#includes kitty ears haha

[sasanka-27]

When your bf complains about your plushie but then you always wake up to this.

Part 1 for context

[honey-minded-hivemind]

I noticed almost all of our feral! Readers are based on predator animals. Bats, cats, and bears (oh my), so why not a Reader who's a prey animal?

Like Goat! Reader.

They got those classic faun style bottom half with hooves, fur, and tail, rectangle pupils that are just a bit unnerving, and even little curling horns coming out of their head!

They eat like a goat, too. They got a preference for greens, grains, and goat milk based dairy, but they'll eat just about anything. This includes things that aren't food like cans, much to everyone's concern.

Their mutation is a good bit easier to hide than Kurt's without an image-inducer. Beanie for the horns, glasses, or contacts for the eyes, and big baggy pants for their legs and hooves. They went as Mr.Tummus one year for Halloween, and the English lit teacher gave them extra credit for their "exceptionally crafted literature inspired costume." (They just wore a red scarf.)

Reader ain't no slouch in the physical department just cause they are prey either. They run just as fast as the other ferals, and those horns aren't just for show! They got a headbutt that can break bones and a tackle that can knock Piotr off his feet. The school's football couch has been hounding them to join since they knocked Duncan on his back during PE back in freshman year.

Like all goats, their horns fall off in the winter and regrow in the spring. It's considered a right of passage in the mansion for someone new to freak out their first winter cause Reader came into the kitchen with blood trickling down their forehead and their horns gone. Don't worry, Hank bandages them up every year. Logan hangs up their old horns in a hallway like trophies. Visitors think he's into hunting or something, but no, he's just keeping track of his kid's growth.

Their tongue is extra long too! So sometimes they just let it flop out of the side of their mouth . The yans think this is adorable and take pictures whenever they can.

They can walk on any wall that isn't a perfect 90 degrees, which looks really weird from an outside perspective.

Their hooves and horns need a little extra care. Conditioning and polishing and cleaning. So the yans are sooo nice to help them with all that! Hope they aren't too much trouble, they would hate to be a bother.

On occasion, they bleat just like a goat. It happens mostly when they r asleep or if you startle them. Scaring them isn't recommended to hear it, however, cause their legs lock up afterwards and they fall over. Kurt has done this hundreds of times and feels awful each time.

They still got instincts like the other ferals. They'll huddle together for warmth, rub their scent in everything, and make a "nest" in their room. The more prey ones are a natural aversion to danger. If they aren't on a mission, they are running away from the scary stuff. They are on constant high alert, an ear always open for potential threats.

Obviously, their favorite game is Goat Simulator.

Haha! Goat mutant Reader would be one tough bby!

Their horns are curled and have weight to them, and they can ram someone down or stomp stomp with their hooves, they can even scale brick walls, rock walls, or any surface that isn't 90 degrees! They can eat almost anything (except Kitty's cooking, that didn't pass over well). They can charge and run fast, they can pull a lot of weight, and they're cute and awesome to boot!

They bleat in their sleep, when they're scared, and when they're happy! All of the yans want to hear it, and do everything they can to do so. If someone scares Reader at school or tries to bully them, the teens are all stepping in, especially Kurt, Scott, Todd, amd Evan, who don't like their friend being picked on for anything, and don't want them to get hurt. The teens and adults like helping Reader but their horns and polish them and keep them clean, they don't mind helping Reader with their hooves if a rock or nail gets in them, and Logan hangs their horns up and is very proud of how big they get each season.

Reader is friendly, laid-back, energetic when it comes to food and running around, and they like climbing everything. No one messes with the younger teens, or Reader runs them down. Duncan better step off, or Reader will headbutt him hard enough he sees stars! If the teens need help with cooking, Reader offers assistance. If anyone worries about their appearance, Reader will try to cheer them up.

And yes, Reader was rewarded for their Mr. Tumnus costume (which was just them in a red scarf and carrying a pan flute). No one can really top them when it comes to costumes. Except they always dress as a goat...

(They wear babbgy pants, boots, a beanie with pins or that are colorful, they like sweaters and sweatshirts, and they like wearing bracelets, especially cool or cute ones)

(Haha, @sugar-soda, I love them! They're so cute and kick*ss and awesome! If you want to come up with a predator feral Reader as well, I'm okay with that, too! But goat Reader is so awesome! Which mutation did you want to explore next? And yes, it's officially canon, thank you for suggesting this, that no matter what mutation Reader has in the au, there are several students who have crushes them, and none of the platonic yans like that at all, and neither does Reader)

[a-pups-writing]

Sure thing anon!! A/N; Thank you for requesting, my first ever request on this blog and I'm so excited!! You didn't specify what kind of pet the reader is, but I'm taking it as a kitty (since Satan loves them so much). And you didn't specify what form, so I'm going with head canons!

CW; GN AFAB reader, written in 'you/yours', both NSFW/SFW pet play, HC's, p in v (mention), oral (M receiving), (very little) praise/degradation, dom/sub - master/pet dynamic

he'd be a pretty good owner, I'd imagine. Taking care of you just like how he takes care of his books, always so careful.. Until he isn't.

has you wear a very pretty collar, its leather and black but with a silver buckle in the back (maybe even a lock, if you're okay with that) and a tag reading 'kitten'. There's also a matching leash of course, he likes tugging on it.

you have some pet gear, which he always helps put on and also of which he bought most parts of, including a tail (both as plug and belt) and some pretty ears!

also got you a water bowl, you know those ceramic ones? Yes, one of those, with little paws on the side (sometimes fill it with special milk..yk)

has you mostly crawl and rest in a cat bed, makes sure his pretty kitty has all the toys and blankets they need.

will tug on your tail plug for fun or to distract you, the reactions are funny for him.

has you cock warm him while he reads, telling you to be a good kitty and let him use your sweet cunny or mouth, dont move or suck but just sit all pretty for him, you'll even get pets if you do it right..

or you're under his desk/besides his reading chair in a kitten bed, having to stay still or play quietly while he reads. Doesn't always have the time to satisfy his pet, sadly.

when he does fuck you, he does it either in doggy style (haha..) or in a mating press, just loves to fill you up! He's gonna breed you so so well, just be quiet and let him you up.

talking about breeding, he loves it, filling you up with his cum so much you can feel and see your belly expanding. Telling you to take it and be his good kitty, he knows its a lot but you need it sweetheart after all, how else would you get through your heat?

but sometimes he's mean with it too, especially when you disturb his reading or study time, calling you a desperate and saying you only think with your pussy (…), bending you over and spanking your pretty bum red before he finally decides to fill your very needy pussy to breed you. "..there, that should put you back in place. Stupid pussy."

Little drabble; just couldn't help myself.. :( "Kitty..can't you see master is busy? Are you to desperate, to deep in your brain to comprehend basic orders now?" He asks while looking away from his book, marking the side and shutting it before setting it down on the table before him.

You only look to the side while he does, you are a little needy, yes..but its not your fault! He's put that vibrating plug tail in and you can't just not whimper and try to get his attention with it, so you only huff.

Before you can react further he pulls you up by your collar, making you gasp then choke for a second before you find yourself bend over his desk - pretty cunt and butt all exposed for him to see, to touch..

A slap quickly finds his way onto your left butt side, making you whimper quietly. "Shh, you have to be a good kitty. Take your punishment for disturbing your master." He soothes, somewhat, before doing it again and again..till your all red and sore. maybe you'll get more later..maybe.

[miasiegert]

Hi Cats Tumblr People,

So I heard you like pics.

Please bear with me (AND TEACH ME) how Tumblr works/if I'm doing it wrong! I'm literally the "How do you do, fellow young people?" meme. Our Etsy is linked (unless I messed that up!) Right now it's bare (LOT of work and VERY old photos in the banner) but we'll be posting some cossies soon that are ready to retire. Some of our prices sadly will have to rise (we undercharge honestly for the amount of time put into them... we just LOVE making them). Anyway...

These are our original designs. We have taken inspiration from different productions, from the US tour to Gothenburg to Australia to Japan, less UK because it gets the most attention and we like COLOR! but this is all us. Our goal is to a) have characters be recognizable and b) make swing unitards in palates that could pass as at least 3 characters for emergency. When our rentals go out, swing unitards go with them, and ultimately it's the director who decides what makes the final cut (so a less yellow Demeter for example--but we LOVE that one).

If we ever do a production of Cats with Chaz, you'll notice one in Red, White, and some Black (but mostly Red and White, with fan ears, that is a design David created and is Chaz's FAVORITE design of all time. Any time he does a show, if we're hired, that costume goes. Usually Electra, but any ensemble/swing kitty and can cover for Sillabub or in a pinch Bombalurina. Yuka wore it at Interlakes before she did Victoria on the last US Tour! You might notice an Admetus in tans and GREEN undertones--that was my design he loved. We also did the purple twins (which was vetoed and I said, "Okay" then did it anyway because I knew he'd love it, which he did!), and REBA Gumbie Tap Suit was completely mine (everyone thought I was out of my MIND when I started making it! Even David! Then the shoulder pads came, and the belt, and tail, and BEDAZZLING!!! SO MANY RHINESTONES!!!!) Our Misto coat lights up but we still have a lot to learn about arduino since we'd eventually like to make it blink to music. The Misto coat is also created to fit a multitude of sizes, basically the theatre using their department for alterations since we make use of stretch fabric. I've known Bronson for almost as long as Chaz (he even designed my author website!!!) so when I saw him cast, I showed him his costume (a much, much browner/redder Gus than most see--I was serious about liking color) and let him choose between two coats. He said he wanted pants and we went, "NO! PANTLESS PRODUCTION!" because we thought he was joking! We didn't realize... HE REALLY WANTED PANTS!!!! SORRY BRONSON! So shout out to Wichita for making him pants! LOL!

There is a HUGE joke about Tumble thirsting for Tugger more than the girls so you'll notice that with the Tugger ABOUUUOUOUOUOUOUOUUUUUUUUUT THAT.

Hope that's of interest! And no, I'm not procrastinating on edits when my agent deadline is Sunday. Haha... ha... ha... ha... ha... Sera, if you're reading this I PROMISE I'M WORKING OKAY??? I DIDN'T KNOW WE GOT ON BROADWAYWORLD!!!

We also saw some comments about casting in general and some confusion/questions about different dancers doing different parts (Alonzo vs Plato). Would anyone be interested in learning more about the casting process in general and things that directors/choreographers need to take into consideration? Please note, I will not discuss ANY performers we work with. Ever. All are extraordinary and these are tough calls that aren't easy to make and based on other factors, including the ensemble at large, and sometimes huge changes are made.

[yandere-kokeshi]

Yandere Shinso with curvy gn neko reader

Request(ed?): Yes! - gn reader with shinso? They have a cat quirk that functions with ears and a tail, plus, they are curvy and have blump hips...? — Requested by 🦴 anon.

Warnings: NSFW headcanons towards the bottom; minors dni!!

