#like Father's spirit is tied to the mannequin and he has to do that thing

[exist101]

OH ALSO ALSO

The cult would be SO interested in Lewis, because he's a ghost that can interact with the world without the use of a vessel (or perhaps created his own vessel, depending on what the locket's supposed to be)

If they could figure out how to replicate that there's no telling what they could do!

Maybe then Father doesn't have to drag the mannequin around

[bugabash]

Hold me while we Fall

Miraculous x Attack on Titan au

Fear was a complex that almost everyone within the walls grew to have as second nature. No one had seen a titan besides the scouts since the walls were erected, and the schools taught the children about the monsters beyond the wall in few details. But to Marinette it wasn’t the creatures that fascinated her, it was the world beyond. She had studied books on the wonders outside. But they never taught it in school, and she was chastised for bringing it up. So, the young girl kept it to herself, only sharing it with her sister. She feared the titans beyond the walls, everyone did, it was drilled into them from birth that they were the cattle to the wolves outside, but her family always made sure it was the furthest thing from her mind.

But that was before, and now everything has changed.

Next

AO3

Chapter 1: Marinette Dupain-Cheng

The year was 845 withing the walls of the Shiganshina district. Marinette Dupain-Cheng stood in her room that resided in her home above her father’s small bakery. She was eleven and a half, the half especially important to her when she defended her size to others. She was small, always hiding under her long dark hair that fell to her waist. But despite this her personality always shone through, making her extremely well liked with her peers. And with this came a very protective nature from them over her, feeling the need to shield her from everything, even from some of the stories of the Titans. But no one protected her more than her older sister, Tikki.

Tikki was fifteen, tall, beautiful, her long dark hair constantly in perfectly placed high pigtails, never a strand out of place, reaching down to her waist. She had bluebell eyes just like Marinette, freckles decorating her nose like an artist had painted them on her. She carried their mother’s feature more prominently than Marinette did which she embraced with pride. She was the definition of beauty. She was loved by all, known for her cheerful spirit and, well, being good at almost everything really. She was smart, charitable and all together a good person. She protected her sister from everything, determined to let Marinette grow up without the fear she had grown up with.

Marinette stood in front of her small homemade mannequin with her mauve dress she had been working on for a month now resting on it. Tikki was draped on her bed across their shared room, chattering away about her latest teachings from one of their father’s friends. Marinette was so used to it now, she just focused on her fingers as they threaded the needle through the fabric, counting the last few stitches in her head.

Four, three, two, one.

“It’s done!” She squeaked, interrupting her sister and causing her to jump and sit up, staring at Marinette with a confused expression. “It’s done! It’s d4one! It’s done!” She pulled it off the mannequin and spun around, her hair fanning out around her. Tikki laughed and stood up, jumping around excitedly and ran over. Marinette held it up to show it off to her big sister proudly, this was her first dress she did completely by herself.

“Wow! That’s so pretty, Nettie!” Tikki complimented, smiling proudly at her, “wanna try it on? You can show it off while we go to the market later!”

Marinette gasped and nodded, wriggling out of her current dress and threw it aside, standing in just her thin, white petty coat. Tikki helped her and soon she was in her dress. It was knee length, the red stitches standing out delicately against the mauve fabric. It was long sleeve with white ruffled at the cuffs, a lace like pattern around the neck and a tied up back. She spun around and squeaked with joy, it wasn’t perfect, but it was hers.

“Oh, Miss Marinette, you are the most beautiful ladybug in the land!” Tikki exclaimed with a playful curtsey, using her pet name for Marinette with a cheeky smile.

“I’m the prettiest Ladybug in the world!” Marinette giggled, jumping up and down, “let’s go show Papa!” She grabbed her sister’s hand and pulled her along, running downstairs into their home, she knew he would be downstairs in the bakery. She opened the door leading to the bakery and skipped down.

“Papa!” She called out excitedly, her father turning and smiling at her, “I finished my dress!” She spun around showing it off before running and jumping into her fathers strong arms. He laughed and picked her up with ease, hugging her tight.

“You look exquisite my little love bug!” Her father praised, beaming happily at both of them, “it looks amazing! Did Tikki help at all?”

“Nope, she did it all by herself!” Tikki replied with a smile, “little Ladybug, I need to go into the market, do you want to show off your new dress around town?” Marinette smiled broadly and jumped out of her father’s arms. “Ok good, go put on your boots and a coat.”

“Okay, now you be careful girls, okay? Please be home before the sun starts to set.” Their father warned as he turned back to his work. “You know the rules.”

“Yes Papa, we will be back soon, promise.” Tikki nodded, walking over and kissing his cheek before putting her own coat on.

“Papa, can we have the special bread with dinner? To celebrate my dress?” Marinette asked as she hopped around, trying to put her one boot on.

Their father chuckled heartedly, “of course, anything for my main girls. Now, could you please pick up this today.” He handed Tikki a small list and some money, giving her the same look he did whenever they went out, Marinette never knew what it was but it looked like a serious look. She was still too young to be told much, which she hated. She felt old enough.

“Yes Papa, we will be back soon.” Tikki smiled and pocketed the note in her thin fabric bag slung over her shoulder.

“Bye papa!” Marinette yelled and hugged him tight, kissing his cheek too before letting go.

He waved them off, laughing at how Marinette did one last twirl around a customer before leaving. They stepped out of the bakery and Marinette smiled, she closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth on her face, the wind blowing through her hair and the sound of the birds chirping around them. She opened her eyes and looked around at the world around her. Everyone was busy, children playing with others, mothers working with their babes on their backs, men working hard for their families. Life was hard, but it was happy, simple, peaceful. She loved her town, loved her life really. She had amazing friends and an amazing family. She looked up at her chatting sister, smiling.

As they walked Marinette looked out at the huge walls that protected them. She wondered if the monsters would ever get in, or if one day she could go beyond the wall. She knew it wasn’t possible for humans to live outside, but she still wondered. As her father and Tikki liked to tell her she was destined to meet someone and raise a family. Contribute to the town and survive. She wasn’t too sure on it all, but she did as she was told.

They reached the market soon enough, and something caught their eye, Tikki grabbing Marinette and pulling her off the road into the crowds. Marinette gasped, eyes wide.

The scouts, she had seen them many times before, saw their wounded and saw the families that grieved. Their neighbour lost three sons just last month. She remembered the blood curdling scream, her father had told her that the sons were most likely eaten by the Titans, explaining that that was why she must stay within the walls and stay away from the military.

Today they looked exhausted, almost defeated, the blood standing out on their clothes. Tikki gripped her tight, pulling Marinette against her body.

“Those poor men and women,” She whispered, Marinette looking up at her then back at the soldiers, “Marinette, always respect anyone who wears that uniform. They have given up everything to protect us. Do you understand?” Marinette nodded, looking back at them.

She caught the eye of one young man who was on horseback. His hair was pure black, the top of his hair long and in a bun, shorter pieced falling out here and there, while the underside was shaved to a fade with what seemed to be a haphazardly shaved pawprint on the side. He looked over at them, he must have spotted Tikki, she always caught peoples’ eye. He had green eyes with small pupils, he was handsome but looked young to be in the scouts. His jaw was covered in blood, his cape missing and his uniform stained, though it didn’t stand out much against his black t-shirt. He raised a brow, and tilted his head curiously, examining them. Marinette blinked before she waved, smiling pleasantly. This caught him by surprise, blinking a few times before he smiled and waved back. He had a peculiar smile, his canines looked almost catlike with the small extra length of them and it made her smile more. He was different, just like her and her sister were. Not to the extend but still. He seemed to find it amusing and winked at Marinette, laughing to himself before he turned his attention back to the front.

They watched them leave, the crowds whispering between themselves, Tikki’s grip never letting go of Marinette. Tikki quickly herded Marinette away, “let’s go.” She whispered.

“Did you see that scout?” Marinette asked as she walked, looking down at the stone she had started kicking. “He looked different, like us.”

“What?” Tikki asked, taken aback with a raised brow.

“His smile, I think he looks like he has teeth like a cat.”

“A cat?”

“Yeah, didn’t you see? I like his smile, its unique like us.”

Tikki stayed silent and eyed Marinette before looking forward again, “you know why we are unique, don’t you? Papa said he discussed it with you.”

“Yeah, because we are half Chinese, or oriental as he said.” She answered honestly, “he said we are rare and that there aren’t many of us left. That’s what makes us so special.”

“Well yes, but that is also why we must be extra careful and why we must not be out after sunset.” Tikki explained, her brows furrowed. “You know about the people that could harm us?”

“Yeah, I know, but I don’t think everyone is bad.” Marinette replied with a shrug, she hated these conversations, she didn’t like to think about all of that… of mama…

“I know, but there are bad people out there.” Tikki said before stopping and looking around. The world had almost gone quiet, the wind dropped, and the birds stopped singing. Marinette blinked and looked around too.

“Marinette…” Tikki whispered, grabbing her sister’s shoulder.

Marinette bit her lip and looked around, “what is it?”

Tikki looked like she was starting to panic and pulled Marientte aside. She crouched in front of her and held her shoulders, looking her in the eye. “Okay, I need you to listen to me. Never put yourself in danger, got it?” Tikki stopped and held onto Marinette’s shoulders tighter. Tikki’s blue eyes looked scared. “There are more scary things than the people who could take us. I have done everything to protect you from the reality of this life, but please, if anything happens, ever, you run, you hide, and you do whatever you can to survive.”

