#and she finally admitted that she has difficulty looking and speaking to him in part because she felt very strongly for him

[bumblingbabooshka]

A Klingon and a half Vulcan participate in a myriad of rituals.

#S'veyk #Ehergha #beas ocs #star trek ocs #klingon oc #vulcan oc #Ehergha is a very intense person who'll stare at you while he speaks #while S'veyk is likely to look away #They once got into a bit of an argument about that and how she spoke to him so quietly (this was before they were in a relationship) #and she finally admitted that she has difficulty looking and speaking to him in part because she felt very strongly for him #and was unused to it. Ehergha was quiet for a moment then told her it was fine then - as long as it wasn't due to cowardly hatred. #S'veyk : No. Decidedly not hatred. #<- Ehergha thought of those words for weeks and a month later he initiated a courtship #also the lower comic strip is them wrestling (pre relationship). Ostensibly to see how strong the other is after #flirt-banter about oh Klingons have victory running through their veins welll Vulcans might be naturally stronger blablabla #but in the end I think they just get a bit worked up from touching each other so much #bea art tag #also Ehergha asked if she knew any martial arts/self defense and S'veyk said she knew some Vulcan techniques #and he essentially said 'baby shit. lemme show you some REAL moves' <- how it starts.

[lady-of-tearshed]

Speaking of Bryaxis would you be willing to write something where the Valkyrie are friends with him and find out he's as bad a gossip as the Suriel? He doesn't even need to make an appearance it could just be a combo they're having at training during cool down or stretching about the gossip he's spreading. Of course it would be great if Cassian freaked out. Maybe all of the guys could become a bit more scared of the Valkyrie and or gain respect for them

King of gossip

Summary: The Valkyries are having a book club meeting, but it turns into a conversation about their new friend, Bryaxis, latest gossip. Feyre, trying to rekindle a kind of "sisterhood" with Nesta, joins them and confess she knew about someone who loved to spill the tea, too...

Word count: 1.3K

Warnings: None.

A/N: Well! First request, I hope it doesn't disappoint!

Laughter echoed through Nesta's door. Feyre stood behind it, a tray of freshly baked goods in hands. She bathed in the joyful sounds that her big sister and her new friends made. Nesta was glowing lately. She looked happy, clean, satisfied, and peaceful. Feyre had never seen her sister happier than on the day of her mating ceremony with Cassian. That man truly saved Nesta from her darkness. He had always kept holding out his hand to her despite her snarls and bites, and always will. Feyre would forever be grateful for that man to be part of Nesta’s life. She would also always remind herself of the strength Nesta has, that too helped the eldest to get through all of her difficulties. 

Nesta seemed to have finally found her people. The ones that made her whole and happy. Feyre knocked on the door softly before peeking her head in. The laughter in the room ceased progressively when she walked in, the group of Valkyries staring at her. Gwyneth almost squealed in excitement at the sight of the cookie pan in Feyre's hands. Nesta rolled her eyes, trying to look unbothered by her sister's presence, even though deep down, she was glad Feyre was here. She was even more glad that they managed to rekindle their “sisterhood”, as Feyre called it. Maybe one day Nesta would admit it to her little sister, that she forgives her for her clumsiness in trying to help her. She knew her intentions were good. 

“I thought you guys might enjoy some snacks for your… reading club, is that it?” Feyre chimed in, trying to hide her nervousness as she entered the room. To her surprise, Nesta didn’t give a snarky response, nor kindly kicked her out. The eldest simply raised her chin and took a cookie off the platter. Nesta grinned slightly at the flavors exploding in her mouth. She murmured a thanks to her younger sister, and then Feyre put the tray down on the sculpted oak coffee table. Gwyneth spoke up then, her pale freckled cheeks already covered in cookie crumbs. “Well, we weren't actually reading. Actually, we were talking about Bryaxis’ latest gossip about the “Lord of bloodshed”...” 

At that, another round of laughter erupted in the room. Emerie managed to explain to Feyre what that gossip was about, while the two other Valkyries were still wheezing and holding their bellies. “Well… Bryaxis said that once… He saw Cassian walk into the library to pick up one of Nesta's latest readings… and took notes of the steamy scenes…” Emerie wiped a tear with her finger, trying to steady her breathing from laughing too much about the mental image of the General actually taking notes, as if he would just read them out while having sex with Nesta. 

Feyre laughed too, and Nesta scooched over on the couch, offering her an indirect invitation to join them. Feyre smiled, and sat down beside her sister. She wanted to say thank you to her sister, thank you for letting her in. But she knew it would make Nesta uncomfortable and that she would most likely close up on herself and tell her to fuck off. So she didn't, and just enjoyed Nesta’s sweet gesture. The High Lady adjusted herself on the couch, crossing her legs and took a pillow to squeeze between her arms. “I think Bryaxis is really the king of gossip… maybe we should name him that.” Nesta said, a glint of amusement flickering in her eyes as she looked over her sister, sitting beside her. A wry smile appeared on Feyre's face, a smile Nesta knew all too well. A smile that meant “I know something you don't.”. She cooked an eyebrow up and now everyone was staring at the younger Archeron in the room for further explanations.

Feyre chuckled and sighed, leaning further into the couch. She slowly took a bite of the cookies she made with Elain earlier today, before the middle Archeron sister left her to go on a date, no, a walk she insisted it was, with Lucien. The Valkyries fell silent in the room, waiting for Feyre’s explanation. “Well… I knew someone once that truly was the king of gossip…” Feyre bit her lip and smiled at the memory of her old friend. She tried not to let herself sink into the memory of their last meeting, of the sacrifice her friend made to save her life… Instead, she focused on the good memories. Gwyneth pressed then, waiting for further explanations. “Whom?!” “The Suriel…” Feyre purred, her voice filled with suspense. She straightened her posture, knowing she would need to elaborate more than that to satisfy the Valkyries' curiosity. 

●°●°●°●

Feyre was now rocking Nyx to sleep in the living room. The fire was gently roaring in the hearth, and the peaceful sounds of Nyx's soft snores were enough to fill Feyre's heart with pure content. She spent the whole evening telling about the gossip she heard from the Suriel, and the Valkyries told the stories they and Bryaxis shared too. The two creatures truly were similar, especially in their taste of spilling the tea. Seeing her sister laughing with her wonderful group of friends AND her letting her in… it meant the world to Feyre. This was a moment she would forever cherish. She might even paint the Valkyries reaction when she told them about all of the tea the Suriel had spilled to her… She wanted to immortalize their reaction with colors on a canva. Gwyneth had even screamed that she was about to pee her pants from laughing too much when Feyre kept telling them her stories, which had aggravated the roar of laughter in the room. 

She stood up to carry Nyx to his room and tuck him into the comfort of his crib, hoping that tonight she and Rhys might have a whole night of interrupted sleep. She kissed her son on the forehead and quietly headed out of the nursery. “Ah!” She startled and raised a hand to her chest, sighing in relief when her brain figured out the identity of the man standing into the hallway. She hoped her tiny shriek of surprise didn't wake the little prince up, then whispered to Cassian. “Cass… what are you doing up…” He bit his lip and brushed his hair back, off of his forehead. Lines of worry were forming between his brows as he spoke. “Did you tell Nes about… Um…” He patted the tiny notebook he always had in his pocket, knowing that Feyre knew exactly what he was talking about. Cassian and Feyre told each other everything, Cassian had proudly confessed his little mischief once, on a drunken night. Confessed that he was taking notes off of Nesta's smutty novels.

Feyre shook her head and chuckled, walking away, too tired to deal with the General tonight. Her bed was calling at her urgently, and Rhys mentally made it clear about his intentions about the plans he had for them both tonight in that exact same bed… But Cassian grabbed Feyre softly by the arm, his eyes pleading. “Whom then..?” Feyre shrugged, just wanting to get over with it so she could join her mate in their bed to have some fun before Nyx might wake up. “Bryaxis. Good night now, Cass.” She said as she walked away from Cassian's ghost white figure. 

●°●°●°●

Cassian had been more than sweet to Nesta the following days, especially because of his discovery about Nesta's new… ally. What a traitor his mate was… The news about the Valkyries and Bryaxis’s friendship spread as fast as a breeze of fresh air… Soon enough, they realized how no one seemed to bug them about anything anymore… Not only did Bryaxis manage to offer them the best tea and gossip there was, but indirectly it had brought them a deep respect amongst everyone. Probably because of their fear of Bryaxis spilling their every secret to his lovely friends…

#acotar #acosaf #fiction #the valkyries #valkyries #acotar fandom #my fic #acotar fic #the suriel #suriel #gossip #spilling the tea #spilling tea #cassian acotar #cassian #nesta archeron #elain archeron #elain acotar #nesta acotar #feyre archeron #feyre acotar #bryaxis #cassian and bryaxis #cassian bryaxis #funny stuff

[spicyclover]

Unplanned | part four

Summary:  You are pregnant with Mick. It’s not going as planned; in fact, it’s not planned. Everything happened so fast, and everything was chaotic. Mick has a hard time accepting it. You have difficulty realizing that two of you may not be raising this child.

Part one | Part two | Part three | Part four | Part five | Part six | Part seven | Part eight

Hope you’ll enjoy this part. Let me know in the comments section! And to support me by tipping me!

Little information, I will, for now, only post on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Thank you, and Enjoy! :)

Lots of love, xxx Spicy Clover

Gina does not have time to answer when the door opens abruptly to let Mick appear.

She let a gasp out her lips while almost crashing into his chest. He is so much taller than her, and she’s forthwith looking down at his piercing sea gaze. His big blue eyes intimidate her, yet she tries to hold his gaze.

Mick looks her up and down as if analyzing a piece of clothing or a pair of shoes. No expression showed in his eyes, and he suddenly felt embarrassed to find himself in front of her. 

An embarrassed silence settles between the two, and they no longer dare to look each other in the eye. Cheeks red with embarrassment, Y/n decides to run away from this embarrassing situation by rushing into her room and slamming the door loudly by accident.

The banging sound startles Mick out of his trance, and he looks up at his sister, who looks up in annoyance at her brother's lack of assurance to make the young woman feel at ease.

He doesn't have time to say anything to his sister before she goes down the stairs to find her mother in the kitchen.

Mick stays a few minutes in silence outside his door, not daring to knock or even speak through it. He just looked at the door before sighing and went to join his uncle in the living room.

She stayed behind the door, her ears on it, trying to listen but nothing. She sighs in relief and finally leans against the door. Her heart was pounding in her chest. A feeling of cold shivered through her body.  

She didn't expect their meeting that way, and she feels foolish about running away from the situation as she did. She had a little speech in her head. She had planned it on the plane, and when she saw him, everything got away. 

At the same time, she thought he would pick her up at the airport, and she would have time to find the courage to talk in the car. 

Still glued to the door, she tries to regain courage. It’s so hard when you only want to run far, far away from here.

There’s a mirror at the back of the room facing the door. Her gaze falls on her sluggish silhouette in the dark, and she slowly realizes the pathetic look she gives off.

Before him, she had always been confident in her appearance and the image she gave to people. A strong and elegant woman, without being too extravagant or haughty. Sweet and smiling, kind and helpful, but still a bitch with her friend.

At this thought, a smile appeared on her face. She misses her friends. Since she met Mick, her life has changed. It is as if he had triggered an avalanche in her life and relationships.

Her friends got away from her without really knowing why. She didn’t understand her friends. 

They went to the Austin Grand Prix. They partied, and Mick kissed her on Sunday night. Both pretty drunk, they ended up in a bed in his hotel room, having sex for hours.

She must admit that Mick is an excellent partner, yet that night, nothing counts and the alarm clock was not abrupt. She woke up in his arms, and they had sex again and breakfast together.

He asked for his number, and they spoke for a few weeks before he suddenly stopped answering his messages. She did not insist; it was only when she learned she was pregnant that she felt compelled to warn him.

Her friends blamed her for not being there with her on their boy-free weekend and for not being a good friend. Yet she is always the one who helps them when they are not well or when they need something.

She felt like she was stabbed in the back, and then the pregnancy happened. Somehow she had never felt more alone than at this moment. 

The pregnancy test was in her hand, in the university bathroom, crying between the toilets. This was the most humiliating thing she’s done. Going out of that gross bathroom with red eyes and a face filled with guilt. 

She chases her thoughts out of her head and opens the door of her room to join the other guests downstairs.

To be continued

#mick schumacher #mick schumacher x reader #mick schumacher imagine #mick schumacher fluff #mick schumacher x pregnant #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #f1 #fluff #pregnancy

[alteon77]

That Familiar Feeling of Family (or how Hob Gadling ended up as an uncle to his stranger's oftentimes feral children): Chapter 1

It's a pretty universally known thing that families are just strange. As Hob is quickly figuring out, however, this little fact is magnified by AT LEAST a billion when the family in question is Endless.

(A lighthearted story in which Hob Gadling finds out his stranger has married, makes friends with a homicidal maniac/ruler, and manages to become an exemplary uncle to a pack of magically mischievous children. Really, now all he has to do is convince everyone to stop calling his and Dream's weekly meetups "playdates", and then his life would be practically perfect.)

AO3 here, Masterlist here

Hob is running. 

Now, that isn't an unusual occurrence in and of itself. After all, the immortal has been forced to flee many many times in his centuries of existence, and he can say without a speck of arrogance that he's become rather adept at it. But this running is dramatically different for one very large reason. 

A literally large reason. 

In that it's the first occasion, at least as far as he's aware, that he's ever had to try and outsprint a gargantuan bloody dragon. 

Try being the operative term here, because while he is indeed foolishly attempting it, he's also failing miserably if the puff of steamed breath that's tickling his neck is any indication. Which he guesses makes an inordinate amount of sense. Really, has he mentioned already how massive his pursuer is? 

The beast behind him lets out a loud, guttural roar, its feet causing the ground to shake as it chases after him like it's just a giant dog and he's got a half opened packet of hot dogs in his coat pocket. 

Hob idly wonders whether he'll actually die if (probably better to say when) that thing finally catches and devours him. He's never had the misfortune of being consumed before, so he's not quite sure how that will work out for him. What if there's just an arm left? Will it still be him? Will he spend his eternity as nothing more than a single discarded body part that has sentience but no way to speak? 

"Archibald! No! Bad!"

The voice, when it calls out this rather ludicrous admonishment, is definitely that of a child. A little girl if he had to guess, and when he does a quick glance around to see where she might be at (so he can hopefully save her from being eaten) he's shocked to spot her standing near his would-be killer. For a minute, Hob can't make sense of what he's seeing. The girl is in front of the reptilian monster, uncomfortably close to one of its frankly enormous nostrils, and she's pointing a finger at it, wearing the sternest expression on her youthful features that he's ever seen in his life.

The dragon crouches down, hanging its head as if in shame while the child, his possible savior, roundly chastises it. "Archie! You know better. What would Dadda say?"

She softens her scolding, though, by running one of her tiny hands along the leathery snout over its mouth, the same mouth that Hob is completely certain is filled with rows and rows of razor sharp teeth, and he isn't quite sure how to handle this. What’s the protocol here? He feels frozen as he watches the scene unfold before him, not knowing whether he should intervene and usher the girl out of harm's way or whether she’s really in any danger at all, since she seems almost as if…. as if she commands this thing? Like a young Daenerys Targaryen, except for the facts that she looks to be about five and she's clothed in a ridiculously frilly pink dress paired with shiny, immaculately black combat boots.

He's honestly… so confused. But he finds himself moving closer anyway, driven by that curiosity he’s never lost in all of his hundreds of years of living.

The girl seems to gentle towards her… pet? Can a dragon even be called a pet? He's having difficulty thinking of this nightmarish creature as anything so mundane, but even he has to admit that it’s exactly what the hellbeast appears to be regardless. 

"He won't let you… won't let you be a dragon if he… finds out about this."

The dragon, that he's just starting to process must be named Archibald or Archie, since he's heard her say it a couple times, lowers its massive head to nuzzle against the child, a puff of steam unfurling from its nostrils to ruffle her hair as it huffs like it's pouting. She soothes it then, stroking her fingers along its dark scales, the ones that seem shot through with a little sapphire when the brilliant sun from above hits them at just the right angle. 

"I know," she goes on. "I won't tell him, Archie, but no chasing the dreamers. Dadda was ad… ada…" She frowns at this as if she's struggling over the word. 

And Hob, having once had a precious son of his own who sometimes got caught up on pronouncing things, can't help but to offer a quiet, "Adamant?"

The little girl's face lights up, her ocean blue eyes widening at him in something like grateful glee. "Adamant," she repeats slowly. "That's… it."

He takes a minute to study her then, this too young dragon tamer. She's a small child, lovely in that same ethereal, unnatural way that he's always associated with his stranger. Her hair is a mess of riotous raven curls that seem to be coming loose from a single braid plaited at the back of her head, and her complexion is almost translucently pale save for the bright rosy flush on her cheeks. 

"I'm… Hob," he supplies with only a mite of hesitation.

Her smile is almost overwhelming in its joy. "Hi, Hob! I'm Aurora!"

And he opens his mouth then to ask after her parents and where they might be, to question her about the ferocious looking mythological beast that she seems to be in control of, but he isn't afforded the opportunity to do any of those things. Another voice joins them before he can, a melodic, otherworldly one that Hob knows all too well. 

It's his… stranger. 

His coat is longer here, draping down to the ground like something Hob would have worn in his goth punk days back in the eighties, but other than that he seems to have on the same black shirt, black pants, and black boots combo that Hob last saw him in. 

Hob takes a minute to gawk. He isn't ashamed to admit that his stranger is beautiful, all marble skin and high cut cheekbones, his hair a wild disarray of windblown black that sticks up at odd angles, almost as if it's the one part of his appearance that his magic can't seem to render as tame. 

"Aurora, what have I relayed to you concerning Archibald? I was told that he was in dragon form and terrorizing the wolves yet again."

"Dadda," the girl in question starts, sounding very contrite. "He won't do it… anymore."

His stranger's face tightens in what Hob thinks is supposed to be a severe expression, though it's clear he's not quite getting there in his daughter's bubbly presence. 

Wait.

Waaaaaait a minute.

What?

What did....

His… daughter? She'd said Dadda, hadn't she? Hadn’t she…. referred to his stranger by that title? His stranger? His stubborn, broody, took-a-century-to-admit-that-Hob-was-even-his-friend stranger? For a moment, Hob feels like he needs to sit, like he might pass out between the running for his life not ten minutes prior and the revelation that this child could belong…. to…. to Dream. 

Not that Hob ever really calls him that. He’d only gotten the name a few years ago when they'd last met, and while it had been a nice piece of information to have (and long overdue in his humble and frustrated opinion) he’d spent over six hundred years referring to his stranger as just that. And he honestly doesn’t see this habit of his changing anytime soon.

"I believe that is what I was promised when last he engaged in such unruliness," Dream goes on, seemingly oblivious to the panic attack that Hob is having. Truthfully, that shocks Hob not at all.

"He's still a… a baby, Dadda."

And yeah. Hob’s not wrong. She'd assuredly called him Dadda, had just said it again even. 

"Be that as it may, he is not permitted to wreak havoc on the realm or its inhabitants. No matter his age, starshine."

At last, Hob seems to find his voice, and he uses it to let out a small, barely there, "Dadda?"

He flushes a little with embarrassment as soon as the word is out of his mouth, because it sounds… not great. It's definitely not what he imagined himself saying at his next meeting with his oldest friend. But his stranger only goes stock still, his shoulders tensing as he glances towards Hob, his eyes narrowing in something that Hob thinks might actually be confusion.

Which… is all too completely understandable. Although, Hob will confess that he's never thought that his mopey stranger would ever be capable of looking as thoroughly perplexed as he does right this moment.

"Hob Gadling?" Dream questions.

"Is that… Is that your daughter?"

"It is," he allows slowly. "This is Aurora."

And while he introduces them, albeit awkwardly, Hob thinks he detects a fair amount of fatherly pride in the way that Dream puts one elegant, long fingered hand on the girl's shoulder to pull her against his side, in the way that his rather harsh, angular features soften as he smiles down at her. Seeing this, he supposes, might make him happy in any other situation, and it's a nice thing that his rather… er, reserved (i.e. cold, distant, and emotionally repressed, though Hob would never say it aloud) stranger is obviously comfortable enough with him to show it. 

But… this isn't any other situation. This is a rather… big piece of news that Hob's just been walloped over the head with.

“You have a child?” Hob blurts out, his brain processing this revelation so sporadically that it’s almost humiliating. 

Dream's brow furrows. “I believe that I only just conveyed as much to you. Are you…. quite well?”

“I’m sorry. A daughter? I can’t…." Hob struggles to articulate his thoughts, an utterly unsurprising complication given that he's relatively certain that this has to all be some strange fever dream. "Why didn’t you tell me about her the last time we met?”

Dream narrows his eyes again before glancing down at the girl. “Starshine, go and assist Archibald in returning to his dog form.”

Dog form? Dog form? That fire-breathing beast becomes a dog? For some reason, he's picturing Cerberus, with its three terrifying heads and the blood of those unlucky dead who try to escape the Underworld dripping from each of their corresponding fang-toothed maws. Hob wonders idly if the aneurysm he's sure to have soon is going to kill him.

“But Dadda….”

“No. He is forbidden from being a dragon for at least a week. Especially since I now see that he has been chasing the dreamers despite my explicit directive not to do so.”

Pointedly, he looks towards Hob, who in turn swings his gaze to his young, temporarily forgotten, savior. Her eyes have gone wide and pleading, and Hob feels his stomach lurch in guilt. 

"I was… just walking about, old friend."

And that wanker, that enigmatic tosspot (who hadn't even bothered to tell him he had a child) only raises an eyebrow in an expression of such incredulity that Hob knows he's trying to call bullshit without actually speaking the words. "Walking?" 

"Yes. Briskly."

That eyebrow goes somehow higher up on Dream's forehead. "By which you mean you were running."

Hob shakes his head. He's done some shady things in his very long life, but even he's not heartless enough to separate a girl from her… er, pet. "No. Not at all. Just… strolling. Vigorously."

And for some reason, Dream seems amused by this, as if he is aware that Hob is lying and it's humorous to him. “Very well. Three days then, Aurora.”

She claps gleefully (like she's just won something grand) before wandering out of earshot to presumably tend to her dragon/dog, and Morpheus grants Hob a small smile when she's gone. "You need not have lied on that vile monstrosity's behalf, Hob Gadling."

"I didn't-"

"You indeed did. This is my realm. I know all that transpires within its borders."

There's a loud pop from where the girl and the dragon are, and when Hob swings his gaze over towards them, he sees a great quantity of smoke clearing rapidly away. 

"Obviously not, or else you'd know it was on your daughter's behalf that I stretched the truth a bit," Hob snarks back.

Aurora steps out of the cloud before plopping down on the ground, followed immediately by a small, fluffy… thing that comes running out from behind her, yapping loudly. Hob winces, thinking that he almost prefers that menacing roar from earlier to the high-pitched noise it's making now.  

"You utterly discarded the truth in this case, friend."

Hob crosses his arms over his chest in a defensive gesture. He can admit to feeling a little… well, hurt that Dream obviously hadn't bothered to inform him of his child, and despite that being referred to as a friend by this brooding pillock does make him slightly less upset, he's still angry. 

"Pets are important to children. I didn't want to see her lose one to your temper."

Little Aurora pulls a sketchbook and a container of pencils from the bag that Hob is absolutely positive she hadn't had with her before. Humming, she munches happily on something that Hob thinks might be crackers, and he is suddenly aware of the fact that someone must have taken the time to pack these for her. Hob, to preserve what little bit of his sanity he has remaining, is going to assume that it was this child's mother who'd done so since he can't for the life of him imagine this eternal god-like entity before him puttering around a kitchen and preparing snacks like a normal bloke. That might be more unbelievable than the dragon as far as Hob's concerned.

"Ah. I see," Dream tells him, and it sounds almost as if he's trying to be… kind? "Let me set your mind at ease then, Hob Gadling. Even were I willing to hurt my daughter and do away with that ghastly creature, my wife would never allow such a thing. So, you need not worry over the matter."

Hob feels himself go rigid. Did he just say….. "Wait a minute? Wife?"

"You are soon to wake, Hob."

"Oh, no, no, no," Hob protests, putting his hands up, palm out, towards Dream. "You need to explain to me what you mean by wife."

It's no use, though. Between one blink and the next, Hob is lurching from his sleep, the image of his stranger smirking at him still fresh in his mind. His breathing is heavy, and he's soaked through with sweat, enough so that he knows he's going to have to change the sheets today. Wearily, he scrubs a tired hand over his face, and he tells himself that all of that must have been some strange fever dream, after all. 

Reaching out for the bottle of water he keeps by his bed, Hob is alarmed to see a piece of paper folded and tucked there. He snatches it up, opening the thick parchment to reveal an array of hearts drawn and colored in what he thinks might be twenty different shades of crayon. The message at the bottom is done in a messy, childish scrawl, and it reads:

Deer Mr. Hob. It wuz nise to sea u. Visit agin turmeric, pleeze. 

And Hob Gadling, who'd once won immortality just with the questionable skill of being able to run his mouth, finds that in this case, he can only stare blankly at the invitation in complete silence.

NEXT CHAPTER

#hob gadling #sandman fic #morpheus x original character #dad!morpheus #morpheus as a father #morpheus fic #sandman fanfiction #morpheus fanfiction #morpheus x oc #sandman oc #dragons as cute fluffy dogs #dream of the endless #morpheus hob gadling bromance #hob gadling as a reluctant life coach to an ornery endless #morpheus x reader

[gale-gentlepenguin]

ML Fic: Soulmate Survey Finale

Here it is.

6-months Later

(I am really sorry about the delay)

There were some hiccups, technical difficulties and other things that delayed this part more than I anticipated.

Shout out to @asongeverlasting for beta reading for having such incredible patience with me. And Give her props, she managed to defy time and space just to beta and fix my work. She is a National treasure.

Check her writing out on AO3 as Ramblingwren

(Master post)

(And here is the full fic on Ao3)

If you do like the story, Comments and Reblogs are greatly appreciated.

But before all that.

Thank you.

This story has been going on for over 2 years now and yet so many of you have been sticking by and reading it. Seeing all of the comments, fan art, and tags has really made making this Fic worth it. Its also the reason that I want to make sure this ending pays off and delivers the joy to all of you that your support and kindness has given me. So be aware that the next update will be the big finale.

Alright enough Camembert,

Enjoy the dish in front of you.

_____________________________________________________________________

Fu heard the sound of walls crumbling and stopped for a moment to focus on where the sound was coming from.

“That must be where the akuma is.”

“That is a relief. I was starting to get lost in this place,” Wayzz confessed. “This building is even more confusing than the studio I was in the other day.”

“Right, you were with the one Marinette had chosen for you. I will admit I don’t know that much about him. Nino was his name, yes?” Fu inquired as they walked.

“He is a good boy, He is very good at going with the flow, and he has a good heart that wants to protect his friends,” Wayzz assured. “Marinette has picked a fine chosen for the role.”

Fu smiled.

“That is good to know, especially that you approve of him. It does make it easier,” Fu said, his words beginning to sound more distant despite being so close.

Wayzz felt his concern for the elderly guardian grow.

“Master, your tone is a bit… foreboding. You speak as if you don’t have long left,” Wayzz remarked.

Fu knew that the turtle kwami was concerned for his well-being. The two of them had been friends for over a century. Wayzz was, in a way, his best friend.

“Apologies, Wayzz, I suppose I am just feeling relieved. While I am still spry, I am no spring chicken. It is good that we know that she will be a good guardian in the future. It makes me feel lighter, like my failure wasn’t the end.”

Wayzz suddenly paused, causing Fu to also stop when he noticed Wayzz wasn’t keeping up.

“Wayzz? What are you doing? We need to make haste.”

“I need to say something to you. You need to stop blaming yourself for what happened, Master.”

Fu sighed.

“I know what you are going to say. I was young and it was an honest mistake. It wasn’t my fault that it ended up the way it did…”

“Yes. You did make a mistake, and you have made up for your mistake 100 times over. You have guarded us alone for over a century. You have gone above and beyond for your duty. You did not fail — if anything, you have succeeded and proven yourself to be a guardian on par with the order, if not more so. Therefore I don’t want you to belittle yourself anymore!”

Fu looked at his kwami confidant, he was emotionally touched by his dear friend’s speech.

“Thank you Wayzz. You truly are an amazing friend.”

“Good, now let's hurry and help the heroes out.”

“Indeed. Let us go, my friend.”

The two continued to where the sound of smashing walls and roars was coming from.

______________________________________________________________________________

The heroes stared up at the Giant Gorilla as it broke down the finely constructed walls of the throne room, leaving a massive hole that let the light of the outside world into the school.

The floor it was standing on was starting to crack, so it quickly jumped out the hole as it grew to its complete size.

The upper body of the Sentimonster now reached the second floor and the situation looked more like a child playing with a doll house.

“So, what was that plan, Ladybug?” Viperion asked, as the Gorilla let out a primal scream.

“Well, the plan is…”

Ryuuko smiled with anticipation.

“Actually Ladybug, let me take this one. I have always wanted to fight a Kaiju.”

“Wait Ryuuko!” Viperion cried out, but it was too late. Ryuuko had already charged at the massive primate and started attacking it with her blade.

The shape-shifting sentimonster was still adjusting to its new size and Ryuuko was able to effortlessly dodge one of its overhand strikes. It's lumbering movements left plenty of space for the swordswoman to hop to the face of the giant.

“Hello” Ryuuko taunted.

“You little…” The sentimonster growled as it tried to hit her with its hand, only to end up smacking itself in the face when she jumped away. The gorilla needed to steady itself as a result of the unintentional blow.

Ryuuko spun at a high speed as she descended, her sword slashing at the Kaiju gorilla.

“Amazing!” Chat Noir complimented.

“Impressive work Ryuuko!” Ladybug praised.

“You are incredible!” Viperion cheered. “Keep it up!”

“That was kind of hot.”

The other three paused and turned to look at Queen Bee.

Chat Noir  smirked slightly.

“What was that, Bee?”

“I said… I could totally do better.” Queen Bee corrected herself, clearly trying to pretend she didn’t say anything.

“Sure Chloé, sure.” Chat Noir quipped, rolling his eyes.

Queen Bee glared daggers at the cat, ignoring the action around her

Viperion noted that despite Ryuuko’s impressive movement and attacks, she wasn’t making much progress against the ape.

“Ryuuko won't be able to keep this up forever. What was that plan, Ladybug?”

“Well, we did need a distraction. Thankfully that’s taken care of,” Ladybug started as she looked around. “Queen Bee, you wanted to show you could do better?”

“What do you need, Ladybug?”

“I think now would be a good time to use your power. Just wait until I give the signal then activate it,” Ladybug instructed.

Queen Bee smiled.

“About time!”

She'd been dying to use her power and now she finally got to shut up that stupid gorilla.

“Ryuuko, keep it busy!”

“No worries, I can do this all…”

Ryuuko’s boast was interrupted by the large gorilla grabbing her.

“Got you! None of you move!”

Ryuuko struggled as Simularé secured its grip on her. She tried to activate her power but the grip was too tight. She couldn't even speak to activate it!

“Nobody move. Now, you are all going to detransform or I am going to make Dragon Soup with my bare hands,” the large sentimonster threatened.

Queen Bee was about to approach anyway but Ladybug raised her hand, silently signaling her to hold off.

Ladybug looked around for some sort of way to help her escape, but to no avail.

“Let's go! Detransform now,” Simularé commanded.

Ryuuko struggled to try and activate her power but Simularé tightened its grip and bone cracking could be heard.

Viperion couldn’t just stand by and watch anymore. He threw his lyre at the giant beast’s snout and it bounced right back to him. The brief moment caused Gorizilla to loosen its grip and Ladybug took advantage of that to fling her yo-yo and pull Ryuuko out and back to Viperion's waiting arms.

“You alright?”

“I’ve been better. Nice catch, Hissy.”

Viperion smiled a bit, briefly forgetting about the gorilla in the room.

Simularé was furious.

“You dare make a monkey out of me?!”

“You did that to yourself,” Queen Bee mocked.

“Chloé, wait, it's…”

But it was too late, as she had already jumped forward. She was going for her big play.

“Get ready for a show stopper! Ve…”

Before Queen Bee could even activate her power, Simularé had reacted. With a quick movement of its fingers, Queen Bee was flicked with incredible force through the wall.

“Queen Bee!” Chat Noir called out in alarm.

“Well, that one’s down for the count.”

Ladybug looked around to see Ryuuko still recovering and Chloé thrown through a wall. This was not going to be as simple as dealing with mindless puppets. She needed to take a risk.

“Lucky Charm!”

She activated her power and the item that would help her succeed was… and umbrella?

“An umbrella? How is that going to…”

“It won't!”

Ladybug jumped to avoid the swipe of the large ape hand, but failed to notice the other hand right above her. It caught her in its grip, and she dropped the umbrella.

“No!” Chat Noir shouted.

Ladybug struggled to escape.

“Seems you have forgotten the situation, Ladybug. You were so sure that I would be as brain-dead as the servant akuma that you let yourself get sloppy.”

“You won't… GHHH,” Ladybug gasped as Simularé tightened its grip on her.

“Oh, I don’t have to. I know how the miraculous works. Since you aren’t an adult, your transformation will wear off in 5 minutes,” Simularé gloated with a malicious grin.

The true peril of the situation suddenly dawned on Ladybug, and she realized she needed to find a way out. But, unlike with Ryuuko, Simularé wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice.

Chat Noir took a deep breath. This sentimonster wasn’t like most of the others. This one had its own thoughts and emotions… he needed to make it lose its sense.

Chat Noir charged forward, trying to distract her.

“Oh, does the cat think he can save his master? How cute.”

Simularé was about to make a swipe at him when, as if repeating himself, Viperion threw his lyre. But the ape saw it coming, and used the hand he was holding Ladybug with to block the stringed instrument.

“Predictable!” Simularé mocked, forgetting about something as they focused on gloating.

“Cataclysm!”

Simularé’s smugness changed to horror when they realized their mistake. Taking their eyes off the cat had left them wide open! Chat Noir had used his staff to raise him upwards right to the head of the distracted sentimonster and had placed his cataclysm-infused hand right on its forehead.

Simularé dropped Ladybug and Chat Noir dove to catch her. The swift motion had Ladybug landing on the diving cat.

“OOF.”

Ladybug looked down seeing she had landed on Chat Noir’s back.

“Thanks for the save, kitty.”

Simularé’s form started shifting wildly as the cracks became larger and more apparent.

“What have you done to me?” Simularé roared in rage and confusion.

It smashed its hands on the walls of the upper level while having its tantrum, causing the ceiling parts that were still intact to be very unstable.

Ladybug managed to roll her and Chat Noir out of the way of the thrashing fists. They both quickly spring up into fighting stances.

“I will destr…”

Just then, its massive arms shifted to be much shorter, looking like they belong to Lady Wifi.

“Well that’s new,” Ryuuko commented as she got to her feet.

“Chat Noir’s cataclysm makes Sentimonsters go haywire. Normally not ideal in most situations but with that sentimonster being smarter than the usual ones it needed to be done,” explained Ladybug.

The head that was once Gorizilla shrunk down to appear more like Dark Owl.

“I am … I am ….” Simularé was trying to stabilize but it kept shifting and looking more and more like a mismatch of different akuma forms.

Ladybug could see the anguish and pain on the sentimonster’s face. They'd all  known that Chat Noir's actions would cause the sentimonster to go haywire but this seemed more chaotic than usual.

“Hold still, we can fix this.” Ladybug tried to walk forward.

“I must… I cant…”

The out of control sentimonster sprouted Dark Cupid's wings and flew high into the air and escaped.

Ryuuko looked up and tried to see where the sentimonster had flown off to but it was already out of sight.

“Should we go after it? Ryuuko asked. “It might cause trouble.”

Ladybug pondered for a moment.

“For the time being it's probably better that we let them go. We should focus on finding the akuma. If we can find her, then we can get the akuma and the amok and fix all the damage.” Ladybug rationalized.

“Solid point. So, what’s our next move M… Ladybug?” Chat Noir inquired.

“Well you and I need to recharge.” Ladybug replied before turning to the other two heroes. "Viperion, Ryuuko, have either of you used your power?”

“No, we recharged earlier,” Ryuuko replied. “You two should go find a place to refuel safely.”

Ladybug glanced at her lucky charm again, wondering why she hadn't needed it yet.

Brow furrowed, she looked around and noticed spots appear on the crumbling ground near Chat Noir, as well as the roof above, and chat Noir himself.

“Why would…”

Before she could finish asking, she heard the sound of crumbling coming from the walls

“Something sounds off,” Viperion said. “I think the walls are gonna collapse!”

Ladybug knew how good Viperion’s ears were with sounds, and now her lucky charm made sense. It was never for Simularé, it was for what was coming now.

Dashing to where the group was standing, she shoved Ryuuko and Viperion back and opened the umbrella over her and Chat Noir’s head. Just as she did, the ceiling above them caved in, dropping chunks of rubble  right on top of them just as the floor beneath them gave way. The other heroes just barely made it out of range of the collapse

“Crap!!!” Ladybug and Chat Noir shouted in unison as they fell through the floor and the hole above was covered by debris. A massive cloud of dust obscured them for a moment.

“Ladybug! Chat Noir!” Ryuuko called out. But as the dust settled, all they saw was a pile of rubble where the two heroes had been.

_______________________________________________________________________

“Stupid ape,” Queen Bee grumbled as she got up. The powerful flick that Simularé had given her had sent her halfway through the school. If she didn’t have super powers she was sure that flick would have turned her into a red smear.

She cracked her back and stretched her arms in order to loosen up.

“Alright, now to hurry…”

Thump

She stopped as she heard the sound. It seemed faint.

“Probably just another one of those mindless akuma.”

“Come on!” came a muffled call.

It was clear it was someone that required help.

“Everything will be fine for them once we beat the akuma,” the heroine tried to reason with herself.

She started to walk back the way she was launched.

“I've got to get back to Ladybug and the others to fight the stupid akuma that caused all of this. This person probably isn't in real danger. I really don’t need to check on them.”

“Momma is coming...”

She stopped as she heard that. It was someone’s mother.

“Damn it!”

Queen Bee began making her way to where the voice was coming from.

“There better still be akuma butt to kick when I get back.”

_____________________________________________________________________________

Chat Noir coughed as he tried to get his bearings. The area was covered in rubble and debris, and right now, Ladybug's umbrella was the only thing keeping that from collapsing on them.

“Ladybug?”

“Guess it was lucky after all,” Ladybug joked as she shifted a bit.

Both of them heard their miraculous beep.

“Looks like we need to get out of this debris heap before we change back and suffocate.”

“Probably would be a good idea.”

Chat Noir put his staff against one large gathering of ceiling rubble and made it extend, giving them a little opening.

“On the count of three, I pull you away from the umbrella and we jump out.”

“Sounds good.”

“1.”

“2”

“3!”

Chat Noir pulled Ladybug away and they jumped out of the hole. Ladybug closed the umbrella as she was pulled out, causing the rubble to pile on more and collapse the area they had just vacated.

“Made it!” Chat Noir said as he coughed up some dust. “I really hope this isn’t asbestos.”

“I am sure you're fine, Kitty. Let’s move in case more parts of the ceiling decide to collapse.”

The two quickly moved toward the wall so they would be by the door should any more rubble start collapsing. Chat Noir noticed that Ladybug was holding on tightly to the umbrella.

“So, is there another use for your lucky charm? It probably wouldn’t have been that close if you had let the umbrella stay.”

“Huh… oh. I didn’t realize I was still holding it, sorry Kitty,” Ladybug answered as she took a look at her lucky charm

“It's fine. I was just curious.”

“I guess I held onto it subconsciously… it does remind me of something pleasant.”

“Oh? Fan of singing in the rain?”

“Not exactly what I meant.” She brushed some of the dust from the umbrella. “I guess it’s fitting that this type of umbrella would have saved me.”

Chat Noir came closer and looked at the umbrella. He hadn’t noticed it the first time, but the umbrella did seem really familiar. The ladybug color scheme may have been enough to throw him off at first glance, but really seeing it now, it looked exactly like the umbrella he had given to Marinette.

“How would it be fitting?”

“Oh, it's personal stuff. Just reminds me of a time with my boyfriend in the rain,” Ladybug admitted.

