#《 evie song. ╱ threads. 》

[inamindfarfaraway]

Hey Descendants fans, did you know that the franchise has a stage musical adaption? I wasn't until today! But this production is actually really cool, creatively adapting plot points and remixing songs from all over the franchise. There's so much earnest passion bringing it to life. It has the charm of the first movie that endeared us to this stupid franchise despite itself. And the immense added charm of being not a Disney Studios production designed to make money by copying Ever After High with worse writing, but instead an independent project by people just like us who also love this stupid franchise and put in the work and care to make their rewrite fanfic a LIVE MUSICAL. I'd say that it has better writing and costume design than the movies do at times. (Looking at you, Descendants 3).

[lightsoutletsgo]

love letters; with love from... — cl.16 (part 2/2)

pairing: charles leclerc x singer!reader

word count: >1000

warnings: some brief mentions of angst but nothing to heavy, they're so in love your honor, bad screenshots??

tysm for all the love for part 1! i never expected it to do as well as it did. hopefully you all love part 2 just as much! happy reading! love mimi 🤍

love letters; dear (part 1)

taglist: @arieslost @d3kstar @minkyungseokie @evie-119 @sltwins @maplesyrupsainz @charlesgirl16 @jaydaaasworld @rhythmstars @ravisinghs-wife @itsjustkhaos

You exhaled shakily as your eyes scanned the caption you'd drafted in your notes app. You didn't even tear your eyes away from the screen as Charles slumped down onto the couch next to you. "Everything okay mon amour?" You swallowed and nodded, offering your phone to him so he could read the caption. He was silent for a minute before he turned to look at you, tears in his eyes, "I am so so proud of you." You smiled, feeling yourself getting emotional, sniffling a little as he pulled you into him. You led there with him just enjoying the quiet comfort he provided before he spoke once more, "When are you going to post it?" You giggled and sat up, Charles following suit, "Are you gonna just drop it on instagram with no warning again?" You winked at him before unlocking your phone and typing out the post. Once you'd proofread it you hit 'post', immediately locking your phone and turning your notifications off as they already started pouring in. Charles gaped at you for a moment before scrabbling to find his phone, not struggling to locate it as it buzzed and vibrated constantly with new notifications, "You could have given me time to prepare!"

♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧

y/nsworld

Liked by charles_leclerc, landonorris and 25,942,833 y/nsworld here we are, a year later and another surprise for you beautiful people! 'all the things I love to tell you' is out now on streaming platforms everywhere! oh wow, how exciting it is to finally be able to tell you guys about this 🥹 this album is the second half to my healing journey and it's full of love and light and hope for the future. a huge thank you to my company and management for giving me the freedom to release my music in the way I felt I needed to. thank you to my friends for listening to these songs in the car at 3am and crying with me when we realise just how far we've come, for putting up with me stealing their napkins at dinner to write lyrics and for once again holding my hand until I felt ready to take a step on my own. as always, thank you to my incredible fans who inspire me to keep writing and whom without NONE of this would be possible. and finally to my love, charles, thank you for being my muse, my biggest encourager, my musical partner and my rock through the past year. this album is about you, for you and was made with you. thank you for letting me call you the love of my life every day. you're all I need until forever falls apart can't wait to see you all on tour soon! love y/n 🤍

View all 45,730 comments y.nmusic I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE TO BEGIN WAIT WHAT? ⤷ ynloverrr ISTG SHE CAN'T KEEP DROPPING ALBUMS ON US LIKE THIS

y/nupdates I'm gonna need someone to dissect everything about this post in a twitter thread 😭

taylorswift I'm so proud of you for this album 💜 can't wait to come and watch you on tour! Comment liked by y/nsworld

sabrinacarpenter I will let you steal my napkins anytime if it means I get songs like pancakes for dinner 😭🫶🏼 Comment liked by y/nsworld

francisca.cgomes I need to breakup with pierre just to experience falling in love with him again with this album Comment liked by y/nsworld ⤷ y/nsworld babe i love you sm 😭 ⤷ francisca.cgomes baby? i love you more ⤷ pierregasly you're literally MY girlfriend? ⤷ y/nsworld but she's MY wife Comment liked by francisca.cgomes

yncharles oh to be a fly on the wall when lando, lily and alex heard these songs for the first time 😭🥹 ⤷ y/nsworld coming to tikotok and insta reels soon my love 🫶🏼 ⤷ yncharles OMG OMG SHE REPLIED SKSKDKDFKJ ⤷ alex_albon pls don't use the clip of me sobbing over 'that part' Comment liked by y/nsworld ⤷ y/nsworld too late bestie 😄 ⤷ lilymhe I am still not over and will never get over "you might not like her" Comment liked by y/nsworld ⤷ y/nsworld I will never be over the hug you gave me when I finished playing it to you for the first time

charles_leclerc mon amour, it was an honor to be involved in your music journey and I am so thankful for every day I get to share with you. darling I'd wait for you til forever falls apart 🤍 Comment liked by y/nsworld ⤷ chachacharles THEY'RE MY ROMAN EMPIRE 😭 ⤷ charlesfann pls tell me someone else noticed charles credited as songwriter on 'til forever falls apart' 😭

ynmylove LETS 👏 TALK 👏 ABOUT 👏 HOW CHARLES AND Y/N USED SONG TITLES IN THEIR COMMENTS TO EACH OTHER 😭 ⤷ charlesandcarlos try not to cry challenge FAILED

on twt:

y/n's q+a on ig:

charles_leclerc

Liked by y/nsworld, maxverstappen1 and 12,942,833 charles_leclerc my incredibly talented girlfriend's album is out now! I am beyond proud to be able to say that she trusted me to help her not only record some of the songs but write them too. I didn't know I was much of a songwriter but looking into your eyes suddenly turned me into a poet ma belle.

everyday you inspire me with your creativity, your passion, your energy and your love for those around you. I could write you a million love songs and there would still be things left to say. you're all I need now until forever falls apart. j'taime mon amour ❤️ (if you haven't heard the album yet make sure you go and listen now!)

View all 45,730 comments y/nsworld I love you more than any love song could ever express. my muse, my love, my life 🤍 Comment liked by charles_leclerc ⤷ ynloverrr OH MY GOD?! I'M SO VIOLENTLY UNWELL OH GOD ⤷ ferrar1 'looking into your eyes suddenly turned me into a poet'

y/nandcharles THEY ARE MY ROMAN EMPIRE

sabrinacarpenter This album is literally on repeat! I cried the first time I heard 'you might not like her' and every time since

charlesforwdc can we all please just appreciate the STUNNING piano in 'so this is love' Comment liked by y/nsworld ⤷ y/nsworld we were literally just messing about in the studio and decided we liked it enough for the album! ⤷ y/nvocals the fact they were both "messing about" and sound THIS GOOD IS INSANE

maxverstappen1 congrats mate! you nailed this project!

landonorris from sliding into the dm's to collaborating on an album is CRAZY ⤷ y/nsworld LANDO 😭😭 ⤷ f1fannn exCUSE ME? sliding what?! ⤷ charleswifey charles sliding in her dm's is crazy but understandable 😭 ⤷ charles_leclerc try the other way around... 👨‍🦯 ⤷ y/nsworld BABY! 😭

♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧♪₊ ⊹♬˚₊‧

[shenanigans-and-imagines]

A Little Much

Astarion x Evie (Ace!Tav) Masterlist

Fluff, Evie and Astarion have self worth issues, Hurt/Comfort

Summary: It’s Evie’s first ball after the fall of the Netherbrain and somehow, facing down Baldur’s Gate elites feels more terrifying.

A/N: I’m alive! I know this hasn’t been requested by anybody but sometimes you need to ride the inspiration. And reminder to please COMMENT AND REBLOG IF YOU LIKE THIS I NEED VALIDATION TO LIVE!!!

Word Count: 1.7k

“What about this one?” the tailor said, his tone starting to strain. “It’s a lovely color for your complexion.”

Evie didn’t say anything, running the fabric through their fingers. It was just about the finest fabric they ever felt. A small pang of guilt twisted inside them for simply touching it, as if their calloused fingers would somehow damage the smooth threads. Carefully, they let it back down on the table next to the pile of other rejected fabrics.

“I���m inclined to agree,” Astarion said. “Cliche as it may be to say, blue truly does bring out your eyes.”

Evie shifted, the familiar anxiety they’d been experiencing for the last two hours rising in their gut.

“I’m not sure,” they said, trying to sound discerning. “Maybe something a little more…simple?”

The tailor’s lips turned into a hard line. Evie had the distinct impression that if they were not the literal hero of Baldur’s Gate, he would have kicked them out ages ago. He must really need the commission.

“Simple,” he repeated, sharply. “Very well, I’ll see what I can find.”

Without even bothering to pick up the bolt of fabric, he spun on his heel and disappeared into the backroom.

Evie let out a short breath of relief. This whole song and dance had been going on for far too long. First ball or not, there had to be a simpler way. After the next round of samples they’d say they need to think about it and leave. It may be in rough shape, but their performance dress could still do in a pinch. Maybe they could convince Astarion to spruce it up.

As if feeling their thoughts turn in his direction, Astarion moved closer leaning into their ear. “I think you’re going to drive that man to baldness.”

Evie gave what they hoped was a nonchalant shrug. “Not baldness. Grayness, perhaps. His head is fairly well preserved.”

“Either way, he’s cursing your name.” He took up one of the other swatches, a dark blue patterned with silver stars, and examined it with an artful eye. “I still think you would look lovely in this. Not the whole dress, mind you, but for the bodice at least.”

They smiled a little at that. An image of a gown came easily into their mind, although not as detailed as they were sure Astarion could picture it: something grand and striking, something a princess would wear waiting for a knight to rescue them. And with that thought, the fantasy ended.

“I think it’s a bit much for my taste,” Evie said. “Might suit you though. I know you prefer red, but you truly look well in just about any color.”

They glanced over at Astarion expecting to catch him mid preen. Instead, his gaze was solely on them, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.

“What?”

“Do you actually want to go to this ball?” he said, suddenly.

Evie straightened in surprise. “Of course, what are you talking about?”

“I am talking about that infuriating thing you do when you technically agree to something by not disagreeing before dragging your feet at every step.”

“I don’t–.” They stopped at the side eye Astarion was giving them. It was something they were working on.

