#oh wait I think I might’ve called him on the phone at one point???

[im-no-jedi]

had too many different jumbled dreams last night to try and write them down, the only thing worth mentioning is that - even though he wasn’t actually there - the sergeant was my husband again 😋

[jaywonjuice]

hiii! i saw your requests were open! i was wondering if you could write a jake drabble/scenario where the reader and him get into an argument and instead of making him sleep on the couch, the reader voluntarily does so instead and the aftermath (apologies) afterwards? hopefully that makes sense ☺️ thank you so much in advance and i’m looking forward to it!!

~ 🩵

aaa my first ever request !! :3 tysm for this, i thought it was a rly sweet idea and i rly rly hope you like how the piece turned out !<3

timeless. ~ s.jy

pairing bf!jake x gn reader

genre angst, fluff, oneshot

warnings verbal fight, physical contact, kissing, mention of drowning

wc 1.27k

[00:00] you watched as the alarm clock on your nightstand ticked over midnight and beeped into the darkness. you hugged your knees to your chest, feeling as if you were glued to this spot, huddled up in the middle of the bed. a lump began to form in your throat.

he forgot.

you and jake had been dating for a year now, and to be truthful, it was the happiest you had been in a long time. through all the low points he’d been there, from staying up to cuddle with you on the sofa after the long hard days at your stressful job, to wiping away your tears with his gentle touch, refusing to leave your side until he saw you smile again. you honestly had to pinch yourself sometimes to check you weren’t dreaming, that he was really yours - your gorgeous, sweet, golden retriever boyfriend.

but he forgot. he’d forgotten your one-year anniversary. and you knew that it shouldn’t matter to you so much but it did. you’d waited hopefully all day for him to text or call, and when your phone finally buzzed you’d rushed to read the message excitedly.

jake🩶

should still make tn but schedule’s running late, prob won’t get there til like half 12 xxxxxxx

your heart had sunk. you’d really thought he might have something special planned in secret, a surprise date at a fancy restaurant maybe, so you hadn’t brought it up just in case. but now you felt like a fool, hopes crushed. he clearly wasn’t thinking about you. maybe he just didn’t love you anymore.

your spiralling thoughts were cut off abruptly by the sound of the apartment door opening and then latching shut softly. shortly afterwards a shadowy shape appeared standing in the doorway of the bedroom.

‘hey baby,’ said jake with a broad smile. entering the room he flicked the lights on, casually running his fingers through his hair and letting out a contented sigh, as if he hadn’t just crushed your heart. ‘i thought you might’ve been asleep. why are you just sitting here in the dark?’

his smile faltered as he took in your expression. you were staring at him dully with tired eyes. he thought you looked smaller than usual, sat hunched there, blanket wrapped around your shoulders in the middle of the bed. concern flickered across his features. ‘baby, has something happened?’

you scoffed, turning away from him. ‘“has something happened?” no, actually, as a matter of fact absolutely nothing happened all day.’

he regarded you, puzzled. ‘baby i don’t understand,’

‘today was our anniversary, jake,’ you answered him cooly. ‘we’ve been together for an entire year and you didn’t even remember.’

you watched as the realisation crept over his face.

‘oh gosh, yeah, it totally slipped my mind!’ he furrowed his brow, thinking. ‘let’s go to the movies tomorrow, hmm? a proper date, to celebrate,’ he offered with a smile.

‘no,’ you shot back without a moment’s pause. ‘it’s not the same. we can’t just do it tomorrow. it won’t be special, we’ve missed our chance.’

‘what do you mean it won’t be special?’ he scratched his head, clearly growing frustrated with the conversation. ‘we’d be doing the exact same thing just on a different day, it doesn’t make any difference.’

‘jake, this was important to me!’ you were shouting now, unable to remain calm with how easily he seemed to dismiss your feelings.

‘hey don’t yell at me!’ he put his hands up. ‘we can just go tomorrow can’t we?! seriously what is the issue here, all i want is to just be with you-’

‘well i don’t want to be with you!’ you spat.

his jaw worked. something about his gaze shifted, and his eyes hardened. you knew then that you’d hurt him.

‘just forget it,’ you huffed, pushing yourself up off the bed and making to storm out of room. jake stuck his arm out to block the door. ‘look, if you’d just listen-’

‘forget it, i said,’ you repeated yourself, pushing his arm out of the way before adding, ‘you’re good at that.’ with that you left the room, your blanket trailing behind you.

.❦.

[11:44] when you awoke on the sofa the following morning, it was to a sore back and a throbbing head. it had taken you hours to fall asleep and you felt anything but rested. your cheeks felt tight with the stains of dried tears, and as you sat up straight the events of the previous evening flooded your mind.

jake. as you remembered the wounded look on his face at your hurtful words, your heart ached, adding to your long list of pains. ‘such an idiot,’ you groaned, head in your hands.

berating yourself did little to relieve your discomfort however, so you dragged yourself up off the sofa and made your way blearily to the kitchen.

as you reached for the medicine cabinet, something stuck to the fridge caught your eye. a little envelope was tucked under one of your little puppy fridge magnets. removing it carefully, you turned it over in your hands to find your name scrawled on the back.

you opened it up and read:

morning angel,

you know i’m not good with words, but i need you to know how much i love you, and how sorry i am that i hurt you.

i should never have said the things i said. i know now how important this was for you and i should’ve been more understanding from the start.

it’s not that i don’t care, honestly it’s quite the opposite. i just want to celebrate every day that i get to spend loving you. you see, i think we’re timeless baby, no matter how long i’m with you i’m always going to be crazily in love with you, until we’re old and grey. no matter when someone asks me, now or fifty years from now, i’m gonna be telling them that you’re my baby, forever and always.

yours,

jake

p.s. i’m really sorry this is all in writing and not in person, but i had things scheduled all morning that i couldn’t get out of :( i promise i’m gonna make it up to you

p.p.s. i’m also sorry for my atrocious handwriting (you’re right, it does kinda look like a drunk spider slipped in ink and danced across the page)

the sheet of paper trembled in your hands.

‘y/n?’

you looked up with a jolt to see jake stood watching you by the door, his face fraught with concern. your eyes filled with tears as they met his, and he dropped his bags to the floor and rushed over to you. he pulled you into his arms, wrapping them tightly around you.

‘jake,’ you were sobbing into his chest now. ‘jake i’m so sorry. i’m so so sorry.’

‘shhh, i know baby, i know,’ he stroked the back of your head gently. ‘i’m sorry too.’

still a sniffling mess, you continued ‘i do want to be with you, i want to be with you forever and.. i want to be timeless with you.’

you tilted your head up to face him, eyes shining. ‘please,’

he held your face in his hands as he leant in to kiss you, his thumb brushing against your cheek gently. the way he kissed you made you feel like you were both alive and burning all at once, like he was a breath of fresh air, like you were drowning. when he finally pulled away, he smiled, running his thumb along your puffy bottom lip, before replying softly ‘yeah, timeless sounds good to me.’

pls don’t hesitate to send me requests ! i love writing these sm ⸜(｡˃ ᵕ ˂ )⸝♡

©jaywonjuice | do not copy or re-upload my work on any platform

[luvhughes43]

caught your eye | trevor zegras x reader

luvhughes43 masterlist🌷

request: So I saw this video on TikTok where Trevor is checking out a girl and some people were saying that it looks like he might’ve said “oh yeah she’s  fine” something like that. can you make one where reader goes to a game with some friends, but she’s not into hockey and just went because her friends were going. Maybe they notice Trevor checking her out and tell her how he keeps skating past their section and doing a double take every time he passes her.

word count: 0.5k

you were never interested in hockey, but you weren't surprised to find yourself at the honda center late one evening. your best friend had grown up in a hockey household, and she’d detail to you all of her experiences in the sport. your other friends were interested in the sport too, so they all dragged you out to the arena to watch anaheim play. 

“Okay yn, so basically what you need to know is-” your best friend was trying to explain the game to you for the thousandth time as the ducks took to the ice for warmups.

“God he's so cute,” your other friend cut off your best friend so she could gush about the players now scattered across the ice. “whos that?” your friend asked, pointing to one of the players who was standing next to his friend.

“Number 11 is Trevor Zegras, and the guy he's standing with is Mason McTavish” your best friend answered before going right back into the rules of the game. your group of friends were standing at the glass, battling through people's signs so you could see onto the ice. 

“I think he's looking over here!” your friend squealed with excitement and all the girls around you started gushing about Trevor. 

who’s he looking at?

he has such good hair oh my god

“YN! YN!” your friend started nudging you,

“what!” you turned to her, 

“look at Trevor! oh my god he’s definitely looking at you!” she squealed again and your best friend started videoing the boys on the ice.

“what? there's no way, why would he be looking at me?” you turned to look back at the ice, and sure enough Trevor was looking at you. you couldn’t make out what he was saying to his friend, but you could see that after every few words he was turning back to look at you again. 

you and your friends had a small freak out by the glass before you made your way up the stands and to your seat.

“do you think he was really looking at me? there were so many people down there, he could've been looking at anyone” you asked, excitement still laced in your tone. Trevor was really cute now that you’ve gotten a few good looks at him.

“here, let's just watch the video i took and see,” your best friend said, pulling her phone out of her jeans pocket.

the three of you sat in your seats huddled around your friend's phone, zooming in and replaying your moments with Trevor.

“okay he was definitely staring at you,” your best friend confirmed after rewatching the video for the seventh time. 

“wait can you zoom in more? i wanna see what he said” your friend asked, causing your best friend to zoom in on the video.

Yeah, she’s fine Trevor clearly mouthed to his teammate.

“Oh he called you fine!” your friend giggled, pushing your shoulder lightly.

“yns first nhl hockey game and she’s being noticed by popular players… the tiktok girlies want to be you so bad” your best friend singsonged. 

you couldn’t hide your smile for the rest of the game. maybe you were interested in hockey after all?

part two

[lodisama]

AEROKINESIS (x.t)

jealous, frustrated xavier x f!reader

summary: reader is in weathervane, and comes across tyler and they have a conversation. making xavier jealous of how close you two are, it ends to something you never expected tw: tyl*r g*lpin

I breathe heavily, out of breath from my bike ride. I wasn’t in a hurry or anything. I just wanted to get to Weathervane before it rains. And it was starting to get gloomy. I don’t mind the rain, in fact I love it.

I practically escaped as soon as Nevermore’s school hours were done— And I might’ve left my friend alone, confused as to where I am now.

I park my bike next to the cafe’s glass window, making sure it doesn’t fall. I make my way to the glass door, the cold air hitting me. Immediately greeted by the usual barista, Tyler. “Good afternoo… Oh a Nevermore. Hi,” His voice falters when he lifts his face to see me. I don’t respond, given his reaction, instead i just went to a seat, at the very back, next to the window. I was the only one anyway.

I place a book on my table, clearly about to read it. I open it to the page I’m currently on. And that’s all I did, for the next five minutes, I consumed my brain with a book. Till I heard footsteps coming my way, I didn’t turn to it, I just waited for what he would say. “Is that Silvia Plath’s book?” The barista starts off.

“It’s clearly on the cover.” I say, obviously uninterested.

He hums, shifting. “Uh.. What can I get for you then?” He holds a pen and a tiny paper. I finally look up at him, seeing his brown curly locks and skinny body. I don’t think much of it. He did sound rude when he saw me come in. “Ice matcha, and a Banoffee pie. Put the pie on take out.” I listed. He nods writing everything down. “Alright, I’ll be with you in a sec.” He walks away to the kitchen door.

A few minutes later he came back with my order, an iced matcha on his hand, and a paper bag on the other. “Here you go, iced matcha, and your Banofee pie.” He smiles, placing the paper bag on my table. “Thank you.” I responded. I took the iced matcha and started mixing it. He just stayed there silently, looking like he wanted to say something to me. “I’m sorry for, uh—Sounding rude earlier, when you came in.” He points his thumb at the entrance door, stuttering through his words. I smile, finding it funny that he thinks it was a big deal. "Calm down, it's not a big deal." "Oh." Silence once again.

I love silences, if it were bad situations that is. Silence in conversations make me utterly uncomfortable. "Mind if i sit? My shift ends in 5 minutes." I stiffen at his debrief. I gulp, and nod. He smiles at this and he unties his apron. I gaze his actions, feeling somewhat uneasy and awkward. He folded it, and placed it on the table, sitting in front of me afterwards. I had both of my hands clasped under the table, waiting for anything to happen. He made himself comfortable, "So what kind of outcast are you?" He starts off again. "A wolf? Vampire, witch, telekinesis? What?" The curly haired, softly laughed. "Aerokinesis." I bluntly said. He stairs in confusion, waiting for me to explain.

"Never heard of that before," No shit. "I can manipulate wind. I can literally take your breath away." I laugh at my own joke. He did the same. It quickly stopped when my phone rang. Shit I whispered. I immediately grabbed my phone from my uniform pocket, the name caller displayed ‘xavier’. I answered immediately, not minding Tylers awkward stare. “Y/n, where the hell are you?” I was greeted by his furious tone. “Hello to you too Xavier,” I bite my lip, hoping he wasn’t mad, though I can already tell the pot’s boiling aggressively. "I've been looking everywhere for you, don't tell me you're by the lake again." The man sighs. " I'm at weathervane," My calm tone reassures him from his accusations of being by the lake. He wasn't really fond of the lake, due to being traumatized by the many unknown failures in the Poe Cup. He dropped the call when I had said where I was, common thing he does for no reason, though I don't find it rude. It was always one of his traits. I set my phone on the table, now looking at Tyler. His perplexed face made it hard for me to compose my laugh, I clear my throat. The rain started pouring loudly, the town looking dull and grey now.

"Want me to drive you to your creepy school? Looks like the rain's really gonna take its time." He bidded, his emerald eyes glistening with hope.

"Hmm.. I'd rather get wet in the rain, rather than be with a normie. Sorry." I shrugged, truly not sorry. This made him emmitt a chuckle. "Seriously? It's not like I'm the one whose a threat to people with her bizarre "super power". " He joked, causing me to smile. I shake my head "Good one, but I'm powerful as I am." I take a sip of my iced matcha, I accidentally turned my eyes at Tyler, for a good long while. He shakes his head, smiling like an idiot. "You weren't wrong when you said you take peoples breath away. No pun intended."

I huff out a laugh, not entertaining his statement. “I’ve heard that one too often” He shakes his head, looking down at his hands. “Hey, there’s a dance this weakened, do you maybe wanna—“ “She has a date.” I turn my head to Xavier’s tall figure. “Xavier,” I stood up, looking at his figure from head to toe. “You’re soaking wet.” His hair drenched, clothes all drowning in water. “Oh… Uh, my apologies, didn’t know you had a boyfriend.”

“Friend.” I corrected.

“Okay, that’s enough. Let’s go, Y/n.” His voice in a low and serious tone. I mumble a quiet Okay in embarrassment, knowing Tyler was watching all of this happen. I grab my things, including the paper bag with the Banofee pie inside. It was for him.

I take a hold of his hands, letting him drag me wherever he wants. He dragged me outside the cafe, with Tyler all alone to fend off his thoughts. He lead me to my bike, which was next to his, and I didn’t even notice it, or his presence. The rain just kept getting louder, the bike was no use.

Xavier was silent the whole time, though his demeanor was loud enough to speak for him. He noticed I was miserably staring at my bike, not sure what to do since the rain really did everything it could to prevent me from using it.

“Leave it. We can go grab it tomorrow.” He softly said, but his tone was rather harsh. I hummed, non-verbally saying okay. He takes my hand, pulling me close to his body. My face becomes hard like stone, unable to move. My face turning crimson red.

“ ‘Friend’, really?” He practically shouts over the loud noise of the rain.

My head tilts up, perplexed. “What?” I say in the same volume as his words.

“Am I just a friend to you?”

“What do you mean?” His grip on my hand tightens.

A punch of realization hits my senses hard. “I—I’m sorry, I thought—“ I pause each word. What am I supposed to say now? He lowers his head to me. “Have I really not showed you enough? Or do I have to say it to your face?” He whispered. The rain was loud to silence both of our voices, but somehow, I heard him loud and clear.

My eyes flutter, my words tied in a knot. I swallow a limp in my throat. We were inches apart, the hesitation blocking the moment.

His eyes, those eyes— They were on mine, and so are mine. His other hand that wasn’t occupied by our tangled hands, made its way to my cheek. I didn’t even realize that the rain painted itself on my face till he touched them. Caressing it around my cheek to disappear.

Now this type of silence is what I love. Our silence. His lips slowly opened, it closes again. “I… like you, Y/n. You have no idea.” His face softens, as my whole body bursts in the flames. I couldn’t contain my happiness, and I leaned in. Our lips felt like they were made for each other. The warmth of his, and the coldness of mine felt good.

It took him a second to respond, but when he did, another flame was set ablaze. I didn’t think his grip on my hand could get tighter but it did. My free hand held his chest for support as his height was too much for me.

What felt like eternity finally came to an end when he broke the kiss. His warm hand still on my cheek, caressing it once more. “You take my breath away.” When he was the one who says it, it felt right and belonging.

“I like you too Xavier.” I smiled, and so did he.

The hand that was on my cheek, slowly made its way to my hair. He tugs it behind my ear. A kiss on my forehead being the cherry on top.

authors note: this is cringe but i kind of love the idea of tyler just watching this at the window lmao

also 2k on my first post??? thank you so much ohmygod

[b4mpyre-k1zz3s]

Bedside Manner

Y/N visits their boyfriend in the hospital after a particularly…brutal injury. Of course, all his buddies had to come along too.

Johnny Knoxville X Gn!Reader

(Fluff)

1.2k Words

Warnings: Suggestive content, hospitals, drug use, alcohol, crude language, description of injury

An: I had this idea stirring arround for a while and I thought it was finally time for me to dredge it up!! :) I just love this man and his broken crank!