Authors note: This was soooo cute!!! I may have gone overboard so enjoy haha. Also, there may be some mistakes; Kloe is busy atm with their private life :)

His dream has finally come true. Years and years of dreaming of petting your ears and messing with your cat-like instincts are making him a blushing and smirking mess.

Hitsoshi will definitely be using the nicknames: kitten, kitty, whiskers, and mama-cat. Not that he uses these before, but they are more prone to show up due to your quirk.

Whenever you yawn or sneeze, showing your fangs and narrow tongue, he gets very bashful. I can't promise you that a few times you'll yawn, he'll boop your canine teeth or try to pull your tongue.

Because of his insomina, that has yet to go away during his adult years, he loves that you sleep mostly the day and practically stay up all night. He gets to cuddle more, and he has a reason to sleep in with you during the weekends.

Those slitted eyes of yours make him feral! He absolutely loves how they change from 'cute' to 'serious' very quickly. This also includes with him messing with your cat-like instincts! Hitoshi will buy many, many cat toys (Ex. Laser pointer, feather wand, and cat-nip) to see if you act like 'an actual cat'.

If you ‘nyah’ around him, he’ll literally pass out with a nose bleed. If he does hear you make that sound, he'll tease you and beg for you to do it again: "Come'on kitty, no need to be embarrassed. Pretty please, do it again."

Definitely will twirl your tail in his giant hands when he's relaxing and bored. However, if it's sensitive, he will be more cautious around it but at times, he has impulsive mood-swings where whenever he sees it swing side-to-side, he grabs it ‘angrly’ and slightly tugs on it.

Hitoshi loves to play with you, so when you ‘love-bite’ him, it never bothers him and practically (silently) begging for you to do it again.

If you can change into a cat, he’ll definitely love for you to turn into it! And yes, this includes him buying the best cat-trees for his lover. He’ll even buy the famous shark, sushi, and honey cat-bed; hoping you’ll lay into them if you decide to turn into that form. He'll also be hoping that you'll want to lay with him, maybe on his chest or lap; Hitoshi really wants to love on you.

Always preps kisses all over your face, ears, and tail; including your chonky cheeks and neck; including gently teasing you by grazing his teeth, to hint, that he'd like to be bitten on his body.

Whenever you snuggle and rub yourself against him, it never fails to make him smirk and chuckle out loud. He finds your behavior so cute and hard to resist his urge to squeeze your plushy body.

Hitoshi will buy you cute lingerie to wear in, including bow ties for your tail and a bell choker, hoping to pull on it as he snaps into you fastly; holding your love handles like his life depends on it.

If he can have bite marks on him or you, he's set for the whole day. He'll purposely wear shirts that reveal his neck to show others that he's taken by his favorite kitten.

Hitoshi always loves to cum onto your back, watching it drip down your lower bottom and mix it with your tail; don't worry, he helps you clean up afterwards.

Giving head to Hitoshi is always an adventure. Your tongue against his erect shaft feels amazing, he's never felt something like this before; quiet groans coming from the man above you while he rubs your ears, watching you resist the urge to slightly graze your teeth against his length.

Will playfully pull your tail as you take the chance to be control, teasing you with his manipulative voice: "You can do it, come'on... I know you have it kitty. Be a good kitten and cum for me, will you?"

—

Thank you for reading! Check out my masterlist for more!

Comments, reblogs, and likes are very much appreciated!!

[subskz]

when you said you’d be posting part 5 shortly i wasn’t fully expecting to wake up to her. either way, i’ve read her and come with notes 😼

first, i have to begrudgingly admit, i was either tearing up or full on crying the whole time. thank you for that🤩

starting it up with a minho breakthrough moment… i love him. he’s so stupid but so minho. him admitting he was wrong, talking things out while still holding that same silly air lino always seems to have about him. i could practically hear his laugh when you wrote it in 💔🔨 he’s so beautiful. brb i need to stare at him for a second.

CHANGBIN 😭😭😭😭 💔🔨 gilc. i’ll say it til the day i die. he’s so…. 😖😖😖 this section made my tears fall fr. i understood the reader so well. i also have a tendency to assume people will react poorly/negatively to news, so i just avoid telling them altogether. pain, suffering 😪 so glad changbin reacted in his normal binnie way and brought light to the scene. i fucking love him

…………………. you know what’s next. once again, the way you write chan is fucking astounding. down to his silly little habits that make him unbelievably endearing. the sweater paws making a comeback? him rubbing his nose the same time reader tugs their ear?? they’re disgusting, i want what they have. chan hitting us with “i’m sorry” literally shut the fuck up!! fucking opened the flood gates, i didn’t stop crying for the rest of this scene. you wrote it so well. they finally had a conversation and it seems to have worked!! “five fingers, one for each of the days you’d spent apart” literally just shoot me next time 😭💔🔨

and the smut…. delicious 😛 starting it up with reader thinking about wanting to give him a bath, to wash his hair for him?? same queen, they get it. and then the body worship??!?? the PRAISE?!?!??! you really know the way to my heart. everything about this was perfect, immaculate, splendid, magnificent! when he giggled and hid behind his hands? nauseating. he’s perfect! 🤩

thank you once again for putting so much time and love into this series! you really hit it out of the park with this and it’s my new favorite ever. the way you wrote everyone was so endearing and so true to the way they present themselves irl and i’m amazed. so thank you 💖💖💖

last question, it’s very important! 😡 …..was berry included in the family that came in for his graduation??😇 -🐾

HAHA im gonna miss this trend of you waking up to find a new bb update! and of course the delight of getting to read ur wonderfully thoughtful notes ㅠ they’ve made me smile so much u have no idea!

TEARING UP/CRYING THE WHOLE TIME??? this was not what i had in mind when i said i’d make it up to you i’m very sorry for another installment of tears 😭 i hope some of them were at least out of happiness this time! and i hope u feel much better now that the dust has settled <3

starting it off w our favorite piece of work…lino thought he was clever he really did…but if there’s one thing that can interfere w his razor sharp intuition it’s the cosmically intertwined fates of channie n the reader hehe. i’m so glad u felt it stayed true to him! that’s the highest compliment to me esp when it comes to minho ♡ he is so beautiful…in true kitty fashion he gets away w his menace behavior bc he is simply too pretty

GILC!!!! 🥰 i just have to say it’s made me so happy how much u seem to have enjoyed binnie throughout bb bc he was my absolute favorite to write! it’s heartwarming to know the fun i had w him was also shared w u ^_^ he is truly the only one among these fools w a good head on his shoulders lmao i so badly wanted to give him a fully fleshed out scene w the reader reconciling w him but it was just…already so long 😭 and i completely understand ur connection to the reader in that sense i think it’s a very human trait! when u wanna ensure the happiness of ur loved ones ofc it’d be scary to be the bearer of bad news, esp if ur at the center of it </3 but a true friend like binnie cares abt ur happiness just as much! even if it means bearing the weight of some unpleasant things sometimes~

our channie ㅠㅠㅠㅠ this whole series was essentially a love letter of sorts to him and everyone out there who is like him, so to know that u liked channie’s portrayal and felt bb could capture even a fraction of how lovable he is in reality…that’s really everything to me ㅠ i’m so glad u caught that lil moment too HAHA they have left irreversible marks on each other! and yes…channie wears those sweater paws to feel safe but nothing is safer than when they are holding hands…they are disgusting -_-; that scene was probably the most difficult out of the entire series to write (along w the breakup scene LOL) so it’s a huge relief that u feel that way, thank you so much!! things aren’t perfect but the first step towards smth better has at least been made!

i was hoping that as an outspoken member of the bang christopher chan praise club you would enjoy that scene hehehe it was really the bare minimum of all the love and adoration and pleasure he deserves as u always say 💗💗💗 i’m so glad it was to ur liking!! channie hiding behind his hands is forever a weakness of mine…i think i’ll find a way to incorporate it into everything i write somehow

i wish i could put into words how giddy each msg you’ve sent over the course of this series has made me and how much you’ve encouraged me w your interest and positive energy!! i truly can’t thank you enough, it’s been such a joy to read ur thoughts and i’m just so grateful that you were here every step of the way! thank you from the bottom of my heart <3

the most important question of all…you KNOW she was!! i dont care how difficult it is to travel overseas w a dog, berry was absolutely there to cheer channie on w the rest of his family 🥰

[selamat-linting]

So what were your personal highlights from Wrestlemania weekend?

in no particular order

-the damage ctrl and est team entrances. peak aura. everyone look like theyre worldwide famous and they each have a distinct theme going on.

-cody rhodes using the spear. roman reigns using cross rhodes. this is the kind of super indulgent power move that should be saved only for big fights with months and even years of build up and story. its like kicking out after eating three finishers, im glad it happened on this match and this match only

-seth's costume on both nights. including the shield gear

-oh my god when the shield music hits i feel like getting a heart attack

-drew's... series of shenanigans. He came out all intimidating with that amazing bagpipe entrance, came home wearing wet big kitty cat ears because of hubris

-becky came out of her match with rhea as one my faves. she really delivers on the selling and making rhea as a very strong and dominant woman

-cm punk existing :)

-Iyo saying to bayley that she loves her (okay she said she's her friend but we all know what she means haha) and bayley trusting her just for a few seconds, enough for iyo to backstab her again, and yet bayley winning. I love angst and betrayals so yea. honestly its overall a good match. also bayley is one of my fave so im glad to see her win

-john cena returning and existing the same ring as cm punk makes me go insane. i know theyre probably too old to recreate their feud again but i really want a second punkcena renaissance 🥺

-la knight biting aj styles lmao. la knight screaming oh god when aj slams his leg to the ring post. la knight winning :)

-and the ladder match with the tag team titles. ngl i was planning to skip this one since i usually dont enjoy matches with more than four people in the ring. but miz, truth, grayson, and theory are really funny to me so i decided to give it a try and end up laughing.

[fff777]

Hiking Sehun!

On one hand, Sehun acts like an expert with how he's casually dressed and how he knows how long it'll take him to make the round trip. On the other hand, Sehun is a massive bluffer on occasion lol.

Friend telling him that he'll regret it if he doesn't eat before.

He has quite a few staff with him though, eh? I didn't notice because obviously a bunch of them are behind the camera.

Stretching must be always

Sehun's been to this mountain 5 times though, so maybe there is truth to his good estimate lol.

Sehun's been to the highest mountain in Korea, Hallasan, and it took him 8 hours.

His hands are freezing and the guy was like "I told you to wear gloves..."

Look at how bundled up this guy is compared to Sehun. It's like winter vs. spring lol.

I'd watched the Key & Renjun hiking video before and it made me jealous that there are so many mountains in Korea that are easily accessible to urbanites. I imagine it's good for their health too, both in terms of long distance walking, but also becoming accustomed to breathing in the higher altitudes.

Cameraman abandoned?!?!

Friend having a hard time and Sehun being like "I told you that's why I don't eat before hikes." l guess it's a little like how you shouldn't eat before you swim or do intensive exercise because you'll be moving up and down a lot as you go up the steps.