“Tikki… What- what are you talking about?” Marinette asked in confusion. She may not know much but she wasn’t an idiot, she knew there were dangers beyond and within the wall. But what was she talking about?

“Trust me, okay? Just listen to my words.” Tikki cupped Marinette’s face, “you are the most important thing to me, and I promised mama and papa that I would protect you from everything, let you grow up but something… something about those soldiers. I can’t lie to you anymore.” She sighed, Marinette felt tears in her eyes at the mention of her mama, “listen to me, if ever something goes wrong, you look after yourself before anyone else, okay? I know it sounds awful, but I need you to survive.” Marinette shook her head, that was an awful thing to say. “Life is survival, it’s not survival of the fittest anymore, its survival of the smartest. You are small, but strong, you’re smart, you use that big brain of yours, and you survive.”

“I-I don’t understand.” Marinette said with a frown, “why are you telling me this? Why can’t I help people if there is danger?”

“I…I….” Tikki looked away, biting her lip, Marinette felt her pulse through the hands on her cheeks. “I just… Promise me!” Tikki looked more serious than she ever had.

Marinette looked at her in confusion, where had this come from? This was so out of the blue, it was like Tikki knew something she didn’t. But what? “Tikki, I don’t understand.”

Tikki opened her mouth but she was interrupted when a crack of thunder echoed, a yellow strike of lightning appearing just beyond the wall. Everyone froze and watched, she had never heard silence like that. Tikki stood up and grabbed Marinette.

What was happening? She saw the huge hand on the wall and gasped. No… It couldn’t be… The wall was over fifty metres tall, no titan was ever that big.

“Oh god… no…” Tikki gasped, Marinette looked around, everyone was still, eyes on the wall. She turned her eyes to the wall and covered her mouth, her blood ran cold. A sweat overtook her body and she started shaking. That was when she saw the face appear. It was all muscle, even from this distance she could make out the eyes and teeth. “Marinette, run!” She heard her sister scream before a gust of hot wind overtook them, rubble flying everywhere then a loud bang. They were flung back into the air, her grip on Tikki gone as she screamed. She didn’t know how long they were in the air but when they landed it was hard and Marinette landed on someone who wrapped their arms around her. She had hit her head, she knew that much from the pain and the wetness trickling down her face.

She had the wind knocked out of her, her vision going white and a pain in her side stifled her scream. She heard screaming around her, and when her vision returned, she was on her back lying on another person who had their arms tightly around her. Dust was everywhere, people running around them and she could hear someone screaming her name. Wait, she wasn’t on Tikki?

“Hey, are you okay?” She heard a young boy’s voice ask under her in a yell, “Hey, can you hear me? Listen to me!” She coughed and struggled against the arms, he let go of her and she rolled off. She rolled onto her knees, her dress was torn slightly over her left side from their impact and blood was dripping onto the white lace around her neck She felt hands on her face and looked up, meeting green eyes. Time stood still and she stared at him in silence. He looked around her age, big green eyes, a cut under his left eye and short blonde hair. He looked so groomed he could be from the inner walls. He looked her over before grabbing her under her arms and pulled her up to standing, grasping her hand and pulling her away from the chaos towards who was screaming her name.

She let him pull her along, her body moving on its own as she stared back from where they came from. Boulders lay on top of people, blood everywhere, limbs lying across the road. Marinette gasped and her eyes widened. She felt her innocence shatter, felt everything of her being shatter. She had been so sheltered, and now…

“Hey, come on, you need to run, I cant carry you, please!” She heard the raspy voice yell in a panic, turning her attention to him with wide eyes. He saw them and gasped, looking past her and saw what she had just seen, pulling her behind a wall and hiding her against the cold stone. Realisation had hit him on what she had just seen, and so he pulled his cloak off and wrapped it around her, pulling up the hood. “Don’t look, I have you, I promise!” He grabbed her hand again and they were running again. Marinette gripped onto the boy for dear life, tears streaming down her face.

They’re dead… The titans, they were in. She didn’t know what was going to happen! Where was Tikki?

“Where are we going? Where is my sister?” Marinette screamed, she was half running half being dragged, but then she tripped up on her skirt with a scream and caused them both to fall, scraping her knee in the process as they rolled away, hitting a wall and stopped. The boy had his arms around her again as he kept her close to his chest as them stampede of people flew past, panting heavily.

“Are you okay? Can you still run?” He asked softly as he looked down at her, blinking when he saw her wide, terrified eyes. He frowned and tilted his head back, looking to where she was looking and froze, 50 feet away from them stood… a titan.

“No… How is that possible.” The boy whispered, sitting them up and pulling her back against his chest, being held close to him as she sobbed quietly. They were frozen, his grip on her tight around her, ruffling her dress between his fists. “A Titan…” Before them stood a huge humanoid creature, his grin ear from ear filled with large teeth, his hair long and black, his tall body muscled. Marinette started kicking her legs, trying to get away and grabbed at the arms around her, screaming for help. “I got you!” He cried as she struggled in his arm before lifting her up with a grunt, shifting her onto his back and began running as Marinette wrapped her arms around his neck, gripping onto his shirt for dear life as he hooked his hands under her knees.

Marinette looked ahead and saw Tikki between the terrified crowds, she was with the scout from earlier, he had Tikki over his shoulder and was looking around as if he was looking for someone. She was kicking and screaming, eyes falling on Marinette and she stopped struggling, screaming for her with her hand outreached, causing the scout to look back, his eyes widening.

Marinette screamed out, “Tikki!” She gripped onto the boy tighter who had a determined look on his face, his eyes focused on the scout. “Tikki! Help-” before she could finish her sentence a titan grabbed them out of no where, causing them both to scream and grab onto each other, the boy twisting and pulling her against his chest. The boy started punching the giant fingers around them, his other arm holding her tight against him, Marinette never let her eyes look away from the toothy grinned giant staring at them in hunger. “Tikki!” Marinette screamed.

“Marinette! NO!” Tikki screamed, Marinette looked over at her to see her fighting the scout who was yelling something at her. He didn’t have his gear, Marinette noticed, her heart sinking as she turned her attention back to the monster in front of them. He was raising them up, the grip getting stronger, the air being squeezed from them. The boy yelped and looked at her in fear. She looked back, tears streaming down her face. They stared at each other before he smiled at her small, lacing their fingers together and keeping their eyes locked.

“Just keep looking at me, okay?” He said softly, she nodded and gripped onto his hand, sniffing and wiping her nose on her arm as she cried. “It’ll be okay, what’s your name by the way?”

“M-Marinette.” She whispered in reply, shaking and stifling a scream as a big hand started to reach for them, the boy squeezing her hand more, the other arm around her tightening, pulling her so her face was against his chest, resting his head on hers.

“I’m Adrien.” He replied, he was shaking as well, tears falling. “I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.” She shook her head, eyes starting to turn towards the hand that was so close now she could feel the warmth, her eyes widening. But Adrien wasn’t having it, tightening his arm again and making her look back up at him. “Keep looking at me or hide, just don’t look. I got you.” He whispered.

The grip on them tightened and her eyes shot open as fingers grabbed the cloak fastened around her, lifting her out of the hand, she screamed for dear life as Adrien tried desperately to keep his strong grip on her. “Adrien!” She screeched, gripping his hands for dear life. He was screaming for her, desperate to get her back. “NO! NO! ADRIEN! TIKKI! PAPA!!!” She screamed at the top of her lungs, her grip being pulled from Adrien’s her heart stopping and her eyes widening. She locked eyes with the terrified boy, he looked like he was about to be sick.

She wasn’t sure if it was because he had lost her, or because he was next but the boy started screaming and hitting at the hand again. She looked at the titan as it held her up to his face, staring at her with empty, dead, hungry eyes. She was hanging from the cloak, it was slowly pressing against her neck, making it harder and harder to breath. She was sure she had wet herself, feeling warmth go down her legs. This was it; this was the end. She watched as he opened his mouth, the stench was rancid, making her gag and cover her mouth with her trembling hands. She started screaming for help again, kicking at the Titan, she didn’t want to die.

She felt time move in slow motion as she was lifted up higher, closing her eyes and hugging herself. She heard Adrien screaming for her desperately, but her hearing left her, a soft hum taking over. Was her body getting her ready to die? She had read something about it, a fight or flight within the body, protects you from the trauma or the pain to come so to speak. Adrenaline, was it? But she wasn’t sure it was true until now.

Then suddenly she wasn’t being held up as air filled her lung from the loss of pressure on her neck, feeling the air from falling overwhelming her. It’s over… It’s over… But instead of being bitten in half or feeling the wetness of a tongue, she was hit by another body, eyes flying open to see the ends of blonde hair as she was suddenly going another direction. Reality set in and the haze faded quickly, she wrapped her arms and legs around him as he did to her, burying her head in his neck as she braced for impact. And boy was it a hard one.

