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hateswifi · 4 years

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No More Second Chances: Chapter Six

I honestly have no idea what this chapter is, in my opinion it’s kinda cracky, but yeah leave what ya think, also ask to be tagged and stuff. Btw u proud of me twice in the same month, it’s a miracle. Also it’s a bit on the shorter side.

The Master: Master List

No More Second Chances: Master List

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As soon as she left, Damian left and holed himself up in his room. He spent hours doing research on his cru-- friend’s new sister. He realized she fought hard even sometimes when her partner, who he figured out was a blonde model named Adrien Agreste, who may or may not be her boyfriend, decided he didn’t like Adrien, he left her to fight alone too much. She had won some of Gabriel’s competitions before he was sentenced to life in jail for obvious reasons, she was offered an internship with Audrey Bourgeois but had given it up in hopes of finishing high school, she worked as Jagged Stone’s personal designer, probably one of the reasons why Drake recognized her.

He sighed and tried to go to sleep, but his thoughts were just filled with her. He wakes up in a daze, still his thoughts were filled with her. He gets dressed and almost falls down the stairs. He stumbles into the kitchen and grabs a cup of coffee.

“Demon, you good? You hate coffee,” Jason says, opening the fridge.

“Fine, I just didn’t sleep well,” he grumbles into his mug.

“Were you thinking of the magic girl?” Dick asks, entering the kitchen.

“Why would I be thinking about Marinette?”

“Oh? She’s Marinette instead of Dupain-Cheng?” Jason snickers.

“She’s not Dupain-Cheng because she decided she is going by Wang after her parents disowned her,” Damian says, grabbing food.

“Speaking of her being disowned, does she have people lining up to be her parents, or is it like free real estate?” Bruce asks, pouring himself some coffee.

“Bruce, you realize she’s a person, right?”

“Sorry, I know, but I stayed up a majority of the night trying to figure out how to get her in our family,” Bruce yawns.

“The easiest way is Damian to marry her, but that may be as hard as adopting her,” Tim yawns, taking the pot of coffee from Bruce.

“That’s funny and impossible,” Jason laughs.

“What’s so funny about the notion of me dating her?” Damian asks, almost looking offended.

“Do you like her?” Dick asks, looking up from what he was doing, the silence was enough for an answer. “Oh my god! You do like her!”

“I do not,” Damian denies before leaving the kitchen.

He’s silent as he is driven to school by Alfred. As the car pulls up to school he sees his friend and the girl he may or may not have feelings for, he hasn’t figured it out yet. He gets out of the car and greets the two raven-haired siblings.

“Father stayed up all night trying to figure out how to adopt you and Dick is convinced you’re a magic girl,” Damian says.

“I’m technically a magic girl, and your father has to get in line, there’s Adrien’s aunt, then,” Marinette starts, and Jon cuts in. “My parents are also trying to adopt her.”

“Well Jon, we don’t want a repeat of last time out parents fought, do we?” Damian asks, raising an eyebrow.

“That was before you or eye were here, and also that was for a stupid reason, this would be for a great reason,” Jon shrugs.

“No matter who adopts, if anyone does, I’ll get siblings, but I’m not some doll to be fought over, just remember that,” Marinette says over her shoulder as she leaves the boys to bicker, or whatever an argument including Damian is called. She sighs and grabs her things from her locker, she was exhausted after she left the Manor last night. She ate dinner, did the little homework she had to do, and went to bed, totally didn’t pass out from exhaustion, hahaha.

When she had woken up that morning, she was met with many notifications mostly from her ex-classmates and Adrien asking how she was doing and stuff. She blocks the unwanted messages, including those from her parents, and chooses to just answer, Adrien and Aunt Amelia’s, she was asking how she was doing and how open she is to adoption, there was even one from Felix! He was checking up on her and made sure she got a reasonable amount of sleep.

She’s brought back to school by Damian clearing his throat behind her. “So magic girls get tired then?”

“Could you not talk so loud? Just because it’s in European news doesn’t mean people know who I am, also yes we do get tired, we are humans, also I am not tired just a bit distracted,” Marinette sighs, closing her locker.

“I’m not one to be tired or distracted so no, I don’t know. Back to you being a magic girl, as Dick called you, the League will most likely contact you about your situation.”

“It doesn’t matter what they do, they laughed in our faces and practically called Chat Noir and I a joke, well no so much they, more like Green Lantern, that’s not the point they didn’t help us, so why would I try to be on their good side, my team was left to struggle against a mental villain that takes advantage of any negative emotion,” Marinette says, walking to first period.

“You’re being dramatic, except for the terrorist that attacks mental and emotional health more than physical.”

“Maybe I am, maybe I’m not, they will never know the extension of the damage that they left Paris in, now can we drop it? I just want a nap before first period”

“We can drop it, also this proves you can be tired.”

“I already told you we’re humans and can be tired, in fact Adrien lived on coffee for a majority of out schooling while still in Paris.”

“Your caffeine addiction may be bad, but its nothing compared to Tim’s, by the way, can you come back over today to work on the project? We didn’t finish enough for me to be satisfied yesterday,” Damian asks, sliding into his seat.

“Yeah sure, whatever floats your boat, Dami,” Marinette sighs, putting her head on her desk. She swears that the whole class was silent, so she looked up. Everyone was looking at her in some stage of shock, she looks over at Damian, his face is red. She shrugs and puts her head on the desk trying to get a power nap before class.

Little did she know during her little preschool nap news would spread all over the school about the Ice prince turned blushing boy, Damian, and the epitome of innocence Marinette and their supposed “relationship”. She just wanted to sleep and all the talk was stopping her. Heck, what does a magic girl have to do to get some sleep in America?

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Tag List:

@sturchling @maribat-is-lifeblood @sonif50 @thestressmademedoit @myazael @mochinek0 @messymessyml @amayakans @weird-pale-blonde-person @animalgirl05 @justafanwarrior @kalianoble @mewwitch @elmokingkong @noirdots @itsmeevie01 @colorfulmongerpsychicranch @tis-i-beanbandit @thetinymoonflower @whats-she-gonna-post-next @alwaysnumberonetruth @hauntedwintersweets @not-annoying @wargraymon0709 @tired-butterfly @heldtogetherbysafetypins @toodaloo-kangaroo @feliciakainzofspades @lozzybowe @imnotfluffy @moonlightstar64 @angelofmusickaterinapetrova @pirats-pizzacanninibles @sassakitty @gwennex @whats-she-gonna-post-next @dawnwave16 @ccwkm6967 @softlysobbingpostendgame @pale-lady-dreamer @a-star-with-human-name

Tag List extended:

@sociallyanxious-1

#maribat #marinette dupain cheng #batfam #damian x marinette #marinette x damian #ml salt fic #damian wayne #ml x dc #damimari #adoption war #crack magic girl #blushy boi #marinette just wants sleep

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gale-gentlepenguin · 5 years

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ML AU: Childhood Soulmates: The Queen’s Battle arc

Style Queen

-Marinette won the design contest just like in canon and her design gets to be seen in Gabriel’s fashion show for Fashion week.

-Marinette didn’t need reminding about Adrien’s allergy. (In fact it was something Marinette knew and got a synthetic feather during Mr.Pigeon).

-Sabrina tagged along with Chloé this time because Chloé wanted to seem more commanding. Sabrina complied, but is not amused by it.

-Marinette is super excited about it, and also incredibly nervous. ( Audrey Bourgeious is a rather vicious Fashion critic) plus she is Chloé’s Mother. Of course Chloé would try to sabotage her.

-When Marinette bumps into Chloé, Chloé is more vicious mocking the hat. Audrey remaining silent as she looks at it. Marinette doesn’t deny that it’s her hat. She simply appologizes for bumping into them and leaves with that hat with Nathalie. The assistant gives the girl a piece of advice on not letting these critics faze her. “Everyone’s a critic it doesn’t make her special that she is a harsh one.”

-Marinette arrives and Adrien happily greets his friend. “I assume I’ll be modeling more of your designs in the future.” He gives a playful wink, helping ease the nervous designers nerves.

-Adrien assuring her that her hat is awesome and that he isn’t biased just because he is her future husband.

-Marinette laughs and tells him to be serious. Marinette kisses her friend’s cheek as a thanks for cheering her up. Adrien is positively glowing.

