nothing.(i. want. a. fat. ass.)   53. Favourite makeup brand? Probably Tarte. (NYX)  54. Favourite store? Ulta (I don’t really have one)  55. Favourite blog? I don’t have one. (I have so many now, omg @babytreehugger @hugs4zuko @pineapple-frenzy @bluelady-atla @aprilmayship and @firelxdykatara are a few of them!)  56. Favourite colour? Light green. (same) 57. Favourite food? Pasta (same)  58. Last thing you ate? Pasta lmao. (does espresso count? if not, then pizza for dinner last night)  59. First thing you ate this morning? I haven’t yet. (espresso, lol, i have yet to have food today)  60. Ever won a competition? For what? Nope. (do band competitions count? if so, yes)  61. Been suspended/expelled? For what? Nope. (same)  62. Been arrested? For what? Nope. (same)  63. Ever been in love? Yes. (yeah boiiii)  64. Tell us the story of your first kiss? I was in seventh grade. It wasn’t great. (that’s pretty much it)  65. Are you hungry right now? No. (also no)   66. Do you like your tumblr friends more than your real friends? No. (no, but more gently this time)  67. Facebook or Twitter? Facebook. (neither tbh)  68. Twitter or Tumblr? Tumblr (same)  69. Are you watching tv right now? No. (same)  70. Names of your bestfriends? Carleigh, Karlee, Maria, Mackenzie, Emily, Josh,  and Allen!! (same, but now i have JP, another Maria, Scott, Corbin, and pretty much all of my sbux coworkers)  71. Craving something? What? Not really haha. (same)  72. What colour are your towels? Different colors. (same)  72. How many pillows do you sleep with? Three. (five lmao)  73. Do you sleep with stuffed animals? Yes. (yes)   74. How many stuffed animals do you think you have? I only have two with me at my apartment, but more at home. (five)  75. Favourite animal? Dragon. (same)  76. What colour is your underwear? Pink. (blue)  77. Chocolate or Vanilla? Vanilla (depends on what is being offered)  78. Favourite ice cream flavour? Vanilla (birthday cake)  79. What colour shirt are you wearing? Gray (red plaid)  80. What colour pants? Blue nike shorts. (red plaid. yes it’s 1:59 pm. yes i’m wearing pajamas)  81. Favourite tv show? Avatar: the Last Airbender.  (same)  82. Favourite movie? The Way He Looks (same)  83. Mean Girls or Mean Girls 2? Mean Girls (ye)  84. Mean Girls or 21 Jump Street? 21 Jump Street (ye)  85. Favourite character from Mean Girls? I don’t have one. (ye)  86. Favourite character from Finding Nemo? I don’t have one. (ye)   87. First person you talked to today? Sage (John Paul)  88. Last person you talked to today? Jaimy (John Paul)  89. Name a person you hate? I don’t hate anyone. (da president)  90. Name a person you love? Mackenzie. He’s kind of my hero. (Same, but also my husband I reckon)   91. Is there anyone you want to punch in the face right now? No one really haha. (same)   92. In a fight with someone? No. (currently, no. in the past? yes. this question is weird)  93. How many sweatpants do you have? One. (still just one)  94. How many sweaters/hoodies do you have? Four or five. (so many)  95. Last movie you watched? Logan (I have no idea about the last movie i watched and also no idea what movie “Logan” is)  96. Favourite actress? I don’t think that I have one. (same)  97. Favourite actor? Avan Jogia. (same i reckon)  98. Do you tan a lot? No. (same)  99. Have any pets? Yes, three cats! (same three cats and now a dog) 100. How are you feeling? Tired. But that’s nothing new. (lmao yeah same)  101. Do you type fast? Yes. (ye)  102. Do you regret anything from your past? Oh honey (ahaha :’) )  103. Can you spell well? Yes. (i am okay)  104. Do you miss anyone from your past? OH BUDDY (ye)  105. Ever been to a bonfire party? Yes. (same) 106. Ever broken someone’s heart? Yes. (same)  107. Have you ever been on a horse? Yes. (same, and never again)  108. What should you be doing? Sleeping. (writing or cleaning)  109. Is something irritating you right now? No. (no)  110. Have you ever liked someone so much it hurt? Yes. (ye)  111. Do you have trust issues? Oh yeah. (ye) 112. Who was the last person you cried in front of? My mom. (JP)  113. What was your childhood nickname? Gertie. (that one and also ‘berkel’)  114. Have you ever been out of your province/state? Yes. (ye)  115. Do you play the Wii? No. (still no)  116. Are you listening to music right now? Yes, the Danish String Quartet. (no)  117. Do you like chicken noodle soup? It’s okay. (it is still just an okay soup)  118. Do you like Chinese food? Hell yeah. (HELL YEAH)  119. Favourite book? Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell. (same)  120. Are you afraid of the dark? I used to be, but not anymore. (yes)  121. Are you mean? No, being mean gets you nowhere in life. (no)  122. Is cheating ever okay? No. (also no)  123. Can you keep white shoes clean? Hell nope. (still nope)  124. Do you believe in love at first sight? No. (sorta kinda)  125. Do you believe in true love? Yes. (yeah)  126. Are you currently bored? A little. (no)  127. What makes you happy? A good book, a cup of coffee, and a cold rainy day. (same)  128. Would you change your name? I used to want to change it to something “normal” but not anymore. (I need to because it’s been six months since i got married and i have yet to legally change my last name)  129. What your zodiac sign? Gemini. I was supposed to be a cancer though, my mom just couldn’t chill lol. (same)  130. Do you like subway? It’s okay. (same)  131. Your bestfriend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do?Probably just hope that it goes away. I don’t like change. (still same, except I’d probably tell JP about it)  132. Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? I answered this earlier, and it’s still Patrick. (Still JP)  133. Favourite lyrics right now? The song Blackbird by the Beatles in its entirety. (WAP, in its entirety) 134. Can you count to one million? Yes. ( probably? yes. will i? no.)  135. Dumbest lie you ever told? There is no telling. (that one time i faked my death when I was like, 14.)  136. Do you sleep with your doors open or closed? Closed. (cracked open)  137. How tall are you? 5′4. (still 5′4)  138. Curly or Straight hair? I have curly hair. (same)  139. Brunette or Blonde? I have blonde hair.  (same)  140. Summer or Winter? Winter. (same)  141. Night or Day? Night. (same)  142. Favourite month? December. (same)  143. Are you a vegetarian? No, but I have been in the past. (no)  144. Dark, milk or white chocolate? Milk. (sameO  145. Tea or Coffee? COFFEE (BOTH)  146. Was today a good day? Yes. (it was alright I reckon)  147. Mars or Snickers? Neither. (same)  148. What’s your favourite quote? “fire cannot kill a dragon.” (anything uncle iron says ever)   149. Do you believe in ghosts? Hell yeah. (ye)  150. Get the closest book next to you, open it to page 42, what’s the first line on that page? “He was so snug in there that he was able to pretend that he was safe at home, having survived the war, and that he was telling his parents and sister a true war story–whereas the true war story was still going on.” From Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut. ( “‘They plant when they’re hot. It doesn’t mean they’re angry or hungry.’ I hesitated, watching her. ‘You’ve never seen one before, have you?’” From “Parable of the Sower” by Octavia E. Butler) 

[cycwrites]

Switching Gears Part 3 - Karaoke Innuendos

Words: 4250

Rating: M (Eventually. I think.)

