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miracle-sham · 4 years

Text

Death is the Stage, My Art is Your Grave.

| {Maribat 2k20 – Day 4: Crime Scene(s)} |

| Triggers/Warnings: Implied/referenced Character Death, Blood and Violence, Minor Violence, Minor Injuries, Implied/Referenced Needles, Implied/Referenced Injections, Implied/Referenced Drug Use, Non-Consensual Drug Use (knock out drug only), Murder, Murder Mystery, Serial Killer, Attempted Murder, Kidnapping, Attempted Kidnapping, Explicit Language/some swearing. |

| Marinette Dupain-Cheng is a rookie police officer in the GCPD. On her first day she's assigned one hell of a case. On the bright side, by working on the case she's somehow managed to catch the attention of a couple of bats. |

| Word Count: 5215 |

==–==

| A/N: So as I mentioned in the authors note of the previous ficlets, I got mugged in the dark dank alleyway by the Maribat2k20 MariTim prompt calendar and stabbed by the knives of inspiration. However, like VYSUYK, this too was a knife of the angst inspo, also it's sort of slow burn? In the fact that it's 5k and I kinda forgot the ship was the main point of this ficlet. The ship's still there, it's just sorta slow burn for a oneshot. |

| If you want to be tagged in future oneshots/fics, or a specific Au, then send me a DM or an ask! |

| Also side note, Don't Like? Don't Read. Also please do not criticise any of my writing. This was written for fun and receiving criticism, even in a compliment/criticism sandwich, is the exact opposite of fun. |

==–==

Marinette stares down the Gotham Police Department building and asks herself, first day on the job, how bad can it really it be?

She's heard rumours, of course. Of how horrible, crime-ridden, crazy infested, rotten, filthy, and decaying the city is, that is Gotham. It's a stark difference to Paris. From its reputation alone, no wonder so many tried to discourage her from doing this—moving here and taking up this job. But it's not like I had a choice, really. I mean I did but ever since I took off the Miraculous for the last time, it's been difficult to adjust to a life with no crime-fighting.

So here she is, "bright-eyed" (Chat Noir—Adrien always did say no matter how haunted she looks, she can still pull off pretending to be naïve and innocent) and fresh from the police academy. Rookie, fresh blood, fresh meat, newbie, whatever. She's here.

Marinette breathes in deeply and sighs. She hops up the last few steps leading up to the building and walks in. Someone grabs her by the arm before she's barely made it five steps through the door. Focussing on her breathing pattern, she violently shoves down the instinct to flip the person gripping her over her shoulder. It wouldn't look good for the small female inexperienced rookie from Paris to immediately assault someone inside the precinct. Yeah.

The someone who has grabbed her speaks up, voice gravelly with the undertones of stressed, tired, and agitated. “Y'lost pipsqueak?”

Slowly, she shakes her head, chanting a mantra in her head, stay calm. Not an Akuma. Don't fight. I'm not in danger. She catches sight of the person, some ragged looking old white police officer dude, charming. “'Looking for Commissioner Gordon? Is he around?”

“Why d'you wanna know?”

Marinette gestures with her free arm towards her clothing—her police officer uniform. “I'm new, got called in to come in now instead of earlier with the rest of the rookies.”

The grip on her arm loosens somewhat as the person speaks again. “Huh, alright then kid. He's in 'is office.”

“Not a kid.” She automatically responds—an old habit from her days in sparkling spotty magic Spandex—and takes a step away from him, removing her from his grip.

The person laughs. “M'name's Harvey, kid. Harvey Bullock. Nice to meetcha.”

Marinette raises an eyebrow. “Marinette Dupain-Cheng. Now if you'll excuse me…”

The man—Harvey waves his hand, “Yeah, yeah, don't wanna keep Gordon waiting.” And walks off. Without giving her the directions to Commissioner Gordon's office. Great. Just great.

She huffs bitterly and makes her way further in before spotting the glass-windowed room that looks like it's probably the Commissioner's office. Switching directions to head there, it feels like it takes ages but that's just because she's being hyper-aware of her surroundings, not wanting to get caught off guard again by shadow-lurking creeps—and by that she specifically means vigilantes and criminals, and by extension villains too, not that they're likely to be sneaking around a police precinct but point. Once she reaches the office, delicately, she raps her knuckles against the wood of the door.

“Come in.” Calls the commissioner.

Quietly, she opens the door and slips through, closing it behind herself. “You asked to see me now, instead of earlier with the other rookies.”

Commissioner Gordon glances up at her from his mountain of paperwork, “I did,” there's a shuffle of paper before he continues, sounding bone-tired. “We're assigning you to be Detective Grayson's partner. He wasn't here this morning but he, and by extension, you now, have been assigned a difficult case and I'm sorry this is going to be your first case but I need you to head over there immediately. Grayson should be there when you arrive.”

Marinette nods, not really having expected anything less.

“Detective McKenna is on a case not far from yours and so will drop you off, so you don't get lost since you're new in Gotham.” He adds on. “She's waiting in the car park.”

Marinette waits for a second in case he speaks more but all he does is return to the paperwork. She spins on her heel and exits the office.

==–==

When she reaches the car park she spots who she assumes is Detective McKenna, leaning against a police car. She waves at her and hurries over. “Hi, are you Detective McKenna?”

“Yeah, now get in. You wanna get to your crime scene before the vigilantes get there, don't you?” Detective McKenna opens the car door to the driver's seat and sits down.

Well someone doesn't like vigilantes. Marinette thinks, hesitating before going around the other side of the car and opening the door, slips into the passenger seat.

==–==

She's dropped off by the rest of the police cars parked near the crime scene—Aparo Park—and there's no sign of her partner anywhere. She sighs and gets work, talking over what's already been found and other case-related information to the rest of the officers on the scene. She's yet to see what the actual crime scene looks like but from what's gathered she's not sure she wants to. Apparently, the victim is a meta who could create sparks and small flames from their fingertips—minor pyrokinesis. Ironic, according to the officers and Crime Scene Investigators that have already seen of the state of the victim.

All too soon she runs out of information to hear and walks over to the scene of the crime—and she blanches at the sight of it. Oh god, It takes her a second to process what she's seeing and compare it to what she had heard about it. It's, it's a sight and a half for sure, and not in a good way.

In the middle of the bandstand is a twisting structure of orange and yellow glass shards stained red in places where rivulets of blood have dried. The way the shards are arranged makes it look like it's supposed to look like flames. In the centre of the glass piece, there's a corpse with the back cut open in the "blood eagle" style of execution. The way the corpse is positioned, it looks like it's rising from the fire, arms outstretched. The corpse is also wearing a crown of golden feathers.

Marinette steps away from the bandstand and spots an easel resting unobtrusively against the outside. Oddly enough the canvas on the easel is the wrong way around, only the side with the back and frame is visible. There's scrawled writing on the back which says "Aparo Phoenix Rising". That's when she spots the flecks of red on the edges of the easels frame. She spins around and catches the attention of one of the Crime Scene Investigators, waving them over, and turning to point their attention to the easel. It could just be paint, but it won't hurt to double-check.

The Investigator turns the canvas over with gloved hands and whistles appreciatively. “Shit, this one fucked up bastard, don'tcha think?”

Marinette stares at the turned over canvas with wide eyes and a wave of nausea crashes over her as she realises what she's seeing. Because on the canvas is a painted rendition of the corpse sculpture in the bandstand. “Yeah…”

She's jolted from her shock as she spots three figures a little ways behind the bandstand, lurking in the shadows. So she does the smart thing in this situation, not, and speed walks over to the trio. Once she's close enough to make out the figures a little better, she recognises two as the Gotham vigilantes Red Hood and Red Robin—and dang is the second one cute, she shakes her head, no time to be distracted; job first, hero crush later—and the third figure is wearing GCPD officer uniform.

The figures all spot her before she can get within two metres, the two vigilantes looking awfully flighty the closer she gets. As if I'd arrest them, I'm no hypocrite. She puts on her brightest smile and stops a few places away. Keeping her main gaze purely at the officer, she offers her hand out for a handshake. “I'm assuming you're Detective Dick Grayson, correct?”

The man gives her an odd look then a positively dazzling grin and shakes her hand. “Yeah, that's me and who are you?”

From the corner of her eye, she can see the two vigilantes eyeing her like a threat. “Pleasure to meet you! I'm Marinette Dupain-Cheng and I've just been assigned your partner, I'd say in crime but I feel like that'd be a poor joke to make as a new police officer!”

Detective Grayson's smile softens around the edges, becoming something more real. He opens his mouth to speak but is cut off by the Red Hood striding forwards and presumably glaring her down but it's hard to tell with the whole red helmet in the way.

“Aren't you gonna arrest me?” He pauses before tacking on, “not that I'm complaining.”

Marinette shrugs, tilting her head to the side like a confused small baby animal but also returning the (presumed) glare, hands on her hips. “Don't the police here work with the heroes? I mean that's how Paris does things, I didn't think it would be that different here. Especially since Gotham's apparently had its heroes a lot longer than Paris did.”

“Vigilantes.” All three correct, slightly out of sync, casting glances at each other all the same time.

Red Robin puts his hand on Red Hood's shoulder and pulls him back, away from her by a few places. “No, the GCPD doesn't really like us for the most part. They're not exactly happy when we complete their cases and make their arrests before them.”

“Well, you seem pretty familiar with Detective Grayson.” Marinette retorts, raising an eyebrow.

Detective Grayson splutters and mumbles out a bunch of excuses.

She shakes her head. “Well as long as you don't impede the investigation and let me make the final arrest then I won't stop you vigilantes poking about.”

Red Robin hums, head tilted to the side as if thinking the preposition over. “And why should we let you make the final arrest?”

Marinette grins cheekily. “Think of it as a first police case present from you to me.” She snorts. “I'm kidding, now if you vigilantes are done stalking the shadows, Detective Grayson and I have a case to work on. Au Revoir!”

Spinning on her heel, she speed walks back to the bandstand, Detective Grayson following a step behind—unbeknownst to her, she turns in time to just miss the flustered look on Red Robin but she does hear the raucous burst of laughter from Red Hood. She rolls her eyes.

==–==

A fortnight passes and they don't manage to collect enough evidence to find a culprit before the Aparo Park killer strikes again. This time the crime scene is in Puckett Park, centring around the middle of the park's fountain.