-The seat fiasco with Audrey happens and Nathalie is even colder about it. Which gets Audrey to get akumatized.

-Adrien gets statueified like in canon.

-Chloé not being close with Adrien as in canon has little information to give to her akumatized mother. It’s Sabrina who tells the information because Chloé has Sabrina research Adrien to get information to Impress the blond model, (that failed btw)

-Sabrina is ‘Hired’ as Style queen’s assistant, Chloé almost got turned into a statue but Sabrina insisted that two assistants are better then one. Style queen agreed.

-Sabrina is also the one that convinces Audrey to leave ladybug. She and Chloé guide her to the Agreste mansion.

-Marinette actually tries to give the bee miraculous to Sabrina after she failed to give it to alya but Style queen intervened.

-After that The akuma battle goes identical to canon, including Marinette losing the bee miraculous which Chloé finds.

-Gabriel feeling worse about his failure, because Nathalie calls him out more.

-Ladybug giving Adrien a lift back to the fashion show. She offered Sabrina, but the girl declines, saying she should stay with Chloé.

-Sabrina is the one that finds the box, but Chloé snags it, saying she will look at it later. Sabrina thought it looked really familar, but Chloé took it before she could recognize it. (She only saw the box for a second when Ladybug tried to offer it to her, so it didn’t leave a ton of impact, Ladybug didn’t even get to say what was in the box)

-Pollen meets Chloé just like in canon

Queen Wasp

-Gabriel does everything from renouncing Nooru to hugging his son later at the show. Sabine comments that Gabriel is finally acting more like a father for once. Marinette is happy for Adrien.

-Audrey seeing Marinette’s hat again and absolutely loving it. Adrien encouraging Marinette to take credit for the hat like in canon. Audrey Offering her the New York position. Chloé is even more angry about this.

-Audrey is just as cold with her dismissal of Chloé as in canon. Sabrina however steps up and defends Chloé. Chloé however tells Sabrina to shut up, much to her surprise. Chloé says that exceptional people don’t need unexceptional ones to defend them. Sabrina was very hurt by the statement. And runs off crying. Gabriel having a mental reflex of wanting to run off and akumatize Sabrina but holds off.

-Chloé reveals herself as Queen bee just like in canon. And everyone dismisses it just like in canon.

- Chloé/Queen bee causes the Fiasco with the subway.

-Ladybug and Chat noir have to fix it. And they both call out Queen bee. Chat noir finds out that Ladybug lost a miraculous. He pulls her aside for a moment to ask what Happened.

-Ladybug telling him it was a mistake and that he also lost his before. Chat noir concedes because he can’t really say anything regarding that.

-The ask her to return the miraculous.

-Hawkmoth back at it again with them akumatization because Chloé/Queen bee.

- The fight with Queen Wasp is identical to the one in the show.

-It’s after the fight that things change.

-Chloé refuses to return the miraculous at first after Audrey reaffirms her statement about Chloé. Sabrina shows up again this time not taking crap from Chloé or Audrey.

-“You claim she is unexceptional, well then you must be even worse because only an unexceptional person would make their daughter feel like garbage.”

-This causes Audrey to get mad. Sabrina turns to Chloé. “I know you can be exceptional. Show ladybug and Chat noir too.”

-Chloé smiles at Sabrina and decides to give back the bee miraculous. She appologizes to the two heroes.

-Ladybug and Chat noir smile back before leaving.

-The helicopter scene plays out the same.

- Audrey takes back her comments and hugs her daughter.

-Adrien joined Tom, alya and Marinette as they played video games. Marinette comments that she couldn’t leave her best friends. Giving a wink to Tikki to.

#miraculous ladybug #ml #ml au #childhood soulmates au #adrienette #adrinette #ladrien #sabrina raincomprix #adrien agreste #marinette dupain cheng #chloé bourgeois #audrey bouette #style queen #queen wasp #the queen's battle arc #chat noir #ladybug #queen bee

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butterfly--empress · 5 years

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Crazy MLB Thoughts...

Or shit I would sort of want to see but after watching Seasons 2 and 3 doubt highly will happen nor do I trust the writers to be substantially confident in making a cohesive story that doesn’t fall at the rails.

The fact that they seem to like making Miraculous Ladybug Episodic when it really should be a Serialize show, tells me all I need to know to NOT but much faith in what they do.

But I’ve been surprised before but...GREAT DOUBT (I’m trying really hard not to tl:dfr the essay about my...gripes with MLB on a whole because writing that...we’ll be here all day. ALL DAY)

anyways moving on;

1. Adrien and Felix are either step siblings or identical twins and someone lying about who’s the real baby daddy/baby momma and both sisters are in on it.

2. Both sisters are in on EVERYTHING...and prob share everything and Gabe is none the wiser. Don’t make that face at me fam, Ya’ll come up with very interesting poly ships...DON’T @ ME! XD

Look at their fucking Maiden Name; without some translation; Vanily? If that shit don’t sound too damn close to Villain IDKWTF does! XD

But seriously, the name has various meanings which all boil down to, deceit and moral ambiguity. I don’t put nothing passed nobody.

I seen what the animators were doing; trying to paint Amelie in Black while Emilie is dressed in White. See, that symbolism of trying to make me think Amelie is a bad twin to Emilie’s good twin because of how Gabe sees her. But I like to think the reality is more of the opposite if...IF Emilie’s really a big bad.

3a. Emilie is more antagonistic than Gabriel but actually loves her son and husband.

3b. Emilie could also just be full calculating evil and all of Adrien’s ‘memories’ of his loving mother could be of his Aunt Amelie instead...

4. The whole ass episode of Felix had me like: I watched one too many damn K-Dramas to know that anytime rich families act like this around each other; it usually involves birth secrets and the fact that someone was getting it on with the ‘wrong’ somebody...or the right somebody.

Look, all I’m saying is, Gabe is def the father and most likely the father of Felix but Adrien could...maybe...actually...be...Amelie’s kid for some unfounded reason and no one’s saying anything about it. (no way in the 7 HELLS do cousins look identical like that unless the creators just felt spiteful for some reason and rehashed a scraped character design...)

Don’t look at me like that Fam! I cannot be the only one who thought there were a lot of secrets not being shared/said in this episode! If ya’ll can theorized about Sentimonsters, I can theorized about Agreste/Graham de Vanily family drama.

5. Audrey and Tomoe might have a bitter rivalry/partnership/something with Emilie and Gabriel. I feel like something happened for Tomoe to be all; ‘I don’t need friends, they’re a disappointment’.

6. Fam! Ya’ll have got to chill with the ‘Character X is a Sentimonster theories’, come on that’s weak writing fam. FAM we’re better than this!

7. Marinette will finally get to tone down on her crush/obsession for Adrien WITHOUT having to be with *coughusecough* Luka.

8. Adrien as Chat Noir will finally get to tone down on his crush/obsession for Ladybug WITHOUT having to with *coughusecough* Kagami because she vaguely makes him think about Ladybug....Yea I said it.

I believe Adrien only tries to move on with Kagami because she’s the closest thing that reminds him of his Idealistic view of Ladybug and not really for Kagami herself. which isn’t fair to Kagami...jfc I said I was NOT going to tl:dfr this post....ahh too fucking late now!

Sure, Adrien admires her but I don’t think he really truly likes the girl in that way. Out of Order Episodes or not, that boy can’t go 5 mins without going nuts over his precious M’Lady. XD

9. I just rather there NOT be this extra baggage of a love triangle and I just would like for ONCE to get through a season without feeling 2nd hand embarrassment over the cringy shit Marinette does to get Adrien’s attention.

Before you try to go ham on me LadyNoir/Adrinette/Marichat/Ladrien (GODDAMN THIS FUCKING OTP) shippers hear me out: I am not saying I don’t want the love square..THE ORIGINAL LOVE SQUARE OF really two loves in like/lust/future love unknowingly with each other to end.

I WILL FUCKING GO DOWN TO THE DEPTHS OF HELL FOR THIS SHIP!

But I do want less cringe, there’s so much I can take of Marinette learns not to be petty and seems to grow up a bit for the NEXT damn episode to reset like that shit didn’t happen....boi..i’m about to rant about the writing...

