#( i am so excited to share some dragon facts with you )

[drachcnblut]

𝐈𝐍𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐃𝐔𝐂𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐏𝐎𝐒𝐓 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐍𝐖𝐕𝐘𝐑𝐄 & 𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒 Let me introduce you to my dearest companions. I've been working on a carrd side for them for a few hours now and am happy to announce it is published as of now! I'd be very happy if you'd check it out. The carrd isn't finished by all means but I wanted to make a little appreciation/introduction post for the dragons nevertheless. Click the link, if you're interested to get to know both of these wonderful ladies. It's worth it, I promise. There is also a little on lore and dragons in general, if you are interested in that!

[30somethingautisticteacher]

Bucktommy prompt: Buck finds out Tommy D&D (and is a pretty big nerd overall)

Hope you like it!

"Hey Ev, I know we were planning on date night on Friday, but is there any way we can raincheck it?" Tommy asked.

Buck was a little surprised. "Of course. Is everything okay? I checked our calendars and Friday was open for both of us. Did you pick up a shift or something?"

"No, nothing like that," Tommy replied. "There's this monthly first responder thing that I try to go to, and I've missed the past few months."

"Oh yeah? What kind of first responder thing? Another sport? Poker?" Buck asked, curious.

"Uh, not quite," Tommy said, blushing slightly. He mumbled, "It's Dungeons and Dragons."

"Wait? You play Dungeons and Dragons?" Buck said grinning at Tommy like he was the cutest thing in the world.

"Uh, yeah," Tommy replied, looking a bit sheepish. "It was sort of my escape as a kid. I would come up with these elaborate quests, and it was just so much better than being the awkward closeted gay kid. That and comic books were kind of all I had," Tommy admitted, his voice softening as he shared this piece of his past.

Buck's expression shifted from amusement to understanding, his eyes filled with warmth. "Tommy, that's... that's really cool. I had no idea you were into that stuff."

Tommy shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "Yeah, well, it's not exactly something I advertise. But it's still a big part of who I am, you know?"

"I get it," Buck said, reaching out to squeeze Tommy's hand. "Thanks for sharing that with me. So, tell me more about this first responder D&D group. How did that even start?"

Tommy chuckled, seeming more at ease now. "Well, I've only been a part of it since I started at Harbor. I guess when I started there, I came out not only as gay but also as a giant nerd," he laughed.

Buck joined in the laughter, his eyes twinkling with affection. "I love that. It's like you got to be your whole self all at once."

"Yeah, it felt pretty good," Tommy admitted. "The guys at Harbor were surprisingly cool about both things. Turns out, there were a few other closet D&D fans at the station."

Tommy's expression grew more serious for a moment. "It's definitely not something I would've admitted at the 118 with Captain Gerrard in charge. And after my dad's reaction when he found out... well, let's just say it wasn't great, to say the least. I learned pretty quickly to keep that part of myself hidden too."

Buck's face softened with understanding. "I'm sorry you had to hide that part of yourself for so long. But I'm glad you found a place where you can be open about it now."

Tommy nodded, a small smile returning to his face. "Me too. It's nice to finally feel like I can be my whole self, you know?"

"I do know," Buck said, squeezing Tommy's hand. "And for what it's worth, I think your nerdy side is pretty cute."

Tommy's face lit up at Buck's words. "Thanks, baby," he said, a warm smile spreading across his face. "And maybe someday I can help you learn about it. Maybe even help you create a character," he added, his eyes twinkling with excitement at the prospect.

Buck grinned, clearly charmed by Tommy's enthusiasm. "You know what? I'd like that. And you've already met my inner nerd – the one who loves to watch documentaries and info dump about random facts."

Tommy chuckled, nodding in agreement. "That's true. And I love you for it, by the way. Your excitement when you're sharing some obscure fact is one of my favorite things about you."

Buck's cheeks flushed slightly at the compliment. "Well, then maybe it's time I embraced my nerdiness fully. Who knows? Maybe I'll discover a hidden talent for D&D."

"Oh, I have no doubt," Tommy said, pulling Buck into a hug. "With your imagination and your love for details, you'll probably end up being the dungeon master before you know it."

Buck smiled brightly and somehow found himself falling even more in love with this man who could be both a brave firefighter pilot and an enthusiastic D&D player. It was just another reminder of the many layers that made up Tommy Kinard, and Buck was grateful for the chance to discover each and every one of them.

[skellseerwriting]

Pirates and Prejudice (and Dragons)

James Hook x GN! Dragon Rider!Reader Pt.1

Reader is disabled (foot prosthetic) and a dragon rider (httyd inspired)

Let me know if I messed up with any gender neutral parts.

I am not disabled, so if anyone who's reading this is, please let me know if anything comes across as weird or negative so I can change it.

Word Count: 1,275

Warnings: VK group being mean, Hook being mean, Reader called "scarface", implies not short hair for reader, presumed ableism, VK group presumes reader is ableist, hurt in this part but comfort in the next, this chapter and the next will be the only ones with presumed ableism

Summary: Reader is beginning school at Merlon Academy, meets young James Hook and is excited over a similarity they share. Hook, however, takes it the wrong way...

Buzzing full of emotions for your first day at Merlin Academy, you got out of bed and got ready for what you had anticipated all summer. You had hardly slept at all last night, but the inexplicable excitement that coursed through your veins more than made up for it. After attaching your prosthetic foot, you moved onto some simple clothes and finally your riding gear. Hands jittered from nerves while trying to strap on the brown leather. You hoped your jaw wouldn’t get to sore from all your smiling.

Grabbing your school bag and some food from the cupboards, you made your way to the stables with a pep in your (slightly limping) step. A metal stable door creaked open and groaned for thirst of oil before revealing a scaled creature of otherworldly beauty.

“Hello Beastie!” You told her, eyes crinkling. Beastie yawned, then started to stretch. Her scales shimmered and shook iridescent colors, and you could never get enough of it.

Getting her some feed and a pat on the wing, you swiftly donned her with her custom brown saddle and took to the skies soon after.

This was the part you loved most. Flying. You never grew bored of it. In fact, you only grew to love it more. Especially those days when the phantom pains were particularly nasty. Some of your peers thought you were crazy. Not because you would ride and handle dragons -they did that too- but because of what one did to you.

Dragon handlers were used to such treatment from hostile dragons, but most ended up dropping out of that career after the first bad injury.

Not you though.

You loved dragons.

You loved flying.

You loved the feeling of the wind striking your face and snapping your hair. Freedom coursing through you like adrenaline as you soared through the clouds and felt the sunlight kiss your skin and for a moment- just for a moment- you felt like you were actually flying. Not on beastie, just you.

And then the moment’s gone, as if it was never there. And you’re left with the reminder that without your dragon, you’re stuck on the ground. Stuck, with one foot, and metal in the shape of a foot.

The melancholy feelings leave as quickly as they arrive once you arrive at the academy. Eagerness overtakes you again and you settle into your dorm, meet your roommate, and start your classes. Although, out of unsureness, you did try to walk as “normal” as you could. If people saw you limping, they might coddle and pity you like others did back home, or slightly worse; treat you as inhuman or something