#hoping to have next chapter ready for tues-weds

[partystoragechest]

A story of romance, drama, and politics which neither Trevelyan nor Cullen wish to be in.

Canon divergent fic in which Josephine solves the matter of post-Wicked Hearts attention by inviting invites four noblewomen to compete for Cullen's affections. In this chapter, Trevelyan has someone she'd like to impress.

(Masterpost. Beginning. Previous entry. Next entry. Words: 3,893. Rating: all audiences, bar a few swears.)

Chapter 42: The Ball

“Pre-senting..!”

The stage was set, the Great Hall adorned in its finest. A band played upon the dais, the floor before them awaiting its dancers. Every candle was lit, every banner unfurled—each one proudly displaying the sigil of the Inquisition.

This was their party. People of all ranks were in attendance. Advisors and dignitaries, to soldiers and mages. All, except for four.

The door thundered open. A chamberlain cried their names:

“Lady Erridge of West Coldon, Lady Samient of Samient, Baroness Touledy of Val Misrenne..!”

The Ladies strode in, none finer than they. Lady Erridge wore her pinkest, most ruffliest dress yet; Lady Samient wore her tightest, of dark, snakish leather; the Baroness wore her most glamorous, a gown in passionate red—with mahogany cane to match, of course.

“...and Lady Trevelyan, of Ostwick!”

Trevelyan emerged, last of all. The ballgown she wore? Unrecognisable.

The black brocade was gone, the lace ripped from its seams with wicked delight. All that remained was perfect canvas of purest navy, onto which it could be painted—with shining, silvery thread.

Her mother would’ve fumed at the very idea. But what good was learning embroidery, if one did not use it in defiance?

Each Lady had taken up a quadrant of her own, yet the stitches they sewed were all the same: dozens upon dozens of tiny, shimmering, stars.

Trevelyan sparkled with every step. Diamonds glittered around her neck, lent eagerly by the Baroness. Every candle’s flame glistened upon her.

Even the night sky could not compare.

Were it not for the band, the room would have been stunned to silence. Whispers of admiration made their circuit. Trevelyan joined the other Ladies, all of them frightfully pleased with their handiwork—and quite rightly, too.

“So this is what you were all up to yesterday?” asked the arriving Lady Orroat—herself in fine doublet and breeches—laying her eyes upon the dress for the very first time. “It’s beautiful!”

A look of panic came over Lady Erridge. “I did those ones!” she blurted, her pointing finger at some collection of stars.

The Baroness laughed at such a display. “Yes, Lady Erridge is indeed a fine seamstress.”

“Oh, certainly,” Orroat agreed, placing a kiss upon her seamstress’ hand, quelling her worry in an instant. “Always has been.”

Amused, Lady Samient whispered to Trevelyan: “Seems her Ladyship has reversed her position on your knowing Lady Orroat.”

Trevelyan giggled. “Good. For I could hardly say we should make such as handsome couple as they.”

The Ladies settled, the partygoers returned to business—yet the music that accompanied their conversation furrowed into quiet. Attention was drawn to the dais from whence it had come, as the ever-elegant Lady Montilyet took her place upon it.

“Friends of the Inquisition!” she called. “Thank you for coming. I do not wish to keep you from your pleasures, so this will not be long—but, if you shall indulge me, I would like to say a fond farewell, to some of our departing guests.”

She raised a glass in the direction of the Ladies, and sang their praises each.

Lady Erridge and Lady Orroat were wished all the best, for the wedding that was to come, and for the future of their Coldon, reunited by love. They took each other’s hands, met one another’s doting gaze, and held tight.

The Baroness was sent hope, for a swift victory in Val Misrenne—but also admiration. She had more than proven why she was capable of defying the Chantry so: a steadfast determination, that they should all aspire to. With a smile, the Baroness bowed.

Lady Samient’s message was subtle. A safe journey home, all she was promised—but those who knew, knew what that meant. Absent-minded, the Lady reached for and toyed with the pendant at her neck, a twisting halla’s horn.

“Of course,” Montilyet continued, “one of our guests is to remain. Gathered friends, may I please introduce to you our new Arcanist”—she held her glass high—“Lady Trevelyan of Ostwick!”

Applause went up, echoing off the walls, filling the room with joy. Trevelyan laughed in delight, and caught glimpses of her friends amongst the rabble. Varric’s arms flew up; somewhere, Dorian hollered; even Sera clapped—though none, it seemed, were as enthusiastic as Dagna herself!

“Tonight, we celebrate!” Montilyet declared. “So please, enjoy!”

The band launched into triumphant fanfare; good humour and good company were the orders of the evening. The Ladies, all aflutter, went about these goals with giddiness and verve.

“Won’t you come dance?” asked Lady Erridge, having already roped her fiancee into it.

Trevelyan smiled, but shook her head. “Later,” she told her. “There’s someone I wish to see, first.”

Lady Samient picked up her slack. “Come, Lady Erridge!” she offered, instead. “I’ll dance with you.”

Appeased, Lady Erridge escorted her away. Trevelyan was left to withdraw from the dancefloor, and wander towards the more stationary attendees. Her eyes flitted from person to person, searching for one in particular.

A hand caught her shoulder. The Baroness, apparently having already procured a drink, leant over, and tilted it forward.

“There,” she whispered.