They hit a corner of a wall, spinning in the air and slamming into the floor, both gasping and coughing for air. She opened her eyes wide as she took a deep breath and gripped the boy that lay on top of her, covering her from danger. She looked back at the Titan to see it was missing his hands, swiping at the soldier who had appeared. She saw the roses and knew exactly why they were there. She didn’t have much time to think after that as the boy got up and pulled her up, grabbing her and flinging her on his back, running as fast as he could. He was limping as he ran, his groans while he panted telling her that he was injured just like she was.

By the time Marinette could register what was going on fully she was pulled off his back despite her screams of protest to be met by a tight hug. She blinked and looked up, “Marinette!” Tikki… She found her! Marinette broke down and hugged her tight, her sister hitched her up and held her close to her body, and they were running again, Marinette clung on for dear life. She opened her eyes and saw the dark-haired scout behind her, the boy draped over his back. He looked exhausted but still clung to the young man, Adrien’s head hung over his shoulder.

They ran in the screaming crowds, avoiding the many titans that were eating everyone they could. But Marinette kept her eyes on the boy, he had risked his life for her, a stranger. Why did he do that? After what her sister had said to her earlier, she was confused to why he had risked his life to save her?

After what seemed like ages they suddenly stopped, the older teens panting heavily. Tikki shifted Marinette with a grunt and she could feel that Tikki was wet from sweat. “Marinette, I need you to run, okay?” She whispered, placing the girl down who stood on shaking legs, nodding and looking back at the scout who didn’t look like he was struggling as much, but the boy on his back fought against him and jumped to his feet, running to Marinette and took her hand, eyes fixed on her and full of something Marinette had never seen before. She gulped and looked at their clasped hands before she looked around fearfully.

The scout didn’t look pleased but grunted, Tikki looked at the scout who just frowned and started running. The boy pulled Marinette with him, Tikki running behind them. Marinette looked around as she was pulled along, people were being eaten, trampled, crushed, there was nothing but death and despair. How could they survive this?

After not too long they were approaching the main gate in wall Maria, Marinette looked around desperately for her father, but never saw him. They all slowed down, gaining their breath back slowly. They joined the crowd, heading slowly towards the arch. The one flaw of the districts that lay outside the wall was there was only one exit. She remembered her father complaining about it constantly. She looked back at her sister, seeing Tikki was next to the scout who Marinette had figured out his name was Plagg. They were arguing in hushed voices, she wanted to ask Adrien what was going on but she didn’t know if she could speak yet.

Did they know each other? The way they were arguing and their body language spoke a thousand words. But she had never seen this man until today. But then again here she was clinging to the boy next to her, their fingers interlocked and her other hand gripping onto his arm for dear life. He didn’t seem to mind, looking up at him and saw he was looking around with a serious expression. Now that things had slowed down, she got a proper look at him.

He was taller than her by maybe a few inches, his face young and his green eyes bright. The right side of his face was covered in blood, his cut dirty and deep under his eye, another cut on his forehead. She didn’t think she looked any better, feeling the dried blood on her face and the pain from her cuts. She looked down at his dark green shirt and saw red over the side they had hit the corner of the wall on, her brows furrowing. He was injured, and he still managed to carry her out of there.

“He’s my brother.” Adrien spoke softly, turning her gaze back up to his face, he was looking down at her now, smiling small, “Plagg, the one talking with your sister, Tikki was it?” Marinette nodded, looking at the two arguing teens, “he’s a scout, the only reason he’s in Shiganshina is because of me.” He looked down darkly, his eyes looked sad for some reason. “But, hey, that meant I was there to catch you.” He looked at her and smiled sadly.

She blinked up at him, she didn’t know what to say, her whole mind felt shattered. She opened her mouth but nothing came out. Why couldn’t she speak? Was she really that weak?

He seemed to understand and nodded, “hey, it’s okay. We have been through a lot today, you don’t have to talk. I’m just glad I could help even one person.” She again blinked, he was so kind, probably the kindest person she had ever met. Why save her?

They both looked up when Tikki turned to them, “stay close, we need to get onto the boats, but there are a lot of people in front of us. You stay by us no matter what, okay?” They both nodded and she sighed, eyeing their clasped hands before turning back, Plagg whispered a comment that caused Tikki to hit his arm, telling him off again.

“Plagg, we need to get them away from here.” Marinette heard her sister say, eyeing her curiously. Tikki’s hair was ruffled, her pigtails messed and some hair had fallen out, framing her face. She had a small cut on her cheek. But what stood out the most was that she looked terrified.

“Yeah, yeah, I know that, sugarcube.” The scout replied with a scowl, “what do you think I’m doing exactly?”

“Well, so far my sister was almost eaten, let snot even bring up the state of them, and my dad is probably dead!” Tikki yelled back at him, pouting as she glared.

Suddenly they heard the footsteps, freezing and spinning around. Their eyes wide. Adrien gasped and pulled Marinette close, his eyes wide and his jaw clenched. In the distance they saw a huge titan sprinting towards them, his arms flinging around him, his jaw slack. Marinette screamed and was suddenly pulled to running by Adrien, turning her gaze forward the saw Tikki being pulled along by Plagg.

They had got out! How were they in danger again! This couldn’t be happening! She looked back just as the titan hit the ground, gasping as she saw the rubble heading towards them she looked at Adrien and saw he hadn’t seen it, his eyes focused on the road ahead. HE had saved her all this time, and if that debris hit them he would be hurt or possibly die. She looked back and gasped, she had to do something! She let go of his hand, causing him to gasp and look at her. She didn’t hesitate and shoved him hard, causing him to yell her name and fall to the side just as the debris hit her. She was hit hard, being smacked back, tumbling until she skidded to a halt, her body limp.

All she felt was pain, her vision went white, and she felt her dress suddenly getting wet. She tried breathing but it was laboured, and she heard gargling a bit. Her body was shaking, the pain coming from her left side of her face down to her shoulder. What was wrong with her? Was she dead? Was she dying? What about Adrien?

Suddenly she felt hands on her neck, she heard her sister far in the distance and then strong arms were carrying her and she was bouncing in them, the wind blowing over her. She heard others yelling and the whiteness started to fade. She was staring up at the sky, her mouth hanging open slightly, gasping for breath. Why did it feel like she was drowning? Was she drowning? No that was silly, she was in someone’s arms.

She felt someone had her hand, a soft voice speaking to her until they finally stopped. She felt hardness under her and suddenly her sister’s face was above her and she felt pressure on her neck, cheek and shoulder. She looked around without moving her head, Tikki’s tears catching her attention. Tikki? Why was she crying? What was wrong with her?

“Marinette? Oh god, oh shit, please, don’t die, no, please don’t die!” Tikki was saying, crying softly. “Plagg, do something!”

“Do what exactly? Do I look like a doctor? I’m doing everything I can!” The young man hissed back, he tore the bottom of Tikki’s skirt and started wrapping it around Marinette’s neck. “Just keep pressure! She’s lucky she’s even fucking alive!”

“Why did she do that?” She heard Adrien, he sounded distressed.

“She was saving you, if she didn’t do that you would be just as bad, possibly worse. She has some guts, I will give her that.” Plagg replied, leaning over her and looking into her eyes. She looked back, examining the dark green eyes, his small pupils getting even smaller as he frowned. “Just shut up and keep her calm!” She must have looked like she was panicking because suddenly Adrien’s face appeared as Plagg’s disappeared and looked down at her.

Marinette tried to speak but it sounded gargled, she felt him take her hand and her eyes darted toward him, seeing the dark faced boy. She should have spoken up earlier, now she can’t speak. She can’t thank this boy. A complete stranger who risked his life, who was covered in both his and her blood, banged up from protecting her. And she couldn’t even thank him. Adrien… He saw her panic and smiled sweetly, kissing her knuckles. She suddenly felt tired, darkness taking over quickly. “It’s okay, we got you, we are on the boat heading to Wall Rose, we are-“ Before he could finish his sentence there was an explosion and Plagg dove over Marinette, shielding her.

“Fuck!” He cursed and sat back up as Adrien took over his place, shielding Marinette, turning towards the wall and they all stared in silence. Marinette wanted to see but the pain was too bad so she gripped onto Adrien’s shirt. He looked down at her with an expression that scared her. She felt her eyelids flutter and darkness slowly took over, the last thing she see was Adrien’s face, his hands suddenly flying to her neck as he started yelling something. And then… nothing.

oOo

When Marinette first awoke she felt groggy and sore, her eyes barely opening. She groaned, lifting her hand and felt the rough bandaging from below her nose down to her breasts. Her mouth was covered so she couldn’t speak. She blinked a few times and looked up, expecting her sister or even Adrien’s face, but she was met by golden eyes under big, framed glasses. She blinked in surprise and stared at the dark-skinned girl standing over her, she had a heart shaped face and had fiery, long hair in a high pony, pieces framing her face. She was in a nurses uniform, but she looked the same age as Marinette.

“Hey girl.” The girl spoke chipperly, “you’re okay, don’t try to speak though. You’re in Troste district. You got badly banged up, but you’re safe now!” She smiled at her and picked up a clip board examining the paper.

Marinette felt the sheets under her hands, they were rough and they smelt funny. She realised she wasn’t on a bed but the floor, a sheet between her and the hard wood. What happened with the titans? Why was she in Troste?

