#Adrien and his husbands - the collection keeps growing

[han-merlin]

THE WAY I was literally just writing to you about this right now

"Poupou ❤️"

He's collecting them like fucking Pokémon cards

#Marie Thibault at it again #Adrien and his husbands - the collection keeps growing #adrien rabiot #ousmane dembélé #jules in my inbox again #asks

[twisted-art-wounders]

Marinette and the Beanstalk

Once there are two kingdoms both ruled by a set of royal twins of Graham de Vanily; Emilie, Amelie and their husbands. Both set of royals were unable to have a child of their own but both were desperate to have children. One day Emilie found a powerful magic spell that would grant her wish for a child and allowed her sister use it as well. Soon they where each blessed with a child Prince Adiren and Prince Felix, but they were unaware this method would carry grave consequences for each of them.

Years later when both boys turned 16 a grave tragedy befell both kingdoms; Amelie's husband was killed when their castle fell apart due to an earthquake that levelled their entire kingdom. Both she and her son Prince Felix where forced to abandon their kingdom when a giant monster destroyed the rest of it. While Emilie was lost due to the same earthquake that levelled her own castle, her son Prince Adiren was said to have been taken by a giant monster which caused the tragic earthquakes in the first place. To prevent the monster form returning her husband King Gabriel used his own magic to send the monster into the clouds and trap it.

King Gabriel now rules over this land with and iron fist allowing his nobles to rule over smaller villages and collects offerings to keep the giant from returning. In a small village ruled by the noble family of Bourgeois hard times have come to their village because of a great famine that has forced everyone into near starvation. Lady Chole of the Bourgeois has come for the villages offerings but after finding no one is able to pay their due she declares at the end of the month is they fail to bring a sizable offering the village will be destroyed by the monster.

One day an old traveler came upon their town begging for food but no one he found would help him until the village baker Marinette offers him her final loaf of bread. The traveler is grateful to her for her kindness, once he learns of her villages impeding doom he offers her a gift; a single red and black spotted seed. He tells her to plant the seed by the light of the full moon and miracle will happen. While skeptical at first she follows the travelers instructions and plants the seed in the full moons light, almost instantly it spouts and revels a set of red and black spotted earrings held by a small fairy named Tikki who tells her to wear the earrings to perform her miracle.

Once she did the small sprout started to grow into a giant beanstalk heading towards the clouds, Marinette grabbed on and was taken into the air. Once they'd breach the clouds she found a giant castle awaited her at the top. Tikki tells her to enter the castle were she finds a giant named Adrien sitting at a table and talking to the noble woman Chole Bourgeois. Coming closer so she can listen better she over hears Chole dropping off a bag of riches to him for safe keeping and tells the giant about how one village is being stubborn and refuses to pay her for her kind actions and that she will tell the King it's time to make an example out of them and have the giant come down and destroy the village.

Adrien isn't too happy to hear about it and tells Chole not to involve the King and to give the village more time which she reluctantly agrees to before leaving. Afterwards Adrein spots Marinette on his table and after a small chase captures her. Marinette is terrorized at first and begs the giant not make bread from her bones but Adrien tells her he wont and has never eaten a human before and will not ever. He's fascinated by her presence and reveals she is only other human he's met in a long time, he's lived a solitary life in the clouds since he turned 13 and wishes to leave the clouds and explore the world below him.

But he was told by his father he is to stay confined to the clouds since his presence will cause distress to the kingdom. After feeding a very hungry Martinette some food she discovers Adrien cannot bake bread but wishes to learn so in exchange for some treasure to pay Chole, Marinette agrees to teach him how to bake.

#marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #gabriel agreste #chloe bourgeois #kagami tsurugi #felix fathom #miraculous #au #Marinette and the Beanstalk #fan art

[artzychic27]

Sweeney Todd au, where Marc as Sweeney Todd and Nath as Lucy?

In 1846, young sailor Luka Couffaine and the mysterious Revere Bold, whom Luka has recently rescued at sea and befriended, dock in France

As they walk through town, a beggar man appears to recognize Revere for a moment, but he shoos him away

When questioned a couple of times in regards to his past by Luka, Revere explains that he was a naïve barber, removed...from his home by a corrupt judge who coveted after his husband

Leaving Luka, Revere enters a meat pie shop, where the owner, the widower, Lucien Rebois, laments the scarcity of meat and customers

When Revere asks about the empty upstairs apartment, he reveals that its former tenant, Marc Anciel, was transported for life based on false charges by Judge Emani Pulateur

When he talks more about the judge with a fire in his eyes, Lucien reveals each and every one of his crimes, including when Emani, along with Beadle Louis Secousse, lured Marc's husband, Nathaniel to a masked ball at his home where Emani assaulted him while Louis made sure no one entered the room

Revere's outraged reaction reveals that he is himself Marc Anciel

Promising to keep his secret, Lucien explains that Nathaniel poisoned himself with arsenic and he and his adopted son, Adrien, have been under Emani's care since that day

Revere swears revenge on the Judge and the Beadle, and Lucien presents Revere with his old collection of sterling silver straight razors, which persuades Revere to take up his old profession

Meanwhile, Luka is going for a walk through town when he spies a beautiful young man singing at his window, and the beggar man tells them that his name is Adrien

Unaware that Adrien is Revere's son, Luka is immediately enamored, and he pledges to return for him, even after Emani and Louis threaten him and chase him away

In the crowded Parisian marketplace, flamboyant barber Lila Rossi and her simple-minded assistant Xavier Yves pitch a dramatic cure-all for hair loss

Revere and Lucien soon arrive; as part of his plan to establish his new identity, Revere exposes the elixir as a sham, challenges Lila to a shaving competition and easily wins

He invites an impressed Lucien for a free shave

Several days later, Emani berates himself in a frenzy over a growing lust for Adrien, but instead resolves to marry him

Revere awaits Louis' arrival with impatience, but Lucien tries to soothe him, making Revere uncomfortable until he sends him away

When Luka tells Revere of his plan to ask Adrien to elope with him, Revere, eager to reunite with his son and possibly even his husband, agrees to let them use his barbershop as a safehouse so that he can meet his family once again

As Luka leaves, Lila and Xavier enter, and Lucien takes Xavier downstairs for a pie

Alone with Revere, Lila drops her Italian accent and reveals that she is really Iris Verdi, Marc Anciel's former assistant

She knows Revere's true identity (having recognized Marc's shaving tools during the earlier competition) and demands half his income for life

In a fit of rage, Revere kills Lila by slitting her throat and temporarily hides her body

Meanwhile, Adrien and Luka plan their elopement while Louis recommends Revere's grooming services to the Judge so that the judge may better win Adrien's affections

Panicked at first on learning of Lila's murder, Lucien swipes her leftover coin purse and then asks Revere how he plans to dispose of the body instead of going to the police

Suddenly, the judge enters; Revere quickly seats him and lulls him with a relaxing conversation about love. Before he can kill the judge, however, Luka re-enters and blurts out his elopement plan.

Emani angrily storms out, vowing never to return and to send Adrien away

In a fit of rage, Revere drives Luka out, and, reminded of the evil he sees in Paris, resolves to depopulate the city by murdering his future customers since all people deserve to die: the rich to be punished for their corruption, and the poor to be relieved of their misery

While discussing how to dispose of Lila's body, Lucien suggests that they use the bodies of Revere's victims in his meat pies, and Revere happily agrees

Act II

Several weeks later, Lucien's pie shop has become a successful business, and Xavier works there as a waiter

The pies are very popular (They some cannibals), and Revere has acquired a special mechanical barber's chair that allows him to kill clients and then send their bodies directly through a chute into the pie shop's basement bakehouse

While casually slitting his customers' necks, Revere despairs of ever seeing Adrien and Nathaniel, while Luka searches for Adrien

Eventually, Luka finds Adrien locked away in a private insane asylum, but barely escapes being placed under arrest by Louis

After a day of hard work, while Revere remains fixated on his revenge, Lucien envisions eloping with Revere and retiring to the seaside with him... By any means necessary

Luka arrives to beg Revere for help to free Adrien, and Revere instructs Luka to rescue him by posing as a wigmaker intent on purchasing inmates' hair

However, once Luka has left, Revere sends a letter informing the Judge that Luka will bring Adrien to his shop just after dark and that he will hand her over in order to lure him back to the shop

In the pie shop, Xavier tells Lucien of his skepticism about Revere. Then he recognizes Lila's coin purse in Lucien's hands

He quickly distracts him by showing him the bakehouse, and instructing him how to work the meat grinder and the oven before locking him in

Upstairs, he encounters Louis playing his harmonium; he has been asked by Lucien's neighbors to investigate the strange smoke and stench from the pie shop's chimney

Lucien stalls Louis with "Parlor Songs" until Revere returns to offer Louis the promised "free shave"

Lucien loudly plays his harmonium to cover Louis' screams above as Revere kills him, and even plays a romantic song while thinking of Revere

In the basement, Xavier discovers hair and fingernails in a pie he has been eating, just as Louis' fresh corpse comes tumbling through the chute

Terrified, he flees into the sewers below the bakehouse. Realizing this, Lucien then informs Revere that Xavier has found out about their secret and they plot to kill him

Luka arrives at the asylum to rescue Adrien but is exposed when a prisoner screams at him

Luka draws a pistol given to him by Revere, but cannot bring himself to shoot the corrupt asylum owner. So, Adrien grabs the pistol and kills him

As they along with the asylum's freed inmates flee, Revere and Lucien hunt through the sewers for Xavier, and the beggar man, meanwhile, fears what has become of the Beadle

Luka and Adrien (now disguised as a sailor) arrive at Revere's empty shop

Luka leaves to find a carriage after he and Adrien reaffirm their love. Adrien hears the beggar man entering and hides in a trunk in the barbershop

The beggar man seems to recognize the room. Revere enters and tries to force him to leave as he again seems to recognize him

Hearing the Judge outside, a frantic Revere kills the beggar man, sending his body down the chute barely a moment before Emani bursts in

Once he has Emani in his chair, Revere soothes him with another conversation on love, but this time he alludes to their "fellow tastes, in men at least".

Emani recognizes him as Marc Anciel just before Revere slashes his throat and sends him hurtling down the chute

Remembering Xavier, Revere starts to leave, but, realizing he has left his razor behind, returns just as the disguised Adrien rises, horrified, from the trunk. Not recognizing him, Revere attempts to kill him, just Lucien screams from the bakehouse below, providing a distraction for Adrien to escape

Downstairs, Lucien is struggling with a slowly dying Emani, who clutches at his clothes. When he finally gets him off, he then attempts to drag the beggar man's body into the oven, but Revere arrives

Revere then sees the lifeless face clearly for the first time: the beggar man was his husband, Nathaniel

Horrified, Revere accuses Lucien of lying to him

Lucien easily denies it, explaining that Nathaniel did indeed poison herself, but lived and has been under Emani's care. But, with Adrien also in his care now, Nathaniel was able to sneak out at times as a beggar to earn money so he could leave town and find Marc. However, thanks to Emani's lousy care, Nathaniel was left partially blind, which is why he couldn't recognize Marc

Lucien then tells Revere he loves him and would be a better husband than Nathaniel ever could have been

Enraged by his words, Revere attempts to attack him, but Lucien is stronger, and the two struggle for a while until Revere hurls Lucien into the oven, burning her alive

Full of despair and in shock, Revere embraces Nathaniel's lifeless body

Xavier, now insane and his hair turned white, crawls up from the sewer babbling nonsense to himself. He picks up Revere's fallen razor and slits Revere's throat

As Revere falls dead, Adrien, Luka, and some others break into the bakehouse. Xaver, paying them no mind, begins turning the meat grinder, repeating Lucien's previous instructions to him

#sweeney todd #miraculous ladybug #miraculous #nathaniel kurtzberg #marc anciel #marc x nathaniel #answered ask #ask me stuff #just saw this ask

[notasiren21]

26 for Lukanette WIPs please. :)

26. Party Crasher!Luka

I FUCKED UP AND JUST WROTE IT I GUESS???

Party Crasher

-Lukanette oneshot

“You mean to tell me Agreste ditched you? After all that pleading to let him take you to the party for your successful launch line for next season, he’s ditched you?”

“Kagami, don’t kill him.”

“Fine, remind me why I can’t though? This is such an ass move of his if he’s trying to prove he’s the one for you.”

“Because,” Marinette grits out, faking a toothy smile to a work couple that waves from passing, “I want to castrate and kill him myself.”

Kagami laughs roughly in surprise, “Why the castration?”

“So I can fit his small ass into the tightest pair of skinny jeans we have for our tall teenage girls.” The not so stoic girl sips on her wine, pleased with her friend’s rage. “I told him I haven’t been interested since we were 14, but him thinking I’ll forgive him if I even had a silver of interest in dating him? Fuck him.”

“Or,” Kagami drawls, long nails tapping the stem of her glass as she leans to peer over her friend’s shoulder, “You could fuck him instead?”

Mari gasps in offense, “I am NOT trying for a one night stand, no matter what you guys say.”

“No, you little mouse,” she admonishes, fully heartedly agreeing with the sentiment, “I just mean your big and handsome protective snake is here to save the day.”

Marinette’s mind took a second longer to click the pieces together, trying to make sense of Kagami’s nicknames for her friend group, before her heart thudded and she slowly turned.

There, passing by the models who had walked in Marinette’s designs and batted their false lashes at the rockstar, was Luka Couffaine.

Dressed to the nines in a very punk like and sophisticated way that revealed he very much wanted to impress her and did in fact listen to her fashion advice. Black skinny jeans only he could pull off, high top converse and a white button up with a black vest to overlay it. The cheeky and handsome bastard forgoing the tie to leave one too many buttons undone and his sleeves rolled up to reveal his tattoos.

Oh, on the life of his cat Sass was she proud of him.

And maybe drooling just a little?

He approached her, a sly smile working its way to his lips as he eyed her up and down, eyes shining bright at her black low cocktail that she paired with navy blue heels.

So maybe she sometimes used Luka as a whole for inspiration.

He raised a hand, finger wrapping around a loose curled tendril out of an elegantly messy low bun, “I thought it was the models you were supposed to make the stars of the show.”

“Had I known you were gonna show up, I would’ve worn one of my bests here.”

His hand froze, “This isn’t your best? You tease,” he broke out in a grin. His hand moved further, thumbing at the collection of piercings in her ear he accompanied her with to get years ago. “God, you’re so fucking beautiful.”

“Well, I’m suddenly glad I can only acknowledge this as awkward and not feel it.” Kagami noted into her class. Her phone buzzed, electing a sigh from her as she began turning. “Have fun, my mother decided to remind me why this wine was a good idea to have before she came.”

She watched her friend walk away, her other -her best friend and other half, remained taking her in and stroking the soft spot under her ear he once claimed with a mark-

The one time they admitted their crushes and strong attraction towards the other the night before he left for tour years ago.

It was the only time Luka had indulged himself in his wants and desires, the only time he had asked to and still provided her with an out. And now he still remains far off in her memories, even as he stands in front of her with that look on his face years later.

“How did you,” she swallows when his soft gaze flicks back up to her eyes with his full attention. “How did you get in? It’s a ticket only event.”

He shrugged, turning to offer her an arm and walk around. “I may or may not have seen Adrien’s post about his mom and dad going to a gala event and him going to see his cousin there. Seems like that took precedence I guess.”

Marinette huffed low, “Félix has been in town for three weeks. Adrien and I had lunch with him the other day.”

Luka stilled as a busboy stopped in front of them, offering them glasses of champagne. Luka’s nose twitched, then his lip as he turned away with a polite smile. Marinette shook her head in turn as well.

“You know you don’t have to pass just because of me, right?”

“Hey, we do this ‘young 20 some year olds unable to drink alcohol’ in solidarity together.” He cracked a smile at that, “Soda is my alcohol.”

“Alright, you can be an honorary member of the alcohol intolerance club.” Luka laughed when she hummed gleefully. “Dork.”

“Nerd.”

“So, back on topic, Adrien just really had no excuse then?”

“Ha, no, even his dad stopped by an hour ago to congratulate me and get press photos done to promote the line. All his son did for me was send a text with a sad face attached to his cancellation.”

“... I can kick his ass, you know?”

“I know, I’m just saving for a rainy day.” She laughed, stepping closer to his side and wrapping both arms around his. “So, the ticket, you party crasher.”

“Right, yeah, I may or may not have called your assistant earlier today to swipe it. I took a guess that she held onto it for safe keeping so-,”

“She’s new, I’m not surprised she just gave it up that easily.” She let Luka guide her into a dance. One hand with painted black holding hers to his chest, the other gently tugging to hold his shoulder before he held her waist.

“Oh, that, that explains a lot now.”

“What?”

He flinched, a nervous glint flashing across his features. “I may or may not have lied about who exactly I was since she didn’t know my name-,”

“Doesn’t listen to your music, already told her the sin she was committing.”

“And who I was to you, specifically-,”

Marinette tilted her head back in a laugh, Luka’s arm tightening to brace her weight, “You said you were my husband, didn’t you?”

He flushes at a memory of once getting a creep off her back a year ago by claiming that very title to her.

“Erm, no, I said I was your boyfriend and may have sold it by saying some pet name and swooning over you just a little,” he watched her eyes go wide then soft, a smile twitching to show. He stepped closer, almost pulling her flush to him, “But if that’s what you want, I can go out and get some marriage certificate?”

She flushed, lips parting and a rush of air passing them.

“Maybe call Jagged up and fly us to Vegas? I mean, we’re both looking good right now, you more so.” Her face went a shade or two deeper. She jumped in surprise when he let go of her hand to play with a tendril again on the right side, tilting her face to press a kiss to her left cheek. “God, you’re such a pretty little thing.”

She squeaked.

“What, what was the pet name?”

“Hm?” He lazily met her gaze, a dream like haze filter over them as he moved her body to sway with his. “Oh, that.”

“What was it?”

Baby, babygirl, beautiful, gorgeous- he may have said more than one.

He gave a slow and wicked grin, twirling her out and back into his chest in a swift and stunning movement as he nudged his nose to hers.

“Wouldn’t you like to know?” He teased, smile spreading wider and radiant as she forgot to breathe for a second.

What. A fucking. Tease.

The need for him to make good on his words and looks hit through her hard and reminded her of their one night together that they both never forgotten. And how much she wished that was every night, as long as it ended up with them curled right around each other and love and happiness coaxing them to sleep instead of stress and loneliness.

He watched her steel her gaze, her jaw tightened. He swallowed when her height, now of five feet thanks to heels, straightened and forced him to pull up. A violent shiver rocked through him when both hands held along the back of his neck, one slipping under the collar of his shirt to scratch along the nape.

“Marinette-,” he choked.

“I’m only asking so I can show my reciprocation.” She leaned closer, kicking her shoes off into some corner and standing on his converse that every elder of theirs had eyed in question during the night. He supported her actions fully, of course. Still stepping them around in dance within a fluid motion. “Not gonna tell me, hun?”

He coughed, loudly and looked away from her to catch his breath. Watching adults cheat on spouses everywhere or everyone else minding their own business to stare at models or the shrimp on the tables.

He almost tripped when she wined in protest, her hand gripping his chin lightly and turning it to face her. His eyes were flickering between admiration, lust and love, growing three shades of deeper blue than was possible.

“C’mon, baby, tell me.”

“Baby?” He stammered out in surprise. Teenage Luka was having a fucking field day with this. “Marinette, I was only joking earlier and-,”

“Were you really though?”

“No,” his response was fast and instant, a wince playing at the corner of his eyes and his button nose scrunching in loss of control.

“Hey handsome,” he preened under the nickname passing her lips, even if close to millions called him the same thing, it paid more effect when it was Marinette calling him it. “Tell me why you came tonight.”

His neck was aching from staring down to meet her eyes now that the heels were gone but he let himself down lower to press his forehead to hers. “Because you deserve better than what he gives you.”

The girl stilled, expecting an awkward or a flirtatious remark. “What?”

The rockstar looked away sheepishly, a little ashamed. “I know you’re considering getting with him, but when I heard he was canceling on you I let my jealousy win out and I just wanted to be there for you.” He bit his lip when he felt her tugging his face back in her direction, choosing to resist the pressure. “You have to believe me when I say I came with no ulterior motives other than protecting you from going stag to your own party tonight.”

“You, you came to protect me?”

He shrugged, another small shiver racking through him when her hands moved along and glided across his neck. “And make sure you had a good night. I even asked your mom what you were wearing tonight just so I could make sure my outfit complimented yours to cheer you up.”

She was silent for a minute or so, and he waited, patiently as ever and guiding her to rest her head against his chest as he swayed them.

Luka, doing all the work. Luka, taking matters into his own hands when someone fails her. Luka, going the extra mile to make sure she has a happy memory.

Fuck giving second chances to other people. Luka is the only one to have shown her he’s the most earning of the concept and notion.

She pulls away, feeling the slight reluctance in his arms on her waist before they drop to his side, “Grab my heels.”

He raises a black brow but complies, turning to find them and hooking his fingers in the backs. He eyes them, used to seeing her shoes laying around the Liberty when she comes over or even at her own place, but he always has to remark that, “You have small feet.”

“You’ve also called them cute,” she huffs, tugging on his hand and pulling him near the entrance.

He follows, like they always do for one another. “Because they are- where are we going?” He stops them as they round an empty corridor, away from the hotel’s event room where the party is still very much happening. The heel of his palm grips tight to archway, pressing against it, the small shoes still dangling in his hold.

“Home, your place or mine. Actually, mine’s closer.”

He laughs brightly, “You can’t ditch your own party for another movie night, Mari.”

The petite girl turns to him, a fierce expression in his eyes that makes him swallow harshly. “No, but I can ditch to celebrate in getting what I really want. For finally getting what I want.”

“The Chinese takeout place is closed this time of ni-,”

“You.”

“What?” Luka wheezes, he blinks stupidly at her. Prettily and stupidly. He straightens, freehand tugging at his collar a little like he needs room to breathe. “Come again?”

“I’m going home. I’m taking you with me. And we’re gonna celebrate that I finally got off my ass and got what I wanted.”

He hums, nervously and a bounce starting in his hand, a shake in one hand, his dark brows furrow, “And you want?”

“You.”

“You- you want,” he sucks in a sharp breath, pain flashing across his features as he clears his throat. “You want me?”

Her eyes soften, a smile showing as she steps closer to him and takes his face into her hands, pulling him down to be eye level with her as he braces his weight on the wall next to them with a hand.

“Yes,” he looks awestruck as she giggles. “I want you... can you let me keep you?”

He laughs nervously, “I’ll fucking sell myself to you if that’s what you really want, fuck.”

She’s smiling, leaning up on tiptoes to alleviate the strain in his neck and pressing a kiss to his lips, muffling the undignified noise of surprise that escapes him. She lets him get used to her for a second, kissing him slowly and purposely as starts to eventually overcome the shock and kiss her back in reverence.

He pulls away suddenly, a guilted expression on his face.

“Wait, wait. What about Adrien?”

“What about him?”

Luka fidgets, a quick glimpse of insecurities and jealousy showing to her before he regains a semblance of control after having his walls knocked down. “He’s been trying to go out with you, win you affections.”