The crowd parted, as if by her will. True to her word, at the other end of the room, was stood precisely the man Trevelyan had been looking for.

Commander.

Maker, he had only become more handsome the longer she had known him. That rough-hewn jaw of his, a dishevelment of stubble upon it; the subtle waves in his hair, hints of his rebellious curls; those dimples upon his cheeks—the thumb-prints of the divine, left where the Maker’s scultping hand had gone astray.

And his weary eyes, whose gentle gaze found her, and drew her closer.

Trevelyan admired, as she approached, the coincidence of the navy blue doublet that Lady Montilyet had undoubtedly advised him to wear. Hm. She liked him better in red. Suited him more, perhaps.

Though truly, it mattered little. There was nothing that could dull the shine of him; true gold, after all, did never rust.

He straightened to greet her, a little smile pulling at his mouth. And he would have greeted her, perhaps warmly, perhaps sweetly—had a scout, uniformed and on duty, not appeared at his side.

Ah, fuck.

They whispered something to him, below the hubbub that came back into focus. Trevelyan crept nearer, but heard nothing of the Commander’s reply. Yet, when the he looked to her again, his smile was gone.

“Arcanist,” he said, with a bow. “I’m afraid you’ll have to excuse me. Urgent business.”

Bloody typical.

“Of course,” she told him, magnanimously. “Duty calls.”

“At inconvenient times,” he added.

“No duty is ever convenient.”

That seemed to amuse him, at least. “True. I will try to return soon,” he told her. “I assure you.”

“Yes, Commander.”

She curtsied to him, and allowed him to depart. The scout had lingered by the rotunda door. The Commander followed them through.

Gone.

Trevelyan looked down at her pretty, sparkly skirt, and fluffed it up, pointlessly. Not quite the moment she’d been hoping for.

Oh, well. She would have plenty of time for moments with him in the coming days. If he didn’t get called away by something or other during those, too.

Stowing her frustration, Trevelyan returned to the party. There was plenty more to do, besides.

She watched the Ladies dance, and clapped along. She saw Dagna, who was endlessly excited for the things to come. She met with Lady Montilyet, and spoke of her new quarters (ready tomorrow)! And she found Dorian, who was, as always, terribly good conversation.

Yet still no Commander.

The noise of the band and the chatter and the stomps of the dancing were beginning to blur in her brain. Dorian noted her change in temperament, as she peered out of the door to the garden. No. Too many in attendance; the party had spilled out into it. It was no less busy out there than it was in here.

“Try up there,” Dorian suggested, indicating the mezzanine above. It seemed Sera had been banned from it today, as no there was no skulking to be seen. “It has a balcony, if you need some air.”

“Thank you,” said Trevelyan. She’d had little cause to ever stray up there before—but now seemed as good a reason as any. “I shall see you later.”

Dorian waved, off to see the Baroness. Trevelyan found her way around the dancefloor, and escaped up the stairs.

The moment she reached their peak, already was she calmer. Even mere feet above the maelstrom, the music came quieter, and the conversation mere ambience. Better.

Her attention turned to the mezzanine. It was furnished well for a somewhat hidden space, with a luxurious chaise and portraits of figures Trevelyan did not quite recognise. The candleabrum here were not lit, leaving all illumination to that of the moons, who trickled their glow through a pair of glass doors—beyond which, as promised, was a balcony.

But Trevelyan felt at ease enough to stay inside for now; and indeed, she found the view of the party below to be quite of interest. The dancers, from above, weaved such wonderful patterns. Outfits, in all colours, were arrayed like a painter’s palette. She could watch, as those she knew flitted from one group, to another. An enjoyable pict—

The rotunda door opened, drawing her eye. The Commander. He strode into the party with such determination, it was as if it did not even exist around him. Trevelyan followed his path, as it led him, direct, to the Baroness.

They moved to the side. He whispered something. Urgent business? Oh, no.

But the Baroness smiled. Wider and wider. She asked him something; he nodded. She placed a hand over her heart, and sighed. Trevelyan did the same.

She took a step back, from the barrier. If the news they shared was what she hoped, then she was rather glad she hadn’t kicked up a fuss at his departure. Because if it was what she hoped, then it would be well worth it.

She had to see the Baroness.

And she would have, if not for the feet hurrying up the stairs. The Baroness? No cane. Then—!

The Commander appeared at the landing, startling himself as much as he startled her. Determination abandoning him in an instant, he padded onto the mezzanine, and did his best to bow.

“Arcanist,” he said. “Forgive me, Dorian told me you were here.”

Crafty bastard. Still, she asked, “Is everything all right, Commander? Your urgent business?”

He smiled—such a relieving smile—and nodded. “Yes. The Inquisitor has reported in.” She could hardly believe his next words: “We have victory. Val Misrenne is safe.”

As she’d hoped. Better, even. Trevelyan brought a hand to her mouth, a beaming smile beneath it. She shook her head, out of sheer incredulity. By Andraste. She could not fathom how dear Touledy felt.

“Thank the Maker,” she breathed. “Or, I suppose—thank you, Commander.”

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I think it is the Inquisitor and the Baroness’ forces who should have the credit of it.”

“Very true. Though your involvement is still very much appreciated.”

Compliments did not seem to sit well within him; he kept his gaze askance, mouth struggling to form a reply. Awkwardness prevailed, ‘til his fortune changed, and his eyes chanced upon the balcony doors.