“Marinette, is it?” She hummed and walked around Marinette, Marinette watched her with a raised brow. “You have internal damage, a big nasty cut from your cheek to your shoulder, some cuts on your face and torso, and some bruising. You really fought for your life, didn’t you?” She looked at Marinette with… admiration? “You’re like those scouts, you’re a superhero!” She dropped to her knees and grabbed Marinette’s hand, Marinette’s eyes widening. “That’s so cool!”

Cool? Marinette didn’t think it was cool. She had just experienced the worst day of her life and she couldn’t do anything right, needing others to save her. She felt like a fool, she felt like a dumb child. Why did no one ever tell her how bad they really were? She felt so naive. She looked away from Alya and pulled her hand away. Alya blinked and looked at her with a concerned look, her smile falling. Marinette didn’t have the energy to help the girl with her feelings, she was dealing with her own. Her eyes were empty, the sparkle gone, her innocence gone. Hell, everything she thought she was now seemed pathetic. She noticed she wasn’t in that stupid dress she had spent a month or so on, how frivolous it seemed now. She was glad she wasn’t in it, she didn’t want any reminders. Reminders of them, of the death, of how she was useless.

She couldn’t even protect herself, she had to have others save her, protect her, carry her. She was weak. She was worthless. She needed to get stronger, she had to. She would never let anyone suffer because of her again. The only good thing she did today was push that boy out of the way.

“Hey,” Alya dragged her from her thoughts, looking back at the girl. She looked concerned, “you’re safe now. I promise.” She placed her hand on Marinette’s. Marinette wanted to believe her, but she didn’t know what the truth was anymore. “I’m going to stay here with you tonight, okay? Your sister isn’t far, she will be here soon. But I promise, I will stay with you.”

Marinette blinked up and her, tears filling her eyes. She realised then she had been trying so hard to keep it together. Alya smiled and did a quick examination on Marinette, chatting away about how she was helping her mom who was the head nurse here. After she was done, she shuffled under the sheet with Marinette, lying on her back and staring up at the roof. Marinette felt comfort in it. She couldn’t speak but that didn’t matter right now.

Alya stayed with her that night, describing her childhood, telling her everything about herself. Marinette hung on every word, by the time she passed out from exhaustion and pain she felt like she had known Alya since she was a child. She felt at peace in a way, but she felt different. She felt like she was changed forever, the girl she was the day before was gone now.

---

It took Marinette a long time to heal, Tikki hardly leaving her side and eventually becoming a nurse herself so that she was close to Marinette. Alya spent every night with Marinette, making sure Marinette felt alone and comforted her whenever she was sad. The worst night was when she climbed into the sheets and hugged her friend while she sobbed after finding out her father was dead, and soon every night she slept next to Marinette. She didn’t care that they slept on the floor, she refused to sleep anywhere else without Marinette. They were inseparable.

It was a few months before Marinette was asked to speak, the bandages finally removed and the deep sensitive scar standing red and angry against her pale skin. She was used to the dull pain in her jaw, the now scar didn’t hurt as much as when it was a cut, but the pain was still there.

“Okay Marinette, we need you to try to speak.” Tikki said softly, Alya was next to her, she had stolen a mattress from her home and had made herself comfortable next to Marinette, concerned eyes on her best friend.

Marinette gulped, it felt weird not having her mouth covered, She had only had her mouth uncovered to eat or drink, so it felt weird to be completely exposed. So she felt naked sitting there without the bandage, in the baggy green shirt she had found at the bottom of her bed months ago, a small cut on the side. It was Adrien’s, he had washed it and brought it for her. She knew it was, no one knew for sure but she knew in her heart it was his. She chewed her lip and looked at her sister. It took some time but finally the words left her mouth, “where is Adrien?”

Tikki blinked in surprised and furrowed her brows, “Who?” She asked, “wait, the boy?” Marinette nodded, Alya watched her in confusion, “He’s okay, he isn’t here anymore, he’s with his brother with the survey corps, I think. He’s okay.”

Marinette nodded and looked down at her hands in her lap, she had thought of him almost every night but even now his face was blurry. She tried so hard but she couldn’t make out his face clearly. All she saw was the blood, the titan ready to eat her, felt the warmth down her leg as she pissed herself, the chaffing after as she ran for her life. She was destroyed by the experience, but maybe she could do some good from it. She lay back down, rolling over, pulling the blanket over her mouth as comfort. The others looked at her sadly, knowing she needed space. Alya sighed and lay down next to her, hugging her tight.

"Marinette, I promise he is okay. He was here for a little while and he visited you a few times when you were asleep." Tikki said softly, stroking her sister's face. Marinette hid her face, Tikki knew this side of Marinette too well now. She sighed and got up, "okay... I will come back later."

Alya stayed silent as Tikki left before she whispered, "Marinette?"

Marinette looked back at Alya, "yeah?" She replied in a whisper, it felt amazing to be able to speak again.

"Who's Adrien?" Marinette realised her best friend had no clue about what happened to her, she had been silent for months and now it was her turn to use her voice to let Alya know her.

"He's a boy that... He saved me." She croaked, rolling over so they were facing each other. "He gave me this shirt, I know it. He was wearing it." She covered her mouth with the neck of her shirt, looking down. "Do you want to hear about what happened?" And with that Marinette spoke about the worst day of her life for the first time since it happened. The words fell from her lips and a pressure lifted off her chest. By the end she was sobbing, Alya's eyes were wide in horror, her mouth open in shock. That night they fell asleep holding onto each other, Marinette having her first night without any nightmares, and she could make out Adrien's eyes. So she focused on them, holding onto the image for dear life.

---

More months passed and Marinette was now fully healed, or as healed as she was going to get. It had been over a year since the break of wall Maria, Tikki and Marinette were now living with Alya and her family. Marinette’s wounds had healed but she now wore a pale pink, jagged scar from the far left of her cheek down her neck all the way to her collar bone. Because of this she was stared at constantly and they whispered about how she was a survivor. Her hair had grown longer since the fall of Shiganshina so she used her hair to her advantage, hiding under it yet again, and rarely speaking. Tikki constantly told her she was worried about Marinette, but Marinette ignored her. She didn’t want to talk about this stuff with Tikki, she knew she had her own problems and Marinette didn't want to put more on her.

The person she was, the cheerful, talkative girl was completely erased, as if she never existed. She now was quiet, subdued and emotionless. Alya was the only one who got anything out of Marinette, she even managed to make Marinette laugh, a sound Tikki hadn’t heard since the day of the attack. It wasn't that she had no personality anymore or anything, she just didn't have a reason to be cheerful or talk much anymore. Especially with her giant, ugly scar that she hated. Her scar was like a giant sign that read 'I survived the fall of Shiganshina, stare at me please'. She hated the stares but she was used to it now.

The only person she spoke to was Alya, they lay in bed together at night and whispered to each other. Marinette told her of her plans to join the military the coming weeks. Alya argued with her, saying that it was suicide, stating Marinette has only just recovered from her last experience with the titans. Alya wasn’t impressed but eventually promised to come with her to Marinette’s surprise, stating they were in it forever now.

“Alya, we could die.” Marinette whispered, lying on her side looking at her best friend who mimicked her, a frown on her face.

“I don’t care, look at you, I am not letting you go anywhere without me.” Alya retorted.

Marinette frowned, “I don’t need protection. Don't join the military just to keep an eye out for me, you could die!"

“I’m not coming to protect you, I’m coming to support you.” Alya sighed.

“I can do it alone.” Marinette frowned, looking away. She didn’t need anyone else getting hurt for her. "I don't want you to get hurt or end up like me."

“I know that, girl.” Alya replied softly, “but there is nothing wrong with others helping you. And we are in this till death, right?”

Marinette looked at Alya and sighed at their promise, linking their pinky fingers, “Till we die.”

“Till we die.” Alya repeated, grinning. “So when are you going to tell your sister?”

Marinette sighed and played with the string of her shirt, her mind drifting to Adrien again. “I don’t know, but she isn’t going to be exactly happy.”

“That’s the biggest understatement of the year.” Alya snorted, taking her glasses off and placed them aside. “All I will say is good luck, girl.”

Marinette sighed, watching as Alya blew out the candle, she knew she was right, telling Tikki was going to be hell. "You say that but you're the crazy woman following me to our deaths."

"Nah, it's only being crazy if I thought we would die." Alya replied, "which we wont, we are gonna be badasses."

Marinette chuckled and shook her head, "sure."

“Don’t worry about it tonight though, okay? Let’s just focus on getting some sleep tonight.” Alya smiled and got comfy, Marinette smiled, feeling the tug of her scar. She never smiled now because of it, but she never felt shy or like she had to hide from Alya. She could be herself.

"Yeah... Let's see what happens." She said before closing her eyes and drifting off to sleep.

---

Tikki stared at Marinette like she had grown two more heads, her blue eyes wide with fear. “You… no, I… You WHAT!?” She screamed. They were sitting at the dining table in Alya’s house, the two girls sat on one side while Tikki and Mrs Césaire were on the other side. Tikki was standing up, her hands in fists. She looked like she could jump across the table and bundle Marinette up and hide her forever. She was in her nurse’s uniform, they had chosen to tell them now before their shift happened so that they could pack their bags. “You are barely twelve years old!”