“That’s not what’s happening,” Evie corrected.

“Enlighten me then.”

They shifted their stance, suddenly feeling very hot all over. When did it get so stuffy?

“It’s just…it’s all a bit much, isn’t it?”

“The ball?”

“No. I mean, yes, a bit, but this.” They waved their hand around the shop. “He’s charging twenty gold a yard for some of this. And that’s just the fabric, let alone the labor cost. And it’s not as if I’ll ever wear it again. I mean, how many balls can I expect to attend in one lifetime?”

“So, you’d rather wear something you already own?” Astarion questioned with clear judgment in his tone.

Evie’s lips pressed into a line, their defenses rising. “It’s not as scandalous as all that.”

“Only if you want to dress like the entertainment.”

“And what’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing,” he shrugged, “so long as you don’t mind being the entertainment. Or at minimum have people handing you their used cups all evening.”

Evie bit back a groan of frustration. He really didn’t understand.

“I just think it’s all rather frivolous,” they vented.

“You think fashion is frivolous?”

“That’s not what I said.”

“It’s what you implied.”

“I didn’t–.” They stopped, taking a deep breath. This wasn’t going how they wanted it to go. They just wanted to leave and not have to think about hundreds of eyes on them whispering speculations about who they were and where they came from. They almost wished they were the entertainment. It would be more honest and they’d walk out with well earned gold in their pocket.

“Look, I know dressing well is important to you,” they said, carefully. “I know that choice is important to you, but it’s just not to me. I don’t need to make a statement outside of my performances. As soon as I’m off that stage, I am perfectly content for people to stop looking at me.”

Astarion scoffed. “Then you’ve somehow missed the point of the evening. People are going to be looking ,whether you want them to or not. The only thing you have control over is what they see.”

Evie glanced away. He was right, of course. They had wanted to focus on the other aspects of the evening; seeing their friends again, free food, listening to music instead of playing it for once, just seeing how the other half lived. They should have known it would come with a price.

“Well then maybe it is best if I skip it.”

It was a testament to how much effort Astarion was putting into understanding that he didn’t just throw his hands up in frustration. He did, however, get in one exasperated sigh.

“What are you so afraid of them seeing?”

A mouse. A rat. A thief. Gur scum. Unclean. Unworthy. Wrong.

It must have shown on their face as Astarion touched their chin, turning them back to him.

“None of that,” he said, his tone suddenly serious.

Evie didn’t really know what to say. They just knew they couldn’t bring themselves to look directly at him.

Astarion, however, didn’t falter. “You’ve been my mirror in more ways than I’d like to admit. Do you wish to know what I see?”

“I’ve got a feeling you’re going to tell me anyway.”

His face lit up with pride. “There’s my love. Let’s start with that deceptively smart tongue disguised by a very pleasant mouth.”

“Pleasant mouth?”

“Very,” he insisted. “Now let’s see…a nose that one might describe as too long for your face, but actually proportions your features quite well when taken all together. I think it’s the little bump that does it. Good hair with some potential. You are with me after all darling. It’s hard to compete with perfection.”

“I think you’re losing the point of this exercise.”

“I’m not finished. I haven’t even gotten to those two near supernaturally blue eyes of yours. They are always so much more endearing when they’re trying to be annoyed with me.”

Evie tried to glare, they really did, but their smile gave them away.

Astarion’s own grin only widened. “And don’t even get me started on your truly lovely skin and even more enticing neck.”

“Careful my love, you’re starting to drool,” they teased.

He answered by pulling them to him, playfully nipping their neck with a growl.

“Astarion!” They laughed.

“Don’t interrupt me,” he said before moving his lips to their ear. “You’re so much more than all of them.”

Evie’s brows furrowed as they felt the air shift. His tone was softer now and all the more serious for it.

“Even before you saved everyone in this miserable city, you were worth more than any of the fools who thought they were superior because they were the ones to put coin in your purse. If the world actually judged people by the things that mattered, near everyone would question their worthiness to even speak with you. I know I do.”

They felt their heart clench, turning their head to catch their love’s eye. “Astarion…”

He gave them a half smile. “Not to worry darling, it’s only in moments. It’s comforting to remind myself that you’re not infallible. You did make the very foolish decision of choosing me after all. Besides, I’m selfish by nature. I’m not about to do something noble like let you go to find someone better.”

He left his voice light, but Evie could feel the weight of his fears. It had faded for the last few months, but still lingered. Time was the only cure for it. And Evie intended to give him as much as it took.

“I’m holding you to that,” they said.

Astarion watched them a moment, surprise flashing across his features before settling into something much more self satisfied.

Evie felt the need to say something to keep him from getting down right smug, but the kiss he placed on their lips quickly evaporated those notions. He was just as relieved to hear their words and they were to hear his.

They held each other close, even as their lips drifted apart content to stay in their own little bubble for a few moments longer.

“We don’t have to go if you don’t want,” Astarion murmured, “but don’t let what other people think stop you. They’re not worth the consideration.”

Evie took a breath, finally letting his words settle. They wouldn’t be alone. Astarion would be with them, and Wyll and Karlach and Gale and Shadowheart and Lae’zel; really the only people whose opinion mattered. How could anyone make them feel small with love like that?

“Alright,” Evie conceded. “I might need to borrow your eye though. I don’t really know what I’m doing.”

“Gladly, so long as I don’t catch you squirming thinking about how much it’s all going to cost,” Astarion countered.

“I will…try.”

He beamed and Evie could already feel their last few coppers clinking together. They pushed it aside though. Their purse might regret it but they would not. If there was ever a reason to celebrate, the knowledge of never being alone again seemed just about the best.

[pupphe-additions]

✬Evie’s Relationship With NMIXX✬

Note: Evie calls NMIXX her babies and she adores all the members. She may not be super close to the younger girls but the love she has for them is very obvious anytime she is near them. Both Stay and NSWER joke that Evie is NMIXX’s mother. They will not be as detailed as the other groups but if you guys want I can update it in a couple weeks. In all honesty I'm still learning about NMIXX that's why they aren't as detailed but I love these girls sm so I had to include them now.

Evie x Haewon

Quote: “Friendship is the golden thread that ties the heart of all the world.” Dynamic: Rants, Listens

Haewon’s contact in Evie’s phone is “🎃Pumpkin🎃”

Haewon goes to Evie for advice a lot.

Evie enjoys hugging and playing with Haewon’s hair when they are able to see each other in person.

Evie calls Haewon “pumpkin” and “honey bear” a lot and prefers those nicknames for the younger girl. 

Haewon has proudly admitted that Evie is her favorite stray kids member.

Evie x Lily

Note: You can read more about her dynamics and friendship moments with Lily here. I do not want to repeat points so anything included in that post will be exclusive to that one and vice versa. 

Quote: “I do not see well without her. I do not hear as well without her. I do not feel as well without her. I would be better off without a hand or a leg than without my sister.” Dynamic: Soul Sisters

These two can sit on call for hours and not even realize any time has passed.

Content just sitting in silence doing their own things because just being in each other's presence is rewarding enough as is.

Evie enjoys rambling to Lily about her favorite games and anime and Lily always listens.

Evie enjoys teaching Lily about her games she plays.

Lily and Evie mainly speak in English together.

Evie x Sullyoon

Quote: “When the world is so complicated, the simple gift of friendship is within all of our hands.” Dynamic: The Sweetheart and The Scary Dog Privilege

Sullyoon’s contact in Evie’s phone is “🐰BunSull🐰”

These two are baking buddies. They always enjoy exchanging different sweets that they made when they get to meet up.

Evie is extremely protective of Sullyoon and would likely fight anyone who tried to hurt her in any way or who makes her cry.

Sullyoon enjoys when Lily and Evie have sleepovers because she gets to see Evie as Evie makes sure to visit with all of the girls before hanging out with Lily.

Sullyoon enjoys hugging and clinging to Evie whenever she is around.

Evie x BAE

Quote: “A friend is someone who gives you total freedom to be yourself.” Dynamic: The Extrovert and The Introvert

BAE’s contact in Evie’s phone is “🌻🐤SunChick🐤🌻”

Evie enjoys helping BAE with her English, she has stated it makes her feel like a teacher and it makes her feel useful.

These two are the least close of the group but Evie still adores her.

Evie and BAE often eat snacks when together.

They dance together sometimes.

Evie x Jiwoo

Quote: “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.” Dynamic: Family

Jiwoo’s contact in Evie’s phone is “🐶PupWoo🐶”

Evie has made a playlist specifically for Jiwoo. Jiiwoo will listen to it whenever she wants to feel energized as it has a lot of happy and fast beat songs on it.

Jiwoo has made perfume for Evie before, and Evie wears it on stage a lot.

Evie and Jiwoo are extremely close.

Jiwoo is the member that Evie is second closest to.

Jiwoo always takes whatever good advice Evie gives her and calls Evie her older sister.

Evie x Kyujin

Quote: “A sweet friendship is refreshing.” Dynamic: Mother Daughter

Kyujin’s contact name in Evie’s phone is “🐱Kitjin🐱”

Evie calls Kyujin her child and is overly protective of her.

Kyujin jokingly called Evie mom before and since then Evie has called Kyujin her child.

Evie is known to make Kyujin food when she is stressed.

Kyujin, Evie, and Lily all have a pair of matching pajamas.

When Kyujin has any problems she has a habit of going to Evie first to help figure out how she should go about solving them.

[wipbigbang]

WIPBB 2023 - Fic & Art Master List (# - L)

Below is the master list of all the bragging rights/posts that were posted to Tumblr and Dreamwidth, organized alphabetically by fandom from numbers to L. Please go show these people some love for all the hard work they did!

