Tumgik
#and Vice found it & since it was obviously important to HER it's now important to HIM so he actually cracks it open and READS IT
cybersteal · 3 months
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Taken by the amazing fantastic wonderful @wilxfyre
I commissioned them to take some sappy shots of Vice and So Mi because all of their work is just so impressive, and I am still not over how fucking adorable and wholesome these are. Every soft, tender moment they get together fills me with so much joy, it heals my soul.
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LES DEUX BOUTS DE L'ÉCHELLE, PIERRE
𝘑𝘦 𝘳é𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘪𝘴: 𝘔𝘰𝘪, 𝘫𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘪𝘴 𝘭𝘦 𝘳ê𝘷𝘦𝘶𝘳; 𝘑𝘦 𝘮'𝘦𝘯 𝘷𝘢𝘪𝘴 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘯𝘵, 𝘤ô𝘵𝘰𝘺𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘭𝘢 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦 𝘋𝘦 𝘷𝘰𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘯𝘵𝘴, 𝘭'𝘰𝘦𝘪𝘭 𝘣𝘢𝘪𝘴𝘴é, 𝘤𝘢𝘳 𝘫'𝘢𝘪 𝘱𝘦𝘶𝘳, 𝘲𝘶𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘫𝘦 𝘮𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩𝘦, 𝘋'é𝘤𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘳 𝘶𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘦 𝘰𝘶 𝘣𝘪𝘦𝘯 𝘲𝘶𝘦𝘭𝘲𝘶𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘳. 𝘑𝘦 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦, 𝘦𝘯 𝘱𝘢𝘴𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘵, 𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦 𝘳𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘰𝘶 𝘭𝘦 𝘱𝘭𝘦𝘶𝘳, 𝘊𝘢𝘳 𝘭𝘢 𝘷𝘪𝘦, 𝘪𝘤𝘪-𝘣𝘢𝘴, 𝘢 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘫𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘥𝘦𝘶𝘹 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘴𝘦𝘴
BOTH ENDS OF THE LADDER, PIERRE
𝘐 𝘢𝘯𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥: 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘮𝘦𝘳; 𝘐 𝘴𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘭𝘺 𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭 𝘢𝘣𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 𝘖𝘧 𝘺𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘨𝘦𝘴, 𝘭𝘰𝘰𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯, 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘐 𝘢𝘮 𝘢𝘧𝘳𝘢𝘪𝘥, 𝘸𝘩𝘦𝘯 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘭𝘬, 𝘖𝘧 𝘤𝘳𝘶𝘴𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘵 𝘰𝘳 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘩𝘶𝘮𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘧𝘭𝘰𝘸𝘦𝘳. 𝘐 𝘨𝘢𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘰𝘯 𝘮𝘺 𝘸𝘢𝘺, 𝘭𝘢𝘶𝘨𝘩𝘵𝘦𝘳 𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘦𝘢𝘳𝘴, 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦, 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘭𝘰𝘸, 𝘢𝘭𝘸𝘢𝘺𝘴 𝘤𝘢𝘳𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘰𝘵𝘩
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axcel-lucci · 8 months
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Didn't know...
Trafalgar Law x fem!reader
A/n: so quick authors note, this is something out of my heart like-- it's most of my frustrations in one fic, so I hope it's not all over the place too much, also it's kind of angst to me.
My masterlist
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(Y/n) has been a part of the heart pirates for years now, she was a part of the "og crew" which consists of penguin, Shachi, and Bepo as the first crewmates.
She met them when they found out she'd been following them around but they didn't notice, law wanted her on the crew because one, she's sneaky, two, she'd be a great spy, and three, none of them know how to cook properly, so they kinda made her their cook.
Anyway, fast forward to today, she now works as the scribe for the crew.
If anything, everyone knows how hard and important being a scribe was. Other than the first mate, the scribe works closely with their captain to keep certain documents straight and papers stacked accordingly as well as it being kept neatly tidy.
But in all the years, even before the crew started, (y/n) always acted so professional, always speaks in a blank expression and straight but cold tone.
Law find it quite amusing how even he gets scolded by her in such a tone as well when he doesn't take care of himself.
She's also rather distant by nature, which the "og crew" got used to after a few months.
But in the most recent year, he finds himself slowly being captured by her alluring personality and physical properties.
Sure, she was cold, but damn is she so fucking beautiful. People would always ask her what skincare she does but all she uses is soap and water, but what's important is her maintaining a balanced food, perfect hours of sleep, and working out. As well as her invulnerability to stress. Which makes law so jealous, but maybe this was the reason for his sudden attraction? Perhaps?
But as Law was starting to realize his feelings and emotions towards her, (y/n) already knew her feelings toward him.
From the very VERY beginning, she liked him.
From the way he carries himself to the way he speaks, to the way he dresses. Everything about him was perfect to her.
But no man has no insecurities, she grew in a home where love was almost nonexistent and grades were everything, but being in a real world like this one, there is no such thing as grades. So she has no idea how to prove herself to him that she liked him.
Does she know how to communicate her feelings? No, she doesn't.
Does she feel comfortable with the growing attraction towards her own captain? Obviously not.
She buried that feeling long ago deep, deep in her heart but it always finds itself to resurface whenever anyone shows interest in Law, or vice versa. It just unceremoniously makes her compare herself to whoever it was.
It just makes her confession day push back further and further and further until it had been two years of planning to confess and being pushed by some "inconvenience" (y/n) claims to have happened.
So imagine her shock and confusion when he announced his plan for dressrosa.
She knew she might never return from it, she knew he might find someone that suits tmhim that isn't her... it hurts... but it's also important to move on.
And as they waited in Zou, the crew noticed how distant she's become, more than her usual, but they brushed it off as her adjusting to the new location as she always does and her being concerned of her captain since she was part of the "og crew" which means she knows him best and bonded with him far longer than anyone has.
But her heart just sank and broke when she read how he's now in kahoots with the strawhats, of course she knows it would be beneficial for him and they'd take good care of him, but she also knows a specific individual was there, one that would defeat her in every single rank, one that would probably click with him more. Nico Robin.
So the hope for any type of romance or relationship, other than really close friends, with Law was shut down right at that instant.
Bepo noticed her sad eyes when she read the news and asked her, of course she denied it with her saying "I'm just tired and drained at the moment, my apologies..." to him. The lie was absolutely buyable since she now also works in the infirmary to replace the missing captain and give the crew their daily check ups, on top of that, being the crew's scribe.
But when he returned, she was in so much relief to find out that no, he did not have any relationship to anyone in the crew, if anything, he was desperate to get out of there (his words).
But when they were around the strawhats, Law reacted so much more to Robin, making her wonder if he was interested in her.
The weight in her patched heart slowly grows heavier each day passes until Luffy decides to leave and save his cook.
Clutching the white envelope in hand, she raised her fist to knock only to hesitate a few times, resulting in her chickening out entirely.
As she walked to her work, she just stared at the white envelope. Weighing down the pros and cons. Mostly cons.
When the footsteps of another crew member was soon echoing right behind her, she shoves the envelope messily in her pocket, not caring if it got ruined. It was going to the trash anyway.
'so much for my hardwork... I literally worked on that for days!' She sighed inwardly before greeting the crewmember that just caught up to her.
"Captain said he's gonna help everyone be transported to wano." They said
She just hummed with a nod, as she usually does. 'wait... so does it mean that... even miss Robin would be here...? So much for my hope I guess...' she inwardly thought while listening intently to the details of the plan.
Later, she and Shachi were working on the engine when Law decided to check on their work performance, which was completely normal.
He glanced to (y/n) as she was tightening up some bolts while telling Shachi to work on the cooling system of the engine when he noticed a small part of an envelope was sticking out.
Knowing (y/n), she'd probably just hide it or deny it being there if he asked, so he did what he always does.
"Room... shambles." He lowly muttered and soon acquired a nearly crumpled up envelope in his hands, he of course hid it since she didn't seem to notice it being gone as it was just a piece of paper.
Law soon left and hurried back to his personal quarters, curious as to what the envelope must have inside.
A letter? Money, perhaps?
Once he got there, he closed the door behind him and locked it before sitting at the edge of the bed and pulling the envelope out, he observed the outside of it first, "for captain's eyes only, Huh?" He chuckled to himself.
He soon found himself removing the seal very carefully.
Once done, he pulled out the letter that was inside and began to read it.
"'dear captain'... how cliche, (y/n)-ya" he chuckled while rolling his eyes.
As he soon read throught the entirety of the letter, his small smirk slowly falls.
The letter basically contains her confessing her true feelings, her own insecurities about the matter, even her own insight and expectations, which was really so "shallow" (her words).
But to sum it up, it's just her confessing her true feelings, how she knew she wouldn't have a chance, and how... she just wanted to try.
At the end of the letter, it said: "I hope you take my offer into consideration. If not, please consider this letter void... I promise I wouldn't mind as I already understand every possible outcome of such a risky letter. I also hope this offer turns out in the best way it possibly can. Also, please do tell me what your feelings on this matter is, I really would appreciate if you'd be able to communicate all these to me directly. With best intentions, (y/n)."
"No wonder she tries her hardest to stay professional..." he muttered before looking at the date it was created ((y/n) is such a dumbass and placed a date), "she made this over... wait... months ago?? Why didn't she just give it to me directly...?"
He just hummed slightly, "chicken..." he muttered under his breath a little.
As the sun slowly sets in the horizon, Law called (y/n) to his quarters for their daily reports.
"At 7 am, Shachi accidentally broke a vase due to him still drowsy. I had patched his arm up, luckily it wasn't severely bleeding. Around 12 noon..." she said in her usual professional tone as she reads the incident reports for this day, also briefing him with this week's hectic schedule.
He listened attentively, but his mind was flying off to somewhere.
"And... that's about it on the incident reports, as for the grocery list..." she muttered as she flipped through her clipboard to find a specific section while she paused.
"I've heard enough." He mentions, making her look at him with a faint nod
"Yes sir." She stands straight and proper
"But can I ask some questions?" He hummed before leaning back in his chair, "why was Shachi-ya drowsy...? Didn't he sleep early last night?"
She nodded, "he did. But he ended up playing videogames the whole night."
He hummed before scoffing, "I knew letting him buy that game was a bad idea."
"On the bright side though..." (y/n) muttered, "at least he has more to talk about than... his perverted stuff..."
"True." He chuckled under his breath, he could see a faint smile playing on her lips before it returned to her neutral expression of professionalism.
He sighed deeply before pulling out the bottom drawer of his desk and pulled out the letter from before, "do you mind explaining this?" He asked as he showed her the letter, now wide open for the world to see, in front of him
She was unresponsive at first, staring at the crumpled piece of paper with words almost blankly before her face starts to heat up.
Keep in mind, her face was still on her usual neutral expression as she heats up. Her face redder than a tomato at how embarrassing it was.
She just turned around for a second and breathed deeply. Ins and outs. Before she had calmed down entirely and turned back around
"That letter wasn't supposed to reach anyone... how did you get it?" She asked in a slightly shaky voice.
"Oh, I was just curious. I saw it peaking out of your pocket earlier, so... yeah."
"I... I see... I should've disposed of it earlier" she muttered
"Care to explain this, by any chance?" He looked at her.
She remained unbothered but her form was visibly shaking from emotions.
She was thinking really deeply, whether to lie and get out of there as soon as possible OR just admit all of it and hope for the best.
While thinking though, she suddenly went through tides of her own emotions, it's like they want to burst.
In the end, (y/n) thought he was upset about the contents. She bowed as an apology, "my apologies... sir. I let my feelings get in the way of professionalism. This won't ever happen again, I'll see to it that if anything like this ever happens again I'll-"
"Hey!" He immediately got up from his chair, "that's not what I meant!"
He just sighed deeply before shaking his head, "this... I didn't mean it was... ugh..." he groaned, "lift your head. I need to speak to you properly."
She did as she was told.
Her body still trembling from the sudden surge of emotions but her expression remained constant and consistent.
"What I mean is that... are all the things in this letter true?" He asked as he placed the letter on the table, "if so... why didn't you tell me sooner? It looked like it was made almost... 4 months ago."
She swallowed thickly, her throat started to dry. But she remained calm and took a deep breath in, "I... simply was a coward. I intended to give this to you at valentine's day, which was roughly... 6 months ago, but I wish to make it perfect. Which took too long..." she kinda sighed at how stupid she sounds right now, "my apologies... had it been long before, you wouldn't have to stress about it right now. If you read through all of it, you can consider this letter void. And we can forget it ever existed."
He shook his head and slammed his hands on the desk making her jump slightly while looking down at the blasted piece of paper that started all of this, as if she wasn't the one who made it in the first place.
"I don't need your apology. Gosh... I never thought you'd be like Bepo" he grumbled, she just stayed quiet making him realize his mistake; "actually, no... I don't want to make this letter void."
She looked up at him with hope in her eyes before dying down and looking at the paper.
"You have... other ideas, I see..." she muttered lowly.
This was one of the worst case scenarios she had thought of, him possibly kicking her out, as falling in love with your boss was a big no-no in a working environment.
Funny enough, she actually had her bags ready just in case when she planned to give him the letter earlier that day.
"Yes. I do have my own ideas." He huffed.
She just then looked at the ground as her hands start to fiddle with each other almost nervously, 'this is it... I'm done...' she thought with a sigh.
She was thinking so deeply of her own self dug up demise she didn't even hear him walking around the desk to be Infront of her until she just saw his shoes directly facing her.
Her head lifted slightly but not entirely, to avoid looking at his eyes.
'He's probably mad just about now...' she thought inwardly.
She heard him sigh softly before placing a hand on her shoulder and the other lifting her head up to meet his soft eyes.
"I told you already, lift your head. I want to speak to you properly, not as captain and crew. But as two separate individuals. Nothing more" he muttered in a soft tone
She just sighed and nodded before composing herself properly, "well...? What's the final verdict?"
It was quiet for a while, more of Law searching her soul empty eyes in hopes for him finding at least one small hope from her.
"I want to give this a try." He says
It took some time to register, but once it did, she didn't notice her face was filled with shock and confusion, "c-come again?"
"I said, I want to give this... us, a try." He repeats
"O-oh... uhm... I see..."
She was too busy planning for her own funeral she forgot the other side of the pros and cons, the pros side.
(Y/n) kinda knew he would reject her so she didn't bother planning for when he DID accept.
I mean she did but it was just him saying he accepts but is actually a lie.
She looked so lost at the moment while thinking how this could've been so... favourable.
Law sensed it too, her confusion, frustration, even the look of her not planning ahead.
"Wait... did you actually think I would... reject your offer??" He asked, surprised himself.
"I-i mean... it would only be natural, right...?" She mumbled under her breath, "m-my apologies for the lack of response. It's just... I didn't expect it to go this way. truth be told, I already have my bags packed just in case you would want me to leave... so uhm... gosh this is so embarrassing..."
"What?! I would never want you to leave!" He said in a shocked tone it almost scared her half to death.
"A-ah... I should've... thought of that, m-my... my apologies"
"Stop apologising..." he just sighed heavily at this point. With a hand, he placed it on her cheek to make her look at him, "hey... please be honest, what would you think would happen if you hand me the letter?"
She just hummed a bit, "I... I thought you'd be mad because... I mean... I'm not on the... uhm... 'pretty' or 'cute' spectre. Hell, I wouldn't reach the beautiful spectre. And I'm not exactly... knowledgeable. So I thought... you wouldn't spare me a single glance. Miss Robin, however... you two fit so much. So when I heard you two bonded a lot while on the strawhats' ship, I... I let my emotions take over and basically back out of ever confessing."
"What on earth are you talking about? You're smart as hell. And I don't care if you're beautiful, pretty, or cute. What's important to me is that... you're kind and generous, even to your enemies that did so much harm than good to you. If anything, I'm upset you forgive people so easily." He explains before shaking his head, "and besides, you're the prettiest girl in my eyes. And nothing could ever change that"
"W-what...? You're not lying, are you?"
"Would I have a reason to lie?"
"N-no..."
"Then it's settled, we can try to make this work. But do know I'm not doing this because I feel pressured, in fact, I like you too... I just planned to confess after everything happened. After we defeat Kaido and bring back a small amount of needed peace." He nods, "can we go out sometime? Just the two of us?"
"A-ah...! S-sure...!" She jumped slightly, out of nervousness and shock.
"Still surprised and nervous? Don't be. I won't eat ya" he chuckled
It did NOT soothe her nerves. "Don't say that..."
"Then what?"
"Just... don't say anything about it."
"Why not?"
"I... don't know... I get so embarrassed at everything... and right now I feel so fucking ashamed." She huffed to herself angrily
"What do you mean...?" He asked, genuinely curious.
"I am so unplanned, I only planned for when you get upset. But not at the part where you did... I calculated every single outcome and at this point, you accepting is almost so... hmm... it doesn't feel right..."
"Why wouldn't it? You made the letter 4 months ago" he chuckled
"And right now, I want to burn it, destroy it, rip it to pieces until unrecognisable. I kinda wished you didn't see it first. Then I would've destroyed it out of existence."
He hummed, "and... you did that in past?"
"Multiple is way too much for you"
"What do you mean?" He asks slightly
"I've made at least 10 letters, but none of them ever saw the sun rise as I burned them every time we go out camping... I just... thought you'd reject me, that's all..." she explained briefly, "but now I know it was such a stupid decision... I shouldn't have chickened out all those years ago..."
"Hey... it's alright, what's important is that you're here. With me. Right now..." he smiles softly
"I just... didn't know you like me too..." she muttered mostly to herself, "b-but... I'm glad you do...!"
Law could feel himself smile softly, her exterior seemed to ship off slowly at this encounter.