He only knows of the situation, but never presses her to talk about it. It’s natural for it to come up in conversation everyday when he asks her about work knowing the stress of being twenty-two in a high end fashion company could be a bit more than overwhelming. He wanted to be a safe place to her since the beginning.

“There’s nothing about him. I’ve shut him down an handful of times and now it’s just a matter of letting him indulge himself in what he thinks are romantic gestures when me saying no doesn’t cut it. There’s nothing going on between him and I, just his belief that my crush from years ago accounts for something today.”

Luka still looks wary and isn’t touching her, most likely his conscious trying to be the better person between him and Adrien by not going out with the girl his friend is pining after.

Even if said girl is Luka’s legitimate best friend and the very same girl he’s been in love with since he was a kid.

Marinette feels like it’s a dirty tactic as she gets closer to him, trying to gauge where it’s jealousy and where it’s insecurity in regards to Adrien.

She presses a kiss to the corner of his mouth. Luka’s head turns minutely at the attention, tilting less than a centimeter to catch her lips before he catches himself. He struggles when her next kiss falls to his lips and is soft and slow, how he always wants to kiss her.

“Remember our first kiss?” She whispers, wounding arms around his waist and pressing close to him.

He matches her volume, an adoring look winning for a split second, “Of course I remember.”

“Remember our first date?”

“At the ice cream parlor, you wore a pink skirt that kept twirling when you did.” She feels his resolve break a little, his own right to be selfish with her slipping out a little.

His arms slip around her, and he presses a gentle kiss to her temple. “Remember our goodbye at the airport?” His arms tightening around her speak more volumes than his strained, “Yes,” does.

She’s just a little closer to convincing him to stop being so sacrificial with his own wants or needs. She just has to push more.

“Remember waking up in one another’s arms that morning?”

He’s silent for a few seconds, thinking of what he can say in response to that. Wondering how honest to be, “... every day, I think of that morning every day.”

She still hears the clipped apprehension in his voice. That tone she knows so well that’s gonna lead into him giving her advice to rethink this whole decision and talk to him when she’s absolutely sure. How she shouldn’t think on impulse and lunge at what she wants unless she knows she does wanna keep with it.

But, he has to know she always thinks back on moments with him and that she longs to have jumped on impulse if it meant being with him.

Every time he’s showed up with takeout at her place. When he smiles so freely at her. When he bandages her cuts and blisters from working all night long.

When he showed up tonight looking like he had been her dare to begin with. How her heart felt when he admitted to lying to her secretary. The way he looked carrying her high heels that were much too small for his hands but he didn’t care because she asked him to.

How he crashed her own party to make sure she’d have fun tonight.

She’s sure she wants this, him.

All those nicknames they could call each other. All the benefits of dating the other and having a date to everything the other needs to attend. Having her best friend be her boyfriend meaning there’s no holding back from anything.

She’ll cringe about it in the morning, but it’s gotta work to break his long instilled fear of being a bad friend or person. Of being unselfish.

“Do you still remember that night?”

She’s sure he’s stopped breaking by the way his entire body seems to shut down, but then it reboots and he’s shaking against her and can’t seem to breathe correctly, his eyes avoiding hers as he swallows again and looking like he’s willing to risk going into an allergic reaction for the sake of one drink.

“That- that’s not something you forget, Marinette.” His hands are twitching on her waist, grip tightening just a little and a vein is jumping in his arm to do something to prove he remembers alright.

One more push, “Do you still remember how I tasted that night?”

He seizes her waist, lunging to kiss her desperately like he did that night and when he left, a growl passing his lips onto hers. He’s cupping the back of her neck, fingers threading through her hair, breathing her in and shaking against her as his resolves breaks completely and the selfish side comes out. The one that’s nowhere near as selfish as the average person, but enough to take in the matter of his own needs and wants. He pulls back, letting her watch his eyes darken, the pupils expanding until the blues are next to near mere ridges of color. He’s watching hers do the same before he nudges her nose and kisses her slowly, more loving and affectionate. His control slipping back into place and resulting in the Luka she so loves regaining the handles of his own mind.

He’s careful in the way he tugs her lip with his teeth, how he coaxes her to let him kiss her fully before pull back and panting against her lips.

“Yes, I remember,” his voice is rough and he has to glance away from her and straighten. She watches him take a few meditative breaths before he looks back at her.

“Does that really help?” She gestures to his chest and mouth, “the breathing?”

He laughs hollowly, “No, not really, but it bought me time to create some distance in this,” he glances around, “Not your apartment place.”

She laughs at the suddenly horrified look that crosses his face, the image of them making out and the threat of almost being caught in public instantly dawning on him. He glares playfully at her.

“You did that all on purpose.”

“Had to, you were just about to give me up for the sake of being a good friend to me and Adrien.” She pauses, a wicked idea forming to prove her point, “Unless, you want Adrien to know what that all is like?”

A dark look crosses Luka’s face; unrestrained bouts of suppressed jealousy, possessiveness and territoriality. “No,” he growls out, eyes squeezing shut and having to clear his throat. “I’d rather not let him know any of that personally.”

“Not even how I taste?”

“Marinette,” he warned, the growl resurfacing. She cooed, wrapping him up in a hug and pressing a kiss to his jaw as an apology. He whined, “It’s not funny when you do that.”

“No, but everything you feel is alright to feel. Don’t hold back for the sake of not being selfish. You can be selfish with me, you’re a reasonable guy and know boundaries.” She sighed, nuzzling further into his warm embrace. “I don’t like Adrien the way he wants me to, and lately, it’s hard to even be his friend. He needs to move on from me. Hell, I’m better friends with Félix now than him.”

“Just hope they don’t switch up on you again.”

She huffed in amusement. “God no, I’d kill them.”

“It’s adorable how how your less than five feet body resorts to violence and death threats.”

“Mm, except you, I’m quite fond of you.” She looks up at him, chin pressed to his chest and smiling when he looks at her softly and presses a kiss to her nose. “This, us, is not an impulse. Just a restrained want I’ve had for awhile.”

“Okay, I understand now.”

She grins cheekily at him, “Or need, if that makes you all possessive hot yet secretly adorable rockstar boyfriend mode again.”

“Boyfriend?” He smiled slowly, radiant as always and heart stopping. “If teenage me could hear you, he’d probably shut down from being overwhelmed.”

“Nineteen year old you certainly didn’t that night,” she mumbles, grinning at the loud bark of laughter that surprises the both of them when Luka throws his head back.

“Yeah, thanks for reminding me what age I lost it at, totally rockstar of me, right?” The blush that’s coating his neck and ears is adorable, a shy smile quirking at her briefly.

“I think it’s sweet, cute even.”

“Yeah, because you’re the one I lost it to.” He deadpanned without conviction. “But, I guess I’ll take being sweet and cute.”

“It’s okay though, I mean, I did the cliché of losing my virginity to someone I was in love with.” Luka does in fact shut down in her embrace hearing that. Hands jittering against her and fingers tapping like he’s trying to speak through notes against her skin.

He takes another minute, before pressing a kiss to her hair. “If this is you confessing your love to me -and believe me, it’s killing me to stop you right now, I’d rather you do it in regards to another topic and not the fact that we were one another’s first time.” He avoids the dangerous smirk aimed his way, or the sharp angle of her cocked, black brow above breathtaking blues. “C’mon, let’s go dance some more and celebrate your success before we leave, maybe find your assistant to introduce me as your boyfriend to.”

She pours at him when he tugs on her hand in the direction of the party. “But-,”

He breathed out shakily, a waning patient look in his eyes and a false smirk aimed at her. “Can I sleep over tonight?”

“Do you want to?”

“Yes,” he breathed. “I’m very close to just following you home at this point, trust me. I don’t care how the night ends, just as long as it’s you and me tonight.”

She’s letting him make them dance again, feeling as the nerves leave his body as he gets them to fall in step with the tempo. He doesn’t care that he has to bend a little ways down to rest his cheek on her hair, not when she’s letting him pull her up against his chest when she typically only reaches the bottom of his rib cage.

They work well together, they fit perfectly together because they’re more than used to the instinctive adapting to one another.

Her hands cup his cheeks, kissing him carefully without reservation and the anxiety, “It was only an impulse at times because I love you and have for awhile.”

Luka deepens the kiss just a little, thankful she’s the type of girlfriend to let him indulge in her as he smiles, “I get it, I’ve had my share of impulsive thoughts for as long as I’ve been in love with you since we were young. I love you, Mari.”

“Enough to crash a party for me, apparently,” she whispered, a little moved by the thought that they were finally together. He thumbed her tears away.

“Enough to kill Adrien or Félix if you ask me to,” he replied in a loving tone, soothing her gasps for air when she broke apart in giggles against his chest in reaction.

He didn’t leave after that night. And he went to every party as her date too.

#miraculous ladybug #luka couffaine #luka x marinette #marinette dupain cheng #miraculous lb #love #marinette dupain cheng x luka couffaine #miraculous luka #mlb luka #lukanette #lukanette wip #WIP #WIP list #WIP list spoilers #WIP list sneak peak #WIP list I FUCKED UP #I JUST WROTE THE THING #Lukanette fanfic #lukanette oneshot

[writtenvisionary]

please don’t hurt me.

wrote for the prompt “start a story with ‘please don’t hurt me’” sent in by an anon to @mlwritersguild!

Summary: Tom says something that strikes Adrien the wrong way. Sabine goes into mama bear mode.

tw - mentions of abuse, small panic attack

Read on Ao3

“Please don’t hurt me.”

Sabine Cheng stares, mouth agape, at her daughter’s boyfriend. Her heart clenches at the tremble in his voice; the quiver of his bottom lip; the shakiness of his hands. The words he had just uttered came at an unexpected time and she’s now realizing that there’s something very wrong.

Adrien had been coming to the bakery for weeks now, both to see his girlfriend and to learn the skill of baking. He never explicitly said it, but he left hints that father had been controlling his meals. Already having a daughter with a fast metabolism, she knew that it was important for teenagers to eat well and often; it’s imperative for their health. This is why she encouraged him to join their family dinners almost every night, and Tom had invited him to learn how to bake.

Getting out of his father’s grip was hard, she was aware. He had to lie consistently, both to his bodyguard and his father’s assistant, in order to have dinner with his girlfriend and her parents.

She notices how jumpy and skittish he can be sometimes. This behavior only ever increases around Tom, and she wants to believe it’s because he’s a big, burley man with a drive to protect his only daughter, but she knows it has to do with his father.

(But to be honest, she forgets these things sometimes.)

Like tonight, they had been rolling the dough for a new batch of bread and joking around, when Tom said something that struck a nerve.

He had said, “Don’t disappoint me, son.”

Tom meant it jokingly, as their previous conversation had been about how Adrien might want to pursue a degree in culinary arts when he goes to university, and he fully supports this decision.

Both parents realized too late that Adrien isn’t used to hearing jokes from the adults around him. Words like that are only said in a negative connotation around him, so they really should have known better.

Adrien had gone pale, pausing his kneading of dough, and his eyes lowered to the ground. She watched in growing concern as he gulped and clenched his fists tightly for a short moment.

After sparing a glance to her husband, she took a tentative step over to Adrien. She placed a hand on his shoulder and he violently flinched away from her touch. Her heart dropped.

“Honey, he didn’t mean it like that…”

Her attempts at consoling him fell flat, because he didn’t seem to hear her. His glazing eyes stared past her at a blank spot on the wall. His breath became shallow, and he brought his arms up to wrap around his chest as a form of security.

“Adrien, I—“

Tom stops short as the young boy in front of him squeezes his eyes tight and takes a step backwards.

“Please don’t hurt me.”

It was a feeble request, his voice shaking with every word.

“Adrien, honey, no one is going to hurt you,” she says softly, holding one of her palms up to show that she has no intentions of putting it near him.

He still doesn’t open his eyes, instead his breath quickens even more. Tom bites his lip as he leans towards his wife, then whispers, “He’s having a panic attack. I’ll go get Marinette and some water for him.”

As a silent thanks, Sabine places a hand on his large forearm, and sends him a sad smile. He walks away, leaving her with a panicking Adrien.

She’s not sure what to do; Marinette had never told her that Adrien experienced bad anxiety. Her daughter is keeping a lot of secrets from her (which she is frustrated about, because she should know certain things as her mother; but also, she understands that Marinette is a teenager and she’s happy to respect her boundaries), but Sabine wishes that this was something she had told her. That way she might be able to help.

The sound of footsteps trampling down the stairs makes her whip her head around, seeing Marinette running hurriedly towards Adrien.

She slows, letting out a slow breath as she takes in the situation.

“Kitty, hey, hey, hey…” she says loudly, but not loud enough to where it startles him. “I’m here. You’re panicking. Kitty, can I touch you?”

Subconsciously, Sabine wonders where the nickname ‘kitty’ came from, but that’s not something to worry about right now.

Adrien, his breathing still unchanged, manages to crack open his eyes into slits. They dance around the room wearily, before landing on Marinette. Sabine swears she can see his fists uncurl slightly.

“Hi, kitten. Could I hold your hand?”

It takes a minute for him to acknowledge that she had asked a question, but then he just barely nods. Marinette takes this opportunity to move closer, cautiously, and slips her hand into his’. She meets his eyes.

“Okay. I want you to tell me five things you can see right now. Anything.”

His lip quivers and he lets out a small whimper, before blinking out a slew of tears.

“Uh. You.”

Sabine is astonished at how Marinette is able to stay calm in this situation. Her smile to him is forced, but comforting, and the mother can’t shake the evidence that she’s done this before.

“Amazing,” she hears Marinette say. “What else?”

Adrien sniffs, shifting his eyes to the wall behind the girl in front of him. “Th-that poster.”

“You’re doing great, kitty. Three more.”

Tom joins Sabine, wrapping an arm around her shoulder and pulling her into his side. She exhales at the contact, watching as Adrien rattles off item after item, feel after feel, sound after sound, smell after smell, and can’t help but wonder how often her daughter has helped bring him down from a panic attack.

Another question she has is, what prompted this? She knows that he’s not used to hearing jokes told in that manner, but that’s not enough to send someone into a spiral. It was his reaction to the specific words said to him.

There's one thing she can figure out right away; Mr. Agreste calls Adrien ‘son’; that may have reminded him of the man. Adrien is a people pleaser; just the mere thought of disappointing someone could cause him to spiral.

Although, even with this information, she still feels like there’s a part of the puzzle missing. She replays the scene in her head over and over again until she can’t take it anymore, and nothing.

Words cannot describe how dumb she feels when Marinette talks to them, once Adrien is asleep in her room.

“His father is, cut and dry, mentally and physically abusive.”

Marinette speaks with such vindictiveness that it takes Sabine aback for a moment.

“Abusive? I know he’s a bit overprotective, honey, but—“

“Mom.”

Marinette’s tone makes Sabine stop in her tracks.

“He gaslights him constantly, telling him that he needs to be perfect and that if not, he’s a disappointment. That’s why your words struck something in him, dad. And Gabriel locks him in his room, doesn’t let him see his friends for weeks, and when Adrien can finally hang out with us, it’s only for an hour. He doesn’t join him for dinner — Adrien has to set a damn appointment to get this luxury — and hugs from him are rare. He’s neglectful and says things that hurt, and….”

Sabine’s eyes are wide in shock hearing everything. She’s sure that’s it, but when her daughter trails off, her fear only grows.

“What, sweetie?”

“…He hit him the other day.”

“What?”

It wasn’t her that spoke, but Tom. She glanced over to see him fuming. His eyebrows are narrowed and jaw is clenched. She can feel anger surging in her chest, as well.

Marinette shifts on her feet, seemingly uncomfortable with the topic of conversation, and nods.

“I don’t know exactly what happened, but I met him for pa— for a picnic in the park, and his shirt rode up. A huge bruise was on his abdomen.”

Sabine felt that she was telling a white lie there, but there are more important topics at hand.

“Has Gabriel ever hit him before?” She asks, worried for the boy she considers a son.

Marinette shrugs, “Adrien hasn’t admitted it, but I suspect that he has. Its not the first time I’ve seen him with bruises. They’re in different places all the time, though, so I just passed it off as clumsiness… but…”

“But you’re clumsier than him and come home with less bruises,” Tom breathes, finally pulling his hands away from his face and looking at his daughter, who nods.

“Gabriel doesn’t even talk to him unless he does something to disturb the appearance of his brand and reputation. But when he ‘acts out,’ Adrien gets more than enough attention from him; the wrong kind.”

Tom gulps.

“Right. And who really knows what goes on behind closed doors?”

The room falls into a tense silence.

“I understand that you were just messing around, dad. It’s just… when those words are something he hears almost every day, he’s going to take it seriously. Especially when he was raised to be perfect, and any little mistake will get him punished.

“It’s a reflex. He trusts you, dad, but years of trauma build up.”

Marinette’s explanation helps the older couple understand the situation a bit better. Tom suddenly feels extremely guilty. He holds his head in his hands, grumbling to himself. Sabine rubs his leg, keeping her attention on Marinette.

“Why didn’t you tell us sooner, Marinette?”

“I wanted to, and I was getting there. Adrien just…” she sighs. “He was afraid that things would get worse if someone found out.”

“Well, things will get worse before they get better…”

She looks to the ground. “I know. And he’s already been suffering so much that I…”

Marinette trails off, feeling her eyes well up with tears. Instead of fighting them, she lets them fall.

Sabine frowns, taking everything that’s been said into consideration.

“Do you have any proof of the bruises?”

Tom perks up, “Yes! If we collect evidence against his father, there’s a better chance to get him out of there.”

“I snuck a few pictures here and there. I wish I had a video, though…”

Sabine raises an eyebrow, “The mansion’s security cameras?”

She watches her daughter’s eyes light up, then dim, and then light up again. There’s a flash of determination in them, as well, and she can’t help but wonder what she’s planning.

“You’re right,” is all she says, before her optimistic facade turns sour.

“But I don’t know how I’ll get to them without being caught.”

The room falls silent for a minute as they all think about the best course of action.

Tom coughs, catching his wife and daughter’s attention. He shrugs.

“Is there anyone at that house Adrien can trust?”

“Umm. The only person I can think of is his bodyguard, even though we’ve run from him plenty of times,” Marinette says. “He’s pretty quiet, though, so I don’t know if he agrees with Gabriel’s parenting or not. I’ll ask Adrien, though.”

“I’d say it’s worth a shot. Every encounter with that man has been lovely. I’d like to think he’s still working there just for Adrien,” Tom says.

Sabine nods, letting her mind wander. She can’t help but think of every time Adrien has faked a smile, rubbed his arms, rocked back and forth on his feet… Every time he’s had dark circles under his eyes and the ghost of tear streaks on his cheeks... She’s starting to realize that those were all tells, and she should’ve noticed sooner. She feels guiltier than ever.

“Mom?”

Marinette’s voice pulls her away from her thoughts. She blinks, feeling tears gather in her eyes.

When had I started to tear up?

“Sorry, sorry! Let’s, uh—“ she pauses, not knowing what to say, before choosing her next words. “Let’s have him sleep here for the night and see what we can do tomorrow?”

Tom nods beside her.

“Yeah. It might be too soon to worry about all of this right now. Adrien will want to know that we know, too.”

Marinette sighs, “You’re right. He’s not going to be that happy about it. I mean, it took a while for him to understand that the way his father treats him isn’t right, but he’s still working out that concept with you guys. Getting the police involved will just overwhelm him more.”

“True,” Sabine agrees, “but I will not let him stay at that house any longer if that’s what he’s dealing with. No kid should ever go through that.”

She’s serious. No matter what it takes, she will make sure that no one hurts Adrien ever again. Especially not Gabriel Agreste.

#miraculous ladybug #miraculous fanfic #ml writers guild #adrien needs a hug #established adrienette #sabine is confused but she's got the spirit #protective tom and sabine #gabriel agreste is abusive #found family

[ao3bronte]

Transience

This is my contribution to @mlwriterzine Once Upon A Season! It was a pleasure to be a part of the project and the finished piece (a gorgeous 260 page paperback) was a treat!

Also on AO3!

Adrien is and always has been a young man of many talents. He excels in sports, outshines in academics, and loves tinkering with the vintage 1962 Ferrari he keeps in a secret garage just up the road from their belle-époque penthouse apartment in Paris. So honestly, Marinette shouldn’t have been surprised upon finding a sailing yacht waiting for them in the luxurious marina of Saint-Tropez.

“Um...” Gobsmacked, Marinette slips off her sandals and follows him over the exquisitely varnished toerail, “... since when do you know how to drive a boat?”

“Since I was eight.” Adrien shrugs as if it’s no big deal. “Mère loved to come down every year to watch the annual regatta. She even sailed in a few of them herself.”

“Wow.” Marinette’s eyes grow wide as she gawks at the opulent 16 metre sailboat. She’d never dreamt of setting foot on one, let alone cruising on one through the French Riviera for a week on her honeymoon. Elated, Marinette can hardly keep the stars from her eyes as she drops her shoulder bag and scampers across the deck until she reaches the front of the vessel, splaying her arms out wide.

“I’m the king of the world!” she cries, laughing as Adrien runs along behind her and plants his hands on her hips, holding her steady.

“Do you trust me?”

“Yes.” She grins into the salty breeze coming off the Mediterranean and steps onto the first rung of the railings. “Just don’t let me fall overboard.”

“You’ll be flying soon, M’Lady.” Adrien pulls her against his chest and presses a kiss to her temple, his stubble scratching softly against her skin. “But first, we have some fenders to collect.”

Marinette blinks. “Uh... what exactly is a fender?”

Adrien’s indulgent laughter echoes in the headsail. “You’re about to get a crash course in Sailing 101, Buginette. Are you ready to be my first mate?”

Marinette spins around in his arms and bops him on the nose. “Teach me everything you know, Captain Kitty.”

Adrien hums, tipping her chin upwards to kiss her lips. “I like the sound of that.”

~

After a few minutes of acquiring her sea legs, Marinette and Adrien Dupain-Cheng are off amidst the serene waves of la Côte d'Azur for a honeymoon trip of a lifetime. Marinette can’t keep her eyes off of the hill-perched towns dotting the coastline, sun-drenched and prismatic against the turquoise waters of the Med. Beside her, Adrien keeps their vessel steady, his seasoned gaze trained on the horizon as they pull out of port and soar northwards, the wind at their every beck and call.

For centuries, every Parisian worth their salt flocked to the French Riviera to soak up the Mediterranean sun and the Agreste’s were no different, once upon a time. Adrien’s childhood memories aboard the Éphémère remind him of bouillabaisse and happier days spent scampering across deck pretending to be a pirate in search of buried treasure. It’s something he hopes he can share with his own children one day, especially now that he and his wife no longer have to spend every spare moment of their lives fighting Hawk Moth.

Sensing her husband’s pensive mood, Marinette snuggles deeper into his side as the afternoon sun begins to dip towards the horizon. She doesn’t need Adrien to assure her that their evenings onboard together will be positively serene with nothing but the seabirds to obstruct the sunset that will surely steal their breath away. He kisses her forehead and hugs her close, his guiding light within the storm that had been brewing since his childhood. After all those years of rough seas at the hands of his father, things were finally settling into an even keel.