Also on AO3 and FFN

Tumblr Master Post

As always, thanks to @tiny-maus-boots for all the Beta’ing and support. I literally could do none of this without you.

Special thanks to @zentamaus & @isthemusictoblame for putting up with my random bouts of insecurity in the middle of the night.

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

~A~

Aubrey pushed her bike through the door to Beca’s shop, grumbling to herself.

“Chain or bell?”

The amusement in Beca’s voice was clear and Aubrey rolled her eyes. “I could just be coming to say hello.”

“True.” Beca nodded from where she was leaning against the counter in the back. “But you look pissed and it’s been over two weeks since you needed a chain – so my guess is bell.” She made a show of peering at Aubrey’s handlebars as she got close and nodded. “Looks like I’d be right.”

“Yeah yeah, whatever.” Aubrey parked the bike beside the counter and huffed out a breath as she took off her helmet and hung it from a handle. “Fine. Bell.”

“I’m going to start ordering them in bulk at this rate.” Beca pushed herself up on the counter and pulled up her legs to swing around and land behind it. She rummaged on a shelf for a second before pulling out a new bell and setting it between them. “Or you could just… stop replacing it?”

“And let her win?” Aubrey snorted. “I don’t think so.”

“And what… exactly… would she be winning?” Beca leaned her elbow on the counter and propped her chin on her hand. “Is there a prize?”

“The war, Beca.” Aubrey shook her head. “You wouldn’t understand.”

“Oh I understand,” Beca said as she straightened up again. “I understand you’re both insane and I haven’t even met the other woman.” Beca frowned and Aubrey returned it reflexively. “Have you even laid eyes on her since that first day?”

“No.” Aubrey dug her thin card holder from its place in her bra. “But I don’t need to. She keeps parking in my spot.”

“You’re hopeless.” Beca pushed away the debit card Aubrey tried to hand her. “And while the businesswoman in me says to take your money, your friend can’t do it anymore.” She grabbed the bell and walked around it to Aubrey’s bike. “Except the chain and lock. If you insist on throwing the nice ones away, I’m going to charge you for it.” She stripped the bell of its packaging as she walked. “I should order you some cheap pieces of crap I wouldn’t normally sully my shelves with so you can stop losing your main.”

Aubrey watched as Beca quickly affixed the bell in just the right spot. “Thanks, Beca.” She knew it was silly and probably (definitely) childish – and let’s not forget petty – but the fact that the woman kept parking in her spot triggered Aubrey in a way she couldn’t explain.

“You’ll just have to buy me an extra drink at karaoke.” Beca gave the bell a ring and winced. “I still have no idea why you like this thing.”

“My dad got me one as a kid.” Aubrey shrugged. “When I finally rode it without the training wheels, he put it on so I could warn people.” She smiled at the memory. “I may have almost run over the neighbor’s yappy dog once because I was a speed demon.”

“Alright, I can get behind nostalgia and that explains spin class.” Beca frowned as she looked around the shop. “Is Lilly even in today?” Before Aubrey could answer Beca shrugged. “Eh, I’m the owner; I can close a little early if I want to.” She looked at Aubrey. “Can you turn off the open sign and lock the door while I count down the register and lock away the moolah?”

“No one but mobsters say moolah, Beca.” Aubrey laughed as she walked toward the front of the room.

“Oh yeah? Know a lot of mobsters, do you?” Beca said as she popped open the cash drawer. “Is there a secret life of yours I don’t know about?”

“Maybe.” Aubrey turned off the sign and double checked that no one was walking up before she locked the door. Beca snorted behind her. “You don’t know. Besides, I would rock a three piece suit.” She walked back toward Beca who had paused, eyeing her.

“I was going to make a sarcastic comment but sheer honesty forces me to admit you would in fact rock a three piece suit.” Beca’s head tilted to the side. “Would that make me your driver?”

“Thank you.” Aubrey said crisply then grinned. “Probably my right hand gal.” Aubrey leaned on the counter. “Jack of all trades type.”

“I dig it.” Beca grabbed a calculator and a notepad. “You need a moll.”

“I do?” Aubrey considered. “I suppose every good mobster should a pretty woman with brains on their arm.” One brow arched. “Are you volunteering?”

“Please. I’m much better as your jack of all trades.” Beca shook her head. “I was more thinking Chloe.”

Aubrey rolled her eyes. “I should’ve seen that coming. I’ve told you, that ship has sailed.”

“Then the only other woman I’ve seen you get remotely flustered over is the enemy.” Beca began to count the money in her till. “Now shut up and don’t start saying numbers like you did last time.”

“Me?” Aubrey blinked innocently. “I would never. Also, there’s no way the bell thief could be my girl.”

“Mmhmm. Seems to me a thief would be a perfect girl for a mobster.” Beca said, writing down totals. “But whatever you say, Aubrey. I might even believe you if you didn’t get red cheeked whenever you talk about her.”

Aubrey gasped. “I do not!” She rubbed at her cheeks before she realized what she was doing. “That’s anger, Beca. Not… whatever you’re implying.”

Beca looked at Aubrey out of the corner of her eye. “You do realize that every denial you give me only makes me think I’m right and you’ve got a serious crush on your nemesis despite only seeing her the one time.”

“Then you’re clearly deluded.” Aubrey pushed off the counter and walked down one of the aisles.

“Clearly,” Beca muttered behind her. “Now stop distracting me.”

“Then stop baiting me.” Aubrey shot back.

They spent the next ten minutes in companionable silence as Beca checked her numbers twice before finally putting the money in a lockable pouch which then went in her safe.  Aubrey wheeled her bike to the front of the store and waited.

“Alright.” Beca turned off the lights. “Time to go.” She waved Aubrey out the door before setting her security system. “No peeking.”