Friend: You should have stopped me [from eating the fish cake]

Sehun wants to bring Vivi here but he doesn't like walks lol. And also he thinks he's a human hehe.

They've only been walking for 18 minutes ^^;; Still a long way to go

4 of his team dropped out and only 3 are left!!! (Including him) RIP

It looks like the cameraman is also a hiker, so he and Sehun are chatting about hiking on Hallasan.

Sehun: Maybe I could hike Hallasan in 6 hours Cameraman: ...

Sehun took all his friends to the top of Hallasan :o A leader :P

Man, this makes me want to hike so bad!!!!!! I wish there were mountains in my area.

Sehun only started hiking 5 years ago :o Hopefully there's still hope for me lol. I mean as a person who wants to hike but is already an adult.

Sehun spotting the ones who are late lol.

I just looked up Hallasan and it's very pretty! It looks like there's something like a crater on top of a mountain and flowers grow there in the warmer months.

Sehun teaching us to wear layers :P Luckily I did know that >3

Here come the nightmare stairs???

Aw this hiking spot is very crowded on weekends :( The world is against the 9-5 workers T_T

Sehun is very no-fuss about this all :>

Sehun must have absolute thighs of steel the way he's just killing those stairs.

Less than 30% left!!!!!

He's just standing there with his arms crossed looking at the scenery like a dad

So once they arrive here, then they're almost done :3

Look at the trees behind them, they're kind of pretty :3

Sehun was saying how hiking gives him a sense of accomplishment, and it makes him feel refreshed. That's why I like running :3

Stairs are numbered

Looks like Sehun brings his friends hiking a lot :3

Sehun said Cheonggyesan isn't dangerous, just has a lot of stairs

Apparently Bukhansan has no stairs so it's dangerous, so you have to like, wear gloves and hold on to railing ^^;;

Walking around the stone three times for good energy

He's so tall lol

Absorbing energy

The manager that is lagging behind him (presumably the friend I was referring to before?) was in the Marine Corps.

The guy hiking with Sehun was also in the Marine Corps haha.

Caught up :3

In the higher sections, it looks like the steps aren't as sturdy, so you'd still have to be careful not to hurt yourself I think.

Kitty!!!!

Arrived! 582.5 m above sea level.

Reached the top in 1 hr 15 min. That's pretty good if he expected to finish the trip in 2 hr 40 min.

Look! The bird!!

The view is pretty good too.

Going down will probably be a lot faster

Sehun's ears getting cold ^^;;

Sehun learned to adapt his breathing for dancing, which he finds easier than hiking :o Every day I hear idols tell us about how literally serving in the army is less intensive than the capitalism machine.

The manager had brought walking sticks because he said it would be better for his knees on the way down lol

Manager said that he'll practise on mountains like these before challenging Hallasan

There's an elementary school at the foot of Achasan Mountain and kids just go there to play :o Awesome

Sehun recommends Bukhansan and then Hallasan

Sehun went to Hallasan a couple of days ago?? He's just busy hiking eh lol.

He had to wear spikes and bring walking sticks because it was already snowy at Hallasan.

A six year old girl climbed Hallasan!!!! Queen!!!

The video was an excuse to go hiking >3

Sehun said he didn't think Manager would go up but Manager was like "I won't give up!!"

Lol Manager was the only one who ate fish cakes XD So lesson learned I guess. Eat very lightly.

Sehun teaching Manager to go down the stairs sideways and to switch sides because it will be better on your muscles.

HIKING BATTLE!!!!! That would be sooo fun.

Omg Sehun should totally make a hiking video channel!!!!

Sehun said he expects that this will be his last video before he enlists ;_;

It took about 2 hr 15 min!! I think they managed to do it fast because they dropped the slower members of their group lol.

Sehun telling us about the elderly folks who walk backwards for their muscles.

Awww what a nice video.

Like I said with the Key & Renjun video, this just made me really want to hike.

But other than that, I liked this video! I realize that Sehun plays up the brattiness for variety content. But here, we see Sehun who's a little more himself. He enjoys hiking a lot, something that I didn't know. And he just wanted to share this activity with his fans. For once, he's the one controlling the narrative, he's showing us his hobby through his eyes, rather than his performing through the lens that the company chooses for him.

Anyway I'd be so down for Sehun starting a hiking channel. I can hike vicariously through him haha.

[aalissy]

Late Nights on Their Balcony

Hello!!! I’m finally writing again whooohooo. And of course it’s 4k words of Marichat hurt/comfort haha. Be warned this is SUPER angsty and contains a lot of dark thoughts! I really needed to write some hurt/comfort tho after the idea of Adrien being a sentimonster. Anywho, I hope you enjoy <3

AO3 

There was an incessant tapping noise coming from her trapdoor.

Clenching her eyes shut, Marinette swatted at the air, grumbling at the noise to just shut up already. It was probably close to two in the morning and all she wanted to do was just sleep. There had been so many akuma attacks recently and that on top of her schoolwork meant that she had little free time for anything. Including sleep. 

For a brief second, the noise seemed to stop and she breathed out a puff of relief, snuggling back into her warm blanket. Murmuring contentedly, her dream beckoned her back to sleep with joyful visions of Adrien and ice cream. She was violently ripped out of her make-believe fantasy world, however, when the tapping grew incredibly louder, transforming into an almost pounding knock. 

Marinette bolted upright, blinking her eyes blearily as she glared up at the noise. Who on earth was making this racket this early in the morning?! Feeling a sense of righteous hot fury bubbling up inside of her, she pushed herself up and prepared to open her trapdoor.

Before she could, though, a tiny, sleepy voice called out her name, “Marinette?”

Grimacing, she glanced down at Tikki who was rubbing one of her eyes as she looked at her owner in confusion. Placing her finger on her lips, she gently shushed her kwami, whispering, “It’s alright, Tikki. Go back to bed and I’ll figure out what’s going on. I’ll wake you if it’s an akuma.”

Her kwami nodded her head tiredly before curling back up on Marinette’s pillow. She looked at Tikki longingly for a brief moment before another loud knock startled her out of her pining. Feeling another wave of white, hot anger, Marinette forcefully pushed open her trapdoor. 

“What is making that loud, banging sound?” she screeched, poking her head out as she glared around for the source of the noise. All of her rage melted away in a single instant as she saw what awaited her though. 

There, sat not two feet from her was Chat Noir. A very distraught Chat Noir. His ears were low on his head and his green eyes were brimming with tears. His raised, clenched hand trembled uncontrollably where it was about to do another knock if Marinette hadn’t already opened her hatch. Slowly, Chat lowered it to his lap as his ears drooped even more. “I-I’m sorry,” he whispered, “But I didn’t... I didn’t know where else to go... what else to do.”

Instantly, Marinette launched herself at him, wrapping him up in a giant bear hug as she felt her own eyes well up with tears. Who had dared to hurt kitty? Quietly, she murmured in his ears, “Shush, shush it’s okay. It’s okay. You can always come to me no matter what, my Chaton. I didn’t know it was you. I didn’t know it was you.”

His head buried itself in her shoulder as his body shook with stifled sobs. Marinette clenched her own eyes shut as her lower lip wobbled, sucking it into her mouth as she fought against her own emotions. Instead, she focused on him, caressing his head and back as she clutched him to her tighter. She murmured words of encouragement in his ear, hoping... praying that he would be okay. That she could fix this somehow.

Often, Marinette would lift her head to scan the sky for any signs of a purple butterfly. She was not going to let him get akumatized. Not on her watch. Not again. At this point, she wasn’t even certain that their secret identities would keep her from transforming into Ladybug just to keep her kitten safe.  

They remained embraced for what seemed like hours. The only noises penetrating their bubble were the quiet sounds of Parisian traffic and Marinette’s whispers of support. After an even longer while, Chat finally pulled back with a quiet sniffle. With a quivering claw, he reached up and brushed some of his tears away. “Thank you, Marinette. I-I needed that. More than you could ever know.”

She searched his eyes, hoping that she could figure out all of the answers from them. Finding none, Marinette raked a hand through her hair, blowing out a shaky breath. Scrubbing a hand down her face, she gnawed on her lip. “W-what happened kitty? I-It wasn’t something Ladybug did, w-was it?”

Marinette didn’t know what she’d do if it was her that had left him this distraught. Guilt was already eating her alive for not having noticed that he was this devastated as his partner. She had already experienced what it was like to lose Chat Noir and she couldn’t... wouldn’t do that again. It was just too impossible for her to work without him.

Luckily, Marinette didn’t have to wander down that line of thinking for too long because he was already shaking his head. Unfortunately for her, though, his eyes returned back to that desolate, hollow look they had before she had clutched him to her. Marinette internally cursed herself for asking, wishing she could yank the words back into her mouth to get some of the light back into Chat’s eyes. 

“No, it wasn’t her. This was me. It was all me. It’s all my fault that I’m a... I’m a...” He cut himself off, choking back another sob and Marinette felt her heart break in two. All she wanted to do at this moment was just wrap him up and keep him away from anything that could possibly hurt him. 

Slowly, she shook her head as she reached out a hand, hesitating just before his face, unsure if Chat wanted the contact. He practically dove into her hand before she could take it back though, pressing his cheek tightly against it as his eyes fluttered closed. Swallowing down the lump in her throat, Marinette caressed his cheek lightly before finally murmuring, “I’m sorry kitty but I don’t understand. If it’s this big, why haven’t you gone to Ladybug? I’m sure whatever it is, the two of you would be able to fix it together.”

Chat gasped in a stuttering breath, before shaking his head roughly. “No! I-I can’t go to Ladybug. I don’t know what she’d do if she found out. And I know she doesn’t want to reveal our identities. And she’s so smart I just know she’ll figure out who I am if I tell her.”

Shoving down the little voice in her head that was screaming at her to stop, Marinette reached out, grasping onto his hand with her free one and squeezing it tightly. “Then tell me. Maybe the two of us can figure it out together... and even if we can’t, it might be better for you to just tell someone else. I don’t want you keeping all of this hurt inside mon Chaton.”

He glanced up at her, his eyes sparkling with what almost seemed like hope before they dimmed again. Marinette’s heart dropped as Chat hesitantly shook his head. After a little while, he whispered, “I can’t... I wish that I could but you’re just as smart as Ladybug. You’d figure me out in a heartbeat, Marinette, and I know Ladybug would kill me if she found out.”

For a brief second, she was furious at her own secret identity before pushing that aside. Her anger over her own rules would have to wait. Regardless of how she felt about them right this second, they were there for a reason and her rational self understood that. At the moment, though, all Marinette could think about was punching whoever had hurt her Chaton in the face. Repeatedly. Either way, she needed to find a way for Chat to trust her. If she let her partner go off on his own like this, it was only a matter of time before he got akumatized and Marinette didn’t know if she could defeat Chat Blanc a second time.