By the time you rushed to the hospital, your boyfriend was already so drugged up he could barely recognize you as you stood next to his bedside, staring up at you with confused, blown out pupils. His speech was slow and almost slurred as he squinted up at you from the gurney they strapped him to, “What're you doin’ here?” You thanked god that it was the painkillers, not annother head injury as you sighed, taking his limp hand in yours, “Johnny- Johnny. It’s me, Y/N.” It was like you could see the synapses firing behind his eyes as he blinked once before a look of realization flashed across his face, a goofy smile taking the place of the slack jawed expression he was wearing, his words excited but loopy, “Y/N! Oh…I missed you, honey.” He took your hand, bringing it up to his warm cheek and moving it to press a gentle kiss onto one of your knuckles like he was comforting you, not the other way arround. “I got some bad news, sweetheart…” He looked up at you with those big, dinner plate eyes, “My weiners broke- and I know how much’y liked it, but I think it’s gonna be outta commission for a while…” Staving off all urges to laugh, you patted his hand soothingly, “I do really like it, but we can talk about it later. I was worried about you!” Johnny giggled, “Aww, that’s sweet…” This might’ve been a very sweet moment under any other circumstance.

Because of his line of work, it wasn’t uncommon for your boyfriend to end up in these situations, but you were always there to pick up the pieces for him. From bull spills to concussions- at the end of the world, the only things that will be left standing are roaches and Johnny. His accidents were, more often than not though, a pain in the ass to deal with. As much as you ached for him every time he busted his ass, you couldn’t really feel too bad for him, especially when his idiot friends got involved. You always gave the obligatory phone call to his buddies, but they were never any good.

From behind you, you could hear the sliding door whoosh open and that’s when it all started. Parading in like he owned the place, Bam’s awful cool dude facial hair brushed against your cheek as he peered over your shoulder at the giant flag of Japan Johnny had made on the white sheets right above his crotch, “Oh, dude! Knoxville’s got’is period!” Bam reached into what sounded like a plastic shopping bag and threw a box onto your boyfriend’s lap, rolling until it landed face up. It was a box of tampons- extra absorbency, of course. Before you could call Bam an ass and smack him with the back of your hand, Johnny started…laughing. It seemed like this was the funniest thing to him, pointing at the sheets, “Oh, if you think this looks bad, wait till’y see what’s under here!” He grinned, peeling away the wet layers of linen, “It’s like I gotta Franken-cock…”

“I- I don’t think that’s really…” You hurried to cover him up, just as he was yanking up the hem of the little flowery paper gown the doctors dressed him in, looking up at you pleadingly, “Aww, c’mon baby!” Johnny only ever called you that when he was drunk or high. He gave you puppy dog eyes and gave you with that sweet, persuasive little smile that always got him his way with you. Before you could dissent further, the rest of the guys crowded in the room around him like a tsunami, washing you away to a corner. From your position in the room, you could hear Steve sounding surprisingly earnest as he crimged over Johnny’s crotch, peering at the mangled thing between his legs, “Dude…I feel so bad for Y/N.”

Chris laughed that dumb stoner laugh, reassuring him, “Don’t worry, Knoxville! I’d be happy to sevrice’em any time!” You wouldn’t admit it to your boyfriend, but there was a moment where you contemplated that. Johnny didn’t really comprehend what he was hearing as he leaned back against the pillows, his head lolling to the side to avoid the harsh overhead lights as he turned to face Pontius, “Ah, thanks man…” The guys all talked like girls at a sleepover, gossiping about you like you weren’t even in the damn room with them. Bam, always looking for a reaction, put a hand on your boyfriend’s shoulder, leaning in and trying to provoke him a little, “Really, dude? You’re just gonna take that?” He seemed to think for a second, as much as he could in the state he was in, and just sort of…shrugged, “He’s just bein’ nice.” Bam grinned at the prospects of Johnny letting that slide, “Hey, I can be nice too! Maybe I could hit that…” That idea was much less appealing. “Okay, okay-“ nudging your way to his bedside, you sighed, “nobody is hitting anything for a while!” You shot a wink at Chris, leaving the rest of the guys (sans your actual boyfriend) slack jawed as he chuckled.

Just then, Dunn, fashionably late as always, practically kicked open the door, a six pack in his hand. Turning to him, Steve whisper-yelled, “Dude, this isn’t a party!” Beside you, he seemed like the only person who was taking this seriously. Ryan took a seat in a chair near his buddies, passing one to the boy in the hospital bed, “Didn’t think it was one. It’s a funeral for Knoxville’s ding ding.” Taking the cold, wet can from him, Johnny cracked it open, taking a sip, “It’s not a funeral- the thing’s repairable!” The six pack was passed around as Ryan cracked his open, “Great! Then it’s a party!”

“So, the doc says I gotta get ‘constructive surgery…” Johnny poorly explained what he was told before the little hospital party was crashed, “So maybe, I could get’im to make it, like-“ his eyes widened like a kid talking about what he wanted for Christmas as he gestured about three feet with his hands, “this big!” Your eyes went wide. Ryan pilfered through a medical supplies drawer with his back to Johnny, looking over his shoulder to face him, “You'd’ have’t tuck it into your sock, man- imagine gettin’ Lombardi’d with that.” The guys, including you, all laughed. As much as you hated them, your boyfriend's friends really knew how to liven up a hospital room. Steve piped up amidst the chuckling, “Yeah, I have!” Suddenly, silence. “…Y’ know, Indonesia?” Johnny thought back for a second before a look of realization hit his face, “Oh, yeah! Good times.” Steve elbowed his bed bound buddy, his joking keeping him in good spirits, “You gotta promise me to gimmie one if you get that done.”

“I wouldn’t miss it for the world, man!” Johnny continued his rant, turning to you with sparking eyes, “- But that’s what I want- one that size! Whadya say, babe? Think y’could put in a word for me with the doc?” You giggled, “I think that’d be a little too much, Johnny.”

[darknight3904]

Sober - Eddie Munson

Chapter 18- A lead

Masterlist

"Hey Jeff it's Maggie. I'm just calling to- what no! Jeff I just was calling to see if you happened to have seen Eddie recently. He uh skipped out on our date and I haven't seen him since...oh okay. See you at school then." Marguerite sighed, another dead end.

No one seemed to know where Eddie could have ended up. Meanwhile Steve was busy flirting with her another girl who obviously wasn't interested in him.

"Hey I might have a lead." Max smiles hanging the phone up

"Really?" Marguerite gasped

"Yeah uh Eddie apparently gets all his drugs from some Reefer Rick so it's a possibility he'd be there." Max said

"You ever hear of him, Mags?" Steve asked

"Yeah uh Eddie doesn't really talk about him too much but I've been there before." Marguerite said

"You've been to a drug dealers house?" Steve asked

"Steve...her boyfriend literally sells drugs to like half the school." Robin said

°°°

If you had to tell someone where the top 10 creepiest places in Hawkins were, Reefer Rick's would definitely have to make the list. It was dark when they had finally pulled up and the home was even darker.

Dustin rang the door bell at least 15 times while Robin and Max groaned and rolled their eyes.

"He's not here, man." Steve said

"Eddie? It's Dustin open up!" Dustin yelled ignoring Steve

Marguerite shone her flashlight into the home to see its obviously empty interior.

"Hey is that a foot?!" Dustin exclaimed

"That's a shoe." Marguerite said

"Oh. Nevermind." Dustin sighed

Marguerite patted the boys head and her lips pulled into a thin smile. She didn't think Eddie had killed Chrissy but it was driving her crazy knowing that he was just off the grid missing.

"Hey guys?" Max said

The group walked over to see her pointing at the old boathouse on the property.

Okay so maybe the boathouse could make the list of top ten scariest things in Hawkins. It smelled like stagnant water and rotten fish. God did Marguerite hope that Eddie wasn't hiding in this shit hole.

"Steve stop that." Dustin scolded

She turned to see her ex-boyfriend stabbing at a boat that was covered with a blue tarp, in his hands was a large wooden oar.

"He might be in here." Steve reasoned

"So just lift the tarp." Dustin reasoned

"Jesus stop arguing like little kids!" Max groaned

Steve and Dustin looked at each other before continuing their arguing.

"Someone was here." Max said

The group turned to see the red head holding a crumpled up Snickers wrapper and a half empty bottle of beer.

"Maybe he ran. We might've spooked him." Robin said

"Yeah well we're safe since Steve has his oar." Dustin said

Marguerite just rolled her eyes and continued to look around the smelly boat house.

"We've literally all almost died like a thousand times so if any thing I'd say I'm doing you all a favor so how about-"

Steve's voice cut off into a yell as a large blob appeared from the boat. Life jackets and fishing rods fell to the ground as Eddie pushed Steve towards the wall.

"Wait wait wait wait!"

Steve's loud protests could be heard as he was effectively pinned, a broken beer bottle pressed towards the flesh of his neck.

"Eddie Eddie! Stop!" Dustin yelled

Eddie didn't turn at his fellow club members voice but instead inched the beer bottle closer to Steve.

"Eddie stop that!" Marguerite yelled, finally finding her voice

Eddie finally turned when he heard her. She was just as pretty as the last time he saw her. Her wavy blonde hair was down falling a few inches below her shoulders. Her hands gripped a big flashlight and Eddie could see his ring and guitar pick peeking out of the top of her shirt, a reminder that she was still his.

Marguerite could see his shoulders drop slightly at her command but the beer bottle hadn't moved yet.

"Eddie... we're on your side...I swear on my mother!" Dustin affirmed

"On Dustin's mom." Robin said

"Yeah on his mom!" Steve gasped

"Eddie we aren't lying! Just drop the bottle and we can all talk. I'd never hurt you...you can trust me." Marguerite said

Eddie glanced back at Steve, clearly weighing his options before backing away and slumping onto the ground, bottle in hand.

"Hey, buddy let's talk okay..." Dustin said as he reached for the bottle

Marguerite saw him back away and tighten his grasp on the bottle. She quietly approached the pair and gently pushed Dustin away from her boyfriend.

"Hey, babe. Looks like you're little late to the Marguerite- Eddie date you swore you'd never miss." She softly said

Eddie shook his head as he let Marguerite take the beer bottle, her smaller hands wrapping around his as she takes it and rolls it away from them.

"I didn't do it, Maggie. I swear I didn't. I just ran...I was scared." He said quietly

"I know...we know." She said hugging him

"You wanna tell us what happened?" Dustin asked

"You won't believe me." Eddie said pulling away from Marguerite

"Try us." Steve said

"It was like she was in a trance. I tried to wake her up. But she was just there. And then...she started like floating. Her back hit the ceiling and then...uh and then her bones. They twisted and cracked. Her eyes it's like they exploded." Eddie said

Marguerite drew circles on his hand with her thumb as he reaccounted the horrors he had seen.

"And I didn't know what to do...so I just ran."

"You didn't do anything wrong. Anyone would have in that situation." She soothed

He nodded and rested his head on her, burying his face in her neck.

"You guys think it's...y'know." Steve vaguely asked

"It could be..." Robin said

"Jesus, not again." Dustin groaned

[rube-too-many-fandoms]

⚠️ SPOILERS for HELLUVA BOSS - EXES AND OOHS // S2: Episode 3 ⚠️

(you have been warned)

[TLDR @ bottom ⬇️]

S1E1 murder family hits harder after watching S2E3 exes and oohs

To start, Moxxie was super hesitant to kill a whole family.

I’ve seen other people point out the parallel of him saying:

Moxxie: “Maybe like a shitty dad, or a mob family. That’s understandable 🤌…”

Was foreshadowing his childhood, but looking even further-

Moxxie: “I just think it’s a bit excessive, and we could be a bit more selective-”

- This may suggest that, maybe, Moxxie wouldn’t want someone to kill his entire family because he himself would deserve a chance at a future. He would rather his father die than his whole family.

Blitz: “Moxxie, you want this one?”

Moxxie: “Me?”

Blitz: “Yeah, this one’s simple enough for you to handle.”

Moxxie looks through the window to see the target. Seeing that it’s a family, he looks horrified.

Blitz: “It’s just a happy mother who just got out of the hospital.”

Moxxie: “Wait, are we actually killing a family?!”

Blitz: “No, don’t be a puss; we’re just killing a mother. We’re ruining a family.”

Moxxie: “But…ho-hold on, hold on, let’s just think about-”

- Moxx didn’t know the target was a mother until that moment.

- His mother was murdered, which ruined his family and his childhood.

- Moxx might not be aware of the connection, but his childhood shaped his moral compass. He doesn’t want to hurt families, especially mothers, since it could ruin the family.

Moxxie awakens and gasps when he sees he’s tied up. He sees the kids.

Moxxie: “Oh! Well hello, little ones. Aren’t you cute-”

Kids: “It’s nice to have a new critter to play with.”

Moxxie realizes the room is full of taxidermy human remains, and one cooked human on the table.

Moxxie: “Oh…crumbs.”

- Moxxie is the only one who saw how psychotic the family was w/ the human taxidermy.

- VERY similar to how Crimson keeps horns, tails, teeth, wings, etc. from his victims.

Moxxie marches back to the family’s house with a look of determination, completely un-phased by Stolas’s profanity on Blitz’s abandoned phone.

(Note: a reaction from him would’ve been more comical, but it wasn’t included, probably to show Moxxie’s emotions in the moment.)

Moxxie: “Don’t move.”

Ralph: “What’re you gonna do, little guy? Kill us?”

Moxxie: “I should! You people are monsters! But you should have a chance a a life and a purpose. Look at your children. They have their whole future ahead of them. You are going to face your crimes justly. I will call your earthly authorities and they will make sure you are dealt with fairly. I’m handling this my way.”

- Moxxie’s dad forced him to do terrible things. If Crimson were a better person or had been caught and convicted, Moxxie might’ve had a better life.

- In IMP logic, Moxxie should’ve wanted to off the whole family; they all tried to kill him. For some reason, Mox thought the kids deserved a future even though they were plainly psychotic. My theory is that the kids reminded Moxxie of himself. He thought the kids might’ve been influenced into murderous behavior by the parents, like he was. He wanted to be the one to save them from that. He wished someone would’ve saved him from it.

TLDR: Moxxie is traumatized by his mafia dad which influenced his behavior in episode one.

[fanartfunart]

Fly Away Episode 9: Gorizilla

Ao3

(Féline Sombre & Paon Lilas designs)

Summery: An AU where Adrien never went to in-person school, not getting the cat miraculous, and found the peacock miraculous. -Adrien attempts to get one of the key ingredients to fix the peacock miraculous without clueing anyone into what he might need them for. A trip to the Zoo is in order. (Yes I’m writing this again lol)

(tw for sickness & I’mma say some self endangerment)

-

Adrien paced his room, frowning, “Okay, okay, so, all I need is meteorite dust, molten gold, and a peacock feather. Totally normal items for me to ask for and not at all suspicious.”

“Yeah!” Duusu chirped, too enthusiastic, "Not suspicious at all!"

"That was sarcasm."

"I knew that!" Duusu exclaimed cheerfully. 

Adrien laughed, nodding. "Okay, maybe I can just… pull some connections. Father has jewelers, I'm sure I can pop into one of those…. If I visit a zoo I'm sure I could find a peacock feather… and… meteor ….dust...is. uh. Something I'll figure out!" Adrien tilted his head, "Zoo first. That's the easiest."

"Whoooho! Let's go!"

-

"No," Natalie said, not even glancing at him.

"What? It's the zoo! What could possibly happen to me at the zoo?"

"Adrien, your illness got worse after your excursion yesterday. You want to add an allergic reaction to it as well?"

"That…. Is very clear logic." Adrien sighed, gritting his teeth.

Natalie looked up with a frown, "Besides, you should be on bed rest, I don't want you passing out again."

"It was a long photoshoot! I was just tired! I'm fine right now!"

She shook her head, standing up to escort Adrien to his room, a gentle hand on his back. "Come on, back to bed. Is there something else we can do to ease your boredom? A book? ...Miss Chloé might like to visit."

"No…" Adrien sighed, eyes settling on the floor. "I've got everything I could need."

-

"Hey it's Adrien, wanna go to the zoo with me?"

Marinette blanched, glancing at her phone to check the number, "Adrien whose phone are you calling me on?"

"Public phone!"

"Where's your phone?"

"I have it, don't worry. I just can't use it. My cell is monitored," Marinette gave Tiki a concerned glance. Adrien continued over the line, apparently unconcerned, "Anyway, will you go to the Zoo with me? We can try and get some ice cream on the way back?"

"Oh! Uh. Sure! When are you thinking?"

"...As soon as you can, preferably. I put a cardboard cut-out of myself in my bed but I'm not sure how effective it will be."

Marinette frowned, "Adrien, did you sneak out...to go to the zoo?"

"Uh," Adrien was quiet for a long moment. He whispered something, before nervously saying, "Yes?" Distantly, she could hear someone shout "Is that Adrien Agreste?" He laughed nervously "Sorry I think I have to run. I'll wait for you! Bye!"

Marinette sighed, glancing at Tiki. "Something is wrong with that boy."

Tiki gave a slight inclination of her head that might've been an agreement. Marinette shook her head and got up, "I guess a trip to the Zoo would be a good break. Come on Tiki, I've got to go tell mama and papa, unlike some boys."

-

Marinette glanced around the entrance of the Zoo, confused. Adrien wasn't there. She huffed. If this was some elaborate long con with him and Chloé-

"Psst. Marinette," a bush whispered. 

She yelped, flailing. "Talking Bush!" She pointed her purse at it like a weapon. "I don't need magic powers, thank you!" 