“Like I couldn’t figure out your code if I really wanted to.” Aubrey pulled on her helmet.

Beca locked the door behind her. “Alright, let’s go channel some of that anger elsewhere and go get you hopped up on your Ladies of the 80’s.”

“I’ll have you know I also enjoy songs from the 90’s.” Aubrey swung her leg over her bike.

“That’s still nothing from this century.” Beca said, pulling on her own helmet.

“Shut up and get on the package carrier, hobbit. Or do you need me to lift you up?” Aubrey said dryly.

“You’re going to pay for that, Posen.” Beca climbed onto the back of Aubrey’s bike and gripped her waist. “Just you wait.”

“My father is military, Beca. I’ll always see you comin’.”

“You keep telling yourself that.” Beca patted her hip. “Now mush!”

“Did you just call me a bitch?” Aubrey said as she began to pedal down the sidewalk with Beca’s laughter filling the early evening air behind them.

The ride to the L&L was relatively short, only a mile and a half away from Beca’s shop. Lyrics & Libations was a karaoke bar owned by two of Beca’s friends who had, eventually, adopted Aubrey as one of their own. Beca had dragged her in the second she found out Aubrey could sing and the two of them had a standing table reservation every Friday night.

Once Aubrey had stopped her bike, Beca hopped off the back and took off her helmet. She ran her hand through her hair. “I hate these things.”

“Helmet hair is a small price to pay for keeping your brains inside your skull, Beca.” Aubrey walked over to an afterthought bike rack that had been added to the sidewalk and secured her bike to it. Though it was big enough for three bikes, Aubrey had never seen anyone else use it.

“It’s not just that. It makes my head sweaty.” Beca preceded her to the door and opened it. “Especially on warm days like today.”

“Thank you,” Aubrey said, taking off her own helmet as she walked into the L&L. Beca had a point, the cool air conditioning felt good after all the pedaling. “Hello Cynthia Rose.” She hugged the beautiful black woman lounging on the stool by the door. “Had to throw anyone out today?”

The deceptively short bouncer laughed. “Not today but the night’s still young, Aubrey!” She looked past her to Beca. “Shorty.” She held out her hand.

“CR.” Beca eyed it. “You’re not seriously trying to card us, are you?”

“Please. I know better. Even if you still look fifteen.” Cynthia Rose rolled her eyes. “Gimme five.”

“Dollars?” Beca grinned at her. “Since when did you start charging covers on non-band nights?”

“Oh.” Cynthia Rose dropped her hand. “I see. We only charge those that are trying to be a smart ass.”  She clicked her tongue. “So you’re probably going to be poor before too long.”

“Don’t push her, Beca.” Aubrey moved to stand next to Cynthia Rose. “She’ll chuck you out like she did that college guy last month.” He hadn’t believed someone as short as Cynthia Rose could subdue him physically much less toss him out on his ass. Until said ass had hit the pavement and the door had closed behind him.

“Alright alright.” Beca held up her hand. “I’m sorry.” She held up her fist. “Hit me.”

“I oughta hit you.” Cynthia Rose muttered but gave Beca a fist bump. “You guys are early tonight.”

“I didn’t feel like working till closing.” Beca shrugged. “Don’t think Lilly was in to close, so I just locked up.”

“’You don’t think’?” Cynthia Rose snorted. “What if you locked her in there?”

“She’s got a key and the code.” Beca shrugged. “Come find us on your break, we’ll buy you a shot or two.”

“Deal.” Cynthia Rose looked toward the door as it creaked behind them. “Now get your ass out of my doorway so I can greet these nice folks behind you.” She winked at Aubrey. “See you in a bit, Posen.”

“Look forward to it.” Aubrey smiled at her and pushed Beca ahead of her into the main room. “You want me to get the first round?”

Beca shook her head. “Nah, I’m going to take advantage of the round you owe me when you’re too drunk to realize I’m ordering the good stuff.” Holding out her hand, she continued. “Gimme your helmet and I’ll have the girls stow them for us.”

“Thanks, Beca.” Aubrey handed it over with a smile. Making her way to the table at the right corner of the stage, Aubrey took the seat that put her back to the wall. Shrugging off her small backpack she dug around in it until she found her brush. Taking out the hair tie holding her long hair into a loose ponytail she ran the brush through it.

“Grooming?”

Aubrey ignored Beca and continued getting out the tangles that her helmet had caused. “You know you want to use it.”

“Maybe.” Beca set down a small tray that held two glasses of water and two bottles of beer. “I’ll be back, Jess made me promise to bring the tray right back.”

Setting the brush on the table, Aubrey picked up one of the bottles. “Okay.” She took a drink. “I’ll be here.” She waited until Beca had turned around and started back toward the bar. “Drinking your beer.”

“Woman…” Beca threatened. “Don’t you dare.”

“Better hurry.” Aubrey settled back in her seat with a grin, already trying to decide what they were going to sing tonight. She eyed the room, nodding at some regulars.

“Your turn.” Beca said, dropping into the seat to her left. “I’ve already got your first song down.”

“That was quick.” Aubrey eyed the two new bottles of beer that had appeared on the table. “You really thought I’d drink yours?”

“Yes.” Beca said, carefully pulling two of the bottles in front of her. “Like you haven’t before.” She picked up Aubrey’s brush and ran it through her hair.

“True.” Aubrey shrugged and stood. “I’ll be back.”

Taking the first bottle with her, Aubrey made her way to the end of the bar, patiently waiting as other people put down song choices.

“Hey Aubrey!” The brunette in charge of the song list smiled at her. “Beca giving you any of those beers?”

“Hello Ashley.” Aubrey held up her bottle. “At least one of them.” She stepped up to the bar and opened the giant binder of songs. “Am I going to like what she picked for me?”

“Maybe?” Ashley shrugged and grinned at her. “You know I can’t tell you.” In fact the top half of the paper had been hastily covered with a napkin so that Aubrey couldn’t see what had been written down.

“True.” Aubrey took a drink of her beer and pursed her lips. “Guess I’ll have to get her from the start.”

“That’s my girl.” Ashley held out the pen. “Can’t give that one an inch.”

“Bree!”

Taking the pen, Aubrey looked up as a blonde head appeared over Ashley’s shoulder. “Hi Jessica. Looks like they’re keeping you busy over there.”

“Nothing I can’t handle.” Jessica rested her chin on Ashley’s shoulder. “Denise will be here soon.”

Aubrey wrote Beca’s name on the sheet sitting on the bar, followed by her song. “You guys still on for the group song later?”

“Are you kidding?” Ashley laughed. “Jess has been practicing all week.” She kissed the side of her girlfriend’s head. “Now go pour those nice people some drinks and make mama some money.”