He had never seen (y/n) so embarrassed, shocked, and confused all at the same time like now... it makes him feel so special right now that... she's slowly letting her in, like he did to her all those years ago.
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blues824 · 1 year
Note
Can you do ohshc host club with a s/o who is like Diluc from genshin impact
I most certainly can! Gender-neutral Reader. Anyone can read this, you are just a member of the Host Club (remember that Benibara charmed the girls in Lobelia). 
Does not include Haruhi. Feel free to request her, though.
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Tamaki Suoh
Before he truly got to know you, he was aware that you were of noble descent (probably because of Kyoya). Your family owned a winery, and a lot of rich families loved to import the wine from your specific winery. Hence why you got all that dough.
However, he also knew of your father’s passing. Since you were the oldest out of you and your younger brother, you inherited the business as well as the money. It also left you with habits of isolation that he tries repeatedly to break through. Eventually, you accept his invitation to the Host Club. After all, ladies like people with tragic backstories.
Eventually, he cracks through your cold exterior and gets to the gentle person that lies underneath. He charmed his way into your heart, so to speak. All the visitors notice the chemistry between the two of you and absolutely eat it up. One of the girls even pushed Tamaki to confess, which he did.
He confessed to you underneath one of the cherry blossom trees. His palms were sweaty and his knees were heavy (there’s vomit on his sweater already, mom’s spaghetti). A huge weight was lifted off of his shoulders when you accepted the rose and placed a kiss on his cheek. He was frozen in shock as blush erupted on his face.
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Kyoya Ootori
He was also aware of the family you came from. In fact, he was the one who suggested getting you recruited into the Host Club. You were from a very rich family, and you just became heir to the winery that his parents often order wine from.
Kyoya also knew of your father’s passing, and that’s how you became the heir of your family’s assets. Also, your younger brother was said to be a flirt. Even if that was the case, the Vice President saw more value in you than him. People love to romanticize a single, saddened person who is surrounded by alcohol.
You do eventually join the Host Club, and you both work side-by-side together in running the financial aspect of it all. That’s how you grew closer together, and now we can see Tamaki pushing Kyoya to confess his undying love for you.
He actually takes his advice, and tells you in passing. You weren’t the type to make a big deal out of things, so he figured this wouldn’t be an exception. You nearly dropped the folder you held, had you not been keeping a vice-like grip after he let it slip. You told him that you felt the same way, and he gently pressed a kiss to your temple before getting back to work.
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Mitsukuni “Honey” Haninozuka
Let’s be honest, you were probably shocked to see a child-like person running around Ouran Academy looking for sweets. It wasn’t a usual occurrence for you, especially since you had just recently transferred here with your younger brother.
Honey knew about you, but he didn’t know you. When Tamaki gave orders to get you recruited, he tried to use his child-like charm to try and get you to accept. Who can refuse him? Obviously not you, because you agreed.
He has to admit that your routine also worked on him for whatever reason. You would pour the visitors some drinks as you talked about taking care of them, if only they would accept your alcohol-earned money. To set aside all they ever knew and allow you to protect them. He kept getting distracted from work, and Kyoya encouraged him to confess so that he could get back on track.
One day, he hands you a box. When you opened it, you found that it was a cake he made for you. The frosting on top read as follows: “Will You Go Out With Me?” You let a small smile grace your face for a moment before accepting. After all, who can refuse him?
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Takashi “Mori” Morinozuka
It was an unusual sight for you, seeing a tall (fine-looking) gentleman escorting a child-looking student around Ouran Academy. You both officially met when you stopped him to ask him for directions to a certain class. Turns out, you both were heading in the same direction.
Tamaki had told the whole Host Club about your known history when he simultaneously ordered them to ask you to join the club. Instead of pulling off any sort of stunt, he just asked you like a freaking normal person. He felt glad that you accepted, but he didn’t show it.
He was secretly happy that you took to being a host so quickly. The host life wasn’t for everyone, after all. In fact, you got the most requests. He grew slightly envious of all your visitors, since you had them hooked onto your sad, ‘lonely’ charm. He didn’t get distracted, but Honey noticed and told him that he should tell you.
He eventually did, with a note. He wasn’t great with words, so a note would be the next best thing for him. It was surprisingly very sweet and romantic. As Eliza from Hamilton said, “He made palaces out of paragraphs”. He let a smile out when you accepted his confession.
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Hikaru Hitachiin 
Like with Haruhi, he was in a few of your classes. When you were introduced to everyone (as you were a late transfer), you both met each other’s gaze. He quickly looked away, but he knew karma had to get back at him because you were sat right next to him.
When the President of the Host Club voiced his desire to have you join them, he was exasperated. No one would allow him to get you out of his mind, would they? After class, he decided to ask if you would be interested in being a host, and he was surprised when you accepted.
He honestly thought you made a great host. You even charmed a lot of the other hosts, and the visitors… don’t even get me started. Your promises of taking them away and taking care of them really felt like a personal attack for him because it secretly made him swoon. However, he constantly got distracted because of you. Kaoru eventually made him go confess to you.
When he did, he decided to do it in a very unorthodox fashion. He requested you to be his host, and in your private session he told you about his feelings for you. He let out a breath of relief when you accepted his love.
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Kaoru Hitachiin
He was also in a few of your classes. He was appointed to show you around Ouran Academy. It was then that he got a text from Tamaki. He explained that he had to go because there was an emergency Host Club meeting. 
The next time you both met up with each other, you asked about the Host Club. He gave you the basic introduction, and he remembered that Tamaki had asked him to recruit you. He was absolutely ecstatic when you agreed to become a host.
He also thought you were a great host. Not only did you bring in mountains of revenue, but you also got into his head. You were like a siren, talking to others about your sad story and how you would never leave him them. He started getting distracted, and Hikaru got angry and made him confess to you.
He did it by handing you a rose everyday for a week. When he gave you the 7th rose, you knew what he was up to and accepted his feelings. He wrapped his arms around you in a hug, just happy as happy can be.
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cyberslam · 2 days
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hi!!! u dont have to if u dont want to obviously but since u asked for requests!!!! maybe undertaker taking care of his lil bro or vice versa or some shawntaker angst after the screwjob? sorry these arent v detailed lol u dont have to!!!! ty ty ty
It wasn't often that The Undertaker actually looked upset.
Kane had been in the funeral home, doing some clean up work before closing up. He didn't exactly enjoy it, but it was something to do between the days of travel and matches.
It was back in the house that Kane found his brother staring down at a sheet of brownies. The smell of baked goods lingered in the air. 'Taker was the one who usually cooked and looked after household duties. It was rare for him to even LET Kane do any type of finishing up in the funeral home or mortuary. He had strict rules about Kane taking his mask off for any front facing work (so Kane didn't), but today he had told Kane to clean up and close up early for him.
At the time it had sounded like there was something important 'Taker had to do, but it didn't seem that way now.
Kane sat down, perpendicular to his brother at the dinner table. He stared down at the brownies with him.
Silence shrouded them for what felt like hours, before The Undertaker spoke.
"They were her favorite."
Kane tilted his head in confusion. Her?
"A young girl...lifetimes ago," The Undertaker mumbled. "Her soul...is lost to me now. She liked brownies that were more like cake than fudge."
"Is she damned?" Kane asked.
"No. She is not damned," he sighed, rubbing his temple with his fingers. "Her soul is just not here, this time. I remember her. This time, however..."
Kane understood, to an extent. The cycles of life and death were not easy to cope with at times, especially for beings like them. Those of other worlds felt everything in a different ebb and flow.
"She didn't come into this world, this time." Kane finished the thought. He wondered, if it was a girl he knew before he possessed Mark's body, or if there was another way he was connected to her.
"...So you made brownies." He could understand why his brother did, but not exactly what his end goal was.
"I thought it'd relieve some of the pain," The Undertaker explained, finally lifting his head to look at Kane. There was a sadness in his eyes. His eyes, that looked more like the soft gaze of the vessel The Undertaker possessed (Kane took deep, rattling breaths to resist the anger and sadness at the loss of his real brother, not that he'd say it again), and not the hardened stare of an undying spirit.
The demon could only stare, before slowly taking his mask off. The Undertaker's sadness became a slight look of surprise.
"Kane--"
"Let's..." Kane sighed deeply, quirking his lips into a smile for a second. He felt exposed, naked, and his skin burned and burned as it was exposed to the air. He could smell the smoke. "...eat. For her. She wouldn't want this to go to waste."
"...No. No she wouldn't," 'Taker didn't move as he stared at Kane's face, taking in the details that remained hidden from the world.
Kane let him, this time. He hated the idea of eating in front of anyone, but nonetheless he reached into the pan to pull out one of the pre-cut pieces. He bit into it, the taste of ashes filling his mouth. He looked ahead, his damaged vision able to block out the way his brother stared.
He'd let him, today. It was clear that even The Undertaker needed his small comforts.
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my-castles-crumbling · 2 months
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This is an extremely bizarre thing to ask but I need advice so here I am 
Me and my girlfriend went back to her home town to visit her parents. It’s both our last year of uni and although i’d met them over the phone it was my first time meeting them in person. (It went well btw, they love me).
Unfortunately a bunch of others were back from Uni too. 
When we were in town in a coffee shop, four guys came over to us. Two of them stayed silent the whole time and the other two immediately called my girlfriend by her deadname and were using the wrong pronouns. She changed them halfway through school, and she’s passing, it was blatantly obvious they were doing it on purpose. 
I told them to fuck off. 
They asked me “What I am?” To which I assumed they meant “What’s my label?” So I answered, lesbian. Cause I am a lesbian.
Then they called my girlfriend a transphobic slur, called me straight, and left.
This obviously brought down the mood but she was so excited for me to see her town so I just asked a bunch of questions so she could put it out her mind and get all excited, and she did. We had a lovely day after that.
So we get back to her parents place and she tells me these were boys from her high school. As I said she transitioned halfway through so they should’ve known. 
Anyway, the next day she’s doing something with her little brother (yearly tradition that’s just them, i didn’t wanna impose) and her parents have plans so I thought i’d go into town and check out the library (it was fire btw, amazing books, cool architecture- for a town anyway- and peaceful… well mostly).
So i’m there for like three hours and as i’m leaving this guy approaches me. He’s one of the four from yesterday. One of the silent ones. 
So he asks if he can tell me something and I asked what he wanted. He said he just saw me here and remembered me and didn’t have the guts to say this to my girlfriends face but he needed to admit something.
I stay silent cause i’d rather he tell her but I know for sure she doesn’t want to see this guy and in my experience if guys like this just say what they want, they’re more likely to leave you alone.
So he admits that he and my girlfriend were close friends before she transitioned and he refused to talk to her after since his friends weren’t cool with it so he went along with them.
It makes sense, she found her old yearbook and pointed all the guys out the night before, in case we wanted to call the companies they work for or the police or something (they did yell slurs at us after all) and she seemed most bothered that this guy was there. 
Then he tells me that his father was the principle and the day of their high school graduation he told the guy announcing (I think it was one of the vice principles or someone else important) to use her deadname when calling her up. Even though she specifically made arrangements beforehand to make sure they’d use her actual name. 
I’ve heard this story from her before, but obviously I didn’t know this fucking guy was behind it. He said his friends made him do it.
Apparently he threatened the teachers job (he was apparently known to have had his dad fire ppl) so they did. Announce with her deadname.
I was fucking pissed when I heard this story. 
I just walked off. 
We were there a week and now we’re on a little trip. I haven’t told her yet. I don’t know how to bring it up. I know she has a right to know but i also think it’s bringing up old pain for no reason. 
Anyway, sorry for the story Cas. I can’t decide how or when to tell her. If I even should. What do you think? 
Damn, these boys sound terrible.
First, I want to say, you sound like an amazing person. Like...they way you support and affirm your girlfriend is super heartwarming. Keep doing you!
I do think your girlfriend deserves to know that happened. Part of me is like, oh, it's in the past, let's not reopen old wounds! But if she EVER found out you knew and didn't way anything? Just putting myself in her shoes, I would be devastated.
So I would make sure to tell her in a very intentional way. Not with ten minutes until you have plans, or something. Pick a time when you have a few hours to yourselves, and explain to her just like you explained to me. And tell her that you told her because she deserves the truth. And remind her that she didn't deserve to be treated like that and you're here for her. And then, listen. If she wants to talk about it, let her talk. If she wants to scream, scream with her. If she wants to move on, let her move on. Take her lead, you know?
I think it's also worth having a conversation with her (at a later date) to decide as a couple, do you want to tell each other these things? Like, if you find out people have done hurtful things to her or vice versa (talked behind backs, for example) do you WANT to know? Do you want to stay unaware? ASK her if you did the right thing by telling her. What are the boundaries there, if that makes sense?
But this time, yeah. Tell her. I'd want to know.
Hope that helps! <3 <3 <3
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jasontoddssuper · 1 year
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I got a bone to pick with Bakugou stans who ship him with Izuku and/or Shouto calling Orihime a bad person and Ichihime 'badly written'.Literally the first time we see Bakugou is him ganging up on another kid with his friends' help and Izuku standing up for said kid,which made Bakugou and his friends beat him too.Some time before that,he also gave Izuku an insulting nickname that's a play on his name(Deku)which means 'useless' and constantly bullied him for the next decade-and they were 4 when it started which means it was going on for over half their lives.And while Bakugou has developed into a better person,that dosen't really extended to Izuku.He still calls him that nickname that he gave him to degrade him instead of his name,he still yells insults at him,he's still physically violent to him and he SAYS he sees him as an equal now but he dosen't treat him that way.He's never treated him that way.It's the same vibe as Dabi saying he dosen't care about anyone but himself but how nice he is to the Lov and him becoming more villlanious than ever SPECIFICALLY after Hawks murdered Twice,who was his best friend,speaking something much different vs Hawks saying he just wants to do good but then murdering a man with DID(which while not seeming bad in-universe because of him being a villain,is incredibly ableist in a real life context)and actively supporting a child abuser and wife beater because he can't mind his bussiness instead of projecting his own trauma onto others at the expense of their victims.Back to Bakugou,he's no good to Shouto either-He's never apologized for telling him he dosen't care that Endeavor abused him because being a better hero than him is more important to him and has not once been nice to him-Not a single kind word or action to him in the entire manga.Being a team dosen't equal being friends and Shouto's not a real person anyway-Horikoshi's an abuse apologist as seen by the Todofam's writing in regards to Endeavor so of course he'd make the abuse survivor just stand there as someone bullies him
While Orihime?You couldn't find something as sweet as her in a bakery.Ever since her introduction,she's done her best to a good and bright person and she succeeds-She's a good friend by doing things like protecting Tatsuki when she first unlocked her Shun Shun Rikka to thank her for protecting her from bullies since they were in middle school and saying nice things to her friends all the time simply because she loves them and thinks they deserve it,she's selfless by trying to get stronger to protect people even though she has trauma to do with violence and is a pacifist as a result and dosen't take her jealousy of how important Rukia is to Ichigo out on her,she's caring to even people barely knows like Riruka.And you can't really use the argument that that makes her 'boring' because she's also absolutely hilarious because of how unashamedly silly she is(drooling over donuts and tearing up when denied them,drawing her future self as a killer robot,her Ichigo fantasies and so many other examples)and cool as fuck too-TELL ME you wouldn't want hairpins that have superpowered fairies in them that let you make unbreakable shields,heal people and even reject reality itself.No?Damn,have fun having no taste i guess.Orihime not becoming some ultra tough fighter is good writing because being gentle is a major part of her character and 'girly female character' does not inherently mean 'misogynistic female character'.And with all of that combined,Ichigo has every reason to be in love with her considering how much time they spend together!'But he obviously loved Rukia!'Yeah,as a best friend and found sister.I'm just as close to a good chunk of my friends as they are to eachother and you guessed it,i have no romantic interest in them and vice versa!!Ichigo thinks Orihime is as awesome as as she does him and cares for her as much too!Plus,the progression of their relathionship was fantastic-They were classmates with crushes on eachother at first,then became genuine friends as they fought together and got to know eachother better,then they started falling in love and they were so important to eachother by the final arc that Ichigo asked Orihime to fight the man who killed his mom by his side because he trusted her and only her to do it.
Which one of these looks better to you?The privilged bully who gets to be besties with his victims without actually ever improving his behavior or the teenage girl who chooses kindness and optimism again and again despite how much life beats her down who got to have her love returned because it?
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citadelsanchez · 2 years
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Can you write Rick and his lesbian granddaughter? Sort of like an angsty coming out?
Foshoo. I feel like this one isn't my best but I hope it's decent regardless <3
~~~~~~~~~~~
"G-get your fucking feet off of my bench, Y/N, I don't need it growing bacteria from y-your foot fu-UNGUS" Rick exclaimed, jolting you out of your daydream.
You scoffed and took your feet down. "Whatever Rick, you're an asshole," you murmur and revert your attention back to your phone.
You didn't even know why you were hanging out in the garage with your criminally deranged grandpa, who always found a way to make jabs at you when you were only interested in helping him with his inventions and learning along the way.
You wanted to be a scientist yourself, but you never fully admitted that to Rick, who definitely would've made fun of you. Although, you know that he would've made fun of you no matter what career path you chose. It's just in his nature.
You re-opened your text messages and frowned when you noticed that your message to your best friend was still on read.
Well, maybe now a former best friend, you thought. Her name is Maria and you've been best friends since you were both little kids on a playground. She's always had your back and vice versa. But about 2 years ago, you realized that the dynamic in your friendship had shifted. Maria came out to you as bisexual one night in December, after the repetition of "Y/N, I've got to tell you something important"s that entire day. Of course you congratulated her and assured her that you would obviously be supportive of her no matter what. Especially since you were in love with her. And ironically enough, you realized this at about the same time, if not sooner.