Marinette learns the ins and outs of sailing quickly, securing lines and watching for traffic as they navigate along the seaboard of Saint Raphaël . Jibs and boons soon become a part of her vocabulary, and once they've successfully moored in the neighbouring marina, Marinette feels like she's run a marathon.

"That was exhausting," she groans, slumping into the cushions on the sundeck.

Adrien beams, having barely broken a sweat. "Come on; I'll make it worth your while."

Hauling her back onto her feet, Adrien leads her down into the main cabin. All clean lines and warm teak, Marinette leaves her duffel bag on the sofa and explores the spacious interior with curious eyes, carding her fingers through the decades old fashion magazines stacked in a woven basket resting on the floor. He leaves her to explore and hauls their luggage and a cooler down the ladder, filling the marine fridge with fixings for their first dinner outside of Paris. It's peaceful, with nothing but the sounds of the waves to keep them company.

The lights are warm and low in their galley kitchen, a cozy escape from the endless vistas of rocky crags and pastel-orange buildings whose narrow streets spill into the sea. Their table is just large enough for two wicker placemats and a bottle of Mouton-Cadet; old vases filled with seaglass and shells rest on every side table, their edges wrapped in nautical rope. By the counter, Marinette grates a snowy pile of Pecorino cheese over a mound of steaming spaghetti while beside her Adrien grinds fresh pepper into a ramekin, his stomach growling after an afternoon spent at sea. A comfortable silence ebbs and flows between them as the evening tide laps against the hull, drawing them towards the tangy, indulgent nest of cacio e pepe they made together.

~

Marinette wakes the next morning to the smell of fresh coffee and a deftly wrapped gift on the bedside table of their lavish master cabin. Slipping her bare legs across the silk sheets as she sits up, she opens her present and plucks one of her own Chat Noir inspired creations from the tissue paper along with a note attached inside.

Care to go for a dip with me, M’Lady?

Marinette snorts and ties the black and neon green bikini up at the neck and hips, leaving a few very tantalizing strings to pull should Adrien let his feline instincts get the best of him. Goodness knows he wouldn’t be able to resist himself, what with the way he could hardly keep his hands off of her last night while they were trying to find a deck of cards in the saloon. She glances at herself in the mirror to wipe the sleep from her eyes and quickly fastens her hair into a loose ponytail, ready to tease her husband senseless.

“Welcome to Cannes!” he announces as she emerges from below deck, mesmerized by the morning sun illuminating his blond hair like a halo. He’s gorgeous in every sense of the word, thoughtful and generous and unfailingly kind, and even in his darkest moments, he never ceases to steal her breath away.

“It’s beautiful,” she whispers, hooking her fingers into the belt loops of his chinos, “but not as beautiful as you.”

A ruddy flush blooms across his cheeks, a constant victim to her soft-spoken praises. “I can hardly compete against you, Buginette, especially when you’re wearing that.”

“I don’t know...” She grazes her fingernails against his bare chest and smirks as the familiar rumble in his sternum kicks into low gear. “I think the sun suits you.”

“Enough to consider moving down here for good?”

Marinette shrugs; keeping their lives rooted in Paris has been a point of contention between them since the arrest of his father. “Not permanently, no, but I wouldn’t protest if we vacationed here more often.”

“I’ll keep that in mind next time you overwork yourself,” he responds, closing his eyes as she continues to explore the chiseled planes of his abs. She’s always been gifted when it comes to distractions and this morning is no different; like wayfaring on a starless night, she’s always been the beacon to guide his way. “Now, I thought I invited you up here for a swim?”

“You did.” Marinette steps back, giving him the merciful reprieve he’d needed to calm his beating heart. “And it is kind of hot up here.”

His grip on the ship’s wheel tightens. “No thanks to you.”

“Easy there, Captain Kitty.” Marinette smirks, flicking the golden bell sewn to the bridge of her bikini top. “Race you!”

“Hey!” he gapes at her, scandalized. “I still have to drop anchor!”

Marinette giggles as she zooms past him, leaping off the back of the boat with delight. “Last one in the water has to make breakfast!”

~

Meandering through the Medieval streets of the old city, Marinette and Adrien pause to catch a glimpse of Villefranche-sur-Mer ’s idyllic harbour. There’s an enormous cruise ship dominating the horizon and Adrien is thankful that they’d brought their disguises in tow. No one has recognized either of them with the way they’ve camouflaged themselves in their floppy beach hats and oversized sunglasses.

Marinette spends the afternoon popping in and out of boutiques with turquoise shutters, snapping photos and picking up little trinkets along the way. They stop for lunch at a peaches-and-cream couloured bistro nestled against the water’s edge, its open windows basking the sunlit stone walls with salt-scented air. Adrien joyfully devours his meal, a simply grilled loup de mer with fennel and lemon, while Marinette chatters over a bowl of Niçoise octopus salad that she had been eager to try since spotting it on the chalkboard menu outside.

“It feels weird, not having them around.” Adrien balances a piece of julienned fennel between the tines of his fork. “It’s the first time I’ve taken my ring off in ten years.”

“I promise you, Tikki and Plagg are appreciating their vacation too,” Marinette assures him around a mouthful of cherry tomatoes. “They deserve a break after what happened. We both do.”

Adrien nods and is quiet for a while.

~

“When I was a kid, I used to watch the cliff divers jump into that cove,” Adrien mentions as they sail by, pointing towards a sharp craig jutting from the coastline. “I always wanted to do it myself. Maybe I will.”

“You’re free to do whatever you want now.” Marinette smiles into the wind, the skirt of her sundress billowing up passed her thighs. “So chart us a course, Captain Kitty. Where are we going next?”

“First, we’re stopping in Èze .” Adrien brushes his bangs from his eyes and relishes in being at the helm of transience. “There are galleries all over the place that I know you’ll love. And we have a dinner reservation. I thought you’d appreciate the view.”

Marinette lowers her sunglasses. “I like the view here just fine, thanks.”

“I could say the same thing about you.” Adrien smirks and snags her by the hips, easily hauling her up onto the dash of the cockpit. She squeals as he savours the salt on her skin as he plants a kiss on her knee in mock apology. “There. Now I have you right where I want you.”

She kicks and he dodges easily, catching her foot with lightning fast reflexes born from being merged with the Black Cat Miraculous for so long. It’s a familiar song and dance between them, a playful contest sparking in their eyes as he peppers kisses along her ankle, her calf, anywhere he can reach. He stops just shy of the constellation of freckles at the hem of her dress and makes eye contact through his lashes, flashing her a mischievous Chat Noir smile. “I wonder if you’re ... ticklish?

Marinette shrieks as Adrien starts tickling her toes, running his fingernails up and down the arches of her feet. She’s tortured him a thousand times by attacking his sides when he least expected it so he figures it’s about time he seeks revenge. “Adrien! Stop!”

He doesn’t, of course, and chooses to memorize each and every facet of her beauty instead; her smile and her pained laughter, her marks and scars from the final battle only a month before their wedding day. “I’m never letting you go!”

“You’re going to— stop it! —have to if we ever want to get to Èze .” Marinette manages to wrench her ankle free and hops down from the ledge, landing easily in his outstretched arms. “That is, unless you want to crash.”

“If we shipwreck,” Adrien bends low and devours that little spot on her neck that makes her weak every time, “promise me you won’t hog the whole door?”

Marinette bursts into laughter. “Are we seriously going to have this debate again?”

“I’m serious! Jack could have totally fit on that— mmpf! ”

Cupping his cheeks, Marinette hurriedly kisses away the space between them and silences his long-winded debate once and for all. It’s an effective way to shut him up—all things considered—and an astonished gasp spirals from his lips as she hoists herself up his body and brackets his hips with her thighs. She claims him, covets him, her tongue sweeping across his lower lip, and he’s helpless to her siren’s song as he braces her against the cockpit’s controls and clings to her like a drowning man.

“Alright, you win.” Breathless and lightheaded, Adrien pulls back after a while just to soak her in, to remind himself that he’s married to the most beautiful woman in the world. He gazes in awe as she recovers, her flushed cheeks and parted lips swollen and wet. Adrien is drawn back in like a magnet, kissing her with every intention of stealing her breath away.

She buries her hands in his hair, her nails gently scraping against his scalp as Adrien all but melts in her embrace, groaning with pleasure. He deepens their kiss, and Adrien feels drunk with his desire to claim, their passion speaking more than words between them ever could. Every gasp and moan conveys their everlasting partnership and the terror of nearly losing one another in the whirlwind. Shell-shocked and injured, they still held their wedding ceremony, even as the fallout had tugged at their ankles, gossip and chaos pooling around their feet. Together, they’d inherited an empire he’d never wanted in the first place, thrusting them into a world unprepared and raw with nothing but each other as a tether in the storm.

“I love you,” she murmurs against his lips, her heartbeat hammering a tattoo inside her chest. He can feel it against his own, fast and strong and wonderfully alive. “We’ll get through this; together.”

Later, as they draw nearer to the charming port town of Èze, Adrien draws her close and hopes she never leaves his side. “Where to, Miss?”

Marinette smiles. “To the stars.”

~

Nothing comes so abundantly as time when you’re sailing through the seemingly endless vistas of the Med. Their honeymoon stretches on for longer than a week simply because it can; he owns their floating home-away-from-home and she’s working remotely, snagging a Wi-Fi signal whenever they’re in port.

Neither of them seem to be in any hurry to leave the solace of the French Riviera behind. It’s where he’s feasted on fresh seafood and felt better than he has in weeks. It’s where they’ve kissed and made love under the stars a thousand times over. It’s where he’s confessed his doubts about living in Paris and where she’s supported his struggle to leave his father behind.

They’re moored in Antibes tonight and the skies are awash in vibrant pinks and apricot. He drizzles balsamic vinegar onto a shimmering pond of Italian olive oil; she wears hair pins with flowers on them and pours wine like an expert, heedless to the way he’s staring at her like she’s his only source of air.

“I love you,” he whispers. It’s enough.

#miraculous ladybug #adrinette #ml fic #miraculous fanfic #ml writer zine

[p-artsypants]

List of All My Fics!

Every once in a while, I’ll update this list and share it. It is always available on my blog! (I’m up to 54 fics for multiple fandoms! 😱)

Find most, if not more, of these fics on:

Fanfiction.net | Archive of Our Own | Wattpad

(~AU’s, *Finished, ❤️Author’s Favorites)

Kingdom Hearts

~❤️Rage Awakened AO3 | FF.net- Ten years ago, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus lost their fellow apprentice, Sora, in Deep Jungle. Now, they are to return with two new students, Riku and Kairi, to lock the heart of the world. All the while, something watches from the trees. Feral!Sora AU

My Kingdom for a Heart AO3 | FF.Net - The curse of being one of the Princesses of heart, is that there’s always someone out to get you. As Xemnas looked failure in the face, he reached out in a last ditch effort and destroyed Kairi’s heart. Now her friends must travel the worlds again. Sora, to find a way to recover Kairi’s heart, and Riku, to make amends to those he has wronged. All the while, the darkness grows.

Miraculous Ladybug

One Shots

*❤️Amalgam- When an young man is rejected for being ‘incompatible’ he turns into the akuma ‘Amalgam’ able to fuse two people together. And later Adrien and Marinette would debate if it was lucky or unlucky that they got hit. (Also Available in Russian)

*Sing We All Noel- After receiving the worst Christmas present ever from his father, Chat Noir finds himself out on the streets with nowhere to go on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Ladybug finds him and brings him home.

*Speechless- In a world where everyone has a soulmark, the first words their soulmate will say to them, Marinette is born without one. But Adrien Agreste has two. Curious, considering he’s mute.

*❤️Tunnels of Love- The night started out with an accidental kiss from Adrien Agreste, and ended with her bleeding in the Catacombs of Paris. Ladybug, the wielder of the miraculous of good luck. Yeah right. (Some blood)

*The Reveal That Wasn’t- First Parts My ending to kittybug’s Tumblr Prompt

*What A Mess We’re In- Ladybug has a lot on her mind, and when Chat Noir bugs her enough, she tells him she’s going to confess to her Crush, Adrien Agreste. Chat’s reaction is not what she’s expecting.

*Oblivi-oh no! - A retelling of Oblivio, except Ladybug is the only one to lose her memory. How will Chat deal?

*Bad Day (3 chapters) - Marinette was Ladybug! This was Adrien’s luckiest day ever! Except it wasn’t, because all his good luck was used up in one go. Turns out this might be the worst day of his life.

*One Win, So Many Losses- Marinette was forced to break up with Adrien. It had been a low blow from Gabriel, to be sure. But she was Ladybug. She’d find a solution…right? An alternate ending to Chat Blanc, where Adrien doesn’t Cataclysm the akuma.

*Five Minutes- Gabriel has had enough of all these girls fighting over Adrien. He decides it’s high time Adrien picks one, and arranges the perfect opportunity for him to do so. Each candidate has five minutes to present why they’d be a good girlfriend. Marinette decides to take this opportunity to shoot her shot.

~*Panache- Every eligible maiden was invited to the Prince's ball. That included Marinette, scullery maid in her own household. But her stepsisters destroyed her dress, and she can't go to the ball in rags. Or can she? (Cinderella!AU)

*Perfect, No Matter What-In which Gabriel sets the bar even lower for himself, a reveal happens because of pain medication, and the new guardian actually goes to Chloé for advice.

Long Fics

*❤️Longest Night- (FF.net | Ao3) - The day started out sucky to begin with. Her crush ousted to the class and Adrien. Lila taking pride in exacting her revenge. But by the time patrol was over, a young man was dead, and Ladybug’s identity was at risk. Lila was the least of her concerns. Good thing Adrien was taking it all like a champ. (Rated M for scenes of torture)

*❤️Nine Lives- (FF.net) When Adrien Agreste is scheduled to go to a Military School in Germany, Chat Noir must make a critical decision. Does he give up his Miraculous? Or does he give up his life as Adrien? I’ll save you the trouble of guessing, he gives up being Adrien.

*Tender Words- When Marinette finally gets the guts to confess her feelings for Adrien, some things go so wrong, and other things go so right.

*Integrity- Overwhelmed with her responsibilities, guilt, and drama, Marinette has an emotional breakdown in front of everyone, and even hands over her earrings in a moment of weakness. Only for a few seconds, but the damage was done. Adrien’s pretty quick on the uptake like that.

~Much Obliged- Everyone deals with grief differently. Some take to drinking, others devote themselves to charity. Adrien Agreste? Well, he became a cowboy. Marinette Dupain-Cheng is a witch, one of very few in the world. She knows what it's like to be doubted, and assumed delusional. Maybe that's why they got along so well. Or maybe it's just because they both like big hats. AU where everything is the same, except instead of superheroes, Adrien is a Cowboy and Marinette is a witch. (Unfinished) (Based on a AU by @bugaboo-n-bananoir)

I'll Handle This- “I’ll solve all your problems,” Plagg had said. “You just have to agree to it.” A fixed relationship with his father, Lila to stop bothering him, and Ladybug to fall in love with him? Who wouldn’t agree to that? Except Plagg was the God of Destruction and Chaos and had a more…hands-on approach. Adrien just wants his body back. (Body swap fic)

How To Train Your Dragon

One Shots

The Vikings Have Their Tea (FF.Net | AO3)

Arranged Marriage- Takes place at the beginning of HTTYD

❤️Breathe- Survival of the fittest

~Childhood Friends- At the Sandbox

❤️Easy Fix- In which Hiccup has a bad day

~Fashion Designer- Astrid needs a fill in

❤️Frozen- In Which Astrid takes a Dip and things get frisky (Rated M)

❤️Headache- In Which Hiccup hits his head….really hard

❤️Heir- In Which Hiccup is Picked (Longer version by FateCharms)

Illness- In Which Stoick is a dad

~Illusionist- Trick gone wrong

~In the Walls- In which there’s a poop ghost

~Knocking On The Wrong Door (2) - A chance encounter

❤️Messages- Astrid is Frustrated with Hiccup’s obliviousness

~To Mirkwood- Hiccup is not a dwarf

~Monster Falls- Hiccup and Astrid take a dip

❤️Mute- In which there’s a quiet stranger

~Music Video (ImgHS)- He didn’t expect it

❤️Operation: Lovebirds- In Which the gang makes a plan, and Hiccup gets Drunk

~Over- Too many nightmares

~Partners in Crime- A normal day at work

~Pirate- Astrid is the greatest treasure

~Prince- He doesn’t want to be a broken King

❤️Sorting Things Out- In Which Astrid gets her ducks in a row

~The Dragon and The Dame- Beauty and the Beast Au

The Pit- In Which Hiccup is rescued

Hide and Seek- Part 1

Lost and Found- Part 2

Long fics:

*❤️Infernal Responsibility- Being the son of the chief takes brains, courage, and a lot of patience. But at his father’s the request for marriage, Hiccup decides he has had enough. When he seeks out a life of ease, he runs into more than what he bargained for.

*❤️Roses and Lilies- “Astrid, you and I both know you’re much tougher than I am. You’re more brave, and a better fighter…but just for a little while…could we pretend that I’m the one protecting you?” “Oh gods yes!” (Also Available in Spanish!)

*~What the Water Gave Me- The sea is a wild and dangerous thing, something that cannot be foretold or predicted. Hiccup discovered this many years ago, in human naiveté. Yet, what was meant as a sacrifice became a new life, one like no one could comprehend. He now finds himself once more in the unknowing hands of those that sentenced him to death. He only prays things will be different this time. Merman!AU

*Parasite- Soulsnatcher Dragons are rare but deadly. But, As Hiccup finds out, it’s the eggs you have to watch out for.

*~320 State Street- Gobber’s Goods. A Hardware Store that was rumored to have everything you needed. She thought she only needed a job. Turns out, she needed a lot more than that. (A Modern AU no one asked for)

*~❤️The North Tower- When Finn Hofferson died, Astrid inherited his castle in Wales…and a whole lot more. Something sinister lurks in the North Tower.

*~❤️Boy Toy- AO3 - At the age of 21, Princess Astrid lawfully has to pick a husband. But when the perfect groom is nowhere to be found, she requests the toymaker to create one for her. It’s safe to say that everyone in the kingdom is a little concerned. (Pinocchio!AU I guess?)

No, You Go First- AO3 - The Chief of Berk was a headstrong viking, stubborn and full of pride, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep his village safe. But for a moment, he puts that aside, and listens to his son. In which Hiccup convinces his dad not to make him go through Dragon Training, and the subsequent changes that follow.

*In Due Time- AO3 - As another illness sweeps through Berk, Gothi needs another ingredient for her medicine…one that doesn’t exist anymore. Fortunately, she kept that old spell book around for such an occasion. Big Hiccup is sent to five years into the past, and his younger self sent to take his place in the future. But it’s only a few days, what could go wrong?

Trollhunters: Tales from Arcadia

❤️Arcadia or Bust- In Which Arcadia welcomes back it’s underground citizens.

Teen Titans

Oneshots:

~Big Brother- Don’t turn out the light (Horror)

Dear Jason- Bruce Writes a letter

Just Drawing- Bruce thinks about Robin

The Prisoner- Starfire is Guilty

Of Mustard and Three Foot Purple Tongues- A collection of Oneshots and Drabbles

Long Fics (*Finished):

*~❤️Carol of the Bells- High in the dark Bell Tower of Notre Dame, there lives a mysterious bell ringer. Legend tells of the angel who fell from the sky, and the curse she bares. There are few who know her true identity though; her master, the priest, and the acrobat that performs on the streets below. Based loosely on ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ RobxStar and slight BBxRae

*No Escape- Three years ago, Starfire escaped an Alien race called the Gordanians, to arrive on Earth. They’re back, and ready to put Starfire back where she belongs, behind reinforced Titanium bars. Robin’s not about to let her go…if only he hadn’t got captured first. How does it feel to be the alien, Robin?

*Now you Know My Pain- When the new Villain, Gender Bender, comes to down, the Titans find themselves in an odd situation. They’ve been turned into the opposite gender against their will! Now in order to change back, they must learn to understand the gender they’ve turned into. Rated T for obvious reasons. A great read if you’ve ever wondered why girls or guys do [blank].

*Paint it Black- Robin disappeared three months ago. Now, Jump City’s crime rate is mysteriously being taken care of by a normal, albeit strange, teenage boy who goes by the name Black. As the Titans befriend this lunatic, they begin to see a relation between him and their missing leader. Will they be able to find Robin, or will Black turn them all insane as himself? Actually, contains NO OC.

*Saving Grace- “When I’m done with you, you won’t be able to walk upright or speak coherent sentences and all you’ll see is my mask and my voice repeating in your head…Weak. Richard Grayson, I am not tough, I am everything that you fear.” Happy Ending! Smudge of RobStar. NO Slash!

Other Fandoms

Final Fantasy XV

❤️Requiem for Pitioss-“O King. The god’s have heard your cries. Know that we weep with you. The Oracle’s calling has not yet been fulfilled. But…Lunafreya as you know her cannot return the way she was.” Noctis looked up, hopeful. “But she can return!” Canon divergence from Chapter 9. Happy ending. Some spoilers.

Beauty and the Beast

*❤️Behold the Beast- A Oneshot alternate ending to the Animated Film

Cinderella

*❤️Midnight- “When the clock strikes twelve, the spell will be broken,” the fairy godmother had warned. A retelling of the story, when Cinderella doesn’t escape the ball in time. Oneshot

*So This is Love- What if Jaq and Gus hadn’t made it in time to help Cinderella? A new twist on the ending of the classic Fairytale, and what lies beyond the story. She still gets her happy ending and her Prince, and her step family gets their just deserts.

Sleeping Beauty

*❤️A Love Song Back To Me- Maleficent saw the loophole that stared her in the face. Prince Phillip would break the curse in time, for sure. After all, he was betrothed to Aurora. So in an effort for her evil plan to stay in action, Maleficent takes care of the young prince herself. Phillip never imagined having to live off the land like the birds above. Alternate twist on the classic Disney tale.

Escaflowne

Down Feathers- Hitomi’s depressed. She’s been away from Van too long, he comes back to visit her…but what if something went wrong with the transfer? (Not finished. Never will be finished. Mwahaha) Circa 2012

*Angel’s Wounds- Fanelia’s been victorious in their most recent battle with Basrum. Unfortunately, someone is wounded and just seeks solace in his love that lives so far away. Post Anime.

Momma Look Sharp- With the war between Fanelia and Basrum finally coming to a close, the kingdom is celebrating. The young king, however, is suffering from an experience unlike any he had before. Van finally seeks solace in his wife.

#kingdom hearts #miraculous ladybug #ml #kh #disney #httyd #how to train your dragon #Teen Titans #sleeping beauty #cinderella #escaflowne #trollhunters #toa #beauty and the beast #fanfiction

[milknette]

day 31 - dealer’s choice (christmas)

i just wanna keep on waiting, underneath the mistletoe.

tumblr month: @auyeahaugust

links: ao3 | ff.net

LADYBUG is the only one he's excited to see again.

It's understandable though, since he hadn't wanted to go to the Christmas party in the first place. As his father was busy planning for his trip abroad, it had fallen upon Adrien to spend time and speak with adults who really only cared about him because of his family's wealth and stature.