“Yes dear,” Jessica waved at Aubrey. “I’ll come say hi in a bit.” She went back to the other end of the bar, already greeting the people waiting for her.

“See you.” Aubrey called after her. “Thanks, Ash.” She pushed the paper back across the bar.

Ashley looked at the song and laughed. “No no, thank you.”

“You know she secretly loves it.” Aubrey said as she turned.

“You look too pleased with yourself.” Beca said as Aubrey sat back down.

“Just said hi to the girls.” Aubrey went to take another drink and found the bottle empty. “Oops. Guess I should’ve left that up there.” She set it down and picked up the other. “Thanks for thinking ahead.”

“You’ve been looking… thirsty lately.” Beca said.

“Oh for the love of…” Aubrey shook her head. “I am not thirsty Beca.”

“Mmm. Sure.” Beca laughed and ducked the napkin Aubrey threw at her.

“You are the worst,” she groaned.

“You mean the best.” Beca said airily. “Now hush, things are starting.”

Laughing, Aubrey settled down and watched the first person take the stage.

As former college championship winning a capella singers, Jessica and Ashley seemed to attract a higher level of karaoke aficionados to the L&L. Rarely did you get someone who was off-key – at least not intentionally. Aubrey herself wasn’t above singing something badly for effect. But tonight everyone was on point and she was enjoying herself so much she’d almost forgotten that she’d be going up soon.

“Aubrey, you’re up.”

She looked up, startled as Ashley called her name. “Oh, right.”

“Have fun,” Beca said as Aubrey stood up.

“Should I be afraid?” Aubrey stepped up on the stage and took the microphone off the stand.

“Always, Bree.” Beca nodded. “Always.”

Aubrey narrowed her eyes then looked at the monitor as the opening notes of ‘Call Me Maybe’ started. She allowed herself one moment of annoyance, because while she did like the song she knew why Beca was making her sing it. But she was Aubrey Posen and she never backed away from anything in her life. She would sell the shit out of this. By the end of it the room was singing along with her and Aubrey waved after she put the mic back on the stand. She went back to her table and took her seat.

“Nicely done, Posen.” Beca held out a fresh beer.

“Thank you.” Aubrey took it and took a long drink. “I think I sense a theme for the night.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Beca took a drink of her own.

Instead of answering, Aubrey merely turned back to the stage as the next person stepped up. Even as she clapped and sang with the next songs, she was busily trying to figure out how to get even.

When Beca saw the song Aubrey had picked, she groaned. “Not this song, Bree. It’s so overplayed.”

“Shut up and sing, Mitchell.” Aubrey grinned.

Beca put on her Resting Bitch Face and her whiniest voice for the start of ‘TiK ToK’ but by the chorus she’d given in and was bouncing around the stage to the cheers of the crowd. When she’d finally taken her chair again Aubrey pushed her shoulder.

“You’re no longer allowed to tell me you hate Kesha. I know it’s a lie and so does everyone else who saw you just now.”

“Yeah yeah.” Beca took a drink of her beer as she tried to catch her breath.

The rest of the night continued in much the same pattern.

Beca made Aubrey sing Avril Lavigne’s ‘Girlfriend’ and Sophie B. Hawkins’ ‘Damn I Wish I Was Your Lover’ while Aubrey had made her sing Meredith Brook’s ‘Bitch’ and ‘When I Grow Up’ by Garbage. Not that either of those songs were ones that Beca wouldn’t enjoy but at this point Aubrey was just trying to use the titles to make a point – no matter how obscure. There was a brief truce as they sang ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ with Jessica and Ashley, almost causing a riot when they bowed out of doing an encore.

Aubrey debated on the last song, but there just weren’t enough casual-insults-between-friends songs that she felt were appropriate. She’d been looking through P!nk’s song list, discarding ‘Trouble’, though appropriate, and ‘Blow Me (One Last Kiss)’ before deciding to just pick a fun song to end the night on: ‘Raise Your Glass.’

Beca, however, had other ideas.

“You’re fucking kidding me,” Aubrey laughed as ‘I Touch Myself’ by the Divinyls started.

“Hey, it’s from the ‘90’s!” Beca called from the table.

I love myself, I want you to love me When I feel down, I want you above me I search myself, I want you to find me I forget myself, I want you to remind me

A plan was slowly forming in her mind and she worked the stage but kept her eyes directly on Beca as she sang. Then she left the stage and slunk toward Beca, whose eyes were getting wider the closer Aubrey got. And the quieter, more intimate her singing became.

I close my eyes and see you before me Think I would die if you were to ignore me A fool could see just how much I adore you I'd get down on my knees, I'd do anything for you

Aubrey stepped behind Beca, her fingertips running from one shoulder to the other across her back. She resisted the impulse to laugh when she felt Beca shiver.

I don't want anybody else When I think about you, I touch myself Ooh, I don't want anybody else Oh no, oh no, oh no

She continued moving around until she could drape herself across Beca’s lap, noticing how Beca flushed instantly, a nice, deep red going all the way down under her collar.

I want you I don't want anybody else When I think about you, I touch myself Ooh ooh ooh ooh ah ah ah ah oh ah

She crooned into Beca’s ear, much softer than the song called for and traced the spike that ran through the lobe. Beca’s sudden indrawn breath was audible through the microphone and now Aubrey let the smile free as she slid from Beca’s lap and strutted back to the stage to finish it. As the song drew to a close she took a bow as whistles filled the room. Ashley came up and took the microphone from her, smirking.

“And that’s the last song for the night. Thank you all for a great night of music and we hope to see you again soon!” Turning off the mic she placed it back in the stand and turned to Aubrey. “I think you killed her.”

Aubrey shrugged. “She started it.”

“Agreed.” Ashley pushed her toward the table. “Go sit while we clear everyone out. I need a drink with my friends.”

“Like I’d say no to that.” Aubrey laughed and went back to the table where Beca was steadily draining the last of her beer.

“Nice song choice, Mitchell.” Aubrey leaned back in her chair.

“I’ll never make that mistake again,” she vowed. “You win.”

“A Posen always wins.” Aubrey laughed. “You really did bring it on yourself.”

“Yup. I see that now.” Beca drummed her fingers on the table. “You’re a very wicked woman, Aubrey.”

“When the situation calls for it.” Aubrey shrugged. “Ashley told us to hang out while everyone leaves.”

“’Kay.” Beca’s face was deliberately neutral and Aubrey wondered what was going on behind eyes that were not-so-casually avoiding looking at her.