10. EPISODES WILL NOT BE SHOWN OUT OF ORDER!!

11. EPISODES WILL NOT BE SHOWN OUT OF ORDER!!

12. Season 4 will be consistent with it’s plot driven story and continuity...we can only pray.

13. When old Gabby Moth gets redeemed (not if but when...hey i’m trying to be marginally realistic here) the story for it, isn’t weak asf and doesn’t feel forced. Even though its going to feel forced...unless Emilie really does turn out to be that bad bitch and shows she cares more for power over her family and dismisses Gabriel...only for him to wisen up that his wife really isn’t a saint and realize too late that Nathalie was always there for him...FUCK I just made myself sad..I’m sad....

14. Astruc is really being a troll and Chloe actually gets a redemption...maybe too much to ask for?

15. Meanwhile Lila FUCKING Rossi can eat ass I don’t like that hoe.

16a. Marinette will not try to carry the huge/sudden burden of being the guardian...(yea..THANKS FU FOR THAT BTW...*coughshitguardianmentormotherfuc...coughs*) ah Mari will not try to carry this heavy ass burden on her lonesome and actually lets those she chooses to give Miraculous too, KEEP THEM THIS TIME...ya know..so it’s more convenient for them to help her and Chat Noir when they need assistance. While she maybe the Guardian, she will allow Chat Noir to share her burden with her.

16b. Chat Noir will play more of an equal role alongside Ladybug and not be kept in the dark. ISTG RN; if Mari, after telling Fu she doesn’t want to keep anything from the guy that is supposed to be her number 1 partner...in the fucking dark...this whole ass website is going to feel my wrath for days on in.

no more of this ‘pushing Chat Noir to the sidelines and keeping him in the dark’ more than Hawkmoth trying to use their trust for each other against them, distrust and lies is the fastest way for him or some other big bad to win.

Also I just REALLY want the gang to keep their miraculous.

17. Probably going to get flack for this but I really want to see Chloe/Luka happen or at least some form of interaction between them.

I don’t mind the Lukagami Ship but it rly feels like a forced pair the spares to sideline them away from Adrienette and I rly can’t see it. I mean I can but I think Chloe/Luka would make for something more interesting.

18. Felix NOT becoming a big bad, because wow do we really need ALL of Adrien’s fam being coo-coo for coca puffs?? especially if Emilie is as worse than her husband

19 the other side characters get to actually develop.

20...Was there something else??? Probably but I’m tired and can’t think outside of really wanting a kind and just Emilie Fucking Agreste and also wanting the Bitch Mother of all mothers from hell Emilie FUCKING Agreste, while also wanting a lil of both.

And now unable to decide WHICH Emilie Fucking Agreste to write about in my two AUs because where at first i wanted sweet innocent Emilie fucking Agreste, now I want cunning, ambitious gets what she wants behind a sweet demeanor, you’ll never see her striking, Emilie Fucking Agreste!

While good!Emilie Agreste would be simple and easy to write for...my mind is going; palace politics is just so much better when everyone is backstabbing everyone! Just like historical dramas! only not everyone dies! XD

#miraculous ladybug #emilie agreste #marinette dupen chang #gabriel agreste #adrien agreste #some thoughts #with a side of rant

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fibula-rasa · 5 years

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Cosplay Under the Stars: Audrey Hepburn

Audrey Hepburn was gamine yet cosmopolitan and cultured. Chic but approachable. All this adds up to a winning combination for a film star’s image. And, perhaps it was the uniqueness of this mix that allowed Hepburn to evade typecasting. Hepburn often played the young, but not exactly naive ingenue romancing/being romanced by an older and/or more experienced man (Sabrina (1954), My Fair Lady (1964), Love in the Afternoon (1957), Funny Face (1957)). But, for each of those roles there’s a nun in crisis (The Nun’s Story (1959)), a kind school headmistress caught up in a lie in a small community (The Children’s Hour (1961)), the prostitute with a heart of gold (Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)), or the endangered daughter of a murdered billionaire (Bloodline (1979)).

Taking the time to think about the nature of Hepburn’s image, it’s only just striking me how much she has in common with Merle Oberon, who incidentally played the role of Karen in the first film adaptation of The Children’s Hour, These Three (1936). And, while I may have cosplayed it because this is a pretty day-to-day outfit for me, the film is also important to me personally. This is my favorite of Audrey Hepburn’s straight drama films. Based on a Lillian Hellman play, The Children’s Hour is a story about two women (Hepburn and Shirley MacLaine) who run a girls school in a small town and have their lives thrown into chaos when one of the girls initiates a rumour about the women being in a lesbian relationship. MacLaine might have the flashier role in The Children’s Hour, Hepburn’s performance is complex and moving. You start feeling just as fraught as she is over the whole situation. Queer representation in a classic film with a particularly iconic star was formative and meaningful for me as a teen, even if it’s not exactly *good* representation.

(Do a quick search on “Bury Your Gays” because that could be an essay unto itself. And, a little PSA: liking a piece of creative work and being critical of it at the same time is not incongruous and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Uncritical admiration is pretty darn hollow TBH.)

When I was a teen in the early 2000s, Audrey Hepburn had ascended to pop-culture idol-dom. You could get Audrey’s face on just about everything: lunch boxes, lighters, checks, etc. etc. (or the faces of Marilyn Monroe, James Dean or Lucille Ball) With little effort on my part, I’ve seen every one of her films. As a classic-film-loving teen, most adults just kind of assumed Audrey was my favorite actor. A teacher even recruited me to portray her for a school assembly once (I was not in performing arts in high school btw). My guess is that Audrey Hepburn was a ubiquitous figure that was still seen as appropriate for a teenage girl to emulate–even 50 years after her film debut. So, honestly I resented the implications of Audrey being picked over Marilyn FOR me. But, here’s the thing–this never translated into resentment of Hepburn. How could it? She had as close to a universal charm as has ever existed. I don’t dislike a single one of her performances. I loved Audrey Hepburn regardless of other people’s projections of her. And I still do. She’s a delight to see on film. (For the record, Greta Garbo was and still is my favorite!)

That’s why I’m going to recommend Paris When It Sizzles (1964). It’s among Hepburn’s worst-reviewed movies and, according to her son, her least favorite. But, it’s fun to watch regardless. Hepburn’s presence makes even her weakest movies worth watching. Paris When It Sizzles takes place in the days leading up to Bastille Day. William Holden plays Richard Benson, a screenwriter who has partied away the time he was given to finish a new script meant to be delivered on, you guessed it, Bastille Day. Hepburn plays Gabrielle Simpson, a typist who has moved to Paris to make a close-up study of debauchery. They collaborate wildly and come out with a story fit only for an episode of “Lupin the Third”. Their isolation (paired with a decent amount of alcohol) lead them to fall in love. Paris… features a mess of cameos amid its hijinks; including an extended guest appearance by Tony Curtis, who makes the absolute most of his screen time. Hubert de Givenchy was not just given credit for his costume designs for Hepburn, but also the perfume she wears in the film–a bit of trivia that frankly encapsulates the spirit of the movie. If you’re a fan of Hepburn’s style, this film has gratuitous shots of her hairdress, her makeup, and her clothes.

It’s playing on TCM at 2am E. If you’re hype to see the less-seen Audrey movies, TCM also played Green Mansions (1959) this morning and it’s on demand through TCM’s app. It’s not as fun as Paris… but it will make you wish that Hepburn and Anthony Perkins had worked together again.

Originally Posted on Watch More Movies.

#Cosplay Under the Stars #Summer Under the Stars #audrey hepburn #the children's hour #1960s #tcm #turner classic movies #suts #film stars #movie stars #film recommendation #movie recommendations #classic film #classic movies #cosplay #closet cosplay #cosplayers of tumblr

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childofsquidward · 6 years

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Queen’s Battle (pt. 1 + pt. 2)

*WARNING: SPOILERS AHEAD*

First off, I didn’t think we’d get Queen’s Battle before 2019. I can’t be the only one. I for sure thought that Frozer would be the last episode we’d get to see for 2018.

Moving on, literally every time Marinette goes into freak-out mode, I want to reach through my screen and give her a hug - stop stressing my child out 2k18 and beyond. Everyone needs a Tikki in their lives, btw. Also, why do I feel as though the writers scroll through Tumblr? Because everyone’s been talking about Adrien’s allergies, and the writers fixed that plot hole up real quick with synthetic feathers. Like, I feel as though they’re getting better at not leaving us with a million questions…?