The bush rustled and Adrien rose from underneath it. He brushed himself off, a twig sticking out of his otherwise perfect hair. His face was a splotchy red, flushed. He looked… weirdly normal. Like a kid, not a rich model. 

"Sorry," he said, "I've been getting chased around by fans and I think a few journalists. I uh…" He muttered, "Usually my bodyguard stops them from getting too close." 

"Huh? Oh. You snuck out, right. What's got everyone so crazy about you?"

He laughed nervously, "I wouldn't say everyone! I'm crazy about yoooh-oh I mean you're not crazy about me! Not that I'm not crazy about you- I mean- whaaat?" he cringed. He hung his head, heaving a sigh that almost crackled with the breath, "I've had a long day."

Marinette frowned, walking forward to place a hand against his back. He straightened up; practically perfect posture. His face burned red. Marinette blinked and fumbled backward, raising her hands as if in surrender. "Oh! Sorry. I just- your breathing-"

"Huh?" He muttered airily. Almost breathlessly.

"Are you okay? You seem to be breathing weird."

He blinked and nodded, "No no I'm fine. I passed out during a photoshoot yesterday but I'm fine now!"

"What!? And you're at the Zoo running everywhere?"

He deflated, heaving a sigh.

Marinette huffed, "No wonder you look so flushed, come on, sit down. I'll call my parents-"

"No!" He looked panicked, just for a moment. Marinette frowned. He winced as he looked at her face, "Sorry I just- I really needed to get out of the house."

She sighed, and grabbed his hand to drag him to a bench, "You need to take care of yourself."

"I found him!" Someone shouted, snapping a photo, "With his girlfriend!" A crowd of chaos started to form.

"Ga-wha?! I'm not his earl-friend! Deli that! Delete!" Marinette sputtered. 

Adrien grimaced and pulled her along as he raced off in a random direction, desperate for a new hiding spot. He gasped as he spotted a walk-in habitat and rushed in. 

The caretaker asked something that Adrien assumed was some sort of money thing and pulled out the first bill that came out of his wallet. The zookeeper looked bug-eyed at the cash. "Are you sure?"

"Yeah sure, certain, please," Adrien said, glancing back through the window to check if his fans noticed them turn into the exhibit.

"Okayyy," the zookeeper whispered and handed them an abundance of seed sticks. "Enjoy the exhibit."

Adrien pulled Marinette in and finally had a moment of pause. He glanced at the sticks, then at the exhibit in front of them…. The aviary. 

He sneezed. 

"Bless you," Marinette whispered. Adrien groaned, rubbing his face. Marinette hummed and walked further in, holding out a stick for a parakeet to land on and start pecking at. Adrien glanced around. Peacock, peacock, were there any peacocks in here? He sneezed again, startling a few birds that had gathered around him. Marinette gave him an odd look. 

"So. Why the Zoo?" She muttered, "Not that anybody needs a reason to go to the zoo, I just- you seem really really invested here."

"I...uh- uh achoo!" He sniffed and rubbed his eyes. "Uh. I like...birds."

Marinette giggled, "What a coincidence then. Any particular kind?"

"Peacock?" he gasped, glancing out the window to the bird strutting freely outside. 

Marinette lifted her head, glancing at him, "Really?" 

He sneezed again, groaning. 

"Are you okay?"

He pinched the bridge of his nose and held the seed stick some of the birds had landed on as far as he could. He nodded. "Yeah fine." He muttered nasally.

"Are you crying?" She whispered, glancing at his red, watery eyes.

"No, it's allergies." 

"Oh! What are you allergic to?" 

He sighed, bowing his head in shame, "...Feathers."

Marinette glanced at him "What? Oh my goodness, Adrien!"

He sneezed, throwing himself into a coughing fit. He dropped his seed stick and the parrot flew away.

Marinette sighed, and pulled him up by his collar. "No matter how much you like birds I'm not going to let you suffer for it." Marinette huffed, dragging him by his collar to the exit. He sneezed again. 

He wheezed as Marinette finally released him into the outdoors, practically pushing him out. He stumbled forward and knelt on the ground.

"Honestly! What were you thinking?" She pulled him up, brushing off his clothes and hair, and dragging him towards a bench. He sighed, miserable, and propped his head in his hands.

"I wasn't," he muttered.

Marinette frowned, sighing.  She rubbed his back. "Sorry. Are you okay? Do you need anything? Allergy medication?"

"I don't have any. I'm not usually allowed anywhere with feathers." He sighed, "Look I-" Adrien's eyes landed on a familiar hulking figure. He gasped. "Time to go."

"Huh? But none of your fans are-" Marinette gasped as Adrien pulled her along, racing along the pathway.

"Bodyguard," Adrien explained, stumbling slightly as he raced up the path.

"But won't he help with the fans?!"

"Yeah, by taking me home!" Adrien turned a corner, frantically looking around. Someone shouted his name. Marinette frowned and pulled him away, into a bush. Once hidden, she fluffed up his hair, and took off her jacket.

She tied it around his waist and got out a pair of novelty glasses. She handed them to him.

He tilted his head, "Why do you have these?"

"You'll look like a tourist, just go with it."

He shrugged and put them on. "You sure this will work?"

"Honestly I could've stopped at the hairstyle you look like a completely different person with messy hair."

He laughed. "Uh… thanks?"

She sighed and pulled him up to his feet. "How about we take a very slow stroll and then take you back home. Okay?"

He looked at the ground. "…Sorry I dragged you into this."

She smiled and shook her head, "It's been fun."

He nodded, and they fumbled their way out of the bushes. Adrien cheerfully pointed out a variety of animals as they walked through the zoo, unharassed.

Marinette chased a peacock away from them, much to Adrien's disappointment.

He bought them ice cream, much to Marinette's elation.

"So I'm guessing everyone is looking for you because of the passing-out episode?" Marinette said between bites of ice cream.

"Oh! No uh. Adrien the Fragrance came out early. Since I can't do enough photoshoots, my father is pulling from the projects that were waiting for release..." He nervously picked at his ice cream, frowning.

"I think I saw that this morning… Feathers huh?"

Adrien laughed, "Photoshopped."

"I hear models are often photoshopped a lot."

"The Adrien Agreste Trademark Brand is all naturally sourced," Adrien struck a pose and winked, earning a laugh from Marinette.

"Made out of the finest fake feathers." She giggled. It was an absolutely wonderful sound. He was determined to hear more of it. She caught his gaze and tilted her head, turning to look to her left in an attempt to follow the line of sight. "What are you looking at?"

Adrien flushed and nearly said 'you' if not for her insistence earlier that they were Not Dating coming to his mind. "Uh… looking for a peacock…"

Marinette made a strange face and smiled awkwardly, "Why do you like peacocks so much?"

He laughed, rubbing the back of his head, "Do I need a reason? They uh, they're pretty? And they can fly and a lot of them roam free in zoos which is cool. They're fun."

She nodded and shrugged, "I suppose they have their charm. They seem like nice creatures. If dramatic."

He hummed. It was quiet for a moment. What do normal people talk about at a zoo? "Uh, do you have a favorite animal?" Ugh, that's a lame question.

"I'm obsessed with hamsters."

"Oh, they're adorable!"

"I really want one, someday! I'm going to name h- oh bodyguard." 

"Bodyguard is a weird name for a hamst-" Adrien yelped as Marinette grabbed his arm as his bodyguard ran towards them. The pair ran. The man got close enough to grab the jacket tied around his waist. Adrien fumbled and the knot came loose. The bodyguard was left holding a jacket while Adrien and Marinette raced off down another path. 

They panted as they escaped into the Polar exhibit, and Adrien was happy to see a layer of glass between him and the penguins as he wheezed his breaths.

"Are you okay? Sorry I didn't give you much warning."

He waved her concerns away and coughed into his elbow. "Ugh my legs feel like jello," he muttered, sliding onto the floor against the wall, watching the penguins mill about. 

Marinette sat next to him. He closed his eyes, head in his hands, elbows propped on his knees. "Maybe I should've stayed home…"

She sighed and leaned against him, wrapping an arm around his shoulder. "I can call my parents and we can play some video games. All the excitement, none of the running."

"You…still want to hang out?"

"Like I said earlier. It's been fun, I just wish you were being safe." She poked him in the side, and he wheezed a laugh.

"… I just- I wanted-" He frowned. He couldn't exactly say he needed to get a peacock feather now could he?

Marinette hummed, apparently understanding him anyway. She squeezed his shoulder. "I'm sorry. I know."

A roar erupted in the distance.

Marinette looked up "Akuma?" She glanced anxiously at Adrien and scrambled up to a stand. "UH let's find somewhere to hide."

Adrien yelped as she pulled him along. 

She raced around a corner and jumped fences and weaved through crowds. She held his hand the entire time. 

Thundering footsteps came closer and closer until a massive hand scooped them up. They screamed. Adrien clamped a hand over his breast pocket to protect the kwami. Marinette struggled and kicked as the hand curled around them both.

Adrien glanced up at Gorizilla, wide-eyed. "Are you… my bodyguard?"

Gorizilla humphed in response, taking them further and further away from the zoo.... Adrien watched the building shrink with a distinct sense that he would never be able to go back again. Dread welled up in him and he pushed it down.

He glanced at Marinette, pressed against him. Oh wow, they're close. His face went red. "Marinette, I'm so sorry-"

"It'll be fine! We'll get out of this." She insisted, determined.

"I- It's all my fault you're in this with me. I didn't-" 

Marinette huffed, looking around her surroundings analytically, "Don't try to shift this all on yourself. Féline Sombre will find us and Ladybug will fix everything. Just. It's going to be okay." She nervously chewed her lip despite the determined look in her eyes.

He frowned and nodded "Okay."

Gorizilla leaped up onto a skyscraper and roared. Loud enough that the superheroes would have to hear.

A quiet beat. Silence stretched. Ladybug usually showed herself by now.

Without warning, Féline Sombre appeared from the shadows. Her baton poised above her head to smack Gorizilla in the head. He roared and swiped a hand at them. Féline laughed as they backflipped out of the way, extending the baton to catch herself.

"Are you supposed to be King Kong? All we need is a Helicopter!" She said, switching to walking across the top of a billboard, extending the baton to poke at the hand keeping Marinette and Adrien. It didn't budge. 

"Feline!" Marinette shouted, "He's too strong! You'll need more bark than bite!" 

Adrien tilted his head, confused. Feline, however, grinned.

Gorizilla snarled and broke the billboard from under her. The hero flipped so she was on top of the flat of the board.

"Cat got your tongue?" Féline chirped and they leaped up to stand on the akuma's head. 

Gorizilla growled and swatted at them, only to smack himself as they jumped off and onto his arm.

She ran to Adrien and Marinette. "Alright guys, I'll get you out." She wiggled her baton between Marinette and Gorizilla's thumb, extending it to give herself more leverage. 

A large hand scooped them up and captured them. "AUGH! Hey!"

Marinette looked frantic. "Féline!"

Adrien sucked in a breath, glaring at the skyline, "Where is Ladybug?!"

Féline Sombre grimaced, "She has to be on her way"

Hawkmoth's glowing light mask appeared on Gorizilla's face. "Get the cat's ring while you still can!" Hawkmoth demanded, "Ladybug will arrive soon enough." 

Gorizilla humphed, thumping his fists together. Adrien waved at Feline with a nervous smile as they got brought closer. Féline struggled, ignoring the trapped pair for the moment.

Gorizilla leaned forward to scrutinize what he was doing, frowning. He did not have enough hands for this... And that ring was tiny.

Marinette looked between Féline and their baton. "Stick a fork in him!"

"What?!" She stared at Marinette for a moment, then looked up at Gorizilla. "Oh!" She extended her baton to poke him in the eye.

He dropped Marinette and Adrien with a pained cry. 

Adrien struggled to keep a hold of Marinette's hand as they fell. The wind whipped around them. Adrien could feel Marinette's racing pulse against his hands around her wrist

Féline Sombre screamed, "LADYBUG?!"

Adrien looked around frantically, between Marinette and the captured Féline, "I- I… I need to tell you something!"

Marinette looked at him like he was insane. "Can it wait?!" She shrieked. She managed to grab his waist, pulling them closer.

"Du-" He was cut off by his own sharp yelp as Féline Sombre managed to stop their descent, grabbing the back of Marinette's shirt. She hung off of her baton.

"Gottcha," She breathed out softly.

"He let you go?" Marinette gasped, looking at Gorizilla on the tower.

Féline shrugged helplessly, "Hang on tight-" she pulled the pair up and closer to her, and leaped off her baton so she could make her escape down to the ground. 

Adrien groaned. He heaved his breaths while he looked up at Gorizilla, half blindly fumbling down the skyscraper. "I can act as bait. He's after me. I'm sure we can figure out how to trap him for Ladybug." 

"Adrien no that's-" Marinette gasped 

"I'll be fine. Féline won't let me get hurt." He smiled at the cat hero, then looked at Marinette, "Go. It's my turn to protect you."

Marinette frowned, "Don't you dare do anything stupid like trying to fight him yourself." 

"I won't," He said with a smile. Marinette huffed, then ran off to hide.

Féline looked up at the approaching figure and then at Adrien. "...Think you can get him to the river?"

Adrien grimaced as he glanced in the direction of the river, pressing a hand against his chest. "Maybe…"

"Lucky charm!" Ladybug yelled as she almost skidded to a halt in front of them. In a flash of light, a perfume bottle fell into her hands.

"Ladybug!" Féline cheered, "He's after Adrien and we need a plan."

Adrien frowned.

Ladybug nodded, "I've got it. Adrien, guide him over the subway. Kitty, destroy the street under him."  Ladybug tested the perfume on her wrist and sniffed, tilting her head "Adrien?"

He huffed and straightened up, "Yes?"

"No I mean- the smell… it smells like you?"

Adrien groaned, "Wonderful, magic can copy Adrien The Fragrance."

Ladybug tilted her head. "I'll …figure it out. Time to get into action, he's almost here."

Adrien sighed, "Then I'll need a head start." He took in a deep breath and ran off. Féline took off after.

Gorizilla thundered close behind. Féline called "Cataclysm!" And destroyed part of the road just as Gorizilla nearly reached Adrien, falling through the gap. He growled and thrashed. Ladybug hopped over, looking for what the akumatized object could be. "Where would it be?"

Gorizilla roared and pounded his fists against the street, causing more of it to crumble. He ducked under the street. Ladybug gasped and lassoed Adrien with the yoyo, closer to herself.

The street erupted as Gorizilla's hand came out to swipe out where Adrien had been.

"Get off me" Adrien nearly hissed at Ladybug, detangling himself.

She took a step back, looking confused. She shook her head and refocused. "...He can smell you." She looked at the perfume. "AH HA! Féline, we're going fishing, grab your pole." 

Ladybug grabbed Adrien by the waist and brought him up to a rooftop.

Féline held her baton out and after a moment, Gorizilla emerged from underground to try and climb out. Ladybug leaped down, emptying the perfume bottle on Gorizilla's face. He groaned and clamped his hands over his face, stumbling backward. Féline Sombre tripped him and the massive Gorilla fell to the ground with a rumbling thunk.

Ladybug searched his pockets, taking out Marinette's jacket. She tore the fabric and the purple butterfly fluttered out.

Adrien sighed and watched Ladybug purify the butterfly. He closed his eyes, lethargic. The heroes high-fived, clapping their hands together.

Féline Sombre came up to get him. "I have to go, but do you want me to take you home?"

"No," he muttered. "...my bodyguard is right here."

Féline nodded, "Okay. Good luck." She gingerly placed Adrien down and winked. Then vaulted away.

He stood there, for a moment, looking at the ground while Ladybug talked to his bodyguard. Her low tones didn't reach his ears, but he could've sworn she said Marinette's name. He raised an eyebrow, glancing up. She smiled at him, her earrings beeping, and ran off. Adrien sighed and walked over.

"I'm sorry for all the stress I must have put you through. I- I just missed my friend. I know it's no excuse- I…" He shuffled his feet, looking dutifully at the ground. "I'll try not to do it again."

A large hand clasped over his shoulder. He looked up as his bodyguard tugged the jacket over Adrien's shoulders and messed his hair up. He gaped "Why-"

His bodyguard grinned, putting a finger to his lips, and then walked off, miming searching.

Adrien grinned. 

Marinette ran up to him with a wave. "You're alright!!"

He nodded, "Yeah. Yeah, I am… and I think I just got permission to stay out a little longer?"

Marinette smiled. "Sure. Let's go…" She watched him for a moment as they walked. "What were you going to tell me? When we were falling."

He stilled "...Uh…" He brushed a hand over his breast pocket. He glanced at her and shoved his hands into his pant pockets. "Just-" He shrugged, blushing, "I think you're my best friend."

Marinette looked at him wide-eyed for a moment. "Oh." She smiled. "I'm always glad to be there for you."

-

Adrien opened his eyes slowly. Bathed in the pink softness of Marinette's room. "I fell asleep," he croaked, voice rough, "...Sorry."

"It's fine, I think you needed it… it gave me time to make something, too."

He turned and looked at her. She was sitting at her desk, fiddling with something. "You uh. Said you liked peacocks, right?"

"...Kinda yeah."

"Well. I- found a feather on the ground when I chased that one earlier. I couldn't possibly give it to you as it was because you're allergic and that'd just be dumb- but…" She held out a charm bracelet, with a small peacock feather sealed in a clear locket, framed in gold. 

He tapped the case, blinking a few times. Something wet trickled down his cheek and he rubbed his face. "Oh. This is… you made this… for me?"

She nodded "Do you like it?"

"I love it." He said softly, turning the object around in his hands. He felt breathless. Like everything slowed down. She was smiling at him. He stared at the feather secured away in the glass. Two beautiful pieces of glimmering hope. Right in front of him. "You're amazing." It came out soft.