The two of them sat in silence, not uncomfortable but Aubrey could almost hear Beca thinking as the seconds ticked by. Even Aubrey could admit that what she’d done had some effect on her. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d gotten that close to someone; Beca’s riding behind her on the bike didn’t count. But this was her best friend and Aubrey didn’t think of her that way.

At least… not until now. Maybe Beca was right and Aubrey really just needed to get laid.

“So, is there something going on between you two that we don’t know about?” Jessica interrupted her thoughts as she, Ashley, Denise and Cynthia Rose approached the table.

“Nope.” Aubrey smiled innocently. “Just singing songs.”

“No.” Beca confirmed. “Aubrey likes her brunettes taller, apparently.”

Cynthia Rose set down the bottle of vodka she’d brought over. “Are we still talking about the chick that Aubrey’s having some bike war with?”

“That’s the one.” Beca waited as the four of them pulled over chairs and Ashley set down the stack of shot glasses she was carrying.

“Beca.” Aubrey sighed. “For the last time. I don’t even know if she likes women.”

Jessica carefully poured shots for all of them. “You know, the way you said that, it makes me think you’re interested in finding out.”

“Thank you!” Beca picked up her glass. “I knew I wasn’t the only one.”

Aubrey scowled and picked up her own shot and downed it. “That is not what I meant. At all.”

Except maybe it was, because her memory of that day had changed. She no longer thought of it with anger and even now she was only triggered by seeing That Bike in her spot. But… she sort of wished she remembered more of what the other woman looked like because in memory her voice was nice and the annoyingly vague impression she had was someone who was pretty. Plus, despite it all… she had called Aubrey cute. Sort of.

“I mean, it sounds like that’s what you meant.” Denise threw back her shot. “Like, you’re personally interested in finding out if she likes women or not.”

“You didn’t even know if Chloe liked women when you told me you were thinking of asking her out,” Beca pointed out. “So why is this one different?”

“She’s an insufferable woman who keeps stealing the bell off my bike. I couldn’t care less if she likes women.” Aubrey set her glass down and picked up the bottle to pour another. “And you can all fuck off.”

“Now look who’s getting uppity.” Cynthia Rose shook her head. “You know what they say ‘bout protesting too much.”

“Can we please talk about anything else?” Aubrey closed her eyes. “Did you guys give Beca this much crap over that DSM woman?”

“Aub...” Beca held up her hand.

“Wait – what about the blonde German goddess… exactly?” Ashley leaned forward. “Have you been holding out on us, Beca?”

“Thanks, Aubrey.” Beca picked up the vodka and ignored the shot glass, taking a drink directly from the bottle.

Aubrey smiled sweetly at her. “You’re welcome.”

Jessica held up two fingers. “First, I can’t believe either of you didn’t tell us whatever you’re about to reveal sooner.” She folded her middle finger and pointed at Beca who snorted. “Second, that’s gross and now you have to buy the whole bottle.”

“There’s no story here.” Beca muttered and handled the bottle to Denise who took a swig. “You know I hate that woman.”

“See my previous statement about protesting too much…” Cynthia Rose turned to Aubrey. “Spill.”

Aubrey leaned back in her chair. “Well... Beca thinks her sweat smells like cinnamon…” Beca just groaned and let her forehead rest on the table.  Aubrey smiled as the rest of the girls begged for more details.  Maybe now Beca would let the whole ‘you’re into the aggravating gym woman’ thing drop.

Because Aubrey had a sneaking suspicion she might be right. And that was definitely not allowed.

[hyperion-moonbabe]

Caught in Between: 01. New Beginnings

IMPORTANT!!! TO ANYONE FOLLOWING OR READING MY TVD SERIES: This blog is currently my secondary blog. I have wanted to change it to primary for a while and since Tumblr does not allow it. I have created a new blog: @hyperion-moonbabe-1 

I will be porting everything over to this blog including my series and possibly eventually delete it so I can use this name without the “-1” on the end. If you would like to continue to read my series, please know that it will be continued on my new blog. Thank you!

Edit: Update

Summary: Athena Dumont has finally found a place to call home after many years of foster homes and traveling. She had finally tamed her supernatural side and just wanted to live a normal teenage life. She quickly discovers that there is nothing normal about her hometown, Mystic Falls and gets sucked right back into the supernatural world.

Post Date: 02.26.20 Word count: 4.7K Based off: 02x06 “Plan B” 

00.

I walked into my old childhood home, not expecting it to be fully furnished. I spent time looking around, gathering items from my family that I wanted to keep, and finally getting a moving company to get rid of the old furniture. Once everything was gone, I went into town to apply for a job and find some new furniture. I walked into a restaurant called the Mystic Grill.

"Hi, I was wondering if you guys were hiring," I said to a blonde-haired guy as I walked in.

"I'm not sure but, I can grab an application for you to fill out and pass it on to my manager," The blonde guy says and walks to the back. He returns with an application and a pen. I fill out the application and hand it back to the male.

"I'm Matt Donovan, nice to meet you."

"Athena Dumont, nice to meet you too," I say as I shake his hand.

"Wait as in the founding family Dumont?" He questions.

"Yeh, just moved back in today actually," I responded back.

"Welcome back to Mystic Falls, see you around," He smiles and goes back to work.

I continue to walk around the town looking for furniture to replace the old. After walking out of the last store I hear a familiar voice coming from behind me.

"What-a-surprise, Athena. Never thought I'd see you here in Mystic Falls." The familiar voice says.

"Damon," I turn around and give a fake smile. "And why would that be?" I question back.

"I mean this is Mystic Falls, a small town, nobody comes here." He says scoffing.

"Well, I thought it'd be nice for me to finally settle into my roots as a founding family," I responded.

"You come from a founding family here!?" He questions not believing me.

"Yes, I'm a Dumont. Might not be a name you hear often considering my family and I moved away about 12 years ago with my parents."

"Wow, I was not expecting that. Well, I guess we should play catch up then," Damon says, smirking and walking up next to me putting his arm around my shoulders before I push it off. But he just puts his arm back around my shoulders. We somehow ended up at his house and catching up with each other since it had been about two years since we met each other.

"I finally learned about the supernatural world... So two years ago, the whole thing about you being a vampire was true, but I didn't believe it huh," I say to Damon as we're sitting on the couch in the grand room.

"Well sorta. I drank your blood, fed you mine, then compelled you to forget," Damon explained loosely.

"So basically I was your personal blood bag," I said, fake smiling at Damon as he nodded. "Well, I bite now so I wouldn't try anything if I were you."

"Huh?" Damon looks at me confused before we hear a knock at the door.