AntHoNy -

Girl, you forgetting his name on purpose or…?

(Gorilla’s face was everything though, he was probably just like, “my boss may be Hawkmoth, but at least he remembers to treat me like a human every now and then, sayonara bitch.”

Why isn’t the carpet made out of marble - jfc! I can’t deal with this woman and it’s only been like two minutes. Her magazine is named Style Queen? Why didn’t anyone on here think of that? Also, Audrey’s just a straight up bitch, I want to knock that ridiculous hat off of her head, she is the worst, and not to condone Chloe’s own actions, but if that's what I had to look up to, if that was my main influence growing up, I’d be Chloe too.

cLarA?!

Thomas, what the hell is this?! We can’t have parents on this show who are worse than Gabriel, he’s the fucking villain!

“And you’re fired.” - from what, being your daughter - wait, actually, that’s not the worst idea, run Chloe run (I’d just quit if I could)

Aw, Adrienette, my sun, my stars, the only way to turn this episode around… No, seriously, I missed their adorkably awkward interactions, it feels like it’s been a while since we’ve had on of those (maybe it’s just the shipper in me, but whatevs)

Okay, I know that everyone thought that Nathalie might deliver some savage comebacks or whatever, but her monotonous air of ‘shut up, god, why are you still here?” was the funniest shit ever, I lived for it people! Oh Nathalie…

Moving on, are they really gonna’ have Audrey get akumatized cuz she thinks that Gabriel making her sit in the second row (GOD FORBID) is a sign of disrespect? So he reserved the front seat for his son’s closest friends, one of whom designed a piece for the show, big deal.

The coffin - oh dear god, I knew it was coming but with the music and everything, chills, literal chills. Also, why does Emilie’s outfit look like a fencing uniform…?

But like, my boy Nino living his best life, fulfilling his dreams - YAAAASSSS DJ!NINO

“Is this supposed to happen?” - Tom is so precious!

ADRIEN WHY DIDN’T YOU RUN?! (I knew it was gonna’ happen, but he could’ve gotten away and transformed, ugh)

I know that Style Queen’s the villain, but she’s not wrong about the costume. Is it practical and thematic? Yes. Does it look like the work of an aspiring fashion designer? Don’t make me laugh.

Aw, Chloboats just saved her hero’s life - Chloe’s a real stan, like she’d do anything for Ladybug, even somewhat defy her mother.

Also, I can’t believe they actually made Adrien as Sleeping Beauty canon. I’m telling you, someone in that writers’ room is on Tumblr.

Mari met Plaag guys, she met Plaag- I LOVE THIS SEASON SO MUCH!!!

Yo, I need flashbacks of what Plaag did to Atlantis, the leaning tower, dinosaurs, and god knows what else. Master Fu was quick to jump on him though. Like, Marinette comes in full panic mode and he’s just chillin, meditating, living life, but the minute Plaag starts talking he was in Mari mode like “no, nope, nopitynopnope.” and Wayzz just groaning in the background - highlight of the episode for me honestly.

Alya nearly became Queen Bee y’all!!! I love how Marinette just knows that she’ll be there, so she’s like, ‘yo, how’s about a second miraculous, you up for it?’ By the way, what are rules of being a miraculous holder exactly? Like, are you allowed to be in possession of more than one? Can they like, switch miraculous all willy nilly depending on the situation?

Is it wrong that I love Plaag even more now knowing that such a tiny little bean can cause so much damage? God bless Marinette and Tikki’s powers cuz’ otherwise, I think Plaag’s cataclysm would’ve probably destroyed the entire city, or at least half of it.

Also, Mari, sweetie, the bee miraculous! The bee mirac- this girl...

Nathalie knows?! Did we know she knows?! I know we headcanon she knows, but did we know?! Guys, this is too much for me. On that note, Pollen is adorable, I love her already, she must be protected at all costs!

Now onto part two…

HE’S GIVING UP?! GABRIEL, REALLY?! I mean, should be happy…? I did not see that one coming but I guess this was the final straw for him, so I kind of get it. Like, Style Queen was supposed to be his end all be all, and even she failed to seal the deal for him, and with Adrien being caught in the crossfire once again, it was just too much, and goddammit, am I relating to/sympathizing with Gabriel? Especially after what an asshole he was to Nooroo during the last episode, like, guys, I wanted to wring his neck, what is this feeling?

Okay, so after all that crap in part one, Audrey’s suddenly doing a complete 180 and being sweet and complimenting people? I mean, she’s still a shit mother so I still loathe her existence, but giving credit where credit is due is actually pretty fair of her considering everything we just witnessed. Everything’s coming up Marinette, and I want to be happy for her, I really, truly do. But we all know Chloe’s hurting and she’s gonna’ blow a gasket.

Imagine doing everything you possibly can to follow in your mother’s footsteps despite the way she treats you, imagine loving her so much that you nearly start to become her, and she doesn’t give a fuck and simply continues to refer to you with the wrong name (casserole, really?). Then imagine watching her praise your classmate who you despise, and offering to take her to New York with her when she wouldn’t even take you, her daughter. Add that to said classmate getting support from her own parents, one of your oldest and only friends and his dad, the biggest name in fashion who is known for being cold-hearted and ruthless. And the cherry on top is said mother not feeling a single speck of guilt, remorse or regret. I feel bad for Chloe you guys, her outburst makes sense, her anger is justified in my opinion.

Pulling out the miraculous though… I get it, rash decision taking her heightened emotions into account, but still not okay. Despite my feeling bad for her, I still don’t think her actions were okay, she’s so all over the place emotionally, she’s going about things the wrong way. She’s so desperate for her mother’s approval, she’s ready and willing to do anything, which actually makes her so dangerous taking her powers into consideration.

CHLOE WHAT THE FUCK?!

NONONONONONONO

SHE INDIRECTLY BROUGHT HAWKMOTH BACK TOO, DAMMIT, EVERYTHING WAS GOING SO WELL!!!

Of course Mari’s parents are the first to rise to the occasion and help save everyone, everything about Marinette makes so much sense now.

Moving on, the fight sequences in this episode were exceptional! I don’t know why, but they were so cool in this episode I just had to talk about them. Queen Wasp was like a one-woman arsenal, she was the most badass villain ever, which is saying a lot considering Anansi and Sandboy. The underwater fight sequence was good too, my only complaint about this episode is honestly just the lack of Pollen, like, she’s so precious, I wanted more than four words to come out of her mouth y’all.

I don’t know how the rest of you felt about the episode, but I don’t think that they forgave Chloe too easily. Obviously Adrien knows her, he knows she is and he understands why she did what she did. But that look on Mari’s when Audrey told Chloe that she wasn’t exceptional, and then later on when Tom said he was willing to do anything for his daughter, I think something may have clicked inside Mari like, ‘I have two parents who love me, so I’ll never understand how Chloe feels, but I guess I get why she is the way she is,’ and just like in Zombizou, this was Marinette extending the olive branch in a way. This Marinette is definitely different than the one from Antibug, and I like that Marinette is being patient with Chloe and letting her come terms with her actions on her own rather than being so quick to just berate her for her mistakes - THANK YOU CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (for both my girls).

Now, as far as the confrontation with Audrey goes, I think a little part of Marinette used helping Chloe as an excuse to stick it to both Bourgeois women, and honestly, I see you Marinette and I must admit, you made me proud. Mari throwing shade aside, I feel like they could’ve ended it with a much more tender moment between Chloe and her mother rather than Audrey just being ecstatic at how her daughter is as horrible a person as she is, which I honestly think just regressed all the progress she made, like, come on Thomas, give me a break!

All in all, I did think that Queen’s Battle was a really great two-parter, part two was definitely a lot more action-packed and hit me right in the feels, but part one really brought that comedic element, so I guess they’re both pretty even in that sense.

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mermaidsirennikita · 6 years

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what did you think of crazy rich asians? was it all you hoped it would be?

I really, really loved it.