But no one knew that you were lesbian. You'd always been "straight passing" to your family and friends, so they just assumed that you had horrific luck in the dating pool and never questioned you. Maria has seen you go on countless dates with men that were blunders and quickly became inside jokes; she was also oblivious.
Earlier today, you talked yourself into finally just doing it. Even if it meant that you would lose her, you had to tell her. Your feelings were bursting at the seems, and you thought you may actually combust if you never mustered the courage to tell her how you felt, and why you felt it.
So, you made sure that you articulated your confession to preciseness, and sent her the message. And she read it an hour ago.
You sighed out loud, tapping your fingers on your thighs and closing your eyes.
"W-what's up, Y/N? You look like someone s-shit in your Frosted Flakes" Rick spoke, studying you.
You suddenly felt extremely insecure and vulnerable, like you had made the worst decision possible and that it was now irreversible and you'd be forced to suffer the negative consequences forever.
Tears formed in your eyes and you hung your head. "Uh, it's, it's nothing Rick," you weakly responded.
"H-hey I may be old but I'm not clueless on social c-cues. What's wrong?"
You kept your head hung and began to quietly shake with a sob, covering your mouth to try and hide the noise.
Rick then bent down beside your chair and put a hand on your shoulder. "S-sweetie, my care meter is always stagnant b-but I'm starting to get concerned. Grandpa to weirdly emotional granddaughter."
"I'm, I don't really wanna- Rick, it's hard to talk about" you say between tears and quickly wipe them away.
"Try me. I'm listening," he assures and pats your back awkwardly.
"I'm- fuck, I would appreciate you keeping it between us, but... I'm um.... I'm... gay" you respond, scared that he would start laughing in your face or just blow it off altogether.
You ready yourself for either reaction and look up at him. He looks at you carefully before giving you a soft smile and ruffling your hair. "Hey sweetie, I um, I already knew that" he says.
"What? How?" You're now horrified at the thought that it's always been obvious, which doubles the anxiety over the text you sent. Does everyone know, then? I'm a fucking idiot, you think. You feel the tears fighting their way back into your eyes.
"D-don't cry, Y/N. Look, I had a probability test run o-on all of my grandkids which shows that kinda thing. Likeliness o-of sexual orientation you know. Absolutely n-nothing to be ashamed of. I picked up on the rest of the p-psychology watching you grow up and knew it was right. And h-hey, your old grandpa supports you fuckin completely i-i-if you were wondering. I don't,- I don't confine myself to any f-fuckin labels. Bone whoever and whatever you wanna b-bone and I'll vaporize anyone who makes you f-feel like shit for it."
You feel yourself smiling now, although you felt just slightly offended that he already knew. But that's Grandpa Rick, who knows most things before anyone else. "Thanks Rick, I feel a bit better, I think," you laugh.
Then you hear a beeep and realize you've gotten a text.
Maria: Meet me at our coffee shop around the block in 10 minutes. ❤️
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mass-convergence · 8 months
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…. Honestly I had never thought of this before this morning but …
When I was a kid I’d definitely rip through books like no one’s business. Even when watching TV became a thing in my life like … I’d read books. Why? Because back in ye olden days, we didn’t have easy access to bingeable shows. Shit came out piecemeal, episode by episode and the whole concept of just releasing a season in one go was unheard of. So when the show I was hyper fixated on ended I would be like “AAAAAA CAN’T WAIT UNTIL THE NEXT EPISODE” then flipped through a bunch of other channels and realized everything else was boring and then either grabbed a book and went outside to build forts in the woods.
Obviously if a series has been out for a while you could find it online through legal or slightly less legal methods and watch it in one go. Which I definitely did. But I was young and poor and didn’t want to risk getting like malware on my computer.
And I could be misremembering things but really I feel like the tipping point was when I got to college and I suddenly had unfettered access to my iPhone. In high school, I had an iPhone for my senior year but it was high school and I was a goody two shoes and scared of consequences. Use of phones was not allowed during school hours and the vice principle put the fear of god in me so I never used it. (Still pissed that she reamed me out for doing my stats homework in comp sci when I had already finished my assignment in that class and the teacher had kinda tacitly told me it was cool for me to work on other shit while people were finishing up)
But college? Hoooo boy.
Especially since iPhones were starting to get these fun things called apps
Specifically gaming apps. Like Clash of Clans.
Anyway I think that was the main turning point from me pivoting from reading a fuck ton of books to just being glued to my screen. I found a new way to hit up that dopamine dispenser.
So no… the iPhone nor TV made me ADHD. I was already ADHD since childhood when I didn’t even get access to a PC let alone a phone until like middle school. If y’all want to know how bad it got - the reason I never did my homework? The reason I procrastinated on doing an important project?
It was because I had my nose in a book.
My mom literally took my books away from me because I was reading them instead of doing my homework assignments. I distinctly remember a time in middle school when I was reading Order of the Phoenix (yeah I know but we didn’t know what we knew now about her) instead of doing work on my National History Day project and my mom like stormed into my room and yelled at me for it.
Like … phones were not the problem here. Screens were not the problem here. My brain chemistry was definitely the issue.
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tarobytez · 3 years
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disability in the Six Of Crows Duology; an analysis of Kaz Brekker, Wylan Van Eck, and the fandom’s treatment of them.
****Note: I originally wrote this for a tiktok series, which im still going to do, but i wanted to post here as well bc tumblr is major contributor to what im going to talk about
CW: ableism, filicide, abuse
In the Six of Crows duology, Leigh Bardugo delicately subverts and melds harmful disability tropes into her narrative, unpacking them in a way that I, as a disabled person, found immensely refreshing and…. just brilliant. 
But what did you all do with that? Well, you fucked it up. Instead of critically looking at the characters, y’all just chose to be ableist. 
For the next few videos paragraphs im going to unpack disability theory (largely the stuff surrounding media, for obvious reasons) and how it relates to Six Of Crows and the characterization of Kaz Brekker and Wylan Van Eck, then how, despite their brilliant writing, y’all completely overlooked the actual text and continuously revert them to ableist cariactures.
Disclaimer: 1. Shocker - i am disabled. I have also extensively researched disability theory and am very active in the disabled community. Basically, I know my shit. 2. im going to be mad in these videos this analysis. Because the way y’all have been acting has been going on for a long ass time and im fuckin sick of it. I don’t give a shit about non-disabled feelings, die mad
Firstly, I’m going to discuss Kaz, his play on the stereotypical “mean cripple” trope and how Bardugo subverts it, his cane, and disabled rage. Then, I am going to discuss Wylan, the “inspiration porn” stereotype, caregivers / parents, and the social model of disability. Finally, I will then explain the problems in the fandom from my perspective as a disabled person, largely when it comes to wylan, bc yall cant leave that boy tf alone.
Kaz Brekker
Think of a character who uses a cane (obviously not Kaz). Now, are they evil, dubiously moral, or just an asshole in general? Because nearly example I can think of is: whether it be Lots’O from Toy Story, Lucius Malfoy, or even Scrooge and Mr.Gold from Once Upon A Time all have canes (the last two even having their canes appear less and less as they become better people)
The mean/evil cripple trope is far more common than you would think. Villains with different bodies are confined to the role of “evil”. To quote TV Tropes, who I think did a brilliant job on explaining it “The first is rooted in eugenics-based ideas linking disability or other physical deformities with a "natural" predisposition towards madness, criminality, vice, etc. The Rule of Symbolism is often at work here, since a "crippled" body can be used to represent a "crippled" soul — and indeed, a disabled villain is usually put in contrast to a morally upright and physically "perfect" hero. Whether consciously on the part of the writer or not, this can reinforce cultural ideas of disability making a person inherently inferior or negative, much in the same way the Sissy Villain or Depraved Homosexual trope associate sexual and gender nonconformity with evil. ”
Our introduction to Kaz affirms this notion of him being bad or morally bankrupt, with “Kaz Brekker didn’t need a reason”, etc. This mythologized version of himself, the “bastard of the barrel” actively fed into this misconception. But, as we the audience are privy to his inner thoughts, know that he is just a teenager like every other Crow. He is complex, his disability isn’t this tragic backstory, he just fell off a roof. It’s not his main motivation, nor does he curse revenge for making him a cripple - it is just another part of who he is. 
His cane (though the shows version fills me with rage but-) is an extension of Kaz - he fights with it, but it has a purpose. Another common thing in media is for canes to be simply accessories, but while Kaz’ cane is fashionable, it has purpose.
The quote “There was no part of him that was not broken, that had not healed wrong and there was no part of him that was not stronger for having been broken.” is so fucking powerful. Kaz does not want nor need a cure - its said in Crooked Kingdom that his leg could most likely be healed, but he chooses not to. Abled-bodied people tend to dismiss this thought as Kaz being stubborn but it shows a reality of acceptance of his disability that is just, so refreshing.
In chapter 22 of SOC, we see disabled rage done right - when he is called a cripple by the Fjerdan inmate, Kaz is pissed - the important detail being that he is pissed at the Fjerdan, at society for ableism, not blaming it on being disabled or wishing he could be normal. He takes action, dislocating the asshole’s shoulder and proving to him, and to a lesser extent, himself, that he is just as capable as anyone else, not in spite of, but because he is disabled. And that is the point of Kaz, harking back to the line that “there was no part of him that was not stronger for having been broken”. 
I cried on numerous occasions while reading the SOC duology, but the parts I highlighted in this section especially so. I, as many other disabled people do, have had a long and tumultuous relationship with our disability/es, and for many still struggle. But Kaz Brekker gave me an empowered disabled character who accepts themselves, and that means the world to me. 
Keeping that in mind, I hope you can understand why it hurts so much to disabled people when you either erase Kaz’s disability (whether through cosplay or fanfiction), or portray him as a “broken boy uwu”, especially implying that he would want a cure. That flies in the face of canon and is inherently fucking ableist. (if u think im mad wait until the next section)
Next, we have Wylan.  
Oh fucking boy. 
I love Wylan so fucking much, and y’all just do not seem to understand his character? Like at all? Since this is disability-centric, I’m not going to discuss how the intersection of his queerness also contributes to these issues, but trust me when I say it’s a contributing factor to what i'm going to say.
Wylan, motherfucking Van Eck. If you ableist pricks don’t take ur fucking hands off him right now im going to fight you. I see Wylan as a subversion another, and in my opinion more insidious stereotype pf disabled people - inspiration porn.
Cara Liebowitz in a 2015 article on the blog The Body Is Not An Apology explains in greater detail how inspiration porn is impactful in real life, but media is a major contributing factor to this reality. The technical definition is “the portrayal of people with disabilities as inspirational solely or in part on the basis of their disability” - but that does not cover it fully. 
Inspiration porn does lasting damage on the disabled community as it implies that disability is a negative that you need to “overcome” or “triumph” instead of something one can feel proud of. It exploits disabled people for the development of non-disabled people, and in media often the white male protagonist. Framing disability as inherently negative perpetuates ideals of eugenics and cures - see Autism $peaks’ “I Am Autism” ad. Inspiration porn is also incredibly patronizing as it implies that we cannot take care of ourselves, or do things like non-disabled people do. Because i stg some of you tend to think that we just sit around all day wishing we weren’t disabled. 
Another important theory ideal that is necessary when thinking about Wylan is the experience of feeling like a burden simply for needing help or accommodations. This is especially true when it comes to familial relationships, and internalized ableism.
The rhetoric that Wylan’s father drilled into his head, that he is “defective”, “a mistake”, and “needs to be corrected”, that he (Jan) was “cursed with a moron for a child” is a long held belief that disabled people hear relentlessly. And while many see Van Eck’s attempted murder of Wylan as “preposturous” and overall something that you would never think happens today - filicide (a parent murdering their child) is more common than you would like to believe. Without even mentioning the countless and often unreported deaths of disabled people due to lack of / insufficient / neglectful medical care, in a study on children who died from the result of household abuse, 40 of 42 of them (95%) were diagnosed with disabilities. Van Eck is not some caricature of ableist ideals - he is a real reflection on how many people and family members view disability. 
Circling back to how Wylan unpacks the inspiration porn trope - he is 3 dimensional, he is not only used to develop the other characters, he is just *chefs kiss* Leigh, imo, put so much love and care into the creation of Wylan and his story and character growth that is representative of a larger feeling in the disabled community. 
That being said, what you non-disabled motherfuckers have done to him.
The “haha Wylan can’t read” jokes aren’t and were not funny. Y’all literally boiled down everything Wylan is to him being dyslexic. And it’s like,,,, the only thing you can say about him. You ignore every other part of him other than his disability, and then mock him for it. There’s so much you can say about Wylan - simping for Jesper, being band kid and playing the fuckin flute, literally anything else. But no, you just chose to mock his disability, excellent fucking job!
Next up on “ableds stfu” - infantilization! y’all are so fucking condescending to Wylan, and treat him like a fucking toddler. And while partly it is due to his sexuality i think a larger portion is him being disabled. Its in the same vein of people who think that Wylan and Jesper are romantically one sided, and that Jesper only kind of liked Wylan, despite the canon evidence of him loving Wylan just as much. You all view him as a “smol bean”, who needs protecting, and care, when Wylan is the opposite of that. He is a fucking demolitions expert who suggested waking up sleeping men to kill them - what about that says “uwu”. You are treating Wylan as a burden to Jesper and the other Crows when he is an immensely valuable, fully autonomous disabled person - you all just view him as damaged. 
And before I get a comment saying that “uhhh Wylan isn’t real why do you care” while Wylan may not be real, how you all view him and treat him has real fucking impacts and informs how you treat people like me. If someone called me an “uwu baby boy” they’d get a fist square in the fucking jaw. Fiction informs how we perceive the world and y’all are making it super fucking clear how you see disabled people. 
Finally, I wanted to talk about how the social model of disability is portrayed through Wylan. For those who are unaware, the social model of disability contrasts the medical model, that views the disability itself as the problem, that needs to be cured, whereas the social model essentially boils down to creating an accommodating society, where disability acceptance and pride is the goal. And we see this with Wylan - he is able to manage his father’s estate, with Jesper’s assistance to help him read documents. And this is not out of pity or charity, but an act of love. It is not portrayed as this almighty act for Jesper to play saviour, just a given, which is incredibly important to show, especially for someone who has been abused by family for his disability like Wylan, that he is accepted. 
Yet, I still see people hold up Jesper on a pedestal for “putting up with” Wylan, as if loving a disabled person deserves a fucking pat on the back. It’s genuinely exhausting trying to engage with a work I love so much with a fandom that thinks so little of me and my community. It fucking shows. 
Overall, Leigh Bardugo as a disabled person wrote two incredibly meticulous and empowered disabled characters, and due to either lack of reading comprehension, ableism, or a quirky mix of both, the fandom has ignored canon and the experiences of disabled people for…. shits and giggles i guess. And yes, there are issues with the Grishaverse and disability representation - while I haven’t finished them yet so I do not have an opinion on it, people have been discussing issues in the KOS duology with ableist ideals. This mini series was no way indicative of the entire disabled experience, nor does it represent my entire view on the representation as a whole. These things need to be met critically in our community, and talked about with disabled voices at the forefront. For example, the limited perspective we get of Wylan and Kaz being both white men, does not account for a large portion of the disabled community and the intersection of multiple identities.
All-in-all, Critique media, but do not forget to also critique fandom spaces. Alternatively, just shut the fuck up :)
happy fucking disability pride month, ig
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Stories of Paris
Part Three
Part One Part Two Part Four AO3
Masterlist
...........................................
Dick stared at the photos on Bruce’s desk. He had been rummaging around desk in his office to find where Bruce had hidden his report. But he had gotten distracted by the photo’s had put on display. A bittersweet smile danced across his face at the sight of Martha and Thomas with a small Bruce. Warmth filled him viewing the one of him, Alfred and Bruce shortly after he arrived at the Manor. The third one. That one confused him though. It featured a young Bruce with a teenage girl dusted in flour smiling doing “ninja moves” in the kitchen.
For as long as Dick had known, Bruce had a permanent ban since forever of even entering the kitchen. He had obviously been baking IN THE KITCHEN without burning the place down. It frazzled his mind about that. Looking closer at the girl, Dick didn't recognise her at all.
Dick could place most of the Gotham socialites which Bruce knew and grew up with. He knew Oliver who Bruce had a friendly rivalry with from school. He was aware of the key people Bruce interacted with at W.E and in the JL.
This girl didn't fit into any of these categories. He couldn't place her at all. To have a photo of her, meant she was important.... and he knew her around his parents' death. So, who was she?
A polite cough brought Dick out of his thoughts to find Alfred staring at him with a raised eyebrow.
"I, I was looking for something Bruce left on his desk. Honest. No pranks either! Promise!" Dick rushed out, looking guiltily at Alfred.
"Is that the case indeed, Master Dick? I would suggest that instead then to wait until Master Bruce's home and he might be able to help you find it"
Dick knew that Alfred was subtly warning him to give up the search to avoid trouble. Dick needed a different tactic to distract Alfred to buy himself maybe a little more time to finish his quest maybe… hopefully…
"Alfred. Do you know who the girl in this picture is? I've not seen her before and it's odd!"
"Many things are odd in Master Bruces life, but I think you should ask Master Bruce that specific question Master Dick. It is the photo he chose to frame not I."
Alfred did pause at the photo and gently smile. It was clear to Dick that Alfred knew this mysterious person and was also fond of them. It was also clear that Alfred wasn't going to provide the answer.
"I suggest Master Dick we should leave the study for today and head back into the main Manor for some tea.”
Looks like his search was going to have to pause for the moment.
......