Damon gets up from the couch and opens the door. I follow closely behind. When he opens the door I see a tall brown-haired guy standing in the doorway for a brief second before Damon blocks my view.

"I need to talk to you" I hear the guy say.

"And why do I need to talk to you?" Damon responds and I roll my eyes at his dickishness, as he tries to close the door on the other guy.

"Tyler Lockwood has to kill someone to activate his curse. He's not a werewolf yet."

"Wow, fascinating. Not enough." Damon says not impressed and tries to close the door again.

"I'm not sure what you have gotten yourself into this time but maybe you should listen to him," I say but Damon ignores my comment.

"But Mason Lockwood is and he's looking for a moonstone, a special rock connected to the werewolf legend. That's why I'm here." The guy says trying to convince Damon to give him his full attention.

"Wait, a moonstone? I've heard about it somewhere" I say trying to remember where I heard it from.

"I know where it is." the guy responds.

“And you're bringing me this why?" Damon questions.

"This actually sounds important. You should stop being a dick and listen, Damon. Especially if it involves the moonstone, there’s something important about it. I just can’t remember," I say sternly.

“And why do you seem to know so much about this moonstone, Athena?" Damon questions me while keeping eye contact with the guy on the porch.

"Wait are you Athena Dumont?" The other guy asks me.

"Yeh, why?"

"I'm Jeremy Gilbert, you may not remember but you were best friends with my sister before you moved away." He says as I think about it.

I was about to say something before Damon interrupted me "What's your sister say about this little discovery, anyways?" Damon questions Jeremy, but no response is given. "Oh, you haven't told her, have you?"

"Well, Elena doesn't want me getting involved in all this," Jeremy says sighing.

"And you're a Gilbert and you just can't help yourself. Wow. Your search for life's purpose is as obvious as it is tragic." Damon says. I roll my eyes at his dumb comment.

"You going to let me in or not?" Jeremy asks. I see Damon hesitate and I shove my way in to open the door.

I'm not sure why, but I'm interested in whatever trouble Damon has gotten himself in. But in all honesty, I am glad that I could possibly make some new friends here. Well, new old friends, I guess. Maybe even help them solve this little problem they have, whatever it is.

I see a blonde girl walk from what I assume is the kitchen, with a silver tray in hand, stocked full of food. She spots me sitting in the great room with Jeremy. "Hi, I'm Athena. I just moved into town and an old friend of Damon's" I say to her smiling.

"I'm Caroline, your name sounds familiar. Have we met before or something?" She responds questioningly.

"She's Athena Dumont, an old friend of yours, Bonnie and Elena's when you guys were young. Oh, and she's a founding family member" Jeremy says before I can respond.

"Oh my god, I remember. You just moved away when we were only like five years old. But how do you know that Jeremy?" Caroline responds.

"I just saw some old photos of you guys not too long ago," Jeremy explains.

"Well, there's this masquerade ball happening tomorrow and you should totally come and meet everyone else," Caroline says before she heads off to some other part of the house.

I can't help but shake that everyone else remembers who I am, yet I don't. It's almost like my memories of them were purged from my mind. I keep trying to jog my memory until my thoughts are interrupted by someone walking in the door with a box in hand. He's a little older, maybe around Damon's age when he became a vampire.

"What are you doing here?" He asks Jeremy.

"Helping Damon. I'm the one who found out about the moonstone." Jeremy responds as the man looks at Damon.

"Does Elena know you're here?"

"Not exactly," Jeremy says, as the man looks at me.

"Hi, I'm Athena. I was just here when this was all unveiled." I say the man looks at me slightly confused at why I'm here. "If you're worried that all of this shouldn't be said in front of me. I'm an old friend of Damon's. And I've heard of the moonstone, so I thought that I may be of some help. If that's ok." I say picking up on his cautiousness.

"I'm Alaric, and if you're up for getting caught in all this. Then, you're more than welcome to stay and help." He says in response and sets down the box he's holding.

"What you got?" Damon says breaking the silence and starts to go through the box and picks up a book.

"This is Isobel research from Duke. Her assistant sent it to me." Alaric says

"Mmm, Vanessa. The hottie." I roll my eyes at Damon's comment and bump my elbow on his side. He looks at me with a confused look and I just give him a look of why.

"Vanessa, yes. Now, do you remember the old Aztec curse she told us about?"

"Sun and the moon, blah blah blah blah blah."

"An Aztec curse? Cool." Jeremy says slightly excitedly.

"Yeah, supposedly vampires and werewolves used to roam freely until a shaman put a curse on them to limit their power. Since then, werewolves can only turn on a full moon and vampires are weakened by the sun." Alaric explains as Damon shows off his daylight ring, "Most of them, anyway."

"It sucks," I say in response to the werewolf side of the curse.

"Wait am I missing something, here? How exactly do you know so much about the supernatural world?" Damon says looking at me questioningly.

"Yeh that comment about me biting, I'm a werewolf now. How did you not catch onto that? And the fact that I'm a Dumont." I say defensively and a bit upset that he can’t pick up on a hint.

“I'm sorry I didn't attend Mystic Falls supernatural People 101 " He responds sarcastically and I just roll my eyes again.

"Well, if I could offer a piece of information. I do know that according to the legend, my wolf side, like every other werewolf, is sealed with the moonstone," I say and Alaric nods and pulls out some sort of map.

"What do you mean sealed?" Jeremy questions as he looks at the map.

"It's a witch thing, whatever seals the curse is usually the key to unsealing the curse," Damon says from across the room.

"Maybe Mason Lockwood believes he can use the moonstone to break the curse," Alaric says in response.

"If we start believing in some supernatural witchy-woo legend from a picture book, we're idiots. Who has the stone now?" Damon says, sounding slightly more intrigued.

"Tyler" Jeremy responds to his question

"Can you get it?" I ask Jeremy even though I really have no clue what's going on.

"Yeah."

"See, now your life has purpose," Damon says dickishly.

"Shut up Damon. I can help if you'd like" I sigh and Jeremy just looks at me nodding.

"This has nothing to do with you," Damon says with a little harshness in his voice, but I ignore his comment.

"So, you do believe the curse?" Jeremy asks.

"It's the same book that says a werewolf bite kills a vampire. Ignoring it would make me an even bigger idiot. Let's go." Damon says, finishing his drink. I follow him and Jeremy out the door.

We make our way over to a mansion where it looks like they're holding the masquerade ball Caroline told me about. Damon, Jeremy and I walk in, I follow behind Damon who walks up to a brunette girl, but I stay at a distance being respectful of their conversation.

"Looking for my baby bro. Speaking of, would you tell yours to stop following me around?" Damon says slightly louder. I assume this girl is Elena Gilbert. Damon then just walks past me and outside. I just stand in the room until I hear my name.