She laughed and shrugged, and time resumed as normal. "It wasn't that hard, just had to find something it would fit in. It was more work to match the colors with the bracelet itself," She laughed again, almost nervous "...The greens go nicely with you, I think."

He smiled, and brought up the bracelet to his face, "It matches my eyes, doesn't it?" He hummed and nodded, looking back down at the object, "You're a truly wonderful designer. Really. I couldn't imagine anything better, and I live fashion."

Marinette flushed, "I-sh veb bah" She stuttered, groaned, and flopped back onto the floor "…Shut up."

He grinned and decided to give her the requested mercy, even if he really wanted to keep complimenting her. "Want to play those games we planned to do now?" he said instead.

She sat up immediately, gaze fierce and determined. An enthusiastic yes.

Later, he'll have to find something to replace the feather. But for now. His best friend Marinette just gave him the most precious thing in his possession.

[vendettaparker]

Reckless [T.H]

Summary: In a fit of jealousy, Tom embarrasses you in front of your new friend and the entire pub, leaving you heartbroken at his reckless actions.

Word Count: 4.1k

Warnings: Swearing, angst, slut-shaming 

a/n: hi! sorry this took so so so long for me to get out! i got super busy with other works, but i’m super happy with how this turned out :) i hope you enjoy this, and don’t worry, i know how scary those warnings look ^ but this ends happy, i promise! as always, comments and reblogs are appreciated <3

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Tom was an idiot. He was an actual fucking idiot. He now realizes that as he watches you run out of the pub with hot tears streaming down your face. He watches as Harry runs after you, your bag in his hand, probably to make sure you make it back home safe since there was no way you’d return to the crowded bar, where Harrison and Sam were giving Tom death glares, the same little pub where Tom had made a complete fool out of you. 

The few months Tom came home to London were always the setting of your most cherished memories. Sometimes it seemed like when he left so did the whole group of friends you surround yourself with.

There was no doubt in your mind that Tom was the life of the party. He had a certain aura about him that caused some of the most fucked up, but amazing situations to occur. That was probably one of the reasons you loved him so much. 

When he was in town, his brothers, Harrison, and Tuwaine all joined together to make the next few months memorable before he had to leave again, and you were always included, but when he was gone, Harry usually went with him, Harrison focused on work for himself, and Sam focused on his restaurant. The world slowed down after Tom left, and so many times, you were left to wait for his return; alone. 

Tom hated leaving you behind every time he went back to the states, but you had such deep roots in London, he didn’t want to pry you from your family for months on end. He loved you too much to constantly subject you to his hectic lifestyle. He spent as much time with you as he could when he saw you, but the second he had to go, it was all tearful goodbyes in a crowded airport. 

You and Tom had been best friends for decades at this point. You supported him no matter what it was that he wanted to accomplish. He’s even said in interviews that he credits a huge bulk of his success to his friend back home, then he’d give a wink to the camera, and you always knew it was for you. 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

When Tom came home after filming Spider-Man: No Way Home, you practically tackled him to the ground in a hug. 

“You div,” You mumbled into his neck, “you forgot to let me FaceTime with Zendaya.” 

“Oh, shit!” Tom gasped, finally remembering your request to talk to your favorite actress, “my bad.”

You looked at Tom incredulously, “I don’t think I can be friends with you anymore.” You feigned hurt, clutching your hand to your chest, “it just hurts too much.” 

“That’s a damn shame,” Tom frowned, “I mean, I could just FaceTime Zendaya now, but if that’s how you—”

“I changed my mind,” You smiled sweetly, cutting him off, “love you, bestie.” 

Tom rolled his eyes and pulled you into another hug, “Missed you, bestie.” 

“Um,” Sam, Paddy, and Harrison stood behind you, clearing their throats. 

“Missed you guys too,” Tom sighed, and he rushed over and gave his brothers and friend a hug.

You gave Harry a hug while Tom chatted with his brothers, quickly catching up with him. 

“What’s the plan for tonight, guys?” You spoke up. 

Every night after Tom got back, he’d go back to his flat and take a nap before a night out on the town. Usually, you’d bar hop a bit before going to a club, so tonight wasn’t likely to be any different. 

“I was thinking we could get dinner at Lorenzo’s,” Harry said, “then maybe hit the pub on Ashford?”

You and the others nodded in agreement as you made your way out of the airport.

“Can I invite my friend Avery?” You asked. 

Tom nodded, “Sure, I didn’t even know you had any other friends, (Y/N),” he joked.

“Haha,” You laughed sarcastically, “gee that was a good one, Tom. You really got me.” 

“What can I say?” He smirked, “I’m a comedian.” 

“Is that the guy you met in your philosophy lecture?” Harrison butt in.

“Yeah,” You nodded, “he’s really sweet, so be on your best behavior guys, and maybe don’t be yourselves, just this once?” you suggested with a slightly teasing tone. 

“Are you trying to impress him or something?” Tom inquired.

“No,” You scoffed, “I’m just trying to not throw him to the wolves.” 

Tom laughed along, but it was strained. He wasn’t too keen on the idea of adding a new member to your friend group, and the little glint in your eye when you talked about Avery made his heart tighten. 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

“Okay,” You smiled as you set the last of Tom’s luggage in his living room, “I’ll let you get some sleep then.”

You gave him one last hug and a kiss on the cheek, “see you later.” 

Tom reciprocated and inhaled the sweet smell of lavender in your locks of hair, “mhm,” he sighed, “see ya.” 

Harrison was about to walk out after you when Tom grabbed the collar of his shirt and pulled him back, “Mate, what the fuck.” he grumbled as he stumbled over his feet, “I thought you wanted to take a nap?”

“I slept on the plane,” Tom explained quickly, “you’ve been here the whole time, right?” Harrison nodded, “so you know this Avery guy, yeah?”

Harrison shook his head, “I haven’t talked to (Y/N) much this past month, but he’s probably on her Instagram.” 

Harrison pulled out his phone and looked at posts you’d been tagged in, “Ah, here.” He handed the phone to Tom and pointed to the tall blonde guy in a group photo with you and some other friends, “He’s the tall blonde.” 

Tom studied the picture with a small frown, “They’re not dating though, right?”

“She said he was her friend,” Harrison shrugged.

“You know what I mean,” Tom rolled his eyes, “do they look really chummy to you?”

“His hand’s kind of close to her butt, but other than that I don’t know.” Harrison pointed it out, causing Tom’s heart to momentarily stop. 

“Ok, new plan,” Tom announced, “I’m going to ask (Y/N) out tonight.” 

Harrison scoffed and rolled his eyes. “What?” Tom wondered.

“You’ve said that almost every single time you’ve been home and you always chicken out.”

“No, I don’t!” Tom gasped in offense, “It’s just hard to find the right time.”

“You’ve literally had hundreds of opportunities to tell her how you feel, Mate.”

“It has to be perfect.” Tom insisted, “I can’t just ask her out of the blue, I have to butter her up first.”

“That’s dumb.” 

“Oh, fuck off,” Tom groaned, “get out, I changed my mind, I’m going to sleep.” 

Harrison rolled his eyes and chuckled before giving Tom a pat on the back and leaving. Tom waved goodbye as Harrison drove away, and then rushed to his phone. 

“FaceTime Zendaya,” he instructed Siri. The call went through and soon Tom was met with Zendaya's tired eyes in a dark room. 

“Hey, Z!” Tom said cheerfully, “best friend, bestest pal in the world. The person that never wants to see me fail ever, my greatest companion—“

“Tom,” Zendaya groggily cut him off, “what the fuck do you want, I’m sleeping.” 

“How do you ask a girl out?”

Zendaya sat up a little more and turned on her bedside lamp, “What? You don’t know how to ask a girl out?”

“Well I do,” Tom backtracked, “but I want it to be special. I’ve been in love with this girl for nearly two years now and every time I go to ask her out, I chicken out.”

“I don’t know, what does she like?”

“Well one time she told me her favorite animal was a sea otter, should I get her one?” Tom pondered, hand resting in his chin in thought. 

“Um, no, what the fuck?” Zendaya squinted her eyes at Tom, “have you gotten any sleep yet?” 

Tom shook his head, “This is important, Z, now help me!” 

Zendaya rolled her eyes, “I’ll text you some ideas, but for now just go get some sleep. With how tired you are now you’d probably call her the wrong name or something.” 

Tom rolled his eyes, but the action caused his eyelids to droop even more, “Fine, fine,” he conceded, “I’ll let you know how it goes.” 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

“Okay,” Tom announced at the restaurant before you arrived, “I’m going to ask (Y/N) out tonight so I need you all to shut up and not distract me or make me nervous.”

Harrison, Harry, and Sam just stared at Tom. Tuwaine, for some unknown reason, started clapping. 

“Tom,” Harrison began, “no offense, but—“

“Ah ah ah,” Tom stopped him, “is what you’re about to say going to bruise my ego?” Harrison thought about it for a moment before slowly nodding, “okay, then shut the fuck up, respectfully. I don’t need any bad juju tonight.” 

“Well, I’m happy for you, Mate,” Tuwaine nodded. He was the closest to you after Tom and he knew all about your crush on the brown-haired Brit. You might’ve let it slip once when you were drunk, and since you didn’t willingly tell Tuwaine, he was sworn to secrecy. “I’m positive she’ll say yes.” 

“Thank you,” Tom smiled at him, sending a slight glare to the others for their lack of faith in him. “As for the rest of you, I can’t wait to prove you wrong.” 

You walked into the restaurant with Avery hunched over from laughing so hard. Tom smiled in your direction and waved you over, “Hey, (Y/N/N)! Over here!”

“Wow,” You chuckled, “must’ve been a good nap. Little energetic there, huh?” 

Tom went in to give you a tight hug, holding you close, “Just missed you,” he mumbled into your hair. 

“I just saw you a few hours ago?”

Avery stood by you awkwardly, waiting for Tom to release you. Tom reluctantly let you go and pulled a chair out for you, next to him. 

“Thanks,” you smiled at him, motioning for Avery to sit next to you, “hey, everyone,” you smiled at the group of boys that were properly about to piss themselves at Tom’s over-the-top behavior, “this is Avery.” 

“Hi,” He waved at the group as a small chorus of ‘hellos’ rang across the table. He turned to Tom to shake his hand, “I’m a big fan, Mate. Love your work.” 

Tom smiled and patted him on the shoulder, “Thanks, it means a lot.” smiled politely, shaking Avery's hand. 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Dinner went off without a hitch, at least in your opinion. Avery was melding well with your friends and he was cracking jokes like he’d know the group for years. 

The boys seemed to enjoy his sense of humor and what he added to the conversation. Sam and him even found that they shared an interest in cooking, which led to them having a slightly heated discussion about how real Gordon Ramsey’s cooking skills are; which ended in laughs. 

However, Tom was probably having one of the worst nights of his life. Every time Avery playfully shoved you while you two laughed he wanted to wring his neck. It also didn’t help that he couldn’t find the perfect time to ask you out. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea to ask you out with all of his mates around. 

Tom smiled and laughed along with the jokes, but once you looked away he was back to frowning. 

“Tom,” Harry nudged his brother, “wipe that scowl off your face.” 

“I’m not scowling,” Tom grumbled, “this is my normal face.” 

Harry rolled his eyes and kicked his older brother under the table, “You need to ask her soon. I think Avery is trying to make some moves on her.” Harry noticed, seeing how Avery casually had his arm around your chair. 

Tom rolled his eyes, “As if I can't see that for myself,” he scoffed. “I don’t want to ask her with all of you watching. What if she says no?” 

“We can leave you alone for a bit when we go to the pub, but I’m not sure if Avery will go with us.” Harry shrugged, “you could always ask her out tomorrow.” Harry suggested. 

“No!” Tom exclaimed, causing everyone to look at him and Harry, “Sorry, I—um, I just don’t really like that shirt on you Harry; it makes my eyes hurt.” 

Harry looked down at his shirt for a moment and then frowned, sending a light smack to Tom, “You bought me this shirt you div.”

Everyone went back to their own conversations so Tom leaned in to talk to Harry some more, “I can’t wait for tomorrow. What if I chicken out again?”

“Then you’re an idiot.” Harry deadpanned with a shrug. 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

The pub was way more packed than anyone expected. The new addition of live music to the outside patio definitely livened up the place and more customers went to see what local band would be playing next. 

The pub had a classic English pub feel, with the wood flooring and the yellow-tinted walls, but it also had a modern twist with a back patio and outdoor seating with fairy lights, and the lights that illuminate under the bar itself. 

“I’m gonna go check out the band,” Harry announced after he came back with your drinks, “you guys should all come with me.” He said with a slight side-eye to Sam, Tuwaine, and Harrison. 

“Eh, I’m not really into—” Sam began, but Harry sent him a quick kick under the table. “Ow! I mean, I love music.” Sam smiled enthusiastically. 

“I’m gonna stay back and finish this beer,” Tom said, holding up the large pint of beer he was already a quarter of the way through, “(Y/N), wanna race to see who can finish first?” He suggested trying to get you to stay behind.

“Oh you’re totally on,” You smirked, “but I am going to take a quick peek at the band. We can race after I get back.” You got up from your seat and began walking away with Harry and the boys. Tom pouted at how horribly that plan worked. Harry looked back at Tom apologetically as he held the door open for you.

“Wow,” Avery smiled beside Tom, scaring him, “she really is something.” 

“Holy shit, Mate,” Tom held a hand to his heart, “you almost gave me a heart attack. I thought you went with them?” 

“Nah,” Avery shook his head, “I’m not really into music,” he shrugged. 

“Oh, okay,” Tom nodded. “What were you just saying?”

“(Y/N),” Avery looked towards the back patio exit dreamily, “she’s amazing. I mean I would definitely ask her out, but probably not at a pub surrounded by her mates, y’know?” 

“Mhm, yeah,” Tom said quietly, his heart already beginning to shatter into millions of inconsolable pieces. “I mean, she’s alright.” He said with a forced laugh, trying to fend Avery away from you, “she definitely isn’t really your type, though.” 

“What do you mean?” Avery asked, taking a sip from his beer, “she’s perfect, mate.”

“I mean,” Tom racked his brain for an excuse big enough to make Avery not want you, “you don’t think it’s a little weird she’s in a friend group with all boys?” 

“No,” Avery said slowly, skeptically looking back at the exit, “she just clicks with boys, I guess. Girls and guys can just be friends.”

“Not her,” Tom scoffed, “I mean, it’s just a little obvious, y’know?”

You and the rest of the boys were heading back in, seeing as the back patio was completely overcrowded with patrons. 

“What’s obvious?” Avery asked, raising his voice slightly due to the volume in the bar. 

“(Y/N)’s only friends are guys!” Tom nearly yelled over the volume of chatter, not realizing that the surrounding customers could hear him, “makes me wonder how many she’s slept with! I mean, that’s not a coincidence to me!” 

The surrounding customers halted their conversations, leaving only Tom’s voice filtering through the air and into your ears. 

“That’s crazy,” Avery chuckled awkwardly, “I don’t think she’s like that.” He shook his head, annoying Tom. In a final last-ditch effort to get Avery off your back, he said the worst thing he could, loudly, into a quieting pub. 

“Well, she hits on me all the time,” Tom shrugged, “she’s just a bit whorish, I guess.” 

“Tom,” Tuwaine cleared his throat, interrupting their conversation, “what the fuck, mate?” 

Tom looked at all the boys next to Tuwaine, and behind them was you, teary-eyed with harsh sobs racking through your body. 

You whispered something to Harry, and then all but ran out the front door. Harry walked over to where Tom was sitting and picked up your purse.

“Harry I—” Tom tried.

“Shut the fuck up, Tom.” Harry snapped, “You're an idiot and an asshole, just leave things be.” 

Harry ran out the pub entrance, following you to give you a ride home. 

Tuwaine, Sam, and Harrison shook their heads once the shock ebbed away. One by one they all left Tom sitting in shock and agony at the bar. Avery, not knowing any of the group, barely knew what was going on or if Tom’s accusations were correct, left the pub and went home without another word. 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

“Harry,” Tom whined into the phone, “please tell me how to fix this, please I’m begging you.” 

Harry sighed, now properly regretting lifting his silent treatment from Tom, “Tom, there is absolutely nothing I can do to help you, and even if there was, I wouldn’t. You called her a whore in front of a crowded pub—”

“I know!” Tom yelled, “And I’ve been living with that guilt for three weeks now! Please, Harry. I-I messed up so bad.” Tom’s voice cracked, “I tried calling and texting, a-and my texts started turning green. She blocked me,” Tom sobbed, “I’m in love with her, and I never got to tell her. I ruined our relationship before it even began.” 

“Yeah,” Harry agreed, “you did.” 

“Harry, I just want to apologize properly, please.” Tom begged, “I tried going to her house, but her roommate threw a drink at me and told me she went out of town. Where is she?”

“I can’t tell you.” 

“Harry,” Tom sighed, “I’m trying so hard here, I don’t care where she is, I’ll go anywhere for her. Please, I just can’t keep waiting in the dark for her to talk to me.”

Harry sighed, rubbing his forehead, “Okay, fine, but don’t tell her I told you where she was. And if you get your face clawed off, just know that you deserve it.” 

“Okay, okay, now tell me.”

“She’s been staying with Tuwaine and his girlfriend.” 

“Okay, thanks, love you, bye!” Tom said through the phone, already grabbing his keys. 

Harry sighed and began texting Tuwaine, 

Harry: Tom’s coming over, don’t snap him in half, he just wants to talk to her. 

Tuwaine: I’m not home right now, but I'd be more worried about her snapping him in half… 

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

Tom pulled up the Tuwaine’s flat and pounded at the door. He didn’t see Tuwaine’s car in the driveway but he saw yours parked on the street so he knew you were in there. 