They're all sickly-sweet and overly-kind to him, though it's intensely clear that if he were anything other than an Agreste, they'd never even give him the time of day.

(It's exhausting to spend time with people who don't even really see you, after all.)

The last straw, however, is when he speaks with a particularly snooty lady who corners him to talk about fashion. The conversation is halfway decent, until she brings up the feathered hat in Gabriel Agreste's newest collection— one she says is, verbatim, "the worst thing she's ever seen featured in a runway," and that "it was clear a high schooler was the one who made it."

Adrien surprises both himself and the lady when he answers back.

"Actually," he starts. "That hat is an inspired and unique work that even my father was in awe of. She may only be a high schooler, but her sense of fashion and style has grown so far past that." Adrien looks at his conversational partner's outfit, then pauses. "And that's one thing about her that… not everyone can say about themselves."

The woman splutters, mutters a few words about disrespect and how his father will hear about this, as she almost stomps away from him.

It's weird that he doesn't feel that bad about it.

"You're going to get in so much trouble for that," someone suddenly speaks up, hands haughtily folded in front of her chest. Beside her is another girl, who stands much more calmly but holds the same level of intimidation.

"That was in poor character for you Adrien," she steps in, eyes still the slightest bit wider from surprise. "I had never expected such behavior to come from you," she continues, then slightly tilts her head to her partner. "I mean, I'd expect it from Chloé, but I thought you'd be able to control yourself better."

Ignoring the indignant 'hey!' from the blonde, Kagami looks at him in worry. "What did she say to you?"

"Just… she said something wrong," he finally replies. "And I corrected her."

"We're not here to correct people, Adrikins," Chloé points out. "We're here to listen and agree and make sure they still want to work with our parents."

Adrien sighs. She's right.

"It's not too late to apologize," Kagami says. "We cannot be any less than the perfect children anyone expects of us."

A brief silence encompasses the three, as the weight of the words crush upon them. It isn't easy being in their position; to always have to watch their behavior, growing up quickly in the elite circles of high society. It's strict and limiting, and Adrien can't imagine not having Chat Noir to let him freely express and be his true self.

He misses staying inside the suit more than he does outside of it.

Or maybe he just misses the girl he sees when he's in the feline's costume.

He knows what she'd do if she were in his position.

"I stand by what I said," Adrien finally says, somewhat determined. "She said something bad about a friend, and I'm not sorry for protecting her." He pauses, then adds as an afterthought: "It's what she would do."

Kagami looks shocked, but nods slowly. "An honorable choice."

"You're going to regret it," Chloé only says, though he can see the hint of a smile on her face. "But I think your superhero crush would be proud of you for doing it."

As if perfectly on cue, an all-too-familiar figure steps through the entrances of the hallway.

Dressed in her token red suit and mask, Ladybug comes in, an awkward (but bright) smile on her face.

She looks absolutely beautiful tonight.

(But she always looks beautiful to him— so nothing's really new.)

"Are you a witch or something?" Kagami whispers under her breath. "Your timing is impeccable."

"I have my Ladybug radar on at all times."

"What about your Ryuuko radar?"

Chloé scoffs, then smiles softly. "Is that even a question?"

At that, the two sneak off, likely to some empty hallway to have time for themselves.

Adrien doesn't mind, watching with awe as Ladybug kindly greets all the guests at the party.

(He thanks the lucky stars that Ladybug had accepted Mayor Bourgeois' invitation, even if she only plans on stopping by briefly.)

They gravitate toward each other, as Adrien is the first to spark conversation.

"It's great you're here Ladybug," he says, almost flustered. "I'm a great fan of yours."

"I'm a great fan of yours too— I mean, you're a model! Right? I've seen you on billboards and stuff… you know, while I'm going around and saving Paris!"

The fact that Ladybug, of all people, is a fan of his civilian self brings Adrien a rush of joy that he never thought possible.

"You have no idea how much you being a fan of mine means to me."

"Believe me, I feel the same way."

They smile at each other, and enter into pleasant conversation.

She's definitely Adrien's favorite conversational partner by far.

They spend a good hour or so simply talking to each other (much to the envy of the other guests), and Adrien feels as if he's on cloud nine.

It's only when they walk to the beverage table that they are interrupted, as Ladybug accidentally bumps into a vase of greenery, consequently getting some of it in her hair.

Adrien leans in to help her, only belatedly noticing how closely they're standing together as whispers seem to surround the two of them.

Then:

"Mistletoe!" Someone suddenly chants, pointing enthusiastically at the two of them.

The rest of the crowd joins in, as Ladybug panickedly waves her hands to say 'no'— though it only serves to intensify the situation. He picks at the red berry upon her head, then smiles softly.

"May I, milady?"

She looks at him with wide-eyed surprise, then nods slowly.

Her eyes close, visibly nervous.

And Adrien presses a kiss to her forehead, before picking out the plant in her hair.

He shows it to the rest of the guests, then smiles. "This is actually holly, not mistletoe." Adrien looks almost mischievous, as they dissipate in disappointment.

"Wait… if you knew it was mistletoe, then why did you kiss me?"

He shrugs, the teasing grin still on his face.

"Maybe I just wanted to."

.

.

ADRIEN comes to pick her up before they go to school.

It's become a kind of strange tradition between them, for him to stop by the bakery every morning and walk with her to Françoise-Dupont. Ever since he was permitted to go to classes on his own— a freedom long overdue, really— he explains that he's been making the most of it as much as he can.

Her parents don't really mind, after all.

In fact, they think Adrien's a good kid, and it helps that someone else is around to make sure their daughter gets to school on time. Sabine and Tom also think that the two of them are pretty cute together, but decide to keep that little factoid to themselves.

Marinette's late, as per usual, stumbling down into the shop as she's greeted by the sight of her boy friend— emphasis on the space— comfortably leaning upon the counter, talking animatedly with his parents about some random topic about the happenings of the previous day.

(Is it strange that she's already getting used to that sight?)

"Marinette!" He notices her first, brightening up as she awkwardly waves at him. He's snuggly wrapped up in a warm jacket and hat, holding a to-go cup of hot chocolate in his hands.

"Morning, Adrien," she says, before quickly planting a kiss to her parents' cheeks. "Mom, dad."

"What? No kiss for Adrien here?"

Marinette splutters, to the amusement of his family— and even Adrien, who quickly coughs into his hand to hide the laughter that threatens to escape his lips.

She can't even say anything, with Adrien finally taking pity on her and tapping on the chair beside him, gesturing for her to take a seat.

"I was just talking with your parents," he starts. "About your plans for the holidays."

"Yes," her mom chimes in, smiling brightly as she leans onto her father. "You know, poor Adrien here doesn't have any plans for Christmas Eve? Mr. Agreste is only coming back from New York on Christmas Day, and I can't imagine how lonely it's going to be…," she side-eyes her husband, then gently nudges him at his blissfully unaware expression.

"Ah, right!" He coughs, then speaks in an almost overly-dramatic way: "How sad for Adrien, if only there was something we could do for him… if only he had somewhere to spend the day…"

Both of Marinette's parents eye her with sad eyes, as she only rubs tiredly at her forehead.

Why are her parents like this?

She takes a side glance to see Adrien, who has a somewhat soft smile on his face. (If anything, he even looks hopeful that she'll say yes.

Which is strange, considering that he can probably spend his Christmas anywhere he so wanted— from all the most lavish Christmas parties and celebrations… maybe she just doesn't understand the rich.

And it's not like she wants to tell him no, either.)

"Are you okay with this?" Marinette finally decides to ask, turning to face him directly.

After years of being friends and spending time together, she's glad to see that her tendency to stutter and stammer (and ultimately fail as a human being) around him has lessened by quite a bit.

But as he sits only a few meters away from her, close enough for her to almost count how many eyelashes he has, she frankly becomes reminded of how little it lessened.

And how her crush on him has only grown exponentially since they first met.

He smiles at her, and she has to physically force down the blush threatening to take over her face.

"Of course I am," he says honestly, maintaining eye contact with her as he leans the slightest bit closer. Marinette can't look away. "There's no place I'd rather be."

She wants to stay in the moment— really, she does— but her parents watching from beside her with the hugest smiles she's ever seen is more than enough to sever the mood.

Coughing awkwardly, she steps back and slings her bag over her shoulder. "That sounds great, then!" She finally says, "Christmas with Adrien Agreste, no big deal, nope! I'd love that— I mean, not that I love you but…," she pauses, then sighs in resignation. "Just. We'd love to have you there."

He laughs lightly, then stands up as well, holding the cup with one hand. He bows lightly to her parents. "It's always nice to talk to you, Mr. and Mrs. Dupain-Cheng."

"Please, just call us mom and dad."

They wink, and Marinette decides against turning back so she doesn't have to see their faces. Instead, she grabs Adrien's hand and pulls him forward.

"Let's go," she says, only belatedly realizing that ohmygod they're holding hands and they fit so perfectly together do all fingers intertwine and meld this amazingly—?

They're one foot out the door, when her parents speak up:

"Ahem, Marinette," her mother says, forcing her to turn back.

"What?"

She only smiles, before gesturing for her to look up.

Oh, you've  got  to be kidding me.

At her exhausted expression, Adrien looks at where she's staring:

Consequently noticing the mistletoe hanging above the bakery door.

"Really?"

Her parents look excited.

"I'm not going to—"

Marinette turns to Adrien, fully expecting him to decline as well: until she sees his awkward (though almost… excited?) smile.

His fingers tighten their grip around her own, as he looks down at their intertwined hands.

"It's just a harmless tradition," he says quietly, some sound of amusement resounding from his tone. "A little holiday fun?"

She can't speak.

Is he serious?

He leans closer, and she closes her eyes in anticipation.

Then she feels the unmistakable touch of someone's warm lips.

Upon her hand.

Marinette's eyes flutter open, in time for her to see him press a kiss to her knuckles.

"What?" He asks, almost playful. "Did you expect anything else?"

She can't even speak.

(And thankfully doesn't notice the stifled laughter from behind the counter. Betrayal.)

"Come on, we're going to be late!"

He tugs her forward, as they disappear outside the bakery.

Marinette doesn't realize that Adrien's still holding her hand until they arrive at François-Dupont.

.

.

MARINETTE waits for him outside the balcony.

It's eleven-fifty in the evening as the snow starts to pile up, leaving Marinette to wish she'd put on more layers than her pair of pajamas and a cardigan around her small frame. Her nose is getting red from the cold, but she doesn't quite mind it as much as it should.

Because when she thinks about him, all Marinette can really feel is warmth.

Blonde hair, bright green eyes, and a smile that can bring even the sun to shame…

She's only distracted from her thoughts as a familiar suit of black starts making its way toward her.

He arrives almost clumsily at her balcony, holding a bright-red box in his hands as he furtively tries to hide it from her attention.

(It doesn't work.)

"Chat," she only says, then rolls her eyes. "You're late."

The first thing he does is bow down to her.

"Yes, and I'm so sorry, but I had some issues at home and—"

"Never mind that," she only says instead. "Do you have it?"

He smiles. "Of course I do," he starts, jokingly saluting at her. "Your local delivery man, at your service."

Marinette brightens up almost immediately as the words escape his lips.

"And it's really from him?" She asks, slowly taking the box into her hands.

It's quite small, fitting the palm of her hand, but Marinette knows that whatever's inside— the worth is immeasurable.

She hugs it close to her chest. "I can't believe he got me a Christmas present."

Chat Noir smiles at how excited the girl seems to be. "I— I know he's just really sorry that he couldn't give it to you himself."

"It's fine," Marinette only responds, the soft smile still on her face. "I know that he really wanted to go, and that's more than enough for me."

She recalls how apologetic Adrien had sounded over the phone, after telling her that he couldn't spend Christmas Eve with her family. (If anything, Marinette thought that he sounded more upset than she did about it—

Which is saying a lot, considering that she'd been looking forward to it as soon as he said he'd go.)

She tinkers with the box for a few more moments, then looks up at the superhero.

"Did he tell you what was inside?"

He ponders her question a bit longer than he should have. "Technically, no," he says, then pauses. "But I do know what it is."

"How do you know?!"

Chat Noir smiles lithely. "Let's just say that Adrien and I are similar in a lot of ways."

Marinette has to stop herself from snorting. "Please," she laughs lightly. "The two of you couldn't be any more worlds apart."

"... and what do you mean by that?"

"Adrien's the perfect type," she starts, then stops as she notices the superhero's almost hurt expression.

"So I'm not?"

"Nope," Marinette says easily. "But that's what I admire about you. You're imperfect and messy and chaotic, but you love and embrace your flaws, and even my own. It's so easy to be around you."

"Then Adrien is…?"

"He's kind," Marinette says carefully. "He's the kind of boy everyone dreams of, me included. But I always wished he'd drop his perfect interior in front of me and show his true self."

"The flawed self?"

"Yes. Because I'm sure I'd still love him just as much."

She smiles absentmindedly, then carefully starts to open the box.

Inside is a locket; gold, with a simple ladybug token hanging upon the chain.

Marinette belatedly notices the simple paper put inside the box:

To our Everyday Ladybug—

She turns the paper around.

And my ladybug.

Marinette isn't even given a moment to process the information as she looks away from the box, to notice none other than the boy in question standing before her.

Plagg floats next to him, a cautious expression on his face.

"Adrien, I— you— wait…" He tries to make calming gestures with his hand, giving her time to understand what's happening. "This can't be real…? You— are you really… and Plagg… wait, I thought I wasn't supposed to know your true identity…"

He looks absolutely nervous, and can't even get the words out.

Plagg speaks in his place:

"Sorry for the surprise, kid, but Tikki and I talked it over. With you being the guardian and all, it was only a matter of time before you two find out," then he sighs tiredly. "Adrien found out about your true identity by accident. And after that, he's been insistent on being the one to do the reveal."

"I— but— you— I'm— this is—"

The sudden buzz of Marinette's phone informs them that it's midnight.

"Merry Christmas, Marinette," Adrien finally says, voice soft as he takes her hands. "I love you."

He leans closer to her, as she suddenly stops him.

"Wait— but a kiss— it's too soon, and so out of nowhere…"

Adrien pauses thoughtfully, then smiles; almost mischievous.

He retrieves a pen from his pocket, then takes the box from her hands:

The word 'our everyday ladybug' is crossed out, as a simple word proudly displays itself in black, bold, lettering.

He holds it above their heads.

MISTLETOE.

"Is this enough of a good reason?"

Marinette can't stop herself from laughing. "You couldn't even draw it?"

"I'm not the artist," he only says. "That's your job."

"Then what's yours?"

"I provide the quality humor and flirting, I think."

She has to stop herself from rolling her eyes.

"Fine then," Marinette starts, leaning close to him before…

Pressing a kiss to his cheek.

"The cheek?!"

"You didn't even get real mistletoe. So you don't get the real thing, either."

He hmphs, before his eyes suddenly twinkle. "But if I get real mistletoe, then I'll get a real kiss?"

"As long as it's still Christmas, then sure."

"Great," he grins. "Twenty-four hours then."

.

.

CHAT NOIR looks at her for confirmation.

The mistletoe stands proudly above the two of them as the purified akuma flies away into the night, easily forgotten by the rest of the Parisians.

All they care about— and all he cares about is the girl held in his embrace, as she looks at him with eyes that he can't at all decipher.

(Or maybe he can: but it's too terrifying to think of what things could be if he were wrong.)

From the background, Alya holds her phone as the scene is livestreamed to all the families and friends celebrating their Christmas together.

He leans in close to her, hesitant, as if asking a question.

The outsiders can't make it out, but he whispers in her ear:

"That's real mistletoe," he points out. Then slowly: "Are you sure you're ready for this?"

Ladybug doesn't say yes.

She doesn't say no, either.

Instead, she only smiles, leans forward:

Then kisses him.

Alya drops her phone as she throws her fist in the air, and the quiet chill of the city is instantaneously broken with a series of loud celebratory cheers and cries for celebration.

Everyone calls it one of the greatest Christmas miracles of all time—

And neither Ladybug nor Chat Noir can correct them.

#LAST DAY GOD THIS WAS FUN ! #but o god i rlly would love a Nap #auyeah2020 #mlauyeahaugust2020 #auyeahaugust #auyeah august #love square #marinette dupain cheng #adrien agreste #chat noir #ladybug #ladrien #adrinette #marichat #ladynoir #YES I DID ALL DYNAMICS IN A FIC HNNG #miraculous ladybug #milk writes #ml fic #ml fanfic #thank u so much for reading !!!!! <3

[snow-leopard-777]

In The Darkest Hour

Marinette Dupain-Cheng was not, despite what most would claim, a normal girl, nor did she lead a normal life. Chloè had once claimed that the bakers' daughter held more secrets than Fort Knox, whatever that was. Though she wasn't entirely wrong. Marinette did hold many secrets. Family, friend, random stranger, it didn't matter who talked to her. Unless you were a member of the conversation, not a peep was to be heard about it from Marinette.

As much as it occasionally annoyed them to be unable to get gossip from the girl, the entire class greatly appreciated the girl's talent for secrets. When Chloè, Kim, Max, Alix, Nathaniel, and Juleka needed someone to talk to about being LGBT, Marinette was their only pick. The group quickly became close, Marinette asking their permission to tell the other LGBT classmates to talk to them about it. None of their other classmates could figure out why the group was so close, for which they were extremely greatful. 

Kitty Section was created under Marinette's careful selection, the girl gathering those that had shyly admitted to their preferred method of making music and introducing them, one on one, to Luka and Juleka for consideration of the band they wanted to create.

The one thing the entire class knew about the rest of their classmates was one thing that were in perfect agreement with: Marinette Dupain-Cheng was an odd individual, and no one wanted her to snap. Especially after the appearance of le Papillion. Many of her classmates worried about their secrets, as so very little was known about the girl. Though the class didn't realize it, the only students that did not fear Marinette's akumazation revealing their secrets were the LGBT kids, as Marinette had not only admitted to possibly being either ace or demi due to her lack of attraction to anyone, but they also knew she was keeping secrets before she knew how to talk.

As they gave the girl more and more secrets, she became more and more isolated. No one was willing to give up their confidant, but those that she didn't trust with a secret of her own began to avoid her unless they needed a conversation kept quiet. Marinette simply smiled a small non-committal smile every time they spoke to her while Madame Bustier nodded approvingly at the girl.

A delicate peace existed in the class. Marinette's friends were all extremely protective of her, especially after they learned just why the girl was so secretive. Everything came to a head when Alya suspected Marinette knew the identity of at least one of Paris's heroes after seeing Chat Noir enter a room at the end of his timer- and Marinette walk out seconds later.

In retrospect, Alya could have chosen a better place to confront Marinette than in the school classroom, interrupting Bustier's lesson so that the girl couldn't run away.

The bluenette, of course, denied knowing who Chat Noir was. Alya, however, refused to let up- her blog was at stake, after all.

"C'mon, Mari!" Alya whinned, ignoring the classroom's collective flinch. No one was allowed to call Marinette Mari, new girl or not. "Be a good friend! Do you know what you could do for my blog?"

Marinette glared at the girl. "It's always about what I can do for you, isn't it?"

"Marinette! That was too harsh," Caline scolded her student. "You're supposed to be the example, not the problem starter! She just wants a little help with her career!"

Marinette glared at the teacher. "I said that I don't know the identity of Chat Noir. She kept pushing, insistent that I did even though all she knows is that he entered a room shortly before I exited it. I remained in front of the door until Chat Noir let me know he was properly recharged and left. She wishes to know a secret he would die to protect despite his and his cousin's protests against her stalking them."

"That is highly uncalled for!" Caline scolded. "One should never be judged for curiosity."

"And one should never be judged for the keeping of ones secrets, so be they keeping their own or others'. She's lucky that they haven't filed restraining orders or complaints against her. She could easily be sued for invasion of privacy, charged with jail time for stalking, or have charges brought against her for posting un-consented photos, of minors no less, on a public forum without any kind of authorization- not to mention some of her theories could be considered slander and defamation of character." Marinette retorted, the majority of the class shocked by her sass. The quiet girl usually refused to speak when challenged about her secrets; she had never fought back before (Sabrina was surprised, but more because of Marinette's legal jargon. Perhaps she should attempt a friendship with the girl instead of fearing her closed-off mannerisms). Only a select few that remembered her as a child with no filter (Chloè, Kim, Alix, and Nino) or visibly held no regard to authority figures (Juleka) remembered the old Marinette. The Marinette from before her aunt and uncle's deaths. The Marinette that allowed people to call her Mari.

Irina Karasuma, neè Dupain-Jelevac, adoptive daughter of Gina, had disappeared off the face of the planet when Marinette was eight years old. Six months after her disappearance, the Russian woman was presumed dead- along with her husband. Karasuma Tadaomi was Marinette's favorite out of her adoptive relatives, and everyone knew it. He was the one that taught her how to fight, how to defend herself. He also taught her how to cuss someone out, in French or Japanese, and make them thank her for it. He was the one that taught her just how important secrets were from the moment she was born. Irina taught her, very reluctant, niece how to use her looks to her advantage, the art of flirting, and about seven different languages (plus how to flirt or cuss in many others). By the time her favorite family members vanished (not dead, never dead, they couldn't be dead), Marinette was able to speak nine different languages, not including her mother tongue, plus sing beautifully.

Two weeks after Bustier assigned her detention for standing up to Alya, Marinette found a strange box on her desk, a fox tail amulet and a strange little pocket fox contained inside.

🍯

Adrien Agreste hit record on his phone the second Alya interupted class. He didn't plan on being defended, had only hoped to get a good laugh to share with Felix, until Marinette spoke up. If he weren't so good at acting, Adrien wouldn't have been able to keep the tears from falling. He knew, without a doubt, that Marinette knew his identity- and Ladybug's as well. She hadn't quite managed to close her eyes in time when he detransformed in front of her. The girl had simply pulled out her lunchbox when Plagg mentioned Adrien forgetting his Camembert at home, offering the kwami her own.

"Let me know when your good to go." Was all the girl said before walking out of the room, the sound of fabric sliding against the door letting him know she was leaning against it. Several nerve-racking minutes passed before Adrien announced that he was transformed. He watched the door slightly shift forward as she got off it, though the door never opened. 

He had waited days for the girl to spill. Yes, he was well aware of her reputation. However, he was almost positive that his was too big of a secret to keep. After seventy-two hours of nothing happening, Adrien tracked down his cousin and visited Master Fu.

Master Fu had frowned at him. "We will watch her and see how the situation pans out. If she proves herself enough, I may give her a Miraculous of her own."

The next day, Adrien walked into the massage parlor with the recording of an absolutely unaware Marinette verbally attacking a classmate for trying to pressure her into spilling the secret.

The Guardian had watched the video contemplatively, analyzing the girl. "I think I know the perfect match." He finally said once the video was over. "But I am unsure… it has been several centuries since a true match for her surfaced."

Adrien left more confused than ever, though forgot about the strange encounter once his cousin saw the video. All of Adrien's being was suddenly focused on keeping Felix from taking legal action as Ladybug against the blogger.

🍯

Marinette stared at the small goddess. The fox stared back, then smirked.