9-1-1

Beyond Appearances: Art (Evan Buckley/Sophia Diaz)

When You Say My Name: Fic | Art Post 1 | Art Post 2 (Evan Buckley/Eddie Diaz)

A Song Of Ice and Fire/Game Of Thrones

Watch the world burn; i set it all alight for you: Fic/Art (Jon Snow/Daenerys Targarean)

Angel: the Series/Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Deep Dark Sky: Fic (Connor/Dawn Summers)

Bungou Stray Dogs

half-time soulmate, full-time problem (so hold me like a grudge): Fic | Art (Nakahara Chuuya/Dazai Osamu)

Chalion Saga/World of the Five Gods

Penric's Last Ride: Fic | Art (Penric, Desdemona, the Bastard)

Criminal Minds

Half Broke Horses: Fic (Art On AO3) (Alex Blake/Emily Prentiss)

DC Comics

Batman

Fatherhood: Fic | Art (Implied Bruce Wayne/Jim Gordon)

right place, wrong time: Fic | Art (Tim Drake, Jason Todd, Damian Wayne)

Batman/Green Arrow

Grains of the Golden Sand: Fic (Dick Grayson/Roy Harper)

DC Comics (Batman)/Prodigal Son

9 Crimes: Fic | Art (Jason Todd, Tim Drake, Malcolm Bright, Gil Arroyo, Jessica Whitly, Jim Gordon, Harvey Bullock, Alfred Pennyworth, The Joker, Bruce Wayne, Dick Grayson)

Dead Poets Society

Spotlight: Fic (Chris Noel/Ginny Danburry)

Disney

Disney's Descendants

And I won’t lie down, roll over, and die: Fic (Gil/Harry Hook/Uma)

Nothing in this world by myself to protect me: Fic (Jay/Carlos De Vil, Evie/Mal, Evie/Jay, Evie/Carlos de Vil, Evie/Jay/Mal/Carlos de Vil, Ben/Mal, Ben/Jay, Jay/Mal, Mal/Carlos de Vil, Ben/Evie)

Disney Fairies

Death at the Hollow: Fic/Art (Fawn/Nyx)

Encanto

A Single Thread of The Tapestry: Fic | Art (Camilo & Mirabel, Camilo & Mirabel & Mariano, Mirabel & Camilo & Madrigal family)

How do you know what your life is worth: Fic | Art (Camilo & Mirabel, Mirabel & Pepa, Isabela & Pepa, Isabela & Luisa, Luisa & Abuela & Bruno, Bruno & Camilo, Félix & Julieta, Agustín & Dolores, Félix/Pepa, Agustín/Julieta)

Doctor Who/The Picture of Dorian Gray/Torchwood

Passing Through: Art (Dorian Gray/Jack Harkness)

Dracula/Jane Eyre/Sherlock Holmes (ACD Canon)

A Field of Thorns: Fic (Sherlock Holmes/Dracula)

Dragon Age II

Kindling: Fic | Art (Fem!Hawke/Fenris)

Set Yourself On Fire: Fic | Art (Marian & Garrett, Marian & Carver, Marian & Varric, Referenced Fenris/F!Hawke and Anders/M!Hawke)

ER (NBC)

Touch and Go: Fic | Art (Abby Lockhart/Kerry Weaver)

Final Fantasy IV/Final Fantasy VI/Final Fantasy IX/Final Fantasy X

Magical Girl Rydia - Summon the Four Warriors of Light!: Fic On Dreamwidth | Fic On Tumblr (Rydia/Yuna)

Generation Kill

Bradley the Damned: Fic/Art (Brad Colbert/Nate Fick, Walt Hasser/Ray Person)

Good Omens (TV)

The Rain We Thought Would Last Forever and Ever (Remix): Fic (Art On AO3) (Aziraphale/Crowley)

Harry Potter

Black House Will Rock: Art (Hermione Granger/Bellatrix Lestrange)

Repertum: Fic/Art (Harry Potter/Severus Snape)

Harry Potter/CSI/Hocus Pocus

And now you're mine: Fic (Harry Potter/Greg Sanders)

Harry Potter/DC Comics (Batman)

Reflection: Fic/Art (Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Hermione Granger, Rubeus Hagrid, Original Characters)

It (2017/2019)

faraway look: Fic (Bill Denbrough/Mike Hanlon)

Jak And Daxter

alien lands (overflowing with dust): Fic/Art (Jak/Daxter, Jak/Sig, past Damas/Sig)

The Red Prison: Fic/Art (Errol/Torn, Jak/Ashelin)

Jane Austen/Temeraire (Naomi Novik)

To the Rigor of Service: Fic/Art (Elizabeth Bennet & Charlotte Lucas, pre-Anne Elliot/Frederick Wentworth)

Jujutsu Kaisen

Phantom Origins: Fic | Art (Itadori Yuuji/Yoshino Junpei, Yoshino Junpei & Yoshino Nagi, Fushiguro Megumi & Kugisaki Nobara, Fushiguro Megumi & Kugisaki Nobara & Yoshino Junpei, Iguchi Takeshi & Itadori Yuuji & Sasaki Setsuko)

Knives Out

No Charm Equal: Fic (Benoit Blanc/Marta Cabrera)

Kuroko no Basuke

Three Little Words: Fic (Kasamatsu Yukio/Kise Ryouta)

Last Binding Series (Freya Marske)

The New Blyth Traditions: Fic (Robin Blyth & Maud Blyth, Robin Blyth/Edwin Courcey, Maud Blyth/Violet Debenham)

League of Legends: Arcane

bring me java, bring me joy: Fic | Art (Caitlyn Kiramman/Vi)

Lord of the Rings (Book)

both the sweet and the bitter: Fic On Dreamwidth | Fic On Tumblr (Arwen Undómiel, Elrond Peredhel, Bilbo Baggins, Original Characters)

[midnightshaze13]

I present to you this thread with very good studies, works, theses, essays and Final Degree Projects related to Taylor Swift that I have compiled. 📑🗂

They are in no specific order and I mention the languages in which they are written.

I'm starting the thread with mine. I'd love to see yours if you did one so please if it's not included down here and you feel like sharing it, feel free to add it!!

«Letters that are heard, words that are felt. Teaching of Literature and Literacy in modern songs: Taylor Swift's Wildest Dreams and Carolina» by Irene M.Paredes

Language: Spanish and English

Link and image:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UNdt3rB1WAEn19kD0GvngZYK4H3i_USK/view?usp=drivesdk

«The key to storytelling: why Taylor Swift is one of the greatest songwritters of all time» by Borja Valladolid Araujo

Language: Spanish

Link and image:

Language: English

«Female lyrical voices vs. Patriarchal violence: a study of the use of images of death and resurrection in the writing of Sylvia Plath and Taylor Swift» by Alejandra Escutia Angulo.

Language: Spanish

Link and image:

«The Representation of Gender Discrimination in Taylor Swift’s Music Video The Man. A Multimodal Critical Discourse Analysis» by Irina Montes Martínez

Link and image:

«Translation of Taylor Swift's The Lakes song, analysis of dificulties and cultural references» by Petruta Andreea Gherle

Language: Spanish

Link and image:

«Translation of the songs from Taylor Swift's Midnights Album» by Ainhoa María Martínez

Language: Spanish

Link and image:

«Lesbian subtext and symbology in the lyrics of Taylor Swift's albums in relation to poems by Emily Dickinson» by Raquel López Romero.

Language: Spanish.

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«Examining the influence of the Romanticism movement on the works of Taylor Swift» by Inayah.

Language: English

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«How the lyrical trajectory of Taylor Swift's songs parallels the development of feminist discourse in popular culture» by Jenny Medlicott

Language: English

Link and image: (not working because the author limits the views)

https://twitter.com/JennyMedlicott

«You Need to Calm Down: An Analysis of Attitudes Towards Women's Anger and the Role This Plays in Discouraging Political Expression in the Case of Taylor Swift» by Sarah Quinn

Language: English

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«Look what you made me do: a study of the individualized fan culture of Filipini Taylor Swift's fans» by Katherine Joy Victorio Tolentino

Language: English

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«Marketing strategy in the music industry in the era of social networks: the case of Taylor Swift» by Lisa Sioli

Language: Italian

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«The art of immersive storytelling in Taylor Swift and F. Scott Fitzgerald» by Joanne Waeber

Language: English

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«Look what you made me do: Swift's negotiations with an inherently sexist music industry» by Evie Chiles

Language: English

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«Love metaphors in the lyrics of Taylor Swift» by Ewa Lawrukiewicz

Language: Polish

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«I don't give a damn about my bad reputation: Analysis of the Branding, Performance and Pop Stars as defined texts found within Taylor Swift's reputation» by Mathew Panneton

Language: English

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«An Analysis of Meaning and Diction of Taylor Swift on the Red Album» by Rama Darmawan

Language: English

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«Taylor Swift and Swifties: Understanding para-social relationships within the fandom» by Lucy Olivia Hewitt

Language: English

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«Swifties and social media: the role of social media in Taylor Swift's relationship with fans» by Loren Wright

Language: English

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«Femininity Representation and Feminist Discourse: A Case Study of Blank Space Music Video by Taylor Swift» by Tian Hong

Language: English

Link:

«Celebrity, Music, and Public Persona: A Case Study of Taylor Swift» by Elaina K.M. Junes

Language: English

Link:

«Passed down like folk songs: an analysis of story and character in Taylor Swift's folklore and evermore» by Liv Shaw

Language: English

Link:

This one I couldn't find the author just the picture on twitter

«'It's A Love Story'-Defining a 'Swiftie' and how Taylor Swift and her Fan Community Reform the Parasocial Relationship On Tumblr» by Chloe on Bachelor of Media

[sweetarethediscords]