“You can’t just keep this inside, Chaton. I’m really worried about you. What do you think Ladybug would do if you got akumatized?” Marinette once again ignored the screeching voice in her head that sounded suspiciously like Tikki. Sucking in a deep breath she murmured, “And besides... what about... you know... Scarabella?”

Marinette struggled to keep her eyes on Chat, wishing she could avoid his gaze as guilt gnawed at her once again. Carefully, she retracted both of her hands from him. Nibbling on her lower lip, she prayed that he wouldn’t be able to tell just how nervous she was. 

If she could go back and do it all over again, she would tell him the instant that she told Alya her identity. But, at the time, she had been so stressed that taking just that little bit of weight off her shoulders had helped so much. Marinette had kept waving off the fact that she hadn’t told Chat yet, telling herself that she’d explain the situation to him later when she had more time. That time never came and she hadn’t even thought about the consequences until after they had already happened.

Chat blinked at her in confusion, tilting his head. “What about her?”

“Well,” Marinette started, rubbing her arm. “Your argument with her was pretty publicized. So I assume you didn’t know who she was, right? Meaning Ladybug didn’t tell you about her.”

“Right,” he breathed out, looking at her in a mixture of both awe and admiration, causing a light blush to dust across her cheeks. “See what I meant about you being smart, purrincess. You figured that out so easily.”

Marinette fought to hide a wince. She hadn’t figured that out as easily as he thought. Chat had no clue that they were talking about her. Either way, some light had returned to his eyes and he had made a pun for the first time since he arrived on her balcony. A small one, sure, but he was punning again. She must be doing something right if he was starting to act at least a little bit like his old self.

Shooting him a small smile, Marinette continued her speech as she pushed herself up to stand. “Well, if she gave someone the Ladybug miraculous, it probably means she told someone else her identity. Don’t you think it’d be a little hypocritical of her if she killed you over someone, perhaps, hypothetically, figuring out your identity? Especially if you don’t know for certain if this information even will reveal your identity.”

Besides, it wasn’t like she was going to actually figure out his identity. In fact, Marinette was going to actively take steps to ensure that she wouldn’t find out who he was. 

Chat’s brow furrowed with thought and she clenched her hands together to keep herself from smoothing out the little wrinkle that appeared on his forehead. After a long, long pause, he eventually looked up at her. “I... I think you may be right.”

Hearing those words, Marinette’s shoulders instantly relaxed and she quickly sat back down on her balcony floor, taking his hands in hers once again. “So then tell me what happened, Chaton. Who hurt you so badly that you rushed over here so early in the morning? And don’t tell me that it’s all your fault because I won’t believe you.”

His lip quivered and his emerald eyes filled with tears once again. Quickly, Marinette threw her arms around him as Chat cried softly into her shoulder. After a few moments, he mumbled something that she couldn’t hear. With a small frown, she slowly pulled away looking at him in confusion. “I’m sorry kitty, I couldn’t hear you. What did you say?”

“But it is my fault,” he whispered, “I’m a... I’m a monster.”

Chat finished that statement with a loud sob. His face practically crumpled with distress as he leaned away from her, almost as though he were afraid that he’d hurt her. 

Marinette scooted closer to him, determined to prove that he wasn’t a monster and she would never be scared of him. Even when he was dressed in all white, he would always be her best friend and she would always fight for him. Slowly, Marinette shook her head at him. “You are not a monster. You’re a hero. One of the best ones Paris has ever had. And you’ve saved both me and this city more times than I could even count. Whoever told you that was wrong, Chaton. They’re the monster, not you.”

He pushed himself up, pacing around her balcony as his tail lashed out behind him. Chat raked a hand through his hair angrily before he finally turned back to her. “But you’re wrong, Marinette.” He practically spat with anger, “I am a monster. I-I’m not even real.”

She frowned at him, not understanding what he was trying to say to her. Slowly, Marinette stood up and walked towards him. “Of course you’re real. How could you even say that, Chaton? This is real, isn’t it?” 

Reaching out, she grabbed his hand, entwining their fingers together before squeezing it tightly. He blinked down at their hands and for a brief moment, Marinette truly believed that she had gotten through to him before Chat took his hand back, turning to face the moon as he sunk down against her railing. Slowly, she leaned on the railing next to him, looking out at the night sky as she waited for him to speak again.

After a few moments of silence, Chat eventually heaved out a long, uncertain, almost bitter sigh. “You’re right, Marinette. That was real. But only because you’re real.”

“Chat, please, I’m not understanding you. What’s wrong? I’m sure we can come up with a solution if it’s hurting you this much.” She turned to face him, desperation shining through her blue eyes wishing that she was smart enough to piece together just what it was he was trying to convey. 

Before Marinette could even finish her words, though, Chat was already shaking his head, still staring out at the night sky. “I can’t, Marinette. I’m scared.”

“Scared of what?” A small frown creased her brow with those words. Chewing on her lower lip, she watched in despair as his eyes grew misty once again.

“Scared that you’ll see me differently. That you really will be afraid of me and won’t trust me anymore. That I’ll lose you,” Chat whispered so softly she almost couldn’t hear him. His fists clenched tightly as they trembled by his side.

Pursing her lips as a small spark of annoyance flared up inside her, Marinette placed her hands on his cheeks, turning him to face her. She searched his gaze and saw nothing but hopelessness. Determination blazed inside her and Marinette spoke slowly but assuredly, leaving no room for doubt in her words. “That is never going to happen, mon Chaton. You are never going to lose me and I will certainly never lose trust in you. You’re one of the best superheroes in Paris and one of my best friends. Nothing is going to change that.”

Chat’s lips slowly fell open as she continued her speech and she felt her cheeks turn pink as his eyes lit up with something she prayed was hope. After a few moments of silence, Marinette finally took a few steps back, an even redder bloom appearing on her face. Flexing her hands as a cold breeze brushed against them, she tried to ignore the urge to get close to him again.

Luckily for her, though, Chat broke the distance himself, claiming her hands with his own as he squeezed them tightly. “Thank you, Marinette. You have no idea just how much I needed to hear that.”

A soft, shy giggle escaped her as he then took his hands and threw them around her, wrapping her up in a large hug. Marinette’s eyes fluttered closed as she buried her head in his shoulder, breathing in his familiar scent. Just like this. If they could just stay like this forever with no akumas and no Hawkmoth everything would be alright. There would be no need to worry about whatever idiot told Chat he was a monster because he would remain in her arms for the rest of time. 

Unfortunately for her, though, they did live in a world with akumas and idiots. With a reluctant, heavy sigh, Marinette slowly pulled herself from his grasp, leaning back to look him in the eyes. Ignoring his adorable pout, she murmured, “Please, kitty, tell me what’s wrong.”

A long, shaky breath escaped him before he finally said the words she had been waiting for all night. Words spoken so quietly she had to practically strain her entire body to hear. “I’m a... I’m a sentimonster.”

Marinette stiffened in surprise, a gasp of shock escaping from her lips before she could stop it. She would have assumed he was joking if he hadn’t been so serious and so distraught when he first landed on her balcony. 

Chat quickly backed up away from her. Obviously, he mistook her shock for fear and whatever expression that was on her face instantly melted away to desperation. Marinette reached out for him, a small whimper leaving her lips. He didn’t hear her, though, and instead began to pace the small length of her balcony. One of his hands raked through his hair roughly as his tail lashed out behind him angrily.

“I knew it. I knew it. I can’t believe I thought for one second that you wouldn’t be afraid of me,” Chat said, his voice shaking with emotion, “I never should have told you. I am a monster.”

Those words instantly snapped her out of the daze she had found herself in. With a soft cry, Marinette launched herself at him. Latching herself onto his back, she tightened her grip as she buried her face into his costume. “No, no, kitty! I’m so sorry! I was surprised, that’s all! I would never be afraid of you. Least of all for something like that!”

“Really?” His faint, unsure reply sounded.

“Really!” Marinette bobbed her head up and down furiously as she cuddled even closer to him. Her eyes were welling up with tears even as she tried to blink them back. She couldn’t even imagine what she’d do if she found out she was a sentimonster. Or even what she’d feel! Once again, she was filled with the unbelievable urge to just wrap Chat up and hide him away from the rest of the world so that she could keep him safe forever. When she finally got a handle on her emotions, Marinette eventually sniffled, “H-how did you even find this out, Chat? A-are you sure?”

“I’m sure,” he choked out, slowly turning around, careful not to dislodge her so that he could hug her back just as tightly. “The amok’s in his ring.”

“S-so you know who it is, then?”

“Yeah.” Chat chuckled bitterly. “I know who it is.”

Marinette pulled back slightly, peering into his bright green eyes as a small frown creased her brow. “Then... who?”

“It’s... it’s my father.” He turned his head, avoiding her gaze.

A wave of indignant fury welled up inside her. She wanted to shake she was so angry. If Chat’s father was placed in front of her right now, Marinette was pretty certain he’d be dead within seconds. The raw, murderous rage she felt right now reminded her of the time she got hit by Psycomedian’s power. Taking a deep breath to try and push down some of the anger, she gnashed her teeth together. “And he told you that you were a monster?” 

“Not... not exactly.” Chat exhaled a long puff of breath. “It’s his actions that get to me. He doesn’t let me leave the house. He won’t let my friends come over. I have to be this perfect, ideal son for him otherwise it’s like I’m worth less than nothing. And every time I try to stand up to him... every time I try and say no I can feel all of my resistance fade away to nothing. And I never understood why... until today. He sees me as nothing because I am nothing. I’ve never been real to him.”

If the rush of outrage was overwhelming before, it was nothing compared to the shattering wave of anguish that hit as soon as Chat spat out those last words. Once again Marinette felt tears prick her eyes and this time she was unable to stop them from falling. “Listen to me, Chaton. You are not nothing. You have never been nothing. And you mean everything to me. You mean everything to so many people. Being a sentimonster does absolutely nothing to change that. You’re still you.”

His gaze immediately snapped back to hers, looking so boyish and full of joy and hope that she physically had to stop her heart from breaking for him. All he wanted... all he needed was love and affirmation and the fact that his own father couldn’t give him that brought Marinette more pain than she realized. 

It was then that she was struck by a wave of familiarity. The face in front of her transformed and suddenly it was all she could see. Instead of Chat Noir’s green cat eyes staring at her all she could see was Adrien’s vibrant emerald ones. But no... it couldn’t be... could it? 

No! She wasn’t supposed to find out. Shaking her head slightly, Marinette shoved down the little voice taunting her with knowledge she had promised herself she wouldn’t find out. Even if the situation seemed like more than just a coincidence. Two absentee, controlling fathers, the same need to be perfect, the resistance that melts away at any sign of confrontation.

Luckily, Chat’s voice broke through her haze as he gave her a wobbly smile. “You really think so?”

Marinette’s gaze softened as she looked back at him. “I know so, Chaton. You’re a superhero. Nothing’s going to change that.”

He practically beamed, holding her closer to him as he murmured in her ear, “Thank you, Marinette. I knew I made the right choice coming to you. You always know just what to say.”