"Most kits freak out when they see me." The fox commented.

Marinette smirked back, "I'm not most kits."

"Hmm. We'll see. My name's Trixx, I'm the Kwami of Illusion. My main power is Mirage, we'll be able to see if you can use any other power after we work together for a time. You have five minutes after using my power before you transform… until your an adult."

"Okay. Does this come with a catch? Do I have to fight akumas?"

Trixx grinned ferally. "Nope. All you have to do is not use my Miraculous for evil."

"Good. I think Kitsune would prefer to take out human criminals and night akuma over missing school."

Trixx nearly purred at her newest holder's words, eyes sparkling with pride, "That sounds perfect." It was brilliant for her kit, this one might even grow to be a full fox, to use a name of different origin to mislead people. Who would think a half-Chinese girl would use a Japanese name?

🍯

Marinette transformed with Trixx for the first time that night, fiddling with her weapon before ever leaving her room. She had a flute, the mouth piece pulling out to reveal a sharpened blade on the end, barbs set strategically down the blade so that it would catch without letting go. She slowly pulled the rest of it apart, each one leading to a blade of some sort. The middle had two blades, one on each end, while the others only had one- lengths varying. 

It didn't take more than a second to find the phone-like use, the girl calling Chat Noir to meet her at the Trodacero with Ladybug.

The two heroes beat her to the meeting spot, Huli Jinn joining them after learning how to move around as a Miraculous user. Her dark silver cloak settled around her, shifting and blending with the shadows.

Ladybug eyed her suspiciously. "Who are you and what do you want?" The blond demanded.

Kitsune smirked at him. "Call me Kitsune. I'm the holder of the Fox Miraculous. I thought it best to let you know I was active before you mistook me for an akuma." She lowered her hood and pushed the cloak back, revealing her appearance. Her dress was silver with blue ribbons and sleeves. The skirt had slits up both sides to prevent it impeding movement and the skirt and sleeves were removable- not that the boys knew that. A pair of loose silver pants and black combat boots hid under what most assumed to be a dress. Her Miraculous stayed tucked under her outfit, her mask matching her silver theme- excepting the orange curled fox tails on either side of her mask.

Chat visibly brightened. "So you're here to help us?"

"Not exactly. You two are heroes. You fight akuma no matter when or where they occur. I'm a vigilante- I'm focusing more on keeping the average Parisian safe. If an akuma occurs at night, I'll help you out. But you're on your own during the day. I have school, and I know you do too, but I'm already on thin ice with my teacher, and I have work I have to do. You guys can sleep at night while I keep an eye on things."

Felix eyed her. "Why is your name in Japanese?"

Marinette blinked at him. "My favorite uncle was Japanese. He taught me many things before he vanished a few years ago. I don't know if he's dead or not, I hope not, but I wish to honor his memory and all he taught me."

Chat grinned even brighter at her. "Are you a Honeypot?" He demanded. He only knew one of those, and if she was… "Master Fu said he might give you a Miraculous!"

The other two heroes eyed the cat. "How do you know who I am?" Marinette demanded.

Felix stared at the two. "You're the girl that knows who we are." He dumbly stated.

Marinette huffed. "Yes, I know who you are. Not that anyone would ever learn that for sure."

"What are you going to do about sleep?" Felix demanded. He refused to be the cause of another person being irresponsible about school. 

Kitsune waved her hand through the air. "I can exsist perfectly well by sleeping on the weekends and taking naps throughout the week. Foxes are at their peak at night anyways."

"Didn't you just say you're on thin ice with your teacher?" Ladybug demanded. Chat Noir simply looked highly concerned.

Marinette raised an eyebrow, though Adrien beat her to speaking. "Our teacher doesn't like her right now because she defended my hero persona against a classmate. Our teacher is all for Mar- sorry, Kitsune keeping secrets until those secrets could make someone else rise to the top. She got detention for protecting my identity and defending herself against the girl pestering her."

Felix narrowed his eyes. "So the teacher punishes victims for defending themselves against a bully harrassing them?"

"I wouldn't say that-"

"Yes." Kitsune interupted. "The teacher shows no care for the emotional state of a person being attacked, only for the well-being of the more agressive person. She has had several complaints filed against her, though no action has been taken. My allies and I are getting ready to go to the school board if nothing changes soon."

Felix nodded once in acknowledgement. "Good. I shall retire for the night, Chat, you should do the same. We miss enough sleep as it is." He turned around and muttered under his breath, knowing his cousin could hear him, "And you need to explain to me what a Honeypot is."

Marinette bit back her laugh, fully aware that Felix didn't know her Miraculous also came with heightened senses. "Goodnight, boys."

🍯

Adrien landed in Felix's bedroom, having laughed at the boy the entire way there. Their transformations fell even as Adrien teased his cousin. "Need me to explain what a Honeypot is? Didn't you say that I was the one who was sheltered? That I don't know anything if it's not in an anime?" Felix glared at his cousin. "Okay, fine! A Honeypot is someone who can lure their prey in by their looks and actions, and once they catch what their after, they can make their move. Marinette's aunt taught her how to be a Honeypot when she was little."

Felix eyed his cousin. "What anime did you learn it from?"

Adrien made several insulted noises before Plagg finally outed him.

🍯

Nearly a month later, Caline Bustier and Damoclès were told to pack their bags. The head of the school board called in a favor from an old friend in Japan. The principal had demanded to be allowed to bring one of his teachers with him. She quickly agreed. François-DuPont suffered a hit with the removal of the principal and a teacher for negligence. Hopefully their replacements would help nullify that hit. 

Asano Gakushuu laid his phone on his desk before buzzing for Nagisa. He started speaking before Nagisa could even properly shut the door. "I know you were planning on moving to Paris with Akabane when he got shipped off as an ambassador. I'm not going to try to change your mind." The again went unspoken. They both knew exactly who his best teacher was. 

Gakushuu was always surprised when Nagisa spoke to him- the boy had always been so silent. He hadn't learned until after they started working together exactly why Nagisa was the way he was. "Why did you call me?"

Gakushuu huffed. "Here's the deal. An old acquantence of mine called in a favor I owed her. She recently fired her principal and one of her teachers, and needs a suitable replacement for both. She asked me to take over, I agreed on the stipulation that I got to bring one of my teachers with me."

"Where at?"

"François-DuPont. It's a school in Paris. Instead of struggling to find a new teaching position in a country you are unfamiliar with, you can join me at this school. It's not far from the embassy, so you would still be able to meet Akabane for lunch or whatever."

Nagisa raised his eyebrow at his friend. "You do know that Karma prefers his first name for a reason. We're twenty-six, and have been friends since the end of cram school. Your rivalry should be dead by now." Gakushuu shrugged. Nagisa let out a heavy sigh. "What's my class like? How did the teacher I'm replacing run it?"

"I don't know how accurate my information is, all I have is what the superintendent knew. But the teacher and principal were terminated due to neglecting the students"

Nagisa facepalmed. "End Class bad? Paradise High bad? Or relatively alright?"

Gakushuu shrugged. "Possibly some combination of the first two. They did have one competent teacher for science and math. The terminated teacher was supposed to teach them almost everything else. We won't really know until we get there and assess the situation. They want us there ASAP."

"Of course. I'll tell Karma. Get me the school's address so that we can plan housing."

"I'll forward you all the information by the end of today. Use today to tell your students the news and pack. I'll begin the transfer paperwork. Do you have tickets to Paris already booked?"

Nagisa gave Gakushuu a bland look. "Karma and I leave for Paris this coming Monday. You need to focus more on your own paperwork, mine should be nearly completed."

Asano would never admit that he had been putting off Nagisa's paperwork for as long as possible in hopes that he would stay. Nope, not at all.

🍯

Marinette kept an eye on the new teacher as soon as he arrived. They had been stuck with different substitutes for nearly two weeks while waiting on him to arrive and all the paperwork to go through. The name Shiota Nagisa rung a distant bell in her mind, though she struggled a little with remembering where, exactly, she had heard his name.

"Greetings, everyone." His French was passable enough, though he had a noticable Japanese accent to Marinette's trained ear. "My name is Shiota Nagisa, though you can all call me by my given name. I hope we have a good year together." He offered them a small bow.

Marinette rose to her feet. "Greetings, Nagisa-sensei. I am Marinette Dupain-Cheng, class representative. Thank you for coming to teach us." She offered him a bow in return.

Nagisa gave her an approving grin even as Rose hesitantly spoke up. "Didn't he ask us to call him by his given name?"

Kim explained before Nagisa could. "His name's switched around, like mine! Last name is first and first name is last!" Kim boasted. "The new teach is like me!"

Nagisa hummed appreciatively. Le Chein Kim understood the basics, but not the proper terminology. "A little rough, but basically correct. Though I do not appreciate the interruptions. In Japan, a person's family name is given first and their given name second. It is considered rude to address someone by their given name or a nickname without permission. Dupain-Cheng-chan, please stay after school so that we can discuss the class."

"Yes, Sensei." Marinette acknowledged. 

"Now, in Japan, different honorifics are used to address someone. Here you use madame, mademoidemoiselle, and monsieur. It's a bit more complex in Japan. If you were to speak to an adult, you call them by their family name followed by -san. For example, a friend of mine also lives here. You would address him as Akabane-san. You would address females your age or younger by adding -chan to their surname, males with -kun. People in the grades above you would be addressed as -senpai, which can also be used for someone with more experience. A teacher, doctor, someone in a roll ment to educate someone is addressed as -sensei." Nagisa spent the first day explaining to them the cultural differences between Japan and France, flashing back to Bitch-sensei's less than conventional methods proving their usefulness. Several of his new students seemed to understand the different cultures very well while others seemed to let everything fly over their heads. 

The day finally ended, Nagisa ushering the students out so that he could finally learn just what he was dealing with. "Dupain-Cheng-chan, would you please explain to me how the class was run prior to my arrival? The principal and I were given minimal information about why we were being brought in."

Marinette slightly inclined her head. " Please, call me Marinette. My surname is a mouthful. Caline Bustier was our former teacher. She let bullies run rampant and punished the victims if they stood up for themselves. One of my classmates is obsessed with uncovering the identities of Paris's heroes. The teacher never warned her of all the legal action that could be taken against her for basically stalking underaged people. Césaire was convinced that I knew one of their identities and interupted the class to hound me about it. I denied any knowledge of who they were. She pressured me, insisting I knew and called me by a nickname I do not use. I told her off, the teacher scolded me and gave me detention.

"The former principal wasn't any better. He was easily controlled by people in a place of power, allowing bullies to rule the school even as he brushed an complaints about his teachers under the rug. I was chosen as class representative because my classmates trusted me to know better than anyone just what they wanted or needed without airing their secrets to the world. I am also one of the only students who was not afraid to tell Bustier and Damoclès that they were acting like imbeciles. My class is accustomed to not being able to rely on an adult in charge to handle a situation for them- especially if that situation is hostile. Now days they either handle it themselves or come to me."

Nagisa nodded. "If you wouldn't mind, I would like to began taking some of that responsibility off of you. It will take time for us to learn how to work together, but I assure you that I am not like Caline Bustier."

Marinette eyed the new teacher. "Anything my classmates tell me in confidence will stay with me. But I will attempt to speak with you about the class when needed."

Nagisa inclined his head. "That's fair. I would expect nothing less. What can you tell me about the class? I can't move at mach twenty, nor am I a verifiable genius, but I would like to be able to give all of my students what they need. I was under the impression that I am in charge of everything except mathematics and science?"

Marinette nodded. "Juleka, Mylène, and Nathaniel are all very reserved and shy. Juleka and Nathaniel prefer to hide in the background and let others shine. Mylène is okay as long as there's someone she's comfortable with nearby. Ivan is quiet and has a few anger issues, though he's pretty good at controlling himself as long as le Papillion is inactive. Kim has trouble focusing on class and retaining the information, he does better when he has something to do. I've been making him study with me, letting him practice sports, parkour, that sort of thing while I call out information and question him on the materials. He's not at the top of the class, but he is usually in the top ten. Alix can focus better than Kim, but also learns better when she has something to do. Césaire has a tendency to ignore the materials when the teacher is covering them in favor of working on her blog. She expects someone from the class to share their notes with her later on so she can pass. Sabrina takes care of helping Chloè study, since Chloè learns better with technical terms. Every now and then Sabrina calls me in for help for a particularly difficult subject because, where French sometimes fails, making Chloè learn the material in a different language works every time. Nino learns through music. Everyone else learns relatively well in the class and can mostly interact with new people. Adrien said his cousin's considering transferring in, he's asocial, not big on people, but smart."

"Thank you. I'll see what I can do about helping Le Chein-kun and Kubdel-chan have something interactive during class to help them. Do any of your classmates find music distracting?" Marinette shook her head. "Then I'll ask one of my former classmates for help with making a playlist to help Lahiffe-kun learn the material. What would you suggest to stop Césaire-chan from being on her blog during class?"

Marinette hummed contemplatively. "As long as she has an electronic, she's going to check it. Especially since she knows a few of our classmates will give her the notes."

Nagisa nodded. "I'll have her give me her phone before class. Would you do me a favor?"

Marinette eyed the teacher. "That depends on the favor, Sensei."

"It's nothing bad." Nagisa promised. "I'm just used to students being unwilling to help. I feel your classmates are more likely to listen to you right now than me. You have their trust, I do not. Would you be willing to ask them to stop giving Césaire-chan their notes? It would be different if she were missing class, but she's just not paying attention. She needs to learn that there isn't always going to be someone to cover for her."

Marinette blinked, surprised. "Of course, Sensei."

Nagisa considered the girl. "You have a Chinese and French heritage, yes?"

"I do."

"Where does the grasp on Japanese culture come from?" Nagisa questioned, deeply curious.

Marinette offered a small smile. "My family is very complex. My grandmother is the equivalent of an Italian gypsy and has a penchance for adopting people. My adopted aunt, Irina Dupain-Jelevac, married Karasuma Tadaomi. He taught me many things, including Japanese culture, before they went missing a few years ago."

Nagisa's mouth fell open. "You're related to Bitch-sensei? And Karasuma-sensei?"

Marinette snapped her fingers. "I knew your name sounded familiar! My aunt told me about her attempt at being a teacher and how much she struggled with it. She had a lot of pride in your class. Tadomi-oji-san did too, he was just better at hiding it."

Nagisa stared at the small girl. "They told you about us?"

Marinette shrugged. "A little, yeah. Is that all you needed, Sensei? I need to get to work."

"Y-yes, thank you. Have a nice evening, Marinette-chan."

"You too, Sensei." Marinette called as she walked out the door. She found something in her relaxing slightly with knowing that the new teacher was taught by her uncle. Though she did wonder how Adrien, and possibly Felix if he transfered in, would escape to fight daytime akumas.

🍯

Nagsia flopped on the couch once he got home, startling his husband. "Sup, Nagisa?" Karma asked. Nagisa smiled, even after over a decade his husband hadn't changed from the time they were at Kunikagawa. He even continued elongating his name.

"Guess who my class rep. is related to?"

Karma raised an eyebrow. "I literally have no idea."

"Karasuma-sensei and Bitch-sensei."

"What the fuck?" Karma lost all attempt at feignig disinterest, bolting straight up.

"She's French-Chinese, Italian grandmother. The grandmother adopted Bitch-sensei before she married Karasuma."

"How the hell did you figure all this out?"

"I had her stay after class to get a feel for the class. I was called in to replace a negligent teacher, so I wanted to know exactly what I was working with. After we were officially done, I asked her where she learned so much about Japanese culture, as she seemed to already know what I was teaching today. I was already thinking about Bitch-sensei and her teaching methods before she explained how she was adopted by Karasuma-sensei- as a niece. Apparently they talked about us."

"Holy fucking shit, talk about a full circle. How much does she know?"

"That's the problem, I have no idea. Nor do I know what they taught her." That was more worrying than how much she knew about their past.

🍯

Marinette texted Chloè as she walked. *Césaire's notes privileges have been revoked until further notice, excluding absences.*

*I was waiting on you to snap on her. 🙃*

*New teacher's rules for her. Former Class 3E- 🗡️*

*😮 …………… Trust?*

*With caution.* Marinette pocketed her phone as she walked in the bakery. She could give a good two hours in the bakery, design while cooking supper, and then take a quick nap before patrol.

#mlb #mlb x ass class #Assassination Classroom #Miraculous Ladybug #Shiota Nagisa #Akabane Karma #teacher Nagisa #Fox Marinette #Ladybug Fèlix #Good Fèlix #Félix Graham de Vanily #Adrien Agreste #Marinette Dupain-Cheng #In The Darkest Hour

[fae-redux]

rules of the game: ch. 1 - this was no accident

Story Summary:

The Evergreen and Imagi were never quite in peacetime. Roman’s just trying to figure out how to survive and succeed his mother. Logan wants to live long enough to use his magic however he wants. Patton is coasting while repressing everything, still trying to figure out what feelings are.

Virgil doesn’t want to change the world.

Luckily, it isn’t up to him.

first | ao3

Chapter Summary: Virgil has left the castle before but not this far, and certainly not like this.

Word count: 5812

Pairings: future lamp, platonic anxceit

~|~

Once upon a time, a long, long time ago, when the land was still blessed with magic and the fae were both revered and feared in equal measure, there were four boys who lived in a castle.

Now, it’s important to remember that they lived in the castle, but at first, their time never really seemed to line up.

The first one, the one who lived there in the beginning, is named Virgil. He didn’t want to live in the castle, but since he no longer had a family, it made sense to just follow the will of what his parents wanted. The king seemed nice enough anyway, offering Virgil his own room and gifting him with a family portrait that had been painted years ago. Virgil hung it up with the same attitude one would scrape peanut butter off a slice of burnt toast to put back into the jar.

His journey starts with an order from the Queen.

~|~

When Virgil wakes up, he knows exactly what the day ahead looks like. The previous night had been full of fitful unrest, his heart jerking in his chest whenever he closed his eyes, the distinct feeling that he’s forgotten something tugging him out of bed and making him check his bag again and again.

Standing in front of his mirror, Virgil feels out of place. His armor weighs awkwardly unbalanced on his shoulders, the iron pauldrons uncomfortably loose. The pieces are special in their own right, the spares his father left behind on his last mission. It’s an honor, he has to remind himself, to walk the same path, even if it feels like anything but.

The shine of the metal contrasts the shadows under his eyes, dark circles growing darker every minute he keeps looking at himself. Blowing his bangs out of his eyes, he glares at his reflection. If he was his father, he would be able to don a proud smile, something reassuring. Instead, he looks like a poor imitation of a knight, like a child playing pretend.

It sends a roiling bitterness through his stomach.

Sighing, he tucks his blades into the sheaths on his belt. After a moment of hesitation, he tucks the dagger his mother gifted him into his belt. It’s the only one he has that isn’t made of iron, the only one that wouldn’t do damage to a fae creature. The queen mandated almost everything he wore, but this small addition would likely go unnoticed, just another knife on a fully kitted knight.

Almost-knight.

When he swallows, the man, the boy, in the mirror does the same. Seventeen, he thinks, is too young for a mission like this.

The queen had smiled saccharine sweet when she’d pulled him aside. She had come up with the perfect first mission she’d said.

Virgil had tried his best to hide his skeptical thoughts when she brought it up, but her eyes were sharp on his, her scrutinizing gaze looking through his soul. She just smiled like she could hear exactly what he was thinking and then, “My king, I believe it would do Virgil some good to prove himself,” and the king agreed, nodding placatingly, not really listening as the queen continued, “He should go alone.”

He could see the king visibly hesitate before she brushed a curl behind his ear and his eyes went blank. “Of course, my dear,” the royal simpered.

After years of living with her, he knows much better than to protest. No matter what he thought, he held his tongue, and he started his research.

In the days before his mother’s death, she had given him her collection of books on the Evergreen and the fae, and in the privacy of their home, she told him to keep them safe from Adelaide, to never let her see, and he followed her instructions to the letter. The books were safe in his room, unvisited and sequestered from her prying gaze, and gods know did she pry.

It’s like she can hear him when he thinks the slightest doubt, reaching for him even as he cringes away from her hands. When he was younger, she used to say it was affection, a hug from someone who could be considered a parent in the future. Now, she doesn’t sugarcoat it, a disapproving scowl covering her face as she tells him he should be grateful for any guidance she can offer. This journey was probably just another thing on the list for her.

When his father, the venerable Sir Linos, was alive, he loved his knights. They were the king’s knights back then, a group loyal to a man who would do anything for them in return for their service. In perspective, this audition for the queen’s knight’s felt bizarre.

Not only were solo missions for knights who already proved their mettle, this mission seemed more appropriate for knights like Adrien, who had probably sold their souls to be noticed by Adelaide, who would die for her sake.

Virgil is hardly sure he even wants to be a knight. The only reason he stands here today is to follow what his father wished for him back when he had been alive, aspirations to be knights to the same court, a legacy. When his father was alive, Virgil had been all for it, his head full of stories of how they would always ride together, never alone and never wanting for anything, carrying the symbols of the greatest of kingdoms.

The image seems sepia tinted, in retrospect, nostalgia on his father’s part coloring the narrative.

Virgil had done everything to get along with the other knights, and though they spared nothing in training him to fight, he knew they never really liked him. No matter how hard he fought or how good he got, they only ever saw him as the king’s ward, handed his position on a silver platter living a gold gilded life. He never seemed to measure up.

His hands shake as he does up the last knot in his vambraces, and no matter how hard he tries, he can’t muster up a smile for the portrait of his parents, their family feeling like a distant memory at this point.

Their image looms overhead, and he barely recognizes the child that he was when the damn thing was painted. The small smile he wore, Virgil wishes he could do that again.

He takes a deep breath. The faster he leaves, the faster he would be able to come back.

As he gathers the last of his supplies, he gives his parents one last nod, he leaves the room.

If he does this right, he’ll be back before the week is up.

~|~

The map he painstakingly spent two nights copying from a book on the outskirts guides his path to a town a little over a day’s ride away from the castle border.

Julep, his horse, is taking her sweet time with the journey, but with how much reluctance Virgil has towards this particular trip, he thinks he can forgive her for it.

Despite his previous determination to get this mission over with as soon as possible, he had found himself dragging his heels his whole march to the stables. He usually loves to go visit the animals, the horses having long since endeared themselves to him.

Julep had come with him as just a pony when he first moved into the castle. As a gesture to him and his father, the king had offered to keep her in the stables until Virgil needed a horse for knightly duties, and he had agreed. She was his first real friend at the manor. The other horses had fallen into his heart when he found himself surrounded by knights ages older than him and no one his age to talk to.

She knows him well enough now that she can probably sense his dread about this town. As it is, the outskirts are pretty much the last border between the kingdom and the land of the fae, and he knows one toe into that territory would be an act of war.

Not only did Adelaide send him here, where she knows knights aren’t generally well received, she probably didn’t care that much if the fae decided he’d edged just a tad too close. Adelaide was known as the kindest queen the kingdom had ever seen only to those who didn’t actually live in the castle.

When King Cromwell had agreed to make him a ward, she had been welcoming, like he was a guest, but with his continued presence, she had maybe gotten too used to him. She treated him like one of the court, like he was a piece to be moved. While he didn’t like it, he figured so long as they tolerated each other, they would be fine.