“Fool Me Once” - Part 4

Pairing: Kacchako, Bakugou Katsuki/Uraraka Ochako

CW: Cheating, Underage Drinking

<- Previous Part | From the Beginning

~~~~~~~

To throw an all out rager on campus was an absolute no go.

To throw a ranger at one of the many nearby houses a certain rich kid third year’s parents owned however…

It was perhaps one of the few times being a landlord was a good thing.

Momo had decorated the hell out of it. 

Cotton spiderwebs, paper bats, dry ice fog, and low, Halloween colored lighting. By the time Katsuki had made his way over to the house the party was well underway.

Mineta already had his head in a trash can. Hitoshi and Neito were playing tug-o-tongue with Denki. 

The smell of booze threatened to strip his nostrils of every hair inside them. A bunch of gasps and wolf whistles greeted him as he entered, his costume drawing nearly every eye.

Most of these were underclassmen though, his real target was downstairs. 

Shoji had been updating him all night. Apparently with out Deku’s attention, Melissa had take up flip cup, beer pong, whatever game would keep her distracted and drunk. Ei even made sure to take over the beer pong table from her to have a “couples match” against Deku and Ochako. 

Now she’d been leaning up against the wall for a while, bobbing her head to the music, pretending to listen to Mei ramble on as she obviously watched Deku from a far.

“Bakubro!” Hanta howled, starting off an avalanche of cheers, hoots, hollers, drawing every eye towards him. 

Katsuki caught Melissa’s eye briefly, adjusted his glasses with a smirk, then continued on to meet Hanta by the keg and grab a beer.

“Looking hot dude!” he said.

“Nice Vincent costume,” Shoto added. “I don’t remember him wearing a bedsheet in the game though.”

“Vincent?” 

“From Silent Hill 3.” Shoto pointed to his glasses. “He wears glasses like that.”

Katsuki sneered. “I ain’t no Vincent, Icyhot, I’m—”

“Milo Thatch,” Melissa slurred flirty, running a hand across the blue swirls of body paint highlighting the bulge of his biceps. 

Katsuki’s sneer turned into a smirk. “In the flesh.” He let his eyes roam across the old school librarian costume she was sporting, feigning interest when really he seeing all of the booze and sweat stains on her blouse.

“Evie from The Mummy!” she shouted over the music. 

“We’re Bert and Ernie,” Shoto added unnecessarily. He must have had a few shots himself too. “He’s Ernie, I’m Bert.”

Melissa smiled at him and used her other hand to rub his bicep. “This sweater is sooo soft.”

“It’s very warm,” he replied. 

“Speaking of warm,” Hanta lifted her hand off of Shoto and placed a cup of beer in it. “Why don’t you two go warm up the dance floor a bit? There’s some good looking couples out there, but no one nearly as hot as you two.”

“Oooo yes!” Melissa cooed and tugged Katsuki’s arm. 

“You sure?” Katsuki teased. “I don’t know if you’ll be able to handle my moves.”

Melissa rolled her eyes. “Oh please. Like I don’t have moves of my own.”

He shrugged his shoulders and sighed. “Alright. You asked for it.” 

He threaded his arm out of her grip and made his way to the dance floor.

Whether she followed him or not was unimportant. This was all about the tease. The bait.

Later she was sure to bite.

Kyoka had set up her DJ booth, a brilliant set up that could knock a house down at 11 

Katsuki locked eyes with her and gave her a subtle nod to switch the music to one of the songs he’d texted her about.

With insane skill she mixed the current bright bouncy pop song into a dirty, grinding dance song that switched the entire vibe of the dance floor. 

Katsuki knew how to move, that was no secret. With how he fought with his quirk he had to be as agile and precise as possible.

As a kid, hip hop lessons were a way for him to let out his access energy. As an adult they kept him sharp, giving him an edge against villains. 

And now, well…

They had a drunken blonde in a librarian costume practically drooling as she watched him gyrate.

After a bit of peacocking, Katsuki wound up pulling her into the dance with him, hooking an arm around the small of her waist and holding her close. 

He guided her hips with his own, keeping them flush together and in time with the music. He let his nose brush against hers every now and again but wouldn’t let himself linger.

Instead he would subtly shift his gaze away, keeping an eye out for tuft of green hair. 

Which he found pretty quickly, tucked under some sort of brown leather fedora, glancing their way every now and again as he pretended to pay attention to the pretty pink power ranger chatting excitedly beside him.

Katsuki spun Melissa around making sure her ass was against him. 

He draped his arms around her hips and dipped his head down to have his chin rest against the curve of her neck. Holding her like he possessed her.

Izuku’s glance became a full on stare at that. Ochako’s gaze was pulled along with it, finding Katsuki just as the song ended. 

Katsuki pretended not to see her grab Izuku’s arm and start to drag him over.

“Oh my god! Look at you!” Ochako squealed in greeting.

Katsuki untangled himself from Melissa as they approached. “Sup, Cheeks. See you can’t shake the spandex, huh?” 

“Really?” She smirked and looked down at his chest. “See you found Atlantis but lost your shirt along the way.”

Katsuki smiled genuinely at that before turning smug as he looked Deku’s way. “Guess you found a power ranger in the Temple of Doom there, huh, Izuku?” 

Izuku laughed tightly as he smiled. “Guess so. I didn’t know you and Melissa were so close, Kacchan.”

“Yeah. I’ve been helping Specs out with her apprenticeship project,” he said, nudging Melissa slightly. “She really likes what I can do with my hands.” 

“The sweat,” Melissa blurted out suddenly. “I’m trying to see how my universal quirk enhancer would work with physically manifested emitter quirks.”

“Sure,” Ochako teased. “Just don’t play with his hands too much. You’ll wind up with a heart condition.”

She winked at Katsuki. 

“Speaking of sweat,” Ochako continued. “You two vs. us two. Ultimate beer pong championship. With you two in the mix one of us are sure to beat Kiri and Mina.”

“In a bit, Cheeks,” he said. “I gotta go piss first.” He patted Melissa on the head and looked at Izuku. 

“Keep an eye on her for me, will ya?”

Izuku nodded curtly with a tight smile. “You got it.”

Katsuki headed upstairs, catching Eijirou calling, “Midoriya! Uraraka! Rematch?”

Just as planned.

Katsuki didn’t head to the bathroom. Instead he made his way to the roof, took out his phone, and started scrolling through his phone. Enjoying the peace, quiet, and night sky as he killed time waiting to hear—

“He have you seen Bakugou?” Melissa asked Hanta on the patio below him, prompting him to rise and make his way back into the house. 

Katsuki made his way back down to the first floor, conveniently waiting to round the right corner.

“There you are!” Melissa said, hurrying over towards him. “I’ve been looking all over for you.”

“Is something wrong?” he asked, playing dumb.

Melissa grabbed his hand. 

“I really want to dance with you some more,” she said. Her eyes kept glancing towards his lips, lingering over his body. “Please?”

Katsuki smiled. Knowing for certain what would happen next. “Lead the way.”

She all but tore his arm out of his socket as she led him downstairs. 

She wasted no time pulling him onto the dance floor and grinding against him, touching every inch of bare skin on him, leading his hands to grab her waist, her ass.

Keeping her face barely an inch away from his.

“You look sooo good tonight,” Melissa panted lightly. 

“You look pretty good too,” he said. “I like that shade of lipstick.”

“Do you?” she cooed.

“Mhmm.” He brushed his nose against hers. “Does it taste good?”

Melissa threaded her fingers in his hair. “Let’s find out.”

She kissed him. Hard, clumsy, needy. 

It was more teeth than lips. More cheap beer than cherry.

Honestly it was one of the worst kisses he ever had, but he stuck with it. Deepening it, making her fumbled mess loom good as applause erupted around them. The music even switched to something celebratory and gloating. 

They parted to find the entire basement crowd watching them, applauding…

…save for one person, in an Indiana Jones costume, watching on from just a few feet in front of them. Katsuki kept Melissa’s attention away from Deku, pulling her to dance and jump along with the crowd until he felt a tap on his shoulder.

“Hey dude. Sorry to interrupt,” Eijirou said. “But I need your help with Tetsu, man. He ain’t doing well.”

“Fucking hell, Shitty Hair.” He turned to Melissa. “Sorry. I gotta take care of this.”

“It’s fine,” she slurred a bit, lost in the kiss still.

Perfect.

Katsuki followed Eijirou back upstairs and into “the recovery room”— the master bedroom of the house that had been deemed a safe zone for those who partied too much because of its huge bed and easy bathroom access.

Tetsu was waiting, completely sober. 

“How’d it go?” he asked.

“It went off without a hitch,” Katsuki replied. “Now we just wait.”

“That kiss was pretty fucking epic though. With the music and the cheering?!” Ei recalled excitedly.

“Yeah and she chewed my lips like they were a fucking roast beef the entire time.” 

“Not so cool.” Tetsu said. “Wanna play Kings while we wait? I brought a deck of cards and the Mineta finally stopped puking.”

“Yeah sure. Why the fuck not? It ain’t like—”

Their phones all pinged.

S: Midoriya left.

They all shared a wide-eyed stare of disbelief. 

Before they could say another word their phones pinged again.

S: Melissa’s leaving now too. Mei’s helping her get her stuff.

Footsteps thundered down the hall and past their room.

“I can’t believe I did that to him!” Melissa sobbed. “I just— I couldn’t—” 

“Shhhh. It’s okay. You’ll get him, you just have to put a coat on okay? I can’t let you freeze out there—”

“He’s so mad at me and I— He was the one with—”

Melissa's blubbering faded as they walked away, leaving the room all too silent.

“Holy shit,” Tetsu said. “You did it.” 

Ei’s phone began to ring. “Shit it’s Mina. I gotta fucking go. Tetsu?”

He stood. “Right, acting shitfaced.” He grabbed a half finished bottle of liquor some poor soul left behind and gargled it around his mouth, “Let’s go, bro.”

Tetsu slung his arm over Ei’s shoulders and hung his head as Ei answered his phone with a stained grunt and left the room. 

Katsuki sat in the quiet. In disbelief.

He could hear the chaos unfold just outside the door. Chaos he caused. Because his plan worked.

The fucker and fuckette were dealing with the consequences of their actions and he…

…heard sniffling outside of the window. 

He got up off the bed and looked outside of it, but found no one.

He opened it, screen and all, and leaned his head out to make sure he wasn’t hearing things.

He wasn’t, but the crying was up, not just out. A queasy knot twisted in his stomach. 

He snuck through the halls as quickly as possible and made his way up to the second story towards the little patch of roof he often snuck out onto when the parties got too much.

The sniffling grew louder as he walked closer, turning into a soft cry. 

He opened the window quietly, curious dread getting the better of him and leaned out to find the last thing he wanted to find.

A crying pink power ranger.

“Cheeks?” he asked softly, knowing better to announce himself than surprise her.

Big brown eyes turned towards him, teary. 

“Bakugou,” Ochako whined quietly, voice breaking as a fresh stream of tears rolled down her cheeks. “I’m so sorry.”

“You’re sorry?” Katsuki climbed through the window and sat down beside her. “Why are you sorry?”

“Because you finally got to kiss her and now she— she— she—” 

Katsuki pulled her into a hug, catching her before she could collapse into herself.

“I know, Cheeks. I know.” He held her tight, his own heart feeling like it was breaking in the process. His own anger building.

“Y-you said it too. You said you thought she wanted someone else but Deku? Why didn’t he just tell me he didn’t l-l-like me? I would have understood!”she sobbed. “I’m not as pretty as her or as smart as her or as talented—”

“Uraraka stop it ain’t about that.”

“ I thought she— Why would she have kissed you if he was there?” 

Katsuki’s stomach sank. “What?”

“Was she just using you this entire time to make him jealous? Was this all just some game to them?” She looked up at him, eyes swollen and searching for answers he had but couldn’t give. “Make it make sense. It doesn’t make sense.” 

She fell into an incoherent mess in his lap, each heaving sob and broken-hearted utterance twisting a dagger of guilt into his gut.

He had to tell her.

How could he tell her?

Tell her that he had known Deku would leave her for Melissa and didn’t warn her? 

Tell her he cared more about getting even, about winning, because for some reason he thought it better to be her white knight than warn her.

To try and prevent the class from taking side when he could already tell from the broken murmurs below them that people already were? 

He had to tell her.

He had to confess.

Ochako reached for his hand and held it, her soft finger pads clinging on him desperately for comfort.

Just not tonight. 