Spoilers Below:

I won’t say that it’s ALL I hoped it would be, because there is one thing I wish they’d expanded on more--Charlie and Astrid’s relationship. Honestly, I get why the subplot was largely written out, but a couple of hint-y scenes versus on mid-credits eye contact scene was warranted. They didn’t know if they were getting a sequel when they made this, I get it--though I have a feeling that this will make enough money to warrant the other two books being adapted. And Charlie and Astrid’s relationship becomes arguably more central than Nick and Rachel’s, as Nick and Rachel are SO stable. I think it’s less that they cut out Charlie and more that they resolved (seemingly) the Astrid and Michael conflict. Charlie buying Michael’s company just to make him feel like a man so that Astrid would be happy was so... much. I love that Astrid put Michael in his place, but she did that anyway in China Rich Girlfriend, so... Idk, to me, the subplot would have been better downplayed and largely pushed into the sequel. Give Astrid an unhappy marriage and end her subplot in the first movie on her reconnecting with Charlie at the wedding.

Otherwise... I could have done without Awkwafina. Did she have funny moments? Yes. Were they tainted by the fact that her humor is partially based on her pantomiming black people? Yes. So I’d rather have her out.

It wasn’t as SAVAGE as the book, but there were so many lines I loved. “There are starving kids in America--EAT YOUR NUGGETS.” The additions, to me, were largely good--Nick and Rachel getting engaged at the end of CRA rather than in CRG makes sense, and adding in the backstory with Eleanor’s ring was amazing.

Everyone was perfectly cast, again, besides Awkwafina. Constance Wu was my dreamcast Rachel, Michelle Yeoh was my dream Eleanor, the MAHJONG SCENE WAS AMAZING. God. Michelle Yeoh was truly impeccable in this movie. Her look, the way she acted, her chemistry with Constance and Henry... Btw, Henry made Nick much more swoony than he was in the book. So many hot guys in this movie? Colin Khoo was so sweet and again, much more “full” than he was in the book. His tears when he saw Araminta? UGH.

Actually, the entire wedding scene made me a little misty which is weird for me, but I just love the books so much and seeing Colin and Araminta (and the amazingness of her dress and the scenery) make eye contact and Nick mouthing “I love you” to Rachel while she cried... IT GOT ME MAN.

The music was fabulous. I actually didn’t think that the first scene in the book with the hotel would make it to the movie, which was a bummer as it’s a favorite of mine... But it did. And then the musical cue as little Nick smirked at the racist hotel owners as he held his rich mom’s hand.... perfect.

The opulence was so well done. I love that the new money vs. old money dichotomy was expanded on too. Like, yes, there was ridic grandeur everywhere... But to me, you really saw the wealth of the Youngs and even Astrid in contrast to the more new money characters. Astrid had ridiculously expensive shit, but it didn’t necessary scream money, it just screamed the impeccable. (And Gemma, btw, WAS that “Audrey Hepburn of Singapore” character the book described.) Eleanor dresses in stately clothes and is clearly rich beyond imagination, but participates in the family tradition of making dumplings. I wish the movie had included that detail of Eleanor and her friends buying nice knockoffs of designer bags for appearances--it just was this eccentric little detail underscoring how the APPEARANCE was more important than what their money could buy.

“We’re Methodists; we stop at 20 million” was pretty great tho. And so many little things did make it in, like Ollie becoming Kitty Pong’s upper class Obi Wan, guiding her towards Bernard. Kitty was PERFECT, which is great since she becomes a much bigger character as time goes on. The bit where Araminta arrived dressed down with glasses to meet Rachel at the airport was also true to the book. There were just little bits that I loved.

Listen, it’s not like this movie was made for me. I’m white. I can’t critique any bigger issues. I just know that I love the books and I loved this movie. And I would die for Eleanor Young.

I need the sequels, man.

#Anonymous

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phaniecastello-blog · 7 years

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Part of their world

((This was meant to be my PC2 but ended up being something different. If you read it I will love you forever!!

It contains Phanie’s reaction when she found out she was selected, more details about Loretta’s participation at @spencer-schreave’s selection and her opinion on the rest of the selected lol. And at the end there’s a little fight interaction with @victoria-seaberg. (Thank you so much for the RP, girl, I looooove yooouu) Hope you enjoy it, was fun for me to write it. ))

“…Selected” I muttered, with an unfinished nacho with guacamole on it, in one hand and staring at the TV, jaw dropped by the surprise. “Oddio! … They just said my name! I’m a selected!” I shouted this time. My voice echoing in the big living room. I dropped the mutilated nacho back in the plate and get up feeling so full of adrenaline and emotion that I would be able to run 10 miles if I would had wanted. I could hear more names being mentioned on the background, but I stopped watching and I run towards Camila when I saw her coming from the hallway, frightened by all my shouting. I hugged her tight.

“Cam, my name got picked for Prince’s Nate Selection!”. I broke the hug before I could strangle the poor woman.

“Congratulations, Miss!” She said squeezing my hands as a sign of support. She was smiling at me, but that smile faded after a few seconds of inner thinking. “… I guess that means you will leave us, right?” I could read the sadness in her face but there was something else.

Is that angst?

I gave her a frown face, confused; looking for a reason inside my head, until I founded it.

“Oh, don’t worry. I will make sure she treats you all, nicely… besides, she will be out almost every day; she’s busy, doing the new collection’s promos” Camila nodded and opened her mouth to speak when the house’s phone started ringing. She nodded again, this time as a petition to leave the room and ran towards the phone at the hallway.

As soon as she left the enormous grin showed on my face again, remembering my name being mentioned by Harvey Steve.

What if it was a mistake?!

The idea paralyzed me, momentarily.

Nah, the would have called by now or something.

The sound of subtle bells coming from my cellphone gave me chills. I checked the notification flipping on the smooth, white couch; a message from Lilith read on the screen in caps:

“THE STUPID PHONE DOESN’T STOP RINGING! I will send you all the interviews schedule for the next days… Oh, palace staff will visit you soon… Congratulations, btw”

Seems like the media was giving my assistant quite a time. I smirk, relieved that it wasn’t me, the one who had to deal with them, at least for now.

“Miss, your mother called, she said you get ready for a celebration dinner with her. She will be waiting at Faustino’s Restaurant”

“Received” I said as I run upstairs.

“Mmm… delicious as always” I muttered while I softly patted the corner of my mouth with the white cloth napkin. Noises of silverware clattering against plates and dinners were surrounding us “…so, the visit will be just to let me know the rules and the schedule of the departure day?” I asked Loretta over the arm of the waiter who was pouring more Champagne into her glass. He must be a new worker here, because his hands were shaking and he hadn’t realized that was the wrong side to serve the drink. Loretta was giving him an annoyed gaze, but she choose to ignore him and turned to face me.

“That’s right, just protocol” She answered with a carefree tone. “That day you’ll get to the airport and share the plane with a bunch of immature, exhilarated and most of all, unclassy, ladies” She exclaimed frowning with disgust. “You better know now, all of them will be unbearable; trying to get Nate’s attention all the time; giggling around, pretending to be ladies… ugh! It’s like I’m seeing it, again” I looked down, playing with the napkin on my lap, feeling uncomfortable. “And you will met Audrey, that little hypocrite, sh..”

“I think that’s enough, mom… I just wanted to know about the arrival. Besides, we had talked about not to express that way about the royals” I interrupted her, irritated, before she started to vent about how unfair was her elimination back at King’s Spencer selection. I had heard that story a thousand times before and it always include tons of negative adjectives for all the characters, except for her, of course.

She was always the victim in the story and I might had believed everything she said if I hadn’t read all the magazines concerning last selection, already. I documented myself buying old articles and watching old videos; everything was there! It seemed all you did in that competition was recorded or published somewhere and it would never being forgotten. Back then, I was horrified, embarrassed of all I read about Loretta. Several accidents happened to the girls caused by her, but she always made it look as an accident. They were also rumors of her seducing the guards to help her in several things. Like the rats that a few of the selected found in their closets. I wonder how they did to avoid the video cameras, because there was no recordings of that event.

That day I confronted her, crying out of disappointment. She didn’t deny the fact she wanted to eliminate her competition, but she also assure me not all of that was true.

“…the media always take advantage of some facts to lie and exaggerate things.”

She acknowledged. Since then she had been focused on her work and I hadn’t know about her doing anything like that to other people. Except for her temper and her judgments, she might had changed a lot.