It was later that week when Dick finally found an opportunity to bring up the photo on his desk. Much to Dick's surprise Bruce lit up like a Christmas tree. He's whole demeanour softened and lost the harden edges and he, Bruce ‘I am darkness, I am the night’ himself, GUSHED.
"That picture is of Mari. She was my 'babysitter' so Alfred could get breaks.” Bruce rolled his eyes at the babysitter comment, but he did gain a soft smile. “She was amazing. Mari really helped me start to grieve shortly after my parents' death. The photo reminds me of her telling me stories of Paris while baking cookies. Where it all started."
"How come she never visits, and I've not met her?!" Dick pouted. Bruce talking so fondly of her, it was weird. The permanent cloud of gloom he usually shrouded himself in had gone.
"She's a busy woman running a company, finding time for visits is hard. We regularly talk on the phone though."
"Oh" Dick felt slightly dejected. This woman was clearly important to Bruce, but he never introduced her to him or vice versa in all the years he'd been living with Bruce. Also, the 'where it started' was oddly cryptic too.
"Next time she calls we can see if we can face time so you can meet her. I'd always wanted to introduce you in person. Have I ever told you about the time Mari and I got into a bet about who could decorate the most gargoyles on WE?"
"Nooo..." Dick replies cautiously.
“It’s how ‘Pinkie’ got his name and why you can still see bits of pink glitter on him. I’m still not sure what glue she used especially to be so effective...”
That evening Bruce told Dick these ridiculous tales of the mischief he and Mari got up too while Alfred wasn't there. It was hard to comprehend but for the first time in 5 years Dick saw a different lighter side to Bruce.
______________________________________________
Jason was curled up in 'his spot' in the library. It would catch the afternoon sun and create a warm blanket-esque feel. Like time pauses to allow him to escape reality. Today, instead of reading a classic, he was reading through a worn diary-like book he'd found while searching for a new Dickens to read.
The book was handwritten and almost childlike in style and language which intrigued the curious boy. It took a few pages to realise that this was likely to have been written by Bruce when he was younger. Maybe a similar age to Jason. The book read like a cross between a diary and writing a story. Some of the things a young Bruce was putting to paper were too weird to be true. A baby turning giant as wanted a lollipop?! A crocodile turning into a dragon?! Maybe Bruce wanted to be a writer when he grew up before he had decided on being a vigilante and CEO. The man was odd enough that it was a possibility. Jason did enjoy the heroes that were in the book. They seemed to learn on the job and didn't have an adult to boss them about and were powered by mini gods. So surreal.
Jason spent the afternoon devouring the stories of a young Bruce.
It was Sunday, and Alfred insisted on family dinner, Jason decided to teased Dick about if he got emotional, he would turn into more of a fashion disaster like an Akuma. Dick looked at the younger boy in confusion and Bruce paused.
"Where'd you hear that Jason?"
"In the book in the library B. You could have made a fortune with those stories. When'd'ya stop wanting to be a writer?"
"Book…" suddenly it clicked together in Bruce's head, and he smiled. "Those stories weren't mine. They were Mari's. She used to tell me all about what happened in Paris before she came to Gotham to study for a few years."
He softened, as he reminisced about the stories she told him. The adventures she described. He knew in hindsight she glossed over the horrors she'd experienced. She never hid them as such, just never went into the details. He now knew he saw it in her eyes, the misting over and faraway look reliving the pain, when she referred to the incidents.
Jason looked over to Dick for guidance. He'd never seen or heard Bruce act this way. It was weirding him out.
"Mari? As in Mari from *the photo*? Stories? You mean the kitchen antics you both got up to?" Dick asked, taking the lead from Jason. Even though Dick occasionally talked to her on the phone, he still couldn't really place her or understand that someone who was so physically distant had such an effect on Bruce. She seemed nice enough but the strength of Bruces attachment was odd.
"The photo?" Jason tilted his head in confusion. The Manor was filled with photos and knick-knacks. To know which one Dick was referring to specifically was a mystery. Jason was lost by Dick’s conversation direction.
"Yeah, Bruce has one of her on his desk. Like he has of us."
"Mari is family. Of course I'll have her photo on display. She was the one who taught me about found family. That I didn't need to be alone once after my parents, that I could choose my family. Why I *chose* you two. I had forgotten that I had written her stories down."
It was Dicks turned to looked at Bruce confusedly before glancing to Jason for clarification.
“I found an old book in the library which B had written. It’s about heroes and gods saving Paris from the original Mothman. B, well I guess, Mari, is an amazing storyteller. The whole story is so surreal. A new take on Alice in Wonderland sort of thing, Mothman created evil butterflies, Akuma, who took over a civilian and turned them into fashion disaster monsters which the heroes banding godlike powers had to defeat to save them!
The Akuma were forced into worse fashion than you voluntarily wear, Dick.”
Jason stuck his tongue out at his elder “brother” with his finally comment.
“Did I not tell you Mari’s stories that she told me when I was younger Dick?” Bruce butted in before the boys devolved into an argument about fashion. He really didn’t need to hear it when he got enough ribbing from Mari about some of the suits he’d worn to gala’s, he quite like not hearing more fashion “critique” at home.
“No Bruce!!! You’ve not told me about them!! I only found out about Mari by stumbling on her photo?! You claim she’s family, but you don’t seem willing to share her!” jabbed Dick. This woman was still a mystery to Dick (and now Jason) as to how she was so important to Bruce but was kept at arms-length from them.
With Dick’s reaction and Jason’s curiosity, Bruce after dinner took the book Jason had discovered and retold some of the stories of Paris Mari had told him. About the times she had taken him to ComicCon and had made them their cosplay outfits and maybe the small scene they had caused resulting in them being banned.
He also ended up having to promise the pair that next time she called they could get to talk to her. Jason was desperate to know more about Mari’s stories.
______________________________________________
Tim was rather animated at the dinner table this particular evening, Bruce noted. He was talking passionately about the meeting that had occurred in Bruce’s absence (thank you very much Riddler!!) which was highly unusual. Tim was trying to convince Bruce that they ���needed’ to bring their European director to Gotham.
“She was *amazing* Bruce”, Tim stated with stars in his eyes, “I know it's all done by video conference and all. But her glare. It was such a bat worthy glare!! Every time the board members here tried to talk over me, she’d glare and call them out. It made them shut up. Every time they tried after that she’d raise an eyebrow they’d stop. It was just like Alfreds! And she listened to my ideas and then worked with me on how to adapt them to make it more profitable AS WELL as humanitarian. She didn’t treat me like a kid. Plus, all the statistics and reports show that Europe is W.E. best performing region. Please… please… pleeeaasseeeeeee Bruce can we get her to visit and like teach me her magic ways!”
“Tt - you’re begging behaviour Drake is a disgrace. It’s no wonder the board don’t take you seriously.”
Jason looked across to Dick and raised his eyebrow. Watching the Pretender and Demon Spawn verbal spar was the norm but seeing the Pretender beg at B was not what he expected when Dick had “insisted” that he visit for dinner for Alfred. Still, it was free entertainment alongside Alfred cooking.
“Her glares better than Batmans.” That seem to catch Bruce attention properly from the boy’s verbal jabs, “Who did you say was represent Europe at this meeting?”
“Ms DC? The European Director. Or that’s who she introduced herself as.”
The grin that Bruce gained was unnerving to those at the table which Alfred raised his eyebrow at. It was eerily like Damian’s when he is plotting their ‘downfalls’.
“I see that you met Ms Marinette then Master Timothy. It has been a while since she has visited. I would agree with your assessment Master Timothy for her to visit, but not for work, Master Bruce, I think I will get in contact to arrange for her to stay with us. She deserves a break from the chaos you cause her with W.E. As well as a proper introduction to your children you so regularly ask her opinions on, yet still seem to ignore her sound advice.”
Dick slammed his hands on the table. “WHAT!! You’re talking about MARI!! Bruce’s mysterious family?! The business you fob off me off originally was YOUR business!!! YOUR COMPANY!!! And Timmy got to meet her properly before ALL of us!! What the... Bruce!!!!!!!!”
Tim and Damian looked at each other in surprise at Dicks unexpected outburst.
“What mysterious family are you referring to Grayson? I am his family.... as well as you stray’s he has collected I suppose.” Damian gritted out.
“What Dickiebird is talking about Demon Spawn, is the reason we’re all here. Mari was his babysitter and introduced him to found family and like got him being semi human when he was younger. Bet he’s the train wreck of a person because she left.”
“Jason!” Bruce scolded, “Mari didn’t leave. She lived over here for years after finishing her studies. She took over the European office as a favour for me and to be closer to her husband. Apart from Alfred, she was my family after my parents died. You will not speak ill of her. She *is* family!”
Bruce looked over his chaotic children trying to decide if inviting Marinette over would be a wise idea after all. He hadn’t planned to let it get so far out of hand. He honestly thought he would introduce them much sooner than he had. But juggling being CEO (admittedly she had helped him so much with it), Batman (again she had assisted in training and sometimes as a sounding board), being a father to the rabble before him (who he regularly called to regale some amazing proud parent feat to her about or for parenting advice... which he may be a bit selective on actioning) he never found time to physically introduce her.
He spoke to her all the time that it sort have always slipped his mind that the boy’s may want to meet her properly. He knew Jason semi regularly was in contact with her after stealing her number from his phone when he first discovered her. It always slipped his mind Dick never did that. And given the workload that he might inadvertently ladened on her she probably didn’t have the time either. Especially if she took leave, it was to spend with her Parisian family. Maybe Alfred had a point.
“Alfred. I believe you are right. Mari is a gem that has dealt with a lot. Please contact her to arrange a trip over. I wish you all of Tikki’s blessings in trying to convince her to stay at the Manor rather than at a hotel. Oh, ensure that she uses our private jet, I do not want to inconvenience her at all. Also extend the invite to Kim. I know the pool isn’t up to his usual standards, but he’ll still have full access to the gym if he would like to attend.”
“Of course, Master Bruce.”
Next
Tags:
@neakco @jayjayspixiepop @prettylittlebutterflie @lady-bee-fechin @corporeal-terrestrial
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shihalyfie · 3 years
Note
Hello! Since you seem to be getting a lot of character comparison asks, I figured I’d ask if you have any thoughts on the similarities and differences between Ken and Koichi, and also their relationship with darkness? At first glance they seem very similar but I feel the way they view darkness- and perhaps the darker parts of themselves- differs quite a bit.
The two of them definitely have similar base profiles at first, but start to really veer off in different directions after that!
I think the one thing that's most different between the two is that, quite simply, their "base personalities" -- that is, how they act in normal situations separated from all the stuff going on with Digimon fighting -- are actually fairly different to begin with. One thing that might surprise people is that Kouichi actually uses the more assertive/aggressive pronoun ore, contrary to what his supposedly “shy” personality might suggest (of the Frontier boys, only Tomoki uses the more polite boku, and I think it’s in line with Frontier generally portraying its kids as less naturally well-behaved and a bit more misfit). Kouichi’s “shyness” in Frontier is really implied to just be out of the circumstances of him being a bit awkward around the kids he’d been fighting for a period, and especially not sure how to approach Kouji, but Things I Want to Tell You implies that he’d actually had a full-on social friend circle (mentioning friends at school and playing soccer). The only part that made him “out of place” like the other Frontier kids was really the part right before the series, when he learned he’d had a brother, had to question what that implied, started fostering feelings of jealousy towards him, and ended up “passed over” for being chosen instead of how Kouji was, but for the most part his personality doesn’t seem to be that fundamentally different from Kouji’s (there's a point made in a scene in Frontier episode 40 where the twins are looking at Takuya with nearly the exact same expression).
Ken, on the other hand, does use the polite pronoun boku, and although he’s still a fairly casual person (his speech pattern is slightly more casual than Takeru’s), he is kind of...a polite nerd, for lack of a better way to put it. That penchant for intellectuality wasn’t entirely the Dark Seed’s doing -- he’s gone on infamous “trivial fact” spiels like about the origin of Christmas or Japanese hot springs. In contrast to the more easygoing Daisuke, he takes things really seriously, and one could describe him as “so overly serious about things he sometimes rolls into stupid”. He’s also rather tidy (he puts his chopsticks neatly on the bowl when eating, his Digital World outfit is his school uniform, he’s constantly tucking in both his summer and winter blouses, and even his Kizuna outfits are slightly formal), and because he does seem to carry himself softly, he has a stronger image of being a “nice and polite person” who doesn’t act roughly by default. Less so because he can’t be rough or aggressive, but more because he doesn’t want to be -- you can think of him as basically holding back his cards until the time is right or stronger force is called for (meaning he can seem mild-mannered, until he suddenly drops some sassy zingers right when you least expect it).
There are some similarities that go beyond their base profiles; it’s interesting how “jealousy” seems to be part of both of their initial motivations (and, in an interesting meta twist, one of the original ideas for Ken and Osamu was for them to be twins). However, as you said, they have a somewhat differing attitude in terms of what “darkness” is, and a lot of it has to do with a combination of what that even means in Adventure/02′s narrative versus Frontier’s, and what that meant to each of them personally. Ken had an outright self-inflicted identity crisis and an awareness that his fall came from his own personal vices, and the issue is casted in Adventure/02 as a problem of “balance”; Ken himself understands in 02 episode 23 that he has to accept everything in himself, and Takeru reminds him in 02 episode 37 that you can’t eradicate it entirely, but Ken of course retains an aversion to contexts where they’re obviously too much in excess. Kouichi, on the other hand, was probably not going to have a complete emotional meltdown to that degree had it not been for Cherubimon’s interference (although he still wasn’t necessarily having a great time), so being free from that influence means that, with his head cleared, he’s able to confidently deny going back there again and have faith in his ability to use it for good, especially because the part keeping it balanced -- his brother Kouji, as the light -- is able to be there and fight alongside him. His problem was addressed by learning to work alongside and get to know said brother, instead of living in jealousy of him.
It’s also interesting to see how their future plans end up going, since we now have “distant future” canon material for both 02 and Frontier; Ken had “expectations” put on him to the point it practically ripped him apart and gave him an outright identity crisis, so his future involves him allowing himself to not have to live to expectations nearly as much; by the time of Kizuna, he’s still dabbling in soccer and various hobbies and being chaotic with his friends, his “psychology” degree is not even mentioned anywhere except in his official profiles because of how much it’s a comparative non-issue in his life at the moment, and while he’s certainly still selfless, he’s still at the point where being able to just enjoy life as it is at all is a big deal. Even if he hasn’t found a goal in life to completely commit to yet, at the very least, he has the other members of the 02 group to support him, and it’s still important that he’s dedicating his efforts to supporting them in turn. Kouichi, on the other hand, didn’t have to worry about that kind of identity crisis, but he did have to worry about seeing his mother’s selfless streak meaning she was constantly ruining her health for others -- so, having taken on some of that selflessness, he’s decided to single-mindedly pursue a dream of going to medical school to help his mother. Keep in mind that he arguably has an even higher hurdle than our other single-minded prospective doctor, Kido Jou, because unlike the Kido family’s existing esteemed line, Kouichi’s not-exactly-well-to-do background means he’d had to scrounge up funds by being a paper boy while he was at it -- so that’s a pretty big uphill battle he’s taking, but he’s doing it because he knows that’s what he wants, and he also has his brother properly keeping up with him, and in touch with both him and his family situation.
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myhockeyworld87 · 3 years
Text
Not So Dangerous Liaison - Sidney Crosby - Part 26
Word Count: 3,178
POV:  Reader
Warngings: Language, NSFW, Smut
Notes: Thank you guys for being patient and still wanting to read this story. Life has definitely got in the way of writing lately. Good news though, as I finish up the Marky series, I’m super excited to concentrate more on this one. I’ve got some really good things in store. Until then, we pick up after (Y/N) has finally realized that Sid is more important than her job. Hopefully she doesn’t have to choose between the two.  As always love your feedback and Happy Reading! Let me know what you guys think.
Not So Dangerous Liaison Masterlist
Photo is not mine if it is yours please let me know to credit
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It was two days after your meeting with the Capitals general manager that you were cornered by Mario on a flight to Montreal. “(Y/N), can we talk?”
 “Of course,” you answered taking the seat beside him, though you dreaded it. Normally, you enjoyed conversations with Mario but you knew this was going to be about your job and you’d told Sid not to say anything to him, but he obviously didn’t listen. You eyed your boyfriend skeptically as he took his seat beside Flower. Fastening your seatbelt, you buckled up for the short flight but the long conversation you were sure to have.
 “I heard you had an interesting conversation with MacLellan.” You suppressed the eye roll that threatened to happen since this was your boss you were speaking with. “And before you say anything, I did talk to Sid, but only after I learned about MacLellan meeting with you.” A telling look must have crossed your face, for Mario continued. “Don’t be surprised, (Y/N). I know everything that goes on in my arena.”
 “Well, then let me reassure you that it’s already been handled. I spoke to MacLellan yesterday and told him I’m not taking the job.” It was a difficult phone call since the man truly didn’t seem to understand the word no.
 “I’m happy to hear that, if not a bit surprised.” You cocked your head to the side in question. “I’m sure it was a lucrative offer and with ours coming to an end…” He let the rest go unsaid, though you were now beginning to worry if you’d still be working for the team after this season or even after this conversation.
 There was only one answer you could give Mario, and that was the truth. “My life is in Pittsburgh, job or no job.”
 “I assume that’s because of Sid.”