Marinette grimaces, crinkling her nose as she approaches, Detective Grayson isn't here yet, probably late—again. So she had to catch a lift from another officer heading to the scene; luckily it wasn't Detective McKenna again, I don't think I'd be able to keep quiet if she keeps bad-mouthing the local vigilantes.

Tugging on her jacket in attempts to adjust it whilst keeping herself warm in the chilly Gotham night air, Marinette regards the scene, squinting and subconsciously curling her lips at the sight. Another victim, another corpse sculpture. One more like this and we'll have a serial killer on our hands.

The main water feature in the fountain has been ripped out of the fountain and the rubble is scattered around the pool in such a way that it only adds to the sculpture.

The corpse sculpture itself is the same modus operandi as the previous one. Stained glass in a twisted tower with a corpse half impaled on it, back cut open blood eagle style, and the victim's body posed to look as though it's rising (from the water in this case) with their arms outstretched.

There's even another easel leaning against the stone rim of the fountain, with the canvas turned over.

This time, the glass shards are white and blue, also with dried rivulets of blood down them. It looks like the shards are arranged to replicate waves as opposed to the previous one's flames. The legs of the victim are twisted together and wrapped in silver scale mail to mimic a fishtail.

If it wasn't so horrific, it would make for a beautiful painting. Like something you'd find in an expensive art gallery. Marinette muses, paling the longer she stands there analysing. Actually, thinking about it, I wouldn't put it past the rich to try and buy the paintings if—once the case gets closed.

Marinette shakes her head and steps close enough to the easel to read the scrawled writing on it, "Puckett Hippocampus Rising". As she's reading, a Crime Scene Investigator joins her—surprisingly it's the same one as before. She nods to the Investigator, “hey.”

“Hey to you too. So the fucked up bastard struck again huh.” The Investigator responds, turning over the canvas with gloved hands to reveal a painted rendition of the corpse sculpture scene before them. “Had any luck narrowing down the perp?”

She hums noncommittally. “Police case confidentiality, sorry.”

The Investigator shrugs. “I expected as much. By the way, they managed to ID the vic by the way, a teen who was kicked out of their house for having hydrokinesis, another meta.”

“Ah…”

“Yeah.”

Marinette pauses, narrowing her eyes at the shadows by a cluster of trees off to the side of the fountain. “I think I spot my partner, bye.”

She jogs over to the trees and lo and behold, there stands Detective Grayson, accompanied by Red Robin and Batgirl. No Red Hood in sight so maybe hopefully she won't get glared at. “Detective Grayson!” She greets with no real bite behind her words, “nice of you to finally arrive.”

“Ah well, you see…” Detective Grayson starts, smiling sheepishly and rubbing the nape of his neck.

Shaking her head and waving a hand, Marinette rolls good-naturedly before pursing her lips and side-eyeing the vigilantes, cocking her head to the side. She stabilises her stance and plonks her hands on her hips in an action reminiscent of the pose she took when glaring down the Red Hood. “Look I don't know how or why you're involved with Gotham's heroes—”

“Vigilantes.” The three corrected, in chorus this time.

Marinette narrows her eyes at the three of them. “—Vigilantes then but I don't care, you're business is your business and they're certainly doing good for this city from what I can see.” She takes a breath and then continues lecturing. “But my point is, regardless of whatever your reason for being involved with them is, you shouldn't be acting so familiar with each other in such plain view.” She gestures back towards the crime scene, where the Crime Scene Investigator she had been talking to waves at them. “What if a villain saw you and decided to blackmail you into betraying them, kidnap, torture you for information, or kill you just to get at them? Especially if a villain assumes you know their identities. So just be more careful next time.” She finishes with a shake of her head and blows a stray hair away from her face.

Red Robin and Batgirl valiantly try to quell their giggles and snorts but quickly become forced to lean on each other as they barrel over in laughter. Batgirl even wipes a finger just under the whiteouts of her mask, as if to wipe away a tear.

Whereas Detective Grayson looks thoroughly chagrined. “I-uh, right…” He pauses and stares at her wide-eyed, “wait I hope you didn't just imply that you think I'm having a secret affair with one of the vigilantes.”

His response seems to only fuel Red Robin and Batgirl's amusement.

Marinette shoots him a look of disbelief. “I am well aware that not every relationship a civilian and hero can have is purely romantic thank you very much.”

It takes a solid minute before the vigilantes are able to breathe without devolving into more giggles. Although their attempts certainly aren't helped by the looks of concern and betrayal Detective Grayson keeps sending them.

She turns to Red Robin and Batgirl. “Right well if you're both finished—”

Batgirl raises her hands in defence. “Oh no! We know all about how to properly interact with civilians when in the mask, we don't need a lecture too!”

Raising an eyebrow at them, Marinette rolls her eyes and deadpans. “—I was going to ask if either of you has had a chance to investigate the crime scene yet?”

Batgirl glances always and mumbles something under her breath that Marinette can't quite catch but it causes Red Robin to snort.

He takes half a step forward and shrugs. “No, we haven't yet. We were going to until you and Detective Grayson showed up.”

Marinette flashes him a humorous smirk. “Well I need to report the updates on the case to Detective Grayson anyway, so you and Batgirl might as well stick around to pay attention.”

Red Robin smirks back at her, “That would be easier.”

And Marinette has to stop her heart from fluttering at the sight of his smirk and—is he blushing? Oh no—by mentally reminding herself to not get attached—Stop getting distracted by how cute and pretty Red Robin is! Job first, hero crush later. It does not stop her from blushing as well.

Beside them, both Detective Grayson and Batgirl facepalm.

Clearing her throat, Marinette shakes her head and proceeds to rattle off all relevant information to the case and crime scene.

“Thanks, Officer Dupain-Cheng.” Red Robin says, winking at her.

Batgirl makes a noise of distress and irritation. “Yeah, thanks…”

“No problem!” Marinette grins, trying to keep her blush from getting any redder.

Detective Grayson takes her by the shoulder and starts leading her away from the vigilantes. “Okay, I think that's enough fraternising with the dubious vigilantes.”

Red Robin and Batgirl make similar noises of offence. “Hey! We're not that dubious!”

As they arrive at the centre of crime scene again, she catches sight of Batgirl elbowing Red Robin in the side, his face bright red and he's staring after her.

==–==

Another fortnight passes and no there's been no more progress on their mysterious art park killer. Marinette's on her way back from the fashion district, having gone for a quick shop to grab some more supplies, coffee in hand. She's passing through Grant Park when a familiar structure meets her eyes. She blanches and her shopping bag slips from her grip but thankfully she doesn't drop her coffee. “Shit.”

She steps closer to double-check it is what she thinks it is. Inside one of the fenced-off flower beds, is another corpse sculpture, same as the previous two. Green and brown stained glass arranged to look like vines and roots in a twisted tower with a corpse half impaled on it, back cut open blood eagle style, and the victim's body posed to look as though it's rising from the flower bed with their arms outstretched. And surprise, surprise. An easel with a turned over canvas is set up on the other side of the sculpture.

Marinette fumbles for her phone and swipes down to call Detective Grayson, and then Commissioner Gordon, to inform them that she's found another crime scene with the same modus operandi to their park killer case. Elevating their crim from a themed killer to a serial killer.

She sets going about the protocol for taping off and preserving a crime scene for when the investigation team arrives.

Ten minutes later, the crime scene investigation team and police squad arrive and Marinette picks up her supplies then sits down on a bench out of sight from the rest of the force but with a view of the scene. She takes slow sips of her coffee. For once Detective Grayson is on time but she still managed to beat him here.

Marinette watches as he scans the crime scene and bustling team of investigators. She hides a smile behind her coffee as he perks up like a puppy and bounds over to her.

“Hey, you okay?” He asks, a look of concern furrowing his brow, eyeing her like he's almost expecting her to be hurt.

If this was an Akuma related situation, she could understand that sentiment but accidentally coming across a crime scene didn't warrant that sort of concern. Marinette shakes her head. “Would you believe if I said I've had a long night?”

Detective Grayson glances down at his wristwatch and then back to her, looking even more concerned. “It's only just gone eight o'clock.”

“A very long early night then.” She takes another slow sip of her coffee. It's practically luke-warm at this point but the familiar taste is a small bit of comfort.

He hmphs and there's a lull of relative silence.

The Crime Scene Investigator, who she chatted with at the previous two crime scenes, walks over to them. “Killer's M.O.'s the same.”

“Painted rendition on the turned over canvas?” Marinette checks reluctantly.

Staring at her, the Investigator adds, “yeah, this one was titled Grant Owlman Rising this time instead though. Also, we've managed to ID the vic.”

“Already, that's quick?” Marinette frowns, getting a niggling suspicious feeling, not noticing Detective Grayson paling at the title.

“Uh-huh, they're another meta, got minor geokinesis. I need to return to work now, but I thought you'd appreciate the heads up.” The Investigator waves and walks away.

“Mhmm, thanks,” Marinette responds on autopilot, mind whirling with thoughts and theories. She chews on her lip and squints at the crime scene. She turns to Detective Grayson. “I'm starting to think our killer's an AtLA fan?”

Detective Grayson twists his mouth and cocks his head to the side. “AtLA?”

Marinette turns her squint onto him. “Avatar the Last Airbender! Have you seriously never heard of it before?”

Shrugging, he rubs the nape of his neck. “I think I've heard it in passing but being a police detective hasn't exactly left me time to check out new shows...”

Marinette mock gasps. “Inconceivable!”

Detective Grayson snorts. “I don't think any of my siblings have seen it either.”

“Oh, the horror! As soon as this case is over we'll have to remedy that! What better excuse than this for Family plus one co-worker movie night!” She jokes, grinning stupidly.

Detective Grayson opens his mouth to answer but another Investigator calls him over to the crime scene.

Barely a second after Detective Grayson's departure, a familiar red and black-clad vigilante hops down from a tree.

Marinette gives him a deadpan stare. “If you wanted info on the case, you didn't need to stalk us or eavesdrop. Asking politely is an option.”

Red Robin flushes bright red, looking positively scandalised. “I wasn't stalking!”

She raises an eyebrow. “Uh-huh.”

“You just happen to be sitting at the most strategic place to survey the crime scene without getting caught by the GCPD.” He explains flimsily.