“(Y/N)!” He desperately called, “Come on, I know you’re in there!”, his pleas were met with silence and he rang the doorbell on repeat, “(Y/N), please! I just want to talk!”

The door opened to show you standing there with your messy hair and stained sweats, still looking overwhelmingly perfect in Tom’s eyes. He noticed the dark circles and the dried tears and his heart broke, even more, knowing he caused this. He loved you so much and he caused you some of the worst pain imaginable. All he wanted to do was hold you and kiss your puffy cheeks, desperately whispering praises into your ear. You were perfect in every sense of the word, and he let you believe you were anything less. He was an idiot—the biggest idiot in the world—for making you cry. 

“What do you want?” You snapped with a sniffle, pulling him back to reality as you rubbed your red eyes. 

“I just want to talk,” Tom gave you a small smile, “please.” 

“I don’t have anything to say to you.” You scowled, “You need to leave.” 

“No, (Y/N), please.” Tom begged, “I’m sorry. I’m so so so fucking sorry. I was being an idiot and—please, (Y/N), you’re my best friend. I don’t wanna lose you.” Tom’s voice cracked, but you remained stoic in the doorway. 

“I’m your best friend? Really?” You scoffed, “I thought I was just some whore you let hang around you?” 

Tom winced at his words being thrown back into his face, “I didn’t mean it, I swear,” he promised, tears glistening in his eyes, “I don’t even know why I said that. I was being so fucking stupid—” 

“No,” You interrupted his rambling, “you don’t get to say that. You don’t get to say that it was just you “being stupid”. Who the hell says that about their supposed best friend? Why would you even think that? You don’t just get to call me those things in public, and then say that you don’t know why you did it. You can’t even give me a reason—”

“I’m in love with you,” Tom blurted out, blowing out a puff of air in stress, “I’ve been in love with you for the longest time, (Y/N). And Avery was saying how he wanted to ask you out, and I couldn’t lose you. I didn’t want to lose you. I had so many plans for us, and I wanted to be with you—to be yours—more than anything, and I let my jealousy get in the way. I’m sorry because if I deserved you I wouldn’t have done that.”

You stood in the doorway of the flat, arms crossed over your chest. “I can’t believe you’d be so reckless.” You said after a moment of silence, “I would’ve been yours if you had just asked me.” 

“I’m sorry,” Tom cried, reaching out to hold your hand, but you backed away ever so slightly, “please, I would do anything to fix it if I could.” 

“You don’t understand anything, Tom.” You frowned.

“Help me understand.” He begged.

You pondered it for a moment and then released a sigh, coupled with a few tears, “I loved you,” you admitted. Tom’s heart did a leap, but then he realized that you were talking past tense as if his chance with you was gone.

“And I would spend months and months just waiting for you to come home so I could spend time with you. I was so lonely when you and Harry left; I always am. Avery offered to spend some time with me after class one day and I agreed because I don’t have anybody else when you leave. And it was fun, but he wasn’t you. He’ll never compare to the place you had in my heart, but at least I wasn’t alone anymore.” You sighed and began closing the door again, “Now, because of you, I have no one again.” 

The door was about to slam back in Tom’s face, but he shoved his foot in the threshold, “(Y/N), wait,” he pleaded, “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize how important Avery was to you. I can never undo what I did, but please let me make it up to you. I just need you to understand how sorry I am.” 

You opened the door again and looked at Tom’s sad eyes, boring into you, “I do understand how sorry you are, but I don’t know how I can trust you again. You said awful things about me without even batting an eye or taking a breath—”

“I know,” Tom sighed, “I know and I’d give anything to take it back. I just want you back (Y/N). Even if you don’t want to be my girlfriend, I can’t leave knowing I’ve lost my best friend.” 

“As much as it hurts,” You caved, moving from the doorway to let Tom in, “I still love you, and I don’t want to lose you either.” 

Tom smiled and walked into the flat, immediately pulling you into a hug, “I’m so sorry, (Y/N),” You hugged back and sniffled into his hoodie, before pulling away with a sigh.

“I know,” You nodded, “I forgive you. But next time, just be honest with me and tell me how you’re feeling. I’d give you the world if you asked for it.”

Tom smiled and stroked your tear-stained cheek, “I’ll just settle on your heart for now, if that’s okay?”

“That’s so fucking cheesy.” You giggled, wiping the tears from your eyes, “I love it.”

∘₊✧──────✧₊∘

✧tags & moots✧ @ptersmj @princessofguineapigs @peterbenjiparker @cherrytholland @itsapeterthing @justapurrcat @thirstiestpotato @kelieah @iovebug  @waitimcomingtoo  @rosyparkers  @parkers-gal @allegra-writes @starktonyx  @celestialholland  @hollandcrush  @londonspidey @blissfulparker @spidernerdsblog @spidey-sophie @spideyspeaches @peterparkers-bad-youtube-apology @andilovetowrite @sinisterspidey @asonofpeter @westcoastcigar @arlo-sanders @love-peterparker @boiolay @letssee2468  @white-wolf1940 @fandom-life-12 @hollandsdream @annathesillyfriend @lovelybarnes @miseryholland @wierdteenagenerd @duskholland @hollandprkr @lauras-collection @arvinsescape @hollandsrecs

[miraculouscontent]

“Sentibubbler” summary? “Sentibubbler” salt?

Why not both at the same time?

Something a little experimental, though also somewhat reminiscent of some of my past videos. Calling it “summasalt” for now, based on the word “somersault” because this episode was an exercise of my patience.

It’s basically just me going through the episode with my usual episode summary, but salting along the way instead of making you guys read a wall of text without any images or clips or me making snarky comments.

(By the way, yes, I did in fact have caffeine before recording.)

script below for anyone who wants/needs it:

"Sentibubbler" begins with Marinette having food with the Cesaires and I already know this isn't real because Marinette is actually getting to interact with her best friend's family. That's only happened, like--when, two episodes of Season 2? [”Sapotis” and “Anansi”]

Marinette sees Trixx and points out how they're supposed to be a secret, and Alya asks why while calling Marinette "Ladybug." Marinette plays dumb but is told by Nino that everyone already knows her secret. Chloe is also there, chiding Marinette for her identity rule - it's not Marinette's rule but after "Reflekdoll" I've just gotten used to Marinette being blamed for things she didn't do - and Marinette goes to question Chloe's apperance when there's a knock on the balcony door. Alya invites Shadow Moth in and--[Shadow Moth has to duck to come inside]--huh, I thought Sole Crusher was seven episodes ago.

Anyway, now obviously, Marinette is just being ridiculous and overemotional as usual, because why would Marinette ever think that Alya would reveal any information to--["Feast"]--oh yeah, that's right.

Tikki doesn't transform Marinette and says that Marinette shouldn't have trusted Alya with her secret. Enter Chat Blanc, who says that they can be together now without any secrets. Not really sure what this episode is aiming for with the mixed message of "your identity rule sucks" but also "your fault for trusting someone instead of having a mental breakdown," but a’ight. Trixx also gets another dig in on Marinette for giving Alya the fox miraculous.

Marinette wakes up from her nightmare and panics, but Tikki reassures her that Alya is loyal. [”Chameleon”] Mm. Also, that kind of support might've been nice from Tikki literal seasons ago when Marinette could've used a confidant.

Wayzz - I swear, they've had eyelashes more often than not in this season - points out that Trixx is mischievous and Xuppu talks about Trixx being the cause of the Loch Ness monster rumors, which worries Marinette further. Marinette runs out in her pajamas and I can already predict that neither Tom nor Sabine are going to check on her later or care.

Marinette finds the Cesaires looking for something, their words vague enough for Marinette to think that they're talking about Trixx. Alya brushes Marinette off and tells her to help with looking instead of lecturing her.

Marlena makes a comment that reminds Marinette of her nightmare, only increasing Marinette's stress. A tarantula crawls up a ladle and Marinette freaks out when she sees it, which Marlena has a laugh at because Marinette's anxiety, fear, and panic is hilarious, guys!

This is my laughing face. [not a laughing face]

Nino exits, having been too afraid of the spider to leave the room, so Nora compares Marinette to him. Nino tries to play it cool, then changes the subject to point out Marinette's pajamas. Alya wonders aloud why Marinette showed up and Marinette tries to act casual, but Alya sees through it and states that she doesn't usually lose things when someone lends them to her.

I presume the exception is Marinette's trust. OH-HOOOOHHH, we'll get there.

Nora takes a jab at Alya for losing the spider and Marinette drags Alya away to talk. Nino tries to join but Alya states that it's between her and Marinette, which makes Nino sad.

Nino, does the phrase "guys' time" ring a bell by any chance?

Marinette is explaining her nightmare and is simply told to calm down by Alya, though Marinette is briefly startled by a phone ringing. Marinette puts together what she knows that Shadow Moth knows, including that Alya is Rena Rouge, adding on that Shadow Moth could steal the fox necklace if he figured out that Alya has it permanently. Alya reassures her that no one will ever know and Marinette states that this must include Chat Noir. Alya agrees and brings attention to the fanny pack around her waist, which Trixx has been hiding in, and Marinette has Trixx promise not to show up at the dining table like in her nightmare. Tikki tells Marinette that everything will be fine and Marinette admits that it was silly of her to worry, which it was! ...If you ignore all the anxiety, mental scarring, and constant pressure to be perfect or risk Paris lighting itself on fire, much like I presume they accidentally did with their original script for this episode.

Alya tells Marinette to trust her and also herself - I'll be sure to keep that in mind, Alya, thank you - then Alya loses her temper at the phone continuing to ring. She leaves to find an empty living room, then answers the phone only to hear Shadow Moth on the other line. Alya turns upon hearing Marinette scream to see that Marinette has been trapped in a bubble. Cue the reveal/return of the Bubbler, who is definitely Nino akumatized and not--like--a sentimonster, because the episode didn't spoil it at all with the title of Sentibub--

show, this is freaking embarrassing. Why even bother akumatizing someone when you can mold a sentimonster with the exact power you want?

At least they reveal it quickly, though that also means I have to live with the knowledge that Shadow Moth wINKED AT ALYA, NO.

Anyway, Shadow Moth tells Alya that he wants her to betray Ladybug. Marinette, meanwhile, is panicking over being unable to transform while in public, whereas Tikki remains calm and reassures her that Alya will figure something out and it's why Marinette gave Alya the fox miraculous in the first place.

Weird, I thought it was for the show to continuously validate Alya as a worthy choice for a confidant despite repeatedly covering up her sINS and so the show can push for more anxiety on Marinette's part while simultaneously not having to make a new hero model for Alya, which they would have to do if the realistic decision had been made to give Alya a different miraculous due to Shadow Moth knowing her identity as Rena Rouge.

Marinette texts Alya to inform her that the Bubbler is a sentimonster and so Rena can tell Chat not to use Cataclysm on him or the bubbles will burst due to the sentimonster's lack of control.

Hate to burst the show's bubble but Alya could literally see Nino up in the sky and they could see her; the bubbles are in viewing range. Did this even go through a quality check?

Alya goes to look at Marinette's text, but the phone is bubbled away by Sentibubbler. Marinette sees the phone floating by and panics, only to be reassured again to trust Alya and at this point I vaguely wondered if I was watching this episode on repeat. Tikki also adds that Alya has never let her down - [”Ladybug”] MMMM - and Marinette agrees, also certain that Chat Noir will show up soon.

Oh yeah, he exists. Oh no.

Cut to the Agreste mansion where Adrien is watching the news - dude, how is there never anything better on when you need to be told that there's an akuma? here, look, I'll show you [”Silencer” Lukabug clip] there, much better, see? - and it's pointed out that the bubbles are identical to the ones Bubbler had, yet Nino is in one of the bubbles. Adrien readies himself while Plagg is - for once - okay with leaving since his cheese isn't "edible" yet.

I feel like he should be a little more concerned about Marinette being in a bubble.

Meanwhile, Shadow Moth is explaining to Alya that Ladybug will come to give her the fox miraculous due to the bubbled people in the sky - plenty of other choices that aren't within breathing range of the obvious danger zone, but a'ight - and SentiBubbler will catch Ladybug. Alya brings up Chat Noir saving her but Shadow Moth states that she'll create an illusion of Ladybug and Rena to lure Chat Noir, who won't see Sentibubbler coming, at which point Rena will hand Shadow Moth her miraculous. He adds that her loved ones will only be returned once all three miraculouses are in his possession, though if she tries to warn the heroes then Sentibubbler will send the bubbles into space, too far for any hero to save them.

[clip of space power-ups] Hm.

Also, I would've just let her keep the miraculous as an extra bribe since he doesn't need the fox and she wouldn't have time to recharge anyway - at least to his knowledge - but that's just me.

Marinette is relieved that Alya still hasn't been captured--TIKKI, I KNOW, YOU'VE BEEN PARROTING THIS ALL EPISODE, I KNOW--but Marinette changes her tune when she sees Alya blindly calling out for Ladybug's help, unaware that Alya is buying time. Marinette laments the idea of transforming there and having using the rabbit to go back in time to reverse, as that's never a good thing (seconded), but gets the idea for Tikki to take her miraculous to someone else. Tikki rejects the idea, as the earrings won't go through the bubble, and Marinette realizes that Chat Noir is their only hope.

I mean, it was nice knowing them. Sure is interesting how Marinette has only been getting herself into these situations where she requires saving when the show needed to present Alya as a valid choice for a confidant.

Meanwhile, Chat Noir is leaving a message for Ladybug about the bubbles in the sky, saying that he'll wait for her; I already see where this is going and I don't like it.

Alya mutters to Trixx about how they need a plan to release Marinette. Through Alya Vision, we're shown Sentibubbler, a bowl of fruit, and the bathroom door. Alya tells Sentibubbler that she needs to go to the bathroom and - wow, we're really doing this, aren't we? - which Shadow Moth rejects. Shadow Moth is also on top of a building holding a coffee cup which honestly makes about as much sense as the rest of the episode, so whatever. Alya claims that she can't wait and that it'll be awkward for Ladybug to find her like that, which gets Shadow Moth to relent but also remind her of what's at stake if she tries anything. Alya states that she can't do anything without a miraculous anyway, then purposefully falls onto the table, concealing her long enough for her to transform and allowing an illusion of herself to go to the bathroom while she escapes. She detransforms in the twins' room and feeds Trixx with some grapes that she'd picked up.

Alya explains her plan to trick Shadow Moth and Sentibubbler since they don't know that she has a miraculous, though she also has to make sure that Chat won't ruin things. Rena then proceeds to call Chat Noir and claim that Ladybug wanted her to call him with her plan, but adds that it's a two-person plan and Chat himself isn't needed, so he needs to wait for further instructions. Chat demands that Ladybug call him to tell him herself, but Rena insists that she can't, as Ladybug is very busy. She warns him not to use Cataclysm if he sees the Bubbler, as he's a sentimonster, then promises to talk to him later before hanging up.

She uses Mirage again, making the Alya illusion reappear as well as creating a Ladybug. Chat Noir, infuriated at being left out, destroys part of a building with his baton. He then dismisses the action because Miraculous Ladybug will fix it.

Spoiler alert, it will, which is a very fascinating detail! I mean, I can't imagine another situation where a hero did something while there was an akuma going around and Miraculous Ladybug decided to help 'em out, but it just goes to show what happens when you're the writers' pet. Just look a little pitiful and they'll give you all the sympathy in the world.

By the way, didn't expect them to actually confirm my theory that Chat Noir does Chat Noir things because he knows that Miraculous Ladybug will fix it anyway, essentially allowing him to earn brownie points from Ladybug via sacrificing himself regardless of how it affects her mentally, yet here we are and I don't know whether to be sad, angry, disappointed, or a mixture of all three.

Chat Noir sees the Ladybug illusion jumping off and gives chase, refuses to stay where he is. Marinette, seeing that Rena Rouge's illusions are active, panics at the sight of Chat Noir, as the illusion will vanish if Chat touches it.

I like to imagine the immediate concern is the idea that Chat Noir will try to take Ladybug's hand while trying to flirt.

Anyway, Marinette flails inside the bubble in an attempt to reach Chat Noir, while illusion Alya and SentiBubbler get into position. Chat Noir watches what he perceives as Ladybug heading into the Cesaire house with Alya, but Marinette gets to him in order to tell him not to go anywhere. Chat complains about everyone telling him to stay put, but Marinette explains Rena's plan to him. Chat is skeptical of how she knows that, to which Marinette insists that she saw it from where she was. Chat Noir relents with a sigh and stays where he is.

SentiBubbler watches as the illusion of Alya and Ladybug talk to each other, Rena making it look like Ladybug is piecing together what happened and refusing to give Alya a miraculous ever again due to Shadow Moth knowing her identity. She claims that she'll find another holder and give them an even more powerful miraculous, which interests Shadow Moth and gets him to follow after the Ladybug illusion. Once Sentibubbler leaves as well, Chat sees this as his chance to stop the sentimonster, as the Ladybug illusion will vanish if it's touched. Marinette strokes his ego for the token love square moment of the episode, and Chat Noir fights SentiBubbler while Shadow Moth goes after the Ladybug illusion.

I'm noticing a real lack of tension in this episode. Once Alya has her plan, it's kind of a clean sweep from start to finish with no interference or unexpected roadblocks in the way. Even Shadow Moth following the Ladybug illusion goes fine, with Shadow Moth even punching a building thinking that Ladybug actually got away from him.

Dude, it's fine, Miraculous Ladybug will fix it, just put on your best sad face. Maybe Chat Noir gets it from you actually, is treatment from the writers a hereditary thing?

Sentibubbler and Chat Noir are still fighting. Shadow Moth shows up and Marinette tries to warn Chat, but Chat gets caught in a bubble and Marinette apologizes; she doesn't have anything to apologize for but after "Reflekdoll" I--wait I already did this.