“I’m thirteen soon, I am old enough, I’m joining.” Marinette said calmly. She watched her seventeen year old sister look shocked at her words. Marinette looked at her emotionlessly, being stuck in a bed for months not being able to speak and being stuck inside your own head makes you extremely good at handling emotions and stay in control.

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Tikki slammed her fists on the table, “it’s a suicide mission joining the military! Do you want to die?”

“No, I don’t. I want to make a difference. I almost died because I was weak, I don’t want to be weak anymore.” Marinette didn’t flinch as Tikki slammed her fist down again, her eyes fixed on Tikki.

“You can’t even comprehend or understand enough to join the military!” Alya gulped next to her, chewing her lip, her own mother staring her down but not saying a word. Tikki wasn’t staying silent.

“Respect anyone who wears that uniform, Marinette.” Marinette said softly, “Remember you said that to me?” Tikki blinked in surprise, stepping back. “I remember you said that minutes before we ran for our lives,” Tikki’s eyes widened and she gasped, “before I was almost eaten by a titan, before I got this.” She pointed at her scar, her brows furrowing. “So don’t tell me that I don’t understand or that I cannot comprehend death or what being a soldier means. I am well aware. I have the scar as a souvenir.” Her eyes darkened, leaning back and crossing her arms over her chest.

Tikki stared at her in shock, holding the same look she always had when looking at Marinette recently. The look of not knowing who Marinette was anymore. Tikki turned to Mrs Césaire, “Marlena!” She cried, “say something! I can’t be the only one who doesn’t want this to happen!”

Mrs Césaire sighed and dropped the hand that was covering her mouth. “Alya, have you thought this through?”

“Yes mom,” Alya replied, straightening her back with confidence.

“You aren’t doing this to follow Marinette?”

“No ma’am.” Alya insisted, shaking her head, “I want to bring honour and pride to our family. I want to help with the war on the titans and get our world back.”

Mrs Césaire nodded, thinking for a minute before she stood up, wiping her eyes and walking over to Alya, pulling her to standing and engulfed her in a huge hug. She hugged her back, burying her face in her mothers chest. “We are already so proud of you, and you have already brought us honour by joining. I know you will be amazing.”

“What!?” Tikki was shocked, Marinette looked back at her with a raised brow, Tikki looked bewildered. “You are allowing this? They’re children!”

Mrs Césaire let go of Alya and frowned at Tikki, “they have experienced more than most adults. Especially Marinette.” She replied calmly, “if they want to join the military to make a difference we should be proud of them and their sacrifice! The men and women who are fighting this war against the titans are giving up their lives for us!”

“Exactly, giving up their lives!” Tikki yelled back, “I don’t want my sister dying at the ripe old age of 17 when she graduates!”

“I won’t die, and if I do it would be for the greater good!” Marinette stood up and yelled back.

“No it wont! You will die with your guts hanging out, piss down your leg and you will be crying out for a loved one begging not to die! I forbid this!” Tikki walked over and grabbed Marinette’s shoulders. “You are too weak!” Marinette gasped and stared at her sister in shock. “You will die!”

“Marinette isn’t weak!” Alya yelled, she looked ready to attack. “She is the strongest person I know!”

“The last time you saw a titan you almost died! You are too small, you won’t make it!” Tikki shook her shoulders angrily. Marinette frowned and pushed her sister off her, glaring at her.

“You can’t tell me what to do! You aren’t my mother and you aren’t my guardian.” She growled, “I can do whatever I like, and if anything Mrs Césaire is in charge of me.” Tikki looked surprised. “And I am not weak. If you don’t like it that’s not my problem. You can either support me or you can stay out of my business.”

Tikki glared at her sister before she grabbed her head scarf off the table and stormed out, slamming the door behind her. Marinette sighed and sat down, dropping her head on the table with a grunt.

You are too weak… you will die…

Her sister’s words echoed in her head, she was expecting the words to hurt her but they didn’t, they made her more determined. She was going to make it, she just needed to prove everyone wrong.

“Ignore her, Marinette. She doesn’t know who you are, who you really are. You will prove her wrong.” Alya reassured her, resting a hand on Marinette’s back.

Marinette sighed and stood up, pushing the chair back and walked through to their bedroom, walking to the window and looked out. She saw the garrison soldiers on the wall, they were running drills today, she watched them swinging across the wall and felt a pang in her chest. She wanted to be up there, she needed to be up there.

She sighed and turned away, leaning against the wall and slid down to the floor, dropping her head against the wall. Her mind went to Adrien again, looking over at the green shirt draped on the bed. It was a year and a half since the fall of the walls, and his face was almost all but blurred. She remembers how he held her like she was the only thing that mattered. She remembered his voice, and all she could see were those green eyes. She felt her scar with her fingers, drawing her knees to her chest, staring at the crinkles in her skirt.

Where was he? Was he safe? Did he get badly injured? She had so many questions that were most likely never going to be answered. And that sucked. He was the reason she was joining the military, she was spared and he saved her life, a stranger’s life. She had a debt to pay, and she wanted to be good. Not just a good person but a good soldier. But that wasn’t the important thing now. In a few weeks she will be a recruit and will start her training. She needed to focus on that and get through. Her eyes travelled to the shirt again, sadness taking over and the tears came. She had been through so much, yet these moments came very rarely, and when they did she embraced them with open arms. Just happy to feel something.

---

“Tikki I will be fine.” Marinette stared at the uniform in front of her. The cadet badge standing out against the tanned jacket. Her last conversation with her sister the night before echoing in her head. “Just… don’t die, okay?” Tikki had helped her cut her hair and gave Marinette her red ribbons much to her surprise. Now they were tied in her short, low pigtails, the ribbons floating down her back. Something of her sister to keep her safe.

She gulped and started to strip, pulling her new uniform on proudly. She wore her dark green top underneath her jacket, her dark brown sash around her waist fit perfectly and then her white trousers. Everything was custom made for her she figured, because it fit perfectly. She sat down and pulled on her knee-high boots, determination filling her.

Soon they were on the courtyard, in their formation at attention. Marinette looked around, she hadn’t met anyone yet, Alya standing next to her. She finally made it, she was finally here. She clenched her fists and looking to the side at her friend, smiling small at her before her face went hard. She was going to prove everyone wrong; she was going to join the survey regiment and she was going to make a difference. She looked forward, the horrors she saw flashing in front of her eyes, taking a deep breath and relaxed her fists. She had made it, now she had to actually do it.

[avengeultrons]

Title: Escape the Night II (Stark! Reader x Peter)

Summary: The twisted dinner party continues with a coffin, a piano in the woods, and...mannequins? It’s a thriller, and not the good kind.

Word Count: 2296

A/N: I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS SERIES ALREADY! I really hope you do, too! Enjoy:)

PART 3

--

My life was taken in order to hide the artifact from the living. To find it, you must find my coffin, exhume it from the earth, and release me. You must also find the key that unlocks the chain that seals it. The path that leads to the key starts at a fork beneath the weeping tree.

“The Weeping Willow, outside!” you shouted, speed walking to the door as the clue was passed around the group. At least you were good at puzzles, they kept your mind from wandering and spiraling down a rabbit hole of negativity that almost felt inevitable here, “Let’s split up, half find the key and half find the coffin.”

You were leading the pack out of the front doors of the house and down the gravel road to the eerie tree in front, its limbs hanging down as if being pulled to the grass by an unknown force. Tony ran forward and walked beside you, gravel crunching under his feet, “You shouldn’t be in charge of this suicide mission, Y/N,” he said, his face contorted in worry.

“Someone has to be,” you said, repositioning the flimsy cloche hat on your head, “If you must know, it makes me feel better, more in control,” Peter started waving his hands violently from his spot near the base of the tree. You gave your dad one final shrug before running as best as you could in your heels to where he was standing, bent over another clue.

Peter picked up a large red stone and another note, “Go to the tree twenty-seven paces from here,” he read the scribbled handwriting aloud. You stared ahead and glanced wearily at Peter; there were so many trees that you weren’t sure which one to choose. Surely finding a coffin wouldn’t be that hard.

“Well, it’s gotta be where that creepy piano is,” Natasha said, leading the way to the large piano in the trees, almost hidden by greenery, “Seriously, Tony? What is this place?”

You sighed and watched as your father became wracked with more guilt, turning his gaze to his feet as you kept walking. Natasha’s comment was meant to be harmless, but you could tell that it stung, “Let’s just focus on getting out of here. Look, there are two missing keys in the piano,” you said, prying the top of the instrument off. Steve helped hold it open while you grabbed the key you needed, “I think we have to dig over there. Judging by the fresh pile of dirt and the shovels, that is definitely where the coffin is.” “I can’t believe we’re exhuming a coffin out of the ground. We’ve fought robots and aliens, but dead people?” Clint was bitter as he dug, the shovels creating a rhythmic scraping sound.

Digging a grave was hard work. Your face was covered in sweat and specks of dust, your hands cramped and burning. Hoisting the coffin out of the ground was the worst part. There was a dead body in there, after all! Your mind went to all of the worst possible outcomes. All you had to do now was wait for the other half of your party, “There they are with the key for this chain!” Pietro shouted, jumping up from his resting spot on a pile of dirt.