“Forgive me, I didn’t meant to disturb you—her Ladyship, the Baroness, thought you should know. You were… headed outside?”

Trevelyan followed his gaze. She smiled. “Preferably not alone.”

“Oh. I could—”

Trevelyan stepped for the doors; he followed. They opened—a portal—to the tranquil night beyond.

The stars shone in greeting. Trevelyan curtsied; an acknowledgement of their mutual beauty. She found relaxation upon the finely-carved stone of the balcony balustrade, and felt the Commander’s presence, a warmth in the absence of the sun, as he came to rest beside her.

“It’s... a nice night,” he said.

“Yes,” she replied, “and a lovely view.”

The entire courtyard was laid out before them, from the tavern—as lively as the party they’d left behind—to the stables—quiet, at this time of day. Moonlit stone, punctuated by glowing torchlight. Beautiful, truly.

Yet it seemed the Commander’s focus was elsewhere, for his hand fumbled within his jacket.

“I, ah, have something,” he told her, “that I believe is yours.”

At last, he seemed to locate it, and freed it from its concealment. White cloth, that flashed in the moonlight. Embroidered, with leaves Trevelyan recognised.

It was far cleaner than the last time she’d seen it.

Trevelyan smiled. The little napkin slipped pleasantly from his fingers, and into her own. She noted the warmth of his proximity, still lingering within the weave, and the sweet, earthy scent that had been left by his possession.

“Technically,” she teased, “I believe it is Lady Montilyet’s.”

“I hardly think she’ll miss it.”

“I certainly hope so.” She tucked it away—safe. “Thank you, Commander.”

“Thank you for the use of it,” he said. “Though, speaking of Lady Montilyet, I had hoped to say—you took the offer... to become Arcanist.”

“I did.”

“Good.”

“Good?”

The Commander stammered, “For you—I mean. I mean, I am glad. That—despite how you came to be here—you have found enough reason to stay.”

Trevelyan laughed a little. It seemed as though he had a mountain to climb whenever they spoke. She appreciated his attempt to scale the peak regardless.

“Plenty of reasons,” she told him. “I know that I ought to have left, and truly have started my life afresh… but that would have been dishonest, to what I truly want.”

“May I ask… what is it?”

“What?”

The Commander almost met her eye. “That you… want?”

She bit back the smile that threatened to betray her. The night air wasn’t cold, but she hid goose-bumps upon her skin. “Well… I suppose there is one thing—”

Feet clattered up the stairs. Trevelyan stopped herself, turning just in time to see, stumbling into the doorway, a giddy Lady Erridge.

“Lady Trevelyan!” she called. “Oh, Commander, there you are! I came to see if you wanted to dance!”

The Commander shook his head. “I’m… No, thank you. I don’t really dance.”

Erridge giggled. “I know! I wasn’t asking you, Commander! Come, Lady Trevelyan! The Commander shall have plenty of time to whisper with you when we are gone!”

Though the interruption was not exactly ideal, Trevelyan could not deny the sentiment. She curtsied to the Commander, somewhat apologetically.

“It seems I am summoned away. Urgent business, I believe they call it.”

The corner of his mouth tilted upward; it made her skin tingle. “Another time, then.”

“Of course.”

Trevelyan permitted Lady Erridge to take hold of her hand. The Lady threw a quick farewell to the Commander over her shoulder, and whisked Trevelyan away, tumbling down the stairs. They burst back onto the main floor of the hall, just as the band queued up another jig.

“Come on, come on!” Lady Erridge ordered, pulling Trevelyan into the congregating mass of dancers. Already amongst them were Lady Samient and Lady Orroat, left to partner up by the absent Erridge.

“Over here!” they called, of a little clearing beside them. Trevelyan and Erridge took position, all anticipation. They joined hands—properly now—and waited for the song to start.

And start it did! Strings and wind erupted into a prancing melody of alternating highs and lows. Trevelyan followed her Ladyship’s lead, bouncing around the floor, clapping her hands, kicking her legs into the air. Skirts clashed and flew, an explosion of fabric and colour.

It was a wonder how Lady Samient danced it so well, in a dress so constricting—but dance well she did! As hands parted and partners changed, Trevelyan found herself parading around in the arms of said Lady, each of them smiling up a storm.

As one song ended, so another began. She was to dance with Lady Orroat, too, of course—it was only fair—and then dear Erridge wanted another.

Eventually, quite exhausted, Trevelyan took the next song’s end, and made her exit.

Fortunately, she found the Baroness on the edges of the dancefloor, an audience to their frolicking. She greeted Trevelyan with a smile and an embrace—for which they both knew the reason.

“I am so glad for you,” Trevelyan said, as she recovered her breath. “Are you all right?”

The Baroness nodded. “Relieved. When I leave tomorrow, I know I will be returning to my town at peace. But—this has not come without loss. It is not over, not truly.”

“Of course.”

“But we could have lost so much more. That Val Misrenne and its people still stand is worth celebrating.”

“Absolutely.”

Trevelyan hugged her once more, yet the music’s sudden and effervescent return caused her to jump. With a laugh, she glanced back to the dancers.

“You know, I am surprised Lady Erridge has not called you up for a jig!”

The Baroness chuckled. “No, no, my leg is far too frail for that.”