“Then what is Detective Grayson and I? Chopped liver?” Marinette challenges.

“I'm not going to answer that.” Red Robin responds with a half-smile.

“Good idea.” Marinette teases, grinning widely. Then she hesitates, grin faltering.

He notices this, going straight into concerned™ mode. “Is something?”

She tilts her head to the side. “There's a pattern with the victims. The first had a fire-themed sculpture and had pyrokinesis, the second had a water-themed sculpture and had hydrokinesis, and the third has a plant-themed sculpture and geokinesis. Meaning there's one more element left, air. So you wouldn't happen to have a way to somehow find a list of all the metas with aerokinesis, would you?”

Red Robin hums. “I might.”

Marinette pulls out a notebook and a pen and quickly scribbles down her phone number. “Here,” she says, ripping the note from the book and passing it over to him. “Text me a list if you're able to?”

He nods. “I'll try.”

She grins, suppressing the urge to give him a hug in thanks. “Thank you!”

Saluting, Red Robin disappears into the shadows.

==–==

Thirteen days later, Marinette finishes up the last of her paperwork. She fires off a quick text tell Detective Grayson that she's going to check on the other half of the people on the list Red Robin provided her.

Five hours pass, and she's checked through eight names on the list. The next potential target is a young nurse.

Marinette walks towards the hospital the nurse is working out and spots the nurse leaving. She's about to jog to the nurse instead but a familiar person steps out from the shadows in front of her, the Crime Scene Investigator.

“Hey. You shouldn't be walking 'round Gotham alone this late.”

With a tight-lipped smile, Marinette responds, “That's nice of you to worry but I'll be fine. Now if you don't mind, I have to talk to someone and I'm in a rush.”

The Investigator grabs her by the wrist and it takes all her willpower to not throw him into the nearest wall. He gives her a slow uncurling smirk. “Mhmm, you're looking into people you think might be the next vics, ain'tcha?”

Several alarm bells are ringing in her head at this point and she carefully sends an SOS message with her location attached to Detective Grayson, without the investigator noticing. “I might be, I might not be.”

The Investigator chuckles. “You're a bright one. Unfortunately, I can't have you interfering with my plans yet.”

It takes a second for her to process what the Investi—serial killer just admitted. She sends a message over text to Detective Grayson informing him that she's found the serial killer. Luckily for her, the Investigator seems to enjoy monologuing in her ear about the murders he has committed and lamenting how none of the police force appreciates his genius. In one move she pulls her phone out, snaps a photo of his face, and sends it to Detective Grayson.

The Investigator snarls. “You bitch!”

She tries to flip him over her shoulder but he pulls her into a chokehold, sapping away her strength, and then there's a pinprick of pain from the side of her neck.

Marinette tries to scream and break out of the hold but with her strength gone and whatever she was injected with working too quickly, the chokehold is impossible for her to escape. Her phone falls from her hands and clatters to the pavement, screen shattering while darkness pulls her under and she goes limp.

==–==

When Marinette comes to, she's blindfolded and gagged, with her wrists and ankles chained together. Everything's numb and fuzzy. She can hear shouting, clanging, and gunfire in the distance but her head and ears feel like someone stuffed cotton wool inside.

Marinette's not sure if she's drifting in and out of consciousness or not but the sounds seem to be steadily coming closer. The closer the sounds get, the more an achy pain forms.

Then she hears a vaguely familiar voice very close by, “shit, no-no-no! Dick, I've found Marinette.”

There's a rustle and then a faint pressure against her ribs followed by a flare of red hot pain. Instinctively, Marinette tries to curl up and protect herself.

The gag and blindfold are removed and Marinette's greeted with the sight of a very worried (and very blurry) Red Robin. She's also in a warehouse—typical villain lair.

Her vision swims as she tries to speak but her words slurring slightly, not completely convinced what she's seeing is real—why would a hero save me? After all, no one tried to save me when I was hurt as Ladybug so why would anyone care to rescue me as my civilian self? “Red Robin? What're—what are you doing here?”

“Definitely has bruised ribs, and has been drugged, there's some needle marks on the back of her neck.” He reports, ignoring her.

Marinette furrows her brow and squints at Red Robin. “'M fine?”

He turns to her and gives her a wry look. “You're phrasing that like a question. So clearly you're not.”

She watches as Red Robin fishes a lockpicking set from his utility belt and gets to work unlocking the chains around her wrists and ankles. As the drug wears off, a wave of pain hits her. Marinette yelps and tears spring to get eyes.

“You're gonna be fine. Not much longer and we can get you to safety.” Red Robin assures.

“I know,” She mumbles, “you're here after all.”

Red Robin blushes bright red. “Oh.”

She goes to say something else but the click of the locks falling off distract her. Stiffly she stands up, partially—mostly leaning on Red Robin for support and rubs at her wrists. “Ow.”

Gently, he took her by the shoulders and guided her towards the exit of the warehouse. “Come on, you need to be checked by the parameds.”

Marinette stumbles and stops, refusing to move any further. “Wait!”

Red Robin freezes. “What's wrong?”

“Kiss me like a damsel in distress,” Marinette mutters in demand, only half aware of what she's saying—still convinced her rescue is actually just a really vivid dream.

“What? No, you're drugged!” He responds in horror, stepping away from her then realises his mistake as she sways and grabs her by the shoulders once again before she can fall over.

Marinette huffs, mildly irritated but finally sounding far more lucid than when Red Robin found her. “It's just ketamines, that's why I'm hallucinating getting rescued. So hallucination Red Robin, gimme a kiss before the hallucination ends because you're cute and I'm a damsel in distress and everyone knows the hero kisses the damsel in distress after rescuing her.”

“Oh, Marinette…” Red Robin stares at her, conflicted but will quickly dissolving. “Fine.”

He takes her breath away with a kiss. Her eyes widen in surprise, not having expected him to comply.

“Oh.” She says when he takes a half step back, heart fluttering and mind spinning, only just realising that she's fallen head over heels for him, and more importantly realising that this wasn't a hallucination but the actual Red Robin. “Oh.”

She chews her lip anxiously. “Wow. Okay. Uhh, so you're not a hallucination?”

“Er, no… sorry for taking advantage of you.” Red Robin responds, looking equally anxious.

“No, no, I did ask you to kiss me and everything.” She pauses to say something else but a flash of shadows behind them catches both their attention.

“Dick?” Red Robin stills and asks slowly—tone dangerous. “Did you just take blackmail photos of me kissing Marinette?”

Detective Grayson steps out of the shadows looking very sheepish. “You forgot to mute your comms. What else was I supposed to do? Interrupt you two? that would be cruel!”

“Oh my god.” Marinette slaps her hands over her face.

Red Robin wraps a protective arm over her shoulders and pulls her against his armoured chest. “Dick, you should be so glad that you're on duty right now and that I abide by the no-killing rule. Because you're so dead. Delete. The. Photos. Now.”

Detective Grayson smirks and sprints away. “No can do! Gotta go arrest our killer!”

==–==

| [Sequel Link] |

| Thank you for reading! I hope you enjoyed this little oneshot! Comments, likes, and reblogs are much appreciated! |

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168 notes · View notes

onewfantaesy · 4 years

Note

Cubicle au is so stinkin cute!!!!!! I don't even have anything to say other than that! Just gimme all of it!

Let’s start this morning with more cubicle au then!

Coffee coffee coffee coffee coffee. If Taemin didn’t get coffee in the next twelve seconds he was going to pass out. His head was swirling so bad - screw Jinki and his plans and his no sleep all weekend - weren’t Monday’s bad enough?

Taemin forgot to have his morning coffee. He woke up late. Well, actually, he had fallen asleep just eighteen minutes before his alarm was supposed to go off and then didn’t get out of bed until twelve minutes before he had to leave.

Taemin is going to pass out, he’s sure of it.

“Morning Taemin,” Key calls before Taemin’s keys even hit his desk.

“Hi Key,” he says, his voice wavering.

“I’m about to do a Starbucks run, wanna tag along?” Key asks.

“Me?”

“Yeah, you.”

“God please yes please.”

“Whattaya want? I’m ordering right now.”

“Uh,” Taemin’s mind goes blank. “Coffee?”

Key snorts.

“How often do you get Starbucks?”

“Never.”

“I’ll get you what I get,” Key says. “You’ll like it.”

“It has lots of caffeine?”

“So much caffeine.”

“Oh,” Taemin stutters, digging in his backpack for his wallet. “I don’t have any cash - can I -”

“Don’t worry about it,” Key says. “My treat.”

“I’ll pay next time,” Taemin says.

“Cool,” Key says. “Let’s go.”

Taemin hears keys jingling and Key’s chair creaking, and Taemin hadn’t even logged into his computer yet.

Boa was coming with them. There were eight coffees waiting for them to pick up.

“Who in the heck-” Taemin starts, but Key just snorts.

“Monday morning meeting,” Key explains. “It was my turn to pick up coffee.”

Taemin scoffs.

“You guys get Starbucks?” he asks. “Baekhyun only ever gets us the free shit from the break room.”

“That’s because Baekhyun is a boring team lead,” Boa says, smirking. “And because our team is better.”

Taemin laughs, but he’s a little uncomfortable. He does also manage to balance one tray of coffees in one hand and open the car door for Boa with the other.

“Aww, you’re sweet,” she says, getting into the front seat.

“Um,” Taemin stutters, “thank you.”

Boa only continues cackling and sharing a look with Key while Taemin gets into the backseat.

The coffee Key got for him is an iced venti sweet thing. “The ratio of size to flavor shots is very important,” Key had said. Taemin writes down a note in his phone of what’s on the label. It’s the best damn coffee he’s ever had.

Taemin spends most of the morning with his lips wrapped around the straw and staring at his computer. The caffeine helped, but he’s still tired.

Once Key’s team meeting is over, he hears Key and Boa talking in hushed voices.

“I want to steal him,” Boa whispered.

“We can’t steal him,” Key whispers back.

“Yunho agrees!”

“They won’t let us steal him.”

“We can try.”

“Don’t you have something to do besides pester me?”

“Fine,” Boa huffs. “But this isn’t over.”

Taemin hears her leave Key’s row and go down a couple more towards her own cubicle. Taemin smirks.

“Who are you trying to steal?” He asks. He loves office gossip, even if he won’t admit it.

“No one,” Key laughs. “Don’t worry about it. Did you like the coffee?”