 “It is. I can always get another job, but Sid…”
 “He told me you said as much to him. I apologize for going to him first. When I found out that MacLellan wanted to speak to you, it piqued my curiosity. I thought asking Sid was the easiest way to go about it, though he was reluctant to say anything.” Well, that was good to know. “I want you to know that we consider you a vital part of the organization. It’s part of the reason I want to have this conversation now instead of in March.” Vital or not, you were still nervous about whether or not he was going to extend your contract to work with the team. “I imagine that the Capitals offer won’t be the only one you’ll be receiving.” He pulled out his briefcase then, rifling through it till he found what he wanted. “Just so we’re clear, I don’t want another team stealing you out from under us. I’ve drawn up a new contract. Well, it’s more of a job description based on what we spoke about last year as well as what you’ve done for the team since then.” He handed it over to you, and you glanced through it as he continued to speak. “I want to make this a full-time position and I want you to continue on. You’d be the Vice President of Player Liaison Operations. If you read through the description, you’ll also notice I’ve changed the salary a bit.” You’d briefly mentioned to Sid that the Capitals had offered you more money, and you hoped that he hadn’t told Mario that part, though as you scanned the document you did notice the increase. It wasn’t quite the amount that you’d been offered for the job in DC but it was more than what you were making now.
 “Really, that’s not necessary Mario.”
 “It is. I know what you were making when you left your other job, which was more than what we were paying you. This seems fair, but we can negotiate it to a larger sum if you’d like. If you’re willing to stay on.”
 “No, no this is more than generous.” It really was. The salary wasn’t your concern anymore though. You had a greater issue on your mind. “There’s only one thing that I need to make sure of before I tell you yes.”
 “And that would be?”
 “My relationship with Sidney. I know you haven’t had a problem with it so far, but now that this would be a full-time position…” You searched for the right wording. “I need to make sure that both you and the NHL are ok with an employee dating a player.”
 Mario steepled his fingers in thought and then asked. “And what if I told you, we weren’t?”
 You felt like you’d been punched in the gut. There was no choice, you knew that now, and as much as you enjoyed your job; you loved Sid more. “Then I’d have to decline the offer.”
 A smile spread across Mario’s face at your answer. “That’s a good answer, (Y/N), and one I’d hoped you’d say. I don’t have any problems with you and Sidney dating.” You were only mildly relieved to hear that. “I’ve known Sid for a long time. He’s honestly like a son to me. So as a surrogate father, so to speak, I’m glad to know that you’d put him first over yourself. Don’t worry there aren’t any rules in the league, they leave that up to each team. So, you’ll be fine taking the job and dating Sid at the same time.”
 “That’s good to hear. I was worried that’s what MacLellan wanted to talk about.”
 Mario chuckled, softly at your distress. “Honestly, you’re good for him (Y/N). I’ve never seen Sid so happy and I know that’s because of you. So, are you interested in the position now?”
 “Where do I sign?” You said with a giant smile on your face.
 “Good. If you would’ve said no, I think I might have lost my star player.”
 It was your turn to laugh, but then you stopped abruptly. “He didn’t force you to offer me this. Did he?”
 “No, no. Nothing like that at all. I didn’t even talk to him about this. I just know him and I know he is very much in love with you.” You loved him just as much but Mario already knew that. “He probably loves you more than hockey and that’s saying something.” Mario gave you a little wink and you weren’t sure if he was serious or teasing, but you never wanted to make Sid pick between you and playing.
 “Well, no need to worry about losing him that’s for sure.”
 “I’m glad, but really I’m happy you’ve decided to take the position. I’m sure the team will be as well. We’ll get all the details ironed out when we get back home in Pittsburgh.” It was then that you realized the plane was already descending into Montreal. The short flight seeming even quicker because of your conversation with Mario.
 “Sounds good and thank you again for giving me the opportunity to continue to work with the team.”
 “Oh, make no mistake (Y/N). You’re not working with the team; you’re part of it. We couldn’t do it without you.” Mario’s words were definitely appreciated, for it was always nice to know that you were making a difference in the organization.
 You and Mario made idle chit-chat until the plane touched down. As you headed to the bus, which would take you to the hotel, Sid pulled you aside. “Everything ok? I saw you sitting with Mario.”
 If there wasn’t a game later in the day, you would’ve totally messed with your boyfriend; telling him that Mario had let you go. But you knew he’d worry about it and you didn’t want him distracted for the game. “Everything’s fine. Better than that I suppose.” Sid’s eyebrow shot up in query. “He offered me a more permanent position with the team.”
 “See I told you, you were needed.” He kissed your temple quickly as the bus loomed ahead. “But I’m happy you’re still with us.”
 “Me too.”
 He took the opportunity to whisper in your ear before you stepped on the bus. “And I plan on showing you, later tonight.” He gave you no chance to reply as some of the others were both in front and behind you, though you knew his eyes were lingering on your body as you took each step. It was when he tapped your ass right as you took the last step, that had you wishing you would’ve messed with him instead of the other way around.
 The four to one win had Sid in a playful mood. His smile was from ear to ear, and he couldn’t seem to keep his hands off you while the two of you made your way to the bus. It was definitely rare for him to act like this, but you weren’t complaining. There were little pokes to your side, as he found those ticklish spots of yours, he knew so well. Small pecks to your nose, then to your temple, and finally to your lips, that while at times had you rolling your eyes, they also had your heart fluttering. But the one that shocked you the most, were the love taps to your ass in front of a few of his teammates. Who then of course had to chirp the two of you, along with some gentle reminders to keep it down tonight.  At least he settled down for the bus ride to the hotel, but then that was only because you weren’t sitting together.
 Normally, you both went back to your individual rooms before stealing away to be with each other, but Sid had other plans tonight. He laced his fingers with yours drawing you down to his corner room. The moment the door closed, he dropped his bag and pushed you up against it. His lips were hard on yours as if he were a desperate man clinging to life, and you were the only thing keeping him alive. Both your purse and bag fell to the floor with a thud, right before Sid’s hands came up, pinning yours on either side of your head. He dragged them both up slowly so that they were above you so that he could clasp them both with one hand. All the while, his mouth never left yours.
 Only when he skimmed his free hand up your inner thigh, did you break contact, gasping for air as you did. “What’s gotten into you tonight?”
 He nibbled on your neck and then your ear before answering. “Just happy you’ll be staying around for a while.” He was obviously referring to the job, as he already knew you’d be sticking by him. “Means I get to see more of you.”
 His hand was bunching up your dress around your hips now. “You see me every DDDAAAYYY.” The last word was a high-pitched squeal, falling off your lips as he cupped your core.
 “Mmm, and I’m glad we get to continue that.” He flattened his palm, grinding it against you and making you squirm. “Though I’m not the only one happy about that it seems,” he growled against you. “You’re dripping wet.” Heat rose to your cheeks at the comment. His playfulness throughout the day had been more of a turn-on than you anticipated. Combined with his actions now, you couldn’t help your body’s response to him.
 Your mouth found his, gently biting his bottom lip before commenting. “I can’t help it. I want you.”
 He removed his fingers from you and ground his hips into your core. “I want you too.” He didn’t need to say the words as you could feel his erection pressing against you. He still held your wrists high above your head, as he flexed into you a few times. Trapping you between himself and the door. The moan that escaped your mouth filled the room and it was then that you remembered you were stuck on a hotel floor with several hockey players that would chirp you endlessly in the morning. You clamped your lips to Sid to stifle any more that might escape, as you arched into his touch.
 Sid’s fingers went back to work then, sliding down your skin to your panties. He toyed with the lace band. Tracing a finger back and forth, and driving you mad with need. Your body craved his touch. The one you knew that could bring you so much pleasure. As if sensing your need, he slipped his finger beneath the lace and between your slippery folds, where he found your sensitive clit. His fingers brushed over the delicate nub, lighting a fire inside you. You had to bite your lip from crying out, though you couldn’t stop your hips from arching into his hand. “So needy, baby.” He whispered as he sucked on your earlobe before nibbling on your neck. “Tell me what you want, (Y/N).”
 “You, Sid.” You managed to groan out as he rubbed soft circles on your clit. “I want you.”
 “You already have me, baby. I’m right here.” His index finger slid down to where you wanted him most, then slowly moved back. “What do you really want?”
 Sid continued to toy with your body, making you burn with an intense desire that only he could fulfill. “I want you inside me.” With your hands pinned above you, any attempt at retaliation was impossible. You simply were left subject to his torturous fingers as they now flicked back and forth over your clit, making you pant with need.
 “Mmm,” Sid breathed out. “I want that too, just not yet.” You whimpered as his fingers thrust into you. Your pussy clenched around them. While they brought some relief, it was Sid’s cock that you wanted. As your back arched into him, his free hand glided to your back so he could unzip your dress. From there he pushed the fabric up until he could get at your breasts; his lips finding your nipples, sucking on them through the lace, and causing them to harden even further.
 “Sid please…” you begged, as his fingers went back to their slow thrust in and out of you. You struggled to get your hands free while his grip remained firm. “Please.”
 You felt him smile against your breast. A wicked one that always turned your insides to jello. “Soon, baby.” He released your wrists then, your arms falling to your sides from being held above you for so long. “The dress has to go babe.” Somehow you found the strength to raise your arms again so he could remove the garment. Your bra was next, falling to the ground on top of your purse. Sid’s strong arms locked around your waist as he guided you to the bed. He gently nudged you down to the mattress, then divested himself of his suitcoat, not caring that it lie on the floor getting wrinkled.
 “Sid,” you whined as he loosened his tie then undid the first few buttons of his shirt.
 That signature smirk of his returned to his face and it felt like endless hours passed as he removed his cufflinks, then stripped off his shirt. Sid’s body was like the finest piece of sculpted art. A regular Greek Adonis come to life that was all your own. The look of desire that crossed your face had Sid chuckling. “Is this what you want baby?” His hands were at the flap on his suit pants, and he slid the zipper down slowly as you nodded a yes. He shucked off his pants before coming to you. His body pressing into you as his mouth ravished yours. Tongue sweeping in, to mingle with yours and steal your breath away. You moaned into him, then hooked your leg around his waist to draw him closer to you. Your nails raked down his back finally able to touch his skin, and he gasped breaking the kiss. “Fuck, (Y/N).” There would be marks there in the morning, you were sure of it, but you also knew Sid didn’t care. He loved knowing that he’d made you so desperate with need that you wanted to imprint yourself on his skin, just the same as he would you, always leaving love bites all over your body, but on places that you could cover-up. Just like right now, his lips were glued to just below your collarbone where there was sure to be a small purple bruise there.
 You pushed down his boxer as much as you could with his large frame pinning you to the bed. “Sid,” you begged again. He pulled back to smile down at you. “Stop teasing me.”
 Sid let out an undignified snort, chuckling at your desperation. “If we weren’t in a hotel tonight, I would not be giving in so easily.” There was a wicked glint to his beautiful light brown eyes, and you knew you’d be in for it some other night, but that didn’t matter as long as you got what you wanted now, and what you wanted was Sidney. He had your panties off in a matter of seconds. Taking the length of himself in his hand, he guided his cock to your pussy. The head slipped easily between your folds and you sighed at the feeling of just an inch of your man inside you.
 Sid held still for just a second savoring the feeling of your wetness on his cock. He’d waited all day for this and even though he enjoyed tormenting you and driving you mad; he wanted nothing more than to be engulfed in your heat. With one swift thrust, he buried himself deep inside you. It was like coming home and seeing a place for the first time all at once. It was everything you both dreamed about and you both knew that it would always be this way.
 The two of you moved in sync. Your hips rising to meet his thrust as if it were a well composed symphony, and you were building up to the crescendo. No one had ever known your body like Sid. He played you like a fine strung instrument, plucking the right string to make you sing. Your orgasm built from deep within your bones and when you finally hit that note, the one that could make not only glass shatter but you as well, you locked your lips with his to suppress the scream you so wanted to give voice to.
 Sid found his pleasure the moment you hit yours as well, buried deep inside and spilling his seed. It took a few moments for you both to calm down from your high. Both of you gasping for air, as Sid pulled you onto your sides. “Fuck, I needed that,” he whispered, wiping the sweat off his brow and then yours.
 “You? I thought you were trying to drive me insane with your teasing.”
 Sid laughed, the sound echoing throughout the room. “Just wait till we’re home, baby. Just wait till we’re home.”  
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nat-20s · 3 years
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Wonderful! Au Part 7! (also on ao3 here) another episode only installment, and obnoxiously fluffy! Have fun!
~*~
Martin, tired: Hello everybody! Welcome, or welcome back, to a very low energy episode. We have had, as the kids say, A Week Tm.
Jon, equally tired, but fond: Is that as the kids say?
Martin: I don't know, and perhaps worse, I don't really care. I guess I could ask Jeremiah next time he's over, but I'm not sure if that would actually help.
Jon: Shockingly, I don't think two year olds have their finger on the beating pulse of youth culture.
Martin: Hmm, maybe not. Speaking of Jeremiah, he's part of why the format of this episode is gonna be a bit different than our regular. On top of me dealing with a frankly obscene amount of inventory management, and Jon being swamped with grant writing-
Jon: I never want to look at proposal guidelines again-
Martin: we were on babysitting duty for our favourite neighborhood hellion-
Jon: Hey, Jeremiah is a very sweet kid! I know he's a toddler, but we shouldn't be slandering him anyway.
Martin: One, we're not even using his real name, I don't think that counts as slander, and two, exactly, he's a toddler, he's by default a hellion.
Jon, teasing: This coming from the person that actually wants one?
Martin: I..look, if anything, the last few days have shown we should not be permanent parents.
Jon: But?
Martin:...There's no but.
Jon: I don't believe you! Are you lying for my benefit or the audience's? Because someone spent the last five days wearing one of the largest grins I've ever seen, exhausted as it may have been.
Martin: Okay! Fine, I admit, I liked having a kid around. I still think it would be a bad idea to do it full time, but I dunno. I wish we weren't both only children or something. We would make such good uncles.
Jon: Should I should have taken that teaching job after all?
Martin: Perhaps. After all,
Martin, singsong: An English teacher, is really someone!
Jon and Martin, singing together: If only you, had be-come one!
Jon: Honestly, though, I was considerably underqualified. I'm much more suited to my current job, even if it doesn't have quite the same impact on the "shaping of the next generation" or whatnot.
Martin: Wait, you actually care about qualifications now? When did that change?
Jon: This coming from Mister "master's degree in parapsychology"? And it was probably around the time that the world ended from taking on a workload I was ill-suited for.
Jon:...
Jon: Metaphorically speaking, of course.
Martin: Oh, of course. Definitely nothing literally apocalyptic in our pasts, no siree, nothing to see or speculate about or make weirdly involved forums for here. Uh, anyway, long introduction not so short: Both of us have been averaging about 4 hours of sleep, so any sort of actual research was not on the table.
Jon: If any of you are wondering why we didn't just say that we're both very much worn out and thus we'll be taking a week off, it's because we're both deeply, deeply stubborn.
Martin: It's one of our best shared qualities that has never caused any conflict between us, ever.
Jon: In fairness, sheer stubbornness does account for, what, 75% of the reason that either of us are still alive? And it hasn't caused a major conflict between us in a good three years.
Martin: That's true. We've become a deeply boring, relatively conflict free couple. Which fucking rules, by the way. To all the couples out there: I highly recommend being boring. It is so nice. We've gotten to go to the farmer's market so many times.
Jon: You do love the farmer's market. I would say that it's the access to fresh produce, but I think you just like the attention that one yarn seller gives you. Can't believe you would take advantage of a crush to get discounts on wool. How did I marry such an opportunist?
Martin: Ollie does not have a crush on me. They're just friendly to everyone.
Jon: Bullshit. I certainly never get an extra skein or stitch markers or delicate fabric cleaner tossed in my bag. Actually, I think I've been charged more for committing the crime of having married you before they could.
Martin: I'm..70% sure that's not true, but every sentence we speak, we stray further from even pretending to be on topic. So, to everybody listening, this is the itty bitty episode! Basically, we're only doing small wonders and user submissions. If you want details or backstory for things we like, too bad, come back next week. Jon, I believe you're first this week?
Jon: Oh, right. My first small wonder is cat names.
Martin: Delightful, but unsurprising. Though, I would've expected either more or less specificity. Why cat names as opposed to pet's names in general, or, like, military title names?
Jon: Well that's simple enough. I've simply never met a misnamed cat, even if the name itself wasn't to my personal tastes, and I think that speaks to the wonderful universality of cats.
Martin: This, of course, implies that you have met animals that were misnamed.
Jon: Oh, I have. I once met a papillion dog named Meatball.
Martin: Now I know you don't like food names in general for pets, but are you sure that Meatball didn't suit the dogs personality? I've known some "Meatballs" in my lifetime.
Jon, only half-mock offended: Of course it didn't fit, Martin. She was a lady. A nervous, jittery lady, but a lady nonetheless.
Martin, laughing: And what, you've never met a dignified cat with an undignified name, or vice versa? Would you be okay with our cat being named Meatball?
Jon: I would be upset if our cat was named Meatball, because we named her and we're above that sort of thing, but, technically speaking, she could have been Meatball in another lifetime and it wouldn't have been wrong. You see, all cats are a mix of both extremely austere and little baby idiot.
Martin: Oh, is that the scientific terminology?
Jon: It is. Now, while there's probably some amount of, er, normative determinism or confirmation bias or something that results in a cat with a more dignified name seeming to possess more of that austerity, as all cats have both, any name can, potentially, fit. Hence why it's wonderful.
Martin: I..accept your proposal for now, but I think more research needs to be done. Maybe we should visit the shelter this weekend and test your hypothesis.
Jon: Hmm. I think we may need to visit multiple shelters, actually. A large sample size is necessary for any sort of veracity, obviously.
Martin, imitating Jon tone: Obviously.
Jon: Glad you agree. What's your first small wonder?
Martin: Tofu!
Jon: I..didn't realize you liked that much?