There was a silence in which only the sound of the miraculous beeping could be heard. Ladybug felt a sharp pang of guilt when she realized what she'd said and who she'd said it to, tried to course correct.

“Friend! That is a boy. The umbrella reminds me of my dear friend of male gender, my buddy that happens to be a boy and…”

Chat Noir put his hand on her shoulder.

“It's okay LB, you don’t need to be worried. I'm happy that it worked out with that guy you were in love with.”

Ladybug looked into her partner's eyes and could see his words were genuine and that there wasn’t even a hint of sadness.

“You’re… okay with it?”

“First and foremost, I want you to be happy. Even if I was sad about this, I would still rather you be happy rather than miserable for my sake,” Chat Noir said.

“Now, if I had heard this news a few weeks back, I probably wouldn't be as cool about it as I am now, but I would still have been happy for you.”

Ladybug felt a bit of relief from that news. She'd been dreading giving this news to Chat Noir, knowing his feelings for her. He was someone very dear to her and she didn't want to hurt his feelings, so hearing him say he was happy for her was great.

“And it does help that I also have someone special,” Chat Noir added as he shyly scratched his cheek.

“Oh?”

“Yeah, sounds kind of shocking, I bet. I actually had feelings for her for a while but I wasn’t really sure what they were until I did some soul searching.”

Ladybug had to admit that she was a bit surprised to hear him say he'd found someone. Considering how he acted at her house during the incident with her dad, the girl he had feelings for must have been special.

“Congrats, Kitty! I would love to meet her someday, the luckiest girl in Paris.” She gave a playful nudge to Chat Noir.

“And I can’t wait to meet the boy that you were crushing on, the second luckiest guy in Paris.”

“Second luckiest?”

“Well I am clearly luckier,” he teased.

“You dork.”

Their miraculous beeped again.

“Okay, we should probably go detransform somewhere,” Ladybug said.

“Yea, we need to refuel. We kind of got distracted talking because of that umbrella.”

The duo look around the destroyed classroom and noticed that since the rubble had blocked the doors and windows, their options of escape to detransform in privacy were limited.

“There has to be some place we can go before we detransform? We might actually have to do it here.”

“Maybe your Lucky Charm is a double use. Maybe it has something that could help us again.” Chat Noir commented as his eyes caught on a small detail on the umbrella. In the handle. “E.A”

“E.A?” Ladybug asked as she turned to him.

Chat Noir looked at the umbrella closer. His eyes saw the carving on the umbrella handle. It was one of his mother’s umbrellas. It was unmistakable. This umbrella was an exact copy of the one he gave to Marinette back when he first started school.

“Ladybug, why did the miraculous make a copy of an umbrella I gave to my girlfriend months ago?”

The question seemed out of left field.

“The Ladybug miraculous creates an item either from my imagination or that I have seen before with some alteration to make them useful to the situation. I doubt I made a copy of an umbrella you gave to your girlfriend. If anything, it’s a copy of an umbrella I hold dear, like the one my boyfriend lent me before we were dating.”

It was at that moment that everything clicked. Both of them looked at one another in stunned realization.

As if by design, the miraculous beeped for the last time and their transformations faded.

______________________________________________________________________________

Ms. Rossi smashed her feet against the door with all the force she could muster, but it still had no effect.

After a dozen attempts she refused to lose hope. Even if it took 1000 times to kick the door down, she would do it if it meant it would save her little Stellina.

“Once more!”

Before she could kick the door again, the door opened.

“Huh, so there was someone up here.”

Ms. Rossi looked up to see a blonde teen in a yellow and black colored costume looking at her.

“You are awfully lucky I heard you, there is a lot of crap going down.”

“Wait, I know who you are… you’re…”

“Queen Bee, the one and only. And you have been saved by me. So feel free to brag about that.” Queen Bee started untying her.

“Thank you. I need to hurry and find my daughter.”

“Well you go do that, I need to get back to where the action is. There is a crazy monster that shapeshifted into a giant gorilla and needs a shot of venom to the face.”

“Wait, what?”

Before Ms.Rossi could get any answers, the bee heroine had dashed out of the room.

“I should find Lila.”

It took her a moment to gather her bearings. She realized the room she was in was the principal's and that she had been locked in his closet. She looked inside the closet to find her bag, trying to find her phone so she could call her daughter. She needed to find out what was going on.

______________________________________________________________________________

Viperion looked at the pile solemnly. “Do you think they're okay?”

“Our superhero forms make us very durable, so the impact probably wouldn’t be enough to hurt them too badly...”

“Okay, that’s a relief. But then why are you still concerned?”

“They both used their powers earlier. If they don’t get out of there before the transformation wears off…” Ryuuko trailed off.

Viperion realized why Ryuuko was so concerned. “Oh… yeah, we're gonna need to get them out of there.”

“I don’t think you will be able to do that” a smug voice called out to them.

The two heroes turn to see the masked villain that was responsible for all of this destruction.

She was flying in the air with two black angel wings as she stared down at them.

“I was expecting to find Simularé having dealt with all of you, but for some reason I can’t seem to call them. So, I assume you probably beat them.”

Viperion and Ryuuko shared a concerned look. Masquerade was clearly someone with a lot more power than they'd been anticipating. She didn’t even seem fazed by the fact that the sentimonster that could have any power it wanted was gone.

“I'll try digging them out, you try to handle Masquerade,” Viperion whispered. “The others don’t have that much time left and you’re a much better fighter.”

Ryuuko looked at Masquerade for a second before agreeing that it was the best course of action.

Ryuuko went to go but found herself blocked by two adults clad in red, black and white. Both of them wore the white face masks that all controlled akuma wore.

The first one Ryuuko had recognized from some new segments and some time on the Ladyblog as The Collector.

The other one she had no idea. All she knew was that it was a woman with blue skin. While the white mask covered the front of her head, she could see the dark helmet with a red visor. Her costume was a dark grayish cornflower blue dress suit with pointed shoulders, including a strong red front and swan neck collar that featured a red downward-arrow-shaped section in the center. The sleeves covered her entire arms, with the tips of her fingers fading into red. She also had pocket-like ridges on each side of her hips, and her pant legs came down to her feet, having red high-heels, soles, and tips. Ryuuko thought the figure seemed familiar, but she couldn’t place it.

“Oh, did you think I came alone? Collector, Catalyst, why don’t you handle the uppity dragon girl. I need some entertainment while I wait for Ladybug and Chat Noir to show up.”

“Need MORE minions to do your dirty work?!” Ryuuko shouted with a mix of frustration and annoyance.

Viperion knew things were looking bad. He instinctively had his hand go to his bracelet but Ryuuko raised her hand out, non-verbally telling him to hold off.

She clenched her sword and charged, but the two akuma seemed to have a bit more skill and evaded her charge.

Catalyst even caught the blade of the heroine with her hands. Ryuuko tried to free the blade only to receive a front kick by the Collector, sending her flying back.

From the corner of her eye, Ryuuko noticed Catalyst's blade coming back at her like a throwing knife.Ryuuko managed to control her backward momentum and caught the blade moments after landing on her feet.

“Okay… this is going to be a challenge,” Ryuuko huffed.

Ryuuko dashed past the Collector and delivered a roundhouse kick to Catalyst, who used her arms to cushion the strike.

Viperion started digging only to feel the force of a front kick by the Collector sending him flying back.

“And what has you focused on digging through rubble rather than acting as entertainment for me?”

Viperion tried to get up, but felt a foot step on his chest.

Viperion grabbed the leg that was keeping him pinned and used his strength to roll and twist, the motion causing the akuma servant to move off balance.

Ryuuko noticed Viperion struggling and managed to trip and kick Catalyst hard enough to send her flying right into the akumatized Collector.

Viperion stood up and moved his way towards Ryuuko.

“We can’t get to Ladybug or Chat Noir while these two and Masquerade are here.”

“Then we will need to hope Ladybug and Chat Noir can get themselves out while we buy time.”

Masquerade watched the two heroes in amusement,“It’s cute that you think you stand a chance when you’re outnumbered.”

“If that’s cute, then you being a dumb bitch that thinks she is going to win makes you downright adorable,” commented a familiar voice.

Masquerade’s smug smile disappeared as she looked to see the arrival of a certain bee heroine.

“So, you’re the mask bitch that's been causing all these problems,” observed Queen Bee..

“Wow, Ladybug must really be desperate if she sent for you again.” Masquerade descended from the air and flicked her charm to remove her wings.

“It’s funny how you call me desperate when you’re the one akumatized.”

Masquerade noticed her charm bracelet glowing, and a sinister grin appeared on her face.She snapped her fingers, calling her two servants to her side.

“You know, Chloé,” Masquerade began as she stalked closer, “Out of everyone in Paris, I think you are the most pitiful.”

Queen Bee kept eye contact with Masquerade as the villain stopped  a few feet away.

“Me? Pitiful? I’m not the one who looks like a theater reject,” she retorted.

Masquerade shook her head.

“Your mother is a famous fashion critic, and your father is the mayor of Paris. You can have whatever you want whenever you want by just sending a text or making a call, but you know that having such privilege doesn’t give you any value. It doesn’t matter that your daddy bends over backwards for you, because your dear mother who you aspire to be doesn’t give a crap about you. You are just a spoiled brat, and everyone knows you’re nothing special. At best you’re a rich bully who acts out to get some form of attention. When you got a miraculous by some fluke, you hoped that it would be your ticket to being someone people liked, respected, and found exceptional.”.

Queen Bee’s head lowered with each sentence, her fists tightening.

Ryuuko and Viperion tried to land a strike against Masquerade while she was talking, but the Collector and Catalyst blocked their  attempts and managed to pin both of them to the ground.

“Are you done?” Masquerade looked at the two pinned heroes. “I’m not dumb enough to leave myself open.”

Masquerade cleared her throat, and turned back to Queen Bee.

“Where was I? Oh yes. I remember. No matter how hard you try, no matter what you say or do, you will NEVER be a hero. You will always be Chloé Bourgeois, Audrey’s embarrassment of a daughter,” Masquerade cruelly declared.

Queen Bee refused to look up. Masquerade knew this was her moment.

“Don’t worry Chloé. Now you have a chance to be a part of something exceptional for once.”

Masquerade took a mask from her dress and threw it at Queen Bee, only for the mask to be smacked away by the heroine herself.

This was a surprise to Masquerade.

“What?! How did you do that?”

Queen Bee started to laugh. She looked up at the confused Masquerade.

“That was it?! That was your big take down? That was going to make me so demoralized that I would settle for being one of your puppets? GET REAL!” Queen Bee mocked. “It’s actually funny that you thought that would work.”

“What do you mean!? I just exposed your biggest insecurities, your fears! You should be a sobbing mess!”

Queen Bee shook her head.

“You’re not wrong. What you said about me was, word for word, all of my insecurities. Problem is, I’ve heard it before. I have heard this crap from Hawkmoth, I heard it from my own mother and I hear it from me. I think this about myself every single day. Those thoughts echo in my head, and all those other people that have said it to me said it much worse than that rank amateur trick you just tried,” Queen Bee spelled out.

“Amateur!?”

“Look, I may suck at getting all the things about being a hero right. I may need to work on ‘being a good person’ or whatever, but I do know one thing and that’s how to be mean. You? You’re nasty not because that’s how you are, it’s because you think you are. I know why you always seemed off now, that lame liar that had everyone wrapped around your finger by telling them only things they want to hear. You want to talk about my need to be accepted? Let’s talk about yours. You want nothing more than love and attention. And since your lies bit you in the butt, now you think the only way to get what you want is by going full mean girl and hope that your akumatization makes it so you can at least have some sort of control again. But you suck at that too.”

Masquerade gaped in disbelief at what she was hearing.

“Are you saying I’m not mean enough?”

“Oh, I think you’re pretty cruel, but that’s out of defense. It isn’t your default. You’ve lied to yourself so much that you don’t even know who you are anymore. Me? I’m a petty, self-absorbed bitch with mommy issues, but I know who I am. But tell me ‘Masquerade’, who are you, really? Under all the lies and borderline psychopathic tendencies, what is the real Lila like?”

Ryuuko and Viperion looked at Queen Bee with a mix of shock and awe.

For the first time, Masquerade felt shaken. She backed away, glaring daggers at Queen Bee.

“Oh, wow, look at the mighty mask akuma shaking like a leaf,” Queen bee mocked before turning to Viperion and Ryuuko. “By the way, what happened to the giant gorilla? I thought we were fighting that weird sentimonster.”

Ryuuko kicked Catalyst off her and stood up. “Oh, Chat Noir Cataclysmed it, then it ran off.”

Viperion followed suit with Collector. “Right now, Ladybug and Chat Noir are below us, if they aren’t buried in rubble.”

“Thanks for the recap.” Queen bee turned her attention back to Masquerade before whirling back to the other heroes. “Wait, they’re WHAT?”

“Buried in rubble. But knowing Ladybug, they likely got themselves out and are fine,” Ryuuko assured.

“Oh, yeah probably.” Now calmer, Queen Bee turned back to Masquerade

“Now, where were we?”

Masquerade’s shaken anger shifted to a crazed smile.

“You know what, Chloé? I’ve decided I’m done playing games. Collector! Open the book.”

The akuma servant moved to the open hole they had entered through and opened the book.

It was at this moment the heroes realized that Masquerade had a lot more in store for them.

__________________________________________________________________________

The Lucky Charm vanished as their transformations dropped, leaving Marinette and Adrien standing right in front of each other with stunned expressions. Their two kwamis, Tikki and Plagg, popped out and saw the two looking at one another.

“This is not how I was expecting this to go.”

“Plagg!”

“What? It isn’t! I was expecting something more along the lines of one of them finding out through some gift delivery, and then the other one revealing themselves by saving the first from an akuma attack or some elaborate trick to find out the other’s identity and then intending to reset the time with the snake but not going through with it… actually scratch that, this way was better.”

“Plagg, seriously!”

Adrien and Marinette looked at each other as everything came together. The vanishing of their masks was really just the garnish on what they had both realized. Marinette had realized that her trusted partner was the boy she’d been crushing on and was now dating, while Adrien realized the girl he believed he had moved on from but still cared for is actually the girl he was in love with the whole time.

“I think they're still processing all of this,” Plagg commented as he flew down to Adrien’s jacket pocket.

“You might want to grab your snack while you can, Sugarcube, I think it’s gonna take them a bit to get over the shock.”

Tikki wanted to say something, but Plagg made a fair point. They were going to need food to refuel.

The kwami snagged their foods of choice and floated a short distance away just as both teens looked ready to speak.

“It’s you,” they said almost in unison. Another beat passed.

They rushed towards each other and hugged.

“I’m so glad you're okay!”

“You distracted Simularé back then without your powers so I could get away. Don’t you know how dangerous that was?”

“Yea, but I figured that I could buy you some time to get away, and Ladybug usually arrives right when I need her to.”

“Just because you got lucky and she was me doesn’t mean I'm not mad you almost got yourself hurt!”

Adrien smiled at her sweetly. Marinette looked up and met his gaze. The tension this day had them go through and finding out that the other is not only safe but has been fighting with them gave them both a renewed vigor and a sense of relief.

Marinette cupped his cheeks and kissed him.

“Aww, they are so adorable!” Tikki squeaked.

“Ugh, they're being too cheesy even for my tastes,” Plagg snarked.

Tikki shot him a look.

“I'm joking! Of course I'm happy for them. But you've gotta admit, it is pretty funny seeing how they've been running circles around each other.”

After a long moment, the teens broke away from the kiss and took one look at each other before bursting into laughter.

“I struggled for so long to tell you how I felt and you were already flirting with me that entire time,” Marinette wheezed.

“You kissed me two times that I can't even remember,” Adrien pointed out.

“You asked me about how YOU did when I had you watch over civilian me when we fought Evillustrator.”

“You put me in a sarcophagus!“

“You reset time 25,913 times just to hide the fact that you were Chat Noir!”

“I did that because you came looking for Adrien and I really didn’t want to let you down!”

“That was very sweet and very dumb!”

“I was made aware of that!”

“But I also really wanted to make sure you got a miraculous because I wanted to fight by your side.”

“I actually thought you were Ladybug at one point, but then you were Multimouse which really threw me off.”

“That was because of an elaborate plan involving a lot of miraculous.”

“Well, it was pretty impressive.”

They both smiled wryly and turned to their kwami.

“Okay be honest, how ridiculous was all of this to watch?” Adrien asked.

“You mean that moment, or your whole Lovesquare dynamic since we knew you?” Plagg asked between bites of cheese.

“Well, now that you mention it…”

Marinette was the first one to come back to Earth.

“Oh no! What’s Fu going to say!?”

Tikki nearly dropped her cookie.

“That is going to be a problem,” Adrien mused, mirroring Marinette’s concern.

“Now that we know each other’s identities, we're a danger to each other as superheroes… we might have to give up our miraculous now.”

Tikki and Plagg looked at the two teens with sad eyes. They'd had dozens of different users over the course of centuries, but Marinette and Adrien were special. It would be heartbreaking to have to leave them.

Adrien looked at Plagg. While he was overjoyed to find out his girlfriend was actually Ladybug and that the two people he was torn between were actually one, he didn’t want to say goodbye to his cat confidant.

Marinette looked at Tikki. The ladybug kwami had always been a well of positivity and support for her. Tikki was her biggest cheerleader and had been one of the happiest to see her get together with Adrien. Now, although finding out that Chat Noir and Adrien were one and the same was incredible, it was also bittersweet because she didn’t want to say goodbye to her sugar-fueled friend.

BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!

Their revelation was interrupted by the sound of concussive impacts coming from outside of the room. It seemed that something big had arrived and the other heroes were going to need help.

“Look kid, we'll have to cross that bridge when we get there.”

“Plagg is right. There's still trouble to deal with up there.”

Marinette and Adrien looked at each other then at their kwami.

“This might be our last fight together,” Adrien solemnly said.

Marinette took his hand in both of hers.

“Then let’s make it count,” Marinette said, giving him a peck on his nose.

“Tikki, Spots on!”

“Plagg, Claws out!”

______________________________________________________________________________

Masquerade smiled as outside of the school stood multiple akuma were ready to strike. She had shown that she had a back-up army in wait.

The giants Megatitan, Glaciator and Gorizilla towered over the opened room. Queen Bee peered out to see dozens of more akuma, such as her butler and parents all in their akumatized forms.

While the heroes couldn’t identify all of the akuma present, all of them white masks that accommodated their various sizes. They were all under Masquerade’s complete control.

“That is a lot of akuma,” Viperion said.

“Did you really think you stood a chance?” Masquerade taunted. Her anger from earlier twisted into a sadistic glee as she could see all of their bravado fading away. “I think I will take your miraculous as trophies. Hawkmoth is only interested in Ladybug and Chat Noir’s miraculous. He can have those. I'm more interested in what you have.”

“You are getting way too overconfident. We've dealt with your mindless akuma puppets before, and they were never a match for us.” Ryuuko pointed her sword at Masquerade.

“So you think that you can fight them all at once, then?” Masquerade asked.

Ryuuko still looked determined.

Viperion put his hand on her shoulder. “Hold on, rushing in will not help right now. There are dozens of them out there. We need to find a way to Masquerade and deal with her so that they can be dealt with.”

“I finally found it!” A sudden voice from out of view exclaimed.

Masquerade and the heroes turn their attention to the direction of the voice, but the one who said it was obscured from view.

“Forgive the intrusion, but it was quite a task getting up here. This school is quite a labyrinth.”

“Show yourself!” Masquerade called out, getting annoyed by the interruption.

“Allow me to make an entrance.”

There was a brief moment of silence, but they heard the words.

“Wayzz, shell on!”

A figure jumped out from a hidden corner and landed in the center of the room standing between Masquerade and the heroes.

There they saw an old man clad in green armor. He had a dark green chest plate with light green pauldrons and tassets with dark green edges; dark brown, loose pants, elbow pads, and collar; and dark green armor boots with light green toe-caps and dark brown soles. His mask was dark green on the upper half and light green on the lower half.

Masquerade cracked up at the sight of him. “You have to be joking! I bring an army and your response is an old man!? That is something else.”

“I am not just any old man, I am Jade Turtle. And you must be the akuma that has been causing all of this chaos. I think it’s about time I put a stop to it.”

“Is that right? And what are you going?”

Jade Turtle turned to the heroes behind him.

“Allow me to show you kids what one can really do with the full power of a miraculous.”

“No, I don’t think so. Collector! Catalyst! Take him out!”

The two akuma charged at the turtle hero.

Jade Turtle confidently jumped in and took off his hat to use as a shield.

“Shell-ter, projectile mode.”

Jade Turtle shot off two baseball-sized green spheres at the two approaching akuma. Both shots made contact, knocking them over right as he landed.

The Akuma recovered quickly, getting up to attack again, but their movements were too predictable. Jade Turtle ran towards them, and right before they attacked, he slid forward and knocked both their legs from under them. The two akuma fell hard on their masks and the turtle hero popped up behind them.

“Whoa!” The three heroes were stunned at how easily he'd handled those two.

Before Jade Turtle could acknowledge this, Masquerade fired what appeared to be a blast of lightning from her hands. The stormy weather charm on her bracelet glowed.

“Don’t think it will be THAT easy to deal with me.”

“Shell-ter!”

He quickly created a hamster-ball-like shield around himself, allowing him to take the lightning attacks as he ran forward.

Masquerade saw him rolling towards her and jumped out of the way but then realized he was moving straight toward the army.

“STOP HIM!”

The akumas outside all tried attacking the turtle hero as he rolled out of the building and bounced right in the middle of their forces.

He watched as they tried to break his shield.

“Reinforce!”

His shield bubble became thicker than before, allowing it to resist more of the damage that the akuma were doing.

He felt his legs wobble.

Easy Fu, you can’t overexert yourself. You have less than 9 minutes before you transform back. You need to hold them off now. Let Ladybug and Chat Noir know what to do.

Jade Turtle touched his shield to reveal a phone feature. He called Ladybug. Thankfully, she picked up right away.

“Master Fu? What's going on? Are you okay?”

“I am fine, Ladybug. Are you and Chat Noir in the school?”

“Yes, we're on our way back to fight the akuma, we just had to refuel first… Master Fu, we need to talk with you about something.”

“Is it life or death?”

“Not at the moment.”

“Then I think it can wait until later. Right now I am holding off an army of akuma. I will buy you 8 minutes. You need to defeat the masked akuma by then.”

“Wait…You're fighting!? Master what about…”

“Don’t worry Ladybug. I am not as weak as you think. But do hurry.”

“Understood. We won’t let you down.”

The turtle hero hung up the phone. “Time for the big one. Shell-ter!”

His shield opened up a small hole to send out a new large, green barrier. This one overtook all of the akuma surrounding him.

“Condense!”

The larger bubble started shrinking and the larger akuma were forced to get down, pinning them to the ground, while the smaller akuma were getting tightly pushed together. Jade Turtle closed the shield surrounding himself and watched as the akuma that had been attacking were forced to stop due to their inability to move. He was thankful that they were unable to think for themselves or they might have figured some way out of this situation.

The elderly hero felt his breathing grow labored. This was taking a lot more out of him then he'd anticipated. He did his best to still his movements but using the miraculous was still draining. This wouldn’t hold forever. As soon as his transformation dropped, so would the shields. He just needed to focus.

He crossed his legs and sat in the lotus position. He closed his eyes and began to meditate. He needed to minimize his movement and strain to maximize the amount of time he can maintain this transformation.

‘The rest is up to you, Ladybug and Chat Noir.’

Masquerade looked at the condensed shield.

“No way… my army…” Masquerade was in shock. The old man she'd mocked earlier had somehow managed to seal off her army from her. Even her giant akuma were trapped in there. And with his other barrier, they couldn't even finish him off! He had crippled her forces in under a minute.

“Did we know him? Because I feel like we should know him,” Viperion asked.

“No, he's new. The turtle hero we're used to seeing is a lot younger… but this one seems to know a lot more tricks. I wonder if we can tweak our powers like that to make them more effective?” Ryuuko responded as she mulled over possibilities.

“Well so much for your army, they're getting handled by an old guy cosplaying as a Ninja Turtle,” Queen Bee jeered.

Masquerade turned to face her.

“You know what? This is fine. I don’t need an army to turn you into bug juice.”

“Ooo, I'm shaking in my costume.” Queen Bee rolled her eyes.

Masquerade touched several of her charms.

Her eyes glowed bright as she rose into the air with black wings.

“You wanted to know who I am, Chloé? Well then, let me tell you exactly who I am!”

The winds around them started getting more intense. Ryuuko almost got swept up in the winds, but Viperion quickly grabbed her hand and pulled her into the eye of the storm.

“I am not a nice new student. I am not the mean, manipulative bully. I am Masquerade, the akuma with infinite powers who is going to take over Paris! I am stronger than Hawkmoth, deadlier than any villain this city has ever faced! And by the end of today, you and all of Paris will be bowing to me!” she roared.

The area around them grew colder as Masquerade started channeling more powers.

Catalyst and Collector stood back up only to get swept up in the winds that Masquerade created.

“Well, you really kicked the hive with that one, Queen Bee” Ryuuko snarked.

“Look, it’s not my fault it’s hard to take her seriously! She looks like a theater kid reject mixed with a Hawkmoth fan. Also… was that a pun?”

“Umm, I really don’t think this is the time for that. We have a super angry, power-mad akuma that is clearly very angry at us, specifically you, Queen Bee,” Viperion interjected.

“Right,” the two teens conceded.

“So, what’s the plan?”

Masquerade looks at the three heroes.

“Plan? Do you three really think you stand a chance?! The only reason you're still standing right now is because I've been toying with you! I wanted some entertainment until Ladybug and Chat Noir finally showed up.”

Viperion slyly activated his power as Masquerade gloated.

“Alright, that’s enough of that,” she said as she summoned what appeared to be a trumpet from thin air.

She shot a small blast from it and hit Ryuuko, making her disappear.

“Ryuuko!”

A sticker appeared on Masquerade’s dress.

“That is from the akuma Desperada. I can release her whenever I want.”

“Second Chance!”

The situation reset.

“Alright, that’s enough of that.” She said as she summoned what appeared to be a trumpet from thin air.

“Get down!”

Viperion managed to push Ryuuko out of the way of the blast.

“Those blasts are instant Game Overs, don't let them hit you.”

“Instant Game Overs? What is this, a video ga…” Queen Bee tried to ask before she was hit with one of the trumpet blasts.

Viperion sighed. “Here we go again.”

“Second Chance!”

_______________________________________________________________________

“This way!” Ladybug called out as they made their way past another piece of falling rubble.

Ladybug and Chat Noir managed to get out of the room they were trapped in and, thanks to Fu, they knew about the situation above.

“Things must be pretty serious if Fu got involved,” Chat Noir commented.

“Well, this is probably the most dangerous fight we've faced since that whole thing during Heroes' Day.”

“It is pretty cool that Fu is jumping in to give a hand, though. Has he used the miraculous around you?”

“Not that I've seen, but I remember him mentioning that using it takes a lot out of him due to his age, so even though he's an adult, he's still on a time limit.”

“Right, but he probably knows a few tricks that would be fun to see.”

“He's been the guardian for over a century, so he likely knows more skills and tricks.”

The two rushed up a staircase and managed to make progress.

“So Ma…. My Lady. You still haven’t said how we're going to deal with Masquerade.”

“That’s because I don’t have a plan yet. But I figure once I see her face I'll probably know when to summon my Lucky Charm and figure a way to defeat her.”

“Reasonable. But do you think the others will be able to hold on until we get there? With how unstable that room got, we couldn’t go straight upward and risk the ceiling caving in on us, and those winds and ice are making things more difficult to traverse. Those three are facing an akuma with the powers of every akuma we ever faced.”

Ladybug thought for a moment. “If Viperion has his power active, they should be okay. He can keep them out of trouble. Even if he doesn’t have his memory, his intuition is still incredibly good.”

“True, he was a better snake than me.”

“You were a good snake, but you're a better kitty. I think you should stick with the cat powers. They suit you better.”

“You’re saying they are purrfect for me?” Chat Noir punned.

“Oh no, what did I start?”

“You set me up for it.”

“I did and I hate myself for it.”

“Don’t hate yourself, you're amazing.”

“Kitty, I'm going to need you to stop being cute or I'm going to have to kiss you, and we don’t have time for that.”

“Now you're just baiting me to do that.”

They heard a massive crash in front of them.

“We should hurry,” Chat Noir said.

______________________________________________________________________

“WHY ARE YOU SO HARD TO HIT?” Masquerade shouted in frustration.

Viperion had managed to help his fellow heroes avoid the attacks of the crazed akuma. She stopped using Desperada’s power and tried a plethora of different powers at her disposal.

She tried Lady Wifi’s pause symbols, Jackady’s command cards, Bubbler’s bubbles,  Rogercop’s handcuffs, and even Horrificator’s slime shots. Masquerade was trying everything in her arsenal, but to no avail

“Perhaps your multitasking is what is making it so difficult for you to focus,” Ryuuko suggested. “Maintaining those winds around us may limit our movement, but it means nothing if you can't hit us. Your focus is split and therefore you can’t dedicate yourself to defeating us.”

Masquerade glared at the dragon heroine skeptically.

“Nice try, but this is clearly a trick to get me to let my guard down. If I reduce the winds, you'll have a chance to escape.”

“You misunderstand. We have no intention of running away. We are heroes and we are going to stop you. Retreat isn’t an option.”

“Then why bother telling me to cut down the winds if not to try and get the advantage?”

“Well either you cut out the winds or we come up there and take you down personally.”

Masquerade pondered for a moment before speaking again.

“I decided I'm just going to end this.”

Masquerade focused her winds to close in on the three heroes, forming a tornado.

“Well that was dumb, now she's gonna rip us apart with this tornado.”

“Not exactly,” Ryuuko smirked. “Viperion, give me a boost.”

Viperion rushed over and linked his fingers together for her to place a foot on.

“Queen Bee, get Ryuuko’s other leg.”

“This is ridiculous, utterly ridiculous!”

Viperion and Queen Bee quickly get ready as the winds start closing in.

“3… 2…. 1…. LAUNCH!”

The two heroes sent Ryuuko as high as they could.

“Lightning Dragon!”

Ryuuko turned herself into a bolt of lightning and struck the masked akuma.

Masquerade screamed as the winds ceased and her hair stood up.

Her body started dropping and Ryuuko shifted back into her solid form, falling right next to her.

Viperion jumped and caught Ryuuko. Masquerade face planted into the floor.

“Nice work.”

Ryuuko smiled.

“You seem to have gotten very good at catching me.”

“You've been falling a lot today. I’d almost think you planned it this way,” Viperion teased.

Ryuuko punched his arm playfully.

“Guess that takes care of her-” Viperion stopped speaking. It was as if some force had frozen him in place.

“Viperion?” Ryuuko got out of his arms and saw the pause symbol on his back.

A second pause symbol shot her way before Ryuuko could react, and then she too was frozen in place.

Queen Bee stared in shock. She'd thought that this was over, but Masquerade had recovered while the two other heroes were distracted and ensured they were both paused.

Masquerade got up, her mask cracked from the landing, her hair smoking from the lighting attack from Ryuuko. Her eyes glowed red as she began walking towards Queen Bee.

“You know, I thought I would be angrier after everything. The collapse of my reputation, the shame I brought on my mother, the loss of my sentimonster, and just the consistent humiliation I faced ever since I saw you heroes. Maybe I've just become so unbelievably enraged that I've come full circle.”

Queen bee felt herself backing up as Masquerade approached.

“I think I know what I am going to do with you Queen Bee. I am going to use you as a test dummy and try out every single one of my powers on you. And when I am done, THEN I will let you cease existing.”

“If you wanted to prove you were a mean girl, you were right. You are definitely mean...” Queen Bee said as she continued backing away.

Masquerade moved her hand and a wind blew Queen Bee into a wall.

“Now, which power to use first on you? Oh I know! One of the powers that the akuma had was a replica of Chat Noir. I wonder what a cataclysm will do to a person.”

Masquerade's hand began emanating a dark energy reminiscent of Chat Noir’s famous move.

Queen Bee closed her eyes to brace herself for what was coming. She hoped it wouldn’t make her ugly.

But before it made contact, a yo-yo wrapped around Masquerade’s legs. The string was pulled and Masquerade ended up falling to the floor where the cataclysm destroying a piece of debris.

“Sorry we were late, it was difficult getting back up here,” a feminine voice spoke from out of view.

Queen Bee opened her eyes and looked in the direction of the voices.

“What took you both so long?” Queen bee exclaimed

Masquerade looked up.

“Ladybug and Chat Noir.”  She spat as if those were the foulest words in her vocabulary.

Ladybug and Chat Noir walked closer.

“We are going to give you one chance. Just hand over the akumatized object and we can all go back to normal,” Chat Noir tried to reason.

Masquerade glared at the two heroes.

“Normal? There is no normal left for me. I watched it all crash and burn. But who cares, now I am the most powerful person in all of Paris. No one can ignore me now.”

Ladybug shook her head.

“You’ve gone power mad.”

Masquerade touched her charms and summoned vines from her wrists.

“Vines? When did we fight an akuma that used plants?” Ladybug questioned.

“Weredad…” Chat Noir said with a horrified gasp. He remembered that beating all too well, and knowing that Masquerade got to Marinette’s father was not sitting well.

Ladybug’s confusion shifted to determination as she jumped to dodge the vines.

Chat Noir and Ladybug moved gracefully as they approached Masquerade. The akuma realized the two were quickly approaching and needed to push them back. She activated Stormy Weather’s power to use a mighty gust to blow them back.

Ladybug and Chat Noir were sent back to where they started, but landed on their feet.

“Okay, so it's safe to assume she has every akuma power so far."

“Well except Chloé's, Luka’s and Kagami’s,” Chat Noir added.

“Right. That’s a relief. Dealing with Queen Wasp or Riposte would not be good.”

“I was more worried about Silencer. If he made us quiet, I wouldn’t be able to hear you call my name.”

“Focus, Kitty.”

“Right. Sorry.”

“Seems it's lucky charm time.”

Ladybug activated her power.

“Lucky Charm!”

What appeared was another unexpected item with a ladybug color scheme.

“A mop bucket?”

“Heads up!”

Chat Noir jumped in front of her and spun his staff to block several pause symbols heading their way.

“I’ll cover you. Figure out how to use the charm.”

“Oh, hell no!” Masquerade shouted as she pulled her hand back, revealing her arm shifting to stone.

She smashed the ground, causing the already unstable floor to crack and send more rubble falling from the ceiling.

Ladybug grabbed the bucket and jumped away.

She looked around, Her eyes looked at Masquerade, Chat Noir’s staff, the ground, her yo-yo, the bucket, and finally Queen bee.

She had a plan.

__________________________________________________________________________

It was endless, the voices in their head screaming. Their body shifting and changing with each passing second, constantly shifting into something else belonging to someone else.

“STOP IT!!!” They screamed as they shouted in the alleyway they landed in. They were alone.

“Mind… shattered… Thoughts… endless… Focus… split!” they tried to articulate.

Their brain felt like it was on fire! Nothing seemed to make sense, it felt like they were losing all control and that they would be left in the dust.

“Focus…. Focus…. FOCUS!!!”

They continued to try and get themselves back on track. They needed something, anything to put their mind to. They needed order! They needed purpose!!!

“I need a reason! Why am I here?! To suffer!? Is this all there is!?”

They held their head with their ever-changing hands.

“They hurt me! Now I am in pain! I hate them… Hate…. HATE!!”

Their clouded mind seemed to calm. They had realized why they were here. That among all of the emotions that they had been created from, one was their defining prime emotion.

“Hatred… I was made from hatred. I am the embodiment of Her hate,” they said.

Their mind flashed with images. The faces of Ladybug and Chat Noir, Alya Cesaire, Marinette Dupain Cheng, Kagami Tsurugi, Luka Couffaine, and…

The face became like their original form, a cracked smiling white mask.

“Yes. I know what I must do. Simularé must destroy those it hates!”

The Sentimonster focused and began changing its body to now be more in control. It started molding its body. It was no longer changing against its will. Simularé was starting to regain control.

“Yes…”

______________________________________________________________________

Masquerade noticed Ladybug standing back and she used her powers to jump at her. Ladybug quickly jumped out of the way and rolled near Chat Noir. Just then, she realized she had left the bucket behind.

“The Lucky Charm!”

Masquerade looked and saw the bucket.

“Let’s not take any chances.”

She touched her charm, now imbued with the power of Copycat’s cataclysm.

Just before she could touch the power, Chat Noir uses his baton to extend out and move the bucket out of the way, causing her to touch the ground and causing the area she touched to break and make a hole that half of her fell into, only to be saved by her other arm catching the floor.

“Nicely done Chaton.”

Ladybug moved to Queen Bee, who had been motionless and watching the two heroes fight with Masquerade. She went into her yo-yo and revealed a purple Macaroon.

“Queen bee activate your power. It's time.” Ladybug relayed her message and used her yo-yo to snag the lucky charm back to her. “Pop this in your mouth when things get serious.”

“Huh?! Oh right!”

Queen Bee started moving again. She had let herself freeze, almost paused just like the other two heroes she was fighting with. But now it was time to act.

“Venom!”

Masquerade managed to get up and out of the hole. It was there that she saw Queen Bee charging at her.

“Oh that is cute. You finally stopped watching and decided to join in getting your butt kicked.”

Masquerade used Stormy Weather’s wind powers to blow Queen Bee back, but this time, Queen Bee popped the macaroon into her mouth.

Suddenly her costume started to shift. She gained a clear face covering and her suit was glowing a shinier gold color, with thicker black gloves. Her hair was now shining gold, and she had an impressive gold jetpack reminiscent of Bee Wings.

“What the heck is that!”

Queen bee realized that Ladybug had given her not just a weird tasting macaroon, but a power-granting one. She got a power up.

“You heard of Cosmobug and Astrochat. Get ready to meet Stellarbee!” she exclaimed.

Stellarbee pushed her jetpack to push through the powerful winds.

Masquerade realized that at the rate she was going, Stellarbee was going to reach her! She couldn’t let herself get tagged. She pushed more power into the wind, and just as she did, an idea popped into her head.

‘If I tag her first, then there will be no issue.’

Masquerade started easing on her wind powers and moved one hand to prepare a deadly touch from the powers of Timebreaker.

Stellarbee kept approaching.

“You know, Lila, you really are a pathetic person.”

Masquerade rolled her eyes.

“And why is that?”

“Well, for one thing, you are so focused on what other people think of you. I must say it's clear that out of everyone here you have the lowest self esteem.”

“I have self-esteem! I have tons of it. You are the one with Mommy issues!”

“Defensive much? Yea, I have issues. But I never lied about who I am. I am Chloé Bourgeois. And you are a girl with a bucket on her head.”

“I am not… Wait what.”

As if on cue, Ladybug covered Masquerade's vision with the sanitation bucket. The surprise caused Masquerade to lose focus on her powers and Stellarbee zoomed right by her, making sure to contact her with her power. Masquerade froze.

Masquerade was in utter shock, unable to move.

Ladybug walked up to Masquerade and touched the charms, causing all the powers she had active to deactivate, including the pause power she had on Viperion and Ryuuko.”

“It's finally over.”

Ladybug took the bracelet off of Masquerade. She ripped it apart with her hands, causing it to break and an akuma to pop out.

“No more evil-doing for you little akuma.” Ladybug spoke as she snagged the akuma with her yo-yo and purified it.

“Bye bye little butterfly.”

Masquerade's form dissipated, returning to that of Lila Rossi.

Jade Turtle, who had kept the tight barrier around the akuma army to keep them from making any moves noticed that they had all ceased to function. They were all still transformed but they were no longer moving.

“Wayzz, shell off.”

Fu transformed back and the barriers he casted vanished.  He was catching his breath.

“Cutting it very close, Ladybug…” Fu commented with relief. He knew there was a reason he didn’t get involved initially. He needed to retire.

The Power that Stellarbee had used on Masquerade had worn off now that she was back to normal.

Lila took off the bucket.

“No! No no no! This can't be happening.”

“The game is over, Lila.” Ladybug said definitively.

Stellarbee deactivated her space form and pulled herself out of the wall she'd collided with when flying.

Viperion shook his head.

“Whoa, everything feels clear again. What happened.”

Ryuuko hugged the snake hero.

“You’re back!”

Viperion felt his cheeks heat up from the hug.