“It’s the best dang drink I’ve ever had.”

“Good.”

That’s when Minho comes in to Taemin’s cubicle to talk about a document they just got emailed about. Key goes back to typing at his keyboard. Taemin is sure he’s messaging Boa - he never types and pauses and types and pauses like that when he’s actually working. Plus, he keeps sighing. Taemin thinks it’s funny.

Taemin is still exhausted, despite the coffee. He doesn’t even have the energy to make fun of some of the corporate emails with Minho.

“Long weekend, Taemin?”

Taemin blinks slowly, then turns his eyes toward the wall he shared with Key.

“Yeah, kinda,” Taemin mumbles. “My brother was visiting.”

“Aww, that’s sweet,” Boa’s voice calls. It makes Taemin jump. He hadn’t heard her come back over. “Do you want to come get lunch with us today?”

“Do you guys just always go out to eat?”

“Not always,” Boa says. “Unless you like that.”

Taemin is confused. Or maybe he’s still just tired and can’t follow.

“We’re gonna go to Olive Garden.”

“Ah,” Taemin perks up. “True American food.”

It makes Boa and Key both choke a laugh.

“Shut up,” Key calls. “You coming or not?”

“Um,” Taemin stutters. “Let me ask Minho if I can.”

“He’s not your boss.”

“I can hear you guys!” Minho scoffs from the cubicle behind Taemin’s. “I’m his direct superior!”

“No you’re not,” Baekhyun says from the window cubicle behind Minho. “Taemin, if you want to go to lunch, it’s fine.”

“Thank you!”

“Taemin, we still have-” Minho starts.

“It’s not due until Friday,” Baekhyun cuts in, knowing exactly what Minho and Taemin are working together on. “And aren’t you guys already ahead of schedule? He can take an hour and a half for lunch if he wants.”

Flexible schedules really are the best thing that ever happened to Taemin. He’ll have to stay later than he usually does - because going out to lunch always takes longer than planned - but it’s fine. He can make up the time tomorrow if he really wants to.

“I can’t wait to eat seven breadsticks,” Taemin says, mostly to himself. It’s still only eleven o’ clock, it’s no doubt another hour before they leave for lunch.

“Seven breadsticks?” Key laughs.

“They’re free,” Taemin says. “I’m going to eat as many as possible. Maybe even eight.”

They bicker about the amount of breadsticks one can consume in a single sitting for another seven minutes. Until Minho comes into Taemin’s cubicle and insists they need to look at part of their current assignment. Taemin just thinks he’s jealous that he won’t be getting to eat breadsticks today.

“So what’s with you and Minho?” Taemin asks while he sits in the back of Key’s car. Boa is in the front seat again, and Yunho is sitting in the back with Taemin.

Boa and Yunho laugh, and Key just scoffs.

“We literally joined on the exact same day,” Key starts. “He just annoys me. It’s nothing specific.”

“They used to bicker like an old married couple,” Yunho says.

“Until they both went to different teams,” Boa adds.

“And now their cubicles are next to each other again and it’s hilarious,” Yunho laughs.

Taemin is smiling, but he’s back to being a little uncomfortable. He’s getting used to the members of Key’s team little by little, but it still takes him a while to warm up to people. He can’t help it.

“He’s nice to me,” Taemin says with a shrug.

“He’s an ass to you,” Key scoffs. “You’re just too nice to notice.”

“How’s he an ass?”

“He pushes so much of his own work off on you,” Key says, and Taemin can practically hear him rolling his eyes. “He used to do it to me too. It’s not on purpose I don’t think - he probably doesn’t realize it - but it’s annoying. I’m annoyed for you.”

“Oh,” is all Taemin says. He hadn’t noticed. But Minho does give him a lot of extra work that Baekhyun doesn’t.

“He’s also not your boss - or anyone’s boss - but he likes to act like it,” Key scoffs. “He’s nice, I won’t deny that. He’s a cool guy. But he’s just annoying to work with is all.”

“So do you like your position?” Boa asks.

“Um,” Taemin stutters. “It’s alright. I can’t complain.”

“So what do you know about contracts?” Yunho asks.

“Uh - it’s what you guys do?”

“Are interested in it?”

“I guess? Sure.”

“Cool.”

They immediately start talking about something else, then park in front of Olive Garden and go inside to meet the rest of the team for lunch. Taemin is so confused. But he’s looking forward to his breadsticks and soup so he quickly forgets it.

Lunch lasts an hour and fifteen minutes. By the time they get back, Taemin has been gone for an hour and thirty three minutes.

While they were in the car on the way back, Taemin texts his brother.

“I’m making more work friends!”

“That’s great!” Jinki texts back. “You just needed to open up a little bit. See? You need to listen to your big brother. I’m very wise.”

“Shut up.”

Taemin stays an extra hour at work that night, then decides to go in an extra half hour early tomorrow to make up the time. Key sounds surprised when Taemin comes in at seven thirty on Tuesday instead of eight. Taemin smirks. He likes to keep people on their toes sometimes.

#taemin #shinee #onew #key #minho #cubicle au #wantonewsbabies #im exhausted and chugging coffee and i rly want breadsticks can u tell

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hidden-highlands · 4 years

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Hope you're ready for these Xenoblade asks!! You don't have to answer them all if it's too many. 6, 7, 9, 14, 18, 21, 24, 25, 36, 41!

omg angel thank u for all the questions!! <3

gonna chuck these under a readmore for length

6: Favorite location?

SATORL MARSH AT NIGHT UGH IT IS JUST SO DANG PRETTY ;;u;;

also Agniratha, the sheer gravity and atmosphere of that place was so.... unsettling, but in the best way

7: Least favorite location?

generally? most of the locations on Mechonis; after how diverse each new location on Bionis was, it felt like a bit of a letdown for each new area to have similar aesthetics and enemies. i cannot for the life of me differentiate between Galahad Fortress or Mechonis Field or Central Factory.

specifically? the Ether Mines. i played through that entire stretch of the game in, like, a 6-hour sitting, and kind of burnt myself out a lil towards the end.

9: Favorite part of the story?

gotta be Mechonis Core! even though i expected ~something~ to happen i was in NO WAY prepared for what was to come. the way that it completely flipped everything you thought you knew about the world and the story of the game on its head and just kept delivering sucker punch after sucker punch .... i had to pause the game to scream into a pillow afterwards.

14: Favorite party member to play as?

Reyn because i like to stare at his muscles

i don’t have an outright favourite i don’t think, but i tend to cycle between Melia, Shulk, and Seven! i like Melia for reasons i’ve mostly listed below, Seven for the damage output of haste + speed shift + sword drones, and Shulk bc he is the main character and also My Son :’)

18: Favorite Arts to use?

i’m a huge fan of all of Melia’s elementals! i love how they add another layer of strategy to the gameplay, and it’s so satisfying taking down otherwise overlevelled / powerful enemies with her DoT attacks :’)

21: Favorite battle quote?

BORN IN A WORLD OF STRIFE!

AGAINST THE ODDS!

WE CHOOSE TO FIGHT!

BLOSSOM DANCE!

bonus points for the way it subtly relates to the overarching theme of the game :’’)

24: Favorite ship? ;)

SHULK / FIORA TO THE DAY I DIE THEY ARE PRECIOUS TOGETHER AND I WILL PROTECT THEM WITH MY LIFE

25: Favorite Heart-to-Heart?

i haven’t unlocked them all yet but oh my GOD the one between Shulk and Seven on the Fallen Arm ????? absolutely MELTED my HEART ??????? i instantly replayed it in the Event Theatre like three times just for the lines “none of it matters as long as i get to be with you. you’ll always be my [redacted]” i am going to CRY i love them so much ;;u;;

36: Least favorite game mechanic?

oh definitely the timed quests, while i love that they reflect the way that the game’s world is changed by the events of the story, i stressed myself tf out trying to complete as many of them as quick as possible bc i didn’t want to look up when they expired and risk spoiling myself but i also didn’t want to lock myself out of them. i definitely burnt myself out a little bit on Bionis’ Leg because of it, and i think i missed a few late-game ones because by that point i was just so tired of timed quests and just wanted to get on with the story lmfao

41: How did you come to know Xenoblade Chronicles?

oooh thank you for asking this one, i think it’s quite a cool story!! i’d just started watching Chuggaaconroy’s LPs back in 2014 when he started his playthrough of Xenoblade Chronicles, and i watched maybe the first episode or two before i realised that, fuck, maybe this was a game i really needed to play through myself. dumb bitch highschool me forgot about the tiny lil detail that i didn’t own a fucking Wii -- but then the 3DS port was announced! so i was like okay, i’ll get the 3DS version. except it was specifically for the New 3DS, and i only had an original -- so i figured i would wait a bit, save up some money, and grab a New 3DS when i went to upgrade my old one. except, so few (new) games were announced for the New 3DS that i couldn’t really justify dropping the ~$300 on an upgrade, and by the time i had the money the Switch was a thing, so i bought one of those instead. second-hand copies of Xenoblade used to be on sale at my local game store aaaall the time, and i cannot count how many times i would stare longingly at that $38 price tag and have to talk myself out of buying it in hopes of ‘”one day”’ having the appropriate system to play it on.

AND THEN. THE DEFINITIVE EDITION WAS ANNOUNCED. the hunch that 16-year-old Cat had was 100% correct; i am so so glad that i listened to it because playing through the game for the first time blind was a really special experience :’)

i have spent, no lie, 6 whole fucking years in anticipation of one day getting to play this game, and it was worth every dang second of the wait.

#thank u so much for the ask!!#sorry this took a while to get to; i couldn't decide on a lot of my favourites lmfao #dying-suffering-french-stalkers #ask meme #kiwi answers #xenoblade chronicles

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ppumeonae-bigvibe · 4 years

Text

ppumeonae-bigvibe prompts a), b) and c)

do request because my inbox is lonely :<

add a) or b) or c) in front of the number so it's easier for me to keep track of what i wrote as well ❤️

if you want to use my prompt list please tell me or tag me in a post because these are ideas i derived on my own :(

prompt list a)

1. “Do you want me to leave?”

2. “I swear it won’t happen again.”

3. “I’m not jealous.”

4. “You can’t keep doing this.”

5. “I’m going to take care of you, okay?”

6. “You can’t die. Please don’t die.”