"Anyways, Elena, this is Athena Dumont, from our childhood. She just moved back in." Jeremy says as I walk up to the siblings.

"Hi, forgive me, but honestly I don't remember anyone from here, even though everyone remembers me. But it's really nice to meet you." I say nervously.

"Well, I'm Elena. It's nice to meet you too." She says smiling as Jeremy walks away leaving us alone.

"So, I noticed that you walked in with Damon. You should really watch out for him" Elena says, I offer to help her and she passes me some masks to sort

"Yeh, I know. We're old friends. He tried to deter me from this whole situation you guys are in. Which in all honesty I still don't have the full picture. But he couldn't stop me since I have some helpful info." I say and chuckle.

"Well, it'll be nice to have another person around. But, I wouldn't recommend sticking around." Elena says coldly.

"Well, I'd be more than glad to help with whatever you guys need. I've heard about this curse and honestly, I have a feeling that I need to figure it out." I respond.

"In that case, you should probably meet everyone else." She says putting the masks down and gesturing to follow her outside.

We walk down into all the chaos of the outside set up. Elena first takes me to the guy named Matt I met earlier and a brown-haired guy. They were in the middle of a slightly heated conversation but Elena didn't hesitate to interrupt.

"Hey guys, this is Athena. Athena this is Matt and Tyler" She says pointing to the blonde and then the brunette.

"Matt and I actually met earlier, I went to apply to the Mystic Grill," I say, turning to Elena.

"It's nice to meet you," Tyler says looking at me up and down. Elena was then called over by someone and Matt just walked off, leaving me alone with Tyler. Or so I thought.

"Hey man," Jeremy says walking over to Tyler and me. They started talking about the moonstone and I could sense that Tyler was uneasy about the fact that I was standing there. I look up to see Damon and another man standing next to him, so I decided to walk up to them.

"And who might this be," I say to Damon, referring to the other man.

"This is my lovely baby bro, Stefan," Damon says, placing a hand on his shoulder.

"Are you not going to introduce me to your friend Damon?" Stefan questions looking at Damon.

Damon starts to open his mouth before I interrupt, "I am an old friend of Damon's who just moved back into town. I'm Athena Dumont." I say holding my hand out to Stefan. I see Stefan's face light up slightly at the mention of my last name as he shakes my hand.

"Well, we are busy. I will come and get you later" Damon says walking away and Stefan following behind.

I see Elena sit down on the stairs with a concerned face. I walk over to her feeling awkward just standing here. "Everything alright?" I say sitting next to her.

"Sorta. Stefan, Damon's brother. Isn't filling me in on what's going on." she says upset.

"I'm sure he will. Just give it a moment. He did just walk off with Damon a few minutes ago." I say looking at her, noticing she's growing impatient. She looks at her phone and starts to call Stefan.

After a while, I go to find Damon. When I find him he's in the front of the house with his brother and another girl. Who I assumed was a witch considering the concentration in her face and the man clutching his head. Damon knees the man in the face and then takes notice of me standing in the doorway. The two brothers take the man and put them in the back of the Jeep.

"Are you just gonna stand there or get in?" Damon says looking at me and gesturing for me to get in the Jeep with him.

"I guess I'm coming," I say and hop in the back seat.

We drive back to the Salvatore house, once we arrive Damon picks up the man and carries him into the house as the girl and I follow behind him.

"I hate that this is the way we meet. But I'm Athena." I say to her.

"My name is Bonnie. I'm sure you've guessed it but I'm the local witch." She says with a little sarcasm in the word "local".

We walk over to Damon, I look at the books on the shelves as Damon and Bonnie talk. I hear chains being pulled out of the bag that Bonnie had brought in, "You wanna make yourself useful and help me, Athena," Damon says looking up at me. I sigh and walk over and grab a chain from him.

"Whoa. Looks like this guy's used to being tied up" Bonnie says. I look up to Damon smirking at me, knowing that he's thinking about our past together. I just roll my eyes at him as I help tie the guy to the chair.

"So is this the Mason Lockwood guy. You and Jeremy were talking about?" I say looking between Bonnie and Damon.

"Yup and we need him to give up the moonstone. What are you doing?" He says looking at Bonnie.

"You're looking for the moonstone like you just said. I'm just trying to help" Bonnie says, taking Mason's head in her hands. Damon responds with multiple requests as Bonnie starts to search his mind.

"Somewhere small. dark. There's water." Bonnie describes.

"Like a sewer?" I ask trying to help her description

"No. Like a well? That can't be right. Yeah. It's a well."

"Why would it be in a well?" Damon questions

"I told you, I only get what I get." She says with some haste, looking at Damon. Then Mason wakes up and grabs Bonnie's arm. My immediate response was to grab Mason's hand to make him let go. She rushes out of the room.

"Hey, judgey! Thank you," Damon says to Bonnie. I look at him in surprise when he said that. I stay in the room with them, curious about this moonstone business. I sit down on one of the couches as Damon starts to interrogate Mason or at least attempt to.

I sit on the couch watching Damon's interrogation technique. Mason struggles in the chair we chained him to and ends up falling backward as Damon heats up the metal poker in the fire. He sticks the poker into Mason's upper right chest.

"You can hurt -- good to know. I was afraid you were gonna be some beast with no affinity for pain." He says nonchalantly.

I start to open my mouth but Damon stops me, "If you don't approve, you can leave." He says looking at me. I just sit back and stay quiet.

Damon starts to question Mason about this Katherine girl but gets no answer. This goes on for some time but Damon still wasn't successful. I then see Jeremy walk into the room with a box in hand. I walk over to the box he had just set down and start to take some of the stuff out as Damon makes some whiny comments about Jeremy being here. I stop when I notice a familiar dried herb.

"What is it?" Damon asks, noticing my hesitation.

"I did a search on my phone. It's a plant. Aconitum Vulparia. It grows in the mountainous areas of the northern hemisphere. Commonly known as aconite, blue rocket, and" Jeremy starts to explain handing the herb to Damon.

"Wolfsbane," I say interrupting Jeremy, as he looks at me confused.

"What else did you read?" Damon asks looking at Jeremy.

"Well, every source says something different. One myth says it causes lycanthropy, which sounds bogus. Another one says that it protects people and another one says, well, it's toxic." Jeremy explains as Mason groans and I tense up.

"I'm guessing toxic," Damon says, noticing me tensing up and hearing Mason groan.

"You guessed right," I say, touching my finger to the herb, displaying its ability to harm werewolves. I inhale sharply and hold my finger from the pain. I see Jeremy's face light up as he comes to the realization that I'm a werewolf.