“Really?” said Trevelyan, glancing to it. “I remember you saying you still dance, once.”

“I do.” She grinned. “But the leg is an excellent excuse.”

Trevelyan caught her meaning. “Lady Erridge’s enthusiasm is quite difficult to match.”

“Indeed. She has the stamina of a demon. Though I’m sure Lady Orroat could find some use for that.”

Trevelyan laughed. “Your Ladyship! Please, I feel so terrible teasing her!”

“Then you should not like to hear what we say about you and him.”

Confused by who ‘him’ was, Trevelyan followed the Baroness’ line of sight, to a nearby throng of guests. Weaving between them, was—she should’ve guessed it—the Commander.

“Oh, Maker…” Trevelyan groaned. “You all have far too—”

She turned back, and realised the Baroness’s mouth was half-open, her cane being raised in the air.

“No, no—!”

“Commander!”

He heard the call. His head whipped round. No stopping it now: he was headed in their direction.

“Baroness!” Trevelyan hissed.

Touledy smiled, gave a suggestive flick of her brow, and said nothing more. Though Trevelyan was almost glad of this—the Commander ought not hear anything she had to say right now.

“Ladies,” he greeted, upon arrival. “Is there something you require?”

“Why, yes,” said Touledy, all too confidently. What was she up to? “Lady Trevelyan here wishes another dance, but I am afraid I am unable to”—she flashed her cane—“would you be able to dance with her Ladyship, in my stead?”

“Oh.” The Commander softened. "Are you all right?”

Trevelyan noted, rather indignantly, that the Commander asked this question with the same sort of gentle voice that he often put on for her. This was a concept which, she suddenly discovered, she did not like. Why, oh why, did she have to make him befriend the other Ladies? Fool.

“Yes, thank you,” the Baroness answered. “But her Ladyship must have a dance.”

Trevelyan rolled her eyes. “But Baroness, the Commander does not like to dance.”

“I could try,” he said.

Trevelyan stared at him. There were a thousand questions she thought of in response to his saying this. But somehow, the only one she could quite manage was:

“What?”

He repeated the sentiment: “If you would like to.”

“Oh.” Well, there was little chance of her saying anything other than: “Yes.”

The Baroness smiled, clearly relishing in the success. “Go on, then,” she said, “enjoy.”

Easier said. At least Trevelyan had done enough jigs with Lady Erridge to know what she was to do with them, now. In her mind, as they walked to the floor, she went over the steps. Left, left, kick, clap. Switch. Then to the right? But—

The music grew in volume. Yet it sounded like no jig she’d ever heard. Trevelyan realised that the band had betrayed her. Not a jig. Not at all.

Sweet, slow strings floated across the hall. A… romantic melody, that had couples approaching the floor. Dear Maker fucking Andraste shitting Void.

People linked hands and put them on waists and Trevelyan realised that she was in the midst of it now, surrounded, and there was no escape, and she would have to do those things herself.

She faced the Commander. Maker, why did he have to look like that and be like this? This sort of thing was far simpler with unimportant suitors that one could so easily discard after, even if one did step on their toes.

He offered a hand. Trevelyan’s shook.

But still, they met.

Her fingers slid into his palm, felt the warmth that emanated beneath the leather of his glove. The feeling of his skin, however rugged or tender, was cruelly left to the imagination. She savoured it regardless.

Her other hand gathered up her skirts, like the rest of the dress-wearers were doing. Almost in position. There was simply one last thing to emulate—

The Commander’s hand moved for her waist, hesitant in its approach. The first touches of his fingertips—gentler even than that of cotton or down—caused her body to tense. She did not know how she was to bear his entire hand.

But his hand stopped short. It instead hovered over the fabric of her dress, as if afraid to press any further.

Disappointing.

Nevertheless—the music began in earnest. The dancers began to move. The Commander took a step, and Trevelyan followed. Her nerves hit a peak.

And then, began to fade.

Because dancing with him was unlike dancing with anyone she had danced with before. It felt different. Better. Warmer. Safer. It almost did not matter if she was dancing well or not. It was only him that mattered.

There was no need for extravagant moves, or flourishes of the hand. This was enough. Sweet, simple, swaying in one another’s arms. More than enough.

“You should dance more often,” she whispered to him. “You do it well.”

He smiled, soft, and simply said, “All right.”

Her words must have bolstered his resolve, for his shoulders relaxed, and his grip around her hand firmed and strengthened. Its pull drew her closer; his other slipped around her back, fitting perfectly into the mold of her body. The gap between them was more indistinct than ever.

Yet in that closeness was comfort. She could have stayed like that for an eternity.

But the music slowly, gradually, dulled away. Other dancers reappeared around them, the party audible once more. It was over.

They came to a standstill. Trevelyan’s hand fell reluctantly from his grasp; his trailed away from her waist. Yet still she smiled, for nothing could take it from her lips.

“Thank you,” she said.

“Of course,” he replied.

“I shan’t make you dance another.”

“That’s… all right.” He rubbed his neck. “Will you, ah, be stargazing tonight?”

She played with her dress. “Most likely.”

“Good.”

She curtsied, he bowed. He left, she stayed. Her feet still wobbled, a little.

But she would have to recover quickly. For she turned to her side, and saw complete what had, until now, been only a disruption in her periphery: the Ladies, gathered together, in keen observance.