“I am? What did I miss?”

Ryuuko realized the sudden emotional outburst and quickly let go of the hug.

“It's… I will tell you later. I am just happy you are back to normal.”

Queen Bee slid down from the wall looking at the two reptilian heroes and rolling her eyes. She was not gonna be a third wheel in that conversation, no matter how hot they both were. So she decided to make her way to Ladybug.

Chat Noir jumped to land next to Ladybug.

“That’s the end.”

“It always comes back to you doesn’t it?” Lila hissed.

Ladybug raised her eyebrow.

“What do you mean?”

“You are the one that ruined my life once again!”

“Ruined your… you were akumatized and tried to enslave Paris!”

“Because of your stupid fan printing that garbage about me working with Hawkmoth!”

“Well there is that footage…” Chat Noir pointed out.

“I was angry! I was frustrated and saw an opportunity… I don’t work for Hawkmoth” Lila defended herself.

“Assuming that is the truth, using the akuma just to have a temper tantrum is still pretty scummy,” Ladybug commented.

“That’s not the point! Ever since you popped up and yelled at me in the park everything went downhill.”

“Is this what it is really all about? Why are you blaming me when all you have done is lie? I shouldn’t have confronted you that way, I admit I went about that wrong, but you shouldn’t be lying about things like that. Why didn’t you just try being honest? Why did you need to spread rumors just to be popular?”

“Are you joking? Have you ever been a new kid at school? Have you ever had to constantly try and make friends only to be ignored or dismissed, and any time you do get a few people that do talk to you only to stop as soon as you are whisked away to a new location?”

Ladybug and Chat Noir watch as Lila continues to unravel, both of them trying to figure out if this was just another elaborate lie.

“No, you haven’t been ignored or dismissed. I can tell you two are just BATHED in love and acceptance. You don’t have to deal with not knowing if you are going to be moved to a new place where you don’t know anyone and the only person you know and love has to work ridiculous long hours just to take care of you! You never had to constantly try and fail to make new friends, constantly getting bullied or ignored just because you were an easy mark. You wouldn’t know what that is like at all! Is it wrong that I wanted to be liked? Is it wrong that I was sick of being pushed around so I pushed back? Is it so bad that I just wanted to be noticed?”

Ladybug put her hand on Lila’s shoulder.

“Assuming that what you’re saying is true, I think I understand you a bit better now. But that still doesn’t make what you did right.”

Chat Noir put his hand on her other shoulder.

“I do understand that loneliness, better than you think. Maybe if things shook out differently, I could have ended up with a similar mindset. But Ladybug is right. Your actions aren’t justified.”

Lila pulled back from their touch.

Lila looked at the two heroes. She could see the looks of annoyance and anger had shifted to something much worse in their eyes, pity.  Honestly it was better when they were angry with her. At least then there was some sort of begrudging mutual animosity. But right now… everything she worked for was gone, her school life was destroyed, and that whole bit about conquering Paris as an akuma now seemed unbelievably dumb in retrospective. But does that really matter? Lila felt her soul sink. She felt as ruined as the school looked.

“So… what happens now? You're gonna lock me away and throw away the key?”

Ladybug and Chat Noir look at the girl puzzled.

“Lock you up?”

“Yea, after all of the crap that Alya posted on the Ladyblog. All of this? And whatever else I didn’t mention. I bet you want to put me in a cell and let me rot.”

Ladybug sighed. Part of her had to admit that if this was before Lila’s meltdown, she would have agreed. The girl had issues. But seeing Lila now, whether her tantrum was real or not… It made the girl seem so small. And even without the temper tantrum, prison probably wouldn't be possible.

“We aren’t going to hold what you did as an akuma against you. If we did, then we would have to lock up a lot of Parisians,” Chat Noir started off.

“However, we do know that you have been causing a lot of trouble, and your actions outside of being an akuma have not been good.”

“We sure we can’t arrest her?” Queen Bee suggested.

“Train incident,” Ladybug and Chat Noir stated in unison.

“Nevermind.” Queen Bee backed off. “Yikes. You both are in unison way too much all of a sudden. You know what? You two handle this. I will … check on the old guy.”

Queen bee jumped away in the direction of the motionless akuma puppets.

Lila turned her attention back to Ladybug.

“What happens next is your call, Lila,” Ladybug spoke sternly. “There are going to be consequences for what happened regardless of your choice. It’s up to you how you deal with things going forward. And if you want my opinion, the honest you right here, I think, has a better chance of earning a second chance than the version you tried out when you first came to this school. You would be amazed how accepting people are if you stay true to yourself. I don’t promise it will be easy, but I can say it is better than the path you are going on.”

Lila still felt a fierce dislike of Ladybug, and she still remembered all of the pain and frustration she endured since her first akumatization… but she knew that Ladybug was being genuine and trying to reach out. She just wasn't sure if she could be willing to accept help from Ladybug of all people.

“Mi Stellina!”

The voice calling out had the heroes and Lila turn.

“Mama?” Lila asked in surprise.

______________________________________________________________________

Queen Bee had dashed out of the building to see, laying in the middle of multiple masked akuma who remained motionless, an old man. One who looked very familiar.

“Hey… you’re that old guy I saved earlier.” Queen bee mentioned. “What happened to the old turtle guy?”

Fu took a second to process what she had just said and decided not to explain.

“And you are the young girl that helped me out. What a coincidence,” Fu said as he tried to get up. “Did you finally prove to yourself that you were always a hero?”

Chloé looked at the old man with a perplexed expression. She didn’t know how this old man knew so much. But she wasn’t going to question it.

“I don’t know for sure. I know it’s easier to be a hero with powers,” Queen Bee answered.

Fu looked at the unsure blonde and smiled.

“I can tell that there is a hero inside of you. It wasn’t visible at first, and many would argue that it isn’t there, but you just have to believe that there is good inside of you. If you can push forward and try to keep being that hero, soon the day will come when you don’t need the powers to be a hero.”

Queen Bee thought about his words for a moment.

“You know, after all of this mask insanity and finding one’s true self crap, I think I've realized what I am. I am not Ladybug and I am not my mother. I am me. I may not be kind, I may be self-interested… but I know who I am and I know I can be a pretty good hero.”

Fu had to admit that it was an interesting way of looking at things. Being a good person was not always easy as one might think. Chloé Bourgeois was definitely a long way off from being a completely selfless person, but she was leaning in the right direction at least. That was a start.

“Hey… Ladybug already de-akumatized Lila. Why is everyone still in masks?”

The old man looked around and noticed what Chloé had pointed out. They all were just lifeless puppets but they were still there.

“That is odd. The powers of the akuma usually wear off when the akuma is freed, unless…”

“Unless?”

“Something else is tethering the masks to these individuals. Tell me, was there a sentimonster that was paired with the akuma?”

“Oh yea, but like Chat Noir handled it with a cataclysm.”

Fu’s eyes went wide.

“A standard Cataclysm doesn’t destroy sentimonsters, it only frees them from the control of its wielder. So, then the reason the masks are still… oh no.”

__________________________________________________________________________

Ms. Rossi ran to her daughter and hugged her.

“Are you okay? Back to yourself again?” she asked as she touched her daughter’s face.

“I'm not akumatized anymore.”

“Oh, thank goodness! Now we can talk with the principal and straighten out this whole mess.”

“Mama…”

“We can clear up this whole misunderstanding and get you back into class. I am sure that your boyfriend…”

“Mom!”

Ms. Rossi stopped talking.

“Those things… I did them. I was telling the truth. I'm not the person you think I am. I… I lied a lot. But I lied to you the most.”

Ladybug and Chat Noir took a small step back to give the two some space to talk.

“Lila… why did…”

“Because we're always moving! Do you know how hard it is to make friends when we hardly stay anywhere longer than a year? I've been to ten schools in five countries over the last four years! I know it’s your job and that you need to do what they say… but I just couldn’t keep being the same person over and over only to feel rejected and lonely! It would drive anyone…” Lila’s eyes were welling up with tears as she spoke. She struggled to keep her composure.

Ms. Rossi saw the sheen of tears in Lila's eyes and realized that everything she said was true. She didn't know what to say.

“And what's this?”

A voice from above caught the their attention.

Lila's ears perked up as she quickly wiped her tears.

“Simularé! You're still here? I thought you were finished.”

Lila looked up at the sentimonster. If the it was still here, then maybe this wasn’t over for her. But her hopes dwindled when she saw the Sentimonster’s new form.

“What… What happened to you?”

The shape-shifting sentimonster had changed quite a bit. The lower half of its torso was large and similar to Ikari Gozen, But each of its legs were different. The front right leg one looked fuzzy, almost like purple static, and had an ice skate like Frozer on its foot. The front left leg was a darker blue, reminiscent of Maledikator, but its foot was a rollerblade like Time Tagger. The back right leg was black and like that of a panther. The back left leg looked oddly as if it was made of bread.

The upper half looked much more humanoid, but it had 6 arms on its torso which was akin to that of Gorizilla. Each arm was different and held a different weapon. The uppermost right arm was rock-like matching Stoneheart’s body, but wielding a sword much like Darkblade. The uppermost left arm was beast-like and furry, with thorny vines on its wrists, much like Weredad. The middle right arm was shorter and metallic, with a mechanical claw that held an umbrella. The middle left arm was pink and had a mirror on its back like Reflekta's, and held a bottle similar to Princess Frangrance's perfume blaster. Its lower right arm was made of gold glitter and held a stylus, while the lower left arm wore a long red and black sleeve with a tablet on the back of its wrist.

The monster was riding on a massive paper airplane much like Reverser had, and had black feather wings spreading from its back which clearly belonged to Dark Cupid. The top of its head had pink dreads similar to that of Guitar Villain, and on its back was a canister of bubble soap. The fox ears of volpina also peered out from the hair. Despite all of this, though, the most striking feature was the cracked white mask it had for a face.

“I have taken the next step in our evolution.”

The Sentimonster leapt off the paper airplane and landed with a thud. Ladybug and Chat Noir jumped in between the monster and Lila.

“That’s enough Simularé! It's over. We are going to cleanse your amok and you will be able to ease your suffering.”

“Suffering? No no no. I am not suffering, I AM LIVING!” Simularé exclaimed.

It used its massive upper arms to knock both Ladybug and Chat Noir back. Thankfully Ryuuko and Viperion noticed the two heroes flying through the air and ran forward to catch them.

“Lila! I finally see everything clearly. I understand. I am unbelievably free now! And we can finish what we started!” Simularé spoke with glee.

The sentimonster stuck out its hand to Lila, beckoning. “Masquerade or not, you still have a role to play.”

“Don’t listen to that monster!” Chat Noir called out.

“You can’t let it sway you! End this now,” urged Ladybug.

Lila looked at the heroes, who were now staring daggers at the monster. This could be her big chance. It wasn’t over yet! Her earring still had the amok. She could still get what she wanted. She could best Ladybug! She could get that win she had been craving so desperately. But then she felt someone touch her shoulder and turned to see her mother, her very terrified mother.

“Mi Stellina… I know you are hurting. I know that thing is part of the evil that you took part in. But you can’t go back to it. I promise you I will be a better mother to you. I won't let you feel alone like you have been ever again.” Ms. Rossi spoke softly as she tried to keep her voice steady.

Her mother was shaking, tears dripping down her face. Lila may have been angry, but she could see that her mother wanted to protect her.

Lila turned to her mother.

“Mama… I…”

“Please… don’t take another step. I can't lose you too.”

That statement hung in the air for a moment.

Lila turned away from her mother.

“Simularé.”

“Yes?”

“It's over.”

The Sentimonster took a step back in surprise.

“You can’t be serious.”

Lila took a deep breath.

“I have done a lot of awful things. I have been selfish, cruel, manipulative and spiteful. Part of me would love nothing more than to just watch the heroes fall to you… but I can’t break my Mama’s heart anymore today.”

Simularé shook its head.

“I knew you were pathetic.”

“Excuse me?”

Simularé grabbed her collar.

“What are you doing!?” Lila gasped as she struggled. “I order you to stop!”

Simularé pauses for a second but then starts laughing.

“Wait… why aren’t you listening to me?!

Chat Noir was the first one to realize it. His cataclysm had done this.

“Oh no…”

Simularé used one of its hands to take the earring. Putting it on one of its fox ears.

“I will say I am disappointed, but I am not surprised. You were always held back by your weaknesses. You were always self-sabotaging, as if you were begging to get in trouble. I am everything that made you strong with none of your weaknesses. I am everything you wished you could have been but never had the guts to be. And this explains why some of the hatred inside of me is directed towards you. You hated yourself as much as everyone else. So, I suppose this was going to happen anyway. Goodbye Lila.”

Simularé tosses Lila, sending her flying out of the classroom, presumably to her death.

“No!” Ms Rossi cried out as her daughter fell out of sight.

But before she hit the ground, Queen Bee jumped up and caught her.

“You are really lucky I'm trying to be better.” Queen Bee commented.

Simularé shrugged its shoulders.

“Well then, since it seems that I am the only one left, shall I finally end this?”

Simularé flies up with its wings. It raises all of its hands in the air.

“Now, how should I do that?” Simularé questioned.

Ladybug looked around. The Lucky Charm mop bucket was right by her, but that charm couldn’t be used for Simularé. And with it present she couldn’t summon another one. Her timer was running low again and things were only getting more intense.

“The power of one’s miraculous is limited only by its user,” a voice emanated from the yo-yo.

Ladybug picked up the yo-yo.

“Master, what do you mean?”

“Right now, I am at my physical limit, but you and Chat Noir are still fresh. The miraculous’s ability is limited only by what you think you can do.”

“But I already used my Lucky Charm…”

“Have you truly done so?”

“But… how?”

“You and Chat Noir need to dig deep and push past your mental limits. It is at the most uncertain of times that one discovers what they can truly do. I must leave. I am far past my limit and I need to ensure the Miraculous are safe.”

The call ended.

Chat Noir pondered what the guardian had said.

“Fu said our power is limited by us. I think I can fire my cataclysm from a distance. I might be able to hit the earring.”

Ladybug realized that it was a long shot, but it might just work.

“Are you sure it’s possible?”

“Not at all, but I know that Simularé probably doesn’t want me hitting her with another cataclysm and if you can create an opening. I might be able to hit the earring.”

“I’ll get you your shot. Don’t use cataclysm until I give the signal,” Ladybug said. “Ryuuko, Viperion. I need you to distract Simularé.”

“On it!” The two heroes exclaimed.

“Queen Bee. Get Ms. Rossi out of here. Then come back.”

“But…”

“You want to be a hero?”

Queen Bee wanted to fight, but Ladybug was right. She was really regretting the whole ‘trying to be a better hero thing’.

“Fine.” Queen Bee begrudgingly accepted. She dashed over and scooped up Ms Rossi before moving into the building.

“If our powers are limited only by us, then maybe…”

Simularé noticed Queen Bee retreating and summoned a trumpet, prepared to blast the hero. Viperion’s thrown lyre smacked the instrument out of her hands.

“Annoying lizard!” Simularé used an arm to shoot icicles at Viperion, still keeping a tight grip on Lila.

Ryuuko jumped upward and went for a slash with her sword, only to be blocked by Simularé’s blade.

“Foolish girl. Think you can best me? I can handle all of you at once! And you're both running out of time!”

Ladybug picked up the lucky charm next to her.

“Fu said we were limited only by ourselves. The lucky charm is always something I need… Maybe…”

Ladybug closed her eyes and focused on the charm. Her body glowed with a red light for a brief moment as she focused on the situation they were in. She needed a lucky charm that would help them defeat Simularé.

“Lucky Charm! Change!” Ladybug called instinctively. She opened her eyes and saw the mop bucket glow.

__________________________________________________________________________

Queen bee had rushed the two Rossis to the front side of the school.

“There, you’re safe. Now go run off and hide while we go handle your mess,” Queen Bee said, exasperated with the situation. She started to get ready to leap back into action.

Lila looked at Queen Bee.

“Don’t act all smug just because you have a miraculous. I know you aren’t that great of a person either, Chloé.” Lila snarked.

Queen bee stopped for a moment. She was about to leave, but she had her fill of this prissy wannabe mean girl.

“You know what? I think that Sentimonster really is a good reflection of you as a person.”

“What the hell are you saying?”

“I'm saying you are a total knock off of everything. Your nice girl shtick is basically pretending to be Marinette, your bullying is an inferior version of mine, even each of your akuma forms were rip offs. Volpina, a lesser version of the Fox miraculous. Rena Rouge wore it better. Your Chameleon form is just you pretending to be anyone but yourself, and your last form Masquerade, you were just a rip off of Hawkmoth. Face it, you are just a knock off of everything because you don’t know what being original means.”

Lila tried to speak but found that her usual quick responses had failed her.

It was Ms. Rossi that spoke up.

“Listen here. My daughter has made mistakes, and that falls on me as her mother. I should be the one that is to blame for today. I didn’t see how she was suffering and didn’t notice how she was treating others. I will be the one to set this all right, and if you want to insult someone, it will be me.”

Queen Bee blinked at the response. Seeing such strong motherly love was an unfamiliar concept to her. She had to admit she was a bit envious.

“Well, be thankful that you have a mom that is still trying to help you despite all the crap you pulled. Not everyone is that lucky. So if you want my advice, try being original.”

Queen Bee turned her back to them and ran back to the fight.

“Mama…”

“It is my fault, dear. I should have seen the pain you were going through...” she said.

Lila hugged her mother closely, tears spilling from her eyes. “I'm sorry. I'm so sorry for everything.”

Ms. Rossi held her daughter. “It’s a start, Mi Stellina. It’s a start.”

__________________________________________________________________________

The mop bucket she had summoned turned into a glowing sphere of magic and then transformed into something entirely new.

Ladybug opened her eyes and saw that the lucky charm had changed.

“It’s a scarf.”

Ladybug saw the lucky charm was a scarf similar to the one she gave to Adrien. But right now wasn’t the time to get sentimental.

She scanned the area. She saw Ryuuko, she saw Viperion, and she saw a book, she saw the scarf, and she saw Chat Noir. She had a plan.

“Viperion, grab that book over there,” Ladybug instructed as she began making her move to the right of the akuma.

Viperion nodded. He quickly dodged the icicles sent his way and grabbed the book. Just as he grabbed it he noticed several more icicles heading for his face. He instinctively used the book to block the projectiles and noticed that the book didn’t get pierced. It was an akuma weapon!

“Huh. Neat.”

“Limit its options. Don’t touch it directly with the book. We need to de-amokitize it.”

“Got it!”

“Ryuuko, bring the storm.”

Simularé overheard that part.

“Enough!”

The monstrosity sent a burst of wind that was meant to make Ryuuko go flying.

“Wind Dragon!”

Ryuuko’s body transformed into air and began swirling around Simularé.

“What the heck! I thought Lightning was your power!” Simularé growled.

Ryuuko’s wind form caused the wings of the sentimonster to move and throw off its rhythm.

Viperion used the chance to touch the book to each of the sentimonster’s weapons - its sword, its tablet, its bubble canister, its umbrella, and the perfume blaster.

“Disarmed!”

“Chat Noir, get ready!” Ladybug called out.

“Cataclysm!”

Chat Noir called forth the black energy from his ring into his palm. He pointed his cataclysm hand at the Sentimonster.

“Now… how do I throw you?” he said to himself.

“Simularé was done being messed with. “I said ENOUGH!”

A massive burst of command came out and forced Ryuuko to transform back into her tangible form.

“I am done with you.” Simularé shouted as it grabbed Ryuuko by the face and went to slam her into the floor.

Right before impact, Ryuuko screamed.

“WATER DRAGON!”

SPLASH!

Her body turned into water and splashed back toward the Sentimonster, soaking its wings.

Viperion saw the earring and made a leap for it, only to get caught by the rock arm of Simularé. One of its lower arms knocked the book out of his hands and to the floor.

“Predictable.”

Simularé tried to fly upward but its wings felt way too heavy. The water in the plumage was weighing her down.

“What utter bull…”

Ladybug saw her moment and used the chance to cover the sentimonster’s mask with the scarf.

“What the?”

Ladybug wrapped the scarf tight around its head. Seeing the earring on one fox ear. Ladybug went to grab it, but the Gorizilla arm grabbed Ladybug and pulled her back just before she could reach it.

“No!”

Simularé removed its wings, forcing the water form of Ryuuko out. The girl became tangible once more

Viperion felt his timer beep one final time as his transformation dropped.

“Well, that’s one,” Simularé taunted.

“Let him go, you monster!” Ryuuko jumped to try and slash at him but her timer timed out.

“That makes two.” Simularé counted as she used her two lower arms to snag.

Kagami tried struggling but to no avail.

Ladybug tried to use her yo-yo, but the grip on her tightened.

“Don’t move Ladybug, or I might just lose control of my strength and… well the school is already a mess.”

Ladybug noticed Kagami and Luka helpless in the sentimonsters grasp and she heard her miraculous beep. She had very little time left. She glanced at Chat Noir, looking at the boy she loved. Putting her faith in him.

Simularé’s face was still covered by the scarf. The Sentimonster tried using its spare arms to untie the scarf from its face but it couldn’t reach.

Chat Noir saw the situation. Simularé was distracted, it was 30 meters away. He could hear his heart pounding into his ears.

“I got one shot….” His hands were shaking. If he missed… he could hurt his friends or his lady… and that’s assuming he could even shoot the cataclysm from a distance.

He took a deep breath, closing his eyes.

‘Focus Adrien. This is your one chance. Getting too close may put that thing on alert. I need to fire the blast from here. I need to be accurate. I can't fail.’

He opened his eyes, and he could see Ladybug glancing at him. Her eyes full of trust, full of hope. She believed in him.

He felt his heart pound loudly but his hand was now steady.

He nodded to her, assuring her that he could see her.

His eyes focused on the earring.

He raised his cataclysm hand, he pointed his finger at the amokitized object. His body glowing with a light green aura.

“Cataclysm! FIRE!”

A small bullet shaped cataclysm shot from his finger. Chat Noir nearly fell over from the force, but steadied himself. He hoped he aimed true.

Just as Simularé managed to reach the scarf with one of its hands but stopped.

“Something doesn’t feel right…”

The Volpina ear with the earring dropped to the floor.

The Sentimonster’s monsterous form shifted, turning back into its phantom-like form, releasing its captives. Ladybug caught Luka and Kagami and Landed on the ground. The scarf that once covered its head dropped off its mask.

“What just…” The sentimonster questioned before it saw the earring on the ground. “No…”

Simularé tried to grab the earring but it turned to ash… causing the amok to fly out.

Ladybug put the two teens down and used her yo-yo to snag the feather.

“No more evildoing for you little amok.”

Simularé felt its existence start to fade.

“No! I was free! I don’t want to stop existing! I want to live! I WANT TO LIVE!!!”

The purification process finished and Simularé’s screeches faded to silence as they faded entirely.

Ladybug walked over and grabbed her lucky charm from the ground. She picked up Luka and Kagami, moving to just outside of the classroom and putting them down. Chat Noir moved and landed right next to her.

“Shall we do this together Chatton?”

“I would be honored.”

“WAIT!”

They froze to see Queen bee rush out and jump to be right next to them.

“Okay you can go now.”

“Together?”

“Together.”

“Miraculous Ladybug!” They shouted as she threw the scarf into the air.

They watched as everything got repaired, the decimated parts of the school were now restored. The masked akuma puppets were transported to where ever they were before they were captured.

The five teens stick out their fists and bump them together.

“Pound it!”

Ladybug heard her miraculous beep.

“Okay, so I need to go recharge. I am gonna need the miraculous from the 3 of you.”

“Okay.” Luka and Kagami compiled as they took off their miraculous. The Dragon and Snake Kwami reveal themselves.

“It’sss been a pleasure asss always.” Sass bowed to Luka.

“The feeling is mutual.” Luka sad as he fistbumped the kwami.

Longg looked at his owner.

“Perfect as expected.” Longg congratulated.

“I still have a ways to go.”

“Yes, but not a LONGG way to go.” The dragon kwami spoke.

Kagami and Chat Noir lit up at the pun. Ladybug wanted to facepalm but resisted the urge.

“I will be sure to get you more rice balls next time.”

Kagami and Luka handed over the miraculous to Ladybug.

Queen bee looked a bit sad as she said that.

“Chloé?”

“But I still haven’t detransformed so I …” Before she could finish her transformation dropped revealing her civilian form.

Pollen had popped out of the miraculous.

“Sorry my Queen.”

Chloé sighed, she knew there was no point in arguing now.

“Okay fine. But just remember to include me next time you need extra help. Or I will reveal who the snake boy and Dragon girl are.”

“Chloé…” Chat Noir said with a bit of disappointment.

“Fine, I won’t reveal it. Just keep me posted.”

Ladybug took the miraculous in her hand.

“Until next time.”

The two heroes jumped away, leaving the teens to their own devices outside of the school.

“Well I don’t know about you two, but I am heading back to my class. I need to tell everyone why they need to kiss my butt.” Chloé boasted.

“We have our own way to go. Good luck with that.” Luka responded.

“Whatever… but umm… thanks for the help. You two were pretty good for sidekicks.” Chloé said trying to be thankful yet keep her pride.

“That is the best compliment we will get from you isn’t it?” Kagami rhetorically asked.

“Yes.”

“As one sidekick to another, you could have been worse.” Kagami shot back.

Chloé gave her a fierce glare, but she had to admit that was a solid line.

“I wouldn’t mind fighting with you guys again.”

Chloé walked off as if to show she left with the final word.

“Shall we head off?”

“Lets.”

_____________________________________________________________________

Gabriel’s eyes shot open as he found himself standing at the steps of his front corridor.

“What? How?” Gabriel spoke as he held his head. He quickly touched his chest and felt the butterfly miraculous underneath. He sighed in relief.

He looked down to see Adrien’s driver at the bottom of the steps also looking perplexed.

Gabriel reached into his pocket and grabbed his phone. He called Nathalie.

“Nathalie! Are you there.” He asked as he made his way back to his office.

“I am… I am alright. The akuma and sentimonster have been bested.”

Gabriel sighed.

“It was probably for the best. Lila was far too volatile.”

“It was more of the sentimonster. That sentimonster was far too clever for its own good. Utilizing complex sentimonsters in the future should be handled with much more care.”

Gabriel nodded.

“If there is no danger, then return back. Don’t overexert yourself.”

“Yes sir.”

Gabriel hung up the phone.

He tightened his fist. Nathalie was no actor, he could tell that she was getting much weaker. Today’s attempt was far too dangerous. She had risked far too much and gained nothing. He was going to insist she take a break so that she could rest.

Gabriel sat in his chair and looked at his desk. Taking a moment before sighing deeply.

“Today was an absolute failure.”

He  banged his desk in frustration. He needed something, anything that could settle the score. The peacock was too unstable and it wasnt producing results. He would need something new. He would need to investigate.

__________________________________________________________________________

Ladybug and Chat Noir moved a good distance away from the school, landing on a remote Rooftop where they were sure they had privacy before dropping their transformations. Their kwami’s popped out and they handed their kwami their respective snack of choice.

“Great job as always Bugaboo.” Adrien complimented.

Marinette’s expression was a sad smile. It was bittersweet.

“No need to be so down. We did save the day, Lila got exposed for her lies, and I found out that I fell for the same girl twice.” Adrien listed.

Marinette felt her face flush a bit.

“I found out my boyfriend is a furry.”

Adrien looked mock offended, noticing the teasing smile on Marinette’s face.

“Too cruel Marinette. You wound me.” He exaggerated as she put the back of his hand against his forehead and tilted his head back, doing his best to look devastated.

“I found out that I had been turning down the boy I have been in love with for months and struggling to say it out right at the exact same time.”

“We were like a dog chasing its tail.”

“Don’t you mean cat?”

Adrien glanced at her with a mix of pride and affection. He loved her so much. But still continued to talk.

“It is kind of crazy.”

“Crazy? You two have no idea!”

The two teens turn to their kwami who had been watching their little exchange.

“We have known since that time you almost got drowned in cream. If it wasn’t for the whole thing with Fu and the kwami censorship I would have told you right away!”

“He would have.” Tikki confirmed. “I almost smacked him when he was about to say something.”

Adrien’s amusement turned to stern.

“Speaking of Fu… what are we gonna do now that we know?”

Marinette’s expression matched his own.

“We can't exactly hide it from him. He is the guardian, and it was part of the deal.”

Adrien’s thoughts about telling fu clouded his mind.

“Wait, what if we tell him and he does some sort of Guardian memory mind wipe that makes us forget everything?” Adrien feared

“Don’t be ridiculous Chat Noir, that is only for assigned guardians when they renounce ownership of the guardian title.”

“Solid Fu impersonation Mari.”

“I didn’t say that.” Marinette answered.

“I did.”

The two turned to see Fu, who had appeared without a sound.

“How do you do that?” Adrien questioned.

“Ancient secret.” Fu teased. “Also, I just hid behind a wall while you were talking.”

Marinette showed Fu the three miraculous.

“I got them back.” Marinette answered.

“Excellent work you two.” Fu took the miraculous from them.

Marinette went for her earrings.

“I guess you will want ours as well?”

Tikki felt anguish as Marinette reached for her miraculous.

Adrien looked at Marinette and then to his ring.

Plagg’s expression matched Tikki’s. The two Kwami didn’t want to lose their holders.

“If I told you both to hand them over. Would you do so?”

Marinette and Adrien look at one another, then back to Fu.

“Yes.”

The guardian took a second as he studied their resolve.

“Before you say anything. I'm sorry about this. We were trapped in a room and… It was my fault.”

“No Marinette. I was the one that kept looking at the umbrella. It was my fault that we didn’t…”

“Enough!” Fu spoke loudly to stop their apologies. “That is not what is important in this situation.”

The two teens stopped speaking and let the guardian give his verdict.

“You two have risked your lives time and time again to protect this city, protect the miraculous, and protect those you love. For as long as I have been alive, I have never seen a Ladybug and Chat Noir as incredible as you two. You were both fated to be heroes, just as you were fated to be with one another.”

The two blushed at the comment but let the old man continue.

“It is true I set the rule that no one can know your identities. I feared that the moment you learned it that it would distract you from doing your work as heroes, that it would do more harm than good. But I watched as you two have grown closer and trusted one another on each side with and without the mask. I think that if you two believe you can handle working as heroes and knowing eachother’s identities… I will allow it.”

The young couple’s eyes went wide and their mouths fell open. Marinette grabbed Fu and kissed his cheek.

“Thank you, Master Fu!” Marinette exclaimed

“That is amazing! Thank you.” Adrien hugged him and Marinette.

The kwami were equally overjoyed and joined in on the hug.

Fu accepted the embrace, letting everyone enjoy the moment.

After the hug broke he continued.

“Of course, you two knowing each other’s identities means there will be more risks, and it means I will need to prepare you both for the next level.”

“The next level?”

“You had a taste of it today. You saw how your powers were able to be altered with enough will power. That is just the tip of the iceberg.” Fu began. “I will prepare you to be stronger against akumatization, stronger in your powers, and stronger as a team.”

Marinette and Adrien gave the other a knowing look. They could tell the other was excited and ready to hit the next level.

“We’re ready.”

“That will start In due time you two. But for now. I need a break. I could use some tea and a nap. And you two should make your way back to school.”

Marinette and Adrien realized that the old guardian had a point.

“We will continue this conversation another time.” Fu spoke as he started walking away.

“We should probably get going to.”

“Wait a second.” Adrien interrupted.

“What’s wrong?”

Adrien smirked as he took her hand and kissed it.

“To many more battles.”

Marinette felt her face heat up.

“You smug little cat.”

“Your smug little cat” He emphasized. “ Plagg, Claws out.”

“Tikki, Spots on!”

The two transformed and quickly got off the roof to head back to where they needed to be.

_____________________________________________________________________

Luka and Kagami walked away from Francois Dupont.

“That was truly something.” Luka started off.

“That is an understatement.” Kagami retorted.

The two of them walked in silence as they tried to think of something to say.

“I used to play violin.” Kagami bursted out.

The fencer felt her cheeks heat up as she did that. She still was feeling a lot from everything that happened.

“You did?”

“Yea… I hadn’t played in a while and I was thinking about trying again. My mother had me learn a while back but stopped so I could focus on other activities. It is different from Guitar, but it is similar.”

“I play violin.” Luka responded.

“You do?”

“Yea, along with the guitar. I always loved stringed instruments. I even made a few myself.”

Kagami’s eyes went wide?

“That’s incredible, Ive never heard of someone our age doing such intricate work.”

“It's my dream. I love making instruments and sharing music with others.”

Kagami could see the passion in his eyes as he talked about it. It was something she admired, when someone knew what they wanted.

“I would love to try out one of the instruments you’ve made.”

“Maybe we could play the violin together, maybe you could even play in the band.”

“I assumed your band was more into Rock and Roll?”

“Who says a violin cant be rock and roll?”

Kagami didn’t know how to respond to that, but she decided to go with it.

“Sounds like it would be fun.”

Kagami pauses when she sees her mother’s car.

“That’s my ride.”

“Oh, I suppose you do need to head off then.”

“Yes, would you need a ride by any chance.”

“I’m good, I am close enough to where I need to be.”

Kagami shrugged.

“Suit yourself, music man.”

“I will Femme Foil”

Before she headed off.

“Before I go…”

Kagami moved and had her face close to his own, her eyes looking into his. Luka couldn’t help but feel his face heat up, he had no idea what the girl was up to.

Before he could ask, Kagami punches his arm hard.

“Ow! What was that for?” Luka questioned as he grabbed his hurt arm.

“That was for sacrificing yourself to save me from getting mind wiped.” She stated with a fierce glare.

“Is that going to be a regular thing?”

Her fierce expression softened right before she placed a kiss on his cheek.

“And that is… for everything else.”

Kagami quickly ran off before Luka could respond.

Luka felt his ears ringing with her melody and the beating of his heart, and what a sweet serenade it was.

“What a lovely song.”

__________________________________________________________________________

Marinette and Adrien had slipped back into the classroom with no issue. Most of the class was still a bit dazed from the akuma attack, many students having to move around to get back to the classroom they were supposed to be in. Chloé filled most of the class in on her exploits as queen bee. Which the two heroes knew was probably a touch more exaggerated than what happened, but they wouldn’t ruin her moment for once, she earned it.

“And that’s how I helped Ladybug and Chat Noir save everyone.” Chloé finished all too conveniently.

“Sure, Chloé sure.” Alix rolled her eyes.

Alya noticed Marinette sit in her seat and rushed over.

“Thank goodness you are okay.” Alya hugged the girl.

“I'm fine. Adrien protected me.” Marinette replied.

Alya shifted her gaze to Adrien with a smirk. Adrien was blushing at Marinette’s response.

“Oh did he? Well look at him being your handsome knight.”

“No need to stroke his ego more. Gotta keep the cinnamon roll humble.” Nino chimed in.

“Well Marinette also protected me. If anything, she is a real hero.”

“You two are so sweet that you are going to give everyone here cavities.”

“Could you not ruin my big day with your sap?” Chloé said with a bit of annoyance.

“Well I was going to mention what I saw Queen bee did that was pretty cool, but I don’t want to ruin your “Big day”. “Marinette responded.

“Pretty cool? Well I suppose you can be a bit sappy today.” Chloé answered. Trying her best not to glow from the tiny bit of implied praise.

Just as the conversation was to continue, Ms.Bustier walked into the classroom. The class sat in their seats

“Hello everyone. Due to the rather… hectic nature of today. The school has decided to dismiss classes for today. But before I dismiss you. I have some news to share. Lila, will you please come in?”

Everyone watched as Lila walked in. She was clutching her backpack. Everyone was silent as the brunette stood in the center of class.

“…Due to everything that has come to light. I will be leaving Dupont. I will no longer be a part of this class or this school.”

The class remained silent but were stunned by her statement.

“I apologize for the deceit and lies I have told while I was here. I also apologize for any physical and emotional damage I have caused with my actions. I will try to do better in the future.”

The statement felt wooden, Lila’s lies were usually over-the-top and fluid. Here Lila was nervous, strained, and clearly uncomfortable. It was debatable if she was being genuine.

Max was the first to speak up.

“So, are you going to be going to a different school in Paris?”

Lila looked at the teen and sighed.

“No, my mother has talked with Mr.Damocles. She felt that it might be best if our family went back to Italy. I think it’s better that way.”

Lila looked to the door, feeling she had said her apology.

“Miss Rossi, I believe you still have one more thing to say.” Ms. Bustier pointed out.

Lila took a deep breath and walked over to Marinette.

“Marinette. For all the threats, all the mean words, and damage I have done. I…had gone too far. I am sorry.”

Marinette looked deep into Lila’s eyes, trying to get a good of a read. I think part of Lila did believe that was true. But she wasn’t completely sorry, so Marinette wasn’t going to completely forgive her.

“I accept your apology. I hope you do better for your sake.” Marinette offered her hand to shake Lila’s.

Lila looked at the hand for a moment before taking it reluctantly.

“Maybe I will come back one day. Paris is a very unique place after all.” Lila said to Marinette as she finished the handshake. “Now I must be off.”

Lila went to the door and closed it behind her as she walked away.

To Marinette, that was the most honest thing she had said. She watched as Lila left the classroom.

“With that, you are all dismissed.” Ms.Bustier told the class.

Alya had leaned over to Marinette.

“So… I should probably take down the article on the ladyblog then right?”

“Probably, but keep it just in case. This could all be an act.” Adrien whispered as he turned his head to the two of them.

Marinette, Nino and Alya look at Adrien in surprise.

“What? It could be.” Adrien followed up.

“Yea, but you are the one that is always saying, give the benefit of the doubt.” Nino stated. “Its like I am seeing you lose your innocence. Like a kid learning santa isn’t real.”

“Santa isn’t real?” Adrien looked shook.

Nino felt his eyes go wide in horror.

“What? Of course santa is…”

“I'm busting you Nino.”

Nino looked proud and concerned. Adrien really was growing up and he is getting pretty good at deception.

“It's still shocking to hear mr.Brightside say such a negative thought though.” Marinette teased. “I thought you would be the one to suggest giving her a second chance.”

“I normally would be, but I have been burned too many times by that specific fire and I am not risking it again.”

“Fair, but I think I agree. I will keep the article, but take it down from the site.”

“That can wait, How about we get some ice cream?” Nino suggested.

“Sounds like a sweet idea to me.”

Marinette could swear she saw his chat Noir showing.

______________________________________________________________________

After Lila moved, it was relatively quiet in Paris for a bit. Maybe Hawkmoth had needed a vacation after that colossal failure. It was hard to say for certain. Regardless, the peaceful patrols served more as unofficial dates than actual patrols.

Ladybug and Chat Noir had come to an agreement that while in public view, they would keep their romance quiet. Chat Noir would still flirt and Ladybug would still respond cheekily, but it was never distracting. The two knew how to keep it professional. If questioned, Chat Noir would even admit that sadly there had been no developments.

It had been about two weeks since that little hectic event and things had been relatively calm for Marinette and Adrien. Gabriel had told Adrien that he would be giving Nathalie a vacation for a time, and that he will need to manage his schedule for the time being. Adrien still attended all his photoshoots, but he made sure his girlfriend could attend with him. While Adrien wasn’t fond of modeling, having Marinette there made it more fun. Though he did have a few tutoring cancellations which may or may not have been Adrien’s own doing, Gabriel always seemed too busy to notice that Adrien had used that time to hang out with his friends.

Class life without Lila didn’t go back to normal right away. Max apologized to Marinette, saying he should have noticed something was up with Lila. Alix joined in too, but Marinette told them all that it was okay, and she knew how tricky Lila could be. All she asked was for them be more critical in the future. Most of the class tried to do some nice things for Marinette to make up for all of the stuff Lila had tried to pull. Marinette felt flattered but told them she wasn’t going to hold it against them. It wasn’t really their fault they’d been tricked. This didn’t stop the class from trying to make amends and treat Marinette better. Adrien only encouraged the behavior, saying Marinette should be cherished.

Chloé was still Chloé, but it seemed the more grating aspects of her personality were starting to soften. She had even started holding back on her insults. Alya became convinced she was an imposter but that accusation was proven false when Chloé caught her trying to do an expose on her. Chloé just said that she was just trying to live up to her “hero” status. Most of the class rolled their eyes at that, but Adrien and Marinette gave the girl some credit. Queen Bee had been a big help and Chloé was really stepping up. It also seemed that she’d struck up a friendship with the school nurse – Marinette caught her getting the new nurse a gift for her birthday. Chloé tried to threaten Marinette out of telling anyone, but Marinette just assured her that no one would believe her even if she did.