7. “You did what?!”

8. “Were you ever going to tell me?”

9. “Don’t ask me that.”

10. “I might have had a few shots.”

11. “What’s with the box?”

12. “Say it!”

13. “I could kiss you right now!”

14. “Are you done with that?”

15. “Are you still awake…?”

16. “Excuse you?”

17. “This is all your fault!”

18. “I shouldn’t be in love with you.”

19. “I could kill you right now!”

20. “Just admit I’m right.”

21. “That doesn’t even make sense.”

22. “That’s irrational.”

23. “Just pretend to be my date.”

24. “Are you really going to leave without asking me the question you’ve been dying to ask me?”

25. “When you love someone, you don’t just stop. Ever. Even when people roll their eyes or call you crazy… even then. Especially then!”

26. “I think I’ve been holding myself from falling in love with you all over again.”

27. “I’m not going to apologise for this. Not anymore.”

28. “That’s almost exactly the opposite of what I meant.”

29. “It must be hard with your sense of direction, never being able to find your way to a decent pickup line.”

30. “Can I sit here? The other tables are full.”

31. “You weren’t supposed to laugh!”

32. “This is, by far, the dumbest thing you’ve ever done.”

33. “I’m not going to stop poking you until you give me some attention.”

34. “These stars are nothing compared to the ones I’ve seen in your eyes.”

35. “Before I do this, I need you to know that I have always loved you.”

36. “Did I say that out loud?”

37. “Do you think they could have loved me?”

38. “Everyone keeps telling me you’re the bad guy.”

39. “How long have you been standing there?”

40. “Have I ever lied to you?”

41. “Have you lost your fucking mind?”

42. “His ego is so visible; I can almost watch it grow.”

43. “I am not losing you again!”

44. “I don’t know why I’m crying.”

45. “I had a nightmare about you and I just wanted to make sure you’re okay.”

46. “I just need to be alone right now.”

47. “When I picture myself happy… It’s with you.”

48. “I made a mistake.”

49. “I may be an idiot, but I’m your idiot.”

50. “I need you to forgive me.”

51. “I see the way you look at me when you think I’m not looking.”

52. “I think I’m in love with you and that scares me half to death.”

53. “I’m flirting with you.”

54. “I’m not good enough for you.”

55. “I fell in love with my best friend.”

56. “I’m sorry, what? I keep getting lost in your eyes.”

57. “I’m up to the challenge.”

58. “I’ve been in love with you my entire life. Ever since the day I first met you.”

59. “I’m yours.”

60. “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you were trying to seduce me.”

61. “If you go anywhere near them, you’ll have to deal with me!”

62. “It’s okay to cry…”

63. “What do you mean? It’s exciting!”

64. “Talk to me.”

65. “Look at me—just breathe, okay?”

66. “Look, I don’t have much time, but I wanted to say I love you.”

67. “Oh my god! You’re in love with them!”

68. “Well, this is where I live.”

69. “We finish it the same way we started—together.”

70. “What are you afraid of?”

71. “You are the single best thing that has ever happened to me.”

72. “You deserve so much better.”

73. “You don’t have to stay.”

74. “You don’t know you the way I do.”

75. “You fainted, straight into my arms. You know, if you wanted my attention, you didn’t have to go to such extremes.”

76. “You need to wake up because I can’t do this without you.”

77. “You shouldn’t have even been there!”

78. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.”

79. “You’re safe now. I’ve got you.”

80. “Teach me?”

81. “We’re in the middle of a thunderstorm and you want to stop and feel the rain?”

82. “Looks like we’ll be stuck here for a while.”

83. “Just once.”

84. “I can’t believe you talked me into this.”

85. “It’s not what it looks like.”

86. “I got you a present.”

87. “Hey! I was gonna eat that!”

88. “See, now, was that so bad?”.”

89. “You’re the best part of me.”

90. “I don’t want to think about what I’d be like without you.”

91. “Can I hold your hand?”

92. “Let’s move in together.”

93. “It’s a real shame nobody asked for your opinion.”

94. “What time is it?”

95. “Just wait a second.”

96. “Here, let me.”

97. “You’re so cute when you pout like that.”

98. “Hold me back!’

99. “I don’t care what they said, it doesn’t mean shit!”

100. “I adore you.”

prompt list b)

1. "You know what? I love you too."

2. "If you give me a kiss I may reconsider."

3. "Promise me a whole night of cuddling."

4. "When I am asleep I dream about you. Yet when I am awake I desire you all day long. "

5. "My hands are sweaty but I still want to hold yours."

6. "My heart is telling me not to give you up."

7. "You're pretty. I'm cute. Together we would be pretty cute."

8. "I want to be the person that is always on your mind."

9. "You're lucky I love you. Otherwise..."

10. "Every love song I listen to reminds me of you."

11. "With you, words don’t matter because we have an even deeper connection."

12. "You're warm and toasty. I like that."

13. "Your smile is the first thing I want to see whenever I wake up in the morning."

14. "I would love it if you call me yours."

15. "Lovely is my middle name and falling for you is my game."

16. "I keep getting lost in your eyes."

17. "I have found my purpose in life and that purpose is you."

18. "This single pringle is going for a date!"

19. “Somehow I just fell more in love with you."

20. "Think of me more often."

21. "The thought of being your significant other sounds like a wonderful future to me!"

22. "Did you dream of me?"

23. "I adore you."

24. "I'm so happy I could kiss you right now!"

25. "I'm an idiot. But I'm your idiot."

26. "If only you had a badge that said mine."

27. "I just pictured my future and it has you in it."

28. "Let me make you happy forever."

29. "You are by far one of the greatest things that happened to me."

30. "Meeting you for the first time? That was a chance. Bumping into you again? That's a coincidence. Finally being together with you? That's fate."

31. "It must be destiny that brought us together."

32. "I keep locking eyes with you and I don't know if it's a coincidence or that you are trying to get my attention."

33. "This is my girl/boyfriend!"

34. "Did you hear what I said? I love you!"

35. "You always know how to surprise me."

36. "Your smile melts my insides."

37. "I could recognize your voice anywhere. What kind of a girl/boyfriend would I be?"

38. "There are a million things I want to do with you and kissing is one of them."

39. "Just being in close proximity with you gives me butterflies."

40. "My favorite thing is to lie with my head on your chest. The feel of your fingers intertwined in mine and the gentle ba-dum of your heartbeat is all that I need to feel safe and happy."

41. "I keep falling in love with you over and over and over again."

42. "Thinking about you is my new job."

43. "Each time that I hear your voice, my heart skips a beat."

44. "Super cliche but can we kiss under this umbrella?"

45. "I love hearing your voice. Repeat that one more time."

46. "If you say I love you, really loudly three times, your wish will come true."

47. "I want you to be my first kiss. And my second and my third. And so on and so forth."

48. "You forgot to kiss me good morning."

49. "I never want you to stop loving me."

50. "I do not plan on chasing you forever. Instead, you should probably stop running away from me."

51. “You make me act like an idiot every time you are near me."

52. "I'll wait for you no matter how long the journey will be."

53. "Come to me. I want to cuddle you."

54. "I hate that I love you and want you like nobody else."

55. "I need you right now. Hugs?"

56. "Somebody once told me that all good looking guys are either taken or gay. I guess I'm good looking because you're now my girl/boyfriend."

57. "WHO ATE MY COOKIE BECAUSE I'M ABOUT TO BEAT...! I mean bring you out on a date!"

58. "Truth or Dare? (Truth) Well, tell me who was your first kiss? (Rejects and chooses dare) Then I dare you to kiss me!"

[ 58. “You’re on my mind every moment. You are someone special to me.” ]

59. "It would be my pleasure if I was your first kiss."

60. "This weather is perfect for a stroll in a park. Preferably with your hand in mine."

61. "You can safely assume that I’m smiling whenever I text or call you."

62. "From a scale of one to ten, I would rate you beautiful."

63. "You light up my day any time I see you."

64. "I miss you so much I feel like a piece of me is missing when you aren't around me."

65. "You know why my favourite number is 5? Because I can do this 🖐️."

66. "It was either the alcohol or you. But I was drunk all the same."

67. "Together with you is my favorite place to be.”

68. "My heart is like a convenience store. It's open 24 hours for you."

69. "I get jealous because I don't want to lose you."

70. "All these mixed signals. I wish you would tell me what you felt."

71. "Sometimes I freeze in place, overwhelmed by the realization that I’m loved by the greatest person on earth."

72. "All my feelings for you are kept in this compartment. Right here. They are just waiting to come out."

73. "I don't know why I feel this way towards you."

74."You. Why do you always make me a nervous wreck whenever I'm around you?"

75. "Is that my sweater you're wearing?"

76. "This hoodie is made out of boyfriend material."

77. "I wish I could have met you years ago. I’ve wasted my whole dang diddly life."

78. "I once reached out to the stars but fell on the clouds. Thankfully the moon shone and lit up the skies, showing me the path back to the stars."

79. "My love for you is as vast as the skies, as deep as the oceans."

80. "To the world, you may be one person, but to one person you are the world."

81. "What's that in your eyes? Oh wait, that's me. I better be the only one you see."

82. "I'm supposed to be the cute one here~!"

83. "You won't do that because you love me too much!"

84. "Funny. When I thought things couldn't get any better, things do become better with you around."

85. "How did I get so lucky?"

86. "Best. Day. Ever."

87. "I don't know if anyone told you, but you are a good kisser. Actually, I better be your first kiss if not I'll get mad."

88. "I made this while thinking of you."

89. "I like to show off what's mine."

90. "Call me!"

91. "Hey, can I borrow a kiss? I’ll be sure to return it to you."

92. "Let me hold you to sleep. I’ll be the big spoon today."

93. "Do you want to go on a date...with me?"

94. "I didn't think I would come this far after asking you out. What's step 2?"

95. "I love the way you say you love me when I kiss you goodnight over the phone."

96. "I have eyes for you and only you."

97. "You belong to me. I’ll store you in my heart!"

98. "No thoughts empty mind 24/7 around you."

99. "You go your way and I’ll go your way too."