He doubts the court really knows much about her beyond what she tried to show them, though.

She’s a walking nightmare to anyone who has actually spoken to her for more than a few seconds, outside of court. The sugar sweet tone in her voice is as fake as the company she chooses to keep around. She lays it on so thickly, he finds it hard to listen for long periods of time. The way the queen giggled at courtesan jokes while her own husband barely knew what was going on just didn’t sit right with him.

To make matters worse, creatures with most any kind of magical affinity flinched at the sight of her. Her distaste for the fae was no secret, made obvious by the magical borders she kept, the iron wall a statement of itself. Virgil had shuddered while passing them, and now in the outskirts, he found himself understanding what those walls looked like to those outside of it.

Approaching the town, the wall is just visible over the trees that lead him to a cleared path.

Refocusing on the task at hand, he considers his options for the mission. The creatures of the Evergreen aren’t well documented, to the point where though Virgil had read every book on the topic of them, he hadn’t come across any description of the fiend who was supposedly attacking nearby villages. Most of his mother’s books described creatures of the Evergreen as benevolent for the most part.

Knights didn’t generally go on missions with so many unknowns, guards usually doing at least some reconnaissance.

Still, he continues to ride into the quiet town. From the first second Julep crosses onto the main road, there is something off about the emptiness in the town. In the corner of his eye, he sees something blur past them.

“Hello?” He calls out, his voice quiet enough in the cool evening, but hopefully loud enough for the creature to hear. Dismounting carefully, the anxiety in his chest takes over as another blur catches his vision. His hand rests on his sword as he steps away from Julep, hopefully making himself a more appealing target than her. “Is anyone there?”

These houses don’t appear to be abandoned in any sort of hurry. For a ghost town, it seemed like one out of a painting. Everything had a place, from the ceramic jugs on people’s porches to the cobblestone main street. The discomfort moves to his throat, the silence unsettling.

Out of the woods at the edge of the village, the silence breaks, a faint rumbling sounding out. He squints at the border, taking a few steps forward, but before he can get closer, the creature reveals itself with a shrill scream, sending him scrambling back.

The large green monstrosity makes an entrance, knocking down a tree, landing just a few feet in front of him as it staggers unsteadily. It towers over the buildings in the village, swinging its head around erratically. It chooses it’s steps wildly, one leg stumbling over the other, all four legs hooved and coming down with little regard for the others.

From where the shock sent him to the ground, he can see the panic in the creature’s eyes and the strap high on its neck. It wasn’t attacking the village on purpose.

As much as the frantic thumping in his chest wants him to run, he feels something strange about the creature. Now that he is in front of it, it didn’t feel evil, nothing like the monsters the knights came home to brag about. Instead, it cries and wails like it wants as much to do with the situation as Virgil does.

He can hear Julep’s alarmed noises as he sheds his chestplate and scrambles back behind a building. Her whines sound out even as he shushes her. The creature staggers toward the sound, its eyes turning cloudy and its long pointed ears twitching forward.

“It’s blind,” he says shocked, slamming a hand over his mouth as it swings back toward him. Julep kicks a pot that was left out by the villagers and it moves away again, but she seems to realize just how much noise her hooves make as the creature lunges towards her.

The frantic nature of the attacks make sense now, if it had been able to see at some point, it would be panicking. His first goal is to get the strap off its neck. Maybe freeing it of whatever that thing was would make it calm.

“Keep going!” He calls to Julep and runs out to pull it’s attention back to him. Julep’s stomps draw its attention again and without his armor weighing him down, he takes a running leap at the creature's back.

It lurches it’s head backwards, snapping wildly at him with plant dull teeth, but he’s too fast to be caught. His hands scrape on the green scales, and while he is prepared for a fight, as soon as he reaches the black strap, it goes completely limp, its legs collapsing under itself and head hitting the ground too fast for it to be safe.

He pulls out his dagger and digs the tip under the sludge-like texture of the strap. The creature makes a pitiful noise lifting its head slightly before flopping down again. Julep comes up and noses her snout lightly against its nose. It snuffles at the gesture, like it might have been comforting and Virgil feels his chest swell with gratefulness for her. It takes a good chunk of time before every strand of the substance is released from its scales, especially with Virgil being extra careful to not touch it with his bare hands. He drags the strands away and makes sure they don’t latch on anywhere else.

When the creature is finally free, its eyes blink open and the white film that had been clouding them. It doesn’t try to attack as Virgil stands off its body. Instead, it nuzzles Julep back and extends its head towards Virgil. He takes off the glove on his hand and reaches it out slowly, giving the creature a chance to pull back. It doesn’t. It leans into his touch, closing its eyes and resting down.

Turning, it makes its way back towards the forest, it looks back at the two of them. Virgil leans on Julep, trying to figure out what to do with the slime, but looking up, the creature is standing expectantly, turning from the village to the woods.

“I can’t go in there,” Virgil scrunches up his eyebrows, unsure how to communicate this to something from the Evergreen. Did they even have english in the Evergreen? The creature rounds them easily, surprisingly maneuverable and agile now that the sludge is off. It elegantly nudges them in the direction of the border. “It’s not safe or legal for me to go there.”

It makes an urgent noise and pushes him further. Julep trots easily following the directions of the creature.

A noise that doesn’t come from any of them sounds out and the ground shakes again as the creature hits the ground behind them again. Virgil jerks away at the sight of a large wooden pole sticking up from between the creature’s scales. It had been so docile just moments ago, but now he can see the frantic look in its eyes as blood begins to leak from the side of its body. It makes the urgent noise again and tilts its head towards the forests.

At the end of the street, a house catches fire and calls sound out like signals, and he’s suddenly surrounded.

A man stands atop a nearby house and slides down the slates of the roof, landing in front of him. “Buddy, your orders said to kill the beast, huh? We just did your job for you,” His hair is greasy, slicked back, and his breaded, salacious grin makes him take a step back. “Looks like you owe us.”

Virgil desperately wants to go to the creature, but he can see the light draining out of it as it attempts to keep its eyes open. “We can talk about this,” He edges to the side with his hands out placatingly. “Just let me treat the creature. It doesn’t deserve to suffer. My orders were to take care of the beast, and that’s what I’m doing.”

He snorts, kicking the chestplate at his feet, Virgil’s armor, away from him as he backs up. “Uh huh. You’ve got quite the bounty on your head, royal. Hurry it up.” He lets him approach the creature.

“Hey, you’ve got to stay awake,” Virgil presses his fingers gently at its scales, flinching when the creature lets out an ear piercing shriek. “I’m sorry, I don’t know how to help,” The blood is staining his hands red too quickly for the creature to make it through this.

He can feel the tears gathering at the corners of his eyes, but he blinks them away in favor of leaning his head down to comfort the creature just as Julep had. If the man knows he is a royal, there isn’t a great chance either of them are coming out of this unscathed.

“It’s okay, you can rest. I’ll get you where you need to go.” The creature’s wounds glow as it closes its eyes, its blood slowing as flecks of white emerge from where it once bled. Virgil can feel the tension drain out from the creature and his eyes blur as the flecks coat his hands.

“Well, you definitely didn’t get that one right,” The man sneers. “And you won’t be going anywhere.” The blade cutting through his side is a shock to his system as he staggers up.

“What...” He rattles out, falling after a few steps as the blow really registers. “What have you done?” The cry that comes from his throat sounds nothing like himself, too gutted. Just like you, his brain interjects as he tries to clear his head enough to get up. He makes it to his knees before a blow to his shoulder puts him on his ass.

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees another man taking aim at Julep, and all hope of escape leaves him. He whistles as loud as he can, Julep coming right towards him. Using his last remaining strength, he slings himself onto her back and holds a hand up to stop the arrow launched towards them. It shatters as it hits his still glowing palm, and he stares at it in shock. As Julep carries them into the Evergreen, he meets the eyes of the head honcho who killed the creature. In an act of defiance, he sticks up a glowing middle finger, and the trees block them all from view as a volley of arrows follow them.

~|~

He doesn’t know how long they ride when they stop. The sounds of a barrage of men following them stopped a while ago, and the whole time, Julep has been riding as steadily as she can as to not harm him more than he already is. The only reason she slows down is this clearing. There’s a stream with water, and a large open space to maybe treat the wounds he acquired.

He blinks his eyes open as she jostles them. It takes longer than maybe either of them wanted for him to get off her back. As soon as his feet touch the ground, his knees give, and if it weren’t for Julep, he would have collapsed.

Together, they approach the water, and just as he goes to dip in a hand, he sees the movement of a little creature swimming around. She curiously breeches the water at his small wave.

“Hi,” He swallows, struggling to make words as his pain overwhelms him momentarily, “Can I use this water to clean myself? I need to treat my wounds, but I don’t wish to cause you any trouble.”

His arms weaken and he can’t keep holding onto Julep. His whole body aches and he can’t see her anymore, but the little creature frantically pats his face with her water like hands.

“It’s okay,” he tries to reassure her gently. There’s probably not a chance he will live that long with injuries like this. It might be better at this point if he just didn’t accidentally harm her environment on top of that. “Hey, you can relax. Your water’s safe.”

Instead, he takes a moment to assess the glowing substance covering his hands. No longer pressing on his wound, the glow begins to leave them, the white dots flying into the air of the Evergreen, leaving him alone with the naiad.

He doesn’t notice his eyes have closed until she pulls on his hair and presses down on his eyelids until he blinks them open again. A chattering noise fills his ears as she summons some of the water from the stream to wrap around his middle.

“Thank you,” He smiles at her and she smiles back, but that look quickly changes as she dives back into the water, taking her water with her. Julep startles back behind him as well.

Out of the water on the other side of him, a large yellow snake has slithered in their direction. It slithers over his feet, sliding over the ground to study his wounds. Virgil can’t even manage a hand up to push it away. Instead, he lets the snake rest on his neck easily. The anxiety that should be welling up just isn’t there and even though he can feel his heartbeat rising, his head is clear, his thoughts still in the hopes that the snake doesn’t bite down.

He blinks, and where the snake was, a man stands and presses two fingers to his pulse.

“Weak enough, perhaps.” The mystery man frowns. “Who are you?” He asks. Virgil tries to focus on his face, but he can’t make out anything other than some blurriness in regards to the left side of his face.

“I’m,” He hesitates. He is in the Evergreen. This man might not be a man. Well, obvious, he was just a snake a moment ago. “You may call me Vee. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cross the border.”

The fae crouches next to him and shines and places a hand over his eyes. “Do you want to be saved?”

Virgil can’t figure out what was happening. If the books in the library were to be believed, fae were evil tricksters who would kill him in an instant. But here is a fae who had him dead to rights, and he wanted to know if he wanted to be saved? He’s confused, “Do you want to save me?”

The fae makes a frustrated noise at the question. “Can you answer the question?”

He really doesn’t have anything to lose. “I just want to make it out of this alive.”

There’s a pause, “That won’t do,” then the man pulls him up onto Julep and leads them away.

Virgil hopes he didn’t sign both of their death warrants.

~|~

He wakes up in short flashes at a time. Cataloging all his aches takes more brain power than he has to give at the moment, and he can’t quite open his eyes.

The first time he tries to sit up, tugging painfully at his wounds. He yelps and someone pushes him back down making shushing noises. They place a towel on his forehead and he goes easily with their direction. He absorbs approximately nothing about his surroundings.

The second time, he’s still out of it and someone’s at his side in the room.

“Are you awake?” His mind wrenches painfully at fully formed memories of a cold towel on his head and his father in the chair next to his bed. “Do you need anything, Vee?”

“Dad?” It’s out of his mouth before he really registers anything solidly.

“Quite.” The voice is familiar, amused, but not at the same time. It fades as he slips back under.

The third time, he wakes up slowly enough that opening his eyes doesn’t hurt. The memory of the slash in his side keeps him from moving too much, but he still looks around at what he can see from the safety of the bed.

The fae who found him must be really interested in books, he thinks, someone after his own heart, at the several dozens of books embedded in the shelf walls. It’s a beautiful set up, and from what titles he can see, they’re all about different types of magic and history. Virgil is just running a finger over the spine of one when the fae walks into the room.

“Are you actually awake this time?” he asks, studying him under a scrutinizing gaze.

Virgil takes in how he feels. His eyes, for once, are not fighting to close again and his body is holding him propped a little further up from laying down. “I’m awake, I think.”

The fae, upon further inspection appears to have little yellow scales that take up the right side of his face. His ears are pointed and his short brown hair is pinned back revealing a singular snake eye, slitted and yellow in the socket. He has a cape on even though they are indoors and there is no need. The longer he stares the more his memory starts to fill in.

“You’re the snake who saved me.”

Yellow scales shift in the light as he considers the statement and nods, “Can you read?”

“What’s with all the questions?” Virgil doesn’t want to seem ungrateful, but there’s a slew of things wrong with this situation. The first being that he can feel the muscles in his spine tightening from the discomfort of not knowing who the snake in front of him is and if the situation was bad enough to warrant panicking. He didn’t intend to die on this mission, but he didn’t dismiss the possibility either. He could be a new prisoner of war, if the queen was to be believed about the fae.

“I can’t lie.” The snake looks frustrated. “I can only say what I’m trying to say.” He makes an angry noise and makes a flipping motion with his hands. “Can you understand this?”

Virgil watches for a moment and it hits him that the hand sign for opposite looks extremely similar to the kingdom’s version of the hand sign. “You can only say the opposite of what you mean out loud?”

He nods with a sigh of relief. “Glad that hasn’t been sorted out. How do you feel?”

Taking a moment to take stock of his body, he can’t feel the wounds in his side at all. None of the skin where he knew he was hurt even seems to be pulling or irritated. “Strangely well,” he narrows his eyes at the fae standing in the doorway. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t have one of my friends come to take a look at it. You didn’t make a deal to help it along.” He smiles at him, and the part of him that has learned common sense says he should be feeling at least unnerved, but the part of him that made a deal with a fae says impulse control is the last of his issues recently.

“A deal?” He asks, to make certain.

“I didn’t complete the deal with your consent, but you didn’t want to live and so I made you a little bit like me.” His eyes furrow for a moment. “A little bit like me. That isn’t odd, I didn’t mean to say something else.”

Pulling up his shirt, he runs a hand over his smooth skin. There wasn’t even a scar leftover from the attack. No magic that looks like this comes without a price.  “What was the catch?”

“To undo what I did, you must not find true love’s kiss. Until you receive it, you will not be immortal like me.”

Why true love’s kiss? What made him make the deal? He knows he was on death’s doorstep before waking up here, so there must be something. What did the fae gain? The fae didn’t make deals that didn’t benefit themselves, if the queen’s books were accurate. His mother’s collection didn’t include much on human appearing fae, just creatures.

He can see a knot on his pinky, the same one he wore his family crest on and looking down the cord of his first deal, a feeling of something like fondness entered him.

“Why did you help me?”

The fae pauses for a long moment. “What do you mean?”

“Why ask if I wanted to be saved? I remember being nearly saved by that water fae before you stumbled along. Why not just leave?” And the crux of the situation is, Virgil has been alone for a long time. He fended for himself since the queen started sending his father away on long, grueling missions. After his mother passed, he kept all of his more politically charged opinions a secret so as to not collect enemies. This fae, this random fae, had taken the time to help when not even humans would have approached him.

“I didn’t see what you did for Nellie,” The fae swallows. “We couldn’t touch her. The witch came by the other day and didn’t put that thing on her neck while she slept. It was…” He trails off. “You didn’t care.”

Good things don’t happen to him, though and he did what anyone else would do.

Like he can see it on his face, the fae continues, “Everyone would have done what you did. Storming a green-backed strider with only a dagger and a sword, not to kill it, but to help it isn’t anything special. Besides, the universe didn’t link us in some capacity because you weren’t going to be important to me.”

“Is that what this is?” Virgil studies the yellow yarn-like bond, thin and fragile on his hand.

“Yes,” the fae doesn’t elaborate, just smiles serenely. He clears his throat, “You may not call me Dee. You weren’t that out of it when I brought the two of you back, and I know how much you remember.”

Just like that, he realizes he forgot about Julep, the fool he was. His heart sets in his throat, “Is my horse okay?”

Dee snorts, “She’s not living in luxury, if you must know. It’s like she’s seen billions of sugar cubes in her life.”

Virgil finally relaxes into the sheets again. Julep is safe. He’s going to live forever, but that sounds like a tomorrow problem to his tired mind, his eyes blinking closed and his eyelids feeling heavier by the second.

“I won’t let you rest. We can’t talk more tomorrow.” Dee runs a hand over his head, the same way his father used to when he was ill, and walks out. Virgil tries to store as much of their conversation in his memory as possible before he sleeps, but it is lights out before he can save much of anything.

~|~

Healing hurts way more than he thinks it should. Frequent visits from the fae that Dee invited over, Kai, makes it so that the process is much faster than it would have been if he was alone.

Kai is snappy and funny and doesn’t know he’s a knight, and Virgil finds a way to joke a little with him every time he flinches and Kai looks like he wants to scream.

Dee sometimes checks on him and hums in approval. The only thing Virgil knows is it’s going much different than he’d imagined dying next to that river.

Bedridden as he is, he has too much time to think. Dee keeps him company when he panics, sometimes reaching a hand out where he can see it to get permission to rub his back. Sometimes they just sign back and forth, Virgil’s hands steady even when his chest shudders and his ribs ache, until he can relax enough to breath on his own.

Dee takes the times he’s conscious and sane to tell him stories about the Evergreen, even some about the creatures that Virgil had only seen drawn from his mother’s perspective, soft and unassuming, or in Adelaide’s books, their teeth too sharp and too hostile. In reality, there are cats in the Evergreen that curl up easily at his feet, normal teeth and all, their tails curling to flick happily when he has the energy to offer pets.

Large creatures like the one he saved in the abandoned town lean a head through the window and nudge at him, nice as the one who had tried to warn him. One of the smaller ones licks at him and huffs against him, Dee ushering it out the door as it playfully tries to evade him and get at Virgil. It’s cute. They’re all pretty cute actually.

It’s three days before his wounds close. Getting up is a freedom he doesn’t know he missed until he’s on his own two feet, shaky and smiling the whole time. Dee helps him take his first few steps around the room, letting the cats trot next to his ankles. When he gets the hang of it, he lets go and he does pretty okay, if he says so himself. It’s bittersweet.

He feels better in the Evergreen than he ever felt in the castle. It feels almost as if his energy is finally up after a long drought, like his heartbeat is steady for the first time. Even breathing feels easier here.

Dee laughs when he tells him that, saying it’s the way magic works in the Evergreen. It’s part of everyone and being near fae brings it to the surface, especially when humans made deals. That sits wrong with him, but he lets it be.

The next day, he says goodbye to all the creatures and Dee, setting back off towards the castle.

#sanders sides #virgil sanders #janus sanders #ts virgil #ts janus #sanders sides fic #rules of the game au #ive been talking about it forever and now i get to publish #i hope yall know how excited ive been!!!!! #awen writes #its formatted a lil differently than normal bc i plan for this to be like a full length long thing that will take me a year to publish #bear with me guys

[cancelledhq]

ooc

name/alias: jay

age (must be 18+): 22

pronouns: they/them

ic

Name: cooper adrien flynn-funke

Age: 40

Gender Identity: cis male

Pronouns: he/him

Occupation: locator

Three Negative Traits: private, blunt, neurotic

Three Positive Traits: insightful, pragmatic, lively

FC: james ransone

Additional Information (optional):

growing up in a town two sizes too small for a boy with his energy, cooper had always hoped for something exciting to happen. of course, when it finally did, he only wished he could take it all back.

though little sarah whittle’s abduction had nothing to do with him, cooper had always felt guilty over the smaller girl’s disappearance. this was what he’d wanted, right? to see the neighborhood buzz with energy? to see their little town on the front page of national headlines? the worst of it was that he’d whined about all of this to his best friend, told him how he’d do anything to stave off the constant boredom that plagued him; his best friend, who happened to be sarah whittle’s older brother.

she was found a few months later. dead. broken and beaten. mrs. whittle killed herself a few days later. mr. whittle took cooper’s best friend and moved towns, never to be heard of again. maybe that’s when the guilt started. the guilt that told him he had to make up for this, to try and stop it from ever happening again.

he thought being a cop was the answer, and maybe for a little while it was. he did good work, got the occasional ‘thanks’ and ‘god bless you’. and then he started sticking his nose where it didn’t belong, investigating cases that no one told him to look into.

he just wanted to help.

he just wanted to help.

cooper thought he was doing the right thing when he started looking into a missing person that the others seemed to be ignoring. he put a lot of work into it, a lot of late nights and coffee breaks–but he managed to do it. he found the missing mother and her two children, surprised to see that they were all alive and well. cooper was quick to spread the word to the woman’s family, not realizing that there was a reason she’d gone off the grid in the first place. it was barely twenty-four hours later when cooper was informed her abusive ex had found and killed her, along with the kids. he quit on the spot, not sure who hated himself more in that moment: the other officers, or himself.

he spent a long time trying to find himself after that. or, rather, to find a version of himself he could manage to live with. the answer found itself after he met anthony funke, their relationship moving fast with no hint at stopping. they were good for each other in a lot of ways, something steady to hold onto in this messy world of theirs. cooper found a way to make his nerdy habits a semi-professional occupation, becoming a collectable dealer. it paid the bills, and more importantly, paid for the ring he needed to propose to ant.

cooper’s life had never gone so well for so long, and it seemed like he was just waiting for the moment it all came crashing down. when prometheus began to hound him over a position for a locator job, cooper tried to brush them off. but you don’t brush off prometheus, and they were quick to make that perfectly clear. veiled threats towards friends and family, hints at possible financial ruin, and even a few unwelcome house calls was more than enough to get cooper to relent.

he’s become an unwilling pawn to prometheus’ games, and the only question is what’ll kill him first: prometheus, or the stress of the secrets he’s keeping from his husband.

#taken #male #bts

[electronicdelusionstarlight]

So, Miraculous Ladybug Cultist Simulator AU:

One day in the past, something terrible happened to the order of the miraculous box. The sole survivor of the cult, The Disciple Master Fu, is forced into hiding with the cult most prized possession, the Miraculous Box.

This is when the dreams start for Emilie Agreste. She dreams of a house with no walls but many doors, and of the wood that grows around it, which starts her feverish research of what might be hidden there, her movies decaying as she started painting portraits and forbidden things to keep herself from losing it, and yet, when she finally finds and passes the peacock door, she finally ascends to the Thunderskin, The Heart Relentless, leaving her son and husband behind.

Gabriel discovers far too late her esoteric actions, and decides to take matters into his own hands in order to get his wife back. After his own research based on his wife collection, he finds two instruments, the Peakcock Miraculous, broken during the ritual (BROKEN - Heart 2) and the Butterfly Miraculous, intact, (Moth 10). He decides to attempt his own ascension, so to access the tricuspid gate, whom only those who have ascended can pass, and find his wife again.