A warm puff of hot air brushed against the side of her face and she shivered slightly in his arms before stepping away from him, already longing to be back in his arms. But she needed to say this, needed to help him do something so that his father wouldn’t be able to do anything ever again. With a deep, steadying breath, Marinette asked, “You know what we need to do now, though, Chat?”

With a small, rather adorable tilt to his head, he looked at her confusedly. “What do we need to do?”

Her blue eyes glinted with determination. “We have to get the amokatized object away from him. Through any means necessary. We’re going to take his ring and give it back to you or lock it up somewhere far away so no one can ever hurt you again.”

Shifting uncomfortably, Marinette then turned to face the moon, debating over whether or not she should continue her speech. Chewing on her lower lip, she eventually murmured, “And, kitty, I don’t know how to say this... but I’m afraid your father may be Hawkmoth or at the very least knows him or something about him.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw him tense. Wincing, she turned back to face him, ready to throw her arms around him if need be. After only a few seconds, though, Chat relaxed causing Marinette to frown in confusion. With a wave of his hand, he said, “That’s not possible. He was a suspect a while back but m’lady and I crossed him off the list. He’s been akumatized before.” 

Her eyes widened with disbelief as memories came flooding back to her. The only potential suspect that they had ever had was Gabriel Agreste. And they had crossed him off the list after he got akumatized. This time she could do nothing to stop the image of Adrien and Chat Noir colliding together in her head. Before she could stop herself, Marinette quietly called out his name, “A-Adrien?”

He stiffened immediately, his eyes bouncing around rapidly as he seemed to panic before her. After a brief moment, Chat slumped over slightly, a hand moving back to scratch the back of his neck as he gave her a shy smile. The same smile she’s seen for so long and never pieced together. “Hello, Marinette.”

With a quiet sniffle, she bounded back over to him, throwing her arms around him as she buried her face in his chest. “It’s going to be okay, Adrien,” she murmured, clenching her fists on his suit. “We’ll fix this together, you’ll see. Your lady is never going to abandon you.”

Immediately, Chat brought a hand down to her chin, lifting her face up as he searched her eyes for something. “My lady? Marinette, what..?”

With her own small, bashful smile, she lifted a hand to brush against the cool metal resting in her ears. “It’s been me all along, Chaton. I’m Ladybug,” she whispered.

“Of course it’s you. Of course, it’s always been you. I could never imagine it being anyone else.” His eyes sparkled with happiness as he gazed down at her, looking as though she had just handed him the moon.

Feeling a blush bloom across her cheeks, Marinette would have been content to just remain in his arms forever as long as he continued to gaze at her like that. Unfortunately, they had a mission to complete. One that needed to happen as soon as possible as they finally got answers instead of more questions. With a brief nod to herself, she spoke with the same resolve as Ladybug whenever she figured out her Lucky Charm, “Alright, mon Chaton. It’s time for us to get some rest. We have a big day ahead of us tomorrow. Whether or not your father is Hawkmoth doesn’t matter. We’re getting your ring back. No matter how much of a fight he puts up.”

“I love you,” Chat said dreamily almost as soon as Marinette had finished her little speech.

She squeaked, her eyes widening almost comically as she came to terms with the fact that this was Adrien. Adrien just said he loved her. And she didn’t need one of her stupid, small plans to get him to do so. 

“I-I’m sorry!” Chat rushed out. “I don’t know why I said that! I know you have feelings for someone else and I promised I wouldn’t mention anything anymore but you just looked so mmrph...”

Marinette cut him off as she pressed their lips together. She poured all of the love and admiration she had for this boy into their kiss. After tomorrow, they might finally be free. Pulling back after only a few seconds, she murmured, “Rest now, my kitty. We’ll solve everything in the morning, I promise.”

His mouth gaped open as he blinked at her wildly. “What? B-but m’lady...”

“Shh.” She quietly shushed him, placing her finger on his lips. “In the morning. It’s late and I really need some rest.”

Slowly, Chat’s mouth closed and he nodded his head at her. “In the morning. Got it!”

Neither made any effort to move away from the other’s arms. With a small chuckle, Marinette eventually murmured, “You know the faster you get to sleep, the faster the morning will get here.”

Instantly, he bounced out of her arms, giving her a salute and a goofy grin as he extended his baton. “Right! Goodnight m’lady! And sweet dreams, my purrincess.” With one last purr, Chat bounded off into the night. 

Marinette watched him go with a soft sigh, wishing that he didn’t have to leave. Soon, she promised herself, you’ll see him soon. And together, you’ll fix this. Swiping at her eyes one last time, she opened her trapdoor, already mentally preparing for the day ahead of her tomorrow.

[lunamadrigal]

Benji questions

If Benji is adopted how come you mentioned he has family?

Can you explain his gift better? Aren't pumas brown or beige?

Our Benjito puma boy woop woop meow meow

Spoilers for the story so heads up. Also I'll say that quite a few questions are answered in Benji's stand alone story, Into The Wild. It's a short spin-off and I recommend reading that to get a better feel for his character overall. He's got layersssssss!

Trigger warning for death and fire.

🐈‍⬛ Where is Benji originally from? Luna's group are from Barichara and so is Benji. His families cabin was located in the outskirts of town, fairly isolated and surrounded by jungle.

🐈‍⬛ Is Benji adopted? His backstory is a painful one. Benji was thought to be the sole survivor of a soldier attack on his family's home after they set fire to it. Luna found him at the age of 8 in his burnt down cabin as a shifted cub, where he survived for multiple weeks alone in the wilderness after waking up with his gift. He was taken in by Luna and raised within their group but really with his independent personality he tended to be more of an adult, taking on big responsibilities and carrying a heavy weight he put on himself. Luna's group survived outside of Encanto for a decade so by the time Benji arrived in Encanto he was much older very respected as an equal adult and high ranked among their groups guards. His gift is a result of his parents ultimate sacrifice (think Pedro). So although it is later found out that his brother also survived the solider attack, by then he has fully accepted his place in Luna and Bruno's patchwork family. Bruno officially adopted him (and Mateo), giving them his last name Madrigal. Benji's full name after which is Benji Agresto Madrigal (Agresto meaning Wild and is his original last name that they included after adoption).

🐈‍⬛ What's Benji's gift? He always loved the jungle as a kid so I like to think that part of the reason he was given the ability to shift into a puma was cause of that (he's always been stealthy) but also to survive the world alone from the aftermath that he woke up to. If we were to pick apart science, I suppose he's a genetic abnormality but that's no fun haha Luna calls him her soot covered cub and I prefer that. He emerged from that wreckage "stained" in many ways. Similar to Camilo, Benji can shift into his puma at whim. He isn't able to speak to animals but has advanced hearing, smell and stealth/strength even while a human. Only Antonio can understand him when he's a puma (and of course Benji still understands people regardless, just not animals). Also just an author's note but #1 I didn't want to write panther repeatedly throughout 60+ chapter (LOL I'm lazy like that) and also I didn't want readers to connect Benji to Bagheera from the Jungle Book. I wanted him to have his own character/personality, free from an immediate association.

🐈‍⬛ Fun lil titbits:

Benji only purrs for Diego (their unique bond is shown throughout Into The Wild)

The tip of his ear is missing from a sword narrowly missing him (it's always covered by his hair and only seen when he's in puma form)

Benji's biological father was a talented musician so although Benji can't remember much from his childhood it's likely where he got his love for music, guitar playing and song writing

He's become a bit of a lie detector when in puma form, using his advanced senses to read people

If he's throwing a tantrum he tends to shift into his puma (imagining Bruno having to drag this giant kitty out the house gives me so much joy)

While Luna's group made the trek to Encanto Benji rarely shifted back from his puma, opting to stay in it to protect them, keep them warm at night and be on guard

His secret weapon that wins anyone over are his 'precious kitty eyes' (big saucer eyes that stare deep into your soul and destroy you)

Bits of the jungle can always be found somewhere on the boy, in his hair, stuck on his clothes, etc..

🐈‍⬛ Bruno commissioned his own patchwork family mural in town and this mini bonus chapter from Benji's POV will always break me:

Benji's POV

I thought I misheard Luna. But no. The second she stood up the truth was staring me in the face. Something had happened to Bruno. Her hands clutched her stomach.

NO. Hell no. Every emotion I felt bubbled up to the surface. My gift wanted to claw its way out of me, making my skin burn. Fight or flight kicked in.. Or maybe both? He needed me. I should have been there.

The wind stung my face, drying my tears as I pushed myself faster towards the river. No. Just no. I will never be too weak to protect my family again.

My feet hit the water with only one direction in sight. His.

"Stop!!", Isabela's voice screamed at me as her vines twisted around my limbs. How dare she... I thrashed my body, putting all my weight into it. I'm faster than this, better than this. I have to be. For him.

I was caught in her spiderweb, throwing everything I had at it. Shifting into my puma I screamed out, rippling the water beneath me.

"Shift Benji." Did she just command me? I scowled at her but she didn't blink. Great, I've created a monster, one that doesn't fear my beast. She saw right through my facade. I shifted as she let her vines go. Pretty sure she was going to slap me for trying to run. But she pulled me into a hug.

"Don't go. Please. We need you.", her words stung more than the wind that had whipped my face. Doesn't she get it? HE needs me. She could never understand... She's always had a father and I can barely remember mine from before.. My eyes burned, thinking back to the night Bruno had left. He had snuck into my room and accidentally woke me. I know he thought I had fallen back asleep but I heard him whisper it to me. 'I love you.'

I love you. Fate must hate me if it takes another father from me.

"It's okay to be angry.", she pushed my wet hair from my face. "But don't be mad at yourself." There was nobody else to be mad at though.

"Isa... I...." What could I even say to that. "He's mine.. my pá..." The truth.

"And nothing changes that. Okay?" Her reasoning might have made sense but it didn't help how I felt.

"Please come back...", she tugged on my hand. Both our feet were wet as we stood in the cool water.

I let her pull me back through town, too tired to care to look where I was going. But I knew this spot, where the smell of paint still filled the air. Our mural was coming up on this street. I ripped my hand from hers and turned down the road where it sat.

Shifting into my puma, I stared up at it. At least pumas can't cry, I joked to myself but it was true. I've looked at this portrait countless times, every night when I came back from the river. It's the only thing to comfort me from feeling so helpless. He wanted us to know that we'd always be a family. His familia.

"He made sure I added your puma.." José was next to me, pointing at the mark on my arm in the mural. "He said it was important to him. I guess I finally get to meet his 'wild boy' in the flesh." José smiled at me, probably thinking that he was helping but that only made me miss him more.

"Do you wanna sit for a bit longer Beno?", Isa ran her hand down the fur of my back.

I guess she realized my silence was answer enough. I wasn't ready to shift back and let her see me like this.

"I'll just be around the corner at José's for a few minutes." I looked at her.

"Please, don't go. Okay?" Sure whatever, I sighed and let a rumble slip through my chest.

Looking back at the mural, I played my favorite game with it. I'd count all the things I loved about it, hoping I'd discover something new every time. If I was lucky, I'd find one. Tiny hidden messages were riddled within it.