Wanda held the large key, her hands shaking as she unlocked the chain and threw it off of the coffin. You squeezed your eyes shut, your stomach filled with anxious butterflies as they tossed the lid off of the coffin to open it.

“There’s...just a letter?” another one of the partygoers, dressed as a mobster, snatched it up and ripped it open like there was no tomorrow. Which, tomorrow wasn’t a given just yet.

I can feel your presence near, my spirit will soon be free. There is only one more task ahead of you. The hiding ritual is used to conceal the artifact required and unwilling soul to be buried alive and it was mine. Now another unwilling soul must be buried alive to reverse the spell. Only then will the artifact rise from its unearthen tomb.

The letter sent a shiver down your spine. You crossed your arms over your chest to keep from shaking, a scowl present on your face. You were already sick of this house’s games, “We have to vote for someone to die? Again?”

“I vote for Mr. Tony Stark. It’s his house, after all, that got us into this mess! He’s probably working against us,” the same partygoer, which you then found out was named Tim, jabbed a finger at your father.

You gasped and shot a glare at him, turning to Tim, “It’s not his fault! Why are you people always trying to turn the group on someone?” you asked. Tony put his hand up, begging you to stop. He looked rather terrified, standing there like a lost puppy, “Let’s vote, then,” you said. You obviously voted for Tim, even when a pang of guilt rooted itself in your stomach, sinking its teeth in and not letting go.

Tim tried to run when his name was called. The groundskeeper, Mark, stopped him and pulled him back to the group. Tony shooed you and Peter back to the line of trees, trying to conserve your innocence for some time. Both of you couldn’t help but watch for a minute; it was like a car crash that you couldn’t look away from. Like a horror movie that you watched at a slumber party once; none of you really wanted to watch it but you did anyways. You didn’t sleep on that dreadful night.

A gasp escaped your lips when the group put the man in the coffin, you couldn’t watch anymore. You turned your head into Peter’s shoulder and shut your eyes, trying to drown out the sounds of your group screaming and the poor victim’s screams. There was blood on all of your hands now.

“Let’s go,” Sam stepped past you, another one of the pyramid shaped artifacts tucked under his arm. He was speed walking to the house, Steve and the rest of the group following closely behind.

Tony stepped past you, another clue in his hands, “Idle? That’s all it says. Peter, Y/N, look for clues while we try to figure this out,” you were being treated like the mystery gang in Scooby Doo. All you needed was a Great Dane who talked.

“What's that car doing over there?” Peter asked, pointing ahead at a 1920s automobile sitting in the middle of the gravel road. You shrugged and ran ahead, crawling into the car without even thinking about the dangers that could be inside.

Peter threw his hands up, “What are you doing?” he asked with a sigh, sliding into the driver’s seat, “I don't think we should be in here,” he said. You rolled your eyes and pushed open the glove compartment. Another note, a small piece of paper with tiny writing, slid out, falling onto your lap.

“Slow Down,” you read it out loud, your eyebrows knotting together in confusion. You and Peter turned to each other, light bulbs going off in your heads as you spoke in unison, “The brakes.”

Peter reached his hand down on the brake, his head resting against the wheel. His eyes lit up as he held something above his head, “A key,” he said. You smiled and gave him a high five; the two of you probably worked better than Mystery Incorporated.

“What do you think it's for?” you asked, turning to look out of the back windshield. Peter watched you think; your eyebrows knitted together and lips pursed, the cherry scented lip gloss you had on shining from the moonlight in front of you. He really had to stop thinking about your cherry lip gloss.

“The trunk!” you clambered out of the car, Peter following you with the tiny key in his hand.

He unlocked the trunk as you squeezed your eyes shut, “I can't look, what if it's a dead body? Well, another one,” you sighed when Peter tapped your shoulder, “A mannequin?” It was a child sized mannequin, its arms and legs tied together with rope.

The two of you scooped it out of the car and carried it up to the house where the rest of your teammate were.

“We found something!” Peter shouted, hoisting the mannequin up above his head. Wanda called for the two of you from the dining room where four other mannequins were set up at a large mahogany dining table.

The group was trying to follow a picture to set up the mannequins in real life, but they were missing one, the small child sized one, “What kind of freaky game is this?” you asked, dropping the mannequin into the open chair.

“Look, another clue,” Tony announced. He pulled a small postcard out of the jewelry box on the table.

My employer,

I have hidden the artifact given to me as you requested in the new art installation on the second floor. I'm afraid it can only be visited by two guests selected by a vote. They should be prepared to play party games.

You groaned loudly, following the group back to the common area to vote yet again. Voting never brought anything good in this house. Especially not when Tony and Wanda were chosen for the party games, “Are you kidding me? These people are just trying to wipe us all out,” you glared at the people sitting on the couch opposite you. Tony sighed and kissed your forehead promptly before following Wanda up the steps, leaving you to fester in your anxiety.

“You're the ones killing off all of us!” the man across from you shouted. He wore a giant crystal watch that matched his pretentious attitude towards the whole situation, “Who’s to say that you're not the puppet master of this whole thing? You and your boyfriend? Think twice before pointing a finger, you little bitch,” when your least favorite word on planet earth rolled off of his tongue, Peter was first to jump up with his fists clenched and raised as if he would punch the face of the 20s gangster.

You jumped up and grabbed his arm, “Woah, woah!” Pietro was quick to pull Natasha back to the couch before she charged as well. Your face was burning bright red as you pulled Peter back down onto the couch, looping your arm through his, “You're lucky we’re holding them back.”

“I'm sorry,” Peter said quietly, sighing a shaky sigh. You looked up at him from your slumped position on the couch. He looked down at the ground like a puppy dog who was just in trouble for something, his hair, which he fixed on the way to the party, falling in front of his eyes. You smiled a painful smile and lay your head on his shoulder, closing your eyes briefly.

His eyes widened as you did so, a small smile creeping onto his face that he tried to hide from the rest of the party. Wanda caught his eye and smiled adoringly resting her chin in her hand as she watched his face turn pink.  

A scream made you jump up, your eyes widening in shock as you watched the woman, dressed as an heiress, in front of you fall to the ground and die almost instantaneously. You could practically hear a pin drop as all of you stared at her, not knowing what to do or say next.

Your mouth fell open as you gaped at her, your stomach dropping to the floor. Creaking of wood could be heard as Tony and Wanda ran down the steps, joining the rest of you in the living room.

Living rooms were typically supposed to be full of lively conversations and comfortable seating, not dead people and silence, “Every time we do a challenge, someone will die,” Natasha said dryly, trying to read the look on Tony’s face.

“I think so,” Wanda nodded, her lips pressed into a thin line. Another artifact was tucked under her arm, this one just as creepy as the last, “We have the third artifact; though. One step closer to getting the hell out of here.”

You sighed and tried stretching the fatigue and exhaustion out of your limbs. There was still a long night ahead of you, “So, what did you have to do?” you asked, taking a glass of water from Arthur as he passed them out.

“We had to play Spin the Bottle with a bunch of mannequins. It was...weird,” Tony and Wanda shared a glance, chuckling lightly, “Let’s hurry, we only have one artifact left.”

He unfolded the note and opened is mouth to read it out loud when a loud roar from outside shook the whole house, the glass vibrating and shaking. Peter’s glass slipped from his hand as he jumped, “Sorry,” he said as he stared down at the broken glass.

“What was that?” you stared out at the courtyard, trying to find whatever made the noise.

The room fell completely silent as Arthur stood at the window, talking to all of you as if he was telling a ghost story, “The evil of the house. It knows someone wants to imprison it. It's unleashed its guardian to make sure that it doesn't happen.”

You raised an eyebrow, an uneasy feeling taking over. Peter glanced over at you nervously, gulping as he narrowed his eyes at the window. You were hyper aware of your hands touching, your cheeks burning with a pink blush, even as you blinked your eyes to keep the exhaustion out. All you wanted to do was fall asleep and escape your problems, “What's going on?”

[kenbinru]

I Can’t Believe I Have the Girlfriend of My Dreams! (An Unromantic Love Comedy LN)

CHAPTER 14

 “I’m gonna marry you!” said Yui.

I’m a little nervous right now getting squeezed by my best friend’s little sister. I’m in World A(kane), and to be honest I feel terrible. We decided to stop by to see Daisuke’s 10-year-old sister who’s in the hospital right now. Daisuke finally revealed his secret to his friends after Mary grilled it out of him. According to him, he “didn’t want us to worry about a little sickness” that was serious enough to hospitalize Yui. Last time I was here, I had just woken from the accident that started this whole thing, and it turns out she was right down the hall, but I never noticed.  

“Ha ha…maybe someday.” I say.

“Sorry, but Kazuki already made a promise to me, right?” said Akane.

Akane grabbed my other hand and squeezed it tightly.

W-what promise?

It’s been awhile since I’ve seen Daisuke’s little sister. She was always full of spirit and energy, something that’s the complete opposite of Daisuke today. From what I’ve known, Daisuke loves his sister more than anything in world. After all, for most of his childhood, it was just the two of them. Their father tragically passed away when they were young, and their mother followed just a few years ago. Although Daisuke never talked much about his personal life, every time he mentioned Yui it seemed as if he was a different person. His sister was the world to him, and I couldn’t imagine what could be going through his head right now, seeing his sister in the hospital.

“I want chocolate Big bro.”