“Yes, I know you like her, everyone loves the benevolent Queen, but that’s because no one knows her like I do.” She had raised her voice and the people of the next tables were starting to look in our direction, she probably noticed it, too because she changed the tone to continue. “… I just want you to be aware, bambolina, getting along with lower castes is not easy”

“Well, you will be glad to know, this time there are plenty of two’s in this competition; I was reading their names and basic information on my way here, it was all on the Illéa Illustrated web page.” I acknowledge sipping my glass of champagne. Her face reflected concerning for a short moment. I was tempted to mention that one of her favorite customers were selected, too; but I didn’t feel in the mood to talk about Victoria.

“You are my daughter, and that makes you the best, don’t worry” She reached for my hand over the table and patted it. I noticed she was saying all that to herself more than to me; and I wished I could tell her I was so much more than just her daughter. Even though, I loved her, I didn’t want to be just the shadow of the tree, most of all because that tree didn’t have the image I would wanted, but I gave her a big smile, instead. She glimpsed at her watch letting my hand go “We better go now, you have to be rested for tomorrow’s runway show”

The runway was a success, as always. The media and the guests loved every single design of the new collection, and I felt like a fish in water, I grew up in this events, modeling at every single runway of Castello’s House; and I was good at it, walking up there, made me feel like a princess and I really enjoyed doing it. Every time I worn a dress to model it I can’t help to thought about all the process it passed for: The sketches, choosing the correct colors and fabrics, sewing, adding details, until this moment. I wasn’t wearing just clothes, I was wearing a little piece of art. The negative part of this kind of the events was that most of the people participating in them didn’t seem to share the same thoughts as me. Most of the skinny, beautiful, ladies surrounding me didn’t even care for the clothes they were wearing, the only thing they cared about is looking good, became famous and get lots of money out of it, not to mention the guests. The males just wanting to admire the models and the females wanting to prove they had lots of money to buy all the collection, even if they didn’t even know the names of the fabrics or the time it took to sew every single gemstone in the right place of it. Those people never able to see beyond themselves. They said they loved fashion, but they didn’t know what fashion meant. What sad and empty lives. I thought while I clapped and smile leading the models at the end of the runway.

When I arrived to the after runway party a bunch of journalists and cameras ran to surround me. They didn’t want to lose their opportunity to ask me about the new collection and most of all, the upcoming selection. I couldn’t hide my smile when they mention the last one.

“What does it feel to be a selected?, Which was your reaction when your name was mentioned on The Report? Are you excited to meet Prince Nathaniel?”

I managed to answer every question with sincerity. Everything was doing fine, until…

“Should the other selected be concerned any rats in their bedrooms? Are you going to be as entertain to watch as your mom was? Are you going to continue the Castello’s legacy?”

Why did they always had to ruin everything!? I continue smiling trying to break my way through the cameras with Pete’s help.

When we finally could enter to the party I found my assistant Lilith inside. “Having fun?” She asked sarcastically

I sighed “I’m having a blast! Can’t wait to travel to Angeles”

“Oh, btw, your mother invited Calgary’s Mayor to give a little speech about you in public” She said, reading everything on her tablet, which she always carried around, like it was like it was part of her body.

“What?! Here?” I asked surprised. These was the kind of things I had to be informed of, not the rest of the guest list that Loretta kept talking about all the way through the runway, that morning.

“Yeah, Loretta didn’t accept his offer to made you a party opened to all the citizens and commoners, as she called them, so, we are taking advantage of the media here to do this… maybe they will ask you to say some words for the people, I don’t know” She continued as if it wasn’t so simple to make a speech in front of everyone. This will be on TV and I didn’t have anything prepared!

There wasn’t much to do about it, so I just nodded and walked passed her towards the bar, feeling dizzy already. “Hi, Martini, please” I said to the efficient barman. As soon as I got my drink I start giving it small sips, looking at the people moving on the dancefloor. Suddenly I glimpse a tall, black haired girl wearing a dress that matched her hair, walking towards me. I turned around on my bench facing the shelves full of all kind of bottles of alcohol, hoping she didn’t come anywhere near me. I wasn’t in the mood to resist a fight to maintain a civilized conversation, as I always had to do with her.

There were two kind of people who approached me at parties, attractive men acting charming and flirtatious to assure a permanent job at House Castello and ladies pretending to be my friends to get the same. I have actualy take advantage of those to have some “friends” to talk to at parties. And finally, there were, the envious, pretentious, people who liked to play word games to annoy me and prove my patient. Victoria Seaberg was the master of those.

I was hardly praying for her to ignore me, when I felt some fingers playing with my hair.

“Hey Stephanie, I barely recognized you with all that hair” Victoria said in a mocking tone. I rolled my eyes wondering why God didn’t listened to my prayers and counting to ten to be ready to try my best to breathe slowly. After all that, I faced her.

“Hey! I barely recognize you sober” I greeted, smirking.

She gave me the fakest of her smiles “Oh, babe, don’t worry, I’ll teach you how to hold your liquor.”

I laughed at her offering. If I had problems with my drinking, she would be the last person I could get help from, not that she was an alcoholic, but I was sure I drinked much less than her. “I’m okay, but I will give you a call, in case I need a tutor” I sipped my Martini. “Hope you are enjoying the party” The last phrase was meant to be a goodbye, but apparently it didn’t seem like one.

“In fact I am. Your mom knows who to invite” She looked radiant, obviously this was his natural environment.

“Well… it’s not like we have a choice, we have to invite everyone who is involved in the campaign or might be interested in it.” I said sighing. That was actually true, but I said it for her to acknowledge, her presence was not so pleasant for me. I didn’t like me when I behave like that, but this kind of people manage to bring out the worst part of me. I wasn’t going to let her mock me.

Victoria chose to ignore my statement turning around to order a Mojito. I suspected it wasn’t the first one of the night. “How are you liking the party?” She asked.

“You know how much I love these parties, so I’m doing fine” I answered. I knew people thought I didn’t like to party, but it wasn’t that I didn’t like them, actually if I had real friends I would party with them all the time, but when you have Christmas everyday, suddenly Christmas becomes boring and monotonous.

“Everyone knows you’re quite the party animal” Victoria laughed.

“Yep, that’s me” I said sarcastically, proud of myself for being able to control my annoyance so far, despite her never ending provocations.

“Well if you want to become future queen, you’ll have to get used to social events” Her hand patting my shoulder as if she was a friend giving me advice.

My head starts hurting when I remembered she was a selected too, which meant I will be living under the same room as her, soon. “Ohh, I’m sure I will be surrounded by way more interested people then” I had tried hard to control myself, but she kept pushing me. I knew how to fight back, it was in my DNA, I was educated by Queen Bee. I covered my mouth mockingly and continued “Not that you are not interesting, in fact, I’m glad we are going to be there together” I smiled, but it was obvious I didn’t meant that.

She smiled back as a person about to show her best cards in a poker game. “I can’t wait to see what some etiquette lessons will do for you. Don’t forget to bring your notepad, it will help you remember the things you’ve learned once you are back home.” I fight back the urge to throw my drink on her sparkly black dress, but the last thing I needed was the press all over me, asking questions and comparing myself with my mom, again, but Victoria was openly attacking me this time.

Just go away, you are not like her, ignore those words…. Oh, wait, just one more thing…

“Awwe, you always concerned about me, thank you for your advice, I have one for you in return. Careful with those snacks, they can be tricky… and I heard from my mom that designers will be more strict with the weight fact, in the future” Victoria wasn’t a model by profession, but her popularity and beauty have made that some designers invited her to hit the runway just for publicity and she was obtaining good money out of it. I knew that suggesting she was gaining weight was going to drive her crazy, and it did; the prove was she got really mad this time, I could saw it in her colored, furious eyes. “Speaking of which, you will have to excuse me because I have to find Loretta” I put my glass on the bar and stood up to leave.

“Firstly. I don’t have a problem with snacking, I know how to contain myself. Secondly, I happen to do sports, maybe you should try it sometime. And lastly, there’s nothing you can do about a boring personality, which happens to be your case.” I should have known she wasn’t going to let me have the last word, but despite I still could hear her words, I didn’t care about them anymore.

I waved at her “Sorry, I can’t stay to chat, have a nice trip back home and see you in Angeles.” She said something but I couldn’t understand her words, I wasn’t close to her anymore and the music was loud. I walked away feeling satisfied for my job back there, but guilty because I behaved like one of them, and that was exactly what I had been running from all my life.