As for Marinette and Adrien, there was a bit of an adjustment period for them now that they knew each other’s identities. Marinette found out about ALL the Ladybug photos and teased Adrien about it much like he did her. Their biggest struggles came from remembering to keep it professional as heroes. It did help that Fu was getting them some training for the ‘next step’ as he called it.

One night, Ladybug and Chat Noir met at their usual spot.

“Evening, My Lady.”

“Evening, Kitty.

“Fu has really been hitting us hard with that training of his.”

“He’s being strict for both of our sakes, remember? And you did say you were excited to learn new moves.”

“I know, but I’m so tired. Anyway, enough of that for now. How about we enjoy our patrol tonight, since we may not know what he has in store for us in the next session?”

“Sounds lovely,” Ladybug mused.

“Oh by the way, remember that app that gave us 100% compatibility?” Chat Noir asked suddenly.

“Soulmate Searcher? The app that got you to start viewing me as more than just a friend?”

“I was dense and I admit it. Yes, that one! Turns out the guy who created it is on the run for tax evasion.”

“Oh, that’s weird. I thought you were going to say that the app was totally bogus or something.”

“Nah, it seems to be holding up. But having too much faith in an algorithm is a bit crazy if you think about it,”

“So here’s a question, what would you have done if I wasn’t on your list at all?”

“I remember Alya was the one that got me to download the app. The only reason I really tried it out is she said you were on it. I told Alya I still would have given it a chance even if you weren’t on it… but I don’t know if I actually would have gone through with it… I was hesitating pretty hard despite her insistence. Then your name popped up.” She paused and looked at him. “What about you? What would you have done?

“I think I probably would have tried to see if that person was Ladybug,” Chat Noir joked.

Ladybug playfully punched his arm.

“Ouch! You wound me,” Chat Noir reacted dramatically. “Okay, if it was someone I didn’t know I probably would have deleted it.”

“Sure, sure. So why did you do some digging on the app?”

“I didn’t. Apparently my father had been doing some research on the app. I found the papers scattered in his office when he asked me to move some stuff off his desk last week. I think he might have wanted to set up a business deal or something. But I remembered it because I got an email from it.”

“Oh! I know what you’re talking about. That one that wanted you to take a few minutes to tell them what you thought of the app.”

“Yea, the survey.”

“It is kind of a weird idea if you think about it.”

“What is?”

“Asking people to do a Soulmate Survey?”

“I guess it does sound a bit out there. But it does sound fun when you say it like that.”

“I’d give them 5 stars.”

“I’d give them 4 stars.”

“Why only 4?”

“Because it didn’t tell me you were my kitty too.”

Chat Noir moved towards Ladybug, pulling her into a loving embrace.

“Well, how would you rate me?”

“5 stars.”

Ladybug cupped his cheeks and the two shared a tender kiss.

_____________________________________________________________________

THE END!

THATS ALL FOLKS

THATS ALL SHE WROTE

68 PAGES!

I have no idea how I managed to get this all on one post

do check out the Ao3 version

Please let me know your thoughts and if this was worth reading.

And do share it, it really does help.

#ML #miraculous ladybug #Soulmate survey #this is the finale #mlb #adrinette #ladynoir #marichat #ladrien #ml fanfic #miraculous ladybug fanfiction #lukagami #its over #its done #Its completed

[aerodaltonimperial]

inspired by the “cursed hook w/friendship” bombshell that i will be screaming about for the next month at least:

When the sun dips into the horizon and begins to slide beneath the darkness, the tug gets stronger. He can see where the worlds intersect, how they line up: where the seams are, the ones humans are mostly blind to. Oh, sure, they've figured out things like lay lines in the barest sense of the word, and occasionally one of them will stumble onto something with real power and cock the whole thing up in their failure to properly channel it, but for the most part, humans are pretty blind to the occult. Normally, this is fine. He likes humans. They're silly and overdramatic in the most amazing ways, and they care way too much about nonsense and ignore actual problems.

But they can't help him right now. And so he walks down to the park, where the pull is strongest, as the sun descends, and sits on a metal park bench that's weathered years of storms. He knows he'll find another there; these places, these times, they're comforting. Remnants of who they really are.

She's sitting on the bench next to his, feeding handfuls of frozen vegetables to the birds lining the pathway. She's powerful, enough that he can see the ripples along her skin, and old: old enough to maybe remember when those seams were first torn.

He must look despondent, because she says, without glancing at him, "You're troubled."

"Yes," he admits. Ah, it's difficult to say out loud. "Danhausen is troubled."

"Speak, child."

"Danhausen is not a very powerful demon," he says, even though that, too, clumps on his tongue. "But the curses always work. Every time. Even if they are very small things, like tripping or losing luggage on the next flight. But recently, they aren't."

She looks over. Beneath her guise is a swirl of power, the sort humans could never even dream of. He wonders what it must feel like. "Oh?"

"There is one person Danhausen cannot curse. I keep trying, and nothing."

She turns back to the birds. Her hand feeds them with great care, as though they are treasured friends, and maybe they are. He waits for a long time, because the Old Ones demand and deserve patience, and also because he really doesn't have anything else to say.

Finally, she huffs. "None of your curses have failed."

That surprises him, enough so that he stammers, "What?"

"You doubt me?"

"Of course not," he hastily backtracks. They've always said he was too impulsive, too loud-mouthed, and well, he's certainly proving them all right now.

She tilts her head a bit, studying the sun that has slipped halfway down behind the horizon. The closer it gets, the stronger the buzz; he feels it in his bones, rattling, in the borrowed sinew and muscles that house him while walking down the human streets. When it reaches the point where the top of the orb aligns with the break of the land, the pathways will open. He won't take them, because he never does, but he could. If he wanted to.

"Ironic," she says.

"What is?"

She stands, brushing dust off her trousers. Her human form is old and well-used, adjusted to the comings and goings and infinite difficulties that come with living amongst those so hell-bent on destroying themselves. He wonders why she stays. Humans are honestly a mess. He loves them, of course, naturally, but he can't deny how often they frustrate and amuse him in equal measure.

"It's ironic that your curses are not as powerful as you'd like due to fear and self-doubt," she tells him, slowly, "when that is exactly what your curses do."

He nods, once, because she has offered him valuable knowledge when she didn't have to.

She leans in, closer. "Be careful though, little one. When you embrace your power in full, you can invite in more than just success."

She leaves him watching the sun set and disappear, the routes closing off again as the sky grows dark, and…well.

Danhausen is going to have to spend some time on that one.

###

He sits with the words, rolls them over in his mind. His human apartment is full of figurines and posters, of funny toy action figures. He likes collecting things. It's such a mundane human trait to want to build a hoard of something that's important only to one's self, and it grounds him, makes him feel as though he's one of them. They really are intriguing at the core, no matter what the others say.

Danhausen spins in his desk chair with his heels kicking at the carpet until his body swims with nausea. Then he stops and thinks some more.

His curses always did something, always something that inconvenienced the person. Why did she say they had all worked if they very clearly hadn't?

"Fear," he says. Naturally. Fear is such a poignant human emotion. It motivates where little else can. But why had she mentioned it like that, said his curses create it?

His curses created bad luck…right?

He stands and walks over to one of the shelving units built into his apartment. It's filled with figurines and strange toys. Finding them is an awful lot like hunting. Many of them enjoy hunting: this feels a great deal less cruel than the other sort he could be doing. He runs a finger over one of them.

His curses have always invited bad luck, sometimes immediate and sometimes more delayed. He thought that was just what they were as a low-level being like he is, more annoying than truly dangerous.

What if, instead, his curses brought about what people feared?

"Fear," he repeats. What if someone feared losing the match, so the curse caused their knees to buckle at the worst time, giving their opponent the tag? Someone feared embarrassing themselves, so the curse split their pants down the middle? The more he thinks back on them, the more sense it makes.

Humans do fear a lot, after all.

And if he hasn't reached his full potential, the fears don't really manifest themselves in truly horrible ways.

She'd said it was holding him back.

Danhausen wanted to try this out. If she was right, everything could change.

###

However, it still begged the most important question: if none of his curses had failed, what is it that Hook fears?

###

He returns to the park the next day, but she's not there. He isn't really surprised. Old Ones tend to know when someone needs their wisdom, and generally don't bother to show up otherwise. He sits on the same bench and watches the sunset, feels the shiver beneath his borrowed skin.

There are two young women walking the path together, heads bent close. Danhausen catches snippets of their conversation as they stride past his position.

"—don't think he will call back," one says.

"Text him," the other suggests. "What do you have to lose? The worst that can happen is—"

"That he says no. Absolutely not. Too humiliating."

"Ugh. Dating is the worst."

They leave Danhausen’s space, and their voices drop down to nothing. He watches them round the next curve, still lost in their discussion. Humans are like that: fickle and embarrassed by their own hearts. It's a strange thing to see, honestly. They construct elaborate walls around their hearts like castles from their Dark Eras, reacting with fire and swords whenever threatened. What strange, capricious creatures.

He leaves after the sun goes down, and the sky goes dark, and the seams connecting the worlds shimmer into nothing once more.

###

He wakes that night with a start.

He knows what it is that Hook fears most.

###

Still, more scouting must be done. Danhausen waits backstage to watch the camera feeds. Wrestling is a fun sport. He likes to crush his opponents in socially acceptable ways (and is thankful that humans, for all their faults, understand the joy in soundly beating someone else). That Tony Nese fellow has challenged him to a match, which isn't surprising, because Danhausen is a very good wrestler. However, it's largely background noise. He doesn't really care. He is invested in proving that what the Old One had said about his curses was true.

If his hunch is correct, this will work.

He goes out after Hook has defeated the big man quite wonderfully, and asks him to be partners. He isn't expecting it to work: after all, he is, as stated, not as powerful as he could be. He drops the bag of chips onto the ring and scurries off. He doesn't look back.

But afterwards, he watches the broadcast. Sees Hook's face when he picks the bag up, and the fear that crosses his features right before he throws it down.

And Danhausen knows that he's right.

###

Sure, he could pummel Tony Nese into the oblivion even without the seams being visible. Danhausen is quite capable of such things, after all. But that is not the point here. He needs confirmation that his curse took root. And so Danhausen allows Tony Nese to get him with his knee, several times, which is far more painful than he anticipated. Human bodies are bafflingly easy to bruise.

And then he waits.

Hook's music starts while Menacing Mike Sterling is blabbering into the microphone for several minutes. He looks angry when he comes out to drive the two men out of the ring and back up to the tunnels. He looks angry to be there, to be walking out at all.

Danhausen swallows back his smile.

###

Backstage, Hook is fuming. He looks furious, but doesn’t flee when Danhausen approaches. He just glares from beneath his sweatshirt hood. He certainly is an interesting human: all sharp edges and bared teeth. He’d do well in the other realms, save for all the soft, vulnerable parts of his soul. He guards them well, but not well enough.

Danhausen probably should have guessed earlier that the thing Hook fears most is opening his heart.

Oh, that’s something of a problem. He likes this human. He is prickly in all the best worst places, heart cracked only when the wiggle of a curse embedded itself there to force it apart. He’s the sort of human that others find too much: too hard, too mean, too standoffish.

He’s perfect.

He’s also shaking as though a hurricane is about to blow him off his feet while still keeping a scowl plastered on his face. Quite a feat.

Danhausen has one moment to hope that his curse had enough strength to really take and coil, to smolder and warm the muscle and sinew and bone around it, before he reaches out to brush his fingers across Hook’s bicep. It’s a risk, but a calculated one. Hook hasn’t bolted yet.

He sort of shudders when Danhausen’s palm settles on his arm. He doesn’t pull away.

“Would Hook like to eat some chips?” Danhausen asks.

Hook nods. The scowl diminishes somewhat.

Danhausen leads him to the vending machines, and the air around his shoulders feels lighter.

###

A few days later, he wakes up to find a tweet on his timeline that he has no memory of writing. He stares down at the unfamiliar words, the strange aggression in the lines, the unspoken threat hanging there, and remembers what the Old One had said.

#gotta admit i don't love how this turned out actually #am struggling lads (gender neutral) #oh well let's throw it up here anyway

[parcequecestnotreprojeeeet]

Someone has asked for a story in which she is ill. I already had the theme several times, but there was still an idea that I hadn't yet formulated. Now it too has been written. Your Strawberry

Silence

He found it difficult to concentrate on what was being said, for he was worried about his wife. She sat a little way from him and seemed absent. He was not used to that from her. Her gaze was fixed and until now she had not smiled at all. Nor did she speak a word and seemed to ignore him completely. Usually their gazes found each other, but not today. There was nothing he could do, but with every minute that passed he worried more. What was wrong with her?

After the round of talks ended, they had to part. Before leaving the room, he stepped up to her and asked quietly, "Is everything all right with you?" She nodded briefly and avoided his gaze. This irritated him even more, but they were waiting for him and he had to leave her alone. He tried to concentrate on walking around, but realised he wasn't really listening. Since the people around him were telling him a lot, he didn't have to answer too often. He hoped that no one noticed his inattention, which made him uncomfortable.

He was glad when the appointment was over. When he finally got into the car, she was already waiting for him in the seat next to him. Silently, he had the divider raised so that he could talk to her undisturbed and without an audience. When he turned to her, he noticed how tense she was in her seat. She had pressed her lips together and very fine beads of sweat had formed on her forehead.

"Chérie, what's wrong with you?" he asked gently, sliding a little closer to her. At last she looked at him and he saw her pained expression. He was startled. She reached for his hand and squeezed it so tightly that he winced. "My foot," she pressed out with difficulty and he saw that she was close to tears. He realised she must be in great pain. "What about it?" he asked in alarm. "I twisted my ankle and it hurts unbearably," she admitted.

He was so shocked that he could only manage a "When?". "When we arrived," she said quietly. He felt anger rising inside him. "And you don't say anything then?" He took note of her school-conscious look and lowered the divider. "Take us to the hospital and announce my wife," he ordered, "she's in a lot of pain because she twisted her ankle." The agent in the passenger seat looked at him in surprise and he felt her arm on his. "Yes, sir," the man said.

He listened as the agent informed the rest of the cars and then called the hospital. Beside him, his wife moaned. He knew she loathed such attention, but he didn't care at the moment. She was silent and he knew he had made the right decision.

Everything went quickly and smoothly. They were received and there was a wheelchair ready for them. He saw that she wanted to refuse to sit in it, but his gaze prevented her from saying anything. Immediately they were led to an examination room. After she had been x-rayed, it was clear that she had only sprained her foot. He was relieved, but he knew that it would still take time for her to recover.

The journey to the palace was silent. He had deliberately left the partition open. When they arrived, he carried her all the way to her flat despite her protests. He sat her down on the sofa and then paced back and forth in front of it. "How can you be so careless as to sit out an entire appointment with such pain as you described to the doctor?" he vented his anger and began to talk himself into a rage. Furious, he glared at her. "It's all because of those damn heels. Why do you have to wear shoes like that too?" She fell silent. "Even at the appointment I was worried about you. When I asked you what was wrong, you avoided me. That's no way to treat your health."

"Says the man who never think about his health," she uttered softly. At her words he stopped and glared at her, still angry. "Don't deflect, this is about you now." "Will you please sit with me," she asked gently, tapping the seat beside her. He frowned and actually sat down. He loosened his tie and she tenderly ran her hand over his cheek. "I'm sorry I scared you so much," she said quietly. "I didn't mean to embarrass you. It wasn't so bad at first, so I didn't say anything. But you're right in your criticism. I should have said something sooner."

He hadn't expected these words, but they caused his anger to disappear. He pulled her close and took her in his arms. "I hate to see you suffer," he confessed, feeling her hand run through his hair. "I know," she said softly.

Hellooo sweet 🍓! ❤️

We already had quite a few stories on the theme but you still managed to find a new idea to write. Really great!

Thank you so much, Strawberry! ❤️❤️❤️

#fanfic #strawberry

[puppy-the-mask]

Horrorfell Funfacts!

-Underground both the brothers took care of Amp and Anty, but once they got top side there was difficulty getting custody over Amp and they discovered that they couldn’t both be her adoptive dad so one of them had to be the uncle. They ‘fought’ over the position with various trials and harmless games like Rock Paper Scissors until finally Shanx came out the Victor and officially became Amp’s legal guardian and ‘Father Prime’ as they put it. This all changed nothing back home but Shanx likes to mess with his brother over it and Anty messes with Amp because they get Two dads while she only gets one. They quote that ‘how come your mom lets you have 2 hotdogs!?’ Meme at each other whenever it gets brought up.

-As far as anyone is aware, Anty only calls the skeleton brothers ‘Captain’ and ‘Lieutenant’. But in private they call them ‘Dad’

-Anty doesn’t use 2 different ways of saying dad, they just call both ‘Dad’. They think it’s funny when both answer. Because of this Shanx has gotten really good at figuring out if Anty is asking for him specifically and stays quiet when he’s sure they’re asking for Cron. Cron however just always responds, even if it’s obvious that Anty’s intent was focused on Shanx. It’s just second nature at this point

-some of the family’s friends think there is drama going on between Shanx, Recluse, and Amp’s Bio Mom because he hangs out with them a lot for Council Work and Co-parenting respectfully. Shanx just kinda *Squints in Aromantic* ???

-During council meetings or events no one really talks about home things, especially televised ones, but Shanx is really good at comforting kids and calming them down so a lot of people just kinda assume he’s got kids, which he does but Amp was already 15 when they met so his talent with kids actually came from being around the Snowdin kids. He may have been a stoic captain but he looked out for kids

-because of the point above the people of Snowdin were more open to the idea of being part of Shanx’s faction when things started going downhill. Kids are pretty good judges of character and parents had heard about how he’d helped their kids- he was a bit of an ass (he’ll openly admit) but he did his job and did it well, keeping Snowdin pretty damn peaceful.

-Recluse is actually pretty close with Amp because the human would stop by her parlor when she was in the area to tell the spider stories and describe different things on the surface for her to imagine. In return Recluse would help her refine her speech to better negotiate to get what she wants without relying on Anty to speak for her.

-After Council meetings Shanx stays behind and meets up with Recluse because she likes to ask about how Amp is doing. It started when Amp was still in recovery since humans heal slower, Recluse would always track him down after but now he stays where she can find him easily. Sometimes she feels that he’s coddling her but really, He knows she could find him anyways despite her being blind, he just doesn’t want to make her spend the extra effort when they’re going to have a chat regardless.

-Anty’s personality is the typical prickly asshole expected of a Fell universe monster, they don’t show care for anyone and are constantly making remarks about things. Then Amp came along and took everything in stride, having come from a household soaked through in sarcasm and snide remarks as a way of showing fondness. The two somehow ended up going from using each other for their own benefit to them being near inseparable. It’s kind of obvious that Amp is Anty’s favorite but if anyone points it out then Anty gets huffy- even though everyone including Anty know it to be true. Having someone point out that they care is weird and causes them to react negatively

-Bon and Anty have a love hate relationship. They respect each other and can get along but Bon teases a lot and Anty doesn’t do well with being teased so the two end up at each others throats a LOT. They trust each other entirely since they were stuck together on the same scavenging team but they don’t always like each other.

#Horrorfell #Horrorfell headcannons #Shanx #Horrorfell!Papyrus #Cron #Horrorfell!Sans #Amp #Horrorfell!Cas #Anty #Horrorfell!AntSizedFroggit #Recluse #Horrorfell!Muffet

[janeykath318]

Mermay plot bunnies: Marvel ships

JaneThor-Jane is a marine biologist studying off the coast of Norway when a supposedly mythical creature starts following her boat. She doesn’t believe merpeople are a thing, but her new friend Thor, who is as buff as a god and as friendly as a golden retriever, consents to let her study him and she finally has to admit he is definitely not faking anything. Also, he’s totally hot.

Wintershock-Darcy is enjoying a nice beach vacation in Florida when she spots what looks like a dead body floating into shore. Impulsively, she rushes in to help, managing to drag the limp dude to shore, dropping him in surprise when she sees his shiny silver tail instead of legs. The poor merman looks thin and battered, is missing his left arm, and is very hostile to the people that try to help him. In the end it takes a tranquilizer for them to be able to get him into a truck to transport to the local marine life rescue center. Darcy, who’s met merpeople before and can speak some mermish, decides to attempt to talk to the dude, who doesn’t even remember his own name. It takes a couple weeks, but he finally starts responding positively to her company instead of hissing at her in fear. When she finally coaxes a smile out of him, it’s the most stunning grin she’s ever seen. Can she help the merman uncover the mystery of his past?

Shieldshock- Steve gets a crush on a gorgeous mermaid he met at the beach and who flirts shamelessly with him every time they meet. He’s falling hard for the lovely Darcy, but there’s a bit of a problem with the whole different species issue. Also, his crippling phobia of water prevents him from getting very close to her. Darcy is tired of her jerk mer suitors and decides the hunky human is a much better catch. (If only she can coax him close enough to kiss.) With all the obstacles between them, can this romance ever thrive?

Romanogers- Steve is captured and experimented on by Evil Scientists, resulting in him becoming a merman. When he’s rescued, his condition is kept highly secret and he has to live in a giant, heavily guarded tank, being poked and prodded by more scientists. Steve falls into despondency and shuts out everyone but Natasha, who’s too stubborn to let him push her away. She never fails to visit him everyday (when she’s not on a mission) and give him updates so he still feels like a part of things. They have some very good talks about being turned into something you didn’t want to be. Natasha tries not to think about how hard it is not to thirst after Steve, who really makes a gorgeous merman, but she does everything in her power to hunt down answers for him. (Eventually, they can’t fight their growing attraction anymore and There is a secret late night kiss when she sneaks into his tank).

TaserBones- Undercover secret Triple Agent Brock Rumlow is assigned by Hydra to guard their newest “asset”, who turns out to be a feisty, mouthy, GORGEOUS mermaid. Brock has never had so much difficulty maintaining his cover when she’s alternating between sassing him or going on loud anti-Hydra rants. When he hears the horrible plans they have for her, he knows he has to act fast, Fury be damned. Darcy hates that she finds her Nazi thug guard attractive, but when he sneaks her to freedom and she finds out that he’s not actually one of them, she’s highly bewildered, but also relieved. She really didn’t want to have use her special shock powers on him. While Shield keeps her in protective custody and attempts to locate her pod, she gets to spend more time with Brock and the banter and flirting goes up several notches.

WinterWitch: After escaping Hydra, Bucky stumbles upon a mermaid deep in one of Hydra’s dungeons. She’s starved, scared, and….telepathic? Despite his dislike of hearing a voice in his head, Bucky decides to rescue her. He’s not sure about the logistics of traveling with a mermaid, but Wanda informs him she can shapeshift once he takes off the restraints. His quest for revenge turns into a quest for finding Wanda’s brother, who is also a Hydra captive. As they journey across Europe, a bond begins to form.

Brutasha: Bruce Banner has a hard time accepting that someone could love him and his alter ego, not to mention the fear of accidentally hurting his potential partner. Mermaid Natasha Romanoff has spent her life living among sirens being forced to lure men to their death with her song. Having escaped their clutches, she now works for Shield as an aquatic spy. Bruce’s kind smiles and thoughtfulness are very attractive to Natasha, who’s used to being considered a weapon or a freak of nature. When someone tries to kill Natasha and the Hulk comes out to defend her, she sees just how much Bruce and the Hulk really care about her.

Dousy: Abandoned as a young merling, Daisy Johnson spent much of her life surviving on her own until she met her found family in the Merpeople of Shields aquatic division. After many exciting adventures, and several heartbreaks, including falling for a man who turned out to be Hydra, the team is fighting powerful enemies using time travel and in the process “accidentally” kidnap a mer agent from the 50s. Daniel is cute, dorky, and caring and a really good agent and Daisy starts crushing hard. Can they defeat the baddies and hope for a new start?

SarahBucky, Shasam: Mer Siblings Sarah and Sam are struggling to keep their fishing business going in the wake of their parents death. Then one day, they save a couple of spies from drowning and their lives are changed forever. At first, Bucky and Sharon are too busy blaming each other to make any sense, but after talking to each of them separately, Sarah and Sam figure out their get away boat was sabotaged, stranding the pair on the deserted island near the cove the Wilson’s called home. Sam wants to help them get back to civilization so Bucky will stop making eyes at his sister. Sarah wants them gone so dangerous people will stay far away from her family. The more she gets to know Bucky, though, the less she wants him gone. Sam hasn’t seen a woman as sharp and pretty as Sharon and he is all too willing to show her around their home and give tips for survival. (He’d really like her to survive, okay?)

#mermay #plot bunnies #jane x thor #wintershock #shieldshock #taserbones #brutasha #romanogers #dousy #shasam #sarahbucky #mermaid aus #winterwitch

[publicdomainbooks]

CHAPTER II.

Mr Shepherd, a civil, cautious lawyer, who, whatever might be his hold or his views on Sir Walter, would rather have the disagreeable prompted by anybody else, excused himself from offering the slightest hint, and only begged leave to recommend an implicit reference to the excellent judgement of Lady Russell, from whose known good sense he fully expected to have just such resolute measures advised as he meant to see finally adopted.

Lady Russell was most anxiously zealous on the subject, and gave it much serious consideration. She was a woman rather of sound than of quick abilities, whose difficulties in coming to any decision in this instance were great, from the opposition of two leading principles. She was of strict integrity herself, with a delicate sense of honour; but she was as desirous of saving Sir Walter’s feelings, as solicitous for the credit of the family, as aristocratic in her ideas of what was due to them, as anybody of sense and honesty could well be. She was a benevolent, charitable, good woman, and capable of strong attachments, most correct in her conduct, strict in her notions of decorum, and with manners that were held a standard of good-breeding. She had a cultivated mind, and was, generally speaking, rational and consistent—but she had prejudices on the side of ancestry; she had a value for rank and consequence, which blinded her a little to the faults of those who possessed them. Herself the widow of only a knight, she gave the dignity of a baronet all its due; and Sir Walter, independent of his claims as an old acquaintance, an attentive neighbour, an obliging landlord, the husband of her very dear friend, the father of Anne and her sisters, was, as being Sir Walter, in her apprehension, entitled to a great deal of compassion and consideration under his present difficulties.

They must retrench; that did not admit of a doubt. But she was very anxious to have it done with the least possible pain to him and Elizabeth. She drew up plans of economy, she made exact calculations, and she did what nobody else thought of doing: she consulted Anne, who never seemed considered by the others as having any interest in the question. She consulted, and in a degree was influenced by her in marking out the scheme of retrenchment which was at last submitted to Sir Walter. Every emendation of Anne’s had been on the side of honesty against importance. She wanted more vigorous measures, a more complete reformation, a quicker release from debt, a much higher tone of indifference for everything but justice and equity.

“If we can persuade your father to all this,” said Lady Russell, looking over her paper, “much may be done. If he will adopt these regulations, in seven years he will be clear; and I hope we may be able to convince him and Elizabeth, that Kellynch Hall has a respectability in itself which cannot be affected by these reductions; and that the true dignity of Sir Walter Elliot will be very far from lessened in the eyes of sensible people, by acting like a man of principle. What will he be doing, in fact, but what very many of our first families have done, or ought to do? There will be nothing singular in his case; and it is singularity which often makes the worst part of our suffering, as it always does of our conduct. I have great hope of prevailing. We must be serious and decided; for after all, the person who has contracted debts must pay them; and though a great deal is due to the feelings of the gentleman, and the head of a house, like your father, there is still more due to the character of an honest man.”

This was the principle on which Anne wanted her father to be proceeding, his friends to be urging him. She considered it as an act of indispensable duty to clear away the claims of creditors with all the expedition which the most comprehensive retrenchments could secure, and saw no dignity in anything short of it. She wanted it to be prescribed, and felt as a duty. She rated Lady Russell’s influence highly; and as to the severe degree of self-denial which her own conscience prompted, she believed there might be little more difficulty in persuading them to a complete, than to half a reformation. Her knowledge of her father and Elizabeth inclined her to think that the sacrifice of one pair of horses would be hardly less painful than of both, and so on, through the whole list of Lady Russell’s too gentle reductions.

How Anne’s more rigid requisitions might have been taken is of little consequence. Lady Russell’s had no success at all: could not be put up with, were not to be borne. “What! every comfort of life knocked off! Journeys, London, servants, horses, table—contractions and restrictions every where! To live no longer with the decencies even of a private gentleman! No, he would sooner quit Kellynch Hall at once, than remain in it on such disgraceful terms.”

“Quit Kellynch Hall.” The hint was immediately taken up by Mr Shepherd, whose interest was involved in the reality of Sir Walter’s retrenching, and who was perfectly persuaded that nothing would be done without a change of abode. “Since the idea had been started in the very quarter which ought to dictate, he had no scruple,” he said, “in confessing his judgement to be entirely on that side. It did not appear to him that Sir Walter could materially alter his style of living in a house which had such a character of hospitality and ancient dignity to support. In any other place Sir Walter might judge for himself; and would be looked up to, as regulating the modes of life in whatever way he might choose to model his household.”

Sir Walter would quit Kellynch Hall; and after a very few days more of doubt and indecision, the great question of whither he should go was settled, and the first outline of this important change made out.

There had been three alternatives, London, Bath, or another house in the country. All Anne’s wishes had been for the latter. A small house in their own neighbourhood, where they might still have Lady Russell’s society, still be near Mary, and still have the pleasure of sometimes seeing the lawns and groves of Kellynch, was the object of her ambition. But the usual fate of Anne attended her, in having something very opposite from her inclination fixed on. She disliked Bath, and did not think it agreed with her; and Bath was to be her home.

Sir Walter had at first thought more of London; but Mr Shepherd felt that he could not be trusted in London, and had been skilful enough to dissuade him from it, and make Bath preferred. It was a much safer place for a gentleman in his predicament: he might there be important at comparatively little expense. Two material advantages of Bath over London had of course been given all their weight: its more convenient distance from Kellynch, only fifty miles, and Lady Russell’s spending some part of every winter there; and to the very great satisfaction of Lady Russell, whose first views on the projected change had been for Bath, Sir Walter and Elizabeth were induced to believe that they should lose neither consequence nor enjoyment by settling there.

Lady Russell felt obliged to oppose her dear Anne’s known wishes. It would be too much to expect Sir Walter to descend into a small house in his own neighbourhood. Anne herself would have found the mortifications of it more than she foresaw, and to Sir Walter’s feelings they must have been dreadful. And with regard to Anne’s dislike of Bath, she considered it as a prejudice and mistake arising, first, from the circumstance of her having been three years at school there, after her mother’s death; and secondly, from her happening to be not in perfectly good spirits the only winter which she had afterwards spent there with herself.

Lady Russell was fond of Bath, in short, and disposed to think it must suit them all; and as to her young friend’s health, by passing all the warm months with her at Kellynch Lodge, every danger would be avoided; and it was in fact, a change which must do both health and spirits good. Anne had been too little from home, too little seen. Her spirits were not high. A larger society would improve them. She wanted her to be more known.

The undesirableness of any other house in the same neighbourhood for Sir Walter was certainly much strengthened by one part, and a very material part of the scheme, which had been happily engrafted on the beginning. He was not only to quit his home, but to see it in the hands of others; a trial of fortitude, which stronger heads than Sir Walter’s have found too much. Kellynch Hall was to be let. This, however, was a profound secret, not to be breathed beyond their own circle.

Sir Walter could not have borne the degradation of being known to design letting his house. Mr Shepherd had once mentioned the word “advertise,” but never dared approach it again. Sir Walter spurned the idea of its being offered in any manner; forbad the slightest hint being dropped of his having such an intention; and it was only on the supposition of his being spontaneously solicited by some most unexceptionable applicant, on his own terms, and as a great favour, that he would let it at all.

How quick come the reasons for approving what we like! Lady Russell had another excellent one at hand, for being extremely glad that Sir Walter and his family were to remove from the country. Elizabeth had been lately forming an intimacy, which she wished to see interrupted. It was with the daughter of Mr Shepherd, who had returned, after an unprosperous marriage, to her father’s house, with the additional burden of two children. She was a clever young woman, who understood the art of pleasing—the art of pleasing, at least, at Kellynch Hall; and who had made herself so acceptable to Miss Elliot, as to have been already staying there more than once, in spite of all that Lady Russell, who thought it a friendship quite out of place, could hint of caution and reserve.

Lady Russell, indeed, had scarcely any influence with Elizabeth, and seemed to love her, rather because she would love her, than because Elizabeth deserved it. She had never received from her more than outward attention, nothing beyond the observances of complaisance; had never succeeded in any point which she wanted to carry, against previous inclination. She had been repeatedly very earnest in trying to get Anne included in the visit to London, sensibly open to all the injustice and all the discredit of the selfish arrangements which shut her out, and on many lesser occasions had endeavoured to give Elizabeth the advantage of her own better judgement and experience; but always in vain: Elizabeth would go her own way; and never had she pursued it in more decided opposition to Lady Russell than in this selection of Mrs Clay; turning from the society of so deserving a sister, to bestow her affection and confidence on one who ought to have been nothing to her but the object of distant civility.

From situation, Mrs Clay was, in Lady Russell’s estimate, a very unequal, and in her character she believed a very dangerous companion; and a removal that would leave Mrs Clay behind, and bring a choice of more suitable intimates within Miss Elliot’s reach, was therefore an object of first-rate importance.

#persuasion

[blessedarethebinarybreakers]

Confronting our antisemitism during Holy Week

“Jesus of Nazareth, charged by the Roman authorities with sedition, dies on a Roman cross. But Jews ― the collective, all Jews ― become known as "Christ-killers." Still haunting, the legacy of that charge becomes acute during Holy Week, when pastors and priests who speak about the death of Jesus have to talk about "the Jews." Every year, the same difficulty surfaces: how can a gospel of love be proclaimed, if that same gospel is heard to promote hatred of Jesus's own people?”

- Professor Amy-Jill Levine

___________________________

Holy Week is here, so I thought I’d remind myself and other Christians that it is imperative to resist antisemitic interpretations of Jesus’s Passion.

Holy Week has long been a dangerous time of the year for Jewish persons (See this article for the history of antisemitic hate crimes on Good Friday in medieval Europe, for instance). And the scriptures that we choose to read in our churches during this time fuels that antisemitism not only this week, but the whole year round. 

When our Gospels’ various versions of the Passion narrative are full of inflammatory language about “The Jews” shouting “Crucify him!,” about the disciples (despite being Jewish themselves!) hiding away “for fear of the Jews,” it’s no wonder that we absorb an antisemitic message when we read those scriptures every year -- especially when we aren’t given any guidance on the context as to why these texts were written this way or what to do about it.

So. How can we acknowledge and combat the antisemitism that has too long been entrenched in our communities?

________________

RESOURCES

First, let’s get educated on the basic facts about antisemitism in Holy Week’s typical scriptures, and alternatives to concluding that “the Jews killed Jesus”:

Article: “Who are ‘The Jews’ in John?” .

See this article from My Jewish Learning - “Who Killed Jesus?” .

You might like my sermon from last Palm Sunday that discusses antisemitism in the “triumphal entry” narrative and connects it to the perennial search for someone to blame when we feel afraid or helpless, including parallels to anti-Asian sentiments in this pandemic .

See also Jon M. Sweeney’s book: Jesus Wasn’t Killed by the Jews: Reflections for Christians in Lent

Next, let’s reimagine the stories we read during Holy Week in ways that don’t do harm to our Jewish neighbors! Replace the bad with good!

I most highly recommend Jewish scholar Amy-Jill Levine’s book Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week. .

Get a summary of and link to a pdf of her chapter on Palm Sunday and the “cleansing of the temple” (Jesus flipping tables) here .

And if reading a whole book isn’t your thing, Levine also has a video series where she talks about the Passion story -- here’s the first video, just 9 minutes long

This quote from Levine in this article sums up the purpose of her scholarship as a whole:

“A number of Christian commentators feel the need to make Judaism look bad in order to make Jesus look good. Instead of portraying Jesus as a Jew talking to other Jews, he becomes in their views the first Christian, the one who invented divine grace, mercy, and love, and all that other good stuff. Such views neglect the presence of these same virtues within Jesus’ own Jewish context. There should be no reason this Jewish Jesus is used to promote anti-Judaism.”

Finally, if you only have time for one resource, make it this article:

“Holy Week and the hatred of the Jews: How to avoid anti-Judaism this Easter,” also written by Amy-Jill Levine.

In this article, Levine describes how the anti-Jewish language got into the Gospels to begin with; how interfaith conversations today help stem the tide of antisemitism; and explores and ranks the 6 strategies Levine has seen people use when trying to resolve these problems with the New Testament. .

From least useful to most useful, she names these strategies as excision (just removing the problematic stuff and pretending it was never there); retranslation (changing up the way we translate problematic texts, such as changing “the Jews” to “Judeans”); romanticizing (this includes Christians holding their own Passover seders -- read this part of the article to see why we should Not Do That); allegorizing; historicizing; and, best of all, just admitting the problem:

“We come finally to our sixth option: admit to the problem and deal with it. There are many ways congregations can address the difficult texts. Put a note in service bulletins to explain the harm the texts have caused. Read the problematic texts silently, or in a whisper. Have Jews today give testimony about how they have been hurt by the texts.

Those who proclaim the problematic verses from the pulpit might imagine a Jewish child sitting in the front pew and take heed: don’t say anything that would hurt this child, and don’t say anything that would cause a member of the congregation to hurt this child. Better still: educate the next generation, so that when they hear the problematic words proclaimed, they have multiple contexts - theological, historical, ethical - by which to understand them.

Christians, hearing the Gospels during Holy Week, should no more hear a message of hatred of Jews than Jews, reading the Book of Esther on Purim, should hate Persians, or celebrating the seder and reliving the time when “we were slaves in Egypt,” should hate Egyptians.

We choose how to read. After two thousand years of enmity, Jews and Christians today can recover and even celebrate our common past, locate Jesus and his earliest followers within rather than over and against Judaism, and live into the time when, as both synagogue and church proclaim, we can love G-d and our neighbour.’

___________

What do you think? 

Do you have more questions you’re wrestling with? more ideas on how to actually deal with our antisemitism, in Holy Week and beyond? more resources on this topic you’d like to share?

#antisemitism #passion narratives #holy week #passion of christ #issues in christianity

[whitedahlia13]

I love the blocking of the first Stydia kiss. Like first of all I just like that its vulnerable and intimate, but I especially love after the kiss because Lydia pulls away, but Stiles doesn’t move back. And while they’re talking he keeps looking at her lips and still not leaning back because he’s so focused on her. But as soon as Lydia starts avoiding eye contact and purses her lips, he changes how he’s sitting to give her space (Stiles Stilinski boundary king). And its all *subtextual*

So, since you mentioned all those delicious details, I had to force myself to rewatch Stydia’s first kiss for the millionth time…and then a few million more times–purely for research purposes, I assure you😉 Seriously though, I never tire of reliving this moment. There are so many things to love about it. Not only is it visually stunning – like an actual cinematic-quality piece of art – but also, it’s so full of emotional depth. Every time I look at it, some other nuance touches my heart in a permanent way.

And what’s not to love about a kiss that starts out so hurried and desperate but which ends so tenderly and dare I say…reluctantly for both of them? After all, that reluctance alone speaks volumes. I think it’s fair to say, where the kiss ends, a gold mine of subtext begins. For instance, Lydia is the first to pull away, but it’s worth mentioning that she only does so after Stiles’s breathing has returned to normal. She waits for that cue. She waits until she knows he is okay. And the way she breaks from their kiss is equally significant. She does it so gradually – first dragging her lips away from his, then barely leaning her forehead against his, and finally, there is that delicate little nose bump. It all leaves so much room for interpretation. As does the fact that she keeps her eyes closed – even longer than Stiles does. Stiles, who was not expecting Lydia to kiss him just then – even though he has been waiting and hoping for it to happen for years. There’s also the completely awestruck shine in Lydia’s eyes when she does open them. Or what about the difficulty she has swallowing after she says, Yeah, you did, like she is struggling to get a hold of all the emotions that are flooding her system. There’s even the way she doesn’t seem to know what to do with her hands afterwards – pressing them to her thighs while they are talking, then awkwardly bumping Stiles on the knee when he shifts away from her.