Chat Noir uses Cataclysm to escape, only to get caught in another bubble. I'd just like to throw out there that this guy's a hero three seasons going and the love interest for the main character, yet his role in the episode has amounted to complaining about the authority of a hero Ladybug chose, throwing a property-destroying tantrum over being excluded, and wasting his power without a single thought which just got him captured again.

Chat, does the name "Syren" ring any bells by any chance? I'm just sayin', you could always quit. In fact, wasn't it you literally one episode ago saying that you understood if Ladybug couldn't always come get you? Then, after seeing the jump from "Glaciator" to "Frozer," I'm about as shocked as rubber.

Back with the competent one, Alya notes to Trixx that Rena Rouge can no longer be seen by Shadow Moth or else the jig is up. She transforms and texts Marinette to be ready, creating an illusion of Marinette that simultaneously hides the real version, allowing her to transform into Ladybug.

Chat Noir's bubble gets dragged down and Shadow Moth gets SentiBubbler to mute Chat Noir's bubble.

[clip from “Silencer” where Ladybug takes amusement in Chat being muted]

Ladybug uses Lucky Charm and receives a pot, her Lucky Vision spotting Shadow Moth's coffee cup, then SentiBubbler, then the tarantula trapped in a bubble. Ladybug deduces that the cup is the sentimonster's object, then pulls the horse miraculous out of her yoyo and unifies it with the ladybug--oh.

Oh my.

You know, it's times like this where I'm reminded that the show knows nothing about fashion... or girls... or good writing actually--there's just a lot of stuff they don't know.

Sentibubbler does a countdown, then starts sending the civilian bubbles up into the sky. Chat Noir is about to de-transform while PegaBug notices of Shadow Moth's two miraculous, up for grabbin'. She notes that she won't be able to catch everyone, so she forms a portal behind Shadow Moth and goes for the coffee cup first, thus putting her in control of SentiBubbler, who happily brings the bubbles back down at her command.

Shadow Moth erases SentiBubbler from existence though, causing everyone to fall, but Chat and PegaBug manage to catch them. PegaBug de-transforms and presents the Cesaires with the tarantula, which had been trapped inside the lucky charm. Ladybug and Chat Noir watch Shadow Moth escape and Ladybug laments that it could've been the end of Shadow Moth once and for all because it's not a Miraculous episode without Marinette being at fault or feeling guilty in some way! Chat Noir reassures her [*by “reassure,” I mean he might as well have said, “Well, you saved ME, so you did great!”] - wow, that's two token love square moments for the price of one episode, don't I feel spoiled - and Ladybug leaves to retrieve the tarantula's tank.

Rena Rouge is waiting for her and they hug, with Rena repeating that she doesn't lose something that someone gives her. Ladybug states that she never should've doubted the idea of giving Alya a miraculous and Imma just give you guys a counter real quick. [counter that shows that Tikki has complimented Alya four times, Alya has complimented herself/told Marinette to trust her thrice, and Marinette has said that she was wrong thrice]. Miraculous Ladybug is cast and everything returns to normal, with Alya explaining what she did and Marinette being relieved that Shadow Moth won't be going after her anymore. Alya confidently asks if she was smart and Marinette is happy to praise her, confirming it and stating that Alya is a real superhero and honestly? If the narrative wanted to marry Alya this badly, they should've just used some of the budget to buy a ring instead of projecting onto the other characters.

Then again, the apparent budget can't even afford a new hero model nor new akuma to a very noticeable degree, so I guess they're taking what they can get.

Alya praises Marinette as well for her work as PegaBug and they do a fistbump, thus ending the episode. There's also this ever-so-lovely post-episode scene with Gabriel and Nathalie where Gabriel laments the fact that Ladybug never makes mistakes which--I... has he even watched the series at all? Gabe, babe, Babriel Agreste, it's literally part of the show's formula that Marinette makes a mistake in every episode and she felt guilty like a minute ago over not yoinking your miraculouses when she had the chance, where have you been?

But, yeah, anyway, the episode.

Needless to say, not a fan. Like I said, the show seems so intent on immediately validating the choices they make with Alya in order to make her look like a better character. "Gang of Secrets" basically replaced her with someone different at the end of the episode, and the episode immediately afterwards in chronological order, "Mr. Pigeon 72," did everything it could to push Marinette out of her guardian position long enough for Alya to figure out the grimoire despite having zero onscreen experience with it, the episode even trapping Ladybug in a situation that forced Rena Rouge to come into play to validate that decision as well.

And now we have "SentiBubbler" here following immediately after "Optigami," desperate to reassure its audience that Alya is cool, smart, truthworthy, and that not needing to make a new model--sorry, I mean Alya continuing to have the fox--was a good decision. All the while, they continue pushing Alya's flaws under the rug [Note that it’s not even considered that Alya is even remotely at fault for Shadow Moth going after her specifically after her stunt in “Optigami” when no one else but Ladybug and Chat have ever given out a miraculous], hiding them instead of Alya actually acknowledging them, the only reason she did so in "Optigami" being the same as in "Gang of Secrets"; to make her look good while Marinette makes a big decision in their relationship.

The episode tries so hard to drill in this idea that Alya is a good friend who can be trusted, and I'm just not here for how much they try to hammer it in. Marinette's very real anxiety over Shadow Moth's power and ability to plan things is played off as her being silly instead of something to be concerned about, and instead of giving her a hug and trying to help her calm down - [clip from “Heart Hunter” of Luka hugging Marinette] I miss Luka - she's just told to trust and believe and hAVE fAiTh in Alya.

Shadow Moth is an adult; he has abilities that the teenage heroes don't. I'm not even saying that Marinette isn't overreacting [Basically, her concern about Shadow Moth is valid, especially after “Optigami” where her identity was almost found out], but she has anxiety and some obvious trauma over "Chat Blanc." I was already upset that Alya got a free pass to Marinette's identity, but the constant stressing over how much Marinette should trust her just doesn't affect me when I know Alya and I know the kind of stuff she's done that the show blatantly ignored in favor of pushing for her.

But okay, show, I'll give Alya the benefit of the doubt that she doesn't deserve. Let's say that she's turned a new leaf, and has become the reliable, trustworthy, and loyal partner that Marinette deserves. I'm sure that Alya has Marinette's back, and will never go behind said back in order to do something completely unsurprising and wholly indicative of the character I actually know her to be.

Especially not a mere three episodes later...

[finelinevogue]

What if a security guard wouldn’t let you back in the arena if you went out to get something. And they didn’t believe that you were harrys gf and just thought you were a crazy fan

oooh it’s been done before but here’s my version!! ;

You were running late.

It was already 7pm and you were only getting out of your car in the car park. Harry was due to be on stage in an hour and you hadn’t even seen him yet. The traffic around Dallas today has been awful. Chocker block. You’d been with Harry all day, up until 3 hours ago when he had to leave the hotel to come to the stadium for rehearsals. Normally you’d go with him, but you were so tired that you wanted a little nap before coming. The problem here was you overslept.

There were no Ubers available and a taxi would be far too expensive at this time, so you drive in Harrys car instead. You’d been following Harry on tour in his car, so when you get to different destinations you can go out on ball day trips if you want to without the obscenity of a huge tour bus or paying for Ubers everywhere. It was the main reason you were so tired though, travelling across country and into different time zones. It would be so much easier if this was the UK.

You grabbed your purse and your jacket, locking the car as you got out and started running for the backstage entrance. It was easy to make it there and you noticed security guards already standing there.

“Hi!” You smiled, slightly short of breathe. You were about to move past them when one of them shoved your shoulder back, making you stumble back unbalanced. “Wha—”

“ID and backstage pass to get through here.” One of them said, looking you up and down as if you were nothing.

If anything, you were quite shocked on how they just treated and continued to treat you. Normally, Harry would show a picture of you to these backstage security guards to make sure you’d be able to get in no problem, but it seemed like today Harry might’ve forgotten to show that photo. This was going to be a problem for you, because you’d forgotten to bring your backstage pass.

“I normally just go through? I’m Harry’s girlfriend.” You tried talking your way around the situation, not appreciating behind held up so close to show-time.

“Oh you’re Harry’s girlfriend? You must be the 7th one we’ve met tonight.” The security guy laughed and so did his friend, making your blood boil with how annoying they were being. Harry would be so pissed if he heard the way they were treating you.

“No but I actually am.”

“Then, ID and backstage passes.” One of then held out his hand whilst the other crossed his arms over his chest to make him look intimidating. Dickheads.

“I have ID just not the backstage passes.” You answered honestly, holding out your ID for them to check. They collected it and asked you questions on it, you answering them all perfectly.

“Well you definitely know you, but you have no proof you’re supposed to be where you claim to be.” They handed you back your ID and you huffed in stress.

“Well what can I show you? Photos of me and Harry together? Text messages?” You waved your arms around, getting really pissed off that this was actually happening. You’d probably miss Jenny’s whole set because of this and then 15 minutes before show-time Harry gets transported under the stage. So you only really would have half and hour with him, and that’s just not enough time. You wanted a safe and warm hug off him. You wanted a kiss. You just wanted him.

“Everyone knows they can be photoshopped.” One of the guys scoffs at your notion.

“Listen. You either show us your backstage pass or we’ll escort you off site.” The other one says a lot more firmer this time. It made you quite anxious for what you’d do if they did that - or maybe when they did that.

“Well I don’t have the backstage passes.” You sighed, rolling your eyes at the way this was going to end.

“Then let’s go.” One of them pointed to where you came from and to the car park, stepping forwards as he did so.

“I’m not leaving until you let me through those doors. My boyfriend is waiting for me.” You answered, taking a step back in stress of what they might do.

“Harry ain’t your boyfriend. Now let’s go!” They stepped forwards again and reached for you.

You swung your bag at one of them, hitting him in his side and he grunted because of the impact of your water bottle with his chest. The other one grabbed your arm and you couldn’t shake him, since you were not trained in any way for situations like this at all. His fingers dig into your skin and it made you scream out a cry, trying to kick him in any way to escape. The other one recovered ever ordered the guy holding you to escort you away whilst he stayed and guarded the door. The one holding you tugged your arms behind your body and held them tight there, it really fucking hurting. He didn’t care though and continued to walk you, asking you where your car was so he could get you out of here.

Once you reached your car he let you go and you wrapped your arms around you as he walked away again, not verbally saying anything but his eyes saying enough. Stay away. You shakily got your keys out of your bags and unlocked your door, climbing in and just sitting there. You could feel your hands really shaky and achy. Looking down with tear clouded eyes, you saw the red marks over your arms and slight bruising already. Your arms and shoulders hurt from being bent in an uncomfortable position.

You cared less about the pain though and how much of a disappointment of a girlfriend you were going to be to Harry. He was going to think either the worst for you or the worst of you. You reached in your bag on your lap for your phone, throwing your bag on the seat next to you afterwards. You wiped your eyes with the sleeve of your t-shirt and unlocked your phone to text messages, sending Harry a quick text.

To Harry: Are you free to call? x

No response. You sat there for a few minutes in silence, still shook up and teary. That had been a really awful situation to be in and you hated that you were nowhere near Harry to fix it. Your phone vibrated 3 minutes later, finding a text message from Harry. You sighed and felt safe when you saw his icon light up your notifications, knowing he was in contact with you.

From Harry: Of course, you okay? xx

You didn’t open your phone because you didn’t know how to respond. How do you tell him you’re not okay, only 20 minutes before he’s meant to be ready to go on stage? You didn’t want to worry him, but you also didn’t want him thinking you were a terrible girlfriend either.

Another vibration.

From Harry: Lovie? xx

Your eyes watered at that simple word, meaning so much more to you than five letters. It made you feel so much comfort, you only wished you could get that hug and a kiss now.

Again.

From Harry: Love, you’re worrying me now.

From Harry: Let me face-time you, hang on.

His icon lit up the screen; Incoming…

You shakily accepted, wiping your eyes quickly before. When he answered you could tell he was still in his dressing room, sat on the sofa that you wish you were also sat on with him. He looked so beautiful. His hair was perfectly styled and he was wearing a pearl coloured silk shirt and you knew he was wearing white silk pants to co-ordinate. You thought he looked ethereal. A glowing beacon of hope and beauty.

He didn’t say anything to you at first and you nothing to him. He just looked at you and instantly knew something bad was up. He kept eye contact with you and it was as if he was having a telepathic conversation with you, understanding that you needed him and just him.

“Hey, Mitch man?” Harry asked, turning his head to somewhere else in the room. “Could y’just give me a minute. Please.”

“Sure, sure.” Mitch answered and all you could hear was the sound of shuffling and the door shut. As soon as he was gone you started crying all over again. You cupped your hand over your eyes and your body shook as you just cried. Harrys heart broke that you were alone and he couldn’t hug you close to his chest.

“Y/N, baby. Look at me.” He asked urgently and you just shook your head, embarrassed that this was happening to you. “You’ll be alright lovie, I promise. Just look at me, beautiful.” You moved your hand away from your face and wiped your eyes and nose to try and make you look slightly better - not that it helped. “There’s my pretty girl.”

You smiled. He smiled.

“I-i’m so-rry H.” You whispered, sniffling in between words because of how shaky you felt.

“Hey, no. None of that. It’ll be okay.” He reassured you, keeping eye contact with you to try and decipher what was wrong. “Where are you, lovie? You’re in the car, yeah?” Harry asked, recognising your surroundings but you could get anywhere. You could have been in an accident for all he knew, but he was remaining calm so he didn’t send you into a panic.

“Yeah. In the stadium car park.” You saw Harrys eyes momentarily light up at that, before he remembered that you weren’t okay.

“Okay. Tell me why you’re upset, love. Help me understand.” He sounded urgent, just wanting to know so he could help you out. He wanted you to be okay. He wanted you with him.

“The security guards wouldn’t let me in, backstage I mean. I didn’t have my backstage pass. But..” You choked on a sob and Harry told you to just breathe. You were okay. “One of them g-grabbed me and escorted m-me of sight.”

“Baby, are you hurt? Is that why you’re upset?” Harry asked, standing up now in panic. His face looked angry, but you could tell he was trying his best to be a comfort for you. “Y/N?”

“Y-yes. Yes Harry, yes.” You voice wobbled out and you let out an exasperated sob. “I’m s-sor—”

“No don’t you dare. Don’t apologise for this. Not ever. You understand me?” He made very clear he wasn’t messing around.

“Yes.” You nodded.

“Alright. Now, you gotta be strong for me okay?” He asked, before asking, still checking that you were okay. He knew you would be though, because you were his bravest girl ever - stronger than you knew.

“Okay.”

“You’re going to make your way back to the backstage entrance, alright? I am going to be there, before you get there. Those security guards won’t be there I promise. You’ll be okay. Can you do that for me?” He asked, moving around the room and then out of the door. He was walking down the corridors, ignoring the people shouting his name. He was only focused on you.

“Yes. Okay.” You nodded, wiping under your nose again.

“I love you.” He kissed the camera of his phone, looking like he was kissing you instead.

You returned the gesture, kissing him virtually back. “I love you.”

He told you that it’d be alright and then ended the call, explaining how you didn’t need to hear him get angry when he found these security guards. They would be fired even if they weren’t on his tour crew, he’d make sure of it. You made your way back to the backstage entrance again, slowing down before you rounded the corner. Taking a deep breathe you walked around and were met with exactly what Harry promised; him.

You smiled and broke out into a run to get to him, your bag weighing on your shoulder. Once you reached him your bag was thrown on the floor in front of him and you jumped into his arms. He lifted you up to sit you around his waist, keeping his arms tight around your waist and squeezing the biggest hug out of you. Your arms tightened around your boyfriends neck and you buried your face into his neck, and god he smelt like everything homely and sweet. He felt just like home.

“See, you’re alright now lovie.” He assured you, kissing your cheek that wasn’t quite buried into his neck.

“Th-ank you.” You muttered, kissing his neck in appreciation which made him hum in delight. He tasted so hot and lush. He was insatiable. You then felt him start kissing your arms, where the harsh red and purple marks were.

“Sorry y’had to go through this.” He kept kissing your arms, until you moved your head up and looked at him with furrowed eyebrows.

“If I can’t say sorry, then neither can you.” You shook your head, kissing his nose softly. You watched his eyes flutter close and felt so special that only you could do that to him.

“You’re so amazing Y/N. Truly.”

“You’re pretty special too, my love.”

He didn’t need to hear anything else from you, those words were enough, so he pressed his lips to yours softly, filling you with the love you’d been waiting to feel all day. You smiled into the kiss and he just felt so amazing. He was so soft and gentle with you - as smooth as the silk that dressed his body. He was so pretty to watch melt away under your spell and delicious tasting. Strawberries, was that?

He was everywhere. He was everything. He always would be.

[shotorozu]

you like their hands

character(s) : shinsou hitoshi, kirishima eijirou, monoma neito (2/?)

legend : [Y/N = your name] they/them pronouns, quirk left unmentioned

post type : headcanons + small scenario [fluff, the mildest of spice] not even nsfw

note(s) : i was gonna put denki in this but i had a hard time thinking about what kinda hands he’d have, so i’m putting him in the next post

»»————-　♡　————-««

shinsou hitoshi

his hands are big, and his fingers are quite thick.

really likes wearing rings and bracelets, but he usually doesn’t wear them when he’s working (i’d say that bc wearing jewelry while doing physical activity HURTS)

regarding texture, his hands were initially soft— but due to transferring in the hero course, they roughened up over time

he’ll use hand cream if you want, but he doesn’t go the extra mile. and his nails are trimmed at all times. painting his nails a black color would be great once in a while.

lol i forgot to mention nails in the last post

he notices right away that you like his hands when he catches you staring at them when he’s cracking his knuckles

like.. people have said that his hands are nice, but he doesn’t really say much about them bc they’re not you

scenario

a crack sound is briefly heard in the rather silent room. the scrolling on your phone halts, and your eyes follow the sound of the crack.

ah, he’s cracking his knuckles. you think to yourself, and you’re left just simply admiring the way he applies pressure on a knuckle. who knew that his rather— large hand would look appealing, even while cracking his knuckles.

you snap out of your observation, but instead of just simply going back to whatever you were doing, you’re met with lilac eyes. “you were staring again.”

your cheeks heat up, and you opt to just turn your head to the opposite direction. “sorry,” you apologize. however— that’s not what hitoshi was looking for apparantly.