“Your big sis makes the best chocolate.” said Daisuke.

Mary’s face turned red.

“W-well…if it’s for Yui-chan it’s no problem.”

Mary patted Yui’s head.

“That’s a promise Big Sis!” said Yui.

Mary’s face turned increasingly red at the adorableness of being called a big sister for the first time. It seemed Akane wanted her to say that too.

“We’ll all make chocolate. Let’s see which one Yui likes the best!” said Akane.

So it was settled, next time we visit her we’ll bring her some chocolate. It was good to bring a smile to a little girl’s face. Unfortunately, we had to leave due to visitation hours being over. We still had an errand to run anyways. Being put in charge of the school festival event for our class, Akane and I in this world were supposed to pick up the maid uniforms. It was just a slight delay since we wanted to see Yui instead.

  “We’re here.” said Akane.

We arrive at a big warehouse that seemed to be an old factory that had been turned into a store. There was no sign outside at all, but when we walked in there was a small poster that read “Costume Party: Costumes and Uniforms Galore.” Inside the dimly-lit warehouse were costumes and cosplay far as the eye could see. There were multiple sets and props for sale from various professions and TV shows too, like a Masked Avenger costume for sale.

“Hey! Close the door ya kids! The flies will come in.” said the old man sitting at the cash register.

“I’m sorry mister!” shouted Mary.

The old man looked suspicious. He was smoking a cigarette and reading the newspaper with his big glasses. It also didn’t help that he was bigger than Daisuke, with some dragon tattoos visible from the sleeve of his shirt, which read “SECURITY.” There was very little light in the room, but his shiny bald head managed to sparkle like a disco ball that lit up his immediate surroundings.

This guy looks like a gangster…what kind of place is this?

“Hey Sojiro-san! Is that how you greet a fair young girl?” said Akane.

Immediately the old man put down his newspaper to get a look at us. His stone cold face smiled.

“Look what we have here! It’s Akane-chan! Long time no see. How’s my old friend manager-san?” asked Sojiro-san.

“Oh my! He’s doing fine. He has someone else now to keep him out of trouble.” said Akane.

The two seemed like old friends that were catching up on old times.

How does she know someone like him?

“Sojiro-san, I’m here to pick up some maid costumes for our school event. Anything you think would look good?” asked Akane.

Sojiro-san put out his cigarette and walked over to us. With every step he took, the ground shook, due to his massive size and muscular legs. Despite being old, he seemed to still be a formidable man who could probably take on anyone in a fight.

“Over here in the maid section we have some new arrivals. Take a look around Akane-chan! I just put out some of the cute uniforms there myself this morning!”

He pointed us in the direction of the maid section that was on the other side of the building, past all the butler uniforms and the replica sword collection.

“Thank you Sojiro-san!” said Akane.

Akane grabs my hand and leads me all the way there. Walking there, there were so many different maid costumes of multitudinous design. There were some maid costumes that fully covered the mannequin on display, and other costumes that, to be generous, barely qualified as “maid” costumes, and instead were pretty much bikinis with frills and a tiny apron.

“L-lewd!!!” Mary lightly shrieked as she tried to cover her eyes.

“This one looks pretty cute.” said Daisuke.

He was examining the maid costume and looked back at Mary with a perverse grin on his face.

Knucklehead’s probably imagining the girls in them isn’t he!

Mary had the same thought and hopped off her feet a little to bump him square on the head.

“That’s from the Victorian-Era!” said Akane.

We all turned to look at a display of a maid costume that Akane was marveling at, as she began her lecture.  

“Stylized to match the look of an English Victorian-Era maid near the end of the 19th century, it’s the “standard” for what most people think of when it comes to maid uniforms. As a general rule, it’s required that their hair is tied back and in a cap. This might be a little too drab for what our class needs for the café though…”

The rest of us were listening intently as Akane unfurled her vast knowledge of maid uniforms.

She’s like a tour guide when it comes to this stuff.

I walk around the maid section a little more and notice a large display showcasing a uniform with a mini-skirt and frills all over the dress.

“That’s probably our modern-day version of a maid uniform, and the closest to what my old job had. It was made famous in Akiba and honestly it’s my favorite!” said Akane.

“It looks really cute.” I said.

Akane leans by my ear, cupping it softly with her hands.

“Maybe I’ll even wear it for you Kazuki…” whispered Akane behind me. The sensation of her breath along the side of my neck was intoxicating.

“Y- You will?!?” I choked.

Akane became flustered at her attempt at seduction and pushed me away. Her typically pale face became bright red like a tomato.  

“I- I’m just joking you pervert! Don’t take it the wrong way!”

She gave me her trademark cute pout.

“Y-you suggested it!” I retorted.

Daisuke and Mary were looking around at the other maid uniforms until they found us looking at the display. I could tell that Mary was uncomfortable being around a place like this. To her, it seemed that we were shopping for lingerie (which in a sense, we kind of were). Daisuke was gripping her tiny hand, trying to make her feel better.

“I think this one will work! All the other ones are a little too risqué for us …” said Akane.  

We all agreed that the main display was the best combination of cute, conservative, and authentic.

“But there’s only one way to find out…come on Mary-chan!” as she dragged Mary with her.

“Where are we going?!?” asked a terrified Mary. She knew all too well the answer to her own question.

It was too late. Akane dragged Mary off into the changing rooms in order to try on the maid uniforms. Suddenly a pair of gargantuan gorilla mitts land with the weight of the lord on our twink shoulders. I turn to see Sojiro-san had appeared behind Daisuke and me.

“You wouldn’t be gentlemen if you just stood there…if you catch my drift.” said Sojiro-san.

“Uh…what do you mean sir?” asked Daisuke.

He grabbed two butler uniforms and tossed them to us. I narrowly manage to catch the set in my hands.

“Go on and change you two, it’ll look adorable to see you couples dressed up together. Akane-chan would appreciate it.” said Sojiro-san.

He points us in the direction of the men’s changing room.

“B-but I’m good Sojiro-san-” I say.

Sojiro-san got right into my face. I can see every wrinkle and scar lining the surface of his face. They told a story, and that story was that this man did not ask; he told.

“Don’t make me tell Akane-chan you two were peeking…”

I gulped along with Daisuke at the threat of not only getting killed by Sojiro-san, but also incurring the wrath of Akane, who we knew all too well was capable of punishing our lack of enthusiasm.

“Guess we have no choice, huh Daisuke…?”

“Yep…let’s just get this over with Kaz.”

  “Just where are those knuckleheads?” asked Mary.

I could hear her shrill voice outside of the changing rooms. Daisuke and I were still changing in our stalls. They were small rooms with mirrors on every side, except for the door, on which the basic instructions for properly tying a bow-tie were outlined on a small poster. The ensemble I’d been given was made up of an all-black suit, accented with a white dress shirt, along with some white cotton gloves, a pair of black leather shoes, and a blood red bowtie. I take a look at myself in the mirror with my full costume and I can hardly recognize myself. I’ve got to admit, this was the first time I’ve ever worn anything as elegant as this. The suit was a perfect fit for me, almost like it was made specifically for my measurements. I tap the ground with the tips of my feet to find that the shoes are an excellent fit as well.

Looking fly there Kazuki!

I point finger-guns at myself in the mirror before walking out of my stall.

“Hey Kazuki? Do you know how to tie a bowtie?” asked Daisuke from inside his own changing room.

“Yeah, just come in my stall.” I responded.

Daisuke opens the door and walks out wearing an identical outfit, except without a bow-tie on. If I thought I looked great in this, Daisuke looked even better. His muscles and broad shoulders were wrapped snugly by the suit, which made him look even more tall and slick. He walks into my stall, hands me his bow-tie, and pops his collar up.

“You couldn’t follow the instructions inside?” I ask with a smug grin.

“Geez…it was confusing looking at the instructions and the mirror at the same time.” he says.

I wrap the bow-tie around his neck, and try to recall the exact steps I did earlier, but now in reverse.

Up and over, make this knot, side-to-side, and….done!

I pat Daisuke on the shoulders and we both take a moment to look at each other.

“They’re waiting Kaz.” said Daisuke.

“Right behind you, partner in crime.”  

We step outside of the changing room to see Akane dressed in her maid outfit, with Mary shocked by our abrupt appearance. She hides behind Akane, embarrassed at her current state.

“Eep!” muttered Mary.

“Wow…you two actually look decent for once.” said Akane.

“Ha ha, very funny Akane.” I respond.

Mary gathers her courage and steps forward to get a closer look at me and Daisuke. Needless to say, she was awestruck by the two handsome gentlemen standing in front of her. Mary’s breath was taken away.

Akane gives us a quick spin to show us her full maid uniform. Although it wasn’t as erotic as the costume I saw Yuki-san wearing in World B, somehow she seemed more elegant and refined in this outfit. Akane’s hair was wrapped with a headband, along with her red ribbon. The short skirt she was wearing exposed only a small area of her long legs, as the rest was covered by her white thigh-high socks. There was also a large oversized red bow adorning her neck, similar to our bow-ties.  

I can only take so much cuteness! This is too good to be true!