I mean, this girl has just had the best, most intimate and awakening kiss of her life. She is wrecked. At the same time, she remains aware of Stiles, and the look on his face tells her everything she needs to know about what this kiss means to him. If that weren’t enough, she is also (probably for the first time) allowing herself to admit that his feelings for her are far from unrequited. It's a lot to take in. So she deflects, and there goes Stiles, being the perfect human that he is, instinctively understanding and respecting Lydia’s boundaries. I don’t think he gets enough credit for how incredibly selfless that is. Because there is undoubtedly a whirlwind going through his head and his heart as he processes what just happened. There has got to be so much he wants to say to her. But he stays calm, he listens more than he speaks, and he gives Lydia the space she needs so she doesn’t get more flustered.

The best part is, I doubt he’s even trying at this point. Interacting with Lydia comes so naturally to him. It all goes back to the unspoken connection they have, the way they know each other’s body language and expressions and respond in ways that always feel right. Stydia more than complement each other, they balance each other out. That’s why seeing them together is always such bliss. It’s why watching and rewatching their scenes is always so rewarding.

#asks #thanks anon! #stydia #stiles #lydia martin #stiles and lydia #subtext king and queen 👑👑 #first kiss #teen wolf #Alpha Pact #3x11 #I did? #yeah... you did #that's their first *I love you* people. #perfect combination #🧡💙 #iltsm #that's my otp #remember I love queue

[spicyclover]

The accident that caused our love | Part one

Summary: You love him, and he loves you, but none of you dare to take the first step. However, this is the season's last race, and you are ready to find him to admit that you are in love with him, but it appears the universe decided to get in your way.

Hope you’ll enjoy this part. Let me know in the comments section! And to support me by tipping me!

Little information, I will, for now, only post on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Thank you, and Enjoy! :)

Lots of love, xxx Spicy Clover

This is the season's last race, and you just got to Abu Dhabi airport. Having missed your connection in Spain, you had to wait several hours before successfully boarding another plane.

Frustrated, you get your backpack in the cabin and run to get out once you get off the plane and through customs. All taxis are taken, and renting a car must take at least three hours. You then decide to take a motorcycle. «What could be so different from a car?» You said to yourself, taking the bike's keys in your hands.

You manage to get out of the parking lot without difficulty and finally arrive on the highway. You try to keep a reasonable speed, but time is running out, so you start slaloming between the cars as best you can. At the same time, you are not very comfortable on your bike because you must have driven what? Twice in your life.

You have about ten minutes before you get to the circuit when suddenly, you feel your bike derailed, and you lose control. The minutes slow down, and you try to figure out what’s happening. However, you don’t have time to think long enough that you’re rushing into the security fence at full speed.

The impact was so strong that you were immediately ejected from the vehicle. You glided head-first into the ravine and made a few rollovers before your head violently hit a piece of your motorcycle.

You’re losing consciousness, a lot of blood around you.

Fortunately for you, being close to the circuit, the dryers intervened quickly, and you could be taken to the hospital urgently.

In the meantime, Carlos has repeatedly tried to reach you by telephone. He begins to worry and no longer focuses on what his strategist tells him. He suddenly hears ambulances leaving in the distance. Surprised, he does not understand why the ambulances of the circuit leave towards the highway on the outskirts of the circuit.

A few minutes later, the FIA announced that the race would be delayed because of a severe accident. Carlos tries again to reach you, and the phone finally picks up.

“Allo?”

“Hermosa, where are you? I just heard there was a big accident. Are you okay?” Carlos quickly exclaims. 

“Who is this?” Said the voice once again.

“Carlos. Who are you?” He asks, confused. 

“I’m Khalid, a paramedic. I have the personal effects of one of the wounded. Can you tell me if she has any close family here?”

“She’s hurt?”

“I can’t revile any information to non-members of the family. Can you statues your relationship with my patient?”

“Am... am her boyfriend.”

“Okay, she’s in an ambulance toward Seha Emirates Hospital. You’ll be able to find her there with her belongings.” The paramedic finished and hung up the phone leaving Carlos speechless.

The garage went silent, listening to the conversation. Nobody dares to speak or even move, and only Charles comes to Carlos and takes him in his arms. Tears fall, and he can’t seem to process any information. Just lost in a loop of confusion and fear. 

After several minutes in comfort, Charles finally declared they were going to the hospital. The Ferrari manager doesn’t even have time to add anything. Charles gives him a black look and comes out of the garage holding Carlos by the shoulders.

The vast majority of the Paddock have heard about the accident, and everyone is learning about the victims of this one, which allows the two men to travel the way to Charles' car without any interest.

To be continued...

#carlos sainz x reader #carlos sainz x you #carlos sainz #carlos sainz fluff #f1 x reader #f1 imagine #f1 #f1 fluff #fluff #accident #f1accident

[yeahimaloser]

Oooo I also got another good request how about a hawks x reader childhood friends they grow up together she took his punishments for him yk they have each other’s back and then in the future a villian attack and she ALMOST dies but no she gets save then hawks realizes he loves her and it’s all fluff at the end eek

Ok so, I literally love this request so much, I have no idea why it took me so long to write, but it's finally done!

Oh my god it took so long.

they/them pronouns used.

8k words! please enjoy!

16+ a bit suggestive at the end.

. . .

You sniffed, a hand wiping across your face as tears stung your eyes.

You had been training with the commission for a while now, almost a month to be exact. And it was so hard. In fact, it felt more like they were specifically targeting you.

You looked over at one of the other kids in the commissions program, Keigo, he seemed to have no problem with this exercise, in fact, you would have thought he was excelling at it.

But you could only sit and watch as his little wings flew past you.

You were only pulled from your family recently, but you knew that Keigo was here longer than you were. You rarely talked to him since your arrival, maybe it was because part of you didn’t want to become friends with anyone, maybe it was a small way of acting out, you didn’t know why, but you didn’t like him. He was just so much better than you.

Ever since you first came here, you’ve felt weak. You felt inferior to Keigo, you couldn’t help but compare yourself to him, watching exciede everyones expectations.

Compared to him, you were nothing but a dull blade.

You look down at your hands, cursing them as if that would do you any good. Your eyes stung again, the dust prickling against your eyelids.

The exercise was not supposed to be a difficult one, in terms of the gruelling training practices that they made you do, this one was pretty easy. All you had to do was get from one point in the commission's training facility, all the way to the other side of said facility. A simple running exercise. Although the floors were littered with traps, making it harder for you to get there, you knew it was supposed to be easy. And yet, for whatever reason, you had such immense difficulty.

Your quirk was mostly made for combat. It was the power they gave you the ability to control metal through your will. And although others might find it useful, you found it so difficult.

The problem was, your power was flashy, and yet not as easy to use as one might think. The metal had to touch you, which means that you have to get a hold of some metal object. And although technically you would be controlling it through your mind (Making it fly through the air at your own will) the object couldn’t be very heavy. Whatever metal object you wanted to use would weaken you. For example, controlling a knife was no problem, but controlling a 20 pound ball of metal was extremely difficult. which made your quirk almost completely useless here. Doing a running exercise, like you were doing now, there is little to nothing you could do with your quirk. The only times that your quirk would actually be useful, was during rescue missions or during an attack with multiple heroes in a big city with a lot of metal that you could touch. But that wasn't the case, and you hated it.

As you sat in the corner, trying desperately not to show your tears, you felt a gust of air as you looked up, only to be met with red wings.

“Are you…Ok?”

You never noticed how pretty his eyes were, the honey color’s made his features look so much softer.

After a few minutes, you realized he was still waiting for you to answer.

And for whatever reason, you felt your whole face becoming hot.

“I’m fine.” You said all too quickly.

He raises a bushy eyebrow at you, his face quizzical. “If you’re sure, but we are partners.”

You rolled your eyes.

You two were never truly partners. In this compound, there was only yourself to be concerned with.

“Stop pitying me, I can help myself.”

He smirked, “You say as if you’re not on the ground as we speak.”

You felt your face heating up again as you sprang to your feet, your eyes quickly narrowed, trying your best to seem composed.

“Why did you come back for me?”

But Keigo just shrugged, “Saw someone in need of help.”

That was the last straw.

You angrily stomped away. Who was he to judge you? Who was he to act like some hero? You knew he was the commission's golden boy, they loved him, he was their best weapon.

And you knew he was bright enough to know that as well. Although he never got any special treatment, you could tell by the way they trained him, how they paid more attention to his abilities and not so much the other’s.

Including you.

You felt something pull at you, something tugging you back.

You turned to see- a feather?

“Hey wait a sec,” Keigo said, “I wanna ask you something.”

Your face hardened, you two should be getting back to training soon, you knew the instructor would most likely yell at the two of you for falling too much behind.

“Ask your question and let's go,” you said, huffing.

“Do you want to be friends?”

The question caught you so off guard, causing you to stumble over a rock in front of you.

You whiped back to him, your eyes widen as you realized he was completely serious.

“Wha- friends? What the hell are you on about? There are no friends here, that's an idiot's dream.”

But Keigo only shrugged, “Well, then I guess I’m an idiot.”

You stared back at him, a look of pure disbelief written on your face.

Was he insane? Having friends here was almost imposible. The commission made sure of that, pitting you two against eachother, comparing you to one another, they made it so you would fight amongst yourselves.

“Why would you want to be friends with me?” You asked, your voice barely a whisper.

But he just shrugged, “Because I'm curious about you, and that crousity makes me want to befriend you.”

You stilled, thinking and thinking till your brain hurts.

“Look, you don’t have to say anything right now, I know I probably caught you off guard, and if you don’t want to, I understand… I think-I think I’m just lonely.”

You pursed your lips, still thinking it over in your mind before you grabbed his hand.

“Look, I’ll think about it, but first, let's get this race over with.”

Keigo smiled, blushing a bit as you two took off, hoping you two would becoming good friends.

. . .

And as time went on, you two did, in fact, become the best of friends.

By the time you were both teens, you and Keigo (or Hawks as his hero name) became the commissions pride and joy.

Although you were always so surprised that they didn’t want to through you out, Keigo was so much better than you, and you had fallen much behind him.

Keigo was faster, smarter and stronger, you knew that, you knew that all to well.

But, the commission never removed you, you continued to train to become a hero, right besides Keigo. A part of you wondered if maybe you were only kept on because of Keigo, maybe the commission saw how close you two were, watching how much you mattered to him, and maybe they thought they could use you to their advantage.

The thought made you shiver, mostly due to the fact that it wasn’t impossible, and more than likely.

One night, as you and Keigo lay under the stars on the roof of the commission's building, watching the night sky above.

Suddenly, Hawks turned to you, “Hey Y/N,” he said, “can I ask you something?”

You nodded your head, feeling your heart flutter.

“Do you....do you want to become a hero with me?”

You smiled, “Isn't that the whole reason we’re here? To become heroes?”

But Keigo just shook his head, “No I mean...what do you want to do? With your life?”

You took a pause, you’ve never really thought about it all that much. What did you want to do with your life? You’ve always just done what others have told you to do, always choosing to follow others rather than yourself.

You realized you had never thought about it before, never taking into consideration your feelings, you just worked to survive.

“...I don’t know.”

You hated saying it, it felt like such a childish thing to admit, especially with Keigo. Keigo, who’s figured out his life goal already. Keigo, who’s living out his dream. Keigo, who has most of his life planned out.

“I mean- I guess I’m not used to choosing for myself, you know? I’m not sure how to go about… figuring out my life without someone telling me how to live it first.”

But Keigo just nodded, “No, that makes sense, I mean, you’ve lived here most of your life, you’ve worked to become a hero, but that's really only because you were taught to be one. It’s ok to not know what you want out of life, and don’t worry, I’ll be here to support you, Y/N.”

Keigo turned to you, a smile plastered on his face.

That beautiful, amazing, breathtaking smile.

You felt your face become flushed, and you sat up quickly so as to not have Keigo notice.

“Yeah well- thanks,” you said softly.

But Keigo just laughed, “Don’t worry about it dove.”

. . .

Years later, and Hawks had become the number two pro hero. And you hadn’t done too badly yourself, coming in at the number eleventh spot.

You didn’t mind being behind Hawks, in fact, you found yourself becoming a bit proud of yourself because of how far you had made it.

Right now, you were busy on portal, watching citizens go about their day on a rooftop above.

You watched closely, wondering what kind of life you could have been living if you had never chosen to be a hero, wondering if you too, would have been walking on that very same street as some other hero observed you from afar.

Somedays you found yourself wondering if the hero commission hadn’t taken you away, had let you lived your life for yourself, what would you do? Who would you become?

You wondered if you would have met Keigo as well, or if that would only work if you had been with the hero commission.

Maybe in that universe, you two could finally be together.

It happened a while ago, when you figured out your true feelings for Hawks. Although, maybe you always had feelings for him, since you were little kids. But, you had feelings for him had began to bubble over, you found yourself wanting to spend more time with him, wanted to keep him to yourself. But you would never act on these feelings, you knew better.

Keigo Takami would never be yours, not in a million years.

You let out a sigh, just as you heard boots hit the ground behind you.

“Miss me,” a familiar voice asked.

Even though you had known Hawks since you two were kids, you were always caught off guard by those dazzling eyes, the honey gold color swirling around as he stared down at you, pinning you to your spot on the roof.

You smiled, “Hawks, I just saw you.”

He shrugged, “So? I still missed you in that time.”

You rolled your eyes, “Did you come here to bother me or do you actually have a reason to be here?”

His hands flew to his chest, dramatically saying, “Oh angel, how you wound my poor heart.”

You giggled, “Aw Hawks, always the flare for the dramatic.”

He smiled, but then his eyes got serious, “But I do need your help with something, a mission not too far from here.”

Watching Hawks in action was like watching an artist at work, he was careful, skillful, even downright majestic. He took care in his work, he worked quickly and efficiently, like a well-oiled machine.

And, not to sound too cocky, you two made a pretty good team. And considering you two were very close friends, you vehemently enjoyed working with him.

Although, maybe it was cuz you also had a little bit of a crush on him.

Your face felt flushed at the thought, but before you could think your mouth had already said yes.

“Oh? Are you just agreeing so you can spend time with me, little dove,” Hawks smiled teasingly.

He had a habit of doing this, it was a little game he would play on you. teasing was so fun for him, but he didn’t realize how it gave you such butterflies.

Luckily though, although you did have feelings for him, you learned how to push them away for situations like this.

You scoffed, “Hawks, would you just give me the rundown. Or do I have to call the commission myself?”

He put his hands up, “Wow there chicky, no need to get antsy, I’ll explain everything, ok?”

He told you about the mission, nothing to fancy, in fact, it was quite easy.

Some of his sidekicks had noticed some suspicious activity near a specific location near U.A that the commission wanted to be checked out. They had said that they didn’t want another attack to happen yet again to the school.

On the outside, it might have seemed like the commission gave a shit about the kids in U.A, but you knew better. They just wanted to look good, and right now, this was the best way to do that.

“So basically, if we do see any suspicious activity, we’re allowed to bring anyone in there for questioning, and if worst comes to worst, we have orders to use force.”

You nodded, sounded just like a normal mission for the two of you, should be no p.

“Alright,” you said, “Sounds easy enough. Should we head over now? How will I get there?”

But Hawks seemed to be one step ahead of you.

He held out his hand, a smirk plastered on his dazzling face, “Just hold on to me, sweetheart.”

. . .

You’ve flown with Hawks before, considering how close you two were it was understandable that he would have offered a number of times.

But still, it Always made you so giddy.

The way he held you, so secure in his arms, his face inches away from you. And that gleam in his eyes, it always felt like it was only you and him in that moment, only you two in the entire sky. And each time, it made your heart shudder.

“You ok there, dove,” Hawks asked in your ear.

You jumped a little, surprised by his words. You realized you had begun spacing out while looking directly at him.

You composed yourself, “Just keep flyin’ bird brain. I’m just thinking.”

You could almost feel his smirk, “Thinking? Thinking of what, if you don’t mind me asking?”

“Drop it Hawks.”

“Oh,” he said, his tone mischievous, “just like I can drop you?”

Just then, you felt Hawks serve mid-air.

“KEIGO,” you shouted, not even thinking.

But Hawks had regained his hold on you, the prank only lasting for a second.

He laughed, his chest shaking, “You should have seen your face, Chicky! Ha! That was funny!”

But you would disagree, “I swear to God, Hawks, I’ll punch you when we land.”

But you thought for a second, “Sorry I called you your name...so loud.”

Keigo didn’t really like his name, opting to be called ‘Hawks’ instead.

But you knew why he preferred his new name instead. Because of his past.

Keigo was a kid left in the dirt, left and discarded, a remnant of a past that wasn’t so pleasant. You knew that thinking about it only brought pain to him, and saying his name out loud would only remind him of a past he would rather soon forget.

And the name ‘Hawks’ had marked the beginning of a new life for him. It was a way for him to move on past that old life, a way for him to become the best version of himself.

“Sorry,” you whispered.

“It’s ok… I don’t think anyone heard,” Hawks said.

His grip on you seemed to be tighter, more secure.

“And also, you know I would never drop you, right? I could never hurt you, ever.”

You rolled your eyes, “That’s so cheesy. Just don’t drop me and it’s fine.”

. . .

The place wasn’t too bad.

It was an old supply garage, there were about four people from what you could see.

It was definitely near U.A, you could see a clear view to the school, although it was far, it definitely had a vantage point. You could see why this could be a problem, and your brain hurt thinking about what villainous thing they could be planning.

You could hear the guy closest to you, it was a bit hard but you honed your ears.

“So, you all have everything,” a man asked in a scratchy rough voice.

“Yeah,” one of the others said, “everything's here, make sure to give it to Shigaraki with our gratitude.”

You looked over at Hawks, but his eyes were trained on the villains, his black pupils sharpening and watching their every move, before he nodded, signaling to move out.

And then, everything happened in a flash.

Hawks, as always, moved fast and quick, and you come up behind him.

Hawks grabbed one of the men, and held back the other two with his feathers, leaving only you and the two others.

You pulled out your handy metal staff, preparing yourself to bend it to your will.

But you never got the chance.

One of the men smirked a gun in his hand. The other behind him, activating what looked like an ice quirk.

And before you could think, you felt your feet being Frozen down to the hard metal floor of the garage.

“What the hell,” you mutter to yourself.

you tried your best to wiggle your way out of it, but you saw no way to free yourself from your icey binds.

Luckily, with your fast thinking, you grabbed the metal staff, shaping it to hit one of the men square in the jaw, making him drop his weapon.

the other one was taken aback, a perfect opening for your staff to hit him in the face.

But your feet were still frozen to the floor, and a few whacks to the felons was not going to be enough to take them down.

You racked your brain, Hawks was too far away, and there was no way you could get out of the ice on your own.

You brought your metal stuff back, using it to break the ice on your feet. Just as the men were getting back up.

You ran over, preparing to hit one of the men right in the face, a blow big enough to knock them out.

But you never got the chance.

The other man tackled you to the floor, your back hitting the ground.

“Not so tough now, are you, little hero.”

You looked over at Keigo, but there was no use. He was too busy fighting his own battle, and you knew it wasn't fair to rely on him.

So, with all your strength you pushed the man off. Using the metal floor to help you.

Just then, an idea occurred to you. It was risky, but it could work.

You knew that Keigo was far enough for it to work, it wouldn’t hurt him, but the only problem was it wouldn’t trap the two villains he was fighting.

But, considering he was the number two hero, you knew he would be just fine. You trusted him in that.

The ground beneath you is made of metal, you could feel it beneath your feet. You could also feel the two men running towards you.

You dodged their initial attacks, but you knew that they would soon overpower you. You also knew that you couldn't kill them, but you could hurt them.

So your best bet was to trap them, and yourself, before backup came.

You hit your palm against the floor, willing it to your mind. It was a long stretch, and you could feel the strain on your body. The toll that it was taking was immediate, your muscles felt tired, your brain even felt foggy for a few minutes, but you kept going.

You made sure that the ground collapsed, but it wouldn't hurt anybody.

You were not expecting, however, for the ceiling to collapse along with it.

There must have been a support beam on the ground as well that you had taken down with the floor, causing the ceiling to come down.

You looked up, seeing the last moment as the ceiling collapsed on you.

. . .

Hawks hated hospitals.

The smell, the people, the pain. He hated it all, but you were the one in the hospital, so of course, he needed to come.

The days after the accident had been hard, to say the least.

Keigo just remembered watching as the rooftop collapsed, watching your bruised body go along with it.

He remembered screaming your name too, yelling and willing all his feathers to help you, to get you out.

He remembered his heart racing and beating so hard in his chest, he remembered his eyes, tears swelling up as his breath ran ragged.

He didn’t even care about the villains, he had caught the two he had been fighting already, but he didn’t care. He needed to get you out, he needed to make sure you were ok.

After digging for what felt like an eternity, there you were, bruised and bloody. But you were breathing, and he held you close, his tears dripping over your cheeks.

He felt his heartbreak, he couldn't stand the sight of you being hurt, he couldn't stand the thought that he had something to do with it.

He wanted you to wake up, he wanted you to wake up so badly it hurt. For you to look up, and teased him about crying. He wanted nothing more than to apologize over and over, for making his friend suffer, even if it was unintentional.

He knew he could never forgive himself, and he knew he could never make it up to you.

Keigo knew you were in bad shape, so he called the ambulance to take you to the hospital. He was there with you the whole way, watching you, helping in any way he could.

He felt like his heart was being ripped out of his chest, watching as your fragile body was rolled away to the special care unit of the hospital, as the doctors told him he couldn’t come in with you.

“Mr. Hawks,” a voice said in front of him.

He flinched.

Hawks wasn’t someone who was easily startled, seeing as he had years of training, but his mind was so all over the place. Worrying and wondering if you were ok, hoping and praying to god everything would be ok.

He couldn’t lose you, and he realized that only now.

If he lost you, how would he even be able to function? You were everything to him, his friend (if he was being truthful, his only true friend) , his rock, the person he could trust for support and help.

To be honest, if he lived in a world without you, he really wouldn’t know what to do…

“Sir?”

He snapped back to reality, his eyes looking up at the doctors.

“Sorry,” he sighed, “I think I’m just a bit off my game today, you’ll have to excuse my behavior. But what were you saying, sir?”

“Well, L/N Y/N has sustained some pretty severe injuries, such as bruising of the sides and hips, and a broken leg,” Hawks sucked in a breath, “We know how to treat it, of course, but Y/N will need much recovery time. That being said, Y/N seems to not have any family or emergency contacts but you. If it’s ok with you, would you be willing to visit as well as look over Y/N in the recovery period?”

Hawks quickly agreed, “Anything doctor, anything you need or Y/N needs...anything at all.”

The doctor smiled at him, “Thank you, Mr. Hawks, unfortunately though, Y/N needs a bit more time alone, but when we deem it ok, you can come back for a visit.”

Hawks felt his shoulders slump, he knew it was selfish, but he had hoped to see you again, to apologize for putting you in that piston, he felt horrible.

The mission wasn't supposed to go like that at all, it was supposed to be a swift and easy fight. It was really just supposed to be the four guys with easy quirks, and they were all supposed to be an easy fight.

Hawks had learned about the hideout in front of U.A a while ago, when he learned it was also a part of the ledge, he went right to Dabi.

“Are you insane,” he had said, “someone will catch you, and personally, I can’t stand by and let you attack those kids.”

“Oh?” Dabi smirked, “And how will you stop us? You’re a part of the league now, bird boy, and we need this lookout, so just shut up already.”

Keigo huffed, “I can’t let you do that, that’s right by my portal area, my bosses will get suspicious, and I look bad enough as it is. I haven’t brought anyone from the league in, soon someone will put two-in-two together.”

It was a lie of course, his bosses knew exactly why he couldn't bring in anyone from the league, they had assigned the mission after all.

But the problem didn't lie with his bosses, it lay with the other Heroes and the public eye. The other hero’s had started to whisper to each other, wondering why the Hawks hadn’t brought in anyone from the notorious League of villains yet. He heard their whispers, and it made him uneasy. He knew if he didn't act soon, they would just grow more and more suspicious. As for the public eye, he couldn't let his image slide, he had to figure out a solution, and this would be the perfect way to do so.

Dabi pondered the idea, toying with Hawks’ growing anticipation, like a cat pawing at a helpless bird.

“Alright, I suppose we can make that work.”

And so, a plan was formed.

Keigo was to swiftly take the four men in for questioning. Dabi had arranged for it so all vital information was to be learned from the lookouts, and then Hawks could swoop in and go in fighting. The other four men would have no idea what was going on, so it looked like the real deal.

They had set up specific times and dates to make sure they would take the men and the lookout down, that way the league wouldn’t lose any vital information.

“I’ll tell you when, don’t start till I tell you,” Dabi had said, “or else there will be problems.”

And Hawks had done as he was told, he waited for Dabi to give him the all-clear, and went in.

But you getting hurt was never a part of the plan.

Keigo felt guilt clawing at his chest. How did he get like this? He was supposed to be the one to protect you, to make sure that you were always okay.

But it seemed like he was the one who got you hurt.

His guilt was suddenly replaced by anger, it made him ball his fist.

Those men were supposed to be easy to take down, they were supposed to be simple to deal with, but even Keigo had difficulty defeating them all on his own.

This was an error on his part, he knew that, but he also couldn’t help but simultaneously blame Dabi as well.

It was his fault that he hadn’t warned Keigo about the strength of the men.

Keigo was going to make him pay….

. . .

Dabi’s head hit the wall with a loud thud, Keigo’s angry eyes boring into him.

“I should kill you right here, right now.”

Dabi laughed, “Look, it wasn’t my fault your little partner couldn’t handle a few guys, ain't they supposed to be a hero? Shouldn’t they be able to help themselves?”

Dabi’s twisted smile made Keigo see red.

“I swear Dabi-”

“The league will come after you, you know that.”

Keigo felt his hands shake with rage, his fingers wrinkling Dabis' shirt.

“What were they to you? You seem pretty upset there, birdy. Maybe….your lover?”

A feather sharpened at Dabi’s neck, Keigo’s fury never leaving his body.

“Say one more goddamn word and I swear to god I'll kill you.”

“Look,” Dabi said, “I didn't know how strong those guys were, I thought that you'd be able to take ‘em down pretty easily. But I guess we just gave ‘em more training than I thought. That's all. Nothing I could have done about it, and nothing you could have done about it. You should know that stuff like this is inevitable, shit is bound to go wrong.”

Keigo released him, his eyes still boring into Dabi’s.

“If I figure out you had some sort of part in this-”

“Yeah yeah, you’ll kill me. I get it.”

Keigo stormed off, walking away from Dabi.

Keigo wanted nothing more than to beat the crap out of someone, anyone, he just wanted someone to blame, someone to feel the way he felt.

The fact that you were in pain only made it worse.

What was he to do now? He couldn’t go home, he would only be able to think about you, only be able to think about your laugh, your eyes, your lips….

He shook his head. Why was he thinking of something like that? And at a time like this? You were...his friend.

But that thought made his heart sink. Like that thought had filled him with dread.

He sighed, shaking his head, this wasn’t about him, it was about you, it was about helping you. Not thinking about his feelings. Or lack thereof.

He felt his phone ring in his back pocket, just before he was leaving.

Looking at the number, he realized it was the doctor's office that was calling.

Without even thinking he picked up, “Hello?”

“Hello Mr. Hawks, we just wanted to ask if you would want to come in and see the patient L/N Y/N, they have woken up. So if you would like to see them-”

“Yes!” Keigo said, a bit too excitedly, “Sorry- about the interruption- but yes I would like to see them.”

“Alright Mr. Hawks, please come whenever you can, they’ve been asking for you.”

. . .

Hawks had never flown so fast, rushing so fast in order to see you, needed to see you.

When he finally got there, he rushed in, finding the receptionist to find your room.

“They’re in room 236 sir-”

But he cut her off, adrenaline pumping through his body.

“Ok, thank you so much.”

Finding your room was easy, and yet, he found himself outside your room, dreading to go in.

How could he face you? How could he apologize? How could he look you in the eye, see what happened to you, and be able to talk to you.

He ran a hand down his face, why was this so hard? He’s taken down many many villains before, and he had never felt as anxious as he did now?

“...Hawks?”

He jumped, he actually jumped.

There you were, standing, only a few inches away from his face, his eyes widened and he could feel his whole body becoming hot.

Why did he suddenly become like this around you? His heart felt like it was on fire, his whole body felt strange.

But your face, it looked so stunning, that for a moment he couldn’t feel his lungs.

“Are you...ok?” He was surprised that his voice finally managed to work.

You blinked, “Yeah, I’m ok. What about you, though? Your face is all red. Do have a fever or something? I can call a doctor.”

“No no,” he sighed, “just...feeling weird I suppose.”

He felt the redness travel from his cheeks all the way up to his ears, “I-I’m fine, really, don't worry about me, I'm actually here to see you.”

You smiled, gazing up at him, “Aww, you can see lil’ old me? How thoughtful.”

You both walked into your room, and Hawks watched as you lay down on the bed.

The hospital room was nothing special, a state-of-the-art hospital room, similar to one's that Hawks had been in many times. Being a hero always came with getting hurt, but seeing you in this condition, made his heart squeeze.

if he could, he would go back in time and figure out a way so that he could be in this situation, not you. You didn't deserve it, you have done nothing but help him, and this is how he repaid you? He felt sick with guilt.

“Hawks?” You said.

He snapped up, like coming back from a bad dream.

But you just laughed your sweet, kind laugh.

Hawks wanted to hear it again, one more time he wanted to hear you laugh like that, it made him feel like everything was drifting away from him like it was just you and him in this entire world.

“You’re totally out of it! What’s gotten into you,” You said, a smile still plastered on your face.

“Sorry, just thinkin’.”

“Yeah well you must be thinking a little too hard there, are you okay? Do you want to sit down? Something's obviously bothering you, you can tell me.”

but hawks just side, “I don’t know, I don’t want you to be upset with me.”

But you just smiled up at him, “Hawks, nothing in this world could make me upset with you.”

And so he told you, about the league, about the secrets he's been hiding from you. It felt good, it felt good to finally confide in someone, it felt like a weight being lifted off his shoulders. he felt at ease, talking to you like you were the only person who would ever understand. And you probably were.

You listened to him, you listened as he told you about what happened, about how sorry he felt, you didn't blame him for what happened, You just listened. You listened and listened and listened.

So when he finally finished, he was scared of what you would say.

“...I’m sorry,” he said.

“Why are you sorry, Hawks you didn’t do anything wrong.”

He looked up at you, “B-but I got you hurt-”

“That’s not your fault though, you had a mission to follow.”

“But I should have never involved you.”

“I'm glad you did, it could have been you that would have gotten hurt,” you said, smiling.

But he just tsked, “It would have been better if it was me, I can’t stand to see you like this, you know.”

Your hands went to his cheeks, bringing his face closer, “And I wouldn’t be able to see you like this either, I would have blamed myself. I’m glad I came with you, even if it meant I got hurt in the process. I care about you, Hawks.”

Keigo couldn’t breathe, you were so close, your lips an inch away.

“Keigo.”

Your eyes widened, “What?”

“I want you to call me Keigo when we’re alone from now on, I...I like when you say it.”

You paused for a moment, and then burst out laughing, “Where did this come from?”

His face went red, “I-I don’t know, just kinda been thinking about it I guess.”

You giggled a bit before saying, “Ok, I mean, if that’s what you want. Y’know, you’ve been acting strange Haw-Keigo,” you corrected, “are you sure everything's ok?”

There it was again, the pitter-batter in his heart, the nervousness in his stomach.

Something was wrong, but he didn’t know how to say it.

He didn’t know how he would even categorize the way he was feeling, he couldn't explain it to himself, much less to you.

“I’m fine, just...overwhelmed I guess.”

He shook his head, “But I should be asking how you are, you're the one in the hospital, not me. Stop worrying, how are you, how are you feeling? What do you need me to do? I'll be here to help you, no matter what.”

You rolled your eyes, “Eventually you’ll have to go home, and I’m totally fine, Keigo.”

By the mention of his name, he couldn’t help but feel his heart squeeze.

“R-right, well, can I just..stay here. With you? Till you get better?”

You smiled, “Of course.”

. . .

While you were in the hospital, Keigo stayed by your side. He never left you, he cared for you, watched over for you, and was so understanding.

It only made your feelings for him deeper, and you were loath to admit that you enjoyed it.

You enjoyed watching him fawn over you, knowing that he was close to you. You two would talk for hours, about anything, and you loved it. You loved feeling him near you, watching his eyes soften and the stupid silly quirk of his smile. You felt warm inside, you felt so at peace with him at your side.

You knew it was selfish, but you couldn't help loving how long you were spending with him.

But, it all came to an end, and you had to go home.

To your surprise, Keigo offered you to stay with him for a little bit.

Just till you get back on your feet,” he said.

Your heart leaped at the opportunity, sharing a house with the guy you had a crush on for years? It felt like you were a lovesick teenager again. Although, you would always be lovesick when it came to Keigo.

At Keigo’s house, he was nothing but polite to you. Although, a bit too polite.

For all his flirting, for all his suave charm, he was never really like that with you. He was just normal, keeping to himself in the house, but always being able to hang out with you or do anything with you if you wanted.

And yet, you could feel the nervousness oozing off of him, like he wanted to say something, but was holding himself back.

Like something was on the tip of his tongue, but he couldn’t get it out.

It, intern, made you just as nervous.

Were you being a nuisance? Did you say something to upset him? A million thoughts running through your head, and you are worried about all of them.

The last thing that you would ever want to do would be to upset Keigo, but you couldn’t figure out what was wrong.

Maybe he felt bad about the accident?

You sucked in a breath, that had to be it. He felt bad, and therefore, was nervous around you.

You have to confront him, you thought, you had to clear the air so you would both feel better.

You decided to wait till tomorrow morning, not wanting to scare or embarrass him well you could tell he was so nervous.

. . .

“Keigo,” you said, a waver in your voice showing how nervous you were.

“Hm?” Keigo looked up from his phone, his honey-colored irises landing on you, only serving to make you more anxious.

You took a deep breath, “I wanna talk to you about something. and it's pretty important, so I'd appreciate it if you could listen till the end.”

Keigo sat up, “What, am I in trouble or something?” He said in a teasing, yet nervous way.

“No,” you sighed, “But I just really need to talk to you about something.”

You took one moment more to collect yourself before speaking, “We've known each other for a long time, we've known each other since we were little kids when we were both put into the commission's program and since we were both made heroes. So you should know, that I know when you're upset.”

You saw Keigo twitch in his chair, but you continued.

“You've been nervous ever since the hospital, maybe even nervous in the hospital. And I don't know what's going on with you. I... I don't know if it was something that I did, or if it was something that happened, but I'm here for you. And I don't like it that you keep this a secret from me. I consider you to be one of my best friends, and I want you to know that you can trust me. No matter what happens, I'll still always love you. Nothing will ever change that,” a smile pulled at your lips as you said your last sentence.

It was silent for a few moments, the air between you too felt heavy and suffocating.

Finally, Keigo spoke, “Y/N, I want to tell you something, but... I'm not sure how you’ll react.”

You tried to speak up again, but Keigo cut you off.

“I know that you're going to say that nothing can ever come between us, and I do believe you. But... something came up and I just don't know how to deal with it. You mean so much to me, and losing your friendship is my worst nightmare. And I guess…. I just got so scared of losing you that I just didn't think about anything else. I'm sorry.”

Your face contorted into one of confusion, “Keigo, I’m not sure what you mean? What are you talking about? What came up?”

But Keigo just sighed, “Y/n I...I think I’m in love with you.”

You felt your heart stop, your eyes widened as your brain was racing.

What did you say? No... that couldn't be right.

Keigo Takami could not be in love with you, he just wouldn't. You had accepted that a long time ago, you knew that he would never have the same feelings that you had for him. You knew that, so what was going on?

“I...I’m sorry?”

Keigo’s face turned a bright shade of pink, “I-I think I’m in love with you. I’m sorry to spring this on you so suddenly, I know it must be a lot to take in, if you’re uncomfortable being here with me feel free to leave. I completely understand-”

But your lips stopped his words, your body pressed firmly to his.

He was started by the kiss at first, but soon, his body and mind became muddled, hands wrapped around your waist as he tasted your lips. It felt intoxicating.

Before you knew it, your hips were straddling him, keeping him locked in his chair. But Keigo wasn’t complaining.

Your lips tangled with one another as moans escaped both of you, your hands unable to leave each other's bodies.

Your hands traveled down his chest, even ripping open the button-down he was wearing, showing his abs and rippling muscles.

“Y/N..” Keigo said, his voice hoarse.

When you looked back up at him, his eyes were narrowed, slanted, and staring you down. But they had a softness to them, one that made your heart flutter.

“Keigo… god you have no idea how much I love you,” you said.

If this was a dream, you never wanted to wake up.

Keigo smirked, “‘s that so babe? Well, I plan to show you just how much I love you tonight.”

His lips attached to the column of your throat, kissing and nipping lightly at the skin. His hands roaming up and down your body made you feel as though you were on fire. His calloused hands stroked your back, making you arch into him.

“K-Keigo,” you moaned.

But he just hummed into your skin, his brain turning to mush, only able to think about how much pleasure he could give you, how much love he wanted to show you.

“Keigo, I love you,” you whispered into the shell of his ear.

Keigo groaned, still occupied with your neck, but pulled his lips away in order to say; “I’m glad,” and smiled at you.

You returned his smile before your lips found his again.

It would be a very long night.

#bnha #bnha hawks #mha #hawks #mha keigo takami #hawks x reader #keigo takami #hawks x y/n #keigo x reader #pro hero hawks #my hero academia hawks #hawks x you #keigo takami bnha #keigo fanfic #hawks fanfics #keigo x y/n #keigo imagine #wing hero hawks

[floralseokjin]

⊶ final sleigh (m). ⊷

You took an (almost) immediate dislike to Seokjin during his first week at the office and six months later that distaste is not only still going strong, but also mutual. Working in sales, you view one another as competition, so what happens when you’re forced to organise the Christmas office party together? It’s a recipe for disaster, but one thing’s for sure, it doesn’t end the way you imagined it...

(Spoiler alert: you don’t wind up murdering him.)  

pairing; kim seokjin x reader  au/genre/warnings; workplace/office au, enemies/rivals to lovers, starts off as a holiday au but drabbles further develop the story, rom-com, hoseok, namjoon, jungkook and yoongi make appearances, smut; drunk grinding, drunk kissing, workplace (oral) sex, storeroom (oral) sex, oral sex (male & female receiving), fingering, dirty talk, jin has a big dick (obv) words; 23,363 

continuing drabbles found here

Every year without fail you organised the office Christmas party at Jung&Co. As part of the office party committee it was of course a given. There were only two of you but as a workplace of just 12 that was ample enough. This year however, things were a little different, no matter how marginally. Joy was on maternity leave so you were now on your own this time around. Not that you minded. You could hold the fort no problem until she came back in January and you had to plan Creed, the quality assurance director’s birthday party. 

Only Hoseok, your manager didn’t see it that simple. Insisted you needed an extra set of helping hands. Who? Was your first thought. No one had ever offered to help in the past three years and why would they start now? However, you were forgetting something… or should you say, someone. A new someone who you were sure had been transferred here to make your life a total misery. It was like someone up there had it in for you, and you couldn’t think of one explanation why. You were a good person; you donated to a cat shelter every month, you paid your taxes, you were always helpful and friendly, amazing at your job… The list went on. In fact, you were the best damn sales rep at this branch, high above the rest – Well… That was until he showed up. 

“I’ll do it.” You heard Seokjin offer indifferently, as if he didn’t care a damn about the Christmas party. You knew he didn’t. 

You swung around immediately, your chair squeaking against the wooden flooring with the force. You scoffed patronisingly. “Pfft. You?” You had never heard anything so unbelievable in your whole life. 

Seokjin regarded you from where he sat in the back row. Hoseok had called a meeting this morning, needing to find a replacement for Joy as time was creeping up. it was a month until Christmas closure. The day the party was held, and he knew how much you liked to keep on top of things. You weren’t to be rushed. 

“Yes. Me.” Of course he was smirking. “Why? Got a problem?”