100. "If I'm dreaming don't ever wake me up from this fantasy."

prompt list c)

1. Forehead touching

2. Hugging your/ his waist from the back

3. Sleeping/ lying down with your head on their laps/ their heads on your lap

4. Motherly instincts around you/ him

5. Playful arguments

6. Hands brushing past one another and one of you decides to hold the other’s hand

7. Sitting in your/ his lap to get their attention

8. Him kissing you to taste the flavour of your chapstick

9. Tummy rubs

10. Light kisses everywhere

11. Choosing outfits for the other to wear

12. Applying makeup for them and staring at him because they are just so good-looking

13. Him combing your hair/ you combing his hair

14. Showering together

15. Holding one another in each other’s embrace, gently swaying

16. Singing a lullaby until the other falls asleep

17. Crushing you under their weight when they launch themselves onto the bed

18. Tangled limbs

19. Shy giggling at what you/ he said to the other

20. “Speaking” in your own language

21. Doing things for the other

22. Making eye contact before breaking it as you/ they are blushing

23. Getting tongue-tied around you/ him

24. Cooking/ baking together

25. Him/ you spoiling the other with whatever the other wants

#ppumeonae-bigvibe #prompt list #kpop writings

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midnightartemis · 4 years

Link

Chapters: 32/? Fandom: Star Wars Sequel Trilogy Rating: Explicit Warnings: Graphic Depictions Of Violence, Underage Relationships: Rey/Ben Solo | Kylo Ren, Rey/Ben Solo, Finn/Rose Tico, Poe Dameron/Rey, Poe Dameron/Finn, Poe Dameron/Ben Solo | Kylo Ren Characters: Rey (Star Wars), Ben Solo | Kylo Ren, Ben Solo, Finn (Star Wars), Poe Dameron, Rose Tico, Leia Organa, Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, Maz Kanata, Larma D'Acy, Amilyn Holdo, Snoke (Star Wars), Boba Fett, Bossk (Star Wars), Armitage Hux, Chewbacca (Star Wars) Additional Tags: Implied/Referenced Child Abuse, Abuse, Drug Use, Suicide Attempt, Star-crossed, Dreams, Alternate Universe - High School, High School, School Dances, Angst, Angst and Hurt/Comfort, Foster Care, Implied/Referenced Character Death, Near Death Experiences, Multiverse, Reincarnation, Attempted Sexual Assault, Assault, Graphic Description, Teenage Drama, Horny Teenagers, Fluff and Smut, Angst with a Happy Ending, Past Drug Use, Drug Dealing

Chapter Three

Tuesday goes by without incident, though Latin will kill me. Rose is more than happy to walk me to my classes, chatting happily about her own, and I’m happy for the company for once. Poe and Finn are in my P.E. class and they’re so competitive. Rose tells me it’s okay to take them down a notch if I can. I’m athletic, but usually never got the chance to stay in a place long enough to participate in anything.

Wednesday rolls around and Rose is buzzing about Friday as we eat lunch. My eyes search for Ben, but I can’t find him anymore. “What’s Friday?”

“Oh, my god. I completely forgot to add you to the group chat.” Rose palms her face and gets out her phone. I sheepishly hand her my half-broken iPhone but she doesn’t bat an eye. “Poe, Finn, and I are having a little get together to celebrate the start of the school year. Please, come. I know you have to ask Maz.”

I’d never been invited to a party before. “I would love that. I’ll ask her tonight.”

I hope Maz said yes. Things were going smoothly there.

Rose and I left lunch early so that we could walk together to class. Rose liked to show up early to vocal class to help set up and I was more than happy to have a few minutes alone, even if it met sitting in awkward silence with him.

I open the classroom door and he’s there sitting where he was Monday. I take my seat across from him and pull out my headphones to listen to music for a bit. I scroll for a while and settle on The Lumineers’ Ophelia album. It takes a lot for me to not dance and hum along, so I pull out my drawing notebook and start in on practicing drawing 3D shapes.

I feel his eyes on me and I look up, realizing that I’ve been bobbing along to the music. He looks away and I think there’s a hint of a smile on his face. I flush. What is it with him? He didn’t look like a hardcore drug dealer, not like the ones I’ve seen. He looked quiet and lonely. Soft. Dammit, Rey.

He looks up again and sees me watching him. He scowls, his mood instantly souring. I look away sheepishly.

“Sorry.”

“Did they get to you, too?”

“What?” My heart races at his voice. My eyes meet his and they’re looking over me intensely.

“The golden trio.” His voice is low, angry.

Poe, Finn, and Rose? I frown. “I-”

Before I can say anymore, the door opens and Mrs. Tico walks in, cheerful as ever. “Hi, Rey! Ben!”

“Hi, Mrs. Tico.” I smile back, but inside my stomach is rolling with anxiety. What did he mean ‘ get to me?’ Rose had made it pretty clear what happened and I doubted Poe just hated Ben for shits and giggles. I look back at him and he’s concentrating on his notebook as if nothing had happened. I scowl and go back to my own work.

“How was school, hun?” Maz picks me up in her bug after school to take me to therapy.

“Good.” I smile. “I have a mountain of homework already, but everyone is really nice.”

“Good, good.” We drive without talking, just listening to the radio quietly. My stomach turns as I think about the party. I cross my fingers and ask.

“Maz?”

“Yeah?” she glances at me.

“I was wondering- well… Rose and Poe and Finn were getting together Friday night and they invited me. And I was wondering if I can go?” I bite my lip and look at her hopefully.

Maz smiles. “Ah… the infamous Dameron Back to School get-together.”

My eyes widen. “Oh. Oh. I didn’t realize it was a party-party. Nevermind.”

“No, Rey. Go! Have fun. Enjoy your friends. Just no drinking or drugs. I’m here to keep you safe and healthy, not ruin your high school experience.” Her eyes sparkle, but there’s a seriousness to them. “11:30 PM. At the latest. Okay?”

I nod, trying to hide my excitement. “11:30. Got it.”

We pull into a parking lot of a small brick office building downtown and Maz walks me in. We go to the second floor where there’s a small waiting room. It’s very zen with comfy chairs, light incense, peaceful art, and meditation music in the background. There are two doors, both closed. Maz and I sit and wait until the door on the left opens. A man walks out and he’s got a wide, open face covered in a grey beard and eyes that radiate kindness and knowing. I instantly feel at ease when he smiles. “Rey?”

I nod and stand. He walks over and sticks out his hand and I shake it. “I’m Luke Skywalker. Let’s go in and have Maz fill out some paperwork and then we will get started on your introductory session.”

Did everyone in this town know Maz? We fill out the usual paperwork in Luke’s office. It’s just as zen as outside. There’s a Buddha sitting on a bookshelf perfectly curated with books on mental health and well being. A fountain trickles gently in the corner. Everything is in order, at balance.

“I’ll be waiting in the lobby.” Maz signs the last paper and leaves us. I take a seat on the couch and Luke sits in the chair across from me.

“So, Rey,” he says with a small sigh. “I’m guessing this isn’t your first time in therapy?”

I laugh a little. “No.”

“Well, I have a few questions that we can discuss, but first, I just want to give you a little overview of what our plan is if you choose to move forward. I like to do a little one-on-one session before placing you in a group. I run a few groups, and it’s all just about trying to place you in the right one where I think you have the best chance of learning and listening to your peers and sharing your own stories. Sounds good?”

I nod.

“So, tell me about yourself, Rey. Your childhood, things you like to do… Anything you’d like in whatever way you want to tell me.”

“Well…” I take a deep breath. The story in my head is one that’s carefully rehearsed, told over and over. “My parents abandoned me when I was six. I was found by some workers abandoned in the Jakku city dump. And they couldn’t find my parents, so I got placed into the system. I jumped around a lot as a kid. No one really wanted me. And then when I got older, I got tired of the abuse and the neglect, so I started gathering evidence on my fosters and getting their licenses revoked. But that just met that I jumped around even more. I’ve just kinda learned how to survive and take care of myself.”

“That sounds hard and exhausting.”

I nod and sigh. “Yeah.”

“What about now? You’ve only been at Maz’s a few days, from my understanding. How’s that going?”

“Good. I think.” I reply. Luke says nothing, waiting for me to fill the silence. “It’s a lot to process. Everything changed so quickly and she’s unlike any foster I’ve ever stayed with. It’s… It’s almost like it's too good to be true… And, I guess I’m worried that it will be. Or I’ll fuck up and it will all be taken from me.”

“Do you think you deserve a good foster home?”

I can’t meet his eyes. Tears prickle at my own. “No.”

“Why not?” Dang, this guy is good.

“I’m not anyone special… There are a lot more kids out there who are a lot more deserving.”

“So… What I’m hearing is that you spent the last few years catching abusers in the system… But you’re not deserving of a good home?” He raises his eyebrow at me. I see his point, but I still can’t reconcile myself with it. “You sound pretty special to me, Rey.”

“I’m not anyone special.” I shrug. “I just didn’t want other people to go through what I have.”

“Do you feel that’s your duty? To save other people?”

I mull over his question and nod slowly.

“There aren’t many people out there who would put others before their own personal wellbeing and safety. What things do you like doing for yourself?”

“I like listening to music… And working with my hands.”

Luke smiles. “Good. Those are really good ways to take care of yourself.”

“They help me a lot when I need a break from the outside world. It can be really… Overwhelming.”

“Tell me about that.” Luke nudges me in that direction gently.

“Well, I don’t know. It’s like… I can get really overwhelmed in crowds. If there’s a lot of noise or people or things going on. It gets hard to think and concentrate.”

“Like at school?”

I nod.

“Is there anywhere you go to get away from the noise and let yourself relax for a bit?”

“Usually after lunch, I go to the art room because there’s no one there before class usually.” Not no one. Might as well be no one though.

“Good. It’s important to create room for yourself and thoughts and to listen to yourself.” Luke smiles. “Tell me about school. Are you enjoying your classes so far?”

“Yeah. Principal Organa was really happy with my interest in science and math. She put me in physics, and pre-calc, and small engines and I really like all three so far. It just makes sense to me. More than English or Latin or Social Studies. Though, I don’t mind Social Studies either. And psychology is interesting, too.”

“Very interesting.”

I laugh. “Right, I’m talking to a psychology master.”

“I have a group on Thursdays after school. It’s some of your age group dealing with some similar things as you. Is that something you would be interested in?”

“Yeah. Sure.”

“I’ll have you start next Thursday so I can let them know that the group is expanding a little. How does that sound?”

“‘Good.”