Trevelyan shook her head, and, before they could open their mouths, told them firm:

“Not one word.”

[kelmcdonald]

Getting Shit Done!

Hey hey folks!

November was mostly work focused and December will be too. This month in my discord we’re gonna watch an indie werewolf movie called Wolf of Snow Hollow. I was told it had a dry sense of humor but I haven’t seen it yet. If it interests you, pop into my discord on December 7th at 5pm PST.

Last month I finished Murky Water. It’s all done! I’m getting the whole thing proofread now. Then I’ll repost all the old pages with the typos fixed. There is still a paper shortage so I don’t know if I’m gonna print it right away. Like it would be nice to have a new book for conventions but Cautionary Fables South America will be out next year. So it might be better to hold off with it’s crowdfund until next year.

Another thing I finished is my Failure to Launch comic. Patreon backers have been seeing the pencils posted on Fridays, but I finished coloring and lettering it last weekend. It’s written by Ryan North and will appear in the anthology Failure to Launch: a Tour of Ill-Fated Futures. I’m the editor on the book and it’s gonna be a great book. It’s a light-hearted education collection of inventions and world plans that didn’t get to become reality. Some are because they were based on bad science (like my story is about a man who didn’t account for friction or physics in general) but others fell apart because of corporate greed or government interference. I especially like a story written by Harry “Hbomberguy” Brewis about the first attempt at making a union. That’s gonna crowdfund in February. I’ll make sure to let you all know when it’s up.

While doing all this work I watched a lot of TV. So much it’s a little hard to remember it all. The big stand out is probably Interview with the Vampire. While different from the books, the changes the show made really improved the source material. I especially think the show aging Claudia up a little was a good decision. Her being turned so young in the book and movie does some interesting stuff, it doesn’t quite fit with the series as a whole. Her being older lets her run off of a bit on her own and grow into someone away from Louis and Lestate in a way that she couldn’t in the source material. It makes her interesting and nuanced as a character for the show.

And the actress playing her knocks it out of the park. All the actors in the show do. I also like the reporter being older while interviewing Louis and pushing back on him in the interview more. The whole show is just really well put together. I highly recommend it. 

Since I wrapped up a lot last month, this month I’m jumping back into You are the Chosen One. So that will be back as my patreon exclusive comic next month. I’ll post pfds of the previous chapters before I start things up again. I’m sure some folks have forgotten what’s happened since the couple of month break. 

I’m also getting ready to jump into the next The City Between story. It’s titled Shards of Reflection. I’m gonna try to experiment a little with the storytelling because the main character is an unreliable narrator. It will be interesting to see how things go and I hope I can pull it off. 

And I’m really living up to the cartoon of me spinning plates on the Iron Circus Geekshow. Because this month I also need to try and finish up the graphic novel I’ve been writing, Blue Moon. That’s the werewolf YA book I’m doing with Meredith McClaren. The script is due at the end of December. Or at least the first draft is. But it’s kinda fallen to the side while working on everything else.

I’ll be doing my usual streaming this month on Twitch. With so much going on, sometimes it’s hard to focus. So those two hour streams Tues, Wed, and Thurs really help me get at least my drawing done. One streaming thing that Spike and I are planning is on Christmas day we are gonna stream rimworld. During it we’ll be raising money for charity (but haven’t picked one yet). But it will be on both the Iron Circus Youtube as well as my twitch. We are gonna start at Noon Central and 10am PST. So join us if you don’t have Christmas plans.  Also, since twitter is exploding I figured I should list all my social medias. You can follow me at these places.

https://twitter.com/kellhound

https://facebook.com/kelmcdonaldart

https://instagram.com/keldrawscomicsoninsta…

https://cohost.org/Kelmcdonald

https://pillowfort.social/kelmcdonald

https://mastodon.social/@kelmcdonald

https://kelmcdonald.tumblr.com

https://twitch.tv/kelmcdonald

Have a good one! Thanks for your support!

[lycorogue]

Chapter 7 of “Prescription for Love” is live

Found on AO3, on FFN, and on DA.

Summary: This was not the weekend away Kagami was expecting, but then again, what was written on Marinette’s letter wasn’t what Adrien as expecting either. As Kagami tries to understand Adrien’s confusion, and find time to try to woo him from Marinette, Adrien is busy trying to understand Marinette’s train-side send-off, and finding a pharmacy.

Rating: K

Pairing: Adrienette with hints of Adrigami

Chapters: 8 (maybe 9) planned

Updates: Every 3 days; next update scheduled Tue, 3/19

**WARNING: This story takes place WITHIN the episode Backwarder, and therefore will have spoilers for that episode.

Sample of this chapter is below the break.

"This vacation is so lame."

"Plagg! Shhh!" Adrien softly hissed at his kwami. They were alone in the hotel suite's bathroom, but Adrien wasn't positive his father wouldn't be able to hear their voices. To try to drown them out, Adrien turned the sink faucet on even though he wasn't done brushing his teeth yet.

"I've been stuck in your shirt the whole time," Plagg whined. "You barely got enough alone time from that girl to feed me. I'm starving and I'm bored."

Adrien spat into the sink. "Will you be quiet? My father might hear you." Adrien quickly rinsed his mouth out, and packed up his toothbrush. Glaring at Plagg to let the kwami know not to push his buttons, Adrien turned the sink off.