Beside him, Jungkook the intern, looked between you both unsurely. No doubt the rest of your co-workers were too. This had become the norm now. They stayed silent every time you and he started squabbling. The past few months had been one big whirlwind of bickering and rivalry. Seokjin was your biggest competition. He was also the thorn in your side. Ever since he’d transferred branches from his hometown six months ago life in the office hadn’t been the same for you. It didn’t help that your desks were also situated next to one another. You had to sit opposite his annoying face 8 hours a day, five days a week. It was a living hell. And now you’d be forced to spend even more time with him? Over your dead body. 

“No.” You folded your arms, still looking over at him from where you sat in the front. He wouldn’t win. You wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing he was successfully getting to you. “You want to organise the office Christmas party?”

Of course you were calling his bluff. He was 100% doing this to piss you off. You were certain. 

He chuckled. “I don’t know why it’s so unbelievable.”

You scoffed, growing frustrated. “You’re a guy!”

He raised one of his eyebrows. “Excuse me? Is that sexism I detect?” One corner of his mouth twitched. “Do I have to report you to Tim?”

Tim, the HR rep went to speak up, no doubt trying to pacify the situation, but already out of hand, you spoke over him, voice shrill. “Oh shut up, Seokjin.” Damn it, you’d bitten, hadn’t you? He was holding back his laughter. He knew what you meant. Your wording came out wrong, so you needed to correct yourself. 

“I’m just saying, you don’t seem like a guy who loves to party plan in his spare time.”

He grinned widely, as smug as ever. “Well, I’m full of surprises, baby.” 

Unimpressed you stared him down. “Do I need to report you to Tim for harassment?” 

You weren’t paying attention to Tim this time around but no doubt he looked lost. He was an older, quiet man who seemed unsure what he was doing here most of the time. Seokjin didn’t help matters. 

“For what?” He exclaimed. “Calling you baby? It’s a term of endearment.” 

“Not from you it isn’t.” 

Jungkook sniggered at that and you felt a little smug. Seokjin went to open his mouth, no doubt a clever comeback hot on his tongue, but Hoseok interrupted. 

“Guys. Stop bickering or neither of you will be planning this party.” 

You immediately spun around, facing the front. Seokjin wasn’t fucking this up for you. Although you didn’t think Hoseok would ever take that role away from you. He might have been your manager – and the CEO’s son – but you saw him as a friend. He never threw his authority around. 

You crossed your arms as his attention fell to Seokjin, silently huffing. “Jin, please tell us why you nominated yourself.” 

“Well,” he started his spiel, laying it on thick. You refused to look his way, even as everyone else in the conference room gave him their attention. “I love Christmas and I love organising things.” He made it sound so simple. Infuriating bastard. “I was always the person they counted on back home. I know how to throw a paaar-tayyyy!” 

At his holler, he and Jungkook gave one another a high five, whooping at each other like a pair of idiots. It was impossible to think that Seokjin was the same age as you, a whole five years older than Jungkook. They obviously shared the same mental age. 

“Well you’re not back home now.” You couldn’t help yourself, whipping around to tell him what was what. “I’m the one in charge here. I have the final say.” Sneering, you added, “You’d just be the help.”

Seokjin’s jaw twitched. You were irritating him now. You took great joy in that. “Hoseok said it was 50/50.” 

“More like 75/25 where you’re concerned.” 

“In my favour, yes.”

You felt your anger flare. “Hoseokkk,” you whined, turning your back to Seokjerk. “You can’t be serious letting him join the party planning committee?” 

You knew he was doing it on purpose. He had no interest in helping you – he just wanted to annoy you, to take over. 

Hoseok looked at you sympathetically. “Do you see anyone else offering to help, Y/N? Besides, it’s just for Christmas.” When you didn’t relent, he sighed. “You can’t do it all on your own.” 

You held your arms tight across your chest, pouting like a big kid. “Watch me.” 

“Impossible,” he chuckled softly. “You should be thanking Seokjin for being so helpful.” 

Men. They were all traitors. Of course Hoseok would be in Seokjin’s favour, they once worked together back at the other branch just before Hoseok became manager here. 

“Yeah, Y/N,” Seokjin called. You just knew he had that shit eating grin spread across his face, the one that plagued your nightmares – You could hear it in his tone. “You should be thanking me. But take your time, I know admitting defeat is hard for you.” 

You breathed deeply through your nose, reminding yourself to stay calm, else he’d end up throttled by the time this party rolled around… 

“Chop, chop!” 

From your peripheral you could see Seokjin stood over you, clapping his hands, his crotch obscenely eye level. You pursed your mouth and continued typing up your report that needed to be in by today. You couldn’t bear to look at him, still mad from yesterday, and no doubt he just wanted to annoy you some more – his sole purpose it seemed. What a sad little life he lived. 

“Y/N,” he prompted. You bit the inside of your cheek, exhaling through your nose. He wasn’t relenting, but lucky for you, lunch was in just over an hour. You could grin and bear him until then, surely? 

“What?” You snapped, beginning to turn your head. 

“We have our first meeting in five.” 

You mouth grew dry as you made eye contact, but it wasn’t because of what he said, actually you barely had time to register it, his pearly whites pretty much dazzling you as he grinned. 

You might have forgotten to mention a tiny detail about Seokjin, one you tried your best to forget, and tiny it was because it barely had an effect on you… Begrudgingly, you had to admit he was objectively handsome. Before you had taken that almost instantaneous dislike to him six months ago, you will confess that the first sighting of him had turned you a little weak at the knees. You were only human after all and you could appreciate a good looking face when you saw one. He even made Beryl and Michelle, who well into their sixties, giddy with a simple Good Morning – and he knew it. He knew how hot he was, which for you, just added to his overall lack of appeal. 

However, sometimes he caught you off guard. 

Like now. 

You swallowed with some difficulty, willing saliva to coat the inside of your mouth, and ignoring the way the crisp white dress shirt hugged his waist, tucked into those very well fitting black pants of his (maybe too well fitting…), you let his words piece together. 

“…Meeting?” 

You furrowed your eyebrows slightly, what was he talking about? Hoseok hadn’t announced anything this morning. Was he just messing with you? You weren’t Jungkook. Those two might love playing pranks on one another, but you were actually mature in the workplace.

At the thought of Jungkook, you could hear him giggling up at the front of the office with the receptionist, Mina. How Hoseok hadn’t gathered they were sleeping together yet was beyond you. Actually, you were sure the rest of the office were slow to catch on too, but you maybe you had a clear (dis)advantage. You had to hear him and Seokjin discussing it more or less every single day – because men were dense and didn’t realise that no matter how low they spoke, a metre distance would not stop you from overhearing. 

“Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten about the Christmas party already?” Seokjin continued to grin – and that’s when you realised it wasn’t of the friendly kind. It was of the provoking kind, because he wanted to piss you off. “I thought this was your area of expertise.” 

You could feel your blood beginning to boil, your work forgotten on the screen. “You called a meeting without telling me?” 

He shrugged. “What am I doing right now?” What, mere seconds before it started? You really were going to end up killing him one of these days. “I booked the conference room this morning.” 

You grit your teeth together. “I organise the meetings.” 

“Get a life.” He scoffed, judging you hard. “Besides, you’re a bit slow on the ball, aren’t you?” 

“The party isn’t for another month.” 

“Three weeks and 6 days actually,” he corrected. Then with a wink, he added, “I like being on top of things.” 

You ignored his shitty (and inappropriate) innuendo with a roll of your eyes. “I was going to wait until Monday.” How dare he suggest you were unorganised. 

With another lazy roll of his shoulders, he started to walk off, towards the small conference room situated in the office. “You snooze you lose.” Turning back casually, he pointed a finger to your desk. “Bring a notebook.” 

Trying to laser through him with your best death glare you grabbed your notebook and stood up. He was treading on thin ice. 

.

.

“This thing sounds dry as the Sahara,” Seokjin wailed loudly, hanging his head towards his (blank) notebook on the desk. 

“Well you know where the door is,” you smiled. “I’m perfectly capable of organising this party on my own.” 

Actually, if he didn’t like how you celebrated Christmas here, he could leave entirely. You wouldn’t miss him, and the others would surely get over it. You didn’t understand why they thought he was so amazing anyway. His sense of humour was grating to say the least – as well as his overall personality. He was nothing but a glorified salesman who walked the walk and talked the talk. You actually cared about your clients. All he cared about was numbers to help him boast, even if that meant stealing –

Never mind. That was in the past. You were the bigger person, you reminded yourself. 

“I’m not going anywhere,” Seokjin scoffed, turning to look at you. He’d insisted you sat next to him even though you had been quite happy to sit at the furthest end of the table. “This place needs some Seokjin zest. Add a little flavour – a little spice.” 

You dropped your head, muttering arrogant bastard under your breath as you picked up your pen to start brainstorming some ideas. 

“What was that?” He asked, obviously hearing you. 

You played dumb. “What was what?”

Thankfully, for the next ten minutes a very much welcomed silence fell over you as you both jotted down some ideas, although you were pretty sure Seokjin was just doodling at this point. Probably stickmen like the five year old he was. In between planning you threw a few texts your best friend’s way. 

(12:14pm) You: Remind me why we tolerate men again?  (12:15pm) Ana: For their dicks  (12:15pm) Ana: But only if they’re pretty and they know how to use it  (12:15pm) Ana: What’s up? (12:17pm) You: Guess who organised the first Christmas party meeting without telling me first 🙂 (12:18pm) Ana: Oh (12:19pm) You: Exactly  (12:19pm) Ana: Dick cheese   (12:20pm) Ana: Definitely not tolerable

You snorted at the mention of Seokjin’s nickname. Ana knew all about your very vocal disdain for the guy – in fact, she’d had to hear it all over again last night when you’d called her to complain about the very unfortunate turn in Christmas party planning events. 

“Is that work or party related?”

Frustratingly, your obvious amusement had caught Dick cheese’s attention. “Shut up,” you muttered, but you did hide your phone from view, placing it screen down on the table. Hopefully he hadn’t caught a glimpse at anything dick and cheese related. He was definitely the type to report you to Tim for workplace bullying. 

You turned to look at him, childishly taking great pleasure in the way a piece of his brown hair had bunched up on top of his head – probably from where’d he’d been itching, racking his pea-sized brain for ideas. He hadn’t noticed, and you weren’t going to point it out. He’d realise soon enough when he had to use the restroom – unless he didn’t wash his hands afterwards, which wouldn’t surprise you. 

“We’re in a meeting, save texting your boyfriend for lunch.” 

“I’m not texting – never mind.” You stopped yourself. There was no point biting. He wanted you to do that, knowing the insinuating tone he’d used would surely get you mad. As if you’d ever have a boyfriend, ha ha, very funny and original – NOT. He needed better jokes. 

“If you were actually bringing something to the table I wouldn’t be bored enough to get distracted,” you shot instead. 

He looked wholeheartedly offended. “I’m not the only one involved in this. You think of some ideas.” 

“I have been.” You replied loudly. “It’s the same process every year, okay? Theme, food and Secret Santa. That’s all we need to organise.” You’d already been through this. 

“So fucking boring,” he groaned slowly. 

“You’re wrong.” 

He snorted, visibly amused by your insistence. “And that Y/N, is why you are a square.” 

“You don’t even know me!” You exclaimed. 

“I know enough. I’ve sat opposite you for the past six months.” 

“Yeah, and don’t I know it,” you muttered. You had not known peace since. 

He laughed then, surprising you enough to make you jump a little. “Babe, are you ever going to forgive me for Rosal & Steinar?”

You glared at him. How dare he bring that up. It was a very sensitive topic, one you wanted to forget about because each time it popped up inside your brain you wanted to kick him – aggressively and relentlessly. 

Seokjin’s first week here had not been good for you. First, he had made you weak at the knees by just casually existing, then, Hoseok had introduced him as Jung&Co.’s best salesperson, and lastly, after being struck down with a terrible cold, you’d been sent home from work on the morning of your biggest client’s renewal day. Hoseok had insisted that you couldn’t sell stationary without a voice. You had claimed you could, but it wasn’t good enough. You were sick and needed to go before you infected anyone else. 

The following Monday, still snorting sinus spray like it was cocaine, you’d arrived at work to find out that Rosal & Steinar had renewed their contract… with Seokjin. Life couldn’t have been going anymore wrong. In the past month you’d had to deal with the guilt of breaking off a two year relationship, acquiring a new competition in your place of work that had ultimately already lost you your best client, and you’d gotten sick for the first time in four years. 

You blamed Seokjin. He’d been sent to curse you. (Although, admittedly the breakup had happened before you’d known of his existence… Not that it mattered.) 

That’s why it was now your life’s goal to become Jung&Co.’s best salesperson, because Hoseok’s opinion didn’t mean shit, and one way or another you were going to take down Seokjin. 

So yeah, no matter how much you insisted that the past was in the past, it obviously wasn’t. 

You raised an eyebrow, choosing to ignore his question. “What did I say about reporting you?” You weren’t his babe. Or baby. Or whatever else he liked to use. 

“Sorry,” he apologised, rather genuinely at that, which was surprising. “It was a slip of the tongue.”

You let out a short sigh. “Let’s just get on with this. There’s half an hour until lunch and I need to leave on time to meet my friend.” Neither of you had thought of anything solid yet. 

“Is that who you were messaging?” 

Seokjin seemed curious – interested? You couldn’t think of the correct word. Either way he was getting too friendly and pushing boundaries you’d rather not have him cross. “Is that any of your business?”

He shrugged, unaffected, and got back down to business. “Why can’t we just rent out a venue? Nothing is fun without any booze.” 

“We don’t do that anymore,” you answered. 

“How come?” 

You inwardly groaned. You didn’t really want to get into it, this meeting had already been a complete and utter flop, but you guessed if you told him why you no longer celebrated outside of office hours he’d understand and shut up about the damn office party. 

“It was a while ago. Before Hoseok was manager.” You began. “We used to all have Christmas lunch and then go out for drinks… and it was fun, don’t get me wrong,” you emphasised, knowing that he was just itching to call you boring. “But the last time we did it, our manager at the time ended up sleeping with the married receptionist and –”

“Mina?!” Seokjin exclaimed, interrupting story time. 

“No, not Mina,” you cried. As if Jungkook would be oblivious to the fact she was married, but then again, he was pretty dumb. He’d been here eight months already and still didn’t know how to photocopy properly. 

“Before her.” You stressed, noticing the shock on Seokjin’s face disappear. “They were both wasted but it was still no excuse. Her husband found out, charged into the office Monday morning.” 

“Oh, fuck.” Seokjin chuckled, obviously enjoying the drama. 

“He was ready to fight but it didn’t end well, because… our manager was a black belt.” 

You winced at the memory, remembering that morning very well. The initial shock, the screams, your manager morphing into the Hulk… the punches… the blood… It was crazy to say the least, and after Christmas you never saw the man again. Devin, the CFO, informed you he’d “moved on” by his own willing but you didn’t really believe that. Hoseok was his replacement. Mina was hired shortly after when Kevin couldn’t handle the stress of being an accountant and a receptionist on the side. 

“Brilliant,” Seokjin laughed, clapping his hands together. “So, the guy who’d gotten cheated on had the shit kicked out of him in front of the whole office?”

“Pretty much,” you nodded, still feeling a little sad for the man even though it was three years ago now – and you didn’t even know his name. “Ever since then it’s been a buffet in the conference room kind of thing.” 

Looking over at Seokjin then, you suddenly had the urge to add, “It’s safer. No one ends up fucking that way.” 

His eyes bulged and he broke into a little cough at the shock of the word falling from your mouth so easily, choking on his own laugh. “Fuck…” He went to repeat, only petering off last minute, shaking his head in disbelief.

You tried not to feel smug about it but you couldn’t help it. Lame, yes you were. 

“Fine,” Seokjin sighed, resignation in his tone. “Stupid fricking office party it is.” 

“I’m glad that we finally agree on something.” 

He just rolled his eyes at you. 

The next couple of weeks went by quite fast and slowly, in between work, you and Seokjin actually got somewhere with the party planning – surprisingly. At first he’d been adamant to separate each job between you, but that was only because he wanted to be in charge of the theme. You’d point-blank refused. As much as you hated it, you needed to work together as a team, so that meant making decisions together. Star Wars at Christmas wasn’t exactly something you agreed on, but neither was Christmas cats. (“You need to get laid ASAP”, had been his words when you’d suggested such an idea… but he didn’t really have a leg to stand on as a Star Wars fan, so…). 

Finally, after just over a week of brainstorming (and bickering), you decided on something: Family Christmas. It wasn’t the most original idea, but it was something, and you’d already thought of a bunch of things to do ready for it, which involved Jungkook getting his camera out and everyone dressing up in their holiday pyjamas. 

It was a Monday afternoon right now, an hour until you went home for the day, and you and he were making use of some spare time you had – making a list of all the decorations you needed to purchase. He’d dragged his chair over to your desk which you weren’t very happy about but what could you do? Sometimes sacrifices had to be made, especially when it came down to Christmas. 

“It was my birthday over the weekend,” Seokjin told you casually. 

“Oh, was it?” 

You could feel his gaze on your face as you scribbled down in your notebook. “Didn’t you see on Facebook? Everyone was wishing me happy birthday.” 

“Were they?” You said impassively, now aware he was itching for some attention. “I don’t go on there that much.” Why you’d accepted his friend request still baffled you, but you were always the bigger, better person in life. Plus, you’d stopped logging in months ago. 

There was a pause. Ahh, lovely, silence. What bliss –

“I mentioned it Friday too.” 

You sighed, turning to look at him. “Happy belated birthday, Seokjin. I hope you had a good day.” 

He grinned. There it was, what he’d been after. He was such a kid. “Thanks. I did actually, I went –”

“Is Hoseok around?” 

Your attention was stolen by the sound of someone’s voice – Namjoon’s voice, and you looked to the reception desk to see him stood beside it. You swooned a little at the sight of him; legs long enough to climb, a butt hard enough to crack walnuts with – chest too. Namjoon was the foreman of the warehouse on the ground floor. He was handsome, charming, and genuinely a nice person. You hadn’t seen him for a while, so you were definitely caught by surprise.  

“Yeah, he’s in his office,” Mina replied with a smile, watching his ass as he turned and started walking away. You didn’t blame her. 

“Hi, Y/N.” He gave you a dazzling smile as he noticed you, bypassing your boss’ office to make his way over. 

“Hi, Joon.” You greeted, unable to stop smiling like an idiot. “How are you?”

“Busy, he shrugged. Leaning in, you felt your pulse begin to quicken. “You don’t go clubbing anymore? I haven’t seen you around.” 

“Ana got pretty bored of it.” 

That was a lie actually. One you’d thought of on the spot. It wasn’t that you disliked going out, although you did feel too old for it now – the hangovers just kept getting worse – but when you’d started meeting up with Namjoon and his friends in the summer you’d been on a little Quest for Fun. You blamed it on the breakup. Now that you were over it, and had been for quite some time, clubbing wasn’t near as appealing as it used to be. You much preferred staying in and sitting in front of the television. 

“That shouldn’t stop you. I can always be your company if you’re lonely,” he smirked, that pesky dimple sending your heart a flutter. He always did this. Flirting came so natural to him, he was great at it. 

You heard someone clearing their throat to the side of you. Namjoon and you both looked over at the same time. Oh, right… Seokjin was here. You’d actually forgotten about him. 

“Hey, man,” Namjoon smiled politely. They didn’t know each other too well, but that didn’t stop Namjoon from being friendly. He looked down at your notebook. “What are you guys up to?” 

The question was definitely directed to you but Seokjin answered anyway. “Organising the office Christmas party.” 

“Ahhh.” Namjoon nodded, smirking your way, Seokjin once again forgotten. “Do I get an invite?” 

You smiled, raising an eyebrow. “Don’t you always?” He and the guys downstairs always popped up and joined in on the celebrations, but yes, okay, maybe you were flirting too… You couldn’t help it, not after what happened last –

“Namjoon?”

Hoseok’s voice interrupted your thoughts and you looked over Namjoon’s shoulder, seeing him stood in his doorway. 

Namjoon sighed, taking a step backwards. “I gotta go, business calls, beautiful. See you around.” Turning his back to you he started to walk off, only to glance over his shoulder last minute, shooting you a wink. “Remember, if you’re ever feeling lonely…” 

You giggled, giving him a wave and watched him follow Hoseok into his office. 

“What was that?” Seokjin asked, sounding absolutely baffled. 

“What was what?” You shot, now realising you’d turned to mush right in front of him. 

“That,” he exclaimed. “You and Namjoon all over one another.” He paused to pull a face. “I’ve come all over all queasy.”

“Shut up,” you brushed off. “We weren’t.” 

He looked at you as if you’d gone mad. “The looks! The winking. The way your voice went all high-pitched… Do you like him?”

“As a friend,” you stressed. Although, what was it to him?! 

He stared at you. “So nothing’s going on between the two of you?”

“No.” 

“You expect me to believe that?”

“I don’t expect you to do anything,” you shook your head, laughing in confusion. “I don’t care if you believe me or not.” 

Seokjin dropped it thankfully and you got back to your list, jotting down a few more things you needed. It was until Namjoon reappeared from Hoseok’s office and waved goodbye to you that Seokjin couldn’t contain himself any longer. 

“What?” You demanded when you heard him scoff to himself. 

“He definitely wants to fuck you.” He shook his head. “Trust me. I have a males sixth sense when it comes to that.” 

You could feel yourself growing mad. That’s why you ultimately ended up spilling. As stupid as it was. “Maybe he already has…”

It took a moment for Seokjin to make sense of your words. “W-what?” You could physically see when the penny dropped, it was actually quite amusing. You liked making him speechless. “You and Namjoon already… When?!”

You shrugged, feeling mildly embarrassed. “It was during the summer.” You tried to think of more things you’d need for this party but your mind was now a blur and Seokjin wouldn’t let you anyway.  

“You can’t just drop that and not give me details,” he cried. 

“Keep your voice down,” you hissed. Nobody knew bar Ana. Who had been the with you the night you and Namjoon had hooked up. It wasn’t exactly a secret, but you didn’t want the whole office knowing your business. 

Seokjin looked at you wide-eyed, patiently – or not so – waiting for you to explain yourself. You grumbled, not quite believing you were about to tell him, you didn’t want him knowing your business, but then again, it was a great feeling knowing that you’d shocked him. “I’d just… I’d just broken up with my boyfriend and I wanted to… let loose a little. It was just a one time thing.” 

But it had been good – amazing, actually. A repeat had never shown itself, but you were happy enough for it to be a onetime thing. 

“You have one night stands?” Seokjin asked, although you were sure it was rhetorical. 

“It happened once.” 

He wasn’t listening. “And here I was thinking you were a prude.” 

“Like I said before, you don’t know me.” 

Seokjin chuckled, amused by your attitude. It sent your insides a little jittery – but only for a split second – and it could’ve very well been annoyance. “So… How was it?”

“Excuse me?”

“How was the sex?”

“I’m not answering that,” you refused. 

“Why not?” He looked puzzled. “What’s a bit of hook up talk amongst friends?”

“Friends?” You repeated with a chortle. “Good one.” 

He ignored you. “Come on. I’ll tell you about the sex I had over the weekend. Birthday sex is always the best. One hook up story for another.” 

You pulled a face, unsure why the idea of Seokjin getting in on was so unpleasant, but then he laughed. It was loud, and partly squeaky. Contagious too. You couldn’t help but join in. “Go away.” You whined, pushing at his shoulder. You were not going into detail, palming him off. “I can’t even remember it.”

“Ouch.” Seokjin sniggered. “Don’t tell him that. It seems like he thinks about it every goddamn night.”

Pfftt. You doubted that. “I mean, it was ages ago.” 

“That shouldn’t matter, babe,” Seokjin tutted. “You never forget a good time.” 

“Are you purposely trying to be an asshole?” If he called you babe one more time, you swore to God…

“I’m not trying.” He smirked, face falling as he realised that hadn’t been worded correctly. “…Wait.” 

Okay then, he was just a natural asshole. Good to know. 

Begrudgingly, you had to admit you and Seokjin made a pretty good team once you put aside your issues with one another. With the theme decided, it was easy enough to get everything in place. Jungkook took the “family” photos you needed of the staff and you went to get them professionally printed, shoving them in frames ready to place around the office in preparation. Seokjin found a lot of the decorations needed, which was actually very helpful of him. You were so impressed you even agreed to let him decorate the conference room all by himself when the time came. The office was already overflowing with tinsel, the Christmas tree up, but the conference room was always left for the day of the party, the last Friday before the company closed for Christmas. 

Secret Santa had been organised too. Quite unfortunately you’d pulled out Seokjin’s name (see, you were cursed,) but you’d bought the first pair of cufflinks you’d found in the department store last week, so you didn’t have to worry about that for long. All that was left now was the buffet. And that’s how you found yourself sat in Seokjin’s kitchen on a Friday night, a week to go until D-Day… 

There hadn’t been time to look over the restaurant’s menu in work hours, and you’d given up trying to organise things over Skype with him. The first and last time you’d tried that, Seokjin had added Jungkook into the call, both of them getting ready to game. It had been a mess to say the least, so the only other option was to meet up after work. Seokjin had been the first to invite you over, so here you were. It wasn’t as if you purposely didn’t want him to step foot inside your home. He wasn’t that bad. 

His apartment wasn’t either… He lived with his best friend, an interior architect, which made a lot of sense once Seokjin told you. Unless you were confusing it for an interior designer, which you probably were – either way, this place was cool. And spotless. It smelt nice too. Always a plus. 

You were halfway done picking through the menu when his phone started ringing. You noticed him hesitate, as if he wondering if he should pick up but ultimately decided to after a few rings. 

“Hey mom,” he greeted, glancing over at you to mouth sorry. 

You shook your head to tell him it was okay and pulled out your phone from your hoody pocket, taking the break to scroll through social media. A text pinged through from Ana, wondering what dress she should wear tomorrow night when you went out for drinks. Every year you went out just before Christmas, despite how much you complained. It was mandatory now, but undeniably Ana took it a lot more serious than you. You had no idea what you’d be wearing tomorrow and wouldn’t until an hour before the Uber came to get you. 

“I know that, but I just can’t leave him,” Seokjin sighed beside you. You paused, having never heard him sound quite like that before. He sounded… serious for one. And frustrated. You replied to Ana quickly, trying your best not to overhear anymore – which was difficult. You were practically brushing shoulders at the kitchen table. 

“I don’t think he wants to come. He said he doesn’t even want to celebrate this year.” 

Again, you were doing a terrible job at this. Whatever this was about, you were beginning to feel rude listening in. But then again, if Seokjin didn’t want you to hear then surely he would’ve stepped into the living room. You were being a goddamn worrier. 

“Okay, I’ll speak to you soon, bye. Love you.”

Love you? Seokjin told his mom he loved her? The revelation caught you off guard, forgetting that he was off the phone now and as you heard him clear his throat, shoving the device into his sweatpants pocket, you jumped, copying and slipping yours back inside your hoody. 

“Sorry about that,” he apologised. “It was my mom.” 

“It’s fine.” You reassured. He sounded a little dejected all of a sudden, a far cry from ten minutes ago when he’d been laughing over the word vol-au-vent. You hesitated, wondering if you should ask if everything was okay? You felt a little awkward, as if you were pushing boundaries, but surprisingly he told you himself without any prompting. 

“She really wants me to come home for Christmas but I can’t leave Yoongi.” He definitely sounded exasperated now. 

“Yoongi?” You repeated, a little lost. 

Seokjin glanced at you, narrowing his eyes as if he was trying to guess if you were messing around or not. “My best friend…” He said slowly. “Y’know, the one I live with…” 

“Oh.” 

You fool. Now it looked like you hadn’t been listening to him. You had been, you really had, the name just slipped your mind momentarily. After only an hour… “Sorry,” you murmured. 

He shrugged, carrying on. “I kinda owe him one.” 

“How come?” The menu now laid forgotten. 

Seokjin sighed. “It’s kind of a long story.” You waited to see if he’d care to explain, although of course he didn’t have to if he didn’t want to. “His girlfriend broke up with him about a month ago and he’s been pretty cut up ever since.” 

He wanted to. You listened politely, aware this was the first time either of you’d had a conversation very much deemed as serious.   

“I’m going to stay here with him because well,” he hesitated, glancing at you briefly. He seemed a little embarrassed but decided to continue. “He let me move in with him after my ex and I split up. He was there for me so it’s only fair that I’m there for him.” He finished with a rushed smile, reaching to rub the back of his neck bashfully.

The action was pretty endearing. 

“Is that why you transferred?” You asked, aware the conversation was straying but you couldn’t help it. The surprise of finding out he’d moved here after the breakdown of his relationship was distracting to say the least. You’d always pegged Seokjin as a guy who’d never been in a serious relationship – judgemental, yes, but they were the type of vibes he gave out. Maybe you just couldn’t imagine him settled down and in love. He was such a free spirit, never serious enough – although, right now he was... 

Possibly, you didn’t know him at all…

Seokjin nodded. “Yeah, I wanted a fresh start. Yoongi said this city was nice, so.” 

There was a beat of silence and afraid it would become awkward you rushed to say something of worth. “Break ups are tough.” 

God, that sounded a lot cheesier than you intended. 

“They are,” he agreed. “Although... I don’t know how yours went – mine was okay, sad but mutual. We just didn’t love each other anymore. Yoongi’s on the other had… He got cheated on.” 

“That sucks.” You empathised, before shrugging softly. “Mine was okay too. As break ups go.” 

Were you bonding? Bonding with Seokjin? Ludicrous. However, what was even more unbelievable was how normal and comfortable it felt… 

“How are you spending Christmas this year?” He asked, continuing to make conversation. 

“Well, I usually visit my parents too but they’re going to be abroad this year so I’ll just spend it with my friend Ana’s family.” It was all planned, they lived super close by so at least this year would be easy. 

He sniggered, eyes twinkling as opened his mouth to tease you. “Ditched by your own parents, embarrassing.” 

“Hey,” you exclaimed, whacking his arm just before you burst into laughter. 

He laughed along for a moment before growing semi-serious again. But just for a moment. “It’s actually going to be my first Christmas away from my family. It feels kind of weird but I can’t bring Yoongi along, he’ll bum out the atmosphere.”

You scoffed, voice filled with sarcasm. “You’re such a great friend, Seokjin.” 

He chuckled, opening his mouth to reply, but just as he did you both heard the door in the entry way opening, footsteps sounding. You guessed Yoongi was back home. Not long after, a black haired man came into view and Seokjin moved, cool air filling the gap. You realised just how close you’d been sat together. When had that happened? 

“Hey Yoongi,” Seokjin smiled. Yoongi raised a hand. “This is Y/N, my co-worker. You’ve heard me talk about her before, right?” 

Huh? Whining about you, no doubt… 

“Oh... yeah.” Yoongi’s eyes travelled to yours, a small smile upturning one corner of his mouth. “Hey, how’s it going?” 

“Hey,” you returned his smile. “Nice to meet you.” 

“How was work?” Seokjin asked. He sounded… concerned? That was sweet. 

Yoongi shrugged. “Fine. Had an appointment with a client.” Silence. He was a man of very few words. You liked it. “I’m going to my room, have fun planning that Christmas party.” 

Of course. That’s why Yoongi knew about you, Seokjin had told him about the party planning… 

You waved him bye, and then, once you’d heard him make his way upstairs, Seokjin turned to you. “See? Bums out the atmosphere.” 

“What atmosphere?” You joked. “No, but he seemed okay, considering…” Yes, his shoulders were a little slumped, as if he was carrying the whole world on them, but who knows, that could’ve been a thing before the breakup… He had sort of smiled at you… 

“Yeah…” Seokjin agreed, before pausing and raising an eyebrow. “Maybe he liked what he saw. You could always do me a solid and try to cheer him up for me.” 

You puzzled, unsure what he was getting at. 

“You know, like Namjoon did for you…” 

“SEOKJIN,” you yelled, jaw dropping in shock. “What the hell is wrong with you?” It wasn’t funny. 

He squeaked a laugh. “I’m just messing around, don’t worry. I don’t want you to sleep with Yoongi. That would just be weird. Besides,” he added as an afterthought, smirking mischievously. “You’re too boring.” 

He was trying to tease you again, wanting you to bite. Well, it wasn’t going to happen. 

“I wouldn’t touch any of your friends,” you shot instead. “They’re tainted by default.” 

Seokjin chuckled softly, shaking his head from side to side as he began to study the menu again. 

“You ladies have a couple of admirers,” the waiter grinned as he placed two white wine spritzers on your table. 

Ana squealed, taking one of the glasses immediately. “Where?” 

You’d only been out barely an hour, already in your second bar, but even you had to admit the thought of someone buying you a drink was a little exciting. You followed the waiter’s hand to a booth across the floor, anticipation pumping through your veins only to be thoroughly disappointed when you recognised one of the faces – well, both faces actually, but you’d only been acquainted with the second yesterday…

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” you groaned. 

“What?” Ana asked mildly confused, waving off the waiter with a thanks. “What’s wrong? They are so hot!”

“That’s dick cheese and his friend!”

“Wha–The guy you work with?” Your best friend sounded flabbergasted. “Which one is dick cheese? Although I wouldn’t kick either out of bed…” 

“Ana!” You hissed, taking another glance at the booth. Seokjin waved at you wildly, an obnoxious grin on his face. You grumbled. “He’s the one on the left.” 

“Oh, fuck.” She waved back, much to your annoyance. “No wonder he gets you so angry.” 

“What’s that supposed to mean?” You were confused. Enough to not realise when she stood up, making a beeline for their booth. “Wait–Ana! Where are you going?!”

She didn’t bother to look back as she replied. “I’m going to say thanks, duh.” 

.

.

And that’s how you found yourself well on the way to Drunksville. You were only supposed to get tipsy tonight, knowing you’d pay for anything more in the morning, but well, you’d moved onto a club down the road and the drinks kept coming, and as much as you hated to admit it, hanging out with Seokjin and Yoongi was actually pretty enjoyable. Although, no matter how much fun you were having, it wasn’t enough to stay on the dancefloor for too long. 

“Hey,” you greeted Yoongi, slipping inside and around the booth to slump down next to him. Dancing couldn’t have been his cup of tea either because he’d given up way before you had. Seokjin and Ana were still going strong out there. 

You downed what was left of your drink, willing yourself to cool down as you huffed and puffed. God, you were drunk. 

“Are you okay?” He chuckled. 

You smiled. You liked Yoongi. He was nice, quiet – you liked quiet. “So, tell me,” you wondered, eager to understand something.  “How’s a guy like you friends with Seokjin?”

Yoongi’s forehead creased. “What do you mean?” 

Shrugging, you bit back a hiccup. “You seem normal, he’s…” What was Seokjin again? You could usually come up with a million and one (not so nice) words to describe him but the room was slightly spinning and your brain came up blank. 

Yoongi understood you anyway, laughing as he replied.   “He can just seem that way at first, it’s the nerves. They make him act up.” 

You narrowed your eyes. “Nerves?” What did that mean? You could never imagine a nervous Seokjin. He was always so sure of himself. 

Yoongi didn’t clarify. “Me and him are actually very similar. Annoying little shits when we want to be,” he laughed, before hesitating, “I’m…I’m a little injured right now, that’s why I seem a lot more subdued.”

“Oh,” you murmured, hoping you didn’t come off as condescending. “Yeah, Seokjin told me about your breakup. I’m sorry.” 

“It’s fine.”

“You seem a lot happier tonight though,” you offered. Happier than yesterday evening.  

“It’s called alcohol,” he grinned, bringing his glass up to his lips. He paused. “Y’know, he’s pretty cool once you get to know him.” It took you a second to realise he was talking about Seokjin. “He’s a great person.”

You shrugged slightly. “He’s okay.” What did it matter what you thought anyway? Seokjin definitely didn’t care. 

“He likes to joke around, I admit, but it seems to make you laugh, so.” Yoongi smirked slightly and tilted his head, taking a took a sip of his beer. 

Taken aback, you tried to think. Had you been laughing with Seokjin all night? Maybe laughing at him was a better way to describe it… 

“What are you guys talking about?”

You jumped when you heard a familiar loud voice and looked up to see Seokjin leaning over the table, four shots balanced between the fingers of both hands – two in each. His face was flushed, redder than you’d ever seen it – he’d obviously had enough of dancing too.  

“Nothing,” Yoongi replied smoothly. He stood up, finishing his drink. “I’m uh, I’m going outside for some fresh air.” 

“But I got us shots,” Seokjin complained. 

Yoongi looked over at you and smiled before tapping Seokjin on the shoulder. “I’m sure you and Y/N will make good use of them.” 

Hm… Everyone was drunk and acting weird. Not that you had time to contemplate it because immediately Yoongi had gone and Seokjin was taking his seat next to you. His cologne hit you. It was different to usual, you’d realised instantly earlier in the night. 

“Where’s Ana?” You asked. They’d both been dancing together when you’d left them. 

He shrugged as he handed you a shot. “I don’t know, lost her on the dancefloor.”

You hesitated. Should you have more to drink? The shots might push you over the edge. But… you were having fun. It was one night out, you might as well do it properly. So quickly you downed the shot, smirking Seokjin’s way as you picked up another. “I’ll have hers then.” 

He grinned slowly before scoffing as you choked. That shit burned, and you might have been able to handle the first shot no problem but this time your eyes watered and your throat screamed. 

“Seems like you’re trying to prove a point,” he laughed.

“What do you mean?” You demanded, already feeling more lightheaded. 

He didn’t care to explain, instead doing his two shots straight after the other, able to handle them with just a wince. “What do you think of Yoongi?” He asked, barely giving the liquid time to slip down his throat. 

“Huh?”

“Do you like him?”

You shrugged, confused as to why he was asking you. “He seems nice, yeah.”

“So, you like him?”

You froze. “Are you still trying to hook us up? I don’t like him like that.” You didn’t even know him. 

“No, no,” Seokjin rushed. “I wasn’t trying to… never mind.” He shook his head, changing the subject. “So who did you get for Secret Santa?”

“I’m not telling you,” you huffed, pushing his shoulder. 

“That means it’s me.” 

“Seokjiiin,” you whined, leaning into him as you nudged him once more. 

He laughed, looking a little surprised by your sudden affection – however unintentional. “I think you’re drunk.” 

…Maybe those shots were a bad idea, you’d only get worse… 

.

.

“Should we go and look for Yoongi and Ana?” Seokjin asked, checking his watch. 

You’d been sat together for a while now, conversation coming surprisingly easy. It was nonsense mostly – you might or might not have helped Seokjin with some festive ideas to prank Jungkook with – but Ana hadn’t come back from the dancing yet, and Yoongi was still outside – unless he’d done a runner, which was highly probable according to Seokjin. So it was probably best you both went to look for your friends. 

You followed closely behind Seokjin as you searched through the club and at one point he reached for your hand, helping you through a large group of people. His grip was warm and oddly gentle, but you didn’t have time to think about it too much as he’d already let go. He waited for you as you checked the restroom, but your best friend was nowhere to be found. It was probably the alcohol in your system but you started to get a little worried, especially when your text went ignored. Seokjin seemed to notice. 

“Stay here, okay? I’m going to check outside. I don’t want you to freeze to death.” He told you, having to practically shout in your ear the music was so loud in this area. 

You found yourself a little touched by his concern, no matter how small it was and listened, clutching your purse to your middle. You were in a black mini dress after all, your arms barely covered. You still had the perfect view of him though, able to watch him step out the building and look down the road. You noticed the concern on his features slowly turn into shock, his mouth dropping open, and you frowned. What the hell had he seen?

“Seokjin!” You called, which was pretty useless. He couldn’t hear a damn thing. You could barely hear yourself. You rushed forward. “Seokjin?” You pushed your way past some people who had clogged up the entry way and dashed down the stone steps. “What is it?”

The winter air hit you instantly. It was fucking freezing. Seokjin still looked in shock, glued to the spot and you grew frustrated, stopping right beside him. “What?” You demanded. “What’s going on?!” 

You followed his line of vision, and immediately you were positive your expression matched his. A little down the road, up against the wall, Yoongi and Ana were wrapped around one another, attached at the mouth. You were speechless, the cold no longer a problem. 

“Let’s not interrupt them,” Seokjin said suddenly, taking you by the hand once again to drag you back inside. (Your feet honestly wouldn’t work.) 

The instant heat got your blood pumping again, although the music did nothing for your whirring head. “What did we just witness?” You turned to him and asked (shouted). 

Seokjin still looked just as shocked, but he managed a joke, wrinkling his nose up. “Ew, what if our friends start dating? I’ll be stuck with you forever.” 