#Something between Challenges

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neverisalongtime-ja-blog · 7 years

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Chapter 25: #ThePinkAndBlueDay

Hello everyone! I want to say that today’s chapter is on of my all time favorite! I love it, is different but is so cool! I want to read what you think about it so leave feedback!

BTW Next week is the turn of the Josh POV chapter so I hope you all are as excited as I am!

Thanks to everyone who reads the fic, much love to you all! ♥

Remember to visit Anastasia’s IG profile:

Anastasia_Truman ❤️️

Read chapter 24

Those days in Los Angeles were weird for Anastasia. She didn’t feel comfortable with herself, she couldn’t stop comparing to Josh’s new girl, who was younger and obviously more vibrant than her. She locked herself in her house for a couple of days, alone. She did it as an exercise to find herself again, to learn and love herself again. She took long baths, cooked nice food, watched Netflix, wrote songs, recorded some of them and even swam in her heated pool.

She was starting to enjoy being alone. The past months she spent all of her nights with either Josh or Mandy. This time, she was all by herself and by the third day she was liking it. That didn’t mean she was over the situation, the image of Josh and Lauren didn’t leave her head for a second. Anastasia kept feeling empty, sad and hopeless, the natural stages of a breakup, a breakup that happened almost two months ago and that she was still suffering from. When she thought she was over it she found out that Josh had cheated on her and she believed things couldn’t get worse, but she didn’t want to say it because things could always get worse.

One Thursday morning, the blue-haired girl received a call from Eric, saying that in the afternoon they would have an appointment to get matching tattoos with the band logo. It was something they’d been planning for a while, it had been Mandy’s idea and finally Eric made the appointment. The band’s logo was Nick’s creation, Anastasia has always been obsessed with the moon as it involved an important part of her life and beliefs. One night at Nick and Mandy’s childhood house, looking at a sky dressed with plenty stars and a full moon in all its glory, the blonde guy came up with the idea of two circles forming a full and crescent moon, representing ups and downs of the career they chose to have. It was an instant yes for the rest of the band members and now they were on the way to have it forever on their skin.

It was the first tattoo for Eric and Anastasia; the siblings were much familiarized with ink. Mandy already had seven small tattoos and Nick had four large marks on his right arm and on his back. Anastasia was excited and nervous, which was normal, Eric had a little more confidence. Anastasia decided to make her double moon in dark blue with four vertical dots in the lower part representing the four members of Dead Curse; she chose to have it on her right forearm, in the middle of it. Mandy had it on her left ribs and the design was the logo in light blue with a watercolor style background simulating the night sky, remembering the day the sign was created. Nick chose the circles in black on his right shoulder with four stars also in black, and the spot chosen by Eric was under his left elbow, just the circles in dark blue because he like it how it looked on Anastasia’s skin.

That was a great afternoon, the four Dead Curse members were already very close but to share that experience created a new bond between them.

- How have you been feeling? – Eric asked Anastasia while giving her a ride back home, just the two of them.

- I don’t know, I fear this is a never ending thing – Anastasia said.

- With Josh? – Eric asked again.

- I don’t know what’s next and at the same time I’m afraid there’ll be nothing more – She said looking out the window – Like he’s going on with his life and I’m stuck in this hole waiting for… I don’t know what I’m waiting for to be honest.

- You hope to be back with him – Eric said as if he were reading Anastasia’s mind. She looked at him.

- That’s not gonna happen – Anastasia said – I don’t want it to happen. I don’t know if I can forgive him. How can I trust him again?

- Time heals – Eric said – And I recognize real love when I see it, I have it with Hannah and I know you had it with Josh.

- You said it: had it.

- You don’t love him anymore? – Eric said and laughed – Bullshit – He parked his car in front of Anastasia’s house – Do you want to know the reason he broke up with you?

- He found a better girl.

- No. I had a conversation with him last night, I’m gonna email it to you – He said taking his phone. Anastasia’s phone beeped letting her know she had new mail – Read it.

- Thanks for the ride, it was a great day – She said, shut the car door and didn’t look back.

Maybe Eric was right. No, Eric was definitely right. She still loved Josh and she didn’t want to because it was very obvious that he didn’t love her back. He loved a younger, fitter, blonder girl and that’s the scene she tried to tattoo on her mind, she wanted it to be etched in her head like the mark that had been made on her arm that afternoon: forever, so to have a reason to lose the love she had for Josh.

She looked at her phone and saw the message with the conversation Eric sent to her. She was tempted to open it but after thinking about it she let her phone down. She just wanted to forget Josh and maybe that email wouldn’t help. She walked up the stairs to do the tattoo cleaning proceeding the tattoo artist instructed her to do. She took a bath, laid down in her bed, and turned on the TV, on a channel that just showed old movies. Breakfast at Tiffany’s appeared on the screen, she stayed there watching her favorite movie about a high level prostitute, because that’s what Audrey Hepburn character was, read between the lines. After the movie she felt asleep.

Next day she woke up late, her phone alarm didn’t go off and then she remembered she left her phone downstairs the night before. She brushed her teeth thinking about that damn email Eric sent her yesterday. She still wasn’t sure about reading it, it could change everything… or it could change absolutely nothing. She decided to have breakfast first, a nice avocado toast, well, she went for two avocado toasts, orange juice and a banana; she felt so healthy it was weird. She did the dishes and then she noticed the phone on her kitchen island, she took it impulsively, moved her fingertip to the mail app and opened it, and at that moment, at that precise moment, the screen turned black and a call went through. It was Mandy. Anastasia, frustrated, picked it up.

- What are you doing? – Mandy asked with her sweet voice.

- I just had breakfast and you? – Anastasia asked back.

- Not much – Her friend replied – Do you want to spend the day at Venice with me?

- Even if I want to say no, I can’t – Anastasia replied with a laugh.

- You can but I wouldn’t accept it – Mandy said – I’ll pick you up in half hour, is that alright?

- Sure!

The phone went back to the original position and Anastasia ran upstairs to get a shower and dress up forgetting about the email.

Venice was a place where the two friends always found peace. That crazy place filled with unique people, the shore and all the activities around made them feel like it was home. Venice was the place they went when they sneaked out of class back in the day; if they didn’t have plans on a Saturday they always visited Venice Beach.

Mandy always had this dream of living in a colorful house in front of the Venice canals, with flowers in every window and a small boat on the canal in front of her porch.

The girls were thrift shopping on the main street in Venice near Pacific Ave, thrifting was a hobby they both had, finding amazing pieces with history always filled Anastasia with joy; she was a real fashion lover.

- Look at this jacket! – Anastasia said to Mandy showing her a biker jacket in electric metallic blue.

- I love it – Mandy said going through her own rack of clothes – Oh my God! Look! – Mandy opened her eyes big; she found the same jacket in metallic pink.

- It’s like heaven sent – Anastasia said and both laughed.

- We should stop wearing clothes the same color of our hair, though – Mandy said.

- Says who? – Anastasia asked looking at a pile of t-shirts.

- Yeah… That’s not going to happen – Mandy said.

After buying five pairs of pants, four skirts, the two jackets and almost ten t-shirts between the two, the friends walked to a sunglasses vendor spot on the boardwalk.

- Look, nineties babe – Anastasia said showing Mandy a pair of round sunglasses with a white frame.

- Every damn shape of sunglasses looks good on your face. How is that possible? – Mandy said.

- It is what it is – Anastasia said shrugging and trying on a wood frame this time.

- Do you think that we’re childish? – Mandy suddenly dropped while trying on a heart-shaped frame in pastel pink.

- No! – Anastasia answered – Why do you ask?

- I had a fight with Peyton this morning – Anastasia understood why Mandy wanted to go to Venice – And he told me that I needed to grow up and stop wearing “stupid pink hair” – She said making quotation marks with her fingers.

- I think Peyton is stupid – Anastasia was also wearing heart-shaped sunglasses in blue – Does Peyton think it’s stupid to match your clothes with your hair too? – Anastasia asked remembering the comment Mandy made at the thrift shop earlier.

- Yes, he said that too – Mandy said still wearing the pink glasses.

- Mandy! You don’t have to change because a man says so. Peyton felt in love with who you are, no matter if your hair is blonde, like when you met him, or pink – Anastasia said.