Martin: Well, I don't get it very often since I know you can't stand the texture, even though it is not like 'worse scrambled eggs', and you're a horrible food thief-
Jon: Lies and slander. We readily share. If I'm a horrible food thief, you have committed the exact same, if not worse, crime as myself.
Martin: Well, we are thick as thieves.
Jon, groaning: You're thick as something alright
Martin: Rude! My beloved husband-
Jon: -uh huh-
Martin: whom I love and trust with my most tender of hearts-
Jon: -an oddly cannibalistic turn of phrase-
Martin, badly suppressing laughter: Oh, my god. I want a divorce, then I can put tofu in as many dishes as I like. I'll triple my protein intake.
Jon: It'd never go through. I'll burn the papers. No, wait, I'll burn down the legal offices where the papers are kept.
Martin: Hmm. While my experiences with it have been, uh, varied to say the least, I do have to admit that arson is one of the more attractive crimes of passion. I suppose I'll take you back.
Jon, flat: I'm so very grateful.
Jon, genuine: You do have yet to actually tell me why you think tofu is wonderful, love.
Martin: It's just a good food! It's neutral enough that you can toss it in pretty much anything with a sauce, you can bake it, you can fry it, whatever. Plus it's what? two? Three quid? I spent many years of my life living off the cheapest, saltiest approximation of noodles you could imagine, and half a pack of tofu, a little bit of sesame oil, and some green onions went a long way to both making it more filling and less sad. 
Martin: Plus, I feel like it often gets decried for being something it's not? It's so often viewed as a meat substitute or the vegan alternative option, and so when people try it, they often go in with a false preconceived notion of what it's going to be like, and then end up disappointed. They're all like, 'ugh, this doesn't taste like turkey!' and yeah, of course it doesn't. It's the oatmeal raisin cookie of the protein world, a perfectly good and tasty treat on its own, but if you want chocolate chip, it's not gonna work.
Jon: Martin you don't even like oatmeal raisin. I'm the only one that ever eats them out of the multipacks.
Martin: Well, yeah, but I don't like oatmeal raisin because of its flavor, not because I think it should be chocolate chip and fails. It illustrates my point. Also, just for balance, is your next small wonder oatmeal raisin cookies?
Jon: No, though, maybe one of these weeks. They are good. But no, um, my next small wonder is being married.
Martin, let out a high bark of a laugh: Being married is a small wonder?!
Jon: Small wonders doesn't mean a lack of importance! Or even significance in our lives. Half the time we even end up spending just as much time chattering on about them as the things we actually research. But, yes, I didn't feel like researching the concept of being married. For one, a lot of the history of it is depressing and patriarchal, and for two, it's not something I really feel any need to elaborate on. Being married. I very much enjoy it. I recommend it for anybody that's found someone that they want to marry, and who wants to marry them. I really recommend being married to Martin Blackwood, I think I would enjoy it significantly less if it was to anybody else, but one: we typically try to make the wonderful things in this show  applicable to more than just ourselves, and two: I got there first, so I believe the appropriate thing to say here would be; neener neener and/or everyone else can go suck it, Ollie.
Martin: Well...
Jon: Well, what?
Martin: Saying you got there first is technically not true-
Jon: What?!
Martin, laughing like a bastard: Sorry, sorry! Couldn't resist! Jon, you already know that you're my first real realationship, how would be married before fit that?
Jon: Hence my surprise at the notion! I cannot believe you! I give you my trust, my earnestness, and belief-
Martin [only laughs harder]
Jon: and you throw it in my face for a bit. I take back everything, being married is a nightmare, because sometimes your partner thinks he a fucking comedian and you just have to put up with him because you love him and want to live the rest of your life with him or some such nonsense. Not worth it, if you ask me. My turn to ask for the divorce.
Martin: Babe, hate to break it to you, but both of us are guilty of doing bits that the other doesn't like, it's an integral part of  a healthy marriage, and secondly, you knew who I was long before I proposed. You should've said no when you had the chance.
Jon: Hang on, you proposed?
Martin: Yeah? This isn't part of a bit, of course I proposed. I'm even pretty sure you were there. The whole visit back to Scotland trip? I finally made you a sweater and said it was because we would now be immune to the boyfriend curse?
Jon: No, no, I remember all that, but it wasn't the proposal. It was a reaffirmation of the proposal. We had already decided to get married.
Martin: Well, yeah,, I wasn't just gonna spring that on you, we had had conversations beforehand-
Jon:  No, I mean, I had already proposed. I asked you to marry me a good three years earlier, and you said yes, which is a proposal by any definition that I know.
Martin: Jon, love, darling, apple of my eye, fire of my soul, I mean this in the nicest way possible, what the everloving fuck are you talking about?
Jon: In the ambulance ride when we, uh, moved here. It was the thing I said to you the second I saw your eyes were open.
[An audible pause is left in the recording.]
Martin: That does not count.
Jon: How does it not count?! I asked you to marry me, you very emphatically said yes, that's the de facto definition of an accepted marriage proposal!
Martin: It doesn't count because you were half-delirious with blood-loss, and I had a traumatic brain injury that the hospital was very surprised I made a full recovery from. No court in the world would consider anything we said then more than pain driven ramblings, let alone, I dunno, contractually binding.
Jon: Well, I knew what I was saying well and clear. Just because it was desperate doesn't mean it wasn't sincere. I didn't realize that you weren't as cognizant when you accepted.
Martin, snorting: Yeah, didn't really need to be cognizant to say yes. I've wanted to marry you since the train ride to Scotland.
Jon: Wait, really? Martin, we hadn't even been on a date.
Martin: And yet we were on the lamb together, which I honestly think is more romantic than sitting in some restaurant somewhere trying to get through icebreakers. Also, back up, from your perspective we've been engaged since 2019? What did you think we were doing in the interim?
Jon: Uhh..
Martin: Yes?
Jon: There are people that have long engagement periods, and it's not exactly like we were in any sort of position to get married for awhile. Especially not that first year.
Martin: Okay? And?
Jon: And..I sort of thought you had changed your mind. For awhile. Was rather surprised that you kept living with me, considering that, on the worst nights, I was convinced you were going to storm off and leave me forever any minute now. Hence why your proposal was rather relieving.
Martin: Oh, Jon, love. That is so very ridiculous, and so very you, and so very close to many of my own fears and doubts. Do you have any idea how terrified I was to float the idea of marriage to you? Half the time I was convinced I was just meant to keep you company until you found someone better. And, Christ, we'd, from your perspective, been engaged the whole damn time. Fuck.
[Jon, after a beat, starts laughing. It has a slightly hysterical edge to it. Martin joins in. It takes a minute for the laughter to subside enough for them to speak again.]
Jon: I'm rapidly realizing that our entire romantic relationship would've been, if not more successful, a hell of a lot faster if we weren't both complete fools.
Martin: You're realizing that now? I think I've known that since the CV incident. I've definitely known it since the Lonely.
Jon, with a slightly tired chuckle:Yes, yes, something probably should've tipped me off earlier. Shockingly, observation of our own personal romantic trends is not always a strong suit of mine.
Jon: Anyway, please tell me you have another small wonder, this has gotten wildly of track.
Martin: Since we're talking about marriage anyway, I think my next small wonder is having a shared reference in your wedding vows. Our friends had "I have been, and always shall be, your friend" in theirs, and I made Jon cry with a slightly altered Lord of the Rings quote in ours.
Jon: First off, we were both openly weeping long before that point, secondly, I defy anybody to have been through half of what we have and then have the love of their life look them in the eyes and tell them "Leave you? I never intend to. I am going with you, if you climb to the moon" without at least tearing up.
Martin: There wasn't a dry eye in the audience, either. Granted, the audience was only 20 people, but that was also literally the only time I've seen Eloise show a strong emotion, so I'm pretty smug about it.
Martin, soft: I still feel exactly the same, you know. If you're climbing to the moon, I'll make sure the rope is strong enough for two.
Jon, soft: I know, love.
Jon: Though, to be fair, the moon is also significantly more pleasant than many places we've been.
Martin: God, I hate how much that's true. Look at this barren, oxygenless rock, at least it's not actively trying to kill us. Practically a honeymoon location.
[Martin sighs]
Martin: I am so tired. Let's do the user submissions then take a very long nap.
Jon: Please.
Martin: So, first submission is from Josie; They find it wonderful getting cards from their friends. They say they're lucky to have so much love in their life and have friends that care enough to send them things. That is wonderful Josie! We have a drawer in our house dedicated to every loving card we've ever received since the move, and they're always such a nice reminder of the people in our lives.
Jon: We should really organize that drawer, but, yes, agree with the sentiment. Even the cards from people that are no longer in our lives are lovely, I think. Those connections are very much meaningful for both of us, whether they're active or not.
Martin: That's very true.  Next submission is from Lys, who submits the sound of leaves crunching under your feet in the fall. Ah, that's a classic.
Jon: I just felt myself relax imagining it. I wish it was autumn.
Martin: Don't we all? Alright, for the last submissions, I'm grouping them together as they follow a similar theme. Jadwiga submits the feeling of waking up well into the morning with the sun shining through the window and your cat laying next to you, and Oran submits when a dog falls asleep with its head in your lap.
Jon: I can heartily recommend at least one of those, considering that's how we try to wake up most mornings. The Duchess is a dutiful darling girl who spends every night with us, and she's usually still there when us humans rise.
Martin: I bet you'll agree with the other when I finally convince you to get me a dog for my birthday.
Jon: It hasn't happened yet, so I wouldn't hold your breath.
Martin: But you don't even dislike dogs! You're just as happy to pet them when they pass by as I am.
Jon: Being fine with an animal isn't the same thing as wanting to adopt one for yourself! We don't even know if The Duchess would put up with a dog.
Martin: I bet she would. I bet we could get a big senior dog who's the calmest animal you've ever met with those soft eyes and a little grey on the muzzle and she would cuddle up in an instant. And we did say we should visit a shelter or three this weekend..
Jon: I think you're rather callously taking advantage of my exhausted state, but I suppose we can look. 
Martin: Hell fuckin yeah. So, I think that'll close out the episode, and as we always say at the end, uh, go take a nap and get a dog. Not necessarily in that order.
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Dad!Harry talks to his daughter about her questioning sexuality PART 2
part one
(Thank you all for liking the last post, my heart is so full.)
More about the twins, parents' discussions, and a girl's day of insight and vulnerability.
WC: 3.5 k
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After tucking June in bed, much to her playful annoyance, Harry made his way to the bedroom where the love of his life was resting. Crossing the hallway, he smiled to himself. There was nothing he loved more than being a trusted father. Having this responsibility lifted him, it guided him to be even better. Just replaying the conversation he had in his head was bringing extra moisture to his eyes. What could he say? He was a natural softie, this (y/n) knew so it was no different with his babies.
Right before making it to his shared bedroom, he instead turned to make his way to the younger ones' room. (y/n) might possibly be crossed with him if she finds out he awoke them just for some kisses, but she didn't have to know.
Shuffling into the room, lit by a nightlight that displayed soft stars on the kids' ceiling, he noticed both of them whispering to one another. Having them share a room was the conscious decision of the parents. Although they had a few rooms to spare, they preferred the twins to sleep together, as they quickly noticed how the two reacted when apart. Oftentimes, they'll find Mick in Mazzy's bed, or vice-versa. It is clear to the parents that the twins are most comfortable with one another, and separating them seemed borderline abusive.
"Hmmm, what're you two on about? Late, innit?" Harry softly spoke, with a smile on his face to clear any seriousness in his words.
"Dadaaaa" Mazzy dragged, smiling that her father was here. She sat up on her bed, making grabby arms as to drag her father further into the room. He was so weak for his babies and quickly made his way to her.
"Mazzy meet friends today. Talk dada," Mick explained in an annoyed tone, which Harry obviously found hilarious. Pardon him for not knowing the basis of their conversations. As he smiled to himself, he wrapped his arm around Mazzy as she further burrowed himself on his side, and he extended his hand to Mick (whose bed was a very short distance away from Mazzy's). "Bedtime dada, momma said sleep" Mick said seriously to his father as he reluctantly grabbed his hand.
Harry and (y/n) could see the personalities of the two strongly already: Mick adopted the role of the carrying older brother despite being born only six minutes before, and Mazzy the clumsy, caring younger sister. The twins upheld their roles quite well, and because of their personalities, they rarely left each others' sides.
"Oh baby, I know she did but I just want some snuggies. Don't kill me, 'kay?" Harry said, pulling his arm so Mick would get the message to hug his father. Despite wanting to seem ever-so mature, loved nothing more than to hug the most important man of his life and finally succumbed to 'snuggies'.
"Mumma said to sleep for school, dada," Mazzy inquisitively said to Harry, looking up at him questioning.
"Yes baby, you two need to start sleeping more, you'll start preschool later this year, and mums' not sure if they do nappy time like in daycare." He rubbed both of their backs in unison as he saw them interlock hands on his stomach. These moments, he thinks, are the exact reason he does what he does. He wants nothing more than to support his babies (all four, actually) and be able to watch them grow. "Just wanted to give you guys some kissies. Kissies please?" He finished by puckering his lips as he looks down at the two.
They giggle and lean up to press soft kisses on his cheeks simultaneously.
"Now what's this about some friends, Mazzy?"
"Yes papa, so nice to me. Mick wants to hear if good friends."
Harry continued to rub their backs, so proud of their bond. "Good job Mick, always taking care of your sister. You know she'll always do the same for you too."
"I know dada, told me Aidan was rude to her. We not friends again." Mick stated, again making his father's chest filled with pride.
"Good, we all know we need to treat our friends nicely but if they are not kind back, we can't let ourselves be their friends. What do we do, babes?"
The kids smiled, playfully annoyed once again yet said together: "treat people with kindness." dragging it out as most kids do with very little seriousness.
"I've gotta go now, let's tuck you both in so momma will never know I was here, 'kay?" He lifted Mick in his arms and carried him the short distance to his bed, while Mazzy tucked her legs back in her blankie. Making sure Mick was cozy, he planted a wet kiss on his forehead.
"Dadaaa" Mick smiled, knowing his father's antics by now.
After placing another kiss on Mazzy's head, he placed a palm on both of the children's bellies. "I love you two so dearly. You guys, June, and your mum are the best things in my life. Rest up so we can have another fun day tomorrow babies."
He finally made his way out of their room, seeing the two burrowings further into their respective blankets with their eyes closed filling his heart. Sneaking his phone out, he snapped a quick picture and sent it to his wife so she could keep a copy of the moment. (although, through this, he effectively ruined the small secret of waking them.) Fuck it, he'll just say this is how he found them.
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"She wanted to talk about the Sage situation?" (y/n) guessed, as her beloved crossed the threshold and planted himself face-first on their king bed. All spread out, he moved his back to crack it, due to the stress of every day and ... well, age.
"Said she heard about my sexuality more than yours. Bet you're jealous huh?"
"Please, I know the bond you two have. Is she okay though? You gave her the good ole' 'we'll always be there' parent talk?" (y/n) never doubted his ability to be a father, but these circumstances were a bit more sensitive than other matters. She finally shut her book, placing it on the bedside table that holds Harry and her's current reads. There was no better end to her day than kissing her babies and reading alongside the love of her life.
"She's okay, I think. It's hard for her, obviously. I hate seeing her in pain but this is just one of those things she has to do. As long as she knows we're here, I don't expect it to be too difficult?" He pondered. He did mean it, being a questioning teenager is difficult as is but adding sexuality to the equation? He was fortunate enough to be so self-assured that the concept of questioning himself wasn't that turbulent. "But she wants to hear from you too, obviously. Be prepared to share your life story babe," he giggled, turning his head to see his wife who now began to stroke his hair. God, that really did it when he was tired.
"Yeah, I think I recall her saying this week was slow since she finished exams, so would you agree that we could take a girl's day in light of it all?" She pondered, wanting to assure her daughter in the best, normal way possible.
Harry finally sat up, only to cuddle into his wife's arms. This was another reason he knew the two were soulmates: she loved being the big spoon as much as he liked being held in her arms. "Yes, definitely a good idea. Mhm, what'd I do to have someone as mindful and loving as you? M'life would be incomplete without you, you're everything to me, love." Still feeling as 'lovey-dovey' as ever, he burrowed his head further into her, almost physically absorbing the love she poured out.
"I just want her to feel normal, I guess. When I finally came out, it seemed like it was the only interesting thing about me. It was the only point of conversation for a while, and I don't want June to feel like it's such a hugely different thing. She's still our baby, always will be."
"Hmm, the parenting books have nothing on us. So happy we're a team," he says, grabbing one of her hands to intertwine their fingers. "Gives me a love boner just thinking about how good we are, God."
"Narcissistic asshole. Want a bedtime handie?"
Her words make him shudder, a moan itching to be released. "M'done for with you."
She smiles at his words, knowing that the man in her arms is unlike the general population in that he prefers her hand far over her mouth. Shifting a bit, she kept one arm around his shoulders, to keep him close, and inched the other one to his briefs. They were firm believers in comfortable sleeping, which often lead to sleeping in only undergarments or less. She began to touch him softly through the fabric, already feeling how hard he was. "Oh baby, what's got you all worked up already?" It was a taunting tone, something about their position made it common sense that he'd be more submissive tonight.
"Please, (y/n). Just a quick hand, please." He shifted his hips, trying to get her soft hand to come down harder. Lucky for him, she wasn't in a mood to see him suffer and pressed the heel of her hand more firmly. "You know exactly what that does to me. Please baby, I'll be quiet."