“Grow up,” you rolled your eyes, before randomly taking in the sight of him. How wasn’t he melting to death? The guy was in a fuzzy Christmas sweater. Actually, an even more important question; how hadn’t he electrocuted himself? The reindeer on his chest lit up. If one drop of sweat got into that hidden battery pack he was done for, surely?

“I thought you’d be saving that jumper for Friday,” you commented (yelled), quite honestly in a daze. You were drunk, in absolute shock, toes frozen, and somehow you were stood with Seokjin making conversation about Christmas jumpers. 

“Who says I don’t have a whole drawer full of the festive fuckers. I did say I loved Christmas, no?” He laughed.

You joined in. “I thought you were bullshitting.” 

“Of course you did.” He said with a small smile, shaking his head a little. 

“I can’t believe we caught them kissing.” You couldn’t stop thinking about it. 

Seokjin wiggled his eyebrows playfully. “They’re probably doing more than that by now.”

“Shut up.” You whined. “Wait. Do you think he told her about the breakup?”

“What?” Seokjin asked you to repeat, leaning in slightly, unable to hear you properly above the music. 

“Do you think she knows he’s on the rebound?”

Seokjin shrugged. “Maybe. Who cares.” 

“I care!” You exclaimed causing him to wince because you’d accidentally shouted in his ear. “Ana’s my best friend!”

Seokjin rolled his eyes slightly. “I thought you of all people would know people can just fuck with no strings attached.” 

“Will you ever drop that,” you deadpanned. Your hook up with Namjoon happened so long ago now, you barely even thought about it unless you saw him at work, which was pretty rare anyway. 

“Nope.” The way the sound of the p popped off his lips annoyed you. 

“What about you?” You asked, changing the subject from you. “No getting lucky tonight? Is Christmas sex not on par with birthday sex?” 

He burst out laughing. “I’d say it is, yeah, but I still have a couple of weeks to make it happen, so ask me then.” 

His answer almost annoyed you more and you couldn’t place why. He was just being stupid, classic old Seokjin. You should be used to it by now. 

“Come on,” he winked, stepping forward, towards the middle of the club and his hand cupped your elbow. “Let’s dance!” 

“No, no, no,” you immediately refused, grabbing his hand to stop him. 

“Pleaseee,” he pleaded, eyes wide. “I want to dance with you. You’ve hardly been on the floor all night.” 

Oh. Your heart did a little flip inside your chest. Maybe it was the tequila making its way back up your body… 

“Come on,” he chuckled, not giving up. “It’ll warm you up.” On cue both of his hands lifted and he started rubbing your shoulders. “I told you not to come outside. Now we both have the mental image of Yoongi sucking face stuck behind our eyelids and you’ve got frost bite.” 

You giggled, but still wouldn’t relent. He could stay here warming you up for the rest of the night if he wanted… Dancing made you sweaty. 

He tilted his head, giving you a look. “Y/N, do you want me to call you boring again?”

And just like that you wanted to prove him wrong… You were a sucker. He knew what he was doing. 

Only, the second round of shots for some Dutch courage were probably a bad idea. Your idea, but a very bad one, nevertheless. The dancefloor seemed to be stickier than it was an hour ago – and busier. It was packed and loud, which worked to distract you from how drunk you were. 

Seokjin could move. You hadn’t realised earlier, not really paying attention as you’d danced with Ana instead, but with just the two of you left you let him embarrass the hell out of you on the floor. At first it was definitely on purpose; he pulled the largest, wackiest moves that you begged him to stop, but soon enough he had you dying of laughter, so he continued, your amusement spurring him on. And then drunk you had to join in… 

“You know what? You’re actually pretty fun once you loosen up,” Seokjin yelled above the music, his hands somehow having found their way to your hips as you both snaked them to the beat. 

“I’m always fun,” you informed him, your breath fanning across his face as you lifted your arms in the air. “You just only know work me.” 

He smiled. “Well, I don’t know, I think I’m getting to know normal you lately…” 

You snorted some type of noise. “That’s what you think!” 

He went to open his mouth to argue but you spun around, your back pressed to him as you continued to sway. Your skin was hot to the touch, too many bodies cramped in this small space, but you loved the feeling of Seokjin’s hands on your hips, even more so when they slowly inched up your waist. You flung your arms back, looping them around his neck to pull him closer. It had been a long time since you’d danced with a guy like this. Not even Namjoon. Not even your ex. 

You could feel how boiling he was too, a thin layer of sweat coating the back of his neck, and as you ran your fingers through his slightly wavy hair he let out a little groan. It was extremely quiet, would’ve gone unnoticed if his mouth wasn’t hovering by your ear, but now you’d heard it and it changed everything. Something exploded inside your chest, fresh heat prickling your skin and you found yourself pushing into him further, grinding in a small circle. 

The dancefloor was full of couples like this so no one took any notice. But Seokjin did. He froze, as if he was sure he’d imagined it, so ever so carefully you did it again. This time he knew his drunk mind wasn’t playing tricks on him and after a slight hesitation his hands slid to your hips again, gripping them tighter. He let you grind against him, but didn’t reciprocate, he just kept dancing to the music, which seemed to turn you even braver. 

With the bass of the music pumping through your body you moved back and forth against his crotch, hearing his breath get shallower and shallower. It was addictive and you were chasing the feeling before you knew it, bold and finding yourself getting more turned on by the second. It wasn’t long before you began to feel him grow hard against your ass, and even though surprised, you still carried on, loving it. 

“Y/N,” he murmured against your ear, sounding out of breath. You circled your hips again. This time he couldn’t help but push back. “It’s getting late.” His voice faltered. “You’re drunk. I’m drunk.” 

You frowned to yourself. What was he trying to say? You felt his hands leave your hips, reaching for your arms around his neck to slide them away. He was trying to get you to face him. He was still half hard in his pants but he ignored it. 

“You’re drunk,” he repeated, as if it was some sort of answer, some sort of reason. He started to twist you his way but you tripped, falling into him. “Definitely drunk,” he chuckled, tugging his hands off your waist from where he’d caught you. “It’s time to go home.” 

“I don’t want to go home,” you pouted, wrapping your arms around his neck. You went to push your body into him but he angled away from you, creating distance. 

“You need to go home,” he laughed. It sounded awkward. “Think of that hangover tomorrow.” 

“I will,” you shrugged, “tomorrow.” 

Seokjin stared at you, his brown eyes wavering slightly. They were darker than usual, swimming with something that made your belly flip, but he steeled himself, holding strong. “Come on,” he pressed. “We can share an Uber.” 

“It’s fine.” You muttered, disappointed for some reason. You were unsure how he could hear you above the music, but he did. “I’ll find Ana.” 

He chuckled. “Ana’s definitely gone by now. Don’t you remember what we caught her doing?”

Oh. 

He was right. 

Damn your best friend. 

.

.

You didn’t remember much of the Uber ride home, the sudden departure from the club had brought deafening silence and you were now very aware of how much your head was spinning. Your bed was calling you – your warm, cosy, king sized bed… However, you took one look at Seokjin as he helped you out of the car and all that became forgotten. 

You clung to his jumper, voice still loud despite there being no music now. “Do you want to come in?” 

“Uh, I don’t think that’s a good idea,” He replied carefully, chuckling. “Sober you definitely doesn’t want me in your apartment.”  

You reached forward, brushing a strand of hair out of his eyes and giving him what you hoped was your best smile. “Drunk me does.” 

He held your stare for a moment, searching long enough to see something that made him make up his mind. “Fine,” he sighed lightly, bending down into the car to talk to the driver. You were barely listening, looking up at the stars, but Seokjin held your hand tightly, keeping your heels rooted to the ground. 

“Keep this thing running, I’ll be back in five.”

“That’s gonna cost you, my friend.” 

“It’s fine.” Another sigh. “Just– stay? I won’t be long.” 

It took you a couple of minutes to get through your door, Seokjin had to open it in the end, and he followed you in, a respectable distance behind you. He closed the door quietly, smiling when you turned back to look at him as you kicked off your shoes. 

“Okay, you’re home safe now. I’m just going to go, see you Monday, okay?” 

“No, don’t go,” you bemoaned, closing the distance to cling to him once again. In your drunken state you couldn’t place why you wanted him to stay so bad. All you knew was that you did. 

He sighed again, lifting his hands to clasp over your wrists in an attempt to move you away. He looked and sounded torn. “Y/N, the Uber’s running. I’m going to end up paying double to get home.” 

You shrugged. “Tell him to leave then.” 

He closed his eyes and exhaled, it sounded like a whimper. “What are you doing to me?” He murmured, but you were barely paying attention, swaying where you stood. He noticed and groaned. “You’re so drunk!” 

“Am not.” 

He laughed, genuinely amused, and if your drunk mind didn’t know any better it sounded as if he was endeared by you. He shook your shoulders lightly. “Look at me.” You couldn’t quite focus. He cupped your face instead, laughing louder as he angled you to stare straight into his eyes. “Look at me. You are so out of it.”

You just grumbled, but warmth fluttered through your body. It felt good to be touched by him. You thought back to the dancefloor, the way you’d been pressed up against his body. Your mouth parted, suddenly thirsty. Really thirsty. But for what? 

“Can you even make out my face?” Seokjin asked, continuing to be amused. 

“Of course,” you snapped, fingers reaching for him. “There’s your hair,” – You ran your fingers through the dark brown locks – “your eyes... nose…” He let you poke his eyelids gently and then you bopped his nose.

“Get offf.” He snorted softly. 

And then your attention fell to his mouth. Those plump, deep pink lips that were opened and slightly wet from where he’d been swiping his tongue across them. You swallowed, hands cupping his jaw. “Your lips –” 

You dove before you knew what you were really doing, pressing your mouth to his, taking him by surprise. Not a second later he was pulling back, holding you at arm’s length. “Woah, woah.” He chuckled in surprise, but his voice wavered. “Not the time, Y/N. Trust me.” 

You frowned, annoyance spiking and you shook him off. “What? So you’ve suddenly turned chivalrous now?” Scoffing, you felt like an idiot – upset and embarrassed, you spoke without thinking. “Or do you just not want me?”

Something flashed across Seokjin’s face. He looked irritated. Sounded it too when he replied. “Of course I fucking want you.” You froze. Huh? However, you didn’t have time to think about what he’d said before he was striding towards you, backing you up against the wall.  You gripped the tops of his arms on instinct, looking up at him as he loomed over you, hair falling into his dark eyes. They were the same colour as they had been back at the club – when you’d been grinding all over him. Your breath caught. 

“Ever wondered why you frustrate me so much?” He rasped. 

Something inside you screamed. Not that you had time to realise because immediately his mouth was on yours. Each press of his lips was rushed, as if he was acting on instinct and all you could do was cling to him and try to keep up. You let out a moan when you felt his tongue attempt to push past the seam of your lips and you let him in, moaning louder when the wet muscles clashed together, the dam now broken. 

It was contagious. Seokjin grunted against you, throatier than you were expecting, noises so unlike him your whole body burned in desire. Actually, it was on fire. It started to crave him, the feeling so strong all you could do was let it take you. You yelped when his hands curled around your ass, giving you one strong push and you promptly jumped into his arms. He caught you effortlessly and you wrapped your legs around him. 

By God, he was strong. He crashed you into the wall, mouth still hungry as he ground his crotch into yours. The skirt of your dress had ridden up to your waist, your underwear the only thing protecting you as he rubbed you against his dick. Which was hard again – very hard. Maybe he’d had a semi the whole car ride home, which was a thought that got you moaning louder inside his mouth, your tongues getting messy, your teeth clashing. 

“Seok-jin,” you whimpered. Your core tingled, hot to the touch and you could feel your arousal beginning to pool against the lace of your thong. You wanted him – no, you needed him. “Pleaseee. Please.”

He grunted, your begging fucking with his head and you felt his arms give way. He stumbled forward, no other option but to ease you down to the floor, but his mouth didn’t relent; he kissed you just as needy as before, sliding down your chin to make his way to your throat. 

You gasped at the new sensation, his tongue licking strips up your skin, his teeth nipping. Your legs shook under you, nothing to do with the alcohol you’d consumed, it was all him. He was driving you wild, and you needed him to fuck you. You knew that much. 

Your hand reached between your bodies, loving the sound of Seokjin heavy breathing against your ear as he now sucked on your lobe, and you wrapped your palm around his clothed cock. He was solid. Rock hard.. It had to be painful, surely? You got to work, rubbing him back and forth in an attempt to relieve some of his discomfort. 

“Fuck,” he muttered, and you jutted your hips into him too, mistaking the cursing for his enjoyment. “Y/N, wait,” he said, pulling back and stopping the movements of your hand, his long fingers circling your wrist. You tried reaching for his mouth again, still oblivious to his sudden change in demeaner.  

“Not like this,” he murmured, trying his best not to kiss you back, no matter how hard you pecked his mouth. 

“Why?” You asked, giving up. Your lips were wet and swollen. They prickled. God, you were so turned on your voice shook. His too. 

“Do you even know what you’re doing right now?” He sounded uncertain, looking you in the eyes as he chuckled bitterly. “You hate my guts. You don’t want my dick.” 

You frowned. What was he talking about? You’d been practically dry humping him. Of course you wanted his dick. “I do,” you insisted, leaning into him to tug at his belt. He didn’t give in. “Seokjin, just give me your dick.” 

He stared down at you, his hand still clutching your wrist, breathing still ragged, his eyes still black… but despite how much he obviously wanted this, he composed himself, his expression softening. You felt him reach behind you and gently pull your dress down over your ass. 

“We’ll talk about it tomorrow, okay?” He hummed softly, voice still visibly affected by you. “When you’re sober. When we’re both sober…”

.

.

You awoke suddenly, peaceful and serene for all of two seconds before you groaned, burrowing your face into your pillow. It felt as if someone was stomping on top of your head. What the hell happened last night? Wait… How had you even gotten home? Why couldn’t you remember anything?!

You blindly reached for your nightstand, praying your cell phone was there, fingers stretched as far as they would allow until you felt the familiar belonging. You grabbed it and burrowed further under the covers. You needed to call Ana. She’d fill you in – make you remember. 

Wait –

At the thought of your best friend you suddenly remembered a few things. Seokjin and Yoongi had been at the club too. They’d bought you drinks, you’d sat at their table, drunk more. Tequila must have been involved for you to be this clueless. Enough of it and you could forget your own name come morning. You’d always been the same since college. Squinting at the brightness of the screen, your head throbbing even harder if that was possible, you started to call Ana. It rang and rang… Frustrated you gave up. She could sleep through the end of the world so why were you surprised. You hoped she woke up with the world’s largest and longest hangover, serves her right for not – Oh. OH. 

You shot up, in immediate regret when the entirety of your head spasmed. Groaning you tried to fight through the pain, wishing you had some calm so you could actually piece together your memories. Ana and Yoongi. Outside. All over one another. Making out against the wall. 

What. The. Fuck. 

No wonder why she wasn’t picking up. 

The memories were hazy, but it was something. You continued to wrack your brain… You and Seokjin had found them, but they hadn’t been aware and then you’d gone back inside. He asked you to dance and that’s when you’d suggested more shot… Shots. Tequila shots. You were an idiot. Try as you might you couldn’t remember anything after that. It was all one big blur. How had you gotten from the club to your apartment? 

You moved to sit on the side of your bed, soles of your feet pressing into the carpet. Your stomach churned a little. No, you couldn’t be sick. You hated being sick. Rubbing your stomach in an attempt to soothe it you looked down and realised you were still wearing your dress. Gross. You’d gotten into bed with your clothes on? You groaned weakly. You better have washed your hands before knocking out… although, you highly doubted it. 

Looking at your phone again, you knew there was only one thing you could do. If you wanted answers you needed to ask the right person… 

(10:34am) You: How the hell did I get home last night?

No more than a minute later three dots appeared on the screen, signalling Seokjin’s reply. But he was taking his time with it. Jesus. They kept disappearing for a few moments just to pop up again. Why was it such a hard question?! 

(10:37am) Seokjin: You can’t remember? 

Really? Three minutes to type three words? 

(10:37am) You: Obviously not I wouldn’t be asking you otherwise  (10:38am) You: We saw Ana and Yoongi kissing... We had shots... We danced

You talked him through what you did recall, and once again, he played that irritating game with those three dots. You knew he wasn’t typing up an essay. 

(10:41am) Seokjin: And then I took you home

You raised both your eyebrows. He took you home? Why did that surprise you so much? 

(10:41am) You: Thanks (10:42am) Seokjin: How’s your head?  (10:43am) You: Hurts  (10:43am) You: Everything hurts  (10:43am) Seokjin: 🤣 

Rolling your eyes, you threw your phone on the bed and managed to stand up. You were done talking to him of he was just going to laugh at your misery. Besides, he’d told you all you needed to know. The mystery was solved. Next, you needed to shower. 

Immediately. 

You were still feeling extremely fragile the next morning but managed to get into the office at 9am sharp with the help of coffee. You’d spent the night on the phone to Ana, getting all the nitty gritty details about her hook up with Yoongi. Apparently, they’d bumped into each other outside after she’d slipped out for some fresh air and had gotten talking. He’d told her about his recent breakup, and having been cheated on before, naturally Ana and he had bonded, and said bonding had led to kissing. Lots of it. Which had then led to lots of sex back at her apartment. (Yes, he did know how to use his dick if anyone was curious, and yes, it was very pretty.)

You’d expected to hear about it from Seokjin this morning but he was actually uncharacteristically quiet. Although, it might have been because he was partially blindsided when he got into the office. First, he was late, which had never happened before. No matter what you thought of Seokjin, he was always punctual and professional (when it was called for). And second, there was a surprise waiting for him. 

Jungkook had draped his entire desk and chair in strings of fairy lights. Everything was lit up. It was a lot, but even you had to admit it was funny, and you hated their pranking war with a burning passion. Mainly because you were always caught in the middle. Seokjin however, seemed a little out of it. You mean, he still laughed, tried to wrestle Jungkook in the middle of Hoseok’s good morning greeting, but something about him seemed off. You couldn’t put a finger on it, it was almost like he was forcing it. 

He hardly looked at you when you asked him what he had planned for payback. Shrugging his shoulders as he rolled his chair out and slumped in it – lights still twinkling. “Who knows.” 

“I thought you had a bunch of ideas up your sleeve?” You’d spent a good half an hour discussing them Saturday night. 

That got his attention. He raised an eyebrow as he stared at you. “You remember that? I thought everything was a blur?” 

“Yeah, anything after we caught our best friends getting freaky on the streets.” You chuckled, feeling a little uneasy by the way he was still looking at you, as if he was suspicious of something. 

After a moment he gave up…Possibly? Upturning his shoulder he gave you a small smile. “Lightweight.” He didn’t meet your eyes though and leaned over to start pulling at a string of lights that laid between your desks. 

You reached over on instinct, placing your hand over his to stop him. He recoiled a little and you pulled back. What was that reaction for? “Keep them up,” you told him, choosing to ignore whatever had just happened. “It’s Christmas after all.” 

You dropped your hand under the desk, it tingled a little. Seokjin’s hand had felt warm, familiar? The inklings of something floated around the sides of your brain but you couldn’t place your finger on it. 

“Just don’t blow us up,” you joked. 

Wait. Seokjin’s stupid Christmas jumper from Saturday night. You remembered now. It had lit up and you’d wondered how he hadn’t set himself on fire yet. That was it. What was trying to seep into your brain just now. Hopefully things were coming back to you slowly… You’d remember everything in no time, you were sure of it. 

Meanwhile Seokjin nodded slowly, retreating his hand as he smiled at you slightly. 

Was he feeling okay? You thought about asking him. Maybe his mom was still taking it bad that he wouldn’t make Christmas this year? You opened your mouth, full intentions to check in on him, but stopped yourself. It wasn’t really your place. You didn’t know his personal life all too well. You mean, yeah, he’d told you some things lately, but you didn’t want to overstep the mark. He was probably just having a bad day. Everyone had them. 

However, you had to admit there was something quite unnerving about seeing him so downcast. It didn’t suit him. 

What on earth could have happened? 

.

.

The last week of work flew by. It was always the same, the office in a rush to finish up all loose ends before the two week holiday. You and Seokjin had one last meeting on Wednesday morning, just to check in and make sure everything was ready for Friday. The buffet was getting delivered the morning of and that’s when Seokjin was going to decorate the conference room. You’d been in charge of the Christmas playlist but he didn’t seem to have much interest when you’d shown him your choices. In fact, he was still acting a little strange. 

He was quiet, not his usual self, as in, he wasn’t constantly finding ways to annoy you. In fact, you barely spoke unless you had to, which before this Christmas party would’ve been great – the norm actually. However now, things were different. Had you done something to upset him? You couldn’t think what. Maybe you’d offended him when you were drunk and couldn’t remember? You thought about asking him but couldn’t find the nerve. Besides, Seokjin didn’t seem the type to get offended by trivial things. You and he tended to be at one another’s throats most (all) of the time, but it was all done in jest. You didn’t despise him, he just got on your nerves – like you got on his. You couldn’t imagine yourself saying anything terrible to him, especially because from what you could remember of that night, you’d both had fun… Hanging out with Seokjin wasn’t too bad, drunk or sober. 

So, things continued to remain a mystery, until that was, the next day… 

.

.

“Here, I got you something.”

You looked away from your computer at the sound of Seokjin’s voice, finding him stood above you, his winter coat nearly buttoned all the way up. It was just after lunch on Thursday but Seokjin and Hoseok had to head off for an emergency meeting with a client who wanted to discuss something before Christmas. 

Your forehead furrowed when you saw he was holding out a small glittery gift bag and when you took too long to take it he shook it. You reacted, taking it from him but still questioning him with your eyes. “Seokjin, Secret Santa is tomorrow.” 

“No, it’s not for that,” he informed you, his voice oddly quiet. Now you were even more confused. Why had he gotten you a gift? You felt oddly embarrassed as you played with the ribbon handles nervously. 

“I got Beryl,” he grumbled, easily making you ease up and chuckle. You couldn’t even begin to imagine what he’d purchased a sixty year old grandma… A bar of soap probably. 

As if you couldn’t stop it, your fingers were opening up the gift. Seokjin noticed and started babbling immediately. “I saw it when I was out shopping for decorations and it made me think of you… I hope you like it. Sorry if you don’t.” 

You awed as you pulled out a small Christmas bauble, green and gold in colour with the painting of a black cat in the centre, complete with a Christmas hat between its ears. It was beautiful and quirky – and totally unexpected. You’d gotten him a damn pair of lame ass cufflinks. 

“You can hang it on your tree at home or something,” you heard him suggest. 

You looked up at him, still a little speechless but you managed to get something out. “Thank you, Seokjin. I love it.” 

His face lit up at that. The first time you’d seen him genuinely smile all week. “You do?” 

You nodded, finding yourself unable to otherwise reply. Your heart felt a little funny. It was good to see him a cheerful, you’d missed it. He always looked good when he smiled… 

He was looking at you, and you didn’t know whether you’d been staring first, but he was watching you carefully now, gaze slightly intense, as if he was trying to work something out, to find something. You dropped your chin, feeling embarrassed, cheeks hot. Why did you feel so strange? You were making it obvious. 

“You really don’t remember Saturday night?” He spoke suddenly, tone soft, careful. 

You froze. Straitening to look at him again you shook your head. “Nope.” You forced out a laugh. “It’s still a total blank. Can you believe it? Tequila is my mortal enemy.” 

One side of Seokjin’s mouth raised into a half smile, but he didn’t look too amused. You felt something trickle down your spine – a bad feeling. “Seokjin?” You questioned, finding courage. “Why? What happened?” You needed to know. 

“Hm?” He hummed, lost in thought. His face was serious once again. 

“What happened Saturday night?” 

He shook his head, squeezing out a small chuckle. It had fake written all over it. “Nothing.” 

“Something must’ve happened,” you insisted, growing a little frustrated. Whatever it was  had something to do with his odd behaviour. 

He shrugged, hands in his pockets. His cheeks were growing flushed but that just annoyed you. “It’s nothing. You were just wasted.” 

“Tell me now!” You hissed, careful to keep your voice down. The office was pretty empty at the moment, some still in the staffroom, others busy around the building, but you still didn’t want anyone overhearing something personal. 

“No.” He refused. He looked stressed out. 

“Seokjin!” He was stressing you out now. What the hell had you done that night?! 

“I don’t want to.” 

“Why?” You practically wailed. 

“It’s embarrassing.” 

“What happened?” You were losing it now, thinking the worst. “What did I do?” 

He sighed loudly, finally giving in. “You kissed me.”

Silence. 

The colour drained from your face at his revelation, dread instantly filling you. What? You hadn’t been expecting that. Whatever your mind had thought up, it definitely wasn’t that.

“We kissed, okay?” He continued. “I took you home, you practically begged me to come inside and we kissed.” 

“Oh, my god,” you replied weakly, head now in your hands. You took a deep breath, trying to wrack your brains for any memories. How could you have forgotten such a major thing?! You invited Seokjin into your apartment? You kissed him? No wonder he’d been acting so strange this past week. You’d put him in such an awkward position. He was embarrassed and now so were you… 

“I’m sorry,” Seokjin apologised, down to a whisper. “I should’ve told you but I just didn’t know how. I wasn’t expecting you to forget everything and I didn’t know how to –” He stopped himself with a groan, going around in circles. 

Meanwhile, things were coming back to you. Not memories as such, more like hazy images and the faintest of sensations. His words had dislodged something. Dancing together, his hands on your body, his breath on your neck. The uber ride home. Stood in your entry way. Your hands on his arms. The feeling of his body pressed into yours. Your mouths attached and hungry. You felt yourself burn, unclear recollections stirring something hidden inside of you. 

“…Y/N?” Seokjin prompted. You managed to look at him but that was it. You mouth wouldn’t work, and what could you say anyway? How could you explain yourself when you couldn’t remember all the details? 

“It’s fine.” He told you suddenly, thinking he was reassuring you. “Don’t worry about it, okay?” 

“Seokjin, you ready?” 

You both startled at the sound of Hoseok’s voice and looked up to see him stood in his office doorway, buttoning up his coat. 

Seokjin nodded, a little dazed. “Uh, yeah, coming. Won’t be a minute.” 

“Last minute party planning, huh?” Hoseok grinned. “I’ll meet you in the car.” 

“Look, I gotta go,” Seokjin told you once Hoseok had strolled off. “You’ll probably be gone by the time I get back, so I’ll see you tomorrow.” He spoke in a rush, not giving you time to respond. Your mouth opened, but he cut in. “It’s fine, Y/N. Trust me.” 

And then he was gone. 

You looked down at the Christmas bauble on your desk, so mortified you felt like crying.  

Crying might have been a tad dramatic, you admit. So you didn’t. You were a mixture of embarrassed and confused, unable to concentrate properly the rest of the afternoon. How had you kissed Seokjin and just forgotten about it? It was scary to think something like that could happen, a blind spot in your memory. His revelation had helped you remember some bits but there was nothing concrete. You spent your evening forcing yourself to recall more details, talking things over with Ana on the phone. You couldn’t not tell her. Not when you were in the middle of having a mini breakdown. 

She was interested in a lot more than just remembering the kiss though… 

“So if you remember him kissing you back what does that mean?” She demanded. 

You groaned. “I don’t even know if I’m remembering it correctly.” But why would your mind play tricks on you? Although, false memories were a thing… 

“Of course you are! Dick cheese likes you. It’s obvious! Classic high school bullshit.” 

“Ana, please,” you sighed. Now wasn’t the time for her theories. “He was drunk too,” you reasoned. “Just because we kissed doesn’t mean he likes me. I don’t like him, do I?” Yet, you’d grinded all over him on the dancefloor. (The memories of that were now clearer, and they made your cheeks burn…)

“Hmm.” She didn’t sound too convinced. 

“Ana, come on!” You cried. “It was a stupid mistake, and now I’ve just made things super awkward between us.” 

No wonder Seokjin had been acting weird all week, and there you’d been completely oblivious! The thought was enough to make you groan out loud. How could you go to work tomorrow? Host a party with him when things were so awkward?!

“I mean… You two need to talk about it properly. Make sure there’s no crossed wires. If you’re both on the same page then there’s no need for things to be awkward between you.” 

You rolled your eyes. She made it seem so easy. She wasn’t the one who’d made out with her co-worker. She never had to see her hook up ever again. While you had to look yours in the eye five days a week for the rest of your life quite possibly.

“You guys didn’t even hook up,” Ana screeched when you told her just that. “A slight fumble in your hallway isn’t exactly something you need to relocate for. Just talk to him.” 

Simple, right?  

But nothing ever was... 

“Let’s just forget about it,” Seokjin smiled your way as you both helped carry in the buffet food the next morning. He was holding the building’s door open for you with his back, letting you slip in first as you cradled the cardboard box filled with things you couldn’t even remember ordering. Too preoccupied with trying to bring up yesterday. 

You paused, not expecting him to shrug it off like that. In fact, it got you pretty speechless. Were you hurt? As much as Ana’s idea had made you want the earth to open up and swallow you, it made sense to talk things out with him. 

This morning you’d remembered even more while you’d brushed your teeth… Seokjin helping you slip the skirt of your dress down, finding your kitchen to get you some water… You were slowly piecing things together and it was confusing the hell out of you… You wished more than anything you could remember the whole thing. To know what was going on inside your head at the time, because right now you were a mess. 

But hearing Seokjin sound so flippant, so unfazed made you a little deflated… What if you didn’t want to forget about it? 

“I mean, you did already, so,” he gave a shrug and you followed him into the elevator in a daze. 

“Oh, yeah, okay,” you forced yourself to say, hitting the third floor button. You turned to look at him and plastered a smile onto your face. It hurt. “Good idea.” 

.

.

“Where is he?” Jungkook whined like a big kid. (The Christmas jumper he was wearing with a giant teddy bear in the centre didn’t help things…) “He knows I’m starving. Been saving myself all day for this.”

You raised a judgemental eyebrow. “You didn’t even have breakfast?” 

He looked at you, shooting you a quick wink. “I’m treating this buffet like it deserves to be treated. Like it’s my one and only.” At his side, Mina giggled. 

“Let’s just open up,” Hoseok suggested, reaching for the handle of the conference door. 

“No!” You exclaimed, standing in front of it. 

You were all waiting around like a bunch of lemons, Seokjin having done a disappearing act just before the party was due to start. Jungkook had already tried to call him three times but his phone was engaged. Everyone was getting impatient, but he needed to be here to see everyone’s reactions to his decorating. He’d been in there all morning, blinds closed, not even you knew what it looked like in there. 

“Y/N, come on,” Jungkook cried dramatically. “He won’t mind, let’s just get in there!”

“Fine,” you gave in, turning around to open up. You didn’t really have a choice, everyone was gearing up to trample you… 

One look inside had you a little speechless. It was beautiful, the room decorated like Santa’s Grotto. Seokjin had done an amazing job, and you felt bad for ever doubting his skill. For ever doubting his sincerity when it came to planning this entire party… 

“Oh, whoa,” Jungkook gasped behind you, sounding wholly surprised. “Jin did so well on the decorations.” You turned back to agree but saw him smirking. “You must be pissed.” 

“Shut up,” you scoffed and immediately swatted his hand away from a tray of sandwiches. “No! You have to wait!” 

Jungkook made a noise of agony, practically flaking out in one of the chairs. “I’m this close to passing out!”

You sighed at his dramatics. “I’ll go and look for him.” He can’t have gone far, surely? You pointed at everyone as you stepped out, expression stern. “No starting this party until I find him – and no eating food.” 

Jungkook whimpered. 

As you walked out of the office and down one flight of stairs you started to grow worried. What if something was wrong? Maybe there’d been an emergency and he’d had to leave…? Only, those thoughts didn’t have a chance to go too far as you spotted him almost immediately a little down the hallway. The second floor was unoccupied, most of the rooms either used for storage or ominously locked. He was stood with a shoulder against the wall, his back to you. The Santa’s hat he’d been wearing earlier was shoved into his back pocket. You’d caught him just in time, he was finishing up a phone call before staring at the screen, deep in thought it seemed. 

You suddenly felt nervous… You hadn’t been alone together at all since this morning and you’d been slightly miserable ever since then. Ever since he’d shut down the conversation you so badly wanted. You caught him staring your way a few times, when he was coming in and out of the conference room mid decorating – or maybe he was catching you staring. Who knew anymore. Your head was a mess, confused and unexplainably disappointed. 

But you needed to suck it up. There was a Christmas party to pull off, and it needed both its hosts…

“Seokjin?” You called, walking closer. 

He turned around with a start, shoving his phone into his jeans pocket. “Oh, hey.”

You took a moment to admire his Christmas jumper – a dabbing Santa Claus, which was pretty 2016 now, but whatever. You were wearing one similar to the bauble he’d gifted you yesterday, a cat wearing a Christmas hat, but you’d paired it with a Mrs. Claus skirt you wore every year without fail. Oh. You suddenly remembered something. Seokjin telling you he had a whole drawer full of Christmas sweaters. The thought should’ve made you laugh but you were still so nervous. You heart felt a little funny as you stared up at him. 

One thing was for certain, you didn’t think you could forget about the kiss. 

Could you excuse yourself to run away and call Ana? But then there’d be zero hosts at the party and Jungkook would disintegrate from hunger… You needed to power on. 

“Everyone’s wondering where you went,” you said, voice sounding strange as you spoke into the unsettling silence. 

You really didn’t want things to be awkward. You would hate it so much. You understood you didn’t have the best of relationships, but it worked for you both. Now it could all be ruined, and you didn’t want that. You didn’t know what you wanted…

Seokjin hesitated before tapping his pocket. “Sorry, phone call. Some type of insurance sales shit.” 

You nodded, unsure why you didn’t quite believe him, but chose to ignore it, giving him a short smile. “We should hurry up. Jungkook is salivating in there. He’s two seconds away from devouring the whole buffet.” 

Seokjin chuckled lightly at that. “Expected. He’s been fasting since 7pm last night.” 

Why didn’t that surprise you? 

“He’s already forced his way inside. Sorry. I tried to hold them off for as long as possible.”

“That’s my own fault.” He shrugged, then gave you a gentle smile. “Thanks for trying.” 

Your heart did a little flip. You tried to ignore it. “You did a great job on decorating by the way.” 

“You sound surprised,” he teased. “How many times do I have to say I lo– 

“You love Christmas, yes, okay, I believe you now.” You interrupted with a laugh. You remembered that from Saturday night, but you wanted to remember all of it. 

You opened your mouth, you needed to tell him. You needed to tell him you didn’t want to forget. “Seokjin,” you began, unsure how to continue. You didn’t want to make a fool of yourself. However it seemed he had things to say himself…

“I lied.”

Huh? 

His admission caught you off guard. He could probably tell by your face. He lifted a hand and rubbed the back of his neck, looking awkward. “I lied about the phone call. It was Yoongi. He was giving me a pep talk.” 

“A pep talk?” You repeated, now aware you could hear your own heartbeat. 

He took a step forward and let out a deep breath, gearing himself up. “I can’t stop thinking about last weekend, Y/N.” Your heart was thudding now. “I know I said we should forget about it but I can’t. You don’t remember it and I know you regret it and I’m sorry for,” he stopped to sigh in frustration. “I don’t know, I just feel really guilty. Because I really enjoyed kissing you.” 

He was staring straight into your eyes, no more than a foot between you. He looked nervous and remorseful. You didn’t like it. 

Firm, you held his gaze. “I don’t regret it.” That thought had never crossed your mind. Even through all the shock and mortification. Yes, your memories were extremely vague, but you didn’t regret the kiss. If anything you were curious. Even more curious now. 

Seokjin paused, not expecting your reply, but he sounded hopeful. “You don’t?” 

You shook your head. “I was embarrassed when you told me, yes, but that was because I thought I’d made a fool of myself – I mean, I still did, but if you enjoyed kissing me I guess it was worth it.” 

Seokjin had enjoyed kissing you, and from your foggy memories, you’d enjoyed kissing him too. You smiled. It was contagious as he grinned your way too. 

“You didn’t make a fool of yourself. At all.” He stressed. “Do you remember anything now?” He sounded concerned, still unsure how to go about this. 

“Bits and pieces, yeah.” You admitted. “You got me a glass of water and then left…” 

He looked guilty. “I lost myself a little, I admit, but I couldn’t let it happen. I couldn’t go through with it because you were so drunk and I was pretty sure you hated me and I could never take advantage of you like that.” 

Your heart fluttered. Genuine Seokjin was dangerous for you. “I don’t hate you,” you told him pointedly, crossing your arms across your chest, the beginnings of a smirk itching to appear. “You annoy me to no end but that’s sort of your charm, I guess.” 

He cocked an eyebrow, sensing the change in atmosphere as he asked smugly, “My charm?”

“Don’t ruin it,” you snipped, feeling brave as you stepped closer to him to tilt your head and run a hand down his chest – down the dabbing Santa… “So, you liked kissing me?” 

He nodded enthusiastically, curiously watching your movements. “It felt good. And not just in my dick but like, everywhere.” 

“Seokjin!” You exclaimed, rendered speechless. 

“What?” He asked, eyes wide. He grabbed your hips pulling you closer and you couldn’t help but squeal, reaching for his shoulders. He felt good. Big and warm and familiar. “I’m trying to talk about my feelings here.” 

He was teasing you, sure, but he was also telling the truth. You knew that. Feelings was a scary word, an uncertain word, but you thought you liked the way it made you feel. Maybe Ana was correct… Maybe a part of you did like Seokjin. It sure felt like it right now…

“Kiss me,” you whispered, gaze on his mouth before it flickered to his eyes. “I’m sober now and I want to see if I like it too.” 

You already knew the answer. He did too by the smirk on his face, but he listened anyway, closing the distance between your mouths. His lips felt instantly familiar, making you feel at ease as they pressed into yours. Fluttering his eyes closed you followed suit and he moved gently, tentatively, as if he couldn’t believe it – as if he didn’t want to ruin anything. From the back of your mind vague memories started to wind their way forward, his kiss drawing them out. 

You wrapped your arms around his neck, pressing your body into his ever so slightly with a soft sigh. The tip of his tongue found yours, hints of it joining each drag of his mouth and something lit up inside of you. So you were inevitably disappointed when he pulled back, giving your hips a soft squeeze.

“So?” He grinned. 

You hummed out loud, running your fingers through the hair against the nape of his neck. He liked that. You remembered running them through his hair on the dancefloor, his hands on your body. Stomach doing somersaults, you wanted more – needed more. “Maybe a bit more tongue and I’ll give you an answer…” 

He breathed out a shaky laugh and you thought he might hit back with something but there was no time for talking, not when he couldn’t bear to be away from your lips. Listening, he licked into your mouth, moving with a lot more confidence now. He held you tight before one of his hands came up to softly cup your cheek, the quietest of noises escaping his throat – showing just how much he was enjoying himself. You joined him, moaning gently into the kiss, your tongues untiring as the air around you shifted. 

It was when your back hit the wall did you truly let yourself leave go, hands exploring the expanse of his back as he crowded you, humming greedily against your lips, his hands holding your face as if he couldn’t bear to leave you and come up for air. More memories fluttered their way past your eyelids, a lot more vivid now, Seokjin’s tongue beckoning them  to the forefront of your mind. 

You remembered your kiss was hot and heavy, up against your entry way wall. You had wanted him so bad in that moment and here wasn’t much different. It was like you had been thrown right back there – that eagerness, that want. The only reason you pulled away eventually was because you literally needed to breath. You didn’t fancy passing out, enjoying yourself way too much… 

“I can’t believe you said to forget about this,” you managed to speak, breathless, lips wet and flush as you ran your hands across the broadness of his shoulders. God. You couldn’t stop touching him. 

“I can’t believe you did forget about this,” he exclaimed. He was breathing heavy, just like at the club when you’d grinded all over him. Your memory was on your side now. All it had needed was a prod.   

He did have you there. Your bad. But – “In my defence you supplied the tequila shots.” Although, you had suggested a second round… 

He chuckled, leaning down to nip at your bottom lip. “Stop giving me attitude. It’s turning me on.” 

You stomach flipped, your fingernails digging into the wool blend of his jumper as you held him to you. You wanted to kiss him for hours, because now that you’d started you didn’t want to stop. 