Plagg glared back before drifting over to Adrien's ear so he could whisper. "I'm just saying that I'm not having much fun, and you need to find a way to get me some cheese."

"I know. Sorry," Adrien whispered back, "I haven't exactly had a moment to myself since yesterday morning, between Kagami and my father. I'll try harder to find a way to feed you though, okay?"

"It's a start, but I'm still going to be bored."

"All you do is sleep anyway." Adrien shooed his kwami and began gathering up his other toiletries throughout the bathroom. "Besides, it's not like you're the only one not enjoying yourself this weekend."

"I thought you were having fun hanging out with Kagami. Are you upset that you aren't here with Lay-de-bug?" He drew out her name in a playful sing-song.

"No! I mean, yes, I'm having a good time with Kagami, and yes, I would have loved to be here, and go to the wedding, with Ladybug instead. But, no. I was talking about poor Marinette. She must be having a terrible weekend." Adrien reached into his front jeans pocket and pulled out its contents. The folded up prescription rested in his palm, and the good luck charm Marinette had given him draped across the paper. He picked up the charm and rubbed a few of the beads with his thumb.

"You're here with a pretty girl that you claim you aren't going to date because you love Ladybug. Yet you're spending the weekend thinking about Marinette?"

"I'm thinking about a friend who needs my help, and I don't know how to get it for her. I hope she's not too uncomfortable or in pain. I'm sure her parents are doing what they can to help her, and she has Alya too, right? Plus, Marinette ran both to and from the train, so her situation couldn't be too distressing, could it?" Adrien took a slow breath as he pocketed the good luck charm, and read over the prescription one more time. "Kagami promised she'd help me find a pharmacy before we leave tonight. It will all be fine, won't it? Marinette's probably fine, right?"

Plagg simply sighed and shook his head.

"Adrien?" Gabriel knocked on the bathroom door. "Miss Kagami is here to meet you for breakfast. Are you about ready?"

"Yes, Father. I'll be right out." Adrien tucked the prescription away, held open his shirt for Plagg to hide in, and exited the bathroom with his toiletries cradled in his arm. After packing them away in his overnight bag, he opened the hotel suite door.

"Good morning, Adrien. I trust you slept well?"

He hadn't. As much as Plagg teased that Adrien was only thinking about Marinette that weekend, he was actually haunted by nightmares of Ladybug needing him, only to be forced to protect Paris alone. There was an odd parallel there that Adrien tried to ignore: two important women in his life, both needing his help, and he was failing both of them.

Three women, if he counted Kagami. It really wasn't fair to her that Adrien kept letting himself get distracted. He was supposed to be her date that weekend, and he was afraid she wasn't having much of a decent time because of him. He had to find a way to make it up to her as they looked for a pharmacy. He decided he'd start with a white lie.

Want to read more? You can find the whole chapter here: Chapter 7

You can also find the full story at these three sites: on AO3, on FFN, on DA. 

[prettywordsyouleft]

Weekly Schedule 1/10 - 7/10

Hello October! I’m so excited for this month, and all the writing I plan to share ahead!! And for the first time in forever, I have a complete week scheduled for you all! 

Frightful October begins this week, and I am hopeful you are all ready! 

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Scheduled content:

Key: [FO] - Frightful October, [R] - Requested fiction/scenario, [DG] Drabble Game Request

Monday: Becoming Human chapter 17 // Superstitious [FO] - Taeyong NCT

Tuesday: Don’t Take It Off [R] - Minhyun WANNA ONE // Incantation [FO] - Jeong Sewoon

Wednesday: Boyfriend! Guanlin [R] // Love Spell [FO] - Jinyoung GOT7

Thursday: Becoming Human chapter 18 // Broken Baby [DG] - Minhyun WANNA ONE

Friday: Dance Practice [DG] - Jaebum GOT7 // Schedule [DG] Chen EXO 

Saturday: Flower [R] - Daehwi WANNA ONE // Limits [DG] - Ten NCT

Sunday: reblogs of the above.

New content is posted at 10am and 2pm NZST daily. Reblogs will be scheduled throughout the day.

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Requests I hope to prepare for the following week:

Different kisses - Youngjae (B.A.P)

Different kisses - Jongup (B.A.P)

Dad! WinWin A-Z (NCT)

Jealous Minhyun ft Yang Yoseob (WANNA ONE x HIGHLIGHT)

Drabble Game requests if I have time

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Last week’s content:

Becoming Human chapter 16 - chaptered Taekwoon VIXX series

Boyfriend Youngmin - MXM scenario

Like Me - Hyuk VIXX short fiction

All For You - Taekwoon VIXX short fiction

Dad! Daniel A-Z - WANNA ONE scenario

Wanna One Maknae Line when s/o is easily flustered - reaction

Biggest Fan - Daehyun B.A.P fiction

Boyfriend! Jihoon - WANNA ONE scenario

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Frightful October:

If you didn’t read all about it last week, for the month of October every Mon-Tue-Wed you can expect a fiction from me on the theme for the week, and on Thu you can head over to @this-song-thats-only-for-you and find a fiction from Sem as well! To read more about the collab, click HERE

This week’s theme is Spellbound! Admittedly mine are all adorable this week, but with Demonology coming next week, we’ll be in for a swift mood change then XD

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Other information: 