"I know you will, you deserve this, 'kay?" She finally ended the small foreplay and moved her fingers into his briefs. Having been with her for over 15 years, (y/n) knew exactly what got Harry off the quickest. Nothing sold him out faster than a quick, sloppy hand, and her coaxing and appraisal always made him finish embarrassingly fast. Wrapping her hand around his length, she immediately began to jerk him off, wiping his precome to make it smoother. "Such a good daddy to our babies, best father out there I swear."
Her words made him shudder, even more, her touch making him extremely sensitive. Given her arm wrapped around him, he moved his head to the crevice of her neck, feeling shy from her praise. "(y/n), you're going to-" he was interrupted by her thumbing his head again, letting out a breathy moan, "god, make me cum so quick, please."
"It's okay baby, come on now, give it to me." She smirked as she felt him press soft kisses to her neck, almost as a thank you for the fucking phenomenal handie he was receiving.
His breath increased, indicating he was nearing his peak. He began to whimper ever so slightly, wriggling in place and only pushing himself closer to her. "Cumming, god m'cumming." he moaned, finally releasing over her hand.
(y/n) didn't end there though, still dragging her hand to rub his cum down his length and creating a click-ing sound. It was left unsaid that he loved to be overstimulated and milked.
Finally pulling her hand out after Harry begged her it was enough, she got up to grab a hand towel from their en suite restroom. Coming back, she found him with his eyes shut, clearly ready for sleeping.
"Budge up, or this'll get all gross in the morning."
Moving sluggishly, he allowed her to clean. "Come on now, let me do the same to you," he slurred as he flipped on his side, patting the bed.
"No baby, that's alright. Just wanna sleep with 'ya." She smiled at him fondly, noticing his eyes once again shutting in content. The two were almost annoying cuddlers, and they were practically seared together when it came to sleeping.
"Alright, in my arms 'ya go now. Come." He said faintly as she crawled into the space he made for her. Immediately squishing her face in his chest, he wrapped both arms around her back, caging her in and digging his fingers in her loose hair. "Love you," he whispered, although given his face was over her head, it was pretty muffled.
"Love you."
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"Let's do three more deep breaths, and then we can go see what your mum made for breakfast," Harry indicated, eyes still shut as he sat cross-legged by Mazzy and Mick on the floor, June also sitting on one of the twins' bed.
Before the two parents gave birth to June, Harry insisted that it would be vital to teach their children meditation: a practice that would help them understand and work through their emotions. (y/n) agreed quickly, after hearing many testimonials online of increased mindfulness in small toddlers. Harry tried more often than not to do what he called "Good Morning Heart" exercises before school, but if he was out (y/n) had no problem doing it alone. Today though, the two woke up slightly later than usual and had to split up their duties.
"Okay, good. Keep your eyes closed for now, my bugs. I want you to think about one thing you hope to achieve today. Talk to a new kid maybe, or participate in class. Anything, and take another deep breath as you think of it."
"Dada, done now," Mazzy said, smiling wide at her father. Obviously having meditated her whole life (although they didn't consider it meditation, more so family time) she was used to these exercises and her father leading the group. She didn't know exactly why they did it, but being able to frame your day as positive before it even starts did boost her already positive demeanor.
"Good job baby, so proud of you. Why don't you go run down to see your mama? Not on the stairs though."
"I take her, dada!" Mick excitedly said, unknowingly to others, his positive goal for the day was protecting his 'baby' sister.
Harry smiled, dimples shinning as he saw the two siblings scurry down the hall. "Finished bug?" He asked as June and he were the only two left in the twins' room.
"Yeah, going to ask mom about everything."
"She's ready, and she's so fucking proud of you."
"Thank you, Dad, for everything. I mean it." June leaned over to give him a hug, making her cheek squish against his shoulder. He moved his head over to give her a kiss over her hair, closing his eyes for a second, basking in the life full of love he manifested.
"You didn't hear it from me, but I have an insider report your mum made chocolate pancakes."
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"Come here for your kisses, don't try to weasel out of it," (y/n) laughed, putting her arm over the center console to pucker her lips. Mick was first, giving his mom a kiss on the cheek, dimples resembling his father's. Mazzy followed with obtaining their daily kiss before daycare, both stumbling their way out of the car to meet a teacher that helped them inside. "God they're so precious, as are you," (y/n) said, as she softly pinches June's cheek.
"Mooom," June dragged, now in the 'always embarrassed by parents' teenager phase. "Could we talk about Yesterday? You know, with whatever Dad said?”
“Yes! Actually, before we start would it be cool if we play hooky?” There wasn’t a ‘cooler’ parent between the two as they usually were very lenient, but this definitely bought (y/n) some cool parent points.
“What?! Are you sure? Is Dad okay with it?”
“Of course, he encouraged it really. Just a girl's day for us, can go shopping and eat lunch? Whad’ya think babe?”
“Freak it.” Or for translation, June’s way of saying fuck it.
—————
“Can you maybe … tell me how it worked for you? How you … decided?” June said nervously, still nervous about the topic.
“Yeah, of course, baby. It’s a much longer story than your fathers, but I’ll try to condense it:
“At your age, it’s such a period of confusion, and a lot of times your family can agitate that. From seventh grade to about my senior year of high school, I had what I now call my ‘identity crisis. Really, it was rooted in sexual confusion and overall expression but at the time, it was the most dramatic thing happening since the death of mom.”
The two were sitting in the car, having stopped by a local cafe for coffee before sitting in the mall parking lot. It was an odd place, but comfortable given the two were together. (y/n) and Harry prided themselves off of being an open family and sharing details of their past, but this wasn’t something June had heard of in such detail yet. Because of this, she was extremely absorbed in what her mother was saying.
“It’s really funny to me now, because that’s how I deal with things, I guess. But at the moment, I was-“ (y/n) turned her head to look out the window of the car, needing a small moment before recalling the most difficult time of her life. “It’s ridiculous because I know I should say losing mom was painful, but this whole sexuality thing tore me apart in a different way. It was silent, and it was internal. There was no one I could tell, not until my junior year.
“Anyway, going back to the plotline, yes. I did have a close friend I liked. She is mainly the reason I began to question, that and being a little too obsessed with Stevie Nicks. Sidebar: that was one thing that your father and I initially bonded on.” (y/n) finally lifted her head to see her daughter who stared at her with much adoration. Although she was a mother, this specific conversation still made her extremely insecure due to years of denial from family. She could only hope to raise her kids in a contrasting environment. “It was really hard, and I did become depressed and, well, suicidal frankly. Coming from a background like mine, there isn’t a ‘good’ view on anyone who is gay and that combined with my father's overall conserved nature, I was terrified. Then there was the back-and-forth: am I gay? Am I straight? Am I faking it? Does it matter? And the answer, to the last one at least, is yes it does fucking matter.”
“It made you that sad? Trying to figure it out? Dad says I’ll always be the same girl, why was it such a big deal for grandpa?”
“It was hard on me that I didn’t have someone noticing this pain I was going through. I, unfortunately, did not have someone to tell me that it was okay, and it was normal. God, I felt like such a deviant,” (y/n) laughed in an attempt at raising the mood. “When I finally got around to telling your grandpa, he said that mom mentioned it to him once, before she passed. He claims that she said I was going to be different, and he would have to understand that. Mothers always know. And he did, at least, he tried. It was hard to go from always saying future husband to future partner but he got the hang of it. You’re never too old to change your views and grandpa is the best example of that. He’s also very proud of his son-in-law for being so open about everything including sexuality, says that makes our relationship stronger and is the biggest reason he permitted your Dad to propose.”
"I don't even know what to say, that's kind of insane mom."
(y/n) laughed. The pain of her past has subsided over the years, and it was relieving to be able to recount it. "So insane. What else can I say about this? Two aunts were really rude about it and dad got so angry. It made me cry seeing him fight for me. After that, things just all worked out. It's still a hard topic, it took me forever to tell your dad. I thought he was going to be grossed out," (y/n) laughed again out of remembrance, cheeks warming from embarrassment.
"Mom! How could he, I'm sure he was the same as when you two met but dad would beat himself if he ever hurt you. And, that's really nice to hear about grandpa." June was amused over the change of topic and touched her mom was letting this information out.
"No, no. He's always been so attentive and needy," (y/n) giggled, June joining. "You should ask him about it, he's such a sap but that story especially gets a few tears out of him."
"Oh, definitely will do."
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After the two had strolled around the mall a bit and found a few new pieces of clothing (what could (y/n) say, she had the tiniest shopping addiction) June opened up the conversation once more.
"So, how long does it take to know know."
"Oh babe, there's no number I can give you that works for everyone. You can't really but a timeline on these things. I will say there are stages, like definitely a questioning period, but you might not spend time experimenting with labels or you will. It's really hard to say. Personally, it was like six-ish years for me?"
They continued to roam the store, June now looking at jeans with embroidered details. "Hm." She looked deep in thought, but not nearly as conflicted as Harry described her to be the night prior. "I'm thinking about it mom, and I might be sure about it."
As (y/n) moved June into her arms into a Styles' classic bear hug, she hummed in joy. "I am so happy to hear that baby. We are so proud of you, and you're still our same baby but you're developing your identity and we're just so proud to be your parents. Please, babe, don't worry about this, we're here always to defend you through anything. Although, half of our friends and family are gay or something too." (y/n) gave her a smirk, both chuckling at the situation. "Now, if we're done here maybe we can stop by your dad's fav strawberry dealer, he sent me a message he was craving some."
June followed her mom out of the store after deciding to buy the jeans, body warming at the thought of having what she considered to be the best parents in the world.
_____________________________________________________
Part two done! kinda obsessed with this storyline now, so let me know what else you want to see from this precious family. ily!
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rosedavid · 3 years
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Hey just wondering, what do you think of Alexis and Ted’s breakup realistically? More in the sense that how they broke up and also whether leaving someone for career reasons etc? I feel like it’s not a black and white answer and even though when thinking about it, I could say for me it’s realistic cause people may break up because of career reasons or they may follow other people, but what is your opinion? Also even though I wished they were going to be together I did like how Dan handled it, it was sad but I’m glad about the time they had together (especially s5).
So I wrote a whole essay about this and then tumblr glitched out and I lost ALL of it ugh. But I’ll try to rewrite it.
To start out, I’m going to say this: As much as I loved Alexis and Ted together, I think that the two of them breaking up was the direction the show needed to go in. 
Character growth and development is such a huge part of Schitt’s Creek. In fact, I’d argue that one of the main things that makes Schitt’s Creek so successful in everything that it does is the character growth throughout the seasons. Of course, as we look at the different characters and relationships, we seem them all growing and changing in different ways. 
For example, let’s take David and Patrick because their relationship arc turned out so differently than Alexis and Ted since they got married in the end. But the thing about David and Patrick ending up where they did (which I also think was the right decision) is that where they inevitably ended up has to do with their beginnings. With Patrick, we see him moving to a completely new place, leaving is fiance whom he has been dating since high school, the person he’s been expected to be with and eventually marry his whole life, and the person who he does love but learns he loves in a different way than he thought. Then, he meets David, who helps Patrick embrace his identity as a gay man, who Patrick comes to love more than he thought possible. Next, we have David. As we know, David has been burned by many people in past relationships, and he doesn’t really believe in love and trust. With Stevie, we see maybe David wants to have that connection but he doesn’t really know how (and obviously Stevie isn’t the right person). Then, after David meets Patrick and they start to date, we start to see David open himself up more and more, learning about non-sexual intimacy and love for a partner. 
Really, from the start, David and Patrick’s character/relationship growth is focused on love and trust and relationships in general. Now this isn’t to say that they don’t also have important growth in other ways, such as owning Rose Apothecary, but really since the introduction of both of these characters, love and trust have been at the forefront of their growth. 
Now let’s get back to Alexis and Ted. Despite being another much loved relationship in the show, their paths are much different than David and Patrick, since obviously they don’t end up married. But the focus of the character’s growth is also much different. 
With Alexis, we see the primary focus throughout the show on Alexis’s own successes. At first, Alexis seems more of an adventurous, carefree spirit who isn’t serious and doesn’t care about work or education or anything. However, we see this start to change, starting with graduating high school, working at the vet clinic, going to college, organizing events, and eventually becoming an epic business-woman/girl-boss. Again, this isn’t to say that her growth in the other realms, such as her relationship with Ted, isn’t crucial to her development, but I don’t think it was ever the focus. Ted, on the other hand, isn’t a main character, but we can still see that, in addition to his love for Alexis, he has a passion for animals and his work. Going to the Galapagos was one of his dreams. Again, we see a focus on career early on in Ted’s own character arc and growth. 
Here’s the pivotal questions that need to be asked: What events made the characters in Schitt’s Creek grow from the people they were before, and how does that impact their future?
For Alexis especially, the answer to that question is her own success in school and her career. For me personally, all of the most important Alexis growth moments were career related; her graduation, her deciding to get a college degree, her deciding to leave the vet clinic, her organizing singles week into a huge success, her getting attention from interflix for publicity, etc. 
In comparison, the events that made David and Patrick grow are much more focused on relationships and the two of them. Opening the business (together), their first kiss, their big fight/getting back together, first “I love you” (and subsequent I love yous to other people in their lives), the proposal, the casual intimacy of learning to be vulnerable with each other and others, etc. 
So to have Alexis go through all of that character growth related to her career, to see her being proud and successful and capable, only to give it up for Ted or vice versa, I feel like that would have halted their growth immediately. 
Alexis has found her passion, something she’s happy to be doing and something she feels good enough to be doing. Similarly, Ted has always loved animals, and the Galapagos has been a dream of his. If we saw one or both of them give that up for each other, even temporarily, it may have seem to shown how much love they have for each other on the surface; however, when you look at how far these characters have come, and where they’re going in the future, it doesn’t make sense in the least bit. Sure, it would have been sweet and romantic, but it wouldn’t be the correct choice in terms of character growth. In fact, I’d even argue that them breaking up shows they have more love for each other than if they would have stayed together, as they love each other enough to know that the other needs to pursue their passion, and they don’t want to stand in the way of that. 
So yes, I think having them break up was the correct choice, and such a huge moment of growth in their lives. 
However, I do want to end this all with saying that I think the way they broke up potentially sets up the possibility of them getting back together in the future. Kind of the thing where they follow their own paths, but their paths eventually lead back to each other sort of thing. 
Anyway, sorry this was so long! But I think this was a really important moment that needs to be explored/discussed more. 
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Text
Float Like A Butterfly... Ch.6 ...Sting Like A Bee
Summary: An unexpected ally appears before Marinette. The only problem is, he's stumbled onto something he shouldn't have. And she needs it back.
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Marinette was having a terrible day.
First she shows up late with the principal accessory of the Gabriel line's Fashion Week showing. Fashion Week! Marinette was looking forward to it all month! 
Next Audrey Bourgeois, Style Queen herself, treats the hat Marinette worked so hard on like gum on the bottom of her shoe. Sure Adrien had been super encouraging but he hadn't seen the look of utter contempt on Audrey Bourgeois face. No one could look that disgusted all the time!
Speaking of Adrien, he didn't make getting over him any easier by being so kind.
And if that wasn't enough Marinette's brain insisted on using Chat Noir's Miraculous to fight the akumatized villain. Again! She didn't want to think about Chat Noir right now because... Because... Marinette blinked rapidly. Deep breath... Because thinking about Chat Noir was painful.
But that wasn't even the worst part.
"Don't worry, Tikki. We'll get the box right after the show," Marinette stage whispered so as to not alert her parents. Who walked not even a meter away.
Tikki let out a concerned whine. Oh, this was a bad idea. She could feel it. Marinette was right that they couldn't get away from her parents beforehand. But that only made Tikki even more anxious to get searching. And Marinette really didn't need something else to worry about on top of... everything else.
She hoped no one found it.
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Chloe's day was ridiculous. Utterly, ridiculous!
She sat next to her mother as Adrien walked down the runway. Lingering dread squashed and thrown into the very back of her mental walk-in closet where she kept unimportant things. Like shoes she never wore anymore, problematic outfits and lingering guilt that totally wasn't her's. Adrien wasn't slowly disintegrating anymore so why dwell on the past?
Adrien's performance was flawless and Chloe was absolutely certain she appreciated his efforts more than anyone else... Even if Alya Cesaire was livestreaming.
The show went off without a hitch. Adrien seemed fine but then he was almost as good at pretending as she was. Chloe eyed him as Gabriel's lackey, um, assistant pulled him along. Not physically, of course. It was more of a metaphorical pulling.
Ugh, Gabriel Agreste started talking with Chloe's mother through his assistant's tablet. Like, yeah, apologizing to the Queen of Style was a no brainer. But he could have at least come in person! Not like Gabriel was doing anything important besides being the world's richest hermit.
... And Dupain-Cheng was there too. Of course she was. At least her mother would put Dupain-Cheng in her place. Chloe felt herself smirk at the thought.
Adrien raised an eyebrow. As though reading her mind.
Chloe pretended not to notice. No petty satisfactions here! No, sir! But it wasn't like the Queen of Style was going to say anything about Dupain-Cheng's hat except-
"It's the most exceptional thing I've ever seen!" Audrey Bourgeois announced.
Exact- Wait, what!?
"You're a visionary, Marinette! Glitter's had its day..."
Chloe's ears rang, drowning out her mother's voice. Exceptional? Her? Over a- a- a hat!? A vice squeezed Chloe's chest with cruel precision. When her own present was rejected without even unwrapping it!? Chloe's fists shook as she bit her tongue.
"Isn't that nice for your friend, Chloe dearest?" Andre Bourgeois asked.
"It's ridiculous! Utterly ridiculous!" Chloe whirled on her mother. "I've never been to New York with you and you're taking Marinette Dupain-Cheng!?" She spat.
"I'm afraid I have a last minute meeting to attend, my dear Audrey," Gabriel announced from the tablet. "Nathalie, bring Adrien home immediately."