“Should we head back now?” Seokjin asked against a curl of your tongue, one hand against the wall, the other stroking your jaw line. “They’re probably wondering where we both are.” 

“In a moment,” you murmured, a hand of yours bravely dragging down his side. You hit the waistband of his jeans and curled a finger through a belt loop, nudging his crotch flush to yours. Your mouth did the rest of the talking. Sober you wanted what drunk you had missed out on. 

“Fuck,” you heard him mutter, immediately understanding where you wanted this to lead. “Or we can just ditch those losers and go to my place?” He drew back to catch your reaction. “Your place?”

“We can’t do that.” As tempting as that sounded, you couldn’t not attend your own Christmas party you’d spent weeks organising. Seokjin was hot, but he wasn’t that hot. Plus, it would way too suspicious if you both just disappeared… 

Seokjin agreed with a little sigh. “Yeah, you’re right.” 

That didn’t mean you couldn’t think of other ideas though…

“What are you doing?” Seokjin asked, moving back slightly as you wrestled for your phone in your skirt pocket. He watched you search for Jungkook’s name in your phonebook – you were sure you still had his number from when you’d had to “mentor” him the first week he’d arrived. Success! You did! You hurriedly text him. 

(13:31pm) You: I can’t find him. Start without us but LEAVE me some food

He replied immediately. He was probably withering away by now, the poor boy. 

(13:32pm) Jungkook: Oh man Jin is so fucking dead  (13:32pm) Jungkook: Tell him I love him before you stick the knife in 🤪 (13:32pm) You: Sure thing 

You looked up at Seokjin and grinned. “Just bought us half an hour.”

He looked impressed, an eyebrow cocked as he regarded you. “What are we going to do in half hour? – and please don’t say kill me.” 

You giggled – actually giggled. Damn him. You reached for his belt loop again, tugging it gently. “Whatever it is, we can’t do it out in the hallway.” 

You were playing a very dangerous game here. Out in the open, at your place of work. The storeroom was probably an even sillier idea – but that’s where you ended up dragging him into, flipping on the light to save being surrounded in darkness. You were 99% sure the surveillance cameras didn’t work on this floor anyway, so…

“You’re crazy,” he laughed weakly in disbelief, stumbling over an (empty) mop bucket as he went to reach for you. 

“And you love it,” you smirked against his mouth, your arms wrapping around his neck. 

The urge took over again, now in the privacy of the storage cupboard you were free to do whatever you liked. Seokjin grew hard against you quickly, your mouths locked together in haste as his palms felt up your ass. It wasn’t long before he picked you up, your legs wrapping around his middle as he continued to kiss you greedily against the wall. His hands slipped  under your skirt, cupping your ass and you tried to circle your hips as best you could, feeling his erection through the layers of your tights and underwear, both of you straining out moans and grunts. 

“I’m having déjà vu,” he grinned, lowering his mouth to nip at your neck. You gasped, pushing into him and he took the opportunity to begin to kiss your throat. Just like last time… Déjà vu, indeed. 

Breaking away he looked between your bodies, the band of white wool along your skirt protecting your modesty, but only just. “You weren’t dressed as Mrs. Claus though.” He sunk his teeth into your neck once more, a little harder this time and you jerked, yelping as you squeezed the tops of his arms. He liked that reaction, licking a broad strip up the column of your throat, getting you all kinds of wet and sticky. 

No doubt between your legs matched. You were hot, and impatient, and Seokjin’s mouth was evil. Especially when he lifted his head, dark fringe in his eyes, and smirked at you. Fuck, you really wanted him. Your heart was doing somersaults. 

“A fucking sexy Mrs. Claus.” 

You immediately rolled your eyes. Why was he ruining it? You were not about to partake in some sordid Christmas roleplay fantasy of his… “Just shut up and kiss me.” 

He didn’t really feel like answering back. 

A few minutes later you were placed back on the floor, your legs a little shaky as you clung to him, mouths still unrelenting. You were both heavy breathed and burning with desire. He pinned you to the wall with his thigh, separating your legs and giving you something else to grind against as his lips trailed the expanse of your throat, his fingers digging into the meat of your ass so hard you wouldn’t be surprised if he teared your hosiery. 

You were weak, slick against your underwear and desperate for some sort of release. Seokjin panted against your ear. “Do you remember what you said that night?” Moaning was all you could give in reply. “You wanted my dick. You were begging for it.” 

Hearing him speak like that drove you wild. “Mmhm. Remind me.” You could vaguely remember, too pent up to get embarrassed. 

He moved his thigh, pressing his crotch flush to yours and hooked a finger under your chin, lifting your face so he could kiss you again. You could feel his erection and unable to hold off any longer you reached between you and wrapped your hand around him. You could recall doing this before, Seokjin stopping you, but this time he did no such thing. Instead, he pushed into your touch, his voice thick with something that made you shiver as he spoke. 

“You drive me crazy… Every god damn day…” 

Your mind was a little too preoccupied to truly concentrate on his words but they seemed to stir something inside of you. Nudge something that had been forgotten. You couldn’t place it, but it had to do with last weekend. Something he’d said to you… before he’d kissed you… You couldn’t remember but the faintest of memories made you glow. 

“W-we should really just head to my place,” Seokjin stammered slightly, keening into your touch. You were sure his thighs were trembling, all the blood in his dick turning him weak. 

“There’s no need,” you breezed, and before you could take a moment to reconsider you were dropping to your knees. 

“Fuck, what are you doing?” He was practically beside himself, fingers digging into your shoulders as he watched you reach for the buttons on his jeans. 

“What do you think?” 

He sighed exhaustedly, a red flush beginning to travel its way up his neck, peeking above the collar of his sweater. “You’re trying to kill me.” 

Whatever he’d been expecting to happen in here hadn’t been you sucking his dick, you could tell. You took great pleasure in that. It was fun getting this kind of reaction from him. Truth was, when the mood struck, the mood struck, and you wanted him – badly. 

He watched you unbutton him, his black underwear coming into view – Calvin Klein, the band told you, and above that, where his jumper had ridden up, you could see a sliver of smooth tan skin – You just knew he was hiding a great body under there, but now wasn’t the time for stripping. You needed to be quick. 

You tugged his jeans down a little past his hips, enough for easy access. “You really want to kill–ughgh –!” 

He broke off with a surprised moan, your hand reaching inside his boxers to pull out his dick. Wrapping your palm around the base you gripped automatically, staring at what you could only describe as his third leg, with a slack jaw. “Of course you have a fucking massive dick,” you muttered, feeling a little unnerved. 

Surprise immediately dissipating, Seokjin gave you a smirk. “That obvious, huh?”

You breathed heavily through your nose, beginning to run your fist along his length on instinct. It was a good looking dick, you’d give him that. Tense at your sudden movements, Seokjin soon eased up, watching you carefully. You looked up at him, giving him a tiny, slightly shy smile… There really was no going back now. Not that you wanted to. Things had changed and they were going to change even more after this… 

“Come on,” he murmured, a hand reaching out to stroke your cheek. His voice sounded dangerous, low and honeyed as he gazed at you on your knees for him. “Suck it like I know you want to…” 

You scoffed, although surely he could see the effect he had on you. You weren’t bluffing anybody, not even yourself. “Don’t rush me.” 

Seokjin looked amused, but that soon changed when you swiped your tongue across the head of his cock in one fluid and determined motion. His knees pretty much buckled, a hand reaching for the side of your head, his fingers weaving into your hair. You chuckled a little mischievously, your lips wrapped around him, knowing the vibrations would fuck with his head some more. Seokjin laughed stiffly along, knowing what you were up to – knowing you loved having this sort of effect on him – but it sounded strained, wavering in the middle as his eyes locked with yours, the veins in his neck beginning to bulge with the strain. 

You moved, wrapping your lips around him further, your tongue washing against the hot skin and he stumbled forward a little, a grunt slipping from his mouth. That fuelled you, slipping him deeper, your tongue tracing patterns along the underside before you pulled back and repeated. You weren’t kidding when you said he had a massive dick, it was almost daunting, but you found a way around it, massaging your fist along the base of him in time with your mouth until you found a confident rhythm. 

“Oh, fuck.” 

That boosted your ego too, taking great pleasure in the way you seemed to have stunned Seokjin into more or less complete silence. He wasn’t very cocky right now, was he? If you had known sucking his dick would shut him up, you’d have done it long ago – or maybe that was your own horniness talking… Who knew right now. 

You popped off him, running your palm wider, further along to circle over the head, your saliva acting as lubrication, quiet squelching noises slipping from between your fingers. You smirked up at him, “Am I still boring?”

It took him a moment to process your question, his body hunched, surrendering to the pleasure, and you admired the way his lips parted, each breath audible as he stared down at you, dark eyes glazed over. God, he was hot. How had you been so unbothered by him for so long? 

Shaking his head, he halfway came to. “Sucking my dick in a storeroom, can’t get any wilder than this. Well done, you proved me wrong.” 

That was nice to hear. You liked it when he was wrong, mainly because you loved being right. You wrapped your free hand around the top of his thigh, needing the support as you took his dick in your mouth again. Feeling ambitious you willed yourself to relax as you eased along him, taking him deeper, beginning to bob back and forth, the faintest of noises escaping the back of your throat. 

It drove him crazy, his head falling back as he whined. “If this is all just to prove a point and you stop before I cum, I’m going to cry like a motherfucking baby.” 

You tried to laugh but ended up choking, gagging on his cock – unflattering surely, but he seemed to love it, his eyes flashing as he cupped your hand that gripped his girth, gently pulling it away to place on his other thigh. He didn’t want his view obstructed he watched. Besides, you didn’t need your hand as a safety net anymore anyway…

“Fu-ck, you look so good sucking my dick,” he awed, his voice hoarse. He tightened the hold he had on your hair, the fingers of his other hand brushing rouge strands out of your face. You looked up at him, mouth stuffed and he smirked. It made your core pulse. “On your knees. You couldn’t get down there quick enough.” 

A moan slipped from your throat, pulsating against his cock. Of course the guy had a filthy mouth, it should’ve been obvious. What was shocking though, was the effect it had on you. Dirty talk was cringeworthy in your eyes, not many men could pull it off – not even Namjoon – but words like that coming from Seokjin?! You were sure you’d just freshly drenched your underwear. It would surely be a slip ‘n’ slide down there when he finally got his hands on you – If he got his hands on you. Fuck, he better. 

A nudge of his hips cut short your momentary distraction, realising that Seokjin was beginning to thrust ever so slightly into your mouth. He noticed your attention on him and asked hesitantly, “This okay?” 

“Mhmmhmm,” you hummed, gurgling a little which seemed to drive him a little crazy. You let him take control, concentrating on breathing through your nose and pleasuring him with your tongue as he gently fucked your mouth. 

You were losing your mind, hazy pleasure blurring your vision and clouding your thoughts.  Rationality was out the window long ago, all that you knew was the red, hot want you had for him. The Christmas party and the fact you were risking your job right now didn’t come into play, all you cared about was chasing that desire. 

Looking up at Seokjin you noticed his eyes were closed now, his chin tilted towards the ceiling, expression contorted with pleasure as the quietest of moans escaped his throat with each rugged breath he took. You pulsed down below, only this time the urge burned its way up your body, getting hotter as he quickened his motions, seemingly losing himself, seemingly pursuing his end. 

He pulled back abruptly during one withdraw, breath shaky as he kept the tip of his cock inside your mouth, as if he couldn’t bear to be apart from the warm wetness. You sucked firmly, catching his gaze and he just about lost it, eyes rolling into the back of his skull. 

“Shit,” he cursed, ever so slightly nudging further into you, edging himself almost. You darted the tip of your tongue along his slit, earning yourself a soft hiss. His thighs were trembling, you could feel the vibrations under your palm and his neck was thick and tense with strain, patched red, as he tried his might to gain some control over the pleasure you were giving him. “J-Just checking, there’s no chance we’ll have sex in here, right?” 

His voice trembled too, all light and airy and so unlike his voice that you were familiar with. His eyes were blow wide as he gaped down at you, his lips plumper than you’d ever seen them before. He was beautiful. Damn, you really wanted to kiss him again… 

You slid away, cupping your hand around his dick to jerk him off ever so slowly, a couple of inches along the base. He was more than slick now, coated in your spit, flesh veiny and angry red. Shifting on your knees, ignoring the cricks to power on through, you shrugged. “Not unless you carry condoms with you at work.” 

He pondered for a moment. “I can’t say I do.” That caused you to chuckle, leaning in to curl your tongue against the side of his cock. He startled, a loud moan escaping that was surely unnecessary, but it did wonders for your ego. 

He tightened his hold on your head, angling you to the tip of his dick, desperate to get back into your warmth. “So you won’t be disappointed when I inevitably bust a nut?” 

You raised an eyebrow, his cock drawing translucent patterns against your lips as you replied. “That’s why I’m down here.” 

He whimpered, the sheer thought of coming exciting him further. You slipped him back inside, feeling him grip his fingers into your hair, anchoring himself – and you, in preparation. 

“Oh, ffuck,” he muttered, watching you begin to meet every thrust his hips gave you. You were determined, eager for him to cum. You hadn’t sucked dick in so long but now you were in your element, each reaction from Seokjin, no matter how small, encouraging you. The fact he was hiding a foot long in his pants was now no issue at all. You were a pro, just like in all aspects of life. 

A strange sound left the back of Seokjin’s throat, almost as if he was getting strangled and his shoulders slumped, the rest of him growing stiff. “Where am I doing this?” He asked weakly. “Y/N?” He demanded pretty shrilly when you didn’t reply. 

You weren’t relenting, somehow pushing him deeper into your mouth and down your throat and he groaned loudly, blunt nails digging into your scalp. “You want me to cum down your throat?” 

Ding Ding. Clever Seokjin. 

You nodded widely around his girth, gagging a little a process, but this time you owned it. He loved it. 

“Fuck.” He grunted, spreading his feet a little, planting himself to the tiles. “You really want my fucking cum.” 

You moaned, sending a fire of vibrations up his dick and you knew you had him. His hips stilled almost instantly, his cock rammed inside your mouth and you readjusted, using your tongue to coax his release. He came with a deep exhale like moan, stumbling forward with a surprised grunt as one of his hands reached out to slam into the wall behind you. You held him steady with your hands flat against his thighs, swallowing his cum down quickly because you definitely had a love hate relationship with the stuff. Dealt with swiftly, you more than welcomed it. 

Seokjin softly chuckled down at you as he fell from your mouth, now well on his way to growing flaccid and eased off as you straightened your back and made motions to stand (on shaky legs). He tucked himself back inside his underwear, the snap of the waistband making you flutter. Flutter where you wanted him to touch the most. 

You felt warmth as he hooked a hand around your hip, pulling you to him with a bashful grin. “That was worth getting fired for.” 

You giggled, wiping the sides of your mouth with the back of your hand before cupping the back of his neck, dragging him closer as you backed up against the wall. You liked when he crowded around you, liked feeling him against your body. Your body that was screaming for him right now… 

“No one’s getting fired,” you reassured, voice a murmur and then either you or he connected your mouths again. Couldn’t tell who – it was probably both of you. It was amusing that you were the one assuring him, Miss. Uptight who worried about every single little thing. He was the one was supposed to be carefree, yet this had all been your idea. 

Your hand dragged down his chest, feeling the hardness of his pecs, and for a split second you thought about taking him up on the offer of ditching the party and driving to his place. You wanted to get him naked, wanted to see what you could feel, and you really wanted to fuck him. Yet, you knew it was a bad idea. Even worse than sucking dick on the second floor of the office building. Possibly. 

“How long do you think we have before they throw a search party?” Seokjin asked, cupping your face with one hand as the other snaked down to your ass. 

“We still have time.” 

You and Seokjin were always at one another’s throats, no one would guess you were actually getting it on directly underneath them… You were positive. 

“Hm. Enough for me to return the favour?” He contemplated. 

You made a noise of agreement, nodding eagerly as you stretched for his mouth, unable to just. Stop. Kissing. Him. 

It turned hot and heavy immediately, decision now made, and you grasped at one another, kissing wildly. “I love touching you,” he grunted against your tongue, hands gripping anything he could. You had to agree, especially his shoulders. You’d never felt anything like them in your entire life, no wonder he had the upper body strength to hold you up. He was big. Big big, and it was driving you crazy. 

“This ass,” he growled, pulling away from your lips as both hands cupped the rounds of flesh, giving them a very keen and firm squeeze. Skirt bunched up at your hips he had the perfect access. You moaned, the heat between your bodies becoming unbearable and you nearly collapsed into him when one of his hands found its way to your core, cupping the sensitive flesh hesitantly. That was until he felt how soaked you were. It had seeped through your underwear, dampening your tights. It felt heavy and uncomfortable but you guessed that was soon to change now that he’d gotten his hands on you… 

“So fucking wet,” he purred, dropping his height a little to meet your eyes. His fingers slipped inside your panties, his index and middle finger running along your folds before a knuckle found your clit, your hips bucking. He rubbed the bundle of nerves rather lightly, but it was enough. You were beside yourself, any pleasure, however slight, blowing your mind. You moaned sweetly, hot air puffing against Seokjin’s lips. He smirked. “Someone’s very responsive.”

“Please,” you moaned, however you weren’t too sure what you needed to beg for. 

He loved it though, smirking wider. “There she is.” 

“Please, Seokjin,” you repeated, clutching to the neck of his sweater. Hazy memories of last weekend drifted into the forefront of your mind. Begging him for his dick. Sadly, you couldn’t have that right now, but there was always second best. 

Leaning in as if to kiss you he pulled back last minute, a teasing lilt to his tone as he asked you a question. “What do you want, baby?” 

You moaned again, the pet name not so bad after all and pressed into his touch, the headiness in his voice making you tremble with need. Your answer was simple. “Your fingers.”  

Seokjin wasted no time, yanking his hand away to tug at your hosiery. They didn’t budge, so he moved his other hand from your ass to help. Maybe the light sheen of sweat that painted your skin had stuck tight the nylon – or maybe he was just useless… 

“What the hell are these?” He huffed, clearly impatient. 

“Stop, you’re going to rip them,” you told him off. All you needed was to walk back inside the office with laddered tights… How very unsuspicious… 

“They’re dumb.” 

“I’m sorry,” you exclaimed, “wasn’t expecting us to be getting it on today.”

Seokjin paused what he was doing to shoot you a look of sheer judgement. “Getting it on?”

“Shut up,” you grumbled. Yes, maybe your choice of words were lame, but it still stood. You were getting it on right now!

He laughed and tugged at the waistband one last time, finally succeeding but also yanking down your underwear in the process. 

“Let me see you,” he strained out, gripping your hips and you had no time to feel embarrassed by your sudden waist-down nakedness. His eyes drunk up your soaked core, before he looked up at your face again, his right hand reaching for you, each brush of his fingertips turning you boneless. “Fuck. You have the best pussy I’ve ever seen.” 

He was kissing you again, pushing you further into the wall. Pussy. Under all circumstances that word was just yuck, but once again, coming from Seokjin it didn’t seem so bad anymore. It made your core leap, but that might have been something to do with the way he was nestling a deft, long finger inside of you. Your walls clenched around the intrusion as you moaned into his mouth and you gripped at his shoulders, rolling your hips as he started to curl the digit against your warmth. 

Ever so carefully he added a second finger, the burn easing quickly as pleasure took over. His thumb rubbed messy circles against your clit, your arousal beginning to squelch audibly inside the small room. You hooked your arms around his neck instead, pulling him closer and he grunted into your mouth, sounding unlike himself. 

“Seokjin–!” You mewled, falling from his mouth to catch your breath.

“Yeah, me,” he smirked, his free had rubbing small circles into your hip as he continued to give you what you wanted. “I love it when you say my name.” His lips landed on your throat and you pushed your head to the side, pretty sure you were moaning too loudly now but the stimulation was too good to ignore. You grew wetter. His fingers easily sliding in and out of you as he started to finger you quicker, the lewd squelching sticking inside your ears. 

“You’re soaked, Y/N. Did I do this?” He murmured against your ear before nibbling your lobe. You shuddered. “Sucking my dick made you so horny.” The hand on your hip slid to your ass, and he squeezed the meat hard, using it as leverage to go even faster. You squeezed around his fingers tightly, crying out. 

But then there was nothing but emptiness as he pulled them out, making you gasp out in shock. He looked playfully smug. “What’s up? Lost your voice?”

This fucker. Jungkook was right, you were going to murder him. Only not for going AWOL but for not giving you the orgasm you craved. Seokjin’s wet hand massaged the inside of your thigh, and you squeezed your legs together trying your best to ease the tension that was building up. 

“Seokjin, don’t fuck around.” You told him sternly, although your voice was anything but calm. 

“Am I fucking around?” He asked, grinning from ear to ear as he lowered his shoulders and stole another look at your needy heat. Something inside him changed then, as he let out a curse. “Shit. I wanna taste you.” His eyes pleaded with you. “Can taste you?” 

You were nodding before you realised, although you weren’t about to say please again – 

you didn’t want to give him the satisfaction. Instead you exhaled out a shaky yes. 

Squatting immediately he pulled the nylon passed your knees, lifting a foot to slip off one of your heels, the leg of your hosiery following soon after. You wobbled as he raised your foot higher and you reached out for his shoulders to steady yourself. 

“I got you,” he reassured. “I just need to spread you a little.” Hooking your foot on the bottom shelf of the cabinet next to you, your legs widened, giving him perfect access to where you needed him the most. “There,” he said, looking pleased with himself. 

His gaze soon darkened when he got a look at you and you braced yourself against the wall as he stalked nearer, a palm cupping your thigh before he followed the curve with his mouth, kissing his way closer and closer to your core. You groaned softly when his lips parted around your clit, warmth flooding you, slowly inking its way through your veins and darting his tongue out he brushed it against you slowly, repeating with the same rhythm until you were squirming, a hand reaching for his hair just for something to grip. 

He sped up, learning what your body liked quickly, dropping to one knee to sink further into you. You moaned pretty loudly when you felt his fingers press against your entrance, slipping inside, and you took him greedily and nosily, pushing into his tongue that had now curled around your clit as he sucked softly. 

You fell to pieces. Fingernails dragging along his scalp as you tugged at his hair. Which he seemed to love, by the way. If his grunting was anything to go by, his movements more determined, firmer. Each time he sucked, point of his tongue flicking against you, you lost it a bit more, gasping out in pleasure. Boy knew how to use his mouth, you were pleasantly surprised. 

He pulled back, his breath a little ragged and replaced his tongue with the pad of his thumb, rubbing tight, firm circles against your sticky clit. “You like getting your clit sucked. Noted.” He grinned, sending your stomach flipping. His mouth and chin were covered in your arousal, which he made no attempt to clean off. In fact, he went immediately back for seconds, licking a wide strip up your whole core, noises of satisfaction leaving him. 

“God, Seokjin,” you murmured weakly, dizzy and trembling. If he kept this up you were going to cum very soon. Especially with the way his fingers caressed your insides, pressing deep until he hit something that had you yelping. 

He looked triumphant as he dropped to both knees now, looking up at you, watching your reaction as he repeatedly curled against your g-spot. You squirmed around, pleasure becoming a little unbearable but oh, so addictive. 

“So, no one ends up fucking at the office Christmas party, huh?” He asked nonchalantly. This fucker was really having a casual conversation with you as he tried to bring you to your knees. By his smug grin, he knew what he was doing. 

Well, not on your watch. 

You bit back a moan, and shrugged, trying your best to sound normal. “We’re not going all the way so technically, that still stands.” 

He laughed loudly, genuinely amused, but his fingers had other ideas. He pulled out halfway, straightening his digits to fuck into you – hard. You choked out, feeling him slowly withdraw, letting you catch your breath before he repeated. And repeated. And repeated…

You were close to seeing stars, the moans rolling freely from your mouth as you clung to his hair. He was evil. “Seok–oh, shit,” you cursed, feeling him deep inside you yet again. “Seokjinnn.” 

“What is it, babe?” He asked, acting oblivious. At the name you clenched around his soaked fingers. “I knew you loved it when I called you that.” You didn’t have time to chew him out because his tongue was washing against your clit again, curling around it, prodding it, sucking it… Your eyes rolled back, a thin sheen of sweat coating your neck and chest, and you knew you weren’t long for this world. You were ten seconds away from becoming a puddle on the floor. 

“Gonna cum, baby?” You squeezed around his fingers again, clit pulsing against his tongue. “You love that too.” You could feel his shit eating grin against you but didn’t care.  

“Don’t stop,” you demanded, out of breath. 

“Not planning on it,” he affronted, licking up your folds once again. You gasped loudly, clenching your eyes tightly closed. You were hanging over the pinnacle, just a little more and you’d fall. You were this close to coming and you might explode in the process. 

“I’m going to make this pussy cum so good. So fucking good,” Seokjin almost goaded, which was in fact, what pushed you over the edge. You came with a loud, strained cry, white hot pleasure that exploded behind your eyelids. 

He made sure to rinse you for all you were worth, until you were writhing out of his grip, your grasp on his hair easing and then he was jumping to his feet, his mouth suddenly on yours with a grunt, kissing you like crazy. You couldn’t tell who was out of breath more.

“Tonight.” He announced ferociously. “Tonight. Please come over and let me fuck you.” 

You moaned at the thought, your tongues turning messy as you tried to concentrate and form words. “My place. I live alone. We can be as loud as we like.” 

.

.

Five minutes later you were back in your tights, knees wobbling together as you tried to slip into your shoe. There wasn’t time for more chitchat – or kissing, you needed to get back to the office before someone came looking for you both. 

“So does that mean you forgive me over Rosal & Steinar?” Seokjin asked curiously, still fairly out of breath. He’d wiped his mouth now, in attempt to clean himself up, but his bangs were slightly kinked, forehead shiny and his cheeks were very much still red. 

You turned to him and smirked. “Another orgasm and maybe.” 

He chuckled. “I’m positive that can be arranged.” You didn’t doubt it. “No, but really,” he carried on, taking you by surprise when he clasped your hand, rooting you to the spot. “You know I had to do it, right? I felt terrible but there weren’t many options.” 

His eyes pooled with sincerity and you found yourself softening, growing touched. It was nice to know he hadn’t done it out of spite – although why he would have seemed pretty ludicrous to believe now… No, you’d just been bitter. 

“I know, Seokjin,” you smiled, giving his hand a squeeze. “I’ve forgotten about it.” He looked a little sceptical. “I forgive you,” you insisted with a laugh. It was either he closed the deal or they found another company… They were legitimately the only two options. You got it. 

He returned your smile, finally accepting your reassurance, and you tugged at his hand, opening the storeroom door. You needed to leave. Now. 

But –

Turning back at him over your shoulder, you shot him a playful grin. “Doesn’t mean I won’t steal them back next year though.” 

His eyes widened in surprise before they lit up, his laughter loud down the empty hallway.

“Game on, baby.”

.

.

“Do I look acceptable?” 

You and Seokjin were mere inches from the door leading into the office, your whispers nervous as you hesitated about going inside. You needed to get your best lying face on. ASAP.

“Hang on,” you said, reaching up to adjust his Santa’s hat. The flush on his face had paled, thankfully. “There we go. What about me?”

“Hm.” He pondered, cupping your face to stare down at you, worrying you actually. “I still think we look like we were giving mad head in the storeroom.” 

“Stop,” you groaned, pulling away from him as you realised he was only teasing. You were still pretty sticky downstairs, but you were sure you looked visibly presentable. “You’re going to make it obvious.” 

Finally plucking up the courage, you pushed the door open and stepped inside, Seokjin following. Your Christmas playlist grew louder instantly and of course, the first person you saw was Jungkook, ass perched on your desk for some reason, snacking on a bowl of olives. He popped them like they were grapes. He better not have dripped olive oil over your keyboard, you’d kill him. 

“Ah, look who turned up to their own party,” he exclaimed, standing up. He dropped the bowl right next to your desktop and wiped his fingers into his jeans, striding towards you both. 

You took a deep breath and went for that Oscar. “Blame Seokjin,” you fumed. 

“Where the hell did you disappear to?” He laughed, directing his question to Seokjin who stood behind you still. 

“I, uh... I...” 

You rolled your eyes inwardly. If he fucked this up, well then, he wasn’t fucking you tonight…

“I went to grab a cake.” 

A fucking cake. He’d walked in empty handed. Great white lie there, Seokjin… 

Jungkook looked back and forth between you, his face contorting in confusion. “So... Where is the cake?” 

“Uh.” 

You needed to save this idiot. “Dummy forgot to order it,” you sneered, walking past Jungkook to grab the bowl of olives. 

“Hey,” Seokjin exclaimed, sounding way too offended for it to be acting, just as Jungkook burst into laughter. You didn’t know what Seokjin expected, he’d walked straight into that one. 

“I really thought she’d killed you,” Jungkook told his friend, whacking his shoulder. Seokjin’s eyes widened in warning, a hand coming out to karate slice the younger guy’s neck. 

“I went easy on him,” you grinned, stopping them before they started wrestling for real. “– Y’know, Christmas spirit and all that.” 

That caught Seokjin’s attention. You looked at one another properly for the first time since you’d stepped inside. Eyebrows raised he looked entertained. “You went easy on me?” 

“Yup,” you nodded, unable to hide your smirk.

His expression changed for a split second, a glimmer in his eyes that made you mildly feverish at the thought of him getting his hands on you later on. 

“Duly noted,” was all he replied, and you shared a smile before Jungkook interrupted. 

“I saved you both some food. Come on,” he motioned with his hand. 

“Thanks, JK,” Seokjin bellowed, clapping his back. 

You followed behind them, nerves easing up. “Yeah, thanks, Jungkook.” 

.

.

If anything, Seokjin was the one who got grilled the most during the rest of the party, he had been the one to disappear after all, so it was fun watching him squirm as Hoseok demanded answers. He looked a right fool for “forgetting” to order a cake, but he’d brought it all on himself so you couldn’t feel too sorry for him… 

He was also risking a lot when he felt up your ass as you were finding his stupid Secret Santa gift in your desk drawer, ready to exchange with everyone. You straightened up immediately, pushing his hand away just in case anyone noticed – Mina was literally a desk away from you, although she was too busy giggling at Jungkook who was acting up on the karaoke machine to notice anything. 

Seokjin winked as you glared at him. “Can’t wait for tonight.” 

You pointed your index finger between his eyes. “Behave or I’ll cancel.” 

But, you both knew you were just talking shit… 

Written 2020 - 2021.  Please refrain from posting my work elsewhere. No translations allowed. © floralseokjin 2021

#seokjin fanfic #bts fanfic #seokjin smut #bts smut #jin smut #jin fanfic #floralseokjin:writings #fic:final sleigh

[suganovakawa]

જ — rumor has it!

# 17 ༉‧ yes or no

smau masterlist

✧ ｡ synopsis : though hajime has reassured you time and time again that you two attending different schools would be plenty manageable in your guys’ relationship, your imagination is left to wander when he slowly begins to ghost you.

જ — a/n : it’s finally here! sorry to keep you waiting :,)

— if you could, could you check out this google form for just a few moments of your time? it’s a surprise, but please choose five characters from that list. it would really help a lot!

out of all the places hajime could’ve taken you, you were not expecting an empty parking lot. previously, it belonged to a local grocery store a couple of years back, before it went out of business.

was it necessarily a bad place? of course not. nobody seemed to be around, so if you wanted to yell at him? you’d be able to without so much as batting an eyelash.

that seemed to be the least of iwaizumi’s worries as he turned off the car when he parked in a spot in the middle of the lot, his jaw clenched tightly as both of you sat in silence. not even the hum of the engine was there to alleviate the awkward tension.

“are we talking here, or are we talking outside?” you mustered the courage to speak first, watching as he jumped slightly at the sound of your own nervousness.

“it doesn’t matter. it’s up to you.” his voice seemed almost squeaky as he looked straightforward and out the windshield.

it was obvious the two of you were procrastinating on what was to come. you didn’t want to hear the truth, and hajime was afraid of facing the reality of the situation. the cat had to be let out of the bag one way or another. you had come this far already, there was no way in hell you would chicken out—not when the truth was sitting right next to you, right in the driver’s seat.

“hajime, just—just tell me what happened. please. pretending like it’s not going to hurt will just make both of our lives a living hell. i already know nothing will make this situation any better.” you couldn’t even look at him. your hands were rested on your lap, your fingers clenched tightly into fists. your palms were sweaty, and your stomach was running a mile a minute. what you were going through may not have even held a candle to what iwa was going through.

but iwaizumi isn’t the victim here. you are.

“where do you want me to start?” his voice was faint, weak—unlike anything you had ever heard before.

it was obvious he wasn’t going to confess to anything without a push in that direction.

you wanted to yell at him in frustration; it was going to bubble out of your throat any minute. but that wouldn’t help both of your situations.

well, it might help yours.

“did you do it?” if he was going to act stupid, might as well push him into a corner about it. enough was enough, your lack of patience outweighed any nervousness you once had. “just admit it, hajime. who is she?”

“were you the one who had karasuno go to the—”

“answer my question.”

he looked to you then—he turned pale at the angry look in your eyes. “stop acting like you have nothing to share. i know you better than that. we wouldn’t be here in the first place. you’re guilty of something, and i’ve been thrown into the loop of it, whether i wanted to be in it or not.”

it was then he started shaking. he wasn’t crying, no. this was fear, unyielding terror he held within the very marrow of his bones, eating him from the inside out. you were so close. so very close to getting the answer. this was either a yes or no, it had to be.

“i didn’t,” he finally mustered, leaning forward to grip the steering wheel with an iron grip. “y/n, you have to understand. i didn’t, i didn’t, i didn’t...”

“then who is she, hajime?” you couldn’t tell if he was lying or not, and it was eating at you. “who is the girl? why does she have my number? how does she have my number? what did she get out of exploiting whatever the two of you had, huh? i don’t get it.” so many questions, yet so few answers. “i genuinely don’t understand. i need your help in understanding. please.”

his hold around the steering wheel loosened, until he leaned back into his seat. you were getting more annoyed by the second, but you had said everything you needed to say.

“i didn’t do anything with her,” he repeated, swallowing a lump in his throat. in a matter of seconds, everything began to spill from his tongue. “she’s a family friend who moved to seijoh this year. i don’t know why she moved, when she had been attending shiratorizawa before now. my family asked me to show her around and whatnot, and i agreed to it because i know her, and she was new around school.”

he hesitated before continuing. “it was fine at first, then she asked for tutoring lessons, after school meetings, and all that. i kept saying no until she became so pushy that both her parents and mine told me to at least tutor her. so i did.”

that’s it? you were almost speechless at all this, all this frustration and fear in your system as he became silence once more. “tutoring lessons?” you asked, almost unbelieving of the words that had come out of your own mouth. “i don’t care about tutoring lessons, hajime. why couldn’t you have just told me?”

“because i slowly began to like the tutoring sessions, alright?” he shut you up with one sentence as soon as you started raising your voice. iwa's words hit you harder than expected, you backed up into your own seat as soon as he took a deep breath.

“i didn’t think i would start looking forward to them, but after a couple weeks, i began getting too comfortable. she became more down to earth than i thought she would be, and we became closer.” he buried his face in his hands, as if that would help him atone for his mistakes. “it had nothing to do with you. don’t think i got tired of you, because i would never, and i mean that. please—”

“would you have actually done anything with her if i never found out?” hajime’s eyes widened as your voice cracked, your arms wrapping around your own stomach in discomfort.

“y/n—”

“would you?”

“no.” not even a moment of hesitation. “i would never.”

“how can you be so sure?” you were angry, frustrated, confused—so many thoughts, so many questions... you were at a complete loss of words, yet too many were threatening to spill out all at once. “you were already comfortable with being able to see her more than you were able to see me. how can you say so easily that the thought of doing anything else with her never crossed your mind?”

“because i love you, not her.” his hand reached up to touch yours, but you moved away from him, as far away as you could in the passenger seat. he placed his hand back down into his pockets before continuing. “i’m not sure if you remember, but there was one night where you thought i was unwell, because i wasn’t texting like my usual self.”

you nodded silently to acknowledge your memory of that day. “that’s because it wasn’t me. that was her. i must’ve left my phone unlocked while i had left the dining room to turn on my car and she took it. by the time i dropped her off at home, you began messaging me about being bored of our relationship, because of how she had texted you. i was terrified that it had come to this, that i was too ashamed of myself to admit to what had been going on.”

“and the other ten minutes?”

“she forgot her homework at my house.”

you almost hated how his explanation fit perfectly into the entire situation. that would explain how she got your number. “i just... i don’t get why you had to hide all of this from me. don’t you trust me? have our years of being together not account for anything? do you really think i would care about tutoring lessons?”

“they weren’t supposed to be lessons. they turned from fifteen minute meetups to a scheduled hour almost everyday. i didn’t realize just how normal it had become for me until both you and oikawa began ignoring me.” you could tell he was having difficulty confessing to everything, but you weren’t going to stop until he coughed out every remaining detail out of him.

“...and the cafe?”

“i wanted to end everything, i swear. end the lessons, end anything that began to develop a deeper relationship.” iwaizumi shook his head at the thought and leaned his head against the headrest, staring up at the roof of his vehicle. “i wanted to do it without having to drag you into this mess, so that it would never happen again. then i saw karasuno walking out as soon as i was about to say something.”

“what did you do after they left?” that also lined up perfectly with what both sugawara and nishinoya told you that day.

“i still did it. i told her that our meetings were over and that i was no longer going to affiliate with her outside of school, or anywhere in general. i stood up and left before she could say anything.” he glanced in your direction and sat straight once more, his hands fidgety and his foot tapping lightly near the pedals. “that was that. i didn’t even drive her home. i drove back to my house and blocked her number. after thinking about my mistakes, i called you. then everything unfolded to now.” you were still trying to process everything that was just let out, and hajime slumped into his seat. “that’s it. that’s all that happened. you can even check my phone if you want.”

you didn’t want to see his phone. currently, you didn’t know what you wanted. part of you was thinking about getting out of his car and walking home. surely he didn’t think that just telling you the truth would be the answer to all of your problems?

“why are you sorry, hajime?” after more silence had filled the air, you pierced it with a needle. “that you got caught? that i found out? that you made a mistake? why?”

“because i let something so stupid drag out this far.”

“be honest with me.” you interrupted him before he could continue. “did you grow feelings for her at one point?”

“feelings?”

“you’re not naive. you know what i’m asking you.”

he hesitated, which was all the answer you needed. his silence was louder than any other response he could have given you. you were just heartbroken that absolutely none of this was your fault.

iwaizumi noticed your shift in emotion, and his voice cracked under the pressure of the situation, and you could tell he was trying his hardest to keep everything in. “i shouldn’t have let it come to this, and i know apologizing won’t change anything. but you have to believe that i never did a thing with her. and i don’t have feelings for her. none. the closest i ever got to her was accidentally touching the same pencil as her.” his tone became more desperate, he was losing whatever restraint he had left. “i swear, you don’t have to forgive me now, but please let me make it up to you eventually. i promise—”

“hajime, please drive me home.”

“what?”

“i said, please drive me home.” this really wasn’t a yes or no situation. everything about this was anything but yes or no.

he was unfaithful, but he wasn’t. he cheated... but did he really?

depends on your standpoint of cheating, isn’t it?

“thank you for telling me everything. i trust you enough to believe that what you said was the truth, but i just want to go home now. please.”

he didn’t respond to your monotone response, he knew that was the end of this conversation. with a heavy heart he started his engine and drove out of the empty parking lot, the space between you figuratively wider the longer you two remained in the same car together. the road stretched far ahead, you let your thoughts spin into an endless frenzy all the way back home. the noise in your head refused to subside as hajime parked in your driveway, changing the stick shift to park and unlocking the door.

you reached for the door handle to open it, but hesitated. was this really the end of you two? you didn’t know if it was or not—you didn’t know if you wanted it to be over. you still loved him. that feeling wouldn’t go away overnight. and while hajime made an extremely stupid mistake, you knew he loved you as well. but this was something that couldn’t be ignored. you couldn’t just pretend this never happened. you were better than that.

“i don’t know what’s going to happen yet,” you said truthfully, gathering the courage to turn around and look hajime in the eye. “i just want to think about it for now. that’s all.”

“take your time. i’ll always wait for you.” he sounded broken, but you had made up your mind. with only a simple nod to say goodbye, you opened the door without turning back, rushing back into your house before watching hajime drive away with a sharp pain in your chest.

what the hell are you gonna do now?

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