“if you like my hands alot,” he scoots next to you, hands sliding up and down your arms— his firm grip practically making the pre existing butterflies in your stomach act up again. “then you should’ve said so, kitty.”

is he conscious of his actions? hm. you could say that

he’ll purposely play with his capture tool right in front of you— the material wrapping around his hand. and he can only laugh when you immediately get absorbed into it

the back of his hand will brush against your cheek. then, when he comes in to kiss you, he’ll cup your cheek— kissing you with his other hand resting at your nape

under the table, his hand will start to slide against yours, interlocking hands with you. he’ll act like nothing is happening, but on the inside— he’s taking in your reaction

a little spicy, but when he wants you to look at him— he’ll do that thing where his thumb brushed against your bottom lip, as it almost dips right into your mouth

if he feels a little extra, his hand will also be tugging on your hair (if you’re fine with that. otherwise, he’s sticking to the one above)

oh and he also does that thing where he rests his hand on your neck, thick fingers squeezing your throat lightly.

overall— THIS MAN omg, he’ll entertain your interest in his hand nicely, just for you. and every single thing he does is memorable

kirishima eijirou

his hands are quite normal regarding size, they are almost always veiny, a lot more than bakugou’s actually. i think at some point he was concerned about them

his hands are rather flushed in color, but that’s because of his quirk. his fingers have a few tiny scars here and there,

he occasionally has pen marks on his wrists due to bad penmanship, and his nails.. don’t look the best, but they’re not the worst it’s bc of his quirk

the palms of his hands are ridden with callouses. but he wears them with pride because it’s the pure evidence of his hard work with his training.

but he starts to get worried about them when he goes to hold your hand.

you always had a thing for kirishima’s hands, but you just never had the chance to tell him that. i guess asking you did it for him

scenario

did you even realize how hard you were staring at his hands right now? it happened every single time he enlaced his arms around you, his hands resting at the sides of your arms

at first, he thought it might’ve been because his hands are too rough, or you might’ve been in discomfort— because maybe, just maybe, he accidentally activated his quirk?

the fact that he can’t exactly tell what it is worried him, maybe he should just ask you.

but his worry washed off when you told him upfront that you ‘liked his hands’

“wait so.. you’re staring at my hands because you like them?” kirishima wants to confirm your words, and— so casually, by the way— nod in agreement.

tracing the veins on his hands, you elaborate “your hands are really nice, i can tell how hard you must’ve worked.” pressing your smaller hand against his, you smile.

eijirou takes a moment to process it, but it’s surprisingly quick. “oh t-thanks!” he sheepishly took the compliment, a small blush sporting on his cheeks. “i’m glad it wasn’t because you thought they were weird.”

kirishima unintentionally feeds your interest with his hands. like sometimes.. he’s just not aware of it, but yes— he is feeding your interest well

will always make you compare hand sizes with him, chuckling softly at the dazed look on your face when your palms touch

if you allow him, he’ll fix your hair for you. doesn’t matter what hair type you have, he’ll do LOTS of research to know how to style it

those hands are magical

if you get a papercut, or a wound from cooking— he’ll patch you up, then he’ll press a kiss on the bandaid.

he’ll do this thing where he’ll squeeze your sides when you pull in for a hug. but if you’re not okay with that, he’ll opt to just rubbing your back with his hand— rocking you softly as he hugs you

a little spicy, but his hands do wander a lot. you might need to even hold them in place to make sure they don’t go too wild

in addition to that, he’ll just SLIGHTLY, activate his quirk to make sure you’re conscious of his touch. his finger tips gliding against your back, sending shivers down your spine.

but of course, he’s careful. he doesn’t activate it to the point it causes scratch marks, nor will his actions draw blood. he doesn’t wanna do that

in short— kirishima’s a little clueless at first. he wouldn’t really tease you in public, but he’s surprisingly attentive to your interest.

monoma neito

his hands are on the tipping edge of slightly above average. he doesn’t have a lot of veins on his hands, but they do pop out depending on what quirk he’s using

monoma’s hands are pretty spotless of any scars (from cuts, abrasions, etc.) because he gets REALLY annoyed with wounds pretty easily

to the point he’d want to attend to the wound immediately, he doesn’t let them sit— it’s just a personal preference

his nails are at the perfect length. not too long and not too short to the point it hurts, you don’t know how he does it.

wears watches on his wrists, and not the digital type— he sorta acts like he can read it easily, but it takes him a few seconds to even get to know the time

you know this because kendo snitched on him and told you LOL

you secretly hate yourself for this, but you really like his hands because of how he takes care of them. you’d never tell monoma even though you’re dating him

scenario

you’re unsure of yourself on how your boyfriend— monoma, found out about your fascination with his hands. it was supposed to be a secret for the rest of your life, and you only remember talking about it once out loud

which you assumed was a close call, considering that you thought he didn’t hear it at all— but he did.

“so i heard you like my hands, huh Y/N?” monoma’s teasing tone does not aid the situation. your cheeks heat up with embarassment, and you can’t get yourself to answer his question— without sounding like a fool anyway.

you fake annoyance, “where’d that come from?” you ask, and monoma doesn’t seem to want to switch the topic

“i’m asking you a question, dear Y/N— i heard you like my hands,” his tone would’ve sounded condescending to any other person, but you can tell that he’s either genuinely curious

or just teasing you, because that’s how he is.

to aid his question, he brushes his fingers along your neck— near your pulse. you jolt, stunned by the sudden action— heart beating rapidly against your chest.

“see,” monoma presses his hand against your chest, where your heart is palpitating, grinning in a way that’s teasing you “it’s true, isn’t it? sweet Y/N has a thing for my hands, hm?”

you furrow your eyebrows, and flick his forehead— and he hisses in reaction, “fine then, i do like your hands.” you finally give in, admitting final defeat.

ever since then, you haven’t heard the end of it

definitely that person that’ll just randomly bring it up to you, no matter what hour of the day it is.

“oh Y/N, you were totally fawning over my hands earlier—”

“i will castrate you.”

you know he means well most of the time, but sometimes he just loves teasing the heck out of you.

but that doesn’t mean he neglects your obvious interest in his hands.

he’ll compliment you, he’s a snarky person in general— but to you, he’s totally smooth with it.

slides his hand from your forearm to your hands, only to bring them up to his lips, pressing a kiss against your hand

squeezes your hand everytime he sees you, it’s kind of a nonverbal greeting at this point

similar to kirishima, he likes comparing hand sizes— teasing you about the size difference (even if it’s not even a big of a difference, he’ll take that chance.)

does this thing where he rubs his thumb against his palm. does it a lot when he’s concentrated about something, or just out of the blue

a little spicy, but he’ll make you tell him what you like about his hands, and what you like about the things he does with those hands of his. if that makes sense

he wants all of the details, doesn’t care if it’s mundane, or things he does when he’s feeling a certain way.

he wants to know, because as soon as you’re done with your spewl, he’ll do exactly what you like, teasing you while he’s at it. and so he can start incorporating those habits whenever he’s around you.

totally someone that’ll make you suck on those fingers. oh, but he’ll purposely get some dessert on them— asking you to suck them off

“good grief, i got some dessert on my fingers again. Y/N, come suck them off”

sometimes he’s serious, sometimes he’s just teasing.

overall— it’s pretty adventurous. he starts to act on it as soon as the revelation is revealed to him.

but i’d say he does just fine.

»»————-　♡　————-««

likes and reblogs are appreciated, thanks for reading!

i do not own bnha/mha and it’s characters. boku no hero academia/my hero academia belongs to horikoshi kohei. i only own the writing, and i do not profit off of my hobby

do not plagiarize, translate, repost, or use my work for audio readings without my consent :))

[pippytmi]

16 + 4 + 2 (werewolf supercorp?)

It is not uncommon for Kara to wake up in a puddle of blood.

At this point she is immune to the shock that comes with it, really. She has adapted; knows all the best tricks to get stains out of her clothes, knows all the best laundromats that don’t ask any questions. Heck, she even has Alex’s ex-girlfriend on speed dial, just in case there is a freak chance the blood Kara wakes up in might be human (it has not happened yet, knock on wood).

But there are other parts that still take some getting used to. Like, for example, the loss of memory that comes with every night of the full moon. Because yeah, she understands why she wakes up in a pool of blood. What she doesn’t understand is why this time around she wakes up in a pool of her own blood, and in so much pain that it hurts to open her eyes.

“Ow,” Kara whispers to herself, twisting onto her side with a groan. Her clothes are gone—no surprise—but even as she is laying down on the cold, rocky forest floor, the only thing she can focus on is how much her head hurts. She’s dealt with branch scratches, sore legs and arms, the occasional plethora of bug bites, but never a headache. Her one comfort is that at least she has made it into the backyard of Sam’s cabin. It takes a considerable amount of strength to push herself up off the ground; walking is going to be much harder than anticipated.

If Alex saw her now, she'd—well first she would hit Kara over the head and yell at her about being dumb, but afterwards she would snicker. And probably hit her over the head again for good measure.

“Oh my God—!”

Okay, it’s official. Kara is now dead. Even if the stranger gawking at her is not the one who kills her, Alex definitely will.

And it’s that thought that makes Kara drop right back down on the floor, knocking the wind right out of her lungs, and she groans into the dirt pitifully.

“Oh, fuck,” the stranger whispers, almost as if to herself, scrambling to come to Kara’s side. “Fuck. Fuck fuck fuck fuck this shit. Fuck!” Said stranger belatedly claps a hand over her mouth, green eyes widening in horror. “Holy shit, are you alive?”

Kara pitifully rests her cheek against the ground and tries not to look too offended. “Uh, kind of,” she replies. (So this must not be Sam’s cabin, then.) “Sorry. Am I in your yard? It is a very nice yard. Five stars.”

“No, it’s not my—I’m house-sitting,” the woman explains, though she is giving Kara a look that says really? That’s what you want to focus on right now?

“Well, it’s still a nice place,” Kara says, because she is polite and small talk is always a good thing to fall back on when you’re naked on a pile of dead leaves. “Wait, I don’t suppose you’re house-sitting for Sam, are you? Sam Arias, super tall, has a daughter who is freakishly good at checkers?”

Stranger-who-swears-like-a-sailor frowns. “How do you know Sam?” she asks suspiciously.

“She dated my sister. It was a whole—it’s a thing,” Kara says. “You know?”

“Wait. Are you Kara? Are you Alex’s sister?”

“Yes! So you do know!” Kara would grin if her face were capable of any emotion besides mind-shattering pain. “Then you must be Sam’s friend…uh, bear with me…Lena? Or Jess?”

“Lena,” says the woman, still notably wary, so Kara makes the decision to wiggle until she can prop herself up her elbows and look less, well, like a corpse.

“Hey, got it in one!” Kara says as cheerfully as she can muster. “Well, it’s nice to meet you. And can I just—uh, say—that you don’t have to worry. I won’t die here or anything. I know you would obviously be the number one suspect for murder and it wouldn’t be nice of me to put you through that.”

“…right. Never mind that you would be dead, or anything.” Lena begins to shakily unbutton her coat like a woman possessed, as if her doubt has morphed entirely into concern now that she has confirmation the freak naked in Sam’s backyard is not an entire stranger. “Here, this is long enough to cover you. Do you—do you need help getting up?”

“No, no, I’ve got it, thank you,” Kara insists, and gradually, she manages; she shifts sideways and then tentatively onto her butt, and accepts the coat when it’s all but thrown at her face. There is blood mixed in with the leaves and general guck beneath her, and she winces at the sight. “I’ll come back and clean this later,” she’s quick to add, and Lena frowns in response.

“Are you serious? Forget cleaning, you need—stitches, at the very least. I can take you to the hospital if—”

“Oh no, you don’t have to do that!” Kara blurts out, and with the adrenaline from that burst of energy she’s able to scramble to her feet. She is shaky, unsteady, but she manages to stay upright at least and she’ll count that as a win. “Shoot. I’m sorry for yelling. I just—no hospitals. I can’t do hospitals.” She has never had to form an excuse for this, and her mouth can’t quite wrap around the right words.

But Lena—green eyes wide and unsure, skin pale in the early morning light—nods, like she understands. “Okay,” she says. “No hospitals.”

“Thanks,” Kara mumbles, wrapping the coat tightly around herself. There are startling black spots in her vision and her head still feels like it was used as a piñata; she wonders what the heck her next move should be now. If Sam needs someone to house-sit, she must be out of the city. And if Sam is out of the city, Kara can’t exactly waltz into Sam’s house to wash all the blood off her body (and then call up Alex from the couch while stealing whatever ice cream Ruby picked). Sam lets her do that, sure, but that’s Sam. It would be pretty rude to do that when Lena is right here.

“Do you…” And Lena pauses, nose scrunching up as if something has just occurred to her. “I can give you a ride somewhere else, if you’d like. Back to your house?”

“No, that’s okay,” Kara hurries to decline, because how can she really explain that she lives in an apartment, and that if little old Mrs. Jensen saw her coming up covered in blood she’d finally succumb to her third heart attack? “Can I just use Sam’s phone to call my sister? Then I’ll come right back out here, I promise.”

“Why would you come back out here again?” Underneath her coat, Lena is wearing plaid pajama pants that are rolled at the ankle (Sam’s, most likely), and a tank top that is extremely fitted. Very, very well fitted. Like, you-can-tell-it’s-frigidly-cold-outside-kind-of-fitted.

Kara coughs and tries not to let on how her train of thought has twisted. “Because…I’m a stranger?” she tries. “I don’t want to make you uncomfortable.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. Remember, if you die I’m going to be the first one they question,” Lena says, tilting her head expectantly in the direction of Sam’s cabin. “Come inside, warm up. Call your sister.” All things considered, she is far more concerned than Kara expected her to be—as if, somehow, ridding herself of the weirdo walking around bloody and probably concussed isn’t the very first thing on Lena’s mind.

So Kara doesn’t look a gift horse in the mouth; she accepts the offer. It’s a small comfort that if she really does get murdered by a total stranger, it won’t be while cold and naked.

Lena goes right into Sam’s room the instant they go inside, already gathering a million outfits for Kara to pick through. “The shower is fickle, but it does have hot water,” she says, adding a towel to the pile in Kara’s arms when she re-emerges. “You just have to—”

“Hit the wall twice, and give it a few seconds,” Kara finishes. “Yeah, Sam reminds me every time.”

“So you…visit Sam often, do you?”

“Uh.” And suddenly, despite the long, cold night she’s had, the air indoors feels a bit warmer than is comfortable. “Only sometimes.” Once a month, Kara thinks, and Lena crosses her arms and just stares.

Really stares, dragging those sharp green eyes up and down Kara’s whole body. Squints at the scratches on her face, scrunches her nose at the way Kara awkwardly shifts from side to side. Finally Lena speaks, and it’s only to say, “It’s you, isn’t it?”

“...come again?”

“It’s you. Sam told me she’s been helping out a friend with a—furry predicament—”

If it were possible to choke on air, Kara would be dead right now. “Did she really call it furry? But she’s also—!” She has to pause, now, because she feels an urge to clarify, “Wait. Are we talking about the same thing right now?”

Lena narrows her eyes slightly. “You mean talking about how you’re a werewolf?”

“Oh!” Head lighter, Kara sucks in a laugh that makes her ribs feel like they are splintering open. “Then yes. That’s good, I didn’t want you to think I was a—anyway. I didn’t think Sam told anyone.”

“Sam and I have been friends for a long time,” Lena says slowly. A beat. “She actually ate my hamster once.”

Kara winces. “Recently?”

“No! Back in the fifth grade,” Lena frowns, like she might’ve added dumbass at the end of the sentence. “I’m a grown woman. I don’t own hamsters.”

“What? Come on, having pets isn’t just a kid thing,” Kara says. “I used to have a cat, but he…”

“Oh my God, you ate him?”

Kara’s jaw drops. “What—no! He turned out to already have an owner, so she took him back. He just liked to wander into my apartment.” She hugs the clothing pile tighter to her chest, and tries her hardest to scowl. “I’m responsible, okay? Most of the time. I’m not dangerous.”

“Except to deer, or rabbits, or whatever else you killed last night?” Lena quirks an eyebrow, but surprisingly not in a manner that’s judge-y. Just…curious.

“Right,” Kara says defeatedly, and her head throbs enough that her grip on Sam’s clothes begins to falter. “Sorry. I wasn't trying to be defensive or anything.”

“That's alright.” And stranger still, Lena reaches out to gently touch the side of Kara’s head. “So does the same thing happen to you?”

“Huh?” The proximity has scrambled Kara’s brain momentarily, and she finds herself unthinkingly holding her breath.

“Do you also black out,” Lena clarifies. “Like Sam does, every time she shifts.”

“Oh. Yeah, I’m pretty sure it’s—a universal wolf thing,” Kara says.

Lena hums, and her hand retracts. “And are you a serial killer in wolf form?”

“Uh, I hope not? I’m pretty sure all this is…” Kara gestures over her body with one hand, still hugging the pile of clothes with the other. “Not human.”

“Okay.” Lena casually walks away, but pauses to throw over her shoulder, “I’ll help you clean up your head once you’re out of the shower. I’ve helped Sam a hundred times.”