Damon goes back to interrogate Mason, using his new toy. I wince and turn away when the wolfsbane is shoved into his mouth. It's like I could almost feel the burning sensation in my own throat that Mason was experiencing. Even with the wolfsbane, Damon was unsuccessful. After multiple failed attempts at getting answers, Jeremy interrupts and tells Damon that maybe he should stop. He ignores the comment and threatens to take Mason's eyes. This causes Mason to finally give him answers to the many questions. Once Mason stops giving answers, I could see in  Damon’s eyes that he wanted to kill him, I guess to cover his tracks.

Damon tries to get rid of Jeremy, knowing that he disapproves of the actions that are about to take place. But Jeremy just stands his ground and Mason pleads to him in order to keep Tyler safe. I walk around the chair pushing Damon out of the way.

"I may not know you or  Tyler that well. But I assure you I won't let that happen. I know what the curse does to a person, I'm a werewolf. And I would never wish the curse on anyone" I say looking at Mason. I could feel the annoyance radiating off Damon.

"You should go, Jeremy," Damon says, not even really responding to what I said.

"I'm staying, Damon. He's had enough." Jeremy says and I stand up between Damon and Mason. 

The next thing I know Damon super speeds towards Jeremy, slamming him into the couch, "You wanted to be a part of this? Well, here it is! Kill or be killed! The guy is a werewolf; he'd kill me the first chance he got! So, you suck it up or leave." He says with a menacing look in his face and holding Jermy by the throat.

"Damon! Stop." I say trying to stop him from killing Jeremy. The only response I get back is wolfsbane being slammed onto my arm. He only lets go of both Jeremy and me, after I let out a gut-wrenching scream from the pain. Jeremy gets up from the couch after catching his breath and leaves, I follow behind just glaring at Damon.

Once we make it to the hall Jeremy stops and turns around, " Are you ok?" He asks, bringing my arm up to look at the burn mark left by the wolfsbane.

"Yeh, it'll heal" I respond sighing and looking at the burn starting to disappear.

I sit in the great room, not wanting to see Damon, but also not wanting to go back to my unfurnished home just yet. After a few minutes, Stefan walks into the house, with what I assumed was the moonstone, in hand.

"You ok? What did my brother do this time." He asks me with slight concern in his voice.

"Yeh, he used his leverage for Mason on me. Wolfsbane. I'm fine now. He was just riled up, I'm sure he's just about done now." I say looking over towards the library.

"Well let’s  go see what he's up to now?" Stefan says walking up to the couch, offering his hand to help me up.

We walk to the library and are greeted with Damon rolling up Mason's dead body in the blanket he placed down earlier. I stop at the top small set of stairs while Stefan goes to show Damon the moonstone. I listen to their little brotherly banter and watch as Damon dials a number on Mason's phone. It ends up being Katherine. From what I gathered, I could tell that they used to be romantically involved with one another and possibly Stefan too from his physical responses. A few hours later, I leave Stephan in the library to think and Damon follows behind me into the great room.

"Well, I'm going home," I say turning to Damon

"Or you could stay here," Damon says stepping closer to me with a smirk on his face. "Now I'm sure that your house is empty since you just moved in. Getting rid of all that old furniture and all. And I'm sure you'd rather sleep in a bed than on a couch."

I sigh and look to the side, "Fine, I haven't even paid the power and heating bill yet anyways. Luckily when I came over my bag was filled with new clothes I had bought. I'll go find a room" I say looking back up at his sculpted face.

"Orrrrrrr you could stay in mine," Damon says stepping even closer, making our bodies almost touch.

"After what you did to me today, I don't think so. Not to mention, it kind of hurt me when you left me two years ago." I say referring to when he left me two years ago.

"I'm sorry, it was because I was caught up in the moment," he says with an apologetic voice.

"That's what you always say" I respond as Damon steps away. I notice that he does so because we're interrupted by a crying Elena rushing out.

Damon turns to her, "Elena. I riled Katherine up. I - I wasn't thinking. I didn't think." He says to her just before she opens the door.

"It doesn't matter, Damon. She won. Katherine won." Elena says with teary eyes, before walking out.

Damon looks back at me with an upset face, I had never seen him like this before. He must really care for these people, more care than he's ever shown me at least. I take a deep breath, grab my bag and head upstairs, leaving him alone in the great room. Once I got upstairs, I decided that it wouldn't hurt to try to reconnect with Damon, so I looked for his room.

"You need help choosing a room?" I hear Stefan say walking up behind me.

"Ummm....I'm not sure if Damon told you this but we used to be involved with one another. I know it's probably a mistake and I’m gonna regret it, but I thought that maybe we could possibly reconnect. So I'm looking for his room. That and I don't think he's gonna give me any other choice." I say, half regretting what I just told him.

"It's the one on the end," He says pointing to the end of the corridor.

"Thanks," I say and give him a hug, noticing that he's upset. He hugs me back.

When I walk into Damon's room I notice how big it is, including the ensuite bathroom. I set my stuff down by the dresser. I look up and notice a small familiar box sitting on the dresser. I open it up to find the moon-shaped necklace I lost when I was with him. It was a necklace that was given to me by my parents, at least I think so, I've had it for as long as I can remember.

I set it back down, start to undress and hop into the shower. It felt nice to clean myself off after today and gave myself time to think about what I've gotten myself into. When I finished showering and getting dressed to sleep, I was greeted by a shirtless Damon standing by the dresser.

"I see that you took my offer," He says, continuing to rifle through his clothes in the dresser.

"I don't think you'd take no for an answer," I say walking over to him, he chuckles at my comment. I pick up the box that contained my necklace, "I thought I lost this forever" I say opening it up.

"I found it on some other girl. Of course, knowing it was yours and that it means a lot to you. I ripped it off her neck. You were already out of town before I could give it back to you. May I?" He says picking it up. I turn around allowing him to put the necklace around my neck.

"Thank you," I said quietly, turning to face him, he gives me a little smile as he stares intently into my eyes.

Soon enough, I'm wrapping my arms around his neck and pressing my lips to his soft ones. He hesitates at first but gives in. He picks me up allowing me to wrap my legs around his waist. He super speeds us over to his bed and starts to undress me, feeling every inch of my body.

A/N: Here is the first chapter! I know it may be a bit messy, but I wanted to introduce to Athena to all/most of the characters pretty fast, considering that this episode also allowed it. I’m also still trying to figure out how I want to write since there is a lot of characters and dialogue in TVD. I hope you enjoyed and please let me know what you think. Any advice would great as well! :)