The most obvious one but one I could never look away from... His hand rested on my shoulder as I stood in front of him. In the other mural, with all the Madrigals, none of them were touching each other. Mostly displaying their gifts. But ours was different. We each had a hand on one another in some way, forming a symbolic circle. Our mural displayed our connection.

Luna stood next to Bruno, with Teo in front of her. Mateo's hand held onto a piece of fabric from the ruana I wore. A similar color to Bruno's but in a different pattern, with hints of purple from Luna's dress and cream from Mateo's shirt. My ruana had all the colors represented. On Mateo's shirt we were shown through embroidery. It reminded me of Diego's ruana, with the stitching from each symbol. Would he add Diego when he came back? What if he didn't make it back? Of course we'd add Diego. My mind raced.

I sighed, getting up to leave, when I saw it. Something new... Among the colors of the background, a few pieces of paper with sheet music were speckled throughout as if a gust of wind had caught them. I noticed it before but not this. I got as close to the painting as possible and saw the words on one of the papers.

'Beno,

You heard me,

I love you.

Always.'

He knew I had heard him.

I love you pá, I choked.

-----------

The purdy puma boy by @ramwdraws

More Benji art here

[aceofspadegrass]

I’m not having a good mental health day and could use some of your magic.

May I pretty please request some kitty ear canon Niragi and his kitty ear canon gf fluff please?

🥺

Cuddle Time

Characters: Niragii Suguru, his girlfriend

Genre: Fluff. Just.... sleepy cuddles. Oh my goodness it’s wholesome.

640 words

It’s a little short, and maybe there’s no like... kitty ears involved, but it’s the same wholesome OOC universe! You know, soft Niragi hours! Except in bed! Wholesomely!

Of course, if you want them with the kitty ears included, I can certainly write that for you! :D

—————————————————————————--—--—--—--—--

The gentle warmth besides Niragi as he woke up every morning was a wonderful feeling. He yawns, snuggling closer to his wonderful girlfriend, not wanting to move and lose precious minutes of happiness that he could only find in her. She breathed quietly against his collarbone, Niragi tilting his head down and breathing in her scent, tiredly giggling. He didn’t know what time it was, but he planned on laying here with her until they were forced to separate, sometimes hours at a time, to manage their own business.

Niragi really wished he could be by her side all day, but Aguni said no, because he had duties to perform and he couldn’t spend all day hugging his girlfriend like a happy black Labrador. It wasn’t like she was opposed to violence, far from it. She’d happily make a few inside wines into outside wines with the feral bastard. 

But Aguni had a bit of a point. At least he was free to do whatever the majority of the day. The same went for her, Aguni at least letting the lovebirds do whatever when he wasn’t in need of them.

Niragi felt her grip tighten, then loosen, a long and lethargic sigh coming from her as she comes out from dreamland. Niragi brightens, and squeezes her close, his girlfriend snorting in amusement as Niragi presses a small kiss on the top of her head.

“ Morning, kitten.” Niragi mumbles against the crown of her head, a hand coming to rest of his cheek. He leans against it, and the motion of her head moving tickles the underside of his chin, Niragi breathily laughing as they make eye contact in the dark. “ Morning.” She greets back, and she leans up, Niragi giggling as she places a morning kiss on the side of his chin. He playfully rolls his eyes, and takes her face by the chin, delicate but firm, and tilts her head up higher, and gives her a proper kiss, chaste but full of affection. She pushes him away, giggling.  “ Ewww, morning lizard breath!” Niragi grins, and only dives in for more, kissing her all over her face and then shifting downwards to get at her neck as well, leaving her laughing and weakly pushing her away. He pulls back only when he has his fill, his girlfriend resting her head underneath his chin and against his chest, letting out the remaining giggles that bubbled up. “ You’re such a dork, Niragi.” “ So? Maybe I just want to show you how much I love you. I’ll do it again! As many times as I feel like!” She huffs in amusement against his skin, and drapes her arm over his side, Niragi pulling her close to him and running his fingers down her back. “ So…… how long until we have to go?” She asks into the soft fabric of his shirt he slept in, Niragi shrugging.

“ I hope not for a long time. I’d much rather be here with you.” “ Haha…. Yeah. So do I. So do I.”  She rubs her forehead against him, and Niragi could hear her yawn. “ I hope you don’t mind if I went back to sleep, would you?” Niragi merely traces a heart between her shoulder blades. “ Do whatever you please, I’ll keep you safe and warm.” “ Thanks.” She mutters, and her breathing evens out, Niragi smiling fondly to himself as the gentle warmth continues to meld into his own skin. He loved this, every single bit of it.

He gently shuts his eyes, the warm touch dragging him gently into a blissful nothingness. If he was disturbed by anything other than the reawakening kisses of his lover, he likely wouldn’t let them off easy.

All he wanted was to be in the gentle embrace of her, nothing too extensive. Hopefully Aguni didn’t need them for a while….

[theendofeverafter]

My personal Ever After High ships

No one asked but I’m doing this anyway. Here are my own EA ships. Maybe I’ll make a separate page or something on my tumblr to list them (idk the lingo here haha). I’ll include my anti-ships at the bottom because there are some I’m personally really opposed to. 

In no particular order:

SHIPS

Darling Charming x Holly O’Hair - This is probably my one of my all-time favorites. Was there sufficient interaction in the show? Hell no, they spoke to each other one (1) time on camera. But they’re perfect for each other, I swear. Darling is a knight in shining armor, and Holly has always dreamed of the whole Prince Charming thing or whatever. She writes fanfiction about it, for chrissakes. Darling can be that for her. Plus, I’ve always pictured Holly as liking girls (no matter what she said in Thronecoming lol). Appling/Dapple is nice, but I think Darling can do better than Apple.

Raven Queen x Dexter Charming - One of the only canon ships, but a good one nonetheless. I really like them together. I forgot which post spelled it out on here, but someone else said that Dexter serves as the privileged, down-to-earth guy who feels misunderstood by his family, while Raven is the rebellious girl from the “wrong side of the tracks”. Even though Raven is still wealthy as the daughter of a king and queen, she’s still an outcast. I love that kind of pairing! Dex is one of the only non-Rebels to treat Raven like a real person. Raven teaches Dex how to color outside of the lines. I think they’re a good match for each other.

Lizzie Hearts x Daring Charming - No, I will not be swayed on this. Lizzie and Daring were the OG ship and another CANON pairing. Let’s dissect: Daring is dared by his friends to get a date with her. She has high standards (as she should) and doesn’t give him the time of day. He has to prove himself to her, not use cheap tricks to get her attention. After he takes her on an adventure (getting her out of her comfort zone), she warms up to him. Then she asks him to keep their date a secret, and he does! He takes the dare’s consequence on the chin to protect her reputation. This is honestly out of character for him, which is why I’m hyping up this otherwise bare-minimum act. This friendship continues into the books, as they interact a lot in A Wonderlandiful World. Lizzie and Daring complement each other, too: she’s a responsible, dedicated princess who never loses sight of what’s important. He’s a fun-loving prince who revels in public admiration. Lizzie can teach him to be more responsible while Daring can teach her to relax and have fun.

Ashlynn Ella x Hunter Huntsman - Not much needs to be said. Ashlynn has a vegan cheerleader significant other and you don’t. Jealous? I know I am.

Kitty Cheshire x Ramona Badwolf - She was a werecat, she was a werewolf.  Can I make it any more obvious? They’re both snarky and mischievous. Plus, Kitty would have a chance to redeem herself after almost outing Cerise and her family.

Briar Beauty x Hopper Croakington II - I’m so sorry for all the straight ships :( I promise the sequel to The End of Ever After will NOT be as straight as EAH. Anyway, Briar and Hopper have so much potential. You can tell that Briar has warmed up to him throughout the series. First it was her turning him down and being grossed out by his frogginess. Then she enlists his help with the True Hearts Day dance (though I have a hunch that this was all thanks to Cupid). Then she tolerates his existence at Spring Fairest (and even saves him from being blown away on the Fairest Wheel). Then she enlists his help again with the recreation spell in Epic Winter. She likes him, people! I think Hopper is a really nice guy and a perfect love interest for Briar, who deserves everything in the world.

Duchess Swan x Sparrow Hood - I will die on this hill. They’re together in the *show* and I can prove it. After they “break up” in True Hearts Day (they were just friends then), you see them in the background together all the time. In Epic Winter, they were together when they were spying on Grimm. Why do they spend so much time together? Are they just friends? Or is there something going on between them? I think the second is much more likely. I love their dynamic and wish it was explored more in the show. Also, someone has pointed out that Sparrow’s necklace is the same shape as Duchess’s earrings. This can’t be a coincidence.

Chase Redford x Justine Dancer - I’ll admit it, this ship came out of nowhere for me. It is entirely based on the fact that I think they’d look good together. Ramona/Justine shippers are entirely valid.

Jillian Beanstalk x Lilly-Bo Peep - My final wlw relationship, unfortunately. I feel like Lilly-Bo is a girl who wants to go on adventures, but can’t because of her needy sheep. Seriously, those animals are constantly crying for her attention. Jillian is freewheeling and can help Lilly-Bo chase her dreams.

Alistair Wonderland x Bunny Blanc - The two most boring Wonderlandians deserve each other. Mattel screwed ‘em up badly. Chase/Alistair shippers are valid as well b/c I don’t even know with these two. I guess I like that they’re such close friends? And that they can’t tell that the other person has a crush on them? Who knows.

Nina Thumbell x Humphrey Dumpty - This is another wtf ship. I headcannon these two as being a year younger than the main EAH characters, and I think they’d be cute together, so it’s a ship. No questions please.

The rest of the characters will either find people outside the school to date or not date anyone at all (yes, I’ve headcannoned Cedar as asexual and aromantic, even as a “real girl”).

ANTI-SHIPS

Raven Queen x Apple White - I think @rebelliouslyeverafter had a great post on this. I’ll link it here.

Rosabella Charming x Daring Charming - This is a personal preference since I’m a hardcore Dizzie shipper. I cringe every time I watch Epic Winter because the show pretended like Daring and Lizzie weren’t romantically involved. There’s nothing wrong with the ship inherently, but I much prefer Daring being the Beast but not in love with Rosabella.

Cerise Hood x Daring Charming - Same reasonings as above, but there’s even less material to refer to with this ship (in my opinion).

Duchess Swan x Poppy O’Hair - Why.

All other ships are fine to me, even if I don’t agree with them myself. And of course, you’re free to ship whomever you like. These are just my preferences.

[sigurdjarlson]

Started getting emotional thinking about Diily visiting the orphanage in Stormwind when she’s in town

It started after one of those children’s holidays one year and became a thing where she visits once in a while and tells them about whatever adventures she’s been having.

And Brightheart and Wildheart, big babies that they are, patiently let the kids pet them and tumble all over them her, purring softly.