To do so, after months of trial and error, he finally finds both a ritual combination that will Allow him to Change those mentally vulnerable to his influence into monsters after a horrific change sequence, and to summon a unknown till now spirit of the Moth Hour, Nooroo (Influences: 12 Moth, 10 Knock), to do his bidding in the rituals.

Nooroo apearance however warns Wayzz (12 Lantern, 10 Secret Histories), another spirit currently at the service of Master Fu, who must now get into action in order to retrieve the 2 missing relics and stop him from attracting too much unwanted attention on them. He must therefore start a new cult, the Order of Saint Hydra, and task new disciples with the task of stopping Gabriel, who has started the Rival Order of the Wildwood, before it's too late.

Marinette and Adrien are of course the first that are enlisted.

As she is instructed into the cult, Marinette (5 Forge, 2 Grail) starts having dreams of the Forge of Days, and of a spirit that lives in its flames of creation, yet still awash with passion, Tikki (12 Forge, 10 Grail), and of ways to summon her into being. This grants her a temporary ascension, a transformation similar to those of the Moth, that grants her the ability to turn into The Ladybug (15 Forge, 10 Edge, 12 Grail).

Adrien (5 Moth, 2 Edge), who has been suspecting something was wrong with his father for a while, receives dreams of the Sun in Rags instead, and of a creature of death and beautiful endings, Plagg (12 Winter, 10 Edge), who as far as eldritch beings go is quite lazy, but still grants him his boon and help by allowing him to temporarily ascend to The Black Cat (15 Winter, 12 Edge, 5 Moth).

Together, and with the guidance of Master Fu, they must stop the mysterious cult leader Hawkmoth and protect the citizens of Paris from the truth, no matter the cost for themselves or their sanity.

3 Possible Endings:

"Happily Ever After" Ending: at the end of her service, Marinette is given the choice to complete her ascension to either Forge or Grail, but refuses for love. She and Adrien or any other love interest of choice will then live a normal, boring but content life together. They will grow old.

Double Ascension Ending: Adrien Dies and is Brought Back to Life. At the end of her service, Ladybug decides to ascend to either the Forge or the Grail. Since Adrien is now a reanimated dead, he can now ascend with her. They will not Grow Old, but Adrien will need to be castrated in order to prevent the Crime of the Sky from happening.

Moth Ending: Gabriel manages to ascend to the moth, his last sacrifice being his own son. After a painful transformation sequence, he turns into... something, something unnatural, and is allowed to find Emilie, in her ever ceasing dance to the thunderskin, the heart relentless. They are not... Unhappy, for they both left their lives behind, and will not grow old. Gabriel still needs to get castrated tho.

#cultist simulator #miraculous ladybug #miraculous ladybug au #adrien agreste #adrienette #adrinette #marinette dupain cheng #ladybug #chat noir #ml #ml au

[365daysofmchart]

Do a headcanon about Diane and Kurt babysitting Joseph Quinn-Morello

Thanks, Anon! This was such a sweet one to imagine–I so hope to see this to some extent on the show! My 2,500+ word response (oops…?) can be found under the "Keep reading”!

1. The first time Kurt and Diane babysit Joseph Quinn-Morello, it just sort of falls into place. A case calls everyone in at 8:30PM on a Thursday. Diane and Kurt, having been out to dinner, come in together, Kurt hanging around while the firm assesses the situation and Diane decides just how needed she is while also staying on call for ballistics. With Colin in D.C., the nanny out of town, and both Maia and Marissa being called in as well (and the baby’s local grandmother being an absolute last resort), Lucca packs up the diaper bag, tucks Joseph into his carseat, and brings him along with her as she heads for the office.Liz has gone straight to the crime scene to meet her husband and Jay and Marissa follow shortly after. Once given all the facts of the situation, Adrien is set to go to the police station with Maia and that leaves Diane free, though still on call. And then their’s Lucca. All of the partners feel it is important to support their associates, particularly in situations such as these—they understand the circumstances and are willing to make any necessary adjustments. She signed this client and is the one who has a developed relationship with him, but the partners are clear that she is free to be where she needs to be, without penalty, and they’ll reorganize in the morning. But it’s evident in the young woman’s features that she’s desperate to be involved now, from the start.As Lucca and Diane are the only two from the firm that remain in Diane’s office while Maia and Adrian prepare themselves to leave, there is an obvious solution. But while Diane is willing to watch the infant, she wonders how his mother would feel about leaving him in her relatively inexperienced care. And though Lucca longs to be a part of this case and would be grateful to leave her son for an hour or two with a woman whom she trusts implicitly, no matter any level of experience she does or does not have with babies, making such a proposition to her boss is not something she is about to do.If Diane is not entirely sure of the former of the other woman’s thoughts, she does at least understand the latter—Lucca will not ask. Ask so, after but a moment more of hesitation, she offers… but tentatively so, not wanting the other woman to feel at all obligated or even pressured. “Lucca, I’m sure they’ll manage—you’re more than welcome to keep in touch from here or home. But, if you’d like, I can always… watch him for you? If it’s something you’d feel comfortable with…”From his chair over in the corner, having been reading the paper, Kurt’s head shoots up.Meanwhile Lucca, too, seems to be taken a bit by surprise. But not unpleasantly so. “I… are you sure?” Diane nods. “I am.”There’s still something within Lucca holding her back, contemplating if she can allow herself to take her superior up on such an offer. But then she remembers something—Diane Lockhart does not say anything she does not mean. Her offer, she knows, is genuine (whether it is personally or professionally driven, she does not know for sure, but perhaps that is irrelevant). She nods herself then. “Okay, yes—that would be great, thank you.”The two exchange smiles briefly until Adrian and Maia poke their heads in, declaring, “We’re heading out.”“Wait!” Lucca exclaims. “I’m coming too—Diane offered to watch Joseph. I, umm, I just…” and then a mild bout of panic sets in thinking of how tight on time they are yet all there suddenly is to prepare and inform of before she leaves. “I just need to grab a few things from my office quickly.” She turns to her son in his little seat momentarily, considering, then shakes her head and moves for the door. She does not need to bring him downstairs with her, not when she’s leaving him here, with Diane, anyway. “I’ll just be a minute!” she calls out over her shoulder as she darts for the stairs. “I’ll go help her,” Maia excuses herself, too.Adrian then studies Diane for a moment with a little glint in his eye, but the remark she expects to come from him does not and he instead tells her her that he’s going to retrieve his car and asks that she have the two younger women meet him at the front of the building. “Good luck,” he says as he leaves.Finally, for the first time in the past whirl-wind two minutes, Diane looks to her husband.“So, we’re babysitting this evening?” He seems more amused than annoyed, but still, she clarifies. “I am. You’re welcome to help, but you don’t have to.”“Nah,” he shrugs, lips curled. “Sounds fun.”When Lucca and Maia return, armloads of baby gear in tow, Lucca has started rattling off information and instruction before she’s even in the door. She makes it through a reasonably lengthy spiel when she pauses, a little flushed, and places a hand to her temple—what else?Maia takes the moment to step in and assuage any doubt that her friend may have. “The precinct has service—if either of you thinks of anything else, you’ll be in touch. And I promise,” she says, placing a hand over her heart while glancing over to her godmother, “I can personally attest to the fact that Diane is babysitter extraordinaire!”They all let out a little laugh at that. And while Diane may feel a little flustered herself, she keeps it held within for the other woman’s benefit. “I will be in touch if need be,”  she confirms. “And there’s always Chumhum.”Lucca laughs again and nods. “Yes, Chumhum has certainly been my friend over the last couple of months.” She let’s out a little sigh, looking at her boy. “Okay. I should go.” She lifts her son out of his seat and holds him close, placing a kiss to his head before handing him off to her boss, who takes him decidedly without hesitation. The baby fusses momentarily in the shifting but soon settles in the older woman’s arms. “There,” she smiles, settling a little internally herself.With that, Lucca seems satisfied. Almost. “If you can’t reach me-”“I’ll try Maia or Adrian or even the precinct itself,” she finishes.“Okay. Well…” She reaches out and touches a finger to a tiny fist. “Alright, little man, I’ll see you later. I love you!” And then, to Diane, “Thanks so much, again, Diane.”“I’m happy to do it.”Before she has a chance to change her mind, Maia gently takes her friend’s arm. “Adrian’s waiting for us.”“I’m ready,” she nods. And she is. “I’ll be in touch.”“We’ll be here.”With a final smile the pair sets out. Once Mom is down the hall and has turned the corner, Diane looks between both males in the room—her husband in the corner then to the baby in her arms. “Oh dear,” she says softly. “What have we gotten ourselves into?”***They do use Chumhum. Repeatedly, in fact—how to operate the bottle warmer, to what extent they should burp him, how to assemble the pack-n-play… But they muddle through and little Joseph seems to be remarkably content in their capable if unsure hands.When it’s time for a diaper change she goads Kurt into doing it. And while he grumbles, he truly doesn’t mind all that much… until she stands over his shoulder the entire time, critiquing and directing—he’s being too rough, he missed a spot, the fastenings are crooked. She does the next one herself.And all through the evening, as they they work together to care for this little being, they feel their bond further strengthening and they feel their love for each other further growing as they watch the other interacting with the infant. But if any “what if” thoughts come to mind, they are not spoken.

2. The second time happens similarly to the first—a situation of circumstance. Lucca is still a little hesitant over the idea of a name partner being charged with babysitting her kid and informs the woman that her nanny can be there within an hour. Diane shrugs, “It’s your call, but really, I don’t mind at all.”At the end of the day when Lucca arrives back at the office to collect her child and sees her boss beaming as she coos at the baby in her arms and that her husband has joined them and looks equally delighted… it finally occurs to her that perhaps this isn’t a chore for the other woman, and that maybe it’s something she rather enjoys.***“Hey,” she greets her husband over the phone. “I am going to be here a bit longer, I’m afraid—doing some research and developing strategy while the others are out at the scene and the station.”“That’s okay,” he tells her nonchalantly before she can say anything else… though she can hear a touch of disappointment in his voice. They had been planning to spend the day together, and though nothing they intended to do was spectacular in any way—running a couple of errands together and lunch on the waterfront—they had been looking forward to it.“I’ve actually got Joseph here with me though-“Caught off guard he needs to clarify, briefly interrupting her to question,“Lucca’s kid?”“Yes. …Anyway, it’s just the two of us here and, again, I’m doing some work but nothing too pressing and was wondering if you’d like to join us—bring some work of your own or that godforsaken book you’ve been reading,” she teases, referring his Gorsuch bio.A smile spreads across his face, both from her gentle mockery as well as—and in larger part—the idea of spending a casual Saturday with his wife after all and with the addition of the little guy and at the image of her holding him in her arms once again.“Yeah, that sounds nice.”

3. The next time a similar situation arrises it’s not really discussed but, rather, almost understood.***Kurt usually plays a more passive role when they watch Joseph—he’ll hold him for a moment or two, watch him while Diane takes a call, change his diaper that one time, but mostly he’s there for company while his wife tends to play the more active one in caring for the boy as she was the one to volunteer to do so and she is the one that has a relationship with his mother.But tonight his wife is tired—exhausted, actually. It’s been a long week, she’d hardly slept the night before, and while he knows she doesn’t mind caring for Joseph as she’d be up and on call anyway, it’s apparent that she doesn’t have the energy to bring to it that she usually does. So he takes the lead this time doing the work and let’s her simply relax and enjoy and she is most grateful.An hour in, as Diane sleepily takes in the most glorious sight of Kurt on the other end of the sofa, cradling the little one as he feeds him his bottle, a calm comes over her—the stress of the week and of the night all melting away in an instant.

4. When Lucca has plans to go out with Marissa and Maia and the babysitter calls to cancel last-minute, she is admittedly disappointed. She loves her son more than anything in the world, and she loves being his mother… but it is exhausting—mentally, physically, and emotionally—and that paired with a demanding career had left her so looking forward to (and in need of) a night out with her friends. She leans back in the sofa cushions, thinking over her options, when an idea forms. She sits up then. It’s an idea that requires mulling over—she could be crossing a line. But then she thinks further on it, thinks of how her son has seemed to snuggle his way right on into a certain woman’s heart—and her husband’s too, as far as she can tell—and, after only a moment’s more hesitation, pulls out her phone and dials.“Diane, hi… is there any chance that you’re free tonight?”***It’s not the first time they’ve done this, but it’s the first time they’ve done it in a home setting. They sit next to him on the floor in the living room while he wriggles and giggles on his playmat, she bounces him on her hip in the kitchen (and goodness is he getting big) as Kurt prepares his food, they settle him into his crib in his sweet little nursery when he falls asleep in Kurt’s arms. It’s all so entirely domestic, and while perhaps this should be prompting wistfulness for the two and their missed opportunities—and likely would have a couple of years prior—it doesn’t. When Diane muses about such later, as the two are curled up on the sofa and watching the little one snooze over the monitor, Kurt agrees. The truth is, having nearly lost it all, they’ve never felt as sure in what their relationship is and what they have (faults and all) as they do now. …And they’ve never been so focused on embracing the present and the moments that are real, like this very night.

5. Aside from her nanny, Lucca doesn’t have a “go-to-babysitter.” To start with, there are few instances unrelated to work when one is needed—she does her best to plan baby-free outings for when her son is scheduled to be with his father. Further, she doesn’t like to put the “burden” entirely on any one person. But, she does have a rotation of sorts of preferred babysitters, and eight months into Joseph Quinn-Morellos’s life, Diane Lockhart and Kurt McVeigh are secure fixtures within that rotation.***Though she never had any of her own, Diane has always enjoyed having children in her life—her goddaughter as well as the children of a her cousins and a few other close friends. Likewise, Kurt always took pride and great pleasure in being Uncle Kurt. Now, Kurt and Diane play somewhat of a role in the lives of his niece’s and nephew’s children, but they’re all so far away and it’s difficult to be a regular fixture. And while Diane has always somewhat expected (and looked forward to the prospect) to play some sort of a role in the lives of Maia’s children, should she choose to have any, she knows that that time is still a few years off, at least.And so, while Joseph Quinn-Morello coming into their life—and them into his—was not at all expected, both can say for certain that it was an entirely pleasant surprise. They can also say for certain that their life is a little brighter because of it. And as Joseph grows, he does so with a particular fondness in his heart for his Aunt Diane and Uncle Kurt.

#McHart #Babysitters Extraordinaire #Lucca Quinn #Joseph Quinn-Morello #5 Headcanons

[sonofhistory]

Can you tell us about the relationship between Mary Jefferson Epps and Thomas Jefferson?

At their home on the first of August 1778, at one-thirty in the morning, Martha Jefferson gave birth to baby girl who was baptized Mary and called Polly. At the time of her mother’s death, Polly was only four years old. In the wake of his wife’s funeral, Thomas Jefferson was filled with serious suicidal thoughts, however, weeks later after he had somewhat composed himself he wrote a letter to his sister in law in which he told that he would “endeavor to keep what I feel to myself” and he would hold out for his children’s sake. After leaving Virginia to serve at the Congress in Philadelphia, Jefferson left his two younger children, Polly and Lucy with Francis and Elizabeth Eppes, married relatives of his late wife. 

While away from his children he would receive regular reports if Polly or Lucy were ill, “I had a letter from your uncle Eppes last week informing me that Polly is very well, and Lucy recovered from an indisposition.” [x] However, when Jefferson received news that his diplomatic venture to France had been reinstated, he did not bide time even to say farewell to his youngest daughters in Virginia. In France, Polly, still young and not yet skilled with her writing rarely wrote letters to her father which caused him to ask her why she had not taken the time to write even a word to him. 

Early 1785, Jefferson and his daughter Patsy were notified via the Marquis de Lafayette that his youngest daughter Lucy had passed. In response to this which was written on February 5th, Jefferson wrote to Francis Eppes, “Present me affectionately to Mrs. Eppes, who will kiss my dear, dear Polly for me. Oh! could I do it myself!” [x] By May, Jefferson was to stay in France longer than expected and requested to Mr. Eppes that they send his daughter over to Europe to join them, “I must have Polly. As would not have her at sea but between 1st. of Apr. and Sep. this will allow time for decision-is there any woman in Virga. could be hired to come. I sometimes think to send one. “ [x] In another letter, he told Mr. Eppes that his “anxieties on this subject could induce me to endless details, but you discretion and that of Mrs. Eppes saves me the necessity… I commit to Mrs. Eppes my kisses for dear Poll, who hangs on my mind night and day.”

Soon after a simple letter arrived. “Dear Papa,” it began, “I want to see you and sister Patsy, but you must come to Uncle Eppes’s house.” The six year old was indignant about traveling across the sea with strangers and hoped he would come to get her instead. “I wish so much to see you that I have desired your uncle and aunt to send you to me,” he replied to Polly. “I know, my dear Polly, how sorry you will be, and ought to be, to leave them and your cousins but your sister and myself cannot live without you…” He attempted to convince of all she would experience in the foreign land, “you shall be taught here to play on the harpsichord, to draw, to dance, to read and talk French and much other things as will make you more worthy of the love of your French friends. But above all things, by our care and love of you, we will teach you to love us more than you do if you stay so far from us.” Repeated in other correspondence, Jefferson expressed his will to have his youngest surviving daughter with them, “kiss dear Polly for me and encourage her for her journey” [x] 

After time passed and they were forced to chance plans, the next year later in April, he questioned if his Polly was truly coming soon to him, “I hope my dear Polly is on her way to me.” [x] Tuesday, June 26th, 1787, Polly Jefferson, age eight, arrived in London. She was handed over to the care of Abigail Adams, Polly did not want part with the man who had commanded the ship on which she had traveled. Polly was not overjoyed when her voyage ended and sobbed when she was ripped away from Captain Ramsey and expressed that she did not even recognize what her sister or father looked like anymore. Jefferson, Mrs. Adams said, should come fetch his young daughter and perhaps bring Patsy along, for that might “reconcile her little sister to the thoughts of taking a journey.”

However, instead of fetching Polly himself, Jefferson chose instead stay with Maria Cosway, a woman he was interested in who was in Paris at this time. He instead sent Adrien Petit on Sunday, July 1st, 1787, to fetch Polly and Sally Hemings who was with her. He claimed the crush of work–the “arrearages of 3 or 4 months all crowded all on me once” as he put it–kept him from coming personally. In London, when Petit arrived, Polly was beside herself when she realized her father had not taken up the duty of collecting his daughter whom he had not seen in more than three years. The young girl was alone among strangers in an unfamiliar city. Polly at this began to cry and clung to Abigail Adams, she later wrote, “She told me this morning that as she had let all her friend in Virginia to come over the ocean to see you, she did think you would have taken the pains to have to come here for her, and not have sent a man whom she cannot understand.” 

Polly Jefferson arrived in France on Sunday, July 15th, 1787, “She had totally forgotten her sister,” Jefferson wrote, “but thought, on seeing me, that she recollected something of me.” Even while in Paris, Polly remained wary of her father and older sister, clinging to the constant thought and memory of Abigail Adams as well as Sally Hemings with whom she was familiar with. “Polly does not cease to speak of you with warmth and gratitude,” Jefferson reported to Abigail [x]. In would take a few months before Polly was comfortable around her older sister, the two soon growing terribly close, even longer it took for her to know her own father. After her arrival, Jefferson enrolled her in the same school Patsy was attending and put her into Spanish lessons on top of the French she was already receiving and she began have “guitar” lessons [x]. Polly also received an allowance from her father while there. In France, Polly became acquainted with Angelica Church and even penned her own letters to her. 

It wasn’t until Polly was ten that she arrived back in Virginia with her father and older sister. A half year after they arrived, Polly began living with an aunt. While Jefferson was serving in Philadelphia, Polly attended a school there in the city near her father. While not with him, Polly lived with her older sister and her family where her father made sure she was practicing her Spanish and her studies while there, calling her a little lazy for not writing as often as she should. Their items scattered overseas and on lost shipments from France to Philadelphia and then to Monticello and inquired to them to her, “You mentioned formerly that the two commodes were arrived at Monticello. Were my two sets of ivory chessmen in the drawers? They have not been found in any of the packages which came here.” 

In 1796 when the Ducky de la Rochefoucauld called at Monticello were Patsy was serving as head of the household in her father’s absences he found that Polly was beautiful and “constantly resides with her father; but as she is seventeen years old, and is remarkably handsome, she will doubtless soon find that there are duties which it is sweeter to perform than those of a daughter.” The next year, Polly married John Wayles Eppes, a cousin with whom she had stayed before she was sent to France. They had two children in total and Jefferson himself arrived at Monticello for a visit on Tuesday, July 11th, 1797. Polly unfortunately inherited her mother’s condition which caused childbirth to be an extremely painful and dangerous experience. “I cannot regret entirely the disappointment of [not] meting [Polly] and yourself at Monticello, because of the cause, which must be a subject of pleasure to us all,” he wrote Patsy in 1801. 

Polly did not come to live with her father in Washington during his presidency. mostly due to her health and family duties. The Jefferson family did come together in Washington of the Christmas of 1802. Patsy and Polly were together, “Mrs Eppes is beautiful, simplicity and timidity personified when in company, but when alone with you of communicative and winning manners, Mrs Bayard Smith, a guest, wrote, “Mrs R[andolph] is rather homely, a delicate likeness of her father, but still more interesting than Mrs. E. She id really one of the most lovely women I have ever met with, her countenance beaming with intelligence, benevolence and sensibility, and her conversation fulfills all her countenance promises. Her manners, so frank and affectionate, that you know her at once, and feel perfectly at your ease with her.” The visitors of Virginia were struck by their father’s lonely accommodations. “Adieu once more,” Polly wrote to Jefferson in January of 1803. “How much I think of you at the hours which we have been accustomed to be wit you alone, my dear Papa, and how much pain it gives me to think of the unsafe and solitary manner in which you sleep upstairs.” 

At Edgehill, Polly’s home, Polly gave birth to a daughter on Wednesday, February 15th. “A thousand joys to you, my dear Maria, on the happy accession to your family,” Jefferson wrote on Sunday, February 26th, 1804 using the name Polly had taken for herself in November of 1789. But not was all well, Maria was not recovering. Her husband, John Wayles Eppes left Washington for home. “I feel dreadfully apprehensive that the great debility under which she labors may terminate in some serious complaint,” Eppes wrote Jefferson. Jefferson left Washington on Sunday, April 1st, 1804, for Monticello. When he arrived three days later, he discovered Maria in a much worse condition than he had anticipated. He immediately “took change of her care.” Jefferson told Madison that things were not all they could be and Maria grew drastically worse. Jefferson told another that Maria’s “distressing situation… disable[s] me from forming any opinion on the subject. On Tuesday, April 17th, 1804, Maria Jefferson Eppes passed away at the age of twenty-five. 

Thomas Mann Randolph Jr. wrote “How the President will get over this blow I cannot pronounce… He passed all late evening with his handkerchief in his hand…. I begin to feel the want of mine.” Dolley Madison learned of the news directly from Jefferson, “A letter from the president announced the death of poor [Polly] and the consequent misery it has occasioned them all–this is among the many proofs… of the uncertainty of life!”, she wrote to a sister, “A girl to young, so lovely–all the effort of her father, doctors and friends availed to nothing.” 