~~~~~~~

Next Part ->

[wingsyouburn]

I posted 969 times in 2022

52 posts created (5%)

917 posts reblogged (95%)

Blogs I reblogged the most:

@ace-sailor-uranus

@tilltheendwilliwrite

@runicmagitek

@ricochetoconnell

@obihoekenobi

I tagged 966 of my posts in 2022

#fanart - 118 posts

#writer problems - 90 posts

#preach - 77 posts

#final fantasy vii - 76 posts

#star wars - 51 posts

#the mummy - 46 posts

#accurate - 43 posts

#your face sir - 39 posts

#meme time - 37 posts

#story: how wild are we - 32 posts

Longest Tag: 98 characters

#i have no intention of watching this movie but i would so make a character with this face and look

My Top Posts in 2022:

#5

"Don't cover your face, I want to see you." Ardeth/Rick/Evy if you please!

Um... this is going behind a cut because it is filthy, yet I don't think you'll mind ;)

Probably will ended up putting on AO3 later!

Ardeth leaned back in the bed, resting on his forearms. His hands fisted the sheets, willing his body to remain still as Evy undid his trousers. He’d ached all evening, through the meal they shared with others in his village, through the pleasantries of socializing afterwards. The O’Connells coming to visit was a reason for celebration with food, drink, and song. 

If only the villagers realized the real reason for their arrival, and it had nothing to do with ancient artifacts, ruins, or undead creatures threatening to kill them all. 

No, they were here for Ardeth, and Ardeth had been patient, waiting for their arrival. Only now, they were finally alone, in Ardeth’s bedroom. Evy took Ardeth’s cock in hand and stroked him, cooing softly. “It’s been too long,” she murmured. A pink tongue flicked over the head. “I expected you to ravage me the moment we set foot in town.” 

He grunted, dragging a hand over his face. “You are worth the wait.” His eyes flicked over to Rick, lounging in the chair in the corner. 

Rick reached inside his own pants, fisting himself. Soon it would be Ardeth’s hand, and Ardeth’s mouth, wrapped around that girth. His mouth watered in anticipation, even as Evy’s lips slid down Ardeth’s erection. 

“All of us are out of patience,” Rick grunted. “Especially me.” 

Ardeth vowed to tend to both of his lovers, ensuring they wanted for nothing while they were in his home and among his people. Yet he couldn’t focus, not when Rick teased him with his actions, and Evy with her sinful mouth. He rocked his hips into Evy, long hair falling into his face. He made no move to fix it, choosing instead to thread a hand into Evy’s hair. 

“Don’t cover your face,” Rick said, “I want to see you. All of you.” 

Evy arched her back and glanced over at her husband. “Greedy. You’ll get your turn.” 

“And then I’ll take care of both of you.” Ardeth sat up, and, because Rick asked, tied his hair into a loose ponytail. “Better?” 

With a shit-eating grin, Rick relaxed back into his seat and stroked himself. “Much.” 

“Boys,” Evy drawled, “focus. Sex now, talking later.” 

Rick chuckled. “You heard the lady.” 

Ardeth couldn’t deny Evy or Rick anything. To have them both here was a gift, and he didn’t intend to waste it. Tonight was just the beginning. 

21 notes - Posted August 30, 2022

#4

Ardeth and the flower crown!

Somewhere in tumblr land there was fanart of Ardeth in a flower crown and he looked so happy and I went to write a little piece and now I can't remember how I planned to finish it ._.

I do have a snippet!

Ardeth squinted against the midday sun, eyes ever scanning the open air market. Years spent on patrol left him on edge, always waiting for an unseen enemy to make an appearance, even when all should be well. 

Ahead of him, Evy skipped from stall to stall, talking to each shopkeep as if they were old friends and asking about their wares. Her Egyptian was flawless, but her smile won everyone over. A basket draped over her arm, already filled with goodies from the market. Luckily Ardeth had made sure the horses’ saddlebags had enough room for everything Evy wanted to bring back to camp. 

Likewise, they’d lost Rick at the weapons dealer at the opposite end of the market. Ardeth glanced over his shoulder at the broad-shouldered man, talking animatedly with the dealer and testing out blades. Rick, too, would be laded with goodies of the sharpest kind. 

Ardeth remained between them, a watchful eye on both parties. He had no need for anything here at the market. Everything he wanted was already within his grasp. The two people who held his heart, happy, enjoying themselves, allowing Ardeth to remain by their side. 

“Ardeth!” Evy flagged him down with a jump and a wave of her hand. “Over here!” 

27 notes - Posted August 24, 2022

#3

Fic: Welcome Home (The Mummy)

Title: Welcome Home

Fandoms: The Mummy

Characters: Evy Carnahan O'Connell, Rick O'Connell, Alex O'Connell

Pairing: Evy Carnahan O'Connell/Rick O'Connell

Rating: Gen

AO3 Tags: Parenting, Character Study

Summary: Rick meets baby Alex for the first time.

Notes: Based on this fanart from @the-french-belphegor​ on Tumblr, of Rick cuddling with Alex. I meant to clean this up and post it months ago, but life be like that sometimes. I hope you enjoy!

He thought he’d known fear. Those memories paled in comparison to the moment when the nurse laid the tiny baby into his arms. His son, his and Evy’s.

Read more at AO3!

28 notes - Posted July 29, 2022

#2

Fairytale AU+Bed Sharing for Ardeth/Rick/Evy

*steeples fingers*

Evy is the princess who, of course, wanted to seek out adventure rather than stay in her ivory tower. Books are great, but there's more to the world than she can read.

Ardeth is her guard, appointed by her father, who has sworn to protect her with his life. Rick is the drifter they pick up along the way - Evy has taking a liking to him, of course, and like everyone Evy meets, she sweeps him up into their new adventure.

Of course, eventually, they need a place to stay. There's only one room at the inn. Rick doesn't know Evy is a princess. Ardeth is far too aware of it. Neither man is willing to take the one bed away from her. Her solution is to drag them both into said bed with her.

30 notes - Posted February 5, 2022

My #1 post of 2022

35. filthy

(( Here you go, @ricochetoconnell! Hope you enjoy! ))

Dust and dirt were a constant reality in the desert. No matter how many times Rick wiped at his face or dabbed his brow, the gritty feeling remained. What he wouldn’t give for a hot shower or a cold glass of water to ebb the scorching heat.

But there was one upside to working on a dig with his new wife: Evy, too, carried her fair share of grime. Sand flew out of her hair when she shook out her ponytail. She touched her forehead and a streak of dirt remained. Filth lodged under her fingernails.

Evy’s bright smile remained. She made every moment worth it — especially when Rick thought he wouldn’t have anything else worth living for. Even now, when she bounced over to him, wrapped a sweaty arm around his shoulders, and pulled his head into a kiss.

Rick grinned against her. “Done for today?”

“The workers say it’s time. I want to keep going, but…” Her voice trailed off, and she shrugged. “It’ll be dark soon.”

“We’ll return to it in the morning.” Rick cupped her cheek. “You’re filthy, you know.”

She poked his stomach. “You know what they say about being filthy, don’t you?”

He raised an eyebrow.

“That getting clean is the best part.” She tugged on his hand. “Are you coming, Mr. O’Connell?”

God, he hoped he would be soon. “Of course, Mrs. O’Connell.”

44 notes - Posted April 8, 2022

Get your Tumblr 2022 Year in Review →

[neonradiation]

Album Review: 'Love Ting' by Chris Boddington

Key Quote: "Taking each track on their individual merit, I really rated them all highly".

Love Ting is released on 01-Mar-24 and so it was a pleasure to get early access to this collection of 9 songs...

1. Beyond Stars

What an opener! This track would be worthy of gracing either a Daft Punk or Air album. Chris employs some slick TripHop style production skills underneath the velvet vocals. By the end of the track, the chorus has its hooks into you. Musically and vocally, this one is right up my electronic street!

2. What We Have

Surprisingly, the 2nd song goes in a different direction from the first. I wouldn't describe it as Afrobeats exactly but it's definitely got those vibes on the percussion and vocal delivery - so what's not to like? However, the opening song still has the edge for me.

3. Just Us

The common thread between all the songs so far is the stripped back production skills which really let the vocals breathe. This one has an especially unusual percussion and the song builds throughout before finishing on some simple but effective piano chords. It has a similar overall chill vibe to the 1st track.

4. Turn Around

The lead vocals sit very nicely on top of this string and synth instrumentation. Initially the vocals play centre stage, but gradually, the ever changing instrumentation takes hold and ends up driving the song to the end.

5. Building Me Up

I love the vocal effects on this one over what is a very catchy synth riff. Some creative vocal sampling results in some many layered hooks on this song.

6. We'll Work It Out

We'll Work It Out washes over you like sea breeze on a sunny day. Some sublime guitar licks add to the heavenly bliss. I don't know if this qualifies as an instrumental as there's a choir in the mix, but it's a strong enough song without vocals.

7. The Start Of Tomorrow - The Wedding Of Russ & Sarah (feat. Evie)

A deeply personal stripped back piano-led song with heart-felt lyrics. Magical vocal delivery gives way to some family congratulatory messages which is a nice touch.

8. The Start Of Tomorrow - Honeymoon Edit (feat. Evie)

Loved-up dance version of the previous song with some interesting percussion and (long-awaited) deep bass.

9. Fly High (In Loving Memory Of Rhea)

I've had the pleasure of listening to this song before and I forgot how beautiful it sounds both lyrically and musically. Heart-breakingly personal words over a warm and effective piano and strings accompaniment.