Youxidol Drabble Game List I am accepting requests for is HERE

The completed list of drabbles on this game are HERE

My personal Frightful October masterlist is HERE

[Main Masterlist] | [Request Guidelines]

[gemini75eeyore]

CRAZY LOVE Chapter 9

CRAZY LOVE

Char: JensenXReader, Jared, Gen

Word Count: 2445

Warnings: Fluff and maybe language

Chapter 9

While Jensen was at the BBQ, Jared could tell that Jensen is distracted and that he's probably thinking about you. When Jensen first arrived, Jared, pulled him aside and asked him how things were going with you. Jensen was beaming when he told Jared that things were so good that you exchanged phone #s and have video chatted twice on Facebook. Jared said that it was great and that he's happy to see Jensen so happy again. So when Jared noticed Jensen seemed to be somewhat sad, he decided to pull him aside again and ask what's up. Jensen tried to say he was fine but Jared knew better. Jared asked him when was the last time he talked to you was. Jensen said he texted you around 10 am and now it's about 4 pm. Jared smiled at him and told him to go somewhere quiet and call you. Jared could tell that he was really missing you. Jensen said, 'Thanks, Bro', then he went inside because everyone was in the backyard.

When your phone rang, you jumped because you were sitting there watching 'Scream' and 'Sydney's' phone had just rung as well. You hit pause and pick up your phone. You saw it was Jensen and lite up.

"Hi, Sweety! I just got the shit scared out of me when my phone rang {lol}" you say when you answered.

"Hey Babe, why?" Jensen says sweetly.

"I was watching 'Scream' and the phone rang on the movie at the exact same time as my phone rang {lol}" you said.

He chuckled.

"Oh ok. I just wanted to call you and say I miss you, honey." Jensen says smiling because he loves hearing your voice.

"I miss you too. Are you home now?" You asked smiling because he misses you.

"No I'm still at Jared's but I just wanted to hear your voice again," Jensen says smiling but wanting to be with you.

"I'm so happy you called! I really wanted to hear your voice too!! I've wanted to talk to you all day and I was disappointed that I missed your call this morning," You say smiling.

"I wish we were actually talking face to face and hanging out together. Don't get me wrong. I love talking on the phone better than online but in person then I could actually hug you," Jensen says thinking about you being in his arms.

"I agree and I love your hugs," You say bashfully.

"I wish I could get a flight out of Austin tonight to come see you," Jensen says loving the thought of spending alone time with you.

"I would like that Jensen but I have to work at 3 am and by the time you got the flight and got here I'd probably be going to work," You say sadly.

"How late do you work till?" Jensen asks thinking how he might be able to make it work.

"I work till 11 am. Why? What are you thinking?" You ask.

"Well, I could try to get a flight that could put me there around the time you get off and then we could hang out until you have to work again or until I have to catch the next flight? What do you think? I know I can get Jared to cover for me. I just really want to see you," Jensen says hopefully.

"Ok before we make any plans, check on the flights and see if they will work first. My work schedule is 3 am-11 am tonight and tomorrow then Tues 4 pm-11 pm. Then call me back and let me know. By the way, I work just down the road from the airport. So I could pick you up from the airport if your flight arrives about the time I get off. I'll talk to you soon, babe," You say excitedly.

"Ok babe I'll find out and call you back, kisses," Jensen says then makes a kissing noise into the phone. You kiss back then end the call. You love the idea of him wanting to spend time with you but you're thinking it's kinda fast so you're nervous. You continue watching 'Scream' until he calls you back.

Jensen goes to find Jared to ask him to use his laptop and to talk to him about what he wants to do. Jared thinks Jensen is moving a little too fast but he knows that when Jensen wants something that he can't stand in his way either so he helps him. They look up what flight options there are and if there are any possible. They find one that will get him to Springfield at 10:00 pm tonight if he boards in Austin at 6 pm. Then they check for return flights as he needs to be back in Austin by Wed morning. They found a return flight leaving Springfield for Tues at 3:30 pm which works for you to drop him off then head to work. Jared pulls Gen aside and tells her all about you and Jensen talking and that he's going to follow Jensen to take his car home and then take him to the airport so he can fly to see you then he'll be back. Gen can see how happy Jensen is since they watched the video of you 2 singing. She now understands more why he's been so happy and so she agrees to cover for Jensen. She too thinks it's moving fast but there's nothing she can do so she's happy to help as she's so happy to see Jensen happy.

Jensen calls you back while he's packing an overnight bag.

"Hey, Babe! I got a flight tonight and I'll arrive there at 10 pm so I hope you can meet me at the airport to pick me up." Jensen says excitedly.

"Great! Yes, I will be there! Since your going to be here in a few hours, I'm going to try to get a nap before you get here. I'll set an alarm but you should also call me about 30 minutes before you land to make sure I'm up if you can. I'll see you soon, babe!" You say happily and nervous at the same time.

"Kisses, see you soon! Have a good nap!" Jensen says smiling. He finishes packing then gets in Jared's car. You set your alarm for 9 pm. You lay down, close your eyes, and try to clear your mind so you can sleep.

Before you know it, your alarm is going off so you get up and get a drink of water then go to the bathroom and splash a little water on your face to wake up more. You put on a little makeup, brush your hair, and your teeth. Once you were finished, your phone rings. It's Jensen. You answer the phone and tell him, thank you for calling and that you'll see him shortly. You grab your keys, lock your door, and head out. You call Jensen back really quick because you just realized that you never told him that you have dogs so you don't know if he's ok with them. He says he loves dogs and you're relieved.