Mary looked cute in the maid uniform as well, so much so that Daisuke was at a loss for words. It was the first time I’ve seen Mary Kaneko let her blonde hair flow instead of wearing it in her trademark ponytail, and I couldn’t believe that I was looking at the same loud mouthed tomboy I had tutored all year. Although the roadrunner of Kasumigaseki High was wearing the same uniform as Akane, she gave a different vibe, almost like that of a little sister. She didn’t have the same curves that Akane had, but she was small and cute enough to melt the hearts of every boy at school. It helped that she was embarrassed, trying to lower her skirt to cover more of her short legs that were partially exposed despite the thigh-high socks. Finally, she wore her trademark Masked Avenger pin on her chest, right next to her oversized ribbon.

“You two look amazing…” I say to them.  

Akane tries to hide her laughter with her hand. Daisuke’s mouth was still agape, staring at his girlfriend

“C’mon, stop staring perv. You’re embarrassing me!” pointed Mary.

Mary slaps Daisuke out of his daze, as she hugs him in his uniform.

“Oh, one more thing…”

Akane stands in front of me, and takes out a comb. As she swipes away the strands of my messy hair, I can feel her exposing my forehead.

“There! Now you look professional.” Says Akane.

“Thanks.”

Mary, unable to bear another minute in her costume, starts to pout.

“Aww come on! Can we please change out of these things? I can’t take it anymore!”

If she hates these costumes this much, I wonder how she’ll be in her Juliet costume…

We make our way out of the warehouse. Akane and I sorted through the logistics of delivering the maid costumes to our school address as soon as possible. Thanks to Akane’s friendship with Sojiro-san, he gives us the goods for free!

“It’s on the house! Anything for my Akane-chan!” said Sojiro-san.

“Aww…don’t push your luck old man.” snapped Akane.

Sojiro-san steps back, but gives an odd smile after being insulted.

Guess he’s a masochist like manager-san.

“Come back whenever you want!” exclaimed Sojiro-san, as he waves us goodbye.

  A few days have gone by, as the school continued preparing for the festival. I’m in my original world now, and in this world Yuki-san also got the same uniforms as Akane did, but without any of the rest of us being involved. According to the class president, she just “handed her a box of these cute maid uniforms!” To the dismay of the boys, she also brought the box of the same butler uniforms I wore with Daisuke. Although I didn’t want to admit it, I wanted to see myself in that suit again, for posterity’s sake!

It’s too bad no one will see the roadrunner wear one in this world.

The first day of the school festival had finally arrived. If anything went wrong today, it could potentially jeopardize the other two days. With the leadership of Class President and some background work by Yuki-san, they had trained everyone in class to be ready to serve, and to be the best maids and butlers Kasumigaseki High has ever seen. I was on the first shift with some other boys in our class, with Yuki-san being the head maid for her group.

“Yuki-san’s an amazing maid…I never would have expected that.” said one student in our class.

Our doors were going to open soon, and looking outside, there was already a line forming. Our marketing team was great, since they had very eye-catching pictures of some of our more popular students in costume, boys and girls. We were going to be busy, but our class was prepared to host one of the best events of the festival. Yuki-san and I make eye contact, exchanging determined looks before we open our doors.

Let’s do this Yuki-san!

  Since I started working at Kasumigaseki High, it’s brought back memories of being in charge of the fortune telling booth. I remember when I was younger, all the boys in my class would line up down the hall for the fortune telling booth! Nothing has changed from when I was in school; all the boys still line up, and are told “You will be asked out by your crush!” It was strangely satisfying to see the genuine belief in young love plastered on their faces as they left my booth.

Lately, Father’s been encouraging me to join him at the hospital, since there’s plenty of eligible guys there… but today it’s time for the next generation to find their heart's desires, and hopefully seize the opportunities they can.

Opportunities…

I mustn’t think these sad thoughts! I’m still young! I’m quite a catch for someone my age! If only I could find my “prince” then I could live happily ever after, just like my childhood stories. It sucks that all the guys are intimidated when they see a female doctor working with high schoolers.

I let out a long sigh, until the familiar clank of my newly purchased coffee landing from its spot in the vending machine snaps me out of my sentimental daze. I reach under the chute, and crack it open to take a sip.  

“What’s a woman like you doing out here?” asks a mysterious voice behind me.

“What’s it to you?” I reply.

I didn’t want to deal with any punk students, especially not after getting stood up again last night.

“That’s not very lady-like for someone like you…” continued the mysterious voice.

This punk! Alright time to give him some detent-

My breath stops and I drop my coffee can onto the ground. A handsome, tall, mature-looking man is standing in front of me, wearing a completely black suit with a red tie and a small red string tied into a ribbon on his chest pocket. The enigmatic man had longish black hair, which was combed and slicked back underneath his black fedora. Perhaps the most striking detail of his outfit was his black leather gloves. He didn’t look like any staff member or student I knew. He looked too old to be a student here, but then again, far too young to be a parent– he was around my age.

My chest starts to tighten up as my heart rate skyrockets. Whether out of fear or attraction, I cannot tell. All I know is that I have to find out who this man is.

“Um…who are you?” I ask, trying to compose myself.

The man goes towards the vending machine behind me, and I hear the machine buzzing and ringing, until I hear that same familiar clank, followed shortly by another. He reaches down into the chute and hands me a new coffee can, as he cracks open his own.

“Sorry about that darling, I didn’t mean to surprise you.” As he flashes me a smile with his shiny white teeth.

“D-don’t worry about it!”

Why am I getting embarrassed like a schoolgirl?

Still, it was strange to see someone like him here at this school, but it was the school festival after all. It wasn’t unusual for the events to attract strange people from around the neighborhood. Even so, there was something about him I couldn’t quite put my finger on…

“I’m sorry, but if you don’t mind me asking, what is it that you’re here for?” I ask.

“Just passing by is all…” he says.

The stranger walks past me and throws his empty coffee can into one of the recycling bins behind him without looking.

“Thanks for the coffee!” I say to him, as he lazily waves his hand, not bothering to look to back.  

“See you around, my darling!”

   Yuki-san and I had been working non-stop for hours. The customers kept pouring in and out of our tiny classroom. Daisuke and Kaneko-san couldn’t come see us unfortunately, due to stage practice. On my last break when I stepped outside in my butler uniform, I saw a long line that stretched along the hallway. Fortunately, the line started to die down near the end of the day. We only had a couple customers in our room currently.

I let out a tired sigh as I sit on a chair next to our makeshift tables for four. Yuki-san and I were the only two left in the maid café as the rest of the class left to explore the other events. Although I wanted to see what everyone else was doing, I was glad to have a moment alone with Yuki-san. Since the school festival, we haven’t had much time alone, and awkwardness started to grow between us. Even during the occasional study sessions, Daisuke and Kaneko-san were present, so the atmosphere wasn’t right for me to make any progress with her. I hadn’t done much to further Operation Maiden’s Heart yet either, since I hadn’t noticed a change in Daisuke. Of course, knowing now what Yui was going through, it seemed even more impractical to give Daisuke more to think about.

A cup is placed next to me on the table, and I hear coffee being poured out of a pot. I look up to see Yuki-san in her maid uniform.

“Here Kaneshiro-san, you’ve worked hard today. I think you’ve earned this.” said Yuki-san politely.

“Thanks.” I say, as I take a sip of the coffee.

It tasted sweeter than the other batches. I wasn’t a really big fan of bitter coffee, so it was a pleasant surprise.

“I know you don’t like bitter coffee, so I hope you liked this one mast...“  Yuki-san stopped herself.

“Uh…what did you say?” I asked Yuki-san.

Yuki-san turns away from me and stands tall with the coffee pot in her hands, clutching it against her chest.

“N-nothing Kaneshiro-san! Finish the coffee and let’s start cleaning up.”

I finish the coffee and begin to tidy up the room for tomorrow’s service. Just as I’m about to take down the sign outside of our classroom a man dressed in a black suit and red tie appears and enters our cafe.

“Oh! I barely made it. Thanks brother!” as he pats me on the back.

“Excuse me, s-sir? We’re closed, please come back tomorrow!”

I try to stop him from entering but it’s too late. The man dressed in black was already sitting down at one of the tables. Yuki-san comes up to him to get him to leave, still “in character” with her pleasant maid persona.

“Excuse me, but we’re closed for now sir. If you’d like, you can come back tomorrow.” explained Yuki-san.

The man in black ignored her. Instead, he stood up and grabbed the coffee pot from her and started to pour himself a cup of coffee.

“Ahh…a little too sweet for my taste, but still good. I can tell it was made with love.” he observes.

Yuki-san drops character and begins to look as if she’s prepared to throw him out of the nearest window of her classroom.

She’s living up to her “Ice-Witch” reputation right now…

“Get out. Now!” she yells at the man in black.

The man wasn’t intimidated by her order at all. He takes his coffee cup and sits right back down in his seat. This was something else. This was giving me flashbacks to the time at the “Purrfect Café,” and I had to do something.

“Hey, leave us alone!” I say to the man in black.

I stand in front of Yuki-san, who was trying to hold back her rage from this troublesome man.

“That’d be great, actually. If you could leave me alone with my darling little sister, I would be much obliged.” the man in black says.

Yuki-san steps in front of me and grabs the man in black by the collar of his black dress shirt.

“What did you say?” screams Yuki-san in the man’s face.

Just who is this man?

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