“Are you—do you have some kind of healing magic, or—”

“Close. I’m an ER nurse,” Lena says amusedly, and when she smiles a dimple emerges on one cheek. “All the witches I know have fled the city, so I’m afraid you’re stuck with me.”

“You joke, but Alex dated this witch once, and she hexed my sister to spill her first sip of coffee every time she went to take a drink for three weeks straight after they broke up,” Kara says, and Lena again scrunches her nose in that quizzical way.

“Seriously? Witches are real too?”

“Duh,” Kara says lightly. “What, you thought it stopped at werewolves? Please. I’m pretty sure the neighbor two doors down is a gorgon.”

“Well, it would explain her fondness of statues,” Lena says, strangely nonplussed. “I’ve never asked, but I suppose I shouldn’t be surprised at this point. How do you take your coffee?” As she asks, Lena deposits a few fingers of whiskey into a mug, and at Kara’s questioning look says, “Sorry, we’re all out of painkillers. This is as good as you’re going to get.”

“Maybe I’ll do better if it’s straight,” Kara says, unable to hide her grimace, while Lena shrugs a shoulder as if to say it’s your funeral.

So after Kara showers, she sits on the couch and sips gross whiskey out of a chipped mug that reads World’s Best Mom in bright pink letters. Lena has turned on the TV to the local news station—clearly she has stayed with Sam before—and a man on screen is recounting a tale of how he hit a giant wolf strolling too close to his farm with a baseball bat.

“If I had my shotgun I would’ve killed the fucker,” he swears, red in the face, and above her Lena gives a little scoff.

“What a dick,” Lena says, her hand steadily stitching up the wound on Kara’s scalp, and her voice has a hint of an accent; it’s really cute, actually, and Kara doesn’t even mind that the next poke of the needle is sharper than the others.

It is the strangest morning Kara has ever had. Drinking whiskey before eight in the morning, with a kind stranger who she’s barely met but is suturing her skin together, who smells faintly of lavender soap and strong black coffee.

“—National City is not safe when wolves are wandering close to homes—”

The scent of rich hot chocolate bubbling on the stove is beginning to fill the room, the ancient pipes are rumbling throughout the walls, and Lena’s fingers are soft against her head. Kara closes her eyes and decides that she will wait a little longer before she calls Alex to pick her up.

[seung-scrittore]

[12:34] - fortune cookies and harry styles

genre: platonic!au, fluff, crack, best friend Ni-ki & Jungwon

warning(s): food/eating, light swearing

pairing: none

wc: 0.9k

“Love can last a lifetime if you want it to.”

“What does that even mean?” 

“Seriously, who writes that mumbo-jumbo anyway?”

“Honestly who cares,” you crinkled up the small paper between your index and thumb, flicking it toward the younger boy sitting on your couch. You watched as he flinched once it'd made contact with his jawline, afterward rolling his eyes at you. Not caring enough to even attempt to make sense of the tiresome momento inscribed inside your fortune cookie. 

Stuffing the semi-stale cookie past your lips, you shrugged off the topic. “Oh wait,” you half mumbled with your mouth still busy at work with the thin, crumbly treat, “��Ave you guys ‘eard that song?” Most of your sentence was borderline unintelligible.

“Hasn’t anyone taught you table manners, yuck.” Ni-ki shot you an incredulous look as if you’d just offended him personally by not finishing your snack before speaking. 

“Manners, schmanners, y'know you could choke? Seriously, ___, you need to be more careful.” 

Of course, Jungwon, as always. 

“Well pardon me, your highnesses,” rolling your eyes at the imbeciles you were unfortunate enough to call your friends, “Anyway, like I was saying —before I was so rudely interrupted—”

“Have we heard that song?” Ni-ki mocked, his voice rising several octaves in jest, “I don’t even need to hear you say the name, it’s been everywhere I swear.”

Jungwon, who seemingly forgot about his sudden outburst of concern mere moments ago, piped up. “What song?” 

Sticking your chopsticks back into your carton of Chinese food —Pork Lo Mein to be specific— you shot him an exasperated look, “No way, you’ve really not heard it?”

“Maybe I have, if one of you idiots would just tell me the damn title I’d let you know”

Ni-ki snickered, setting his carton of fried rice down to nod his head toward Jungwon, “It makes sense he wouldn’t know, being ancient and all.”

You couldn’t help but chuckle, slightly tilting your head down in a failed attempt to hide your amusement. Admittedly, a fair portion of your friendship with the two had been you and Ni-ki borderline-bullying Jungwon for being almost three years older than the both of you. 

Grabbing your phone out of your pocket, you swallowed the food that was in your mouth, opened up your playlist, and scrolled through to find the previously mentioned song. 

“Oh! Here, look Won,” you showed him your phone, the small letters playing in the bottom left of your screen, “As It Was, ugh, it’s such a good song.” 

“Oh, yeah I know it. All that hype for Harry Styles? Really?” 

“You did not just say that to me.” Ni-ki shot Jungwon a glance that let him know he was truly skating on thin ice here. 

“Listen, he’s good, I’ve just heard better y’know,” Jungwon noted somewhat matter-of-factly, collecting another bite of food with his utensils. He nodded toward Ni-ki, “I like his other single, uh, what’s it called?” Shaking his head, he stuffed the spoonful of now semi-cold Chinese food into his mouth, “Watermelon High, maybe?”

“It’s Watermelon Sugar, I’m actually disappointed. Of course, you would only know that song.” 

Over the years you had grown used to their quirks, though Jungwon not liking Harry Styles might’ve been a deal-breaker in your two-year-long friendship.

“I’m gonna tempt the fates here, Won, our whole friendship is riding on my fortune.”

Ni-ki held out his unwrapped golden fortune cookie, it was slightly crumpled at the corners, to the point you could see the stark contrast of the thinly tucked paper. 

The hard exterior of his cookie sounded with a stale crack, you could still faintly taste the vanilla and sesame oil on your tongue from your own. 

“Honestly you think they’d make them fresh or something for how often we go to that place,” you sarcastically chided, “I don’t quite feel valued as a customer.” 

“Oh cut the theatrics, both of you."

Ni-ki scoffed, "Hyung, I really don't think you wanna get mouthy while I'm literally unwrapping your fortune." 

If you said Jungwon was perfectly calm at Ni-ki's brazen nature, you would be lying. He was about two seconds from imploding, and you swore you could see steam coming out of his ears. 

"Go on, read it out." You had a tendency to always back Ni-ki up when it came to picking sides between the two, and if you were honest, you found this really amusing. 

Clearing his throat, —solely for theatrics— Ni-ki held the palm of his hand in his other,

 "He, who knows not of Harold Styles, is not to be trusted." 

Flicking his now crumpled slip of paper at you like you'd done to him moments ago.

"Yah, don't make me come over there Ri-ki," Jungwon pointed his spoon at Ni-ki in an almost threatening way —it would've held a lot more merit if you didn't already know Jungwon was considerably shorter than Ni-ki.

Chomping on another bite of your food, you made a mental note to tease Jungwon for that later, but right now he had enough on his plate with Ni-ki. 

"___, look he's threatening me!" Ni-ki feigned a fearful tone, if he was trying to hide his smile, he was doing a poor job at it. 

You scoffed, a slight grin adorning your features at their antics, unfolding the small paper that had fallen in your lap, you silently read the fortune— his actual fortune. 

"Good friends are worth the hardships you'll face to find them."

Looking up at Jungwon and Ni-ki, who were now bickering back and forth, your grin was in full effect. 

They are, they truly are.

[neoheros]

“hello?” your voice rings through kuroo’s phone, and it’s taking him every last bit of his will and power to not hang up the call.

it’s been two weeks since he’s asked for your number, and unfortunately for him, even though he’s thought of calling you everyday since he got it, he’s only actually worked up the nerve to actually do it now.

“hello,” he says back, unsure of how to move forward with it, and he follows, “it’s kuroo.”

it’s late in the evening and he figured he’s chosen the worst time to actually call you, but he’s been putting this off for so long, and as much as kuroo was nervous, he also really really just wanted to talk to you too.

but he wishes he’s better at this stuff; the whole flirting thing. he’s never been good at it, all he has is a pocket full of wit and a wish that it comes off as charm instead.

— so not only is he two weeks late to this phone call, but he’s also painfully awkward at it.

“oh, kuroo.” you say through the phone, your voice clipped along with the static mixing in it.

kuroo leans back on his bed, pulling on the corners of his pillow cases, and he asks “oh?”

and you repeat, nodding along with a skittish laugh, “oh.”

“you sound disappointed.” he points out, lightly chuckling through his words to not seem so serious.

you answer, and he figures you were amused too with the way your tone seems chipper, and you say, “that was not a disappointed oh.”

“well, what kind of ‘oh’ was it?” he follows, smiling through his words.

you laugh, “it’s the ‘the guy who asked for my number two weeks ago finally called’ kind of oh.”

and kuroo says, voice clipped, “oh.”

so maybe he waited too long to actually call, but can you really blame him?

the entire time he had your number he didn’t know what to do with himself. what if he called too soon? what if you were busy and find him annoying? what if he says too much? what if he says too little?

you can’t blame him on this since you’re the one who makes him way too nervous to actually call.

if only you knew how much nerve it took to actually dial in your number without wanting to run through the block, maybe you’d see how much this call meant to him, and maybe you’d get why he’s so nervous to talk to you.

he doesn’t reply, so you laugh through the phone, “kuroo, i’m kidding.”

but he tells you anyways, “sorry.”

and you say back, “please don’t be.”

so what does he say now?

kuroo probably shouldn’t be thinking so much about this, but then again, he really just didn’t want you to have such a terrible impression of him - not when he likes you so much.

“hey, you still there?” you call out, breaking the empty minute lingering in the air.

he hums back, “i’m still here.”

“oh, good.” you say, and kuroo thinks he can hear the smile in your voice and he wants to say something about it, but he decides against it.

“can i ask you something?” you ask, your smile clear as you talk.

he brings the phone to his ear, “what is it?”

“you asked for my number two weeks ago,” you point out, your words traced with humming, and he thinks about how much he finds it charming.

he answers, “i did.”

“and i saw you — you couldn’t have written it down.” you continue to say, expectant of his reply.

he chuckles, and there’s a smile unrelenting on his face, “that’s because i didn’t write it down.”

“so how did you call me?” you finish, and your tone is light, like you didn’t really expect an answer, and he can still clearly hear the smile in your tone.

and kuroo laughs — a lull in the air, a flutter in his stomach that wants him punching his pillows, and it’s dark out, he should be sleeping by now, but he can’t even imagine hanging up on you any time soon.

it might’ve been embarrassing to take two weeks to gather up the nerve to actually call you, but he’s still glad that he did.

your laugh rings his phone, “kuroo?”

he’s still not good at this flirting thing, but you make it so easy to hold a conversation that he hopes he’s right when he thinks he doesn’t need to be good at romancing to actually talk to you.

so he’s honest instead.

and he smiles, “i memorized it.”

[hurdlehoops]

SPN did Market Research for Dean & Cas

Disclaimer: Yes this is a sock for safety reasons. Post is long, but please read it.

No shit there I was checking my email, as you do, and I saw I had a screener from one of the market research groups I’m signed up with.  On average, I do a market research thing every 3-4 months because I like non-reportable money. And giving my opinions. And talking to people behind 2 way mirrors without having to go to a police station.   

Market research itself was early December, 2016. First email contact with the screener was late October or early November. 

I see it’s an “offsite,” meaning a market research company is subcontracted by another company who wants to do the market research at their own facility, but doesn't want to find the participants on their own, so they use the Market research company (in this case Schlesinger and Associates) as an intermediary. I can’t remember if this screener identified itself as being for TV, not all do, some might identify only as entertainment, and some might be even more vague until you get into the screener. Regardless of the identification for the screener (TV or entertainment), I fill out almost every screener I receive unless it’s obvious, from the subject, they won’t want me (ie looking for certain types of professionals)- it didn’t matter, then, if the subject matter was something I particularly like, I would’ve filled it out anyway.  

After normal, but more detailed than usual demographics questions, the screener asked about TV habits. Eventually,  it said the word “fandom” and asked what TV fandoms I’d count myself in.  It was roughly a list of 20 shows and listed “fandom” (defined as I watch every episode and read additional materials about the show. Note this is not what fandom itself would consider fandom, but people most fandom dwellers would still count as GA).  Beyond fandom, one could indicate they: watch all episodes but don’t seek out more,  watch most episodes, have seen some episodes, watched a few, or haven’t watched.  (I just got a screener for soap operas and realized that part was the same and made note). Therefore, fandom, to corporate, are people who watch everything and maybe buy some swag for the show- magazines/shirts. Then, they asked about conventions I might have attended.  And then asked about my dream vacation, so I babbled a lot about my dream to go to SDCC (I hadn’t at this point). Supernatural was on the list of shows, so I made sure I answered the essay questions about it, because why not? It was my favorite of what was listed.  It was a long screener. I don’t remember the rest. Though sometimes I might remember a detail if a screener reminds me of it. Most fun screener I’ve filled out.

A few days/weeks later, I got a call for step 2- the phone screener for the people that sounded good when filling out the form. And where they try and make sure your answers match or fit that same person who answered them. I passed step 2, and was told there would be homework, and asked ifI’d have time for it, since I would only have so many days to watch the assigned material and write essays about them. 

Homework arrives: I have to watch and write essays on all the bonus features of Supernatural S10. There might’ve been something in there from another year, too. And all the bonus features from some season of  Big Bang Theory.  Essays for all of it, too.  And I mean essays, not short answers.  It was like the SATs, and I was analyzing blooper reels (among other things).  I still don’t get why they wanted essay questions on blooper reels, but I’ll always happily write one again cause that was the funniest essay to have to write! 

I had to both print and bring and email all my answers ahead of time.  I did not keep them.  I’m honestly curious what I might’ve written.  

So in December, I get to go to WB’s market research department. Fun fact: the entrance to that building faces what had recently been the Supernatural poster. I check in. At this point I think it’s a group. Because most market research is done in groups. Also they said I was there for the “DVD bonus features study” 

I wait in the lobby, but I’m surprised there seem to be very few others around. I don’t think I got there too early, but all the others were taken back before me. And they didn’t seem to be there for the same study.  Oh and I wore business casual clothes but had some show-based earrings for fun.  

Finally a nice lady brings me back to a room. She turns off the lights and gives me a fancy remote and has me play with a new system for watching bonus features. I had to start with BBT. Then we did something else. Then I was allowed to scroll through and I picked Supernatural, and answered all the things.  By this point I figured I would be released soonish   because I was supposed to be there only for an hour. And this was at least half an hour at the most. No clock, though and cell phone off.  Maybe this part went faster than I remember, but it was less interesting so it felt longer? Or less interesting compared to what came next. 

We switch gears. I’m no longer allowed to pick what we watch and talk about my thoughts on if SDCC panels belong in bonus features.  (Me: should have a preorder and you get to watch it when the season airs with DVD to arrive when season ends. Silly to watch it after the season when it’s mostly vague spoilers for the first episode or so). Obviously WB doesn’t listen to me about everything.

Oh! In the screener as part of normal demographics, I was asked about my sexuality. It isn’t completely rare (I can talk about another market research where you had to be queer to be part of it), but there were some short answers about representation or something similar. Something that is significant *now,* but at the time I didn’t notice as being too weird.  Since they probably had me listed to the people behind the mirror as X (if they even got my name) Y resident, bisexual, age.  I very specifically said stuff to her about representation cause I wasn’t gonna miss my shot.

Anyway so we switch from dvd extras and she queues up video from another file.

She puts a scene of Supernatural on and has me watch. Then repeats it. And asks questions about my opinions on what’s happening.  Then has me watch and only pay attention to Character D and tell her what I think his emotions are.  Then again but with Character C.  

Complete torture… lol… at this point I’m confused, but enjoying this torture.

So there I am watching the Crypt scene over and over and analyzing it.  And talking about their feelings.  

And then I stop her and say something to the effect of “look I’m bi. There’s not a lot of good representation on what being bi is like.  But from episode 1 I’ve known Dean is Bi.”    And I babbled about how important a macho badass but closeted character is for representation. And that I hoped they did more with that.  I included some anecdotes from other lgbtq friends and straight allies and how they all felt as I did- Dean is Bi, Cas is whatever he wants to identify as, and we felt we recognized our experiences on the screen and hoped for continued and louder representation. 

Bam. My interviewer was called out of the room by the people behind the mirror. Suddenly I’m getting a whole new set of questions

Like this is the most baffling and amazing thing that's happened to me in years. It imprinted in my mind, and I haven’t mentioned it to too many people, because of the NDA and being afraid to jinx things. But now I don’t feel like it matters to be as quiet. Obviously I don’t want WB to go after me but... market research isn’t unusual, just mostly used for spin-offs or new shows not for plot points of shows already happening. At least, that’s my understanding. 

The interviewer  comes back after a short discussion with whoever was behind the glass. Asks a few more questions

We’re now very much going into various things about what I’d just said. I took my shot. And apparently it paid off big time.  At some point she’s pulled out of the room again and given a paper with more questions. Some were about Dean’s bisexuality, or how I, and anecdotally my friends, saw him as bisexual.  Others were about the potential romance. None, that I remember, were about Castiel’s sexuality- I guess that was a given or not important. 

I don’t know if any of the writers were behind the glass from the beginning, but I felt like they stalled to get someone there, maybe.

The interviewer was baffled and made sure I knew nothing that was happening was normal.  They wanted to ask me more questions than they usually care to get out of their market research volunteers. 

So those are the most important parts. Basically almost everything I was asked after that was about character analysis and queerness and a whole bunch of other things that were related (I also mentioned needing more disability rep, too).  I was back there for at least 2 hours.