- I know…

- Why was the fight for?

- I don’t really remember, something really stupid like leaving a glass were he doesn’t like – Mandy said – Every start of a season is the same. He becomes this anxious monster and everything bothers him.

- It’s normal. He is nervous.

- Yes, but he doesn’t need to take it on me.

- I know, what an asshole – Anastasia saw her friend smile – I say you are going to buy those pink heart sunglasses and the ones with the blue crystal, and I’m going to get these ones in blue – She referred to the also heart-shaped glasses – and the ones with the white frame. But you have to wear the pink ones right now and I’ll be wearing the blue heart-shaped sunglasses.

- We should wear our pink and blue jackets too! – Mandy said smiling.

And so they did. The two girls looked like cartoon characters with jackets and sunglasses matching their hair but they were in Venice Beach so they blended right with the rest of the people there.

- Did you like your tattoo? – Mandy asked Anastasia walking on the boardwalk again.

- I love it. It wasn’t half bad as I thought it would be – Anastasia answered.

- See? I told ya – Mandy said – You know what I’m thinking? We have been friends for so long and have shared so many things, we shared high school, we share our career, we tried to share a house once, didn’t work out as we thought, but anyway. You’ve been a huge part of my life and have helped me during so many times of awe and suffering, you are my rock and I know I’m all of that to you too.

- Oh God! Are you going to propose to me?

- Anastasia Truman – Both girls stopped walking – Would you like to make me the happiest girl in the world and share a friendship tattoo with me so you can take me with you to eternity? – Anastasia covered her face with her hands and faked a huge smile.

- YES! – She screamed – Aren’t you going to bend on one knee?

- No, that would be too much.

- That’s probably the only half proposition I will have in my life.

- Let’s find a tattoo shop.

- Oh! Are we gonna do it right now?

- Yes! – Mandy laughed – There are many shops here, but I know one! Nick has a friend there.

The two girls walked a little bit more until they found the tattoo shop Mandy was referring to. They went in and saw the guy Mandy was talking about

- Fred! – She called him. He was sitting on a table working on some drawings.

- Amanda! – The guy said Mandy’s full name back. He was short, with short black hair and green emerald eyes in glasses with thick black frame, he was wearing a shirt with a black and white grip print and black pants. His body was full of tattoos, obviously.

- Nobody calls me that way so don’t start – Mandy said – Fred did some of my ink work and some of Nick’s too. This is my friend Anastasia – Mandy introduced her to the guy, she smiled and they shook hands – We want tattoos, like right now.

- Well, I don’t work on anybody without an appointment but for your luck I’m very free today, what do you want? – The girls looked at each other.

- Good question – Anastasia said.

- I don’t know. Not our names, that would be too cliché – Mandy said and Anastasia noticed she was still wearing her sunglasses.

- I know! Hearts! A heart! In the left ring finger! It has the love vein which is connected to the heart – Anastasia said excited.

- That’s why she is my friend; she’s the smart one – Mandy said to Fred.

- Let me guess, you – he pointed to Anastasia – want it in blue and you – He pointed to Mandy – want it in pink – Fred said making reference to their outfits.

- No – Mandy said – I will have the blue one and she will have the pink one – Anastasia smiled.

- Let me warn you that fingers are a little bit painful but it will be alright because it’s just a small heart.

- God! I’m so excited! – Mandy said hugging Anastasia – I’ll go first!

Mandy took her turn and then it was time for Anastasia to sit. Fred was right, it hurt as hell but in a couple of minutes the pain was over and the tiny pink heart looked really cute in contrast with her pale skin, it almost looked like a birth mark, she was pleased and happy to see Mandy so joyful. They girls thanked Fred and hit the boardwalk one more time. Mandy took more snaps than Anastasia could count and posted a handful on Instagram, declaring that Friday with the hashtag #ThePinkAndBlueDay.

Anastasia heard her stomach roar and decided it was time for food, they walked to a very nice place on Rose Avenue, it was a colourful café with a wall full of neon color graphic art and mini cars full of books. Everything was overwhelming at first, those bright tones, but once inside it fell cozy. Service was fast even though the place was crowded, within minutes Anastasia was enjoying a plate of Bucatini Carbonara and Mandy went for spaghetti with a miso sauce that was, surprisingly, pretty good. After a couple of drinks Anastasia remembered the email Eric sent her the day before.

- You know – Anastasia started to say – Yesterday while Eric was giving me a ride home he said that he knew the reason why Josh broke up with me and sent me an email of a convo they had.

- And what does it say? – Mandy wanted to know.

- I don’t know. I haven’t read it – Anastasia said.

- Do you want to know the reason after all?

- I’m a little bit curious, to be honest.

- Well I’m curious too. Why lie?

- What if it makes me feel worse?

- What if it makes you feel better?

- Do you really think knowing the real reason Josh broke up with me will make me feel better?

- I don’t know. Maybe the reason is that he got into some kind of trouble with the mafia and he was forced to date the young daughter of the mob boss to pay for his debt.

- Mandy! – Anastasia said laughing hard.

- You’ll never know! You should read it and then think about it. I will be here to support you – Anastasia grabbed her phone – No! Not here. I don’t want people see us cry.

- Do you think it will make me cry?

- You never know – Mandy said repeating herself – Let’s go to your place and read it there. With a bottle of wine just in case.

- You are quite a character – Anastasia kept laughing.

- But before that, you have been through so much pain today – Mandy said pointing at her new tattoo– And you deserve ice cream.

Before heading home the friends did a pit stop at an ice cream shop on Abbot Kinney Boulevard to grab some “Wildflower Honey Ricotta Walnut Cookies” ice cream for Anastasia and “Strawberry Honey Balsamic” for Mandy.

- Man! I didn’t even understand the name of the flavor but is so good – Mandy said while both tried each other’s choices of ice cream.

The ride back home was filled with happiness. Anastasia loved to spend days like that with Mandy and she was more than happy with her new tattoo. It’s true what people said, the first time after having some ink it creates a kind of addiction and so far her ink marks were very pretty. Now they were at her place, sitting on her couch with her Macbook on her lap opening Eric’s email. Before clicking on it, she took a large sip of wine and opened the message. There was no turning back.

It was a series of screenshots. Josh and Eric were having a conversation by text. Eric asked him about Anastasia and then the text exchange took a wild turn.

Eric: How are things going?

Josh: Well... You know.

Eric: Did you get to talk to Anastasia in New York?

Josh: I didn’t have the balls to do it. Are you going to question that too?

Eric: No man, you are my friend after all.

Josh: She is too.

Eric: I’m not here to judge anybody. You must have a reason to do what you did.

Josh: I can control Lauren. Anastasia is a girl with her shit too together. – Anastasia and Mandy shared a glance.

Eric: Don’t you want a girl with her shit together?

Josh: An doesn’t need me. I have nothing to offer her. I’m making Lauren’s dreams come true. Which dreams can I make come true for Anastasia, a girl who has it all?

Eric: The dream of having a relationship?

Josh: I don’t know. I can’t assure you anything right now ‘cuz I know as soon as she comes back to regular touring I’m gonna fall for her again. I don’t know how to explain this. I love her but I can’t be with her, not right now. All the fame and the magazines thing don’t help. It freaks me out that she is too strong; she doesn’t need me, Eric. She doesn’t need me.

Eric: A relationship isn’t about needing, it’s about loving and you two love the shit out of each other. You literally have NOTHING in common with this girl yet you share so many passions with An.

Josh: I don’t know. I’m happy, though.

Eric: You are?

Josh: I’m having fun!

Eric: I have no doubt about that.

- So Josh is a pussy – Mandy said sipping some wine.

- I don’t even understand. He left me because he can’t control me? – Anastasia said indignant – What kind of misogynist shit this is?

- I don’t think it’s that way. I believe it has more to do with his low self-esteem. He found a girl, you, who was at his level, a little higher I would say, and he freaked about because he didn’t know how to handle himself in the relationship. I do believe he loves you, though. He is just lost.

- I don’t give a fuck. He can get lost out of my life right now.

- You know that’s going to be hard; especially now that we are gonna start touring again.

- You’re right but this was an eye opener, definitely. I mean… Josh is a pussy – Both friends laughed. And after all Mandy was right, Anastasia felt immensely better now.

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