When you get to the airport, you ask someone which gate the flight from Austin, TX would be arriving at. You get to the gate with 5 minutes to spare so you stand by the vending machines and watch for Jensen. You figure he'll be in disguise so you decide to text him and tell him that you're standing by the vending machines. When Jensen sees you standing there and heads straight for you. You didn't recognize him because of his disguise so when he scooped you up into a big hug, you were taken by surprise. When he let you down slowly, he kissed you ever so softly in a breath-taking kiss. You looked him in his gorgeous emerald green eyes and went weak in the knees. He quickly grabbed you to keep you from dropping. He said, "Well hello, Y/N". You were speechless. You opened your mouth but nothing came out. Your mouth was instantly dry. You couldn't believe he was actually there holding you and now you can't speak. DAMN IT why can't you speak?! Why is your mouth so dry?! You spoke to him on the phone and it was fine. Now you can't make a sound come out of your mouth. You couldn't breathe. "Y/N, Babe, are you ok?" Jensen asks nervously. You start to fan yourself with your hand. He decides to get you to a bench and have you sit down while he goes to the vending machines and gets you a water. You drink about half the water then you start to breathe normally again. You try to speak and finally you can speak. You apologize to him and tell him you don't know why that happened. He chuckled and said that it was ok that you don't need to apologize. You both just laughed. He asked if you were ok to drive and you said yeah that you should be fine now. On the way to your house, you told him that you think you reacted that way as you weren't expecting him to scoop you up and kiss you like that, but that you loved it. It just took you totally by surprise. Jensen smiled at you and told you it was fine.

When you got home, you told Jensen to wait a moment while you brought out your MinPin, Rocky first. You wanted to introduce them to him slowly as to avoid overwhelming Jensen or your dogs. You needed to see if they would be ok with him and that he would ok with them as well since he would be there with them alone while you were at work. If they didn't like him, then you would have to take them to your parents while you were at work. You hope that they would be ok together. You brought out Rocky on the porch to meet Jensen and Rocky ran up to him wagging his nub and licking him like they were best friends so you decided to bring out your larger Rott, Adrianne out next, showing her that Rocky was happy with Jensen and of course Jensen knew to very casually put out the backside of his hand for Adrianne to smell while he continued to pet Rocky with his other hand. Adrianne sniffed his hand and decided that she was fine with him so she laid down on her back next to him for him to rub her belly. Seeing that things were going well with both of them you asked Jensen if he was ready to meet your other Rott, Apollo. He is a bit hyper you told him and if he wanted, you could take 1 or both of the other 2 back in first since he has their scent on him now. He said to go ahead and bring Apollo out with the others since they all would be inside together with him anyway and you agreed. He treated Apollo the same way he did Adrianne and so he reacted calmer than he usually did with others which made you proud of him and made you a lot more at ease that when you have to go to work that things should be fine. You get the dogs inside and Jensen followed once he grabbed his bag from your car. He asked you how you came up with their names. You told him that you were really into the "Rocky" movies when you got them. He chuckled. You offered him something to drink while you got the dogs more water. He said he'd take a water. He sat down on the couch then you sat down on the couch but you left a little space between you. He reaches for you and pulled you into his arms. You smiled at him, bashfully. He said he just wanted you in his arms to cuddle and watch a movie or talk, whatever you were more comfortable doing. You opted to watch a movie. You got up and popped some popcorn. You asked what he wanted to watch. He said to just restart 'Scream'. He grinned to himself and thought that if you got scared that he could hold you tighter. You hadn't watched it in so long, you jumped a few times throughout and Jensen would smile and give you a reassuring squeeze letting you know that you were safe in his arms. You smiled feeling so happy being in his arms. When the movie was over, it was time for you to shower and get ready for work. It made you sad that you have to go to work knowing that he was there. You told him he can sleep in your bed while you were at work. He said he would but he wasn't going to bed until you left for work. He texted Jared to just let him know that he made it then he put his phone on silent. He decided to see what movies you have. He decided to just watch 'Scream 2' while you showered and got ready for work. After you showered and were dressed, you gave him a kiss then you left for work. He stripped down to his t-shirt and boxer briefs then got in bed. He was sad that you had to go to work but so happy that he was getting to spend time with you when you weren't at work.

When you got to work, you had to make the donuts as this was one of your donut shifts so you clocked in, pulled up the music app on your phone and started your music, then got to work. You really wanted this shift to go by fast so you could get home to spend time with Jensen. About 20 mins into your shift you got a text from Jensen.

"Are your dogs allowed on your bed?" Jensen sends

"No, gently tell them no and push them off. I forgot to tell you to close the door." You laugh "Let me know if they give you any trouble," you replied.

"Ok, I got them off and out of your room. I closed the door. Have a good day and I'll see you when you get home, Babe!" Jensen replies a few minutes later.

"Ok thanks, Babe! My day will only get better when I see you! Get some sleep and text me if you need anything ok, kisses!! XOXOXO" You sent back.

"I'll try, Sweetheart! It's already great, knowing that I'll be seeing you in a few hours again, kisses!! XOXOXOXO" Jensen replies then he sets his phone on the nightstand and lays down smiling.

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