(The lady who runs the orphanage was understandably more than a bit nervous about this at first but now is cool with it after Diily demonstrated they are harmless when not in battle)

Brightheart already has lots of experience with kids tumbling all over her, accidentally pulling on her fur and tail, just generally being kids…she experienced all that with the three Wintermoon girls growing up so she doesn’t even blink.

She’s just like “oh little small eared children hello” (after Teldrassil suddenly there are more than a few night elf children there too though..)

And frankly Diily does it because she knows what it’s like to be an orphan and these kids don’t..don’t really have anyone?

Mother mode activated

(It’s healing for her in a lot of ways)

But Ladelia is absolutely annoyed when she’s not explicitly invited (Diily doesn’t really think to do so because it’s become her thing she does on her spare time) and invites herself along

She’s a mage. She is literally a walking carnival of tricks and fun. She can make treats! (Not even just mana ones! She’s a great cook!!) She can do all kinds of cool..magic stuff.

And she’s goofy and fun and Diily’s heart is so warm watching her entertain them. Why she didn’t think to have her tag along she doesn’t know. (Maybe a part of her was being defensive of her own healing wounds)

Alaluria…avoids it at first despite being asked to come because..look at her. She isn’t exactly excited at the prospect of terrifying little kids with the whole demonic appearance thing (because regardless of how much she would deny it, it hurts to be seen as a monster)

And frankly she’s not naturally good with kids like the other two are. She’s not bad with them. As prickly as she can be she’d never be cruel to a child. Just a little awkward like she isn’t sure what to do with them lmao.

But you know, kids are always more accepting than you’d think. They’ve seen all kinds of people growing up in Stormwind (demon hunters included)

She ends up being good with them in her own way.

(She doesn’t want to ever have kids of her own and she won’t. She’s perfectly satisfied with being the Cool Aunt to the kids Diily and Ladelia may have in the future)

They’re so interested in her wings and she can’t help but find it endearing. “That’s so cool!” Yes, she can fly..watch this. Haha!!

And okay maybe demonstrating some of her powers at their request was a bit much, Miss Orphanage Lady but they asked.. ( and they thought the eye beam was so cool!!!)

And if she feels a less and less like a monster after these visits..well she keeps it to herself <3

I just 🥺 it would be so good and healing for all three of them and the kids too.

And naturally they’re all good at their respective professions (Skinning/Leather Working, Enchanting/Tailoring, Mining/Jewelcrafting) so they often bring stuff for them.

Little gifts, toys, clothes, etc. (Thinking about the Darkmoon Fair quest where you make toy prizes)

Alaluria is just like hey look at this gem I found the other day and it’s expensive and rare but one of the kids is fawning over it so she really doesn’t give a damn about it’s worth. Take it. Keep it or pawn it for some gold to spend at the market, she doesn’t mind either way.

Ladelia is..not allowed to enchant their shoes to make them run extremely fast anymore

But pieces of clothing that are enchanted to keep you extra warm, or other normal things? Definitely.

She does create light up magic shoes tho and that’s really fucking cool to the kids. (Dkdkdkdkf)

And now there are more kitties to cuddle. Well, Shadowclaw is a little intimidating at first, being a felsaber but like with Alaluria, the kids don’t seem particularly fazed.

Shadow just lays there patiently and she isn’t as pleasant to pet as her siblings and mother. She no longer has fur, she’s bone and scaly skin, but they seem to like her anyway.

Morningflower is an angel, very playful like Ladelia she’s always tumbling around with them, (always gentle, claws always sheathed, she’s aware of her size in comparison)

(they are all very well behaved sabers thank you very much)

And Alaluria has a knack for getting the quiet ones, the troublesome ones who are known for their acting out and temper tantrums and getting them to open up. And hey kid..I get it, you’re angry and you know what? that’s alright but..let’s find a better way to let it out?

(Although not through demon killing like her..like actual healthy coping mechanisms..she may have had to ask around to figure out what those would be first actually oops)

Maybe, it’s the survivalist/huntress in Diily but she’s immediately like..these children need basic survival skills ASAP. She somehow manages to make teaching basic first aid fun though. (With Ladelia’s help)

[seven-homosexual-dinosaurs]

Don’t let me go

Chapter 9: haha trauma go brrr

Chptr 8  Chptr 7  Chptr 6  Chptr 5  Chptr 4  Chptr 3  Chptr 2  Chptr 1

Kat awoke to a shrill scream cutting across the room. Jolting up with a start, she turned, searching her room for the source. Her eyes landed on Anne, sat up in her own bed, thick tears streaming down her face as she gasped for breath. Her eyes scanned the room frantically, wide and panicked. Hesitantly, Kat approached, eyes soft with concern.

“... Annie?” 

Anne jolted up, scrambling to the corner of the bed, curling into a tight ball as shaking arms shielded her head.

“Nononono please I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry Imsorryimsorryimsorry-”

Kat’s heart broke at how weak her cousin’s pleas sounded as she slowly approached the bed. 

“Anne? It’s me, Kitty. You’re not in trouble,” Kat murmured softly in an effort to console her broken friend. Her call fell on deaf ears as Anne pressed herself further away her, curling in on herself. 

“Please-I’m sorry- please-”

The door banged open as Jane, Catalina, and Cathy burst into the room. Jane rushed to her cousin’s side, much to the distress of Anne.

“No no nononono, please don’t-”

Jane stared mutely at Anne’s response, eyes wide and helpless. Taking charge, Cathy crossed the room slowly, stopping a little distance away from Anne. 

“Jane, go wait outside with Kitty. Lina, can you go make some tea? I’ll handle this,”

Kat led Jane outside, murmuring gentle reassurances. Catalina took action, hurrying to the kitchen. Once alone, Cathy sat on the floor next to Anne’s bed.

“Anne?”

No response.

Oh well, she could work with this.

“It’s me, B-6. Or Cathy. I don’t really know what works better for you right now, so anything works. We got away, remember?”

Anne stared at the wall before her blankly, a gentle stream of tears running down her face. Though, Cathy supposed, she no longer was pleading for mercy, so that was a win.

“We’re in my godmother’s house. You know, Lina. Kitty and Jane are waiting outside, Jane seemed really shaken. Anna’s probably sleeping at her house. You know, Kitty’s crush that’s extremely obvious to everyone except her,”

Anne’s lips twitched slightly, something Cathy considered a victory.

“I’m not gonna lie, we’re all really worried about you. But that’s okay, take all the time you need, we’ll wait,”

The two sat in a comfortable silence, Anne’s choked sobs filling the air. Cathy fiddled with the torn covers of Anne’s cot absently, occasionally remarking on something they’d done today or making observations on people they’d met on their journey. Cathy startled as she noted movement in the corner of her eye. Anne sat next to her, blanket wrapped around her tightly.

“Cathy?” she croaked, voice thick with emotion. 

“That’s me,” Cathy smiled gently, scooching sideways to make room. Anne said nothing, eyes staring blankly at the wall as she rested her head hesitantly on Cathy’s shoulder. Cathy froze before hesitantly wrapping her arm around the smaller girl, relaxing as Anne melted into the embrace. Sighing contentedly, Anne snuggled into Cathy’s arms, prompting a blush from the latter. Clearing her throat awkwardly, Cathy spoke up.

“You wanna talk about it?” she questioned, stroking Anne’s hair gently. Anne grumbled unintelligibly, shaking her head vigorously. Pausing, Cathy tried a different approach. 

“You wanna see Jane and Kitty?”

A muffled “Yeah,” sounded from Anne’s position snuggled in Cathy’s arms, prompting a relieved sigh from Cathy.

Standing, Cathy held a hand out to help Anne up, which was taken gratefully. Standing, Anne immediately latched onto Cathy, arms wrapped around her midsection firmly. Navigating the two out the room, Cathy’s arm wrapped around Anne loosely. Pausing at the doorframe, Cathy smiled softly at Jane, who’s gaze was fixed solely on Anne. Detaching herself from Cathy’s embrace, Anne stared nervously at her cousins.

“Hi Jane. Kitty,”

“Hey,” Kat piped up, smiling softly from Jane’s side. “You good?” 

Anne nodded mutely, biting her lip nervously. Hesitantly, Jane looked up.

“May I hug you?” 

Anne nodded almost eagerly, wrapping her arms around the older woman. Jane’s arms wrapped around her carefully, as if afraid of breaking the girl if she were too rough, before tightening as she rested her head on top of Anne’s. Kat looked to Cathy hesitantly, eyes uncertain. Cathy nodded reassuringly, gesturing quietly to the hugging cousins. Kat slowly wrapped her arms around her cousins, lips twitching into a smile as they shifted to include her in the embrace. Smiling, Cathy stepped away from the cousins towards the kitchen.

“Hi Lina,”

Catalina jumped, hissing in pain as she spilled the scalding water on her hands. 

“Cathy!” she scolded gently, moving to run her burnt hands under the cold water in the flower vase. Eyes softening, she sighed at Cathy’s apologetic expression.

“Sorry Lina, I just figured you’d want to know how Anne’s doing,”

Catalina hummed in thought, spreading some cream over her red hands. 

“I suppose you’re right, I do. But please, try not to sneak up on me next time? Both for your sake and mine,”

Cathy smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of her neck.

“Yeah, sorry again. Anyways, the cousins are having a moment, so I don’t think we should interrupt them,”

Catalina nodded thoughtfully, her foot tapping on the ground. 

“You’re probably right,”

Smiling softly, Catalina gestured to the steaming mugs spread across the table.

“Well then, we wouldn’t want this to go cold now, would we?”

Cathy grinned.

“We most certainly wouldn’t,”

Comment if you wanna join the tag list :) 

Yes I implied Cathy and Catalina drank enough tea for five people

@bunnyranger761 @annabanana2401 @ender1821 @snakesnack6 @laffytaffytealover

[hermionemonica]

Cause I knew I was in love with you (when we sat in silence): Marichat May 2020 - Day 6

AO3 | For the @marichatmay

Collab with @lalunaoscura

DAY 1 | <- 5 | 6 | 7 ->

Day 6 — Hold my baton

Chat stood frozen in his place for a few moments as Marinette's words ran through his brain.

Her nightmares were about him.

He needed to know more.

“Wait, what?” He climbed up behind her to her balcony. “What did you just say?”

Unknown to him, Marinette had already had a two-second freak out fest before he came up. She was already beginning to regret telling him.

“Haha, I was only messing with you!” Her voice shook as she turned to look at him.

Chat Noir remembered that day in class. It seemed so many ages ago now.  

Chat needs me. Chat can’t be alone. He will suffer.  

“No you were not,” he announced in a soft whisper, looking straight into her eyes.

“What?”

“You weren’t kidding,” he repeated in a calm voice.

Marinette froze. Somehow, Chat had seen through her cover-up. She stood in silence. What was she supposed to say now?

Chat crept up to her and leaned in so that his face was level with hers. A shit-eating grin adorned his face as he jeered, “I am your best friend, huh?”