Luke nods and stands. “I’m afraid that’s all we have time for today. It was great to meet you, Rey.”

I stand and let him lead me out of the room.

#reylo #reylo fanfic #rey x ben #star wars #high school au

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ships-allday-errday · 6 years

Text

Dates and Babysitting

Genre: Drabble

Characters: Hwall x Reader

Plot: prompt: #108 “The ladies love a guy whose good with kids.” And with member Hwall

Words: 616

Requested

———

Hwall panted as he ran around the house with little Minwoo chasing after him. Slowing down the little child tackled him bursting into fits of giggles.

“Oh you got me!” Hwall screamed pretending to be hurt as he fell to the ground. You watched lovingly as this all went down. They’ve been playing tag for hours and you’re still unsure how Hwall had the patience for this kid.

“Okay, okay break it up you two. Anyone want apple juice?” You suggest saving Hwall. At the mention of apple juice Minwoo perked up, “apple juice!?” He exclaimed leaping up and immediately running up to you. Taking the juice he sat criss cross right in front of the tv becoming distracted by the various colors and sounds.

Hwall walked up to you, “and where’s my apple juice?” He asked pouting and you giggled at his antics. “Fine, Fine. I’d say you deserved one,” you said handing him a pouch.

You two watched the kid happily suck on his straw from afar. “Aren’t you going to join him?” You question. Hwall throws you a glare, “This is my break time,” he announces sipping away on his own drink.

You both silently watch both the tv and the child. “Sorry we had to cancel our date Hyunjoon. I forgot I had to babysit today.”

“Are you kidding I love kids,“ he shifts closer to you, “and I love you, what better way to spend my time then with the things I love,” he says.

“Aww you’re so cheesy,” you say while a smile grows on your face and he soon mirrors your expression, “I know,” he says before closing the distance between you two.

Suddenly you hear the slurp of the juice and you two separate turning to the sound. Minwoo was staring right at you. You embarrassedly laugh as you push Hwall away from you.

“Let’s play a game,” you announce trying to change the awkward situation. He perks up again and you mentally applaud yourself for thinking of something so quickly.

“Not it!” You scream putting your finger on your nose followed by a “not it,” from Hwall. The child laughed as he turned around and began to count to ten. You and Hwall looked at each other for a second before sprinting into opposite directions. Entering a room you quickly scan it before hiding in the little space between the couch and the wall.

Soon you hear the door open and you hold your breathe. The steps approach and you begin to think you’re a goner. That is until Hwall comes into view. “This is my hiding spot,” you demanded and Hwall just laughed. “Well now it’s our hiding spot,” he whispered.

You frowned at that, “what no, you need to leave,” you said whisper shouting. He laid his head on your shoulder, looked up at you with puppy dog eyes, and pouted. “Aw but I love you,” he whines and as always those little words made you do a total 180.

Dang he always knew your weakness.

He leaned forward and you kissed again forgetting all about the game.

“You two kiss a lot, are you in looooovvveee?” said a little voice from above. Stopping mid kiss you slowly look up. Clearing your throat you separate from Hwall and move further away while he chuckles. “Maybe,” he says shrugging. He leaves your little hiding spot and picks Minwoo up spinning him around. “But you’ll understand when you’re older,” he adds poking the child’s stomach.

“But I will let you in on a little secret.” He pauses and looks around as if someone was listening.

The he whispers, “the ladies love a guy who’s good with kids.”

——

His one was so fun to writeeeeee!!! Thanks for requesting I hope you enjoyed it!!! Have a great day/night!!!

As always requests open!!!!!

#kpop #drabbles #kpop drabbles #hwall #hyunjoon #theboyz #the boyz drabbles

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thelapismoon · 6 years

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MCSM S2 E4 Commentary

Wow I have forgotten what this episode even was about. *whispers* I actually never finished watching a playthrough so I guess I'll see some knew stuff. Heh. I'm scared. I managed to get changed, get my food, update my tumblr, and this thing is only 55% complete. HOW LONG IS THIS EPISODE?

Quite funny that I've already said this much stuff and the episode hasn't even completed downloading. I wonder who actually ever reads this? Sorry about not writing my commentary for the last episode. I just didn't want to stop the episode every three seconds to write. Speaking of that, I might just paused every ten minutes to write. Huh. Thank god it's at 83%. I'm worried. This soundtrack, oml. It's finally done downloading. See you on the other side. Is Radar the narrator now? Admin, Admin, let me like you. I want more Warden interactions. Oh look at this awful frame rate- that's my fault Wait I forgot that I gave in and became a guard. Nurm, I love you. Warden didn't deserve to die. This lighting tho. 10/10. Radar, if you're trying to make me feel bad, it's not working. Nurmie-hurmie, I could never leave you behind, dear. Please don't hurt Xara, telltale. That facial expression. NGHHH FEELS. *singing* Holy shiet. Radar you better be careful because I won't hesitate. Nurm can I hug you? I feel like if that was actual minecraft logic, that jump would've killed us. ITS H I M I love this music, reminds me of some old western but.. dorky. Baby zombie. Tag urself, I'm Xara. NURM. Don't cry.. Let me wipe the tears away, you poor soul. Nghh Jack and Nurm are a perfect couple. If something happens to EITHER of them, I'm gonna throw some hands. You sure that isn't just a carpet..? I haven't played minecraft in like three years so.. Poor Xara. Wtf is wrong with you guys?! Um... NO I DO CARE!! Can I lay down next to you? Well.. Bye? OH NO I SUCK AT FIGHTING. Oh my gosh, this is the first time I survived in one try. Yees. R A D A R. I swear to Persson... Hm. NGHHHH I'm only going to do this because if I don't, Nurm is gonna cry. And I refuse to let. Nurm. Cry. Argh. You're all ungrateful swines. Who is that? Hm. I want to draw her. OH shoot my iPad is at 5% power. "1 night in Fred's house"? That sounds extremely CONVENIENT. Hello, Binta. You look... Nice. *cough* Everyone here seems.. Off. Oh hi Kent. Bye Kent. Gonna just... Slowly walk away. Lapis blue..? *cackles because you must know by now* Wow, good job, Jesse. You just ruined the moment. Can't wait for that to be a running gag no one will stop talking about for two weeks. *sigh* I can't stop thinking about Star Wars right now... Ngh.. F o c u s. Wow I'm actually really proud of this. Oh look, I won. Well now I feel bad. Me and my darn feelings.. WAIT THEY WERE PRETTY CAN I- Argh. I don't like these people. <<nothing much until the Ivor fight because there wasn't much to say>> Doodle doodle doo everything is nice and calm POTION. NGHHHH!!! Oh shiet I don't have a sword. I have a feeling I know who it is <<well of course I do>> Welp, honey, If you gotta kill me, at least I'll know my favorite character of all time did it to me. Hope this stains your conscious, Ivor. Ivor, my love, you're back! <<me the first time I saw him, YES. OH MY GOD. YES. YES!!! HES BACK! HES BACK! ARGHHHH! HES BACK! AHAAAA!>> My sweet alchemist, let me hug you on behalf of my friend and just because I love you so very much. I totally wasn't writing fanfiction about you two hours ago :,)) AGHHH. Ivor, can I just hug you for the rest of eternity? Oh my god I think I'm going to start crying. He looks... Slightly off... CAN YOU HEAR THAT? THOSE CHORDS!!! Those are IVOR'S theme. ACK I love him. Oh wait yeh, ninja, I have questions... Shiet, Ivor. You punched a forest worth of trees? Add that to my scar-headcanon-list. I can't believe they made Ivor the karate kid When his voice gets really deep and husky oh my lord... You know who I'm thinking of.. *looks at you Zoe* Can I hug you? Sweet old man I love you. Harper? Where IS Harper? *hack* where is Soren also? Mmmmm I'm getting all these good vibes now I gotta drop some stuff in the Ivor askbox once I'm done. Darn I wanted the old order to come back :( If Ivor.. shows some type of question of authority towards the admin... Oh my.. "Disappear", hm? Wait.. Okay Ivor's voice ;v; What if Ivor actually killed Jesse? I'd like to read a fic about THAT. Ivor is whispering, I can hug him, he's being witty! everything I could ever want is happening. Ivor's voice lines are my Christmas present. I love you, Ivor. Oh my gosh he looks so short next to Petra. NO DONT GO. Actually. Wait. DO go, If the admin suspects anything of you or even dares to TOUCH you, I will lose my god dang m i n d Ivor Ivor Ivor. Farewell, my beloved... Okay I'm sorry you all had to see that. I thought I had hallucinated ninja Ivor at first tbh. Well now what? I don't even really wanna play after that.. Argh, I gotta finish this or else I won't be able to play the new episode tomorrow. Stay strong, Lapis. Weren't these two people based off of the great British baking show hosts? I love that show. And now I'm craving cake. Ugh I don't wanna fight in there, don't you know that I suck at fighting? Argh. I wanna read some fic now. Horrifying, hm? I know exactly what I'm gonna do... Okay well that was definitely PG-13 We're gonna forget that ever happened. Heh. *coughs* Hmm.. I'm gonna choose "please don't hit me". RADAR! PUT A SHIRT ON! You're a CHild! Well I just deleted all of the commentary after this so.. *insert distant screeching* Ooo Radar's feet I feel mildly bad about that.. LEVEL SIX HUNDRED?! Boy I don't have TIME for that! Wait WHAT?! Sweet J E S U S. AAA WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?!! *panicked screaming* Aaaaaand now I'm dead. Darn. Okay... Oh my gosh that golemn death scene! I smell some foreshadowing.. Romeo.. Death by water? I should keep my mouth shut. That was sick, man. There's MORE?! That's it, I want this to END. Wow that attention to detail.. Me and my darn Romeo-loving-heart. There has to be SOME type of redemption. They could do so much with him... Tbh my friends think I'm crazy because of how I like Romeo but ARGH I like villains, okay?! "Just kids" just started playing INSIDE THE CABIN and now I wanna flip onto Romeo's bed and cry. NGHHH MY FEELS!!!!!!!!!! The music just synced up perfectly. *sigh* I relate to Petra too much.. I want to burst out crying now, this hit too close to home! Petra has never been my favorite character but I can relate to her on a spiritual level. Man I came to have a good time and now I'm feeling personally attacked. AND THIS SAD MUSIC ISN'T HELPING Potato451? Hmm Potato backwards is Otatop. Top? Ota.. Obsidian? Top? The top? Top of the world? The sky? I'm probably taking this way too outta context. OUCH. ma feels. ... Just kids. IS SHE CRYING?! OH MY GOD CAN I ALSO CRY???? Wait this is changing my story? Oh god what have I done? <<later>> Hello, Xara, darling. What exactly did she "repair"? Have a bed, forget my hypocrisy. Wait.. where did she go? FIGHTING argh. Wow I'm alive. Hey Jack. Oh yeh I was gonna go back and save his eye. ..can I do that? I hope that wouldn't corrupt my save file. Okay.. Oh no radar or Fred's people? Radar... I'll see you on the other side. I have a bad feeling about leaving him. But it's his time to shine, and I won't take it from him. The order's temple.. WHO DARES GIVE ME THESE F E E L S?! Nurm just jumped into Jack's arms, everything is going swell- *sees Beacontown* Oh fuuuuu WAIT NO DONT YOU DARE CUT OFF RIGHT NOW!!! Oh my gosh it's Jack's lament. 50% 50% on the scavenger deal, hm. 51% won? That contest was easy. 32% promised to stay with Petra 50% on giving Xara her bed 51% took Fred's friends MMM JACK YOUR BEAUTIFUL VOICE. I listen to that song everyday. LUKAS NOOOOOOO N O NOPE NOOOOOOOOOO LUKASSSSSSSSSSS ARGHHHHHGHHHHHHG I'm lucky that the next episode comes out in 22 hours, wow I'm late. Toodle loo until tomorrow, dears!