Adrien's attention snapped from Chloe to Gabriel. "But, Father, I-"
"Do not embarrass me in front of the Bourgeois," Gabriel snapped, ending the call.
Jaw clenching shut, Adrien stared at nothing with stormy eyes as Nathalie led him away.
"I'm taking her because she's exceptional, Claudette. Uh- Chloe," Audrey stated matter-of-factly, the Agrestes already forgotten.
"I'm exceptional too!" Chloe shot back.
Audrey inspected her white gloves, bored of this exchange. "The only exceptional thing about you, my dear-" Audrey deigned to glance at her daughter. "-is your mother."
Chloe's blood boiled as she shook off Andre's hands on her shoulders, standing straighter. "I'll show you how exceptional I can be!" she promised.
Just as an akuma entered Chloe's present.
---------------
Alya was having an amazing day!
Her livestreams hadn't gotten this many new views since she almost got sacrificed by Pharaoh. The Ladyblog's activity was up. And Ladybug chose her as the Black Cat!
Sure it was weird that Ladybug didn't want to talk about it. But still! Black Cat! Alya tried to contain her grin as she thought about being Ladybug's partner for a day...
Her pace on the sidewalk slowed, enthusiasm dampening a little... Setting her face in determination Alya skipped into gear. All the more reason to piece together what happened! And she'd start with-
A burst of yellow light shot forth from the Grand Palais. Jolting Alya out of her thoughts as the newest akuma victim gave their villain speech from the roof.
"I am Queen Glitter! And from now on the only exceptional person in Paris will be me!"
Alya ran... straight for the villain who was obviously Chloe as she summoned a cloud of glitter and shapped it into a collection of accessories. The constructs restricting the movement of whoever they landed on. Scarves wrapping people's legs together or tying them to lampposts. Hats covering people's eyes as they tried to yank them off. There was even someone with his hands stuck in high heels. Queen Glitter made a giant floating scarf to stand on and took off in a random direction; leaving a trail of gaudy accessories in her wake.
Great. It was going to take forever to catch up to her now! Taking cover in an alleyway so Queen Glitter's sparkly formal wear wouldn't notice her, Alya scanned the street. Mentally kicking herself for not having recorded the villain speech for the Ladyblog.
"Looks like you're raring to go," Ladybug observed as she landed next to Alya. A familiar box in her hand.
"Ladybug! Didn't think I'd be helping out again so soon!" Alya held out her palm and Ladybug placed the Black Cat Miraculous in her hands again.
"Y'know the drill, right?" Ladybug's eyes wandered to the people in various states of running-for-their-lives.
"Give it back when we're done and don't take it personally," Alya paraphrased as Plagg emerged in a ball of light when she placed the ring on her finger.
"Ladyblog girl again?” Plagg gave her a once over. Ears flat against his head but swishing tail betraying his apprehension. "Well, at least Alya's not blue boy."
“He wasn’t that-“ Ladybug shook her head. “Y’know what, never mind.”
Glancing between them Alya filed that tidbit away for later. "C'mon, Plagg. We did great together!"
"You were okay," Plagg acknowledged. "Could've used more cat puns."
Alya chuckled. Of course he'd like those. With a -slightly forced- encouraging smile from Ladybug, Alya called out: “Plagg, transforme-moi!”
Green lightning traveled from Chat Noir’s ring across both arms and down her torso. A green sash wrapping around her waist and trailing into a tail. Running her clawed gloves through her hair as cat ears materialized. Said hair puffing up into an afro. Armor padding her shoulders and torso. Alya flexed her fingers to get used to the feeling. Chat Ombre's suit still felt strange on her skin compared to Rena Rouge.
Ladybug leapt onto the rooftops and Chat Ombre followed her lead. Racing towards the villain while avoiding her glitter. "So what's the plan?"
"Queen Glitter is basically a reskin of Style Queen," Ladybug thought aloud.
"But without that annoying habit of turning into a cloud!" Chat Ombre supplied.
Ladybug launched her yo-yo at a pedestrian and yanked him away from Queen Glitter's constructs as they passed by. "But she can spread her power over a wider area."
"Don't worry, Ladybug. We'll be- Look out!" Alya tackled Ladybug out of the way as a trio of glittery top hats zoomed past.
"Your reign is over Ladybug and wannabe Chat Noir!" Queen Glitter announced as she floated over them. Her appearance was similar to Style Queen except her crown was even bigger and gaudier. A foux glitter scarf around her shoulders. "I don't even care if you don't give me your Miraculous! I'll simply immobilize you and take them by force!"
They evaded a flurry of coats by jumping down to the street. "Really?" Chat Ombre called out. "That all you can throw at us? A tacky outfit?"
"Wouldn't be the first time!" Ladybug agreed.
"No one ever appreciates my gifts!" Queen Glitter stomped her foot. "Fine then. Why don't we try something more expensive!" Raising her hands she lifted two cars wrapped with giant bows into the air.
Alya's eyes widened. "Oh, shi-" Chat Ombre evaded Chloe's attacks as the villain played wack-a-chat. Glitter accessories flying in and attempting to restrict their movements as well.
Ladybug wrapped one of the vehicles with her yo-yo and spun it back at Queen Glitter.
The bright red sports car hurled towards her and- She stopped it with the palm of her hand. "You'll have to do better than that if- Where'd you go!?" Queen Glitter scanned the empty street, rising higher for a better vantage point.
Chat Ombre locked eyes with her for a second before a chimney obscured her line of sight. "Somehow I don't think that bought us much time." Alya voiced as a wave of clothing rose over the city.
Ladybug spotted a strip of blue between the rooftops. Thinking quickly, Marinette grabbed Alya's hand and turned them towards the Seine. Diving into its waters with a torrent of glitter in their wake.
Queen Glitter's constructs crashed into the river and washed away with the current.
Chat Ombre made for the surface once it was clear but Ladybug pulled her back. Chat's staff in her hand and yo-yo on her face. Pointing towards the magic tool Ladybug offered it to Alya.
Nodding, Alya quickly pressed it to her lips and took a deep breath, sweet oxygen filling her lungs. Giving Ladybug a thumbs up once she didn't feel like her chest was on fire.
Grabbing her hand Ladybug led Alya further upstream until they found a boat.
Gasping the (relatively) fresh air Alya examined Chat's staff. "I didn't know it could do that."
"Yeah, the Miraculous are full of surprises. And we'll need one of our own to beat Queen Glitter. Lucky Charm!"
A spotted snorkel fell into Ladybug's hands.
"Don't we already have one of those?" Chat Ombre asked.
Ladybug's brow furrowed as she stared at it. "Yeah... Wait, Queen Glitter's powers don't work underwater!"
"So, all we need to do is get her there!" 
Ladybug glanced at a pair of recycling bins. "And I know just how to sneak up on her."
Chat Ombre grinned. She liked this plan.
---------------
Chat Ombre hated this plan!
It had all gone smoothly. The glitter constructs ignoring the recycling bins they used as disguises. Snake style. Chloe was dumbfounded when she saw them. Enough to let them take the elevator up to the Grand Paris' rooftop where Queen Glitter set up her makeshift throne. Giving them the opportunity to tackle her towards the Seine.
Unfortunately, Queen Glitter could make constructs of any size. Like, for example, a wide brimmed hat big enough to stretch from either bank of the Seine.
"You were going to make me wear this?" Queen Glitter held up the Lucky Charm- "No thanks!" -and struck it across her knee.
Alya winced as the villain broke Ladybug's insta-win button in half. "Please, tell me you have a plan?" Chat Ombre glanced at the spotted hero currently wrapped up in an extra long scarf just like she was. The floating constructs squeezing just a little bit more as Ladybug struggled against them. Alya tried bending her wrist to Cataclysm her restraints but her right hand was held away from the rest of her body.
"No planning! Not that it'll do you any good. I've already won! Me! Queen Glitter! MWAHAHAHAH- Do you mind? I'm trying to savour the moment!" Chloe snapped as Papillon's emblem glowed over her face.
Alya's head turned from an increasingly frantic Ladybug to the annoyed villain.
"Of course I'm going to take their Miraculous! Why wouldn't I take their Miraculous?"
"An excellent question, your Highness!"
Three pairs of eyes snapped towards the source of the unexpected voice.
"... Who the heck are you supposed to be?" Queen Glitter demanded.
"Aristos! At your service!" He bowed with a flourish, giving Alya a good look at the bee shaped comb at the base of his ponytail. Blond hair highlighted with black stripes. Goggles obscuring his face, making his green eyes hard to read despite the grin on his lips. Suit mostly yellow with black, V-shaped stripes on his torso, forearms and lower legs. Three hexagons on his chest giving the impression of honeycombs.
"No no no no no no." Ladybug stared at Aristos, not realizing that she was speaking aloud.
...Well, that can't be good, Alya thought.
"Ha! Did you really think more insects would help, Ladybug?" The villain mocked. Her constructs closing in on the interloper.
Aristos' smile took on a darker edge. "I'm not with her, your Majesty. I'm here to pledge myself to the most exceptional Queen I've ever seen! Really, where does Papillon get off talking to such a glittery figure as your Highness like that?"
Alya blinked. Really? Even Chloe wouldn't fall for-
Raising her hand the villain halted her constructs' advance. "Hmm, well at least you know how to treat royalty." Queen Glitter offered her bejeweled fingers. "I guess you can be my underling."
Ah. Right. Never underestimate the power of Chloe's ego.
The Bee, Alya was ninety-nine percent sure he was the Bee, took Chloe's offered hand and leaned down. Lips hovering over the back of her hand. "Oh! That reminds me your Highness, I have a gift for you."
Queen Glitter's eyes shone. "A present? For me? It better be the latest- Ow! I'm getting to that!" She snapped at Papillon, looking away from the Bee to glare at the absent supervillain.
Aristos removed the striped top Alya recognized as his Miraculous tool from around his waist.
"You didn't beat them! I did!"
Casually, carefully, Aristos placed his top on Queen Glitter's hand. Point against her glittering skin.
"You couldn't do it yourself so you sent me!"
"Venom," the Bee breathed.
"What was-"
Queen Glitter froze as Aristos' top glowed; his power paralyzing her. The constructs bursting into clouds of glitter. Chat Ombre landed in a crouch as her restraints vanished.
"It worked." Aristos sounded as surprised as Alya felt. "It worked! Yes! Nailed it!" He pumped his fist as relief overflowed and- Was he crying?. "Independent hero debut successful!"
"What?" Ladybug was staring at the Bee apprehensively and that didn't help Alya's nerves.
Aristos' mood instantly became more subdued. Blinking rapidly to get the water out of his eyes. "Oh, right. You're still here."
Chat Ombre tried not to take that personally. He did just save them, after all.
Ladybug stepped forward. Voice even, diplomatic. Never mind that she seemed this close to freaking out. "Listen, Aristos was it? I don't know how you found that Miraculous but you have to give it back."
His face was disturbingly neutral. "...Don't I get a 'thank you' for saving the day?"
The tension in Ladybug's shoulders wouldn't budge. "Thank you, but I really need that Miraculous back." She held out her hand.
Aristos stared at Ladybug's hand like it was something alien. Cracks appearing in his facade. "Yeah, pass."  Walking backwards, away from Ladybug and Chat Ombre, he kept them in his field of vision.
"Wh- The- Y-you can't just decide that!" Ladybug sputtered, stepping forward.
"Just did! How do I even know this Miraculous is even yours?" Aristos asked, increasing the distance between them.
Alya got the distinct impression that he was bullshitting them.
"I'm the one who lost it!"
Alya's eyes widened. "You lost a Miraculous?"
"Not helping, Chat!"
Aristos' features twitched, eyes narrowing. "Sure you say it's yours but how do I know that?"
Chat Ombre bristled at the implication. "Ladybug is the Hero of Paris!"
Aristos gave her a once-over, his expression inscrutable, but said nothing.
Wow. Rude.
"That Miraculous belongs to the G- to me."
"That's interesting because I say it belongs to me." Aristos laid a hand on his chest. "Looks like it's your word against mine. Guess which one I'm choosing?"
Ladybug's yo-yo was suddenly spinning in her hand. "I swear, I'm not gonna lose another-"
An insistent beeping from Ladybug's earrings interrupted her.
"Welp! Love to stay and dance but it looks like you two need to buzz off before your precious identities are exposed to little old me."
Why did he sound bitter? Everything about him made Alya's head spin with questions. Not least of which being how the heck someone holding the Bee Miraculous showed up in the first place.
Taking his top, Aristos hopped onto the edge of the Grand Paris' roof. "Might want to deal with her before that happens."
Alya looked to where he was pointing to see Queen Glitter still paralyzed. When she glanced back at the Bee he was gone.
---------------
Adrien's day sucked.
Paris Fashion Week was always a chore but this year was even worse. Despite having friends around he felt lonelier than ever. Getting to talk to Marinette only helped so much. Adrien was still expected to plaster on a smile and represent 'the brand'.
And that was before he got turned into a freaking statue!
At least it's better than mind control.
Shut up!
He did not want to see Ladybug or her new partner up close and personal! Thank you, very much! But like always what Adrien wanted didn't matter.
Imagine his surprise when a Miraculous practically falls into his lap. A familiar glow blooming in his chest against all reason as Adrien opens the box.
"Hello, my King," the unknown, bee-like kwami greets formally.
There's a turning in his stomach that Adrien tries his best to calm it. "H-hi! I'm Adrien. What's your name?"
"I am Pollen," she bowed. "Kwami of Subjection. An honor to meet you. It has been a long time since I've had a king."
"Just Adrien is fine." Taking the Miraculous, a comb of all things, out of it's box Adrien stares at it. It's disguise all black and only vaguely shaped like a bee compared to the details he glimpsed before Pollen came out.
"Of course, my King."
Adrien sighed. Pollen was nothing like Plagg. Then again, Adrien wasn't sure the world could survive two of him. The lazy little jerk was enough to drive any Guardian mad all by himself... God, he missed Plagg.
"Um, anyway, how does your power work?"
Pollen clapped her small appendages together. "It's very straightforward, my King. You simply call out 'Venom' and your top will activate. Then strike your opponent with the point and they'll be paralyzed for however long you desire." She whooshed toward him for emphasis.
"Paralyze..." That was certainly more straightforward than using Cataclysm.
'Cause you sucked at that, didn't you?
Shut up. This was... What was he doing? When Adrien held the Bee in his hands he felt... Alive. Like a promise that things could be better this time around.
Adrien jumped as insistent knocking on his changing room door startled him out of his thoughts.
"M. Agreste? Mme. Sancoeur says we're back on in five."
"Be right out!" Brushing the Miraculous with his thumb to make sure it was really there Adrien placed it in his pocket. Hesitating for a moment he offered his jacket to Pollen.
Nodding, she zoomed into Plagg's old hiding place.
Taking a deep breath, Adrien opened the door. "Let's get this over with."
---------------
Adrien ran off as soon as Papillon's mark appeared on Chloe's face. Catching Marinette doing the same from the corner of his eye. Glass raining down as Queen Glitter broke through the Grand Palais' roof.
Pollen zipping out as he tied his hair into a makeshift ponytail. Holding it in place with the Bee Miraculous.
"Quickly, my King! Say 'Pollen, transforme-moi'!"
Adrien stared at her. He could hear screaming as people ran.
"My King!"
His oldest friend just got akumatized for the second time.
"My King!"
All he had to do was speak!
"Adrien!"
His knees shook as his back hit the wall behind him for support. "But... I wasn't chosen."
Pollen floated higher as her eyes widened in surprise. "Weren't you given my Miraculous?"
Adrien shook his head. "I f-found it... After giving up the Black Cat."
This time Pollen dipped as she nearly fell out of the air. "Chat Noir."
Adrien shook his head even more emphatically. Hands going up to cover his face. "N-no! Not him! Can't be him!" he choked.
Pollen laid her hand on his and Adrien tensed at the touch. "My King."
Something in her voice made Adrien look at her.
"You wish to help, do you not?"
"... Yes."
Pollen's eyes softened. "Then help."
Adrien stared at her. So sure that she'd want nothing to do with him once she knew what a failure he was... But that wasn't the case.
Rising shakily to his feet Adrien gave Pollen a grateful smile. "Pollen, transforme-moi'."
----------------
Aristos panted as he glanced up from the alleyway. Spotting no pursuers. "Pollen, detransforme-moi."
Landing on Adrien's outstretched palms, Pollen beamed tiredly at him. "Excellent work, my King."
Adrien smiled back. "Oh! What do you eat? Plagg loves Camembert but..."
"That would be fine. However, I prefer something sweeter."
"Yeah..." A weight settled on his chest. "Let's see what we can find..."
Pollen frowned. "Is something wrong, my King?"
Adrien avoided her gaze. What was he supposed to say? That disobeying Ladybug felt wrong? That he almost let his guilt and resentment make him say cruel things to his replacement? That his heart wouldn't stop pounding? "It's just... Do you want to go back?"
Pollen blinked.
"You're supposed to listen to the Guardian, right?" Adrien bit his lip as his heart tried jumping up his throat. "It's not fair of me to keep you if you want to go back."
Pollen sat up on his palms. "I have been in the Miracle Box for a long time, my King. I can think of worse things than spending what time I have outside it with you."
Adrien's eyes burned as he wiped away tears. "Thanks, Pollen."
Ladybugs swirled in the sky as they repaired the city.
"Of course, my King," Pollen smiled.
"Call me Adrien."
"Yes, my King."
Adrien sighed. A smile coming to his lips. Looks like Aristos was sticking around for a while.
-----------------------------
Retroactively giving Black Cat Alya an afro.
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