Despite herself, she snorted as she pushed away by placing a hand on his nose. “No,” she said. “You are just a dumb cat.”

“But you looove me!” Chat wiggled his eyebrows.

Marinette's eyes widened like she was offended. Chat straightened up. "Do you not love your best friend?" He pouted.

Marinette let out a little sigh and smiled. "I should never have told you that part." She walked back towards the edge of her balcony, leaning on the railing.

Chat came up and stood beside her with his back against the railing. “So,” he spoke in a little whisper, “Am I the one hurting someone or being hurt?”

She understood what he was talking about, but she did not want to reply. Which one was it, really?

“Both.” Her lips barely moved.

Marinette probably thought Chat had not heard her, but she had obviously forgotten about his enhanced hearing. But he decided not to drag on the conversation, fearing that it might upset her. So he pretended not to hear.

A few minutes of silence fell between them. Marinette looked out over the city and Chat stared at the floor.

“It's getting late.” Marinette was the one who spoke first. “You should go home.”

Chat tried to protest. “But what abou—”

“I’ll be okay tonight,” she cut him off.

Chat looked at her and her droopy eyelids reassured him. He brought a hand near her face and brushed his knuckles against her cheek.

“Let’s get you to bed,” he whispered and picked her up in his arms. She did not protest. Instead, she wrapped her arms against him and snuggled close to his chest.

Chat’s heart started beating very fast.  

He climbed back through the skylight and put her on her bed. Tucking her under the covers, he whispered, “Sleep well, Princess.” And then he left.

*

“I have so many questions Plagg.” Adrien plopped onto his bed.

“And I have an intense need to sleep because it is three in the morning.” The kwami nestled onto the pillow.

Ignoring him, Adrien went on. “Marinette’s nightmares are about me. I am her best friend.”

The kwami did not reply.

“All this time, I have been right next to her. In her nightmares and out of them.”

The kwami still did not respond.

“She said I hurt others in her nightmares.”

Nothing but a little stir from the pillow on which Plagg lay.

“Does that mean she wanted to keep me around just so that she can stop me from doing whatever bad things I am doing in her nightmares?”

“Alright , I have had enough of this now!” Plagg flew over to float above Adrien’s nose. He did not look particularly pleased. “You have been visiting the girl every night now, and you need to question why she keeps you around? Is it so difficult to understand how much she cares about you? That she only wants to ensure that you are alright?”

Adrien became silent as he stilled. Marinette cared so much about him?

“I believe I have made my point.” Plagg flew back to his place on the pillow. “Good night, Adrien.”

Adrien lay awake till the wee hours of the morning. Thank goodness tomorrow was Saturday.

*

“Have you been waiting for me too long?” Chat announced as he landed on her balcony.

“No, you’re pretty early today.” Marinette shuffled her feet nervously. “Hey Chat?”

“Yes, Marinette?”

“I am sorry about last night,” she spoke nervously. “I was really tired and... I did not want to make you feel uncomfortable!”

“Princess,” Chat spoke soothingly, “you did not make me uncomfortable! In fact, it’s an honor to know that you consider me your best friend.”

There was the smile he loved seeing on her face.

“So, ready for bed?” Chat asked.

“Actually, would you want to play another game tonight before we go to sleep?” Marinette offered.

How could Chat say no to that? Especially when she was looking at him like that?

That was why they soon found themselves sitting in front of her computer.

“But this is a single-player game?”  

“Yes . ” The smirk on Marinette’s face was devilish. This was not the same girl on the balcony who had invited him in. “I don’t really like being the loser, you know?”

“Oh?” Chat’s smirk showed that he was getting in the mood to play games.

“Can you beat my high score, kitty cat?”

Chat cocked his head. “Hold my baton,” he hissed at her.

After an intense match of twenty - seven minutes, which included eight matches in all, Chat was still unable to beat Marinette’s high score.

“I believe I have made my point, huh?” She snatched the controller from his hands.

“Next time I pick the game,” he growled.

“We’ll see about that.” She scratched lightly behind his ear. S he knew some of Chat Noir’s weaknesses. And an angry kitty was a bad kitty.

As expected, Chat practically melted in her arms. As a purr resounded from his throat, Marinette giggled. “How about we go to bed now?”

Chat nodded. He was getting real cozy anyway. A bed would be much better.

[dragonrajafanfiction]

The Afterlife

Ru’Yi knocked twice on the door of the hospital ward to announce her presence.

Tom had been moved from the critical care unit and now stayed in a more normal looking room. His dark hair spread out behind his pale face. He turned his head at the knock and his violet eyes looked right through her.

Ru’Yi’s heart dropped. He’d only seen her once, after he’d regained control of his Soul Skill Brother. His eyes were golden as they looked into hers in truth for the first time and behind them was something like a deep intelligence. He was like a different person entirely.

His eyes widened slightly when she didn’t say anything. “Hello?”

“Oh! It’s me. Sorry... I ...” She looked down at the flowers, so bright and gold.  She was an idiot. Why would he enjoy flowers if he couldn’t see them? What was she thinking?

"Ru’Yi!” He broke into a wide grin. “You came back! I thought I’d scared you off.”

“You’re not scary. I’m just happy you’re okay.” She put the flowers in the sink and walked up to him and sat on side of the bed.

“The medicine isn’t very comfortable. But they say I should have fewer side effects over time.” 

An IV was keeping a steady drip down a line leading to his wrist. His long pale fingers rested on the blanket. She reached out to take his hand. It twitched when she brushed against it, but slowly, his palm turned up and his fingers folded over hers.

His eyes lids lowered and he lay still and silent. “I’m so happy... you’re alright.”

He must have been awfully lonely lying in the dark by himself. They didn’t even have music put on for him. “I should have brought your headphones.” She chewed her lip. “Sorry.”

“No, it’s fine.” He laughed a little. “Next time.”

“Hey, can I show you something?”

She reached into her bag and pulled out a ratty Hello Kitty doll. “This is a nasty old thing but... it was a gift from someone I never got to meet. He died when I was a baby. But I still feel like if I hold it close, he’s encouraging me.”

She pressed the doll up to Tom’s face until it squished his cheek. She made a growly voice. “Cheer up, Tom! You’ll get out of this stinky hospital soon!”

“Haha! What is it?” He felt the doll’s old ears and button nose and eyes.

“It’s a Hello Kitty.”

“Does Hello Kitty growl like that?”

“Mine does!”

He gripped the doll, turning it in his hands. “The person must have cared about you a lot.”

“That’s what Mom said. She said that he really loved me a lot. His name was Saeki Ryuji. She said he got hurt on the job and died shortly after, but even after he died, he still left me lots of gifts. Mom kept all the gifts for me, including this doll. She didn’t want me to forget him.”

He stroked the doll’s face. “Do you... believe in the afterlife, Ru’Yi?”

She shrugged. “Like... I know a lot of people do but... It’s hard for me to.”

“Why?” He turned his head in her direction.

“Because if there was an afterlife why do dragons work so hard to be reborn in this world? I learned about how they make eggs for themselves, to stay immortal. If they were immortal in another realm, why would they stay in this one?”

“That’s an interesting way to think about it.”

“What I do believe is what my dad and my mom taught me. That memories of our loved ones are more important than an afterlife. Because if we remember them, we imagine what they would do and say and feel, like they were still here with us. So it’s more important to keep remembering them. That way, they’re still with us in our heart. I think that’s what the real afterlife is. The effect you have in this world, after you’re gone.”

She watched as Tom stroked the doll’s old blue dress. “So... I think Uncle Saeki is alive in a way in that doll. Still cheering me on. He’s cheering you on too, Tom!”

“Yeah, I ... can hear it.”

Ru’Yi looked at him. She could see the pain in his face even as he tried to stay cheerful. “I just... really miss my mom and dad and my sister. It’s hard for me to think about them.”

“They would probably be pretty worried about you.” Ru’Yi offered.

He nodded his head, his cheeks growing red and tears slipping down them. He begin to sob and Ru’Yi rested her head on his shoulder, feeling tears fill her eyes and run down her face. Her throat hurt as she struggled to keep from crying but she wanted to stay strong next to him.

He ran his sleeve across his eyes. “I’m just... I’m just... so sorry... I told them I would take care of my sister... and I couldn’t do it! I’m so sorry.”

She struggled to keep her voice steady. “But... Tom... they wouldn’t blame you for what happened!”

“It doesn’t matter. She’s my sister. She’s my responsibility. Even if they don’t think so... it’s still my responsibility.” He took a staggering breath. “In the car after the crash, I knew my parents were dead and ... my sister was in the car seat next to me. She couldn’t get out. I was the only person who could keep her warm until the ambulances came. It was just me and her... I had to take care of her.”

“When the car came again, I just... froze. I didn’t do anything. It was horrible. Just the sound of it running over her. I couldn’t stop it.” A tear hung on to his nose a moment and then fell down to land on the top of Hello Kitty’s head. 

Ru’Yi sat there, trying and failing to think of something, anything to comfort him. “I’m sorry, Tom. I... don’t know what to say.” 

“No... thank you for being here. If I hadn’t run into you, they would have thrown me out in the cold. Or worse. I owe you more than I could ever pay you back for.”

She looked around and found a box of thin cheaply made tissues next to the sink. She got up and retrieved it, handing one to him. He thanked her, blew his nose and then looked around embarrassed.

She gave a little laugh. “I’ll get the trash can!” She got up and retrieved that too.

He threw the tissues away. “I feel bad for ... trying to keep from thinking about them.”

“You seem to beat yourself up a lot... but don’t. I found out yesterday that lots of people here have lost someone they loved in the past so you’re not alone. In fact, I’m the weird one. Everyone tells me that I grew up in a bubble.”

"I have mom and dad and my life was peaceful. They kept the painful past from  me. The people who loved me and died were like characters in a book. I like them and enjoy thinking about them, but I couldn’t say that I mourned them.”

He made a soft hum in his throat. “You keep them alive that way though... so that’s good. Ru’Yi... this is going to sound really selfish but... can I... keep your Hello Kitty? Just for a little while?”

He was staring at it, running his hands over it.

“Sure. But give him back to me though. I need his encouragement too!”

“Okay, I will.” He settled back against the pillow and sighed.

“Oh... are you tired?” She sat up.

“Yeah. The medicine is harsh. It makes me tired and I lose my appetite. I sleep almost all day.”

“That’s no good... But your blood is stable. Right?”

“Yeah. I just can’t function.” His lips twitched upward.

“Well, they say you’ll get accustomed to it over time. Just rest up!”

He gave a weary nod. “Thank you for coming to see me.”

“I’ll come see you every day. But first I’ll go back and bring your headphones.” She stood up.

“What about your classes? Won’t your grades be affected?” He asked with wide eyes.

“No. I’m smart like that! Don’t worry about my grades!” She grabbed her bag and headed to the door. “Go to sleep. I’ll be back and bring you your headphones.”

“Okay...” He said in quiet wonder. He turned on his side and tucked the doll under his chin. Ru’Yi smiled and left the room.