#mcsm #minecraft story mode #excuse me I'm gonna go cry now #lapis talks

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lexxikitty-blog1 · 6 years

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Kiss the Girl by Melissa Brayden Series: Soho Loft: #1 Read: February 2016 Rating: 4.75 Stars

There are something like a million and one (or 14 to 78) brilliant reviews on GoodReads. I'm not going to be adding much new to the discussion at this point.

This book is the first book I've read by this author. I was 'pushed' into reading this book because of a group I am in that is currently running a 'pick it' group challenge.

I had been putting off this book because everyone and their pet donkey just absolutely loves this book. And I didn't want to go in, after everyone else, pick at it and go . . . you know what? I don't really like this here. Yes, I felt self conscious.

The book involves Brooklyn Campbell, Hunter something or other, Samantha, and Mallory who jointly run an advertising agency in New York City. They meet in college and they are roughly around the age of 28 (though I believe the prologue indicated some were older than Brooklyn). Brooklyn is the main point of view for this set of friends. Brooklyn was put up for adoption when she was a baby and went in and out of various foster homes until, at some point, she ended her 'tour' in a group home and aged out of the system at 18.

The second group of people this book involves is Jessica Lennox and . . . um, she's friends with her assistant Brent. And is friendly her teenage neighbor Ashton. Lennox is a hard charging head of an advertising agency that she started long ago. It is also located in New York City. Lennox is described as being a bitchy, ball busting, 'get my way or I'll cut you' type of person. Oh, and she might be married to a billionaire who helps her find business. Most of this is based on rumors and nothing but rumors. Lennox, though, likes how the rumors help her in business, so does nothing to 'set people right' and 'fix' her image. I'm using Lennox on purpose, instead of Jessica (or Jess). Because I'm mostly referring to her business persona. Jessica/Jess, though, is nothing like what others see her as being. Oh, and Jessica is really really old...er than Brooklyn. 10 years older. 38. Or, in other words, younger than me.

Before I move on - I rather like both Jessica and Brooklyn.

Okay then. Brooklyn is having a rotten day - pulled over and ticketed for speeding, her car is towed, her heel on her favorite shoes break, and, to top it off, her birth mother has offered contact information through an organization that does stuff like that (Brooklyn had signed up with them when she was 18, i.e., 10 years ago). Gazing around in despair, she contemplates what to do with herself. Spots a neat looking place across the street from a print shop (there's a reason why she is there; oh - and the print shop line was super long - to add to her woes).

Brooklyn enters this lovely looking place. Walks right up to the bar and . . . realizes her purse is in her car (which just got towed away, remember). She kind of whimpers.

Jessica has had a tough day. She decides to do two things she rarely ever does - step out earlish from work, and go home. No the go home isn't the second thing. The second thing is to step into this neat little bar that is near her home. As she sits there looking around kind of happy she decided to step in, she spots a rather attractive woman step in. And overhears her exchange with the bartender (um, I forgot to mention that, Brooklyn's 'realization' about her purse took place out loud). Jessica offers to pay for Brooklyn's drink.

Brooklyn is reluctant but eventually agrees. Jessica introduces herself as Jessica . . . Jess. But without a last name, and makes a game of not saying what her job is (well, one of them do, I forget which one started the game of Brooklyn guessing Jess' job). Both have a fabulous time. It ends with Jessica acquiring Brooklyn's number, and giving a brief kiss. Which expands into a really passionate kiss. The kind that makes your toes curl and your hair stand up straight (or whatever it is that happens). They part.

Jessica and Brooklyn meet again, as someone who read the beginning of this review might suspect, when both turn up for an advertising job. Jessica Lennox is quite well known to Brooklyn's ad agency, but Brooklyn doesn't normally go on calls (and therefore doesn't know what Jessica Lennox, professional ball crusher, looks like). Plus, Jess never gave her last name. Jessica leaves a conference room. Brooklyn spots her. They gaze at each other. Brooklyn is now flustered and somewhat messes up her first ever attempt to talk to clients in a client meeting.

Jess texts Brooklyn. They kind of flirt by text.

The 'Cinderalla kiss' is mentioned by Brooklyn to her coworkers (well, it was mentioned, I forget the sequence now). The idea of having any kind of relationship, friend/romantic or otherwise, with someone like Jessica Lennox is roundly booed by everyone of Brooklyn's friends. Brooklyn kind of agrees with them.

Time passes. The Foster account is fought over by both Brooklyn and Lennox's ad agencies.

Eventually Brooklyn uses that contact number she got for her birth mother. Eventually her relationship with Jess advances . . . somewhat. Meanwhile Ashton, the teenage next door neighbor of Jessica's, is having a rotten time with her alcoholic mother - Jessica tries to help.

There's a really intense scene in a stuck elevator between Jessica and Brooklyn (which occurred, I believe, actually before Brooklyn attempts to contact her mother; it's not related, I'm just fixing the chronology I messed up in my review).

At some point, while reading this book, I was seriously contemplating making a brand new shelf. I would call this shelf something like '6 star books'. Then put this book on said shelf. Because this was, in fact, a really really good book. Until it wasn't.

The 'it wasn't' part occurred when a specific incident occurred. And I could immediately foretell what would then happen next. And everything unfolded almost exactly as I thought it would. About 99.9% exactly like I thought it would. To be fair, everything that happened? Did not seem like a contrived little thing to add to the book to add tension/drama/and conflict. It did, in fact, seem like a natural extension of the book (which is also why I knew immediately what would happen after the fact, and was 99% correct - because everything flowed naturally). Well damn. I was going to pinpoint the 'incident' at the beginning. Ah well. It was when Brooklyn visited Jessica. At her office. A bag may or may not be involved. I'm trying to be vague for those who haven't read the book, while giving enough for those who have to know what I'm referring to. *inserts spoiler tags* <spoiler> (for fuck sake, you have a 'break the tension' group meeting with your friends; it is mentioned that 'business stuff' need to remain secret and . . . . you immediately visit your love interest at their office? Okay, livable but . . . for no fucking reason I can think of, you give your fucking . . . right *tags inserted* You leave your bag outside. With an advertising executive. For a rival agency. You are currently in competition with. And you know she isn't the fucking receptionist. And . . AND . . Jessica's fucking assistant is right there as a potential other person to give the bag too (don't); if you going to do this completely weird ass fucking thing - like bring your fucking back with you into Jessica's place of work (instead of say, leaving it locked tightly and hidden in car), don't fucking leave it outside; why? Why the fuck did she do that? No, I'm serious. Do people do that? Do they leave their fucking bags with rivals (remember, she fucking knows that's not the receptionist? Yes? Well fuck me. Learn something new every day. She's visiting a fucking head of a company; what, did she think Jessica worked in a broom closet and therefore there wouldn't be any room for her bag and coat? No? Maybe it's some kind of 'oops, I brought my bag with me, I trust this non-receptionist rival advertising person with my bag instead of having it near me while I'm in the room with Jessica' thought process. Why the fuck does she even fucking have her fucking bag up in the receptionist area? SHE FUCKING DRIVES EVERYWHERE.) Okay, I've moved from 'this is a natural progression' to 'what the fuck did I just read?'</spoiler>

The book was filled with a ton of tension/drama/etc. based on intergroup dynamics involving the Campbell friend group and their reaction to Brooklyn-Jessica link up; the ad agency competition; the drama over the birth family; and, most specifically of importance for a romance - relationship tension (both because of that issue of Brooklyn's friends not liking Jessica; being rivals; Brooklyn having commitment and trust issues; having to take things slow; etc.). So, tacking on an extra layer, even if a natural development for the book, seemed like a layer too many.

Oh, and, you know (those who have read my reviews before), how I recently made a comment on another book recently read about how it contained that cliche of 'I'm a powerful woman. I'm giving up control and submitting to another woman. I think I like it'? That cliche, once again, turned up in this book. And yes, it once again pulled me from the story. Though I just kind of laughed and dove back in. See, this was when I still thought of this as a six star book, and that specific scene neither increased nor decreased the overall score given to this book. (Though, I also admit (did I admit anything previously, dang it, I don't want ot reread my own review), Brayden handled that scene brilliantly).

So, for these and other reasons, I cannot break open a brand new 6 star shelf and shove this book onto it. Nor, in good conscious can I add this to my super duper and special 5.5 star shelf. I have currently placed it on no specific star shelf. Though I've currently rated it 4 stars. I am contemplating which shelf to add this book to. 3.5? Probably not. 4? Maybe. 4.5? Perhaps. And, surprising, I know, I still have a strong desire to put this on my five star shelf

Review Written: February 3 2016

#Soho Loft #First in Series #Lesbian Fiction #Lesbian Romance #Romance #Contemporary Romance #Book Review #Lesbian Book Review #2016 Reads #4.75 Stars #Bold Strokes Books

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