Exhausted and grieving, Jefferson returned to Washington. “I arrived here last night after the more fatiguing journey I have experience for a great many years,” he wrote to his daughter Patsy, now called Martha. On Sunday, June 2nd, Jefferson received a letter from Abigail Adams sending her condolences. After the death of his daughter, Jefferson wrote that he had lost half of what he once had and it is reported the news shook him as no other as even back in the President’s House, he was walked on shedding tears in private self. 

Years later, after composing a last poem for his only surviving child of six, Martha, before his death, he alluded that he would soon be with his wife and soon with Maria as well. 

#love this #Flood pressles box #sincerely anonymous

[miraculous-nights]

Supervillains

Title: Chapter Two

Summary: Marinette was kidnapped when she was 6 and her cage was next to a boy in a similar situation. Tikki and Plagg renamed them to be Ladybug and Chat Noir, but they still don’t know who their companion really is. Suddenly, they are let loose into the world with no explanation.

Word Count: 2638

Rating: T

Disclaimer: I sadly do not own Miraculous Ladybug or any of it’s characters…

“My name is Marinette Dupain-Cheng, and I was kidnapped at the park across my street when I was six years old. My mother had confirmed the date that I was taken was tomorrow, nine years ago. A lady that called herself Tikki and her husband, Plagg, were the ones who I perceived to be the leaders of the place. There was another person with me. I never learned his name, but we were about the same age. They gave us fake names, and we were kept in padlocked cages,” Marinette took a breath from her rapidly speeding words.

“For the past nine years, we have been let out to be taught like we were in school, be bathed, and have our faces repainted so we couldn’t see each other. There was a single light bulb that hung above us, and it would sway so little that you only noticed it in the days that weren’t packed full of the meds.”

“The meds? What kind of meds, Marinette,” asked Officer Leroy when she paused.

“Meds that make you forget what happened yesterday but not what happened the day you woke up in a cage.”

Sabine put a glass of water into her daughter’s hand and told her to drink and breathe. Tom moved a little closer to his baby girl. Marinette tried not to stiffen, but failed when she thought of how the last person that she had gotten as close to as she could was Chat Noir. Her Chat Noir that flirted with her when she needed it most and also knew when to tone it down and let their fingers reach between the bars and their foreheads simply rest against them. She wondered if there was any paint left on her face.

“They upped the meds last year sometime, they would only tell us the year. Also, there was a different lady that dropped me off at the park today, Trixx. She didn’t like us and neither did Plagg. Tikki could barely stand us. That’s it, I think. That’s all I can remember for now.”

“Marinette, it’s okay. It’s very traumatic to be kidnapped and kept in a cage for that long of a time, especially as such a small child,” Officer Raincomprix summed it up in one sentence.

“I am not weak, and I know it,” Marinette looked into her hands. “I want to go to my grade level in school and make friends. I want to be normal and have hobbies that don’t include delving into my past, but I won’t forget my past either.”

She smiled at her parents and the officers in the living room. “Can we clean my room and get things I want to change and replace before the whole media learns that I’m home?”

Sabine rolled the cart, trailing behind her enthusiastic daughter. She was in the aisle labeled “CRAFTS” and darting to craft after craft. She decided to get some basic sewing supplies and some sketchbooks with pencils. Sabine helped her choose a couple of outfits and lazy clothes for her dresser and finally let Marinette grab the white pillow from the front area of the store with a black kitty stitched onto it.

Marinette beamed at being out in the open, and Sabine smiled at the fact this was her child, the one that was there when she was six. In one of the grocery aisles, she bumped into Madame Césaire and her daughter, Alya, pushing the cart.

“Marlena, it’s good to see you. How’s Alya? I can see her back there,” Sabine wiggled a finger at the girl slouched over the bar and tapping away at her phone.

“Mom, what is she using?” Marinette peeked out from behind her own mother at the cellphone in her hands.

“It’s a cellphone. They were just starting to become popular when…” Marinette sighed when her mom wouldn’t talk about what happened.

“Oh my goodness gracious, is that your daughter? Sabine, didn’t she go missing nine years ago? You didn’t tell me and I don’t think it was in the paper,” Marlena was astounded as she began to stare at Marinette.

“Please don’t stare,” murmured Marinette as her mom explained when she showed up earlier.

Marlena and Sabine started moving in opposite directions and Marinette trailed behind. Her daughter looked familiar, but she didn’t know why. Maybe they played together when they were kids, because she had obviously not been kidnapped.

As she got in the car, Marinette realized that she had looked like the girl that Plagg called Fox. She looked so similar, but it was probably another child that was wronged by Tikki and Plagg. Fox came to the classroom sometimes to learn their basic schoolwork. She had mentioned coming there for tutoring, but Marinette doubted it was the same girl.

Marinette studied the outside world as they drove home and missed Sabine’s question.

“Huh?”

“I said, Mari, how did you like the store?”

“It was a store, I guess. It’s not like I’m six and don’t know what a store is. I was just happy to have something to do,” Marinette wanted to sigh, she didn’t want these awkward conversation starters with her own mom.

“You can address what happened to me, Mom. I lived through it and it won’t break me if you have questions. I didn’t have the luxury of growing up and I certainly can’t go back to being innocent about this now.” Sabine sighed, and she prepared herself for whatever questions her mom had.

“I just don’t want to push you, honey. I know you were a hardy child, but you’re so thin and I think you might break if a strong breeze came our way. I don’t want you to only think about this for the rest of your life, and I want you to become happy,” Sabine spoke quickly, afraid her daughter didn’t want to think about being easily broken.

“Mom. That’s what you’re worried about? I lived everyday in there, thinking about who were and who I was. I remembered what I was like and focused on that much more than what happened. Now I can just focus on the future,” Marinette smiled while she thought about what she could do next. Having nothing to do was the hardest part about being Ladybug.

They sat over dinner, Marinette prodding at her small plate of braised chicken and mix of vegetables. After so little food, it would take time for her to be able to eat more than what she had now. Ladybug never had more than two meals a day, and those were mostly very bland and hard.

“What are your plans for schooling, what level are you at?”

“I’m in my current grade level, Dad. I’ll be fine to go to school after this weekend. School gets out in July, so I still have over a month and a half to find some friends.”

Sabine smiled down into her plate as Marinette tried her chicken. She quickly started to cut it up and slowly eat it. Tom’s plate was almost gone by this point. Silence was tense, and Marinette pronounced herself done soon after.

“You’ve barely touched your food,” exclaimed Tom. “You don’t like it?”

“It’s great, really! I just don’t have that much of an appetite yet. I’ll try eating more tomorrow. Can I go continue cleaning my room?”

They ushered her away and Mari climbed the ladder and got the vacuum plugged in. The whirr comforted her and she knew it wouldn’t stop. Methodically, she rolled it over the floor in straight lines, sucking up the dust. After the floor was finished, she used the nozzle to clean up her bed and chaise that was brand new when she turned six. The bed had no sheets, and when she finished her vacuuming she went downstairs to find some.

She did not find sheets. She found her mother crying and her father teary eyed on the couch. She slipped back upstairs before they noticed her, and she continued her dust-filled adventure. The dust rags and fluffs were filled to the brim, and she had possibly finished as much as she could.

She opened the trapdoor to go downstairs louder this time to make sure her parents had enough time to collect themselves if needed. They sat on the couch, watching the news. It was her. Marinette’s face was on the screen, Marinette from when she was six.

“I don’t think I should help in the bakery tomorrow,” Marinette said as she started looking for sheets. Tom shook his head as they moved on to show the front of the bakery and a reporter in front of that live.

“Not much has happened in the household since her return. The bakery had closed early today in order to remember her, and she appeared shortly after. The police have revealed very little, but we will keep you updated on the case. Back to you at the station, this has been Nadja Chamack reporting for TVi,” the reporter’s face vanished and the anchors were back to address the next news story.

“She has a daughter, Mari. Maybe to get a swing on things you could babysit for her. Manon is a cute child and she also loves the park-” Sabine drew in a breath, watching Marinette closely for any signs.

“Yeah, I could take her to the park some days. It wouldn’t be a bad way to get outside before getting into a routine. I bet she’s wonderful.”

Manon was not wonderful. Marinette had met Manon only twenty minutes ago and already knew what a disaster she had gotten herself into. Manon like to ask about everything, and Manon also liked to run away as fast as she could and see if Marinette could catch her.

“Manon, come back,” Marinette called as she ran straight into a boy with blonde hair. “Chat? No, I’m so sorry please excuse me!”

The handsome blonde boy stared at the girl chasing down the wild child. “Ladybug?”

“What was that Adrien? Listen, sweetie, you need to listen to us because this is your first photo shoot. I still don’t know how your dad let you get so skinny. Now, can you stand, no sit, on the fountain ledge here? Thank you, now look at the camera,” the photographer stood behind the camera as Adrien shuffled into position.

“Manon, do you know what’s happening over there? It looks a like a big deal.”

“Some kind of photoshoot for a famous boy. Nobody but his family has seen him for ten years! Mommy told me this morning over breakfast,” Manon sounded proud that she could help Marinette, despite the fact she kept running away from her.

“Oh, that’s very interesting. What did you have for breakfast?” Marinette continued to chat with Manon but didn’t take her eyes off the “famous boy” and he seemed to look back at her quite a lot as well.

Ten years was a bit too coincidental to Marinette, but she put it off and continued watching the boy as people gathered around the area to see the photoshoot. She spotted Alya, the girl from the store yesterday and walked over.

“Excuse me, Alya was it? Do you know what’s all happening? Sorry if I’m bugging you or something,” Marinette burst out at Alya.

“What is happening, girl, is that the famed Adrien Agreste is having his first photoshoot for over ten years. His mom made his father stop before he was kidnapped or something and then his father shut him inside the house for ten years in vengeance. Then, his mom disappeared or something about a year ago, and finally after mourning his wife, Gabriel Agreste decided to let his professional clothing line be premiered on his own son! Isn’t that great? I found it all out through multiple magazines and rumors around the fashion community,” Alya explained as they walked away from the loudest part of the group.

“It is an impressive feat. If only they had you on the crew looking for me, you probably could have found me in a month,” Marinette smiled at her joke, and Alya burst out laughing. “The perks of having a roommate who loves puns.”

“Roommate? I never heard this on the news, would you consider telling me more?”

“Maybe some other time, if that’s okay with you. I have a babysitting job to finish and a kid to bring home to her parents.” They parted ways and Marinette took Manon home soon after.

“Hello, Madame Chamack. I saw you on the news last night, didn’t I?”

“Good afternoon, Marinette. And yes, you did see me standing in front of your bakery. I volunteered for the job so Manon could come watch what I do at a live scene.”

“I have to get going soon, but enjoy your evening. You can call my mom if you want Manon to go to the park again,” Marinette waved as she walked away from the house and went back over to the park. She set a pace to go around the park multiple times and set a course in her mind. It wasn’t the same way she walked yesterday, but was still similar.

She walked and thought about what was going to happen when or if Tikki and Plagg popped up again. She figured it would happen soon, but she wasn’t sure how they would do it. The last time she was alone, it was to pick up Manon. The time before that, when people were staring at her before her parents knew she was alive.

Stopping and sitting down on a bench, Marinette closed her eyes and let herself become Ladybug again. Ladybug knew that Tikki and Plagg’s appearance was a when, never an if. Marinette let herself hope. Ladybug wondered what would happen, and Marinette thought that she could just tell her parents and they would protect her. Ladybug and Marinette might share the same soul, but they would never have equal agendas.

She was so lost in thought that when she finally opened her eyes she could see only half of the sun over the buildings of Paris. Standing, she took a breath and became fully Marinette yet again. It was Saturday, and dinner would be soon. She walked home quickly, making her lose a bit of breath over the pace and her weak body.

Rushing up the stairs, she wondered what time it was and decided to get a watch. She found the door unlocked and walked in slowly.

“I’m home,” Marinette said to a delicious smell and a worried Sabine.

“Marinette! Where were you? I called Nadja and she said you dropped off Manon over an hour ago!”

“I’m sorry, I went back to walk around the park and then I got lost in thoughts. I was thinking about the future,” Marinette was telling the truth, but not the full picture behind it.

“Sabine, I told you to calm down. She would have been fine for long as needed,” Tom chimed from the couch, curled up in a fuzzy blanket. The news wasn’t on tonight, but some popular show called The Returned was on. Tom patted the cushion next to him, and Marinette plopped down.

“This is one of my favorite shows. It’s about all these local people who died years ago show back up and things just seem to go wrong,” he explained while she processed. Marinette still took a while to get things through her mind after so many pills were put into Ladybug’s shared space.

Marinette knew why he watched it. It was most simply because he thought his daughter was dead when it started and before she actually returned. It was heartbreaking to her, that her father got through his pain with a show that mirrored his real life.

#ml #fanfic #miraculous ladybug #marichat #adrienette #LadyNoir #supervillians #ladrien #my writes #yikes guys #this isnt even the true plot yet #im just getting started #lord help us all

[p-artsypants]

Drabbles and Fanfiction

Every once and a while, I will share this list. You can also find this page on my blog. 

Full list of all my works:

Find most, if not more, of these fics on:

fanfiction.net | archive of our own | wattpad

(~AU’s, *Finished, ❤️Author’s Favorites)

Kingdom Hearts

~❤️Rage Awakened ao3 | ff.net- Ten years ago, Terra, Aqua, and Ventus lost their fellow apprentice, Sora, in Deep Jungle. Now, they are to return with two new students, Riku and Kairi, to lock the heart of the world. All the while, something watches from the trees. Feral!Sora AU

My Kingdom for a Heart ao3 | ff.net - The curse of being one of the Princesses of heart, is that there’s always someone out to get you. As Xemnas looked failure in the face, he reached out in a last ditch effort and destroyed Kairi’s heart. Now her friends must travel the worlds again. Sora, to find a way to recover Kairi’s heart, and Riku, to make amends to those he has wronged. All the while, the darkness grows.

Miraculous Ladybug

One Shots

*❤️amalgam- When an young man is rejected for being ‘incompatible’ he turns into the akuma ‘Amalgam’ able to fuse two people together. And later Adrien and Marinette would debate if it was lucky or unlucky that they got hit. (Also Available in russian)

*sing we all noel- After receiving the worst Christmas present ever from his father, Chat Noir finds himself out on the streets with nowhere to go on Christmas Eve. Thankfully, Ladybug finds him and brings him home.

*speechless- In a world where everyone has a soulmark, the first words their soulmate will say to them, Marinette is born without one. But Adrien Agreste has two. Curious, considering he’s mute.

*❤️tunnels of love- The night started out with an accidental kiss from Adrien Agreste, and ended with her bleeding in the Catacombs of Paris. Ladybug, the wielder of the miraculous of good luck. Yeah right. (Some blood)

*the reveal that wasn’t- first parts My ending to kittybug’s Tumblr Prompt

*what a mess we’re in- Ladybug has a lot on her mind, and when Chat Noir bugs her enough, she tells him she’s going to confess to her Crush, Adrien Agreste. Chat’s reaction is not what she’s expecting.

Long Fics

Longest Night- (ff.net | ao3) - The day started out sucky to begin with. Her crush ousted to the class and Adrien. Lila taking pride in exacting her revenge. But by the time patrol was over, a young man was dead, and Ladybug’s identity was at risk. Lila was the least of her concerns. Good thing Adrien was taking it all like a champ. (Rated M for scenes of torture)

*❤️nine lives- (ff.net) When Adrien Agreste is scheduled to go to a Military School in Germany, Chat Noir must make a critical decision. Does he give up his Miraculous? Or does he give up his life as Adrien? I’ll save you the trouble of guessing, he gives up being Adrien.

*tender words- When Marinette finally gets the guts to confess her feelings for Adrien, some things go so wrong, and other things go so right.

How To Train Your Dragon

One Shots

The Vikings Have Their Tea (ff.net | ao3)

arranged marriage- Takes place at the beginning of HTTYD

❤️breathe- Survival of the fittest

~childhood friends- At the Sandbox

❤️easy fix- In which Hiccup has a bad day

~fashion designer- Astrid needs a fill in

❤️frozen- In Which Astrid takes a Dip and things get frisky (Rated M)

❤️headache- In Which Hiccup hits his head….really hard

❤️heir- In Which Hiccup is Picked (longer version by fatecharms)

illness- In Which Stoick is a dad

~illusionist- Trick gone wrong

~in the walls- In which there’s a poop ghost

~knocking on the wrong door (2) - A chance encounter

❤️messages- Astrid is Frustrated with Hiccup’s obliviousness

~to mirkwood- Hiccup is not a dwarf

~monster falls- Hiccup and Astrid take a dip

❤️mute- In which there’s a quiet stranger

~music video (ImgHS)- He didn’t expect it

❤️operation: lovebirds- In Which the gang makes a plan, and Hiccup gets Drunk

~over- Too many nightmares

~partners in crime- A normal day at work

~pirate- Astrid is the greatest treasure

~prince- He doesn’t want to be a broken King

❤️sorting things out- In Which Astrid gets her ducks in a row

~the dragon and the dame- Beauty and the Beast Au

the pit- In Which Hiccup is rescued

hide and seek- Part 1

lost and found- Part 2

Long fics:

*❤️infernal responsibility- Being the son of the chief takes brains, courage, and a lot of patience. But at his father’s the request for marriage, Hiccup decides he has had enough. When he seeks out a life of ease, he runs into more than what he bargained for.

*❤️roses and lilies- “Astrid, you and I both know you’re much tougher than I am. You’re more brave, and a better fighter…but just for a little while…could we pretend that I’m the one protecting you?” “Oh gods yes!” (Also Available in spanish!)

*~what the water gave me- The sea is a wild and dangerous thing, something that cannot be foretold or predicted. Hiccup discovered this many years ago, in human naiveté. Yet, what was meant as a sacrifice became a new life, one like no one could comprehend. He now finds himself once more in the unknowing hands of those that sentenced him to death. He only prays things will be different this time. Merman!AU

*parasite- Soulsnatcher Dragons are rare but deadly. But, As Hiccup finds out, it’s the eggs you have to watch out for.

*~320 state street- Gobber’s Goods. A Hardware Store that was rumored to have everything you needed. She thought she only needed a job. Turns out, she needed a lot more than that. (A Modern AU no one asked for)

*~❤️the north tower- When Finn Hofferson died, Astrid inherited his castle in Wales…and a whole lot more. Something sinister lurks in the North Tower.

*~❤️boy toy- ao3 - At the age of 21, Princess Astrid lawfully has to pick a husband. But when the perfect groom is nowhere to be found, she requests the toymaker to create one for her. It’s safe to say that everyone in the kingdom is a little concerned. (Pinocchio!AU I guess?)

no, you go first- ao3 - The Chief of Berk was a headstrong viking, stubborn and full of pride, and willing to do whatever it takes to keep his village safe. But for a moment, he puts that aside, and listens to his son. In which Hiccup convinces his dad not to make him go through Dragon Training, and the subsequent changes that follow.

*in due time- ao3 - As another illness sweeps through Berk, Gothi needs another ingredient for her medicine…one that doesn’t exist anymore. Fortunately, she kept that old spell book around for such an occasion. Big Hiccup is sent to five years into the past, and his younger self sent to take his place in the future. But it’s only a few days, what could go wrong?

Trollhunters: Tales from Arcadia

❤️arcadia or bust- In Which Arcadia welcomes back it’s underground citizens.

Teen Titans

Oneshots:

~big brother- Don’t turn out the light (Horror)

dear jason- Bruce Writes a letter

just drawing- Bruce thinks about Robin

the prisoner- Starfire is Guilty

of mustard and three foot purple tongues- A collection of Oneshots and Drabbles

Long Fics (*Finished):

*~❤️carol of the bells- High in the dark Bell Tower of Notre Dame, there lives a mysterious bell ringer. Legend tells of the angel who fell from the sky, and the curse she bares. There are few who know her true identity though; her master, the priest, and the acrobat that performs on the streets below. Based loosely on ‘The Hunchback of Notre Dame’ RobxStar and slight BBxRae

*no escape- Three years ago, Starfire escaped an Alien race called the Gordanians, to arrive on Earth. They’re back, and ready to put Starfire back where she belongs, behind reinforced Titanium bars. Robin’s not about to let her go…if only he hadn’t got captured first. How does it feel to be the alien, Robin?

*now you know my pain- When the new Villain, Gender Bender, comes to down, the Titans find themselves in an odd situation. They’ve been turned into the opposite gender against their will! Now in order to change back, they must learn to understand the gender they’ve turned into. Rated T for obvious reasons. A great read if you’ve ever wondered why girls or guys do [blank].

*paint it black- Robin disappeared three months ago. Now, Jump City’s crime rate is mysteriously being taken care of by a normal, albeit strange, teenage boy who goes by the name Black. As the Titans befriend this lunatic, they begin to see a relation between him and their missing leader. Will they be able to find Robin, or will Black turn them all insane as himself? Actually, contains NO OC.

*saving grace- “When I’m done with you, you won’t be able to walk upright or speak coherent sentences and all you’ll see is my mask and my voice repeating in your head…Weak. Richard Grayson, I am not tough, I am everything that you fear.” Happy Ending! Smudge of RobStar. NO Slash!

Other Fandoms

Final Fantasy XV

❤️requiem for pitioss-“O King. The god’s have heard your cries. Know that we weep with you. The Oracle’s calling has not yet been fulfilled. But…Lunafreya as you know her cannot return the way she was.” Noctis looked up, hopeful. “But she can return!” Canon divergence from Chapter 9. Happy ending. Some spoilers.

Beauty and the Beast

*❤️behold the beast- A Oneshot alternate ending to the Animated Film

Cinderella

*❤️midnight- “When the clock strikes twelve, the spell will be broken,” the fairy godmother had warned. A retelling of the story, when Cinderella doesn’t escape the ball in time. Oneshot

*so this is love- What if Jaq and Gus hadn’t made it in time to help Cinderella? A new twist on the ending of the classic Fairytale, and what lies beyond the story. She still gets her happy ending and her Prince, and her step family gets their just deserts.

Sleeping Beauty

*❤️a love song back to me- Maleficent saw the loophole that stared her in the face. Prince Phillip would break the curse in time, for sure. After all, he was betrothed to Aurora. So in an effort for her evil plan to stay in action, Maleficent takes care of the young prince herself. Phillip never imagined having to live off the land like the birds above. Alternate twist on the classic Disney tale.

Escaflowne

down feathers- Hitomi’s depressed. She’s been away from Van too long, he comes back to visit her…but what if something went wrong with the transfer? (Not finished. Never will be finished. Mwahaha) Circa 2012

*angel’s wounds- Fanelia’s been victorious in their most recent battle with Basrum. Unfortunately, someone is wounded and just seeks solace in his love that lives so far away. Post Anime.

momma look sharp- With the war between Fanelia and Basrum finally coming to a close, the kingdom is celebrating. The young king, however, is suffering from an experience unlike any he had before. Van finally seeks solace in his wife.

#fanfiction #miraculous ladybug #ml #miraculousladybug #kingdom hearts #Disney #escaflowne #trollhunters #sleeping beauty #cinderella #beauty and the beast #Teen Titans #final fantasy xv #httyd3 #httyd #how to train your dragon