Overall, there are some great songs on this album. Perhaps there are a few too many different vocal styles for it to be fully cohesive as a single body of work. But, in terms of taking each track on their individual merit, I really rated them all highly.

Chris Boddington Contact Details:

Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/chrisboddington

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisBodMusic

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6iYCIqZoES9R5bCAYN5bgo?si=OVbywn_8TyaMY7sMRZqU3g

Bandcamp: https://chrisboddington.bandcamp.com/album/love-ting-album-4-2024

[aliterarydumpsterfire]

Home Is Where the Heart Is

This story was written for the discord server Nightshift Writers' bi-monthly prompt challenge, posed by member Ultra. As always, prompts are open to deviation in order to be flexible for writers. As it's clear, I deviated from some details to make it work for me. Here's the prompt:

The house creaked with age and emptiness. Every good natured protest from the home amplified a singular expression. Loss.

It was the loss of all manner of sayings, spells, and words of wisdom, and most of all, of the woman who spoke them.

It was the loss that Evie Price knew keenly as she stood among furniture hidden under sheets of white linen, unable to feel anything else. That loneliness threatened to consume her, forcing a pressure behind her eyes and an ache in her heart.

First Mother, then Grandmama, who’d been so old it seemed she would never retire, in mind or body. But then she did. All at once, Evie’s life… hell, the world, felt unbearably empty. Before Mother’s passing, Evie’s life had been so ordered. So predetermined. University courses, closing shift at the bakery, dinner, homework, rinse, repeat. Even the hint of skipping a short class, or leaving Mother to close the bakery on her own and Evie would earn the sternest of glares. What now, that her university classes were done, the bakery sold, and Grandmama was gone, too?

Resentment welled up. Out of habit earned from one too many stern glares, she pushed it down.

She could almost hear her mother’s voice scold her. No sense in crying over it. But Mother wasn’t here, and neither was Grandmama. Hopelessness dropped from her throat to her belly, and echoed back up like from a great depth. It whispered a lonely refrain.

Alice would be along soon, to help her attend to the home Evie’d not visited since she was a girl. Putting the house in order was a task she didn’t want to think about– when Alice volunteered to help, Evie nearly cried.

She still didn’t know what she wanted to do with the house. There was no one else to take care of it. The thought of renting it out felt like a cruel joke. Moving in though felt just as cruel. Staying here, without Grandmama? She didn’t even know how half the potions or pots in the kitchen worked. Symbols and words of power laced the rim of every implement. It would take a lifetime to learn what her grandmother had not been permitted to teach her.

But Grandmama’s home could never be too silent or somber for long. Somewhere deep in the beams, something started*.* At first it was a whisper, and it grew to a hum. It was a sound she never thought she’d hear again.

“What is that noise, Grandmama?” She tilted her head up, swaying with the quiet music.

The graying witch smiled, and handed a batter spoon to Evie. It tasted of cardamom and honey, with another flavor she’d never been allowed to know, but it was the taste that filled her dreams. In Dreamland, laughing fae that smelled of Grandmama’s fresh muffins danced to the hum of the cottage, but not even dreams could match the love that steeped her time at Grandmama’s in the waking world.

“It’s the song of home, child. Wherever you are in the world, if you hear this song, it is because you belong there.”

It was the humming that drew her to the attic. A warm, nameless tune pulled almost imperceptibly up the loft stairs. It wove up the worn railing, and grew stronger when her feet rounded the last step. She found herself in the attic, staring at a cedar chest. On the chest sat a book that should not have existed, upon a doily of spider-spun gold thread, wrapped in a music that could only be of Grandmama’s making.

Evie blinked and bit her lip, fighting tears that sprang of their own accord. Tendrils of warmth coiled in an almost familiar embrace wound around her as she reached out to the book. So interested was she, she did not hear the gentle footpads that followed after her, even as the floorboards have their croaky report.

“What is it?” came a soft, curious voice behind her.

She shook her head. “I haven’t seen this since I was little. I thought Mother burned it.”

“What is it?”, the voice came again.

“It’s a…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it at first, picking it up with a ginger touch. A layer of dust came away with her fingertips. “You’re gonna laugh.”

“Pffft. Show me!” A gentle hand tugged at her elbow insistently.

Evie stood paused for a long moment. The leatherbound cover was just as she remembered, with raised gold snakes and vines intertwining up pale pillars. At the center was a thinly etched circle surrounded by symbols of which she’d never known the meaning. There was a time she’d been promised that one day that knowledge and much more would be her’s. That was before Mother whisked them away from Grandmama, 5000 kilometers and lifetimes apart, so it seemed. But she would’ve known that book anywhere.

“It’s a spell book. My grandmother’s spellbook.”

Alice’s chin popped over Evie’s shoulder. “For real?”

“Mhm.” Rough paper edges whispered under her fingers as Evie flipped through the pages. Amidst the stiff parchment and flowing penmanship the faintest smell of dust and cinnamon tea came to her, bringing a smile to her lips.

“This book is the reason Mother made us move away.”

Her friend’s voice took on a cautious hush. “Is it possessed?”

“No no, nothing like that.” She snuck a sly smile to Alice. “That I know of.”

A slim arm hooked through her’s, Alice’s gooseflesh brushing over Evie’s own. “That’s comforting.”

The house creaked with a chilly draft in answer. Her companion’s shiver grated like sandpaper against Evie’s skin. The book hummed and emanated warmth. It did not apparently extend to other people.

“Come on, we’ll put a kettle on, we’ll use Grandmama’s special tea.”

The tea, on second thought, was a task Evie wasn’t sure she could complete. There were words, and an ingredient that danced on the tip of her tongue but that she could not find in Grandmama’s innumerable little vials. They settled on a tea Alice had thought to pack with them, and the two sat with the book on a settee of the deepest blue. They scoured each page, sounding out words they’d never heard before, cautiously forming half-spoken spells on untaught tongues. What it all meant, or could mean, was of little consequence to Evie. It was enough to not be alone.

Soon they had mispronounced all of the potions and principles of the first chapters when they reached the incantations. Both curled up, half entangled, tea forgotten, Evie’s heart leapt at the next chapter’s title.

“The Art of Intention, Incantations, and Spellcasting,” Alice read aloud. “Ooooh, like real, real witch stuff? Like wish spells and love spells, and…”

“We could practice,” Evie said, eyes wide. “I always wondered if love spells really worked!” Then the ridiculousness and absurdity of speaking the possibility struck her, and she fell back in a burst of giggles.

Alice joined her, collapsing on the pillows with a flounce and cascade of curls. “Oh, there’s no need for that,” she said softly. The two giggled again, nervous and giddy as they pored over the book.

Evie wished it was true. Then she could stop looking away so fast when their eyes met. She could sink into a comfortable cuddle when Alice sat close. She didn’t have to feel embarrassed when their hands touched, like when she made tea for two. She wouldn’t have to pretend to be apologetic when she stole fries from Alice’s plate at restaurants.

She doesn’t like me. Not like that. The whisper in her brain came with a little pang of loneliness. But at least Alice was here, when she had no one else. ‘Friendship is a special magic. Never doubt the power of love that is given freely and intentionally’, Grandmama would always say.

I should be more grateful. She swallowed back the lump that threatened to break her composure in two and instead said airily, more sing-songy than she could ever possibly feel, “Well, I guess we’ll never know”.

The book above their heads, Evie stared at the next chapter, Incantations with Intention. Unbidden, the image of Grandmama in her kitchen came to mind. There was always some lesson to be had while the octogenarian prepared some potion or another. ‘All the intention in the world can be for naught if you never give it life, child.’

“Can you imagine it, just… casting a spell and having your wishes come true?”

Alice reached up, taking one side of the book in her hand and pulled it closer. “Your Grandmama thought you could.”

“She’d be the only one.” Evie released the other side of the book, letting the back cover hang against the pages, the paper fanning out from the binding. Her friend lowered it, laying the tome down, and slung her arm over Evie as they both settled further into the cushions.

“I believe you can.” The sweet earnestness in her voice and lazy finger tracing swirls and nonsense in her palm melted Evie. For a heart as lonely as hers, once a devoid chasm deeper than the Marianas Trench, a spark flared.

Grateful, she laced her fingers through Alice’s. “Thank you.”

Encouraged by the sweet tones of a familiar humming, Evie rolled onto her elbow and curled into Alice’s embrace. She brushed errant curls from her friend’s eyes. Then she closed her own, and pressed her lips to Alice’s.

A nigh-imperceptible exhale swept warmth across Evie’s cheek. It was followed by a smile, a cupid’s bow curved into her own and the kiss was returned.

The cottage’s hum swelled gently around them both. Evie could have sworn it took on a voice, tender and joyful, as it whispered, “welcome home, my dears.”

[alcneinthecity-blog]

@xsleepwalkingx

"um, it's kind of hard not to, you know." evie rolled her eyes. "it'll be fine. next thing you know, you'll have your hand right down there and you'll be fucking yourself. i mean, you have to take care of that at some point." she couldn't help but to tease her just a little bit more, scooting closer to the other woman. "so what kind of wet dream did you have? i heard you murmuring something while you were sleeping...only because it woke me up."

[panswaywardmuses]

Here I'm allowed, everything all of the time Here I'm allowed, everything all of the time

[sleepyowlwrites]

find the word tag CCCXXXI

I have so many last line tags that I could cheat to do and you'd be none the wiser, but actually I would like to write something. not tonight, tho. @spacetimewraithwrites

wood (summon story d0)

Zan put his hand back on Dair’s leg. “You don’t have to die today, if you don’t want to. You don’t ever have to do a ritual again. You can do what you want to do.”

Dair sank to his knees. He kept his eyes on the dirt as he answered, “I have to be useful.”

The words were wooden, something clearly repeated often enough to be rote.

“You don’t have to do rituals to be useful,” Shae said, her voice slipping into that strong-willed tone it had had when Zan first met her. “It’s your choice. Everything is your choice here.”

“Was I going to choose not to be saved?” Dair muttered, and Zan knew he wasn’t supposed to have heard it.

watch (dirt in the doing)

“Can you let me take care of you, too? You don’t have to tell me all your secrets. You don’t have tell anyone. But you could let us care.”

He’s so aware of the foreignness of those words coming out of his mouth. Jet doesn’t do this, doesn’t say these things. But he’s slowly realizing that change is not the most terrible thing to happen. He is capable of caring, and it’s not the end of the world.

Rune watches him think, not trying to push him away. “I don’t know how,” she says, a little breathlessly.

“Honestly, I don’t really, either,” Jet answers back, standing up, still holding onto her. “But I’m learning how to, bit by bit. In some ways I’m not really given a choice. I can’t push Copper away after just getting him back, and I don’t know what I’d do without the gang to fall back on. I’m a lot less self-sufficient than I think I am. You’re probably better than I am in that respect.”

water (abeyance, 2020)

where there was smoke on the water now there is ice crystallized webbing, threads stretched so tight I hear the song you are playing plucked on the strings it settles on my collar bones, piercing

weather (imposter, 2020)

the weather is turning the corner with its head facing away from me I dance alone it’s stressing me out, can we turn back back? minute by minute one inch to every coat collar that hangs inside the walls broken glass falls slowly suspended on a feather and the feather owner’s dead I spin on my heel to find a gun to my head

whether (dirt in the doing)

Rune has very quiet nightmares.

He can’t tell whether or not she has any on the nights that he sleeps at her apartment because they’re in separate rooms. When he pulls on new clothes from a stash that he’s trying to ignore he’s compiling there, the idea that she might awake in the night and not come wake him up too nags at him. Not that Jet wants to be woken by someone scared and crying and he has no idea how to comfort, but if she does have a nightmare and doesn’t utilize his presence, it’s such a waste. Right?

Maybe she doesn’t have any when he sleeps at her apartment. He hopes so. But the third time she crashes at his, it’s a night when Copper isn’t staying over, and Jet has no idea what wakes him up in the middle of the night.

work (pickles at midnight, 2017)

Youtube keeps me occupied while my characters fight each other with wooden swords and frying pans in my head and the villain argues with the protagonist about the questionable lack of back story. At five o'clock my dad checks on me. "You writing?" I pause my music (Skyward Sword soundtrack) and look at my pitiful work. "I'm writing." (I'm trying, really.)

wince (youth story d0)

Evie’s gaze sharpened, the way it always did when she knew her prey had been properly cornered. R could just change the subject but if Evie was in the mood to choose violence, well, his arm wouldn’t take kindly to that.

“Clarify,” he said, reluctantly. “Tell me my offenses.”

“You flirt with me.” Evie held up a finger, her tone flat but a bit pointed at the edges, and R had to hold back a wince at hearing it.

“You flirt with me, you avoid Bell, you ramble on and on to Daniel so he can’t get a word in, you avoid Mark’s entire existence like you’ve cut him out of the pages and stuffed him in your pocket so he doesn’t offended your eyes,” Evie continued to hold up fingers. “You want to saunter around like the world is jealous because needs it to be.”

choice, collar, corner, comfort. BONUS: character, clarify. @akindofmagictoo @josephinegerardywriter @dustylovelyrun @sleepy-night-child @caitwritesstuff @oh-no-another-idea @diphthongsfordays OR ANYBODY or nobody

[eviebakes]

Evie! Hope you day is going well! And lets see... 3, 10, 20, and and 36.

Hi Shipz!! The day is going :)

3. How would you describe your writing style?

Minimalist! I really admire authors who twist words into poetry or pour out words like waterfalls, but my writing definitely tends to be pretty concise.

10. Top three favorite fic tropes.

Slow burn, mutual pining, and alternate universe (shocking!!).

20. Do you work on a single project or many at the same time? How does that work for you?

I normally focus on one story at a time because it’s too difficult to switch tracks between two AUs (since that’s pretty much all I write), BUT I do have WIPs that I’ll continually jot down scenes or ideas for when they pop up so that I don’t forget them/can pick up the thread when I do work on them. It’s kinda the equivalent of chaotic scribbling in the margins when taking notes :)

36. How do you come up with fic titles? What's the one you're most proud of?

Oh man, I’m a shameless song lyric user when it comes to fic titles 😂 My favorite one so far is probably the upcoming sequel to SotR—into a world unknown 🙂

[chaotic-bells]

Show your process

To continue supporting content makers, this tag game is meant to show the entire process of making creative content: this can be for any creation.

RULES - When your work is tagged, show the process of its creation from planning to posting, then tag up to 5 people with a specific link to one of their creative works you’d like to see the process of. Use the tag #showyourprocess so we can find yours.

Thank you Anni @whatagreatproblemtohave for the tag! This is even more fun because this is her notebook I’m making. 

Planning

Well, I’m a terrible planner, I don’t really plan things. I feel like they happen by accident and luck most of the time lol it started when I was using some leftover dyed paper to make a junk journal, and I’ve realized that making signatures with A5 paper was about the same size as a photograph and they would make nice covers. Then by luck I found some really cool A5 acrylic/mixed media and watercolor papers at the dollar store (I was there to get something else, but I always go through the whole store because I might find something cool) and I’d printed some of my favorite Louis/Harry/Liam pics, inspired by my desire to own copies of the House of Solo outtakes. It all sort of came together and I just had to make these. 

Materials

# Cover:

Kraft board 935gsm 1.5mm

Black paper A5 220gsm

Strong glue stick

Strong clear glue

Sandpaper

Picture

# Interior:

White paper A5 160gsm

Watercolor paper A5 190gsm

Acrylic/mixed media paper A5 190gsm

# Binding

Waxed cord 0.5mm

Awl

Curved needle

Scrap cardboard

# Etc

Cutting mat

Metal ruler

Craft knife/box cutter

Fine tip pen/marker

Making

I’ve been a subscriber to SeaLemon’s channel for years, and while I only started book binding this year, I always found it very relaxing watching her videos. I’m using her old Coptic Stich videos for these journals, both for how I make the cover as well as the binding method itself.

I started by cutting the cover boards. I’m making two notebooks at once, so I cut 4 boards by first tracing the picture, then using the ruler and box cutter to cut it to size. I sand any stray bit of the cardboard I don’t want it, or any uneven part. 

This board is thick enough that I could just paint it, and I tried that at first with acrylic paint on my test notebook (Louis drinking milk), but the first and last page were getting a bit of transfer from the paint and looking dirty. I tested on a scrap piece of board painting and doing a clear coat, but the even when the can said “matte coat”, it still came out shiny and I didn’t like the look, so I decided to go with the paper wrap path. 

It’s important to use a glue that is not very wet, or else the board warps, so I do as much as I can with the glue stick and set the board the dry under heavy books (or a book press, if you have one of those). I use the clear glue to glue the inside as it’s a bit stronger and the edges that are exposed need to really stick down. To make sure nothing warps, I use a glue brush so the layer is very thin, and set it to dry under the books to make sure everything is flat.

While that is drying, I fold my signatures (paper folded in half and stacked in groups). For the white paper, as it’s a bit lighter, I do 3 pages per signature, and the thicker watercolor and mixed media paper I do just 2. For each notebook I do 5 signatures of white, 3 of mixed media and 2 of watercolor paper, giving me a total of 50 pages per notebook. It’s not a big journal, and I don’t know how practical it is to really paint on them, but I’m using the coptic stich, which makes sure every page opens completely flat without harming the other pages, and I also saw videos of Slew painting a full oil painting on his notebook, so I know it’s not impossible. I still think the writing or sketching experience will be pretty good on this because of the paper type. Also, they get to look at those pictures, that’s always a plus.

Once the signatures are all stacked, I create a template using an extra paper to measure where the holes will be. I use the spare cardboard in a V shape as a punching cradle, and with the help of the template I pierce through all the signatures. 

This is where I’ll diverge a bit from the pictures. Initially, I bound the signatures and cover first, then glued the picture over the cover stitch, and let it dry at least a couple hours under the heavy books to make sure there was no warping or bubbles. Looked pretty cool because the thread I’m using is very thing, and it didn’t really show under the picture. However, because the thread is very thin, I didn’t like how it opened and closed. The thread feels strong and I didn’t think it would snap, but I decided to cut the binding and redo it with a double thread. As the picture was already glued to the cover, I had to pierce the picture to do the binding. I ended up liking the look better with the exposed thread anyway, so it wasn’t a big deal. Also, not shown here is Evi's final notebook, because I've decided to redo it. I had an issue with the cover (used a different folding technique for the paper and it was bulkier than I wanted to, so her cover is currently under very heavy books drying right now. So the final picture I chose will be a surprise for when she gets her mail in a week or so.

Not counting all the drying time, the whole process takes me about two hours per notebook. 

Posting

Well, I shared it on the Larry Library, but I didn’t post it here until now. It’s not original art or an edit so I just didn't 🤷🏻‍♀️

☆ • ☆

I haven’t seen if these were done, but I really liked them, so I’m tagging it.

@sunsmile-lou for this moodboard. Moodboards fascinate me and I want to learn how to make them.

@whatagreatproblemtohave for her Tired Tired Sea art. I feel like I was there for some of it, but it’s just one of my favorites.

@killmygoldenn for the Faith in the Future edit

@essercipertuttienonperse​ for the Livestream tickets or her rainbow series which I love so much

@evilovesyou for A Song Not for Whispering

[c-rose2081]

Mess Not With a Resting Dragon

Love Like Dragons AU

Bevie | Huma | Gildry | Mal & Audrey BROTP

—

Audrey the Aurorian Dragon wasn’t a fan of being cold. Unlike Mal — Evie’s five-year-old Isle Dragon — who loved lurking around corners, under furniture, and inside cupboards; Audrey was quite opposite. She spent her lazy afternoons basking in warm sunlight on clear branches or at window sills. She lounged by the oven door when Evie was baking, played in rolls of fabric left behind while Evie was designing, and slept at night on a well heated perch next to her and Ben’s shared bed. The creature was very much her husbands little Princess, and Audrey was sure Evie knew this as well.

Currently, Ben was out of town. Evie had been watching both dragons closely, as Mal had only just recovered from a Dragon Cold. It had taken only a few days of Ben’s week long getaway for Evie to notice something weird going on with Audrey. Though she would be there in the morning on her perch, as always, she seemed lethargic and snappish. She ate regularly though, and played a bit. So Evie thought perhaps she was simply missing Ben, as he very rarely went away without her.

In the mornings, Evie would let the Dragons out, and leave the door to the porch open while she worked on her designs in the Den. Mal came and went often — nothing weird there — but her pink counterpart often stayed outside all day long. This was unusual, because the weather was getting colder as Summer began its annual shift into Fall. Evie was well aware that Audrey was a priss about her body temperature, and it was odd of her to stay out so long without even coming inside to eat. Halfway through the week, despite a late Summer drizzle rolling in from Atlantica’s direction, Audrey refused to come back inside. Period.

Evie tried to wrestle her out of the garden, but was shocked to retrieve a sharp nip on the hand. It wasn’t a malicious bite; Mal’s play wrestling was often far worse. But it was a bite none the less, and Evie had never been bitten by Audrey before. As she had when Mal caught a cold, Evie began her usual routine of worrying. What if something was wrong? What if Audrey caught something from Mal? What if she died while Ben was away and came home to find his Princess gone?

At once Evie was filled with dread. She wanted to call her husband, to tell him what was going on and how she didn’t have Uma’s number to call her for help. But he trusted her to watch the ‘kids’ (as he referred sometimes), while he was away. And Evie didn’t want to disappoint him. After all, it was only a week. She should’ve been able to handle a week at home by herself.

Instead of calling Ben, Evie dawned her bad weather gear and began watching. The rain didn’t let up for days, and Audrey still refused to come inside. She had taken up residence in one of the rose bushes in the garden; one so dense and prickly that there wasn’t any way for Evie to get her out, or even see inside. Mal, who Evie hadn’t noticed at first, was able to slip into the bush just fine. The pair would make a bit of noise, as though they were conversing, and Mal would leave and fly off.

After a day of watching said bush, freezing her butt off but determined not to let anything past her, Evie still wasn’t sure what was going on. Mal, her dear spiky fiend, would visit the bush at least five times a day. Sometimes she would have things that she found around the house. The first time it was a dishcloth, the second time a spool of thread, the third an old sock belonging to Ben that had been behind the washing machine. And so on and so forth. Evie hadn’t ever seen Mal so keen on playing fetch; not like she was ever keen on playing to being with.

Audrey herself wouldn’t come out of the bush, not once. And only when Mal brought a dead mouse from the shed did Evie understand why the Princess hadn’t come back in. She wasn’t starving; as Evie had first thought. Mal was feeding her wild catch. Thoughtful; but weird as the two so often bullied each other. As darkness fell and the storm grew heavy, Evie was forced into retreat. Of course she was worried about the dragon in the bush, but she didn’t need to get sick either.

Evie didn’t get much sleep that night. She tossed and turned as thunder rolled overhead, and rain assaulted the windows. She was only just beginning to doze off when Mal began to scream. It wasn’t a sound Evie had ever heard come from her best friend. It was a horrible, desperate wail, as though she were in such great pain that she might just die on the spot. Leaping out of bed, Evie stubbed her toe in the dark but ignored it. She shoved on her Ugg boots, tucked into her jacket and bolted down the stairs phone flashlight in hand.

She found Mal at the door to the patio, flapping and scratching at the glass in panic. She banged her body against the panes, forcefully rattling the hinges, desperate to get outside. Evie fell over herself getting the door open, and Mal bolted out at breakneck speed. And as Evie followed her into the storm, she knew something was horribly wrong.

The sounds coming from the garden were like war. Growling and hissing, whimpers, cries and thuds. Skidding to the shed, Evie was already soaking wet as she turned on the floodlights, illuminating the entire backyard. Two rather large bodies circled Audrey’s rose bush, the leaves and branches trampled and broken down. One dog and Audrey were engaged in a fierce battle, the dragon’s back forced down into the muddy grass by a large brown paw as she used teeth and claw to swipe at the stray dogs nose.

The other dog was now engaged with Mal, the purple dragon pissed and tearing into its fur and flesh with her toothy maw. Startled by what she saw, Evie entered the shed and grabbed a shovel from the wall. She was just in time to keep the German Shepard from biting Audrey’s neck, swinging her makeshift weapon hard and striking the animal with its flat face. There was a horrible BANG of metal on skull as the dog was knocked to one side, whimpering in pain and running away into the hedges where it had come. The other, realizing its alpha was retreating, followed suit.

Breathing hard, Evie’s heart was leaping in her chest as she dropped the shovel with a clatter. Audrey had managed to get back to her feet, but walked with a hard limp and many cries of pain. She looked horrible, covered in bites and scratch marks. One of her wings appeared to be torn slightly, and part of her topmost ear was missing. She went straight to the bush, crawling through the debris. Evie’s composure shattered when she heard the most heartbreaking wail.

Hurrying to where Audrey now stood crying, three eggs sat in a nest made of various items from around the house. There used to be four eggs; four little baby dragons which Audrey had no doubt been incubating for the past several days. But one of them had been pulled out of the nest by the dogs. One baby dragon had been lost.

Crumbling to her knees, Evie trembled in the night and the rain as Mal pulled Audrey close with a wing and held her tight with both arms. The new mother continued to wail with grief and pain, the sound echoing like a ghostly song on the wind. That’s where Ben found them all when he returned home later that night, weeping in a ruined garden with Evie unable to speak past blue tinted lips. Ben immediately carried his wife upstairs to warm up and dry off, and then called Uma.

He returned to the back garden not long after, wielding under his arm a large plastic tote lined with several old, fluffy blankets. Gently, he moved Audrey from the broken down nest into the box, followed by her remaining clutch of eggs and what he could salvage of the nest. Mal had already gone upstairs to be with Evie, keeping the woman warm with her own body heat as she slept fitfully and tearfully.

When the bluenette came down the next morning, her eyes bruised and body sore from the night prior, Uma and a man she didn’t recognize stood with Ben in the living room. Gil was also present, one massive wing draped protectively over a basket which held the remaining eggs. Mal went to meet him, crawling to sit on the table above the basket, as to have a better view.

Uma currently had Audrey on the table, stretched out across a red stained towel. The man she was with wore elbow length leather gloves, holding the poor thing down as his partner made expert movements with a needle and thread. Audrey cried all the while, the sound breaking Evie’s still fragile heart.

“Hey, you don’t need to be in here for this,” Ben whispered upon seeing her, tugging his wife along to the kitchen. She began to weep again, but Ben silenced it quickly.

“Shh, it’s ok. It’ll be alright, E,”

“B-but it’s not,” Evie managed, “I knew something was wrong. I knew it. I-I should’ve done more.”

“Love, you didn’t do anything wrong,” Ben pleaded, “you should never mess with a nesting dragon. You did the right thing leaving her be,”

“B-but she’s hurt now because of me. I should’ve stayed, I should’ve called...”

“Why didn’t you call?” Ben asked, squeezing her arm gently, “E, I could’ve been back. I could’ve been here to help,”

“This trip was so important to you, Ben,” Evie insisted, stomping her foot slightly in tired frustration, “I’m a full grown woman. I’ve lived on my own since High School. Yet the minute you go away...” waving towards the living room where Uma was working, Evie sighed heavily, “I wanted to show you I could handle it. I didn’t want to disappoint you.”

“Oh, Evie...no, no,” pulling the woman to his chest, Evie let him run a hand through her hair, closing her eyes at the feelings of comfort it brought, “you could never disappoint me. I love you so much. I’m just glad you’re all safe.”

Nodding weakly against her husbands broad, warm chest, the two glanced up as Uma entered the kitchen from the other room. She was sweating a bit, resting both hands on her hips as she exhaled.

“So what’s the word?” Ben asked wearily, cringing at the possibility of bad news. Uma, thankfully, didn’t seem ready to give it.

“She’ll be fine,” the woman nodded, “must’ve put up one hell of a fight though. You said it was a Shepard that did this?”

Evie nodded in confirmation as Uma scoffed and ran a hand over her braids, “right, well. Keep her off that leg for a while, I’ll prescribe some meds to keep her sedated until she heals up. Keep an eye on that wing too, we don’t need it getting infected,”

“And the other eggs?” Ben asked, “they’re all ok?”

“For the most part, yeah,” Uma answered, “one of them has developed a crack, but it didn’t hurt the integrity of the egg. May just end up being a dragon runt,”

“Dragon runt?” Evie questioned, “what does that mean?”

“Runt of the litter,” Uma explained, folding her arms as to find a better position, “it might come out funny looking, or small. In the wild, dragon runts are left behind by their mothers to fend for themselves or get eaten. But since Audrey lost one, she may just accept it anyway.”

“She’ll grieve, then? I know Aurorian Dragons are supposedly quite emotionally sensitive.”

“For a few weeks I think,” Uma confirmed, “it’ll probably be best for Gil to stay here as emotional support. He is a father after all, and Coastal Dragon males are left to watch the eggs in the wild,”

“How do you know so much about dragons?” Evie wondered curiously, “is there like, a manual for this stuff?”

“I worked at a sanctuary for a bit, before I met Harry,” Uma admitted, nodding to the living room. Speaking of Harry; the man in question entered the kitchen. He placed both hands on Uma’s shoulders, and Evie immediately noticed the two missing fingers on his right hand.

“Well, lil blighters are all resting up, now,” he spoke though an accent, though it was one Evie couldn’t really place in her hazy, sleep deprived brain, “we best be goin’ soon, luv. I got a shift t’nite at the yard,”

“Right,” Uma agreed, “you guys call me when you start seeing movement in those eggs, I want to be here when they hatch.” Uma insisted, taking the hand Ben outstretched for a shake, as he wasn’t ready to let Evie from his arms just yet.

“Thank you, Uma. I can’t thank you enough. If you ever need anything...”

“Call you. Yeah, I know,” Uma laughed, waving for Harry to follow her out. When the front door clicked shut, Evie let out a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding.

“See,” Ben said gently, “it’ll be ok.”

Swallowing the rock in her throat, Evie let Ben guide her back out into the living room. Audrey and the eggs had been moved back into the plastic tote, folded up in blankets to keep her warm. Gil — left behind by Uma and Harry till the eggs hatched — sat sentinel by the box, one wing stretched over its top. Mal still lay draped over the side of the table, chin rested on a folded arm, watching the both of them, “come on, Evie. Let them rest; you need your sleep,”

“Mal,” Evie said, causing the purple haired dragon to lift her head slightly, “you watch over them. Ok?”

And Mal, cranky as she was, snorted a plume of smoke and returned to her former position of watchman as Ben and Evie went upstairs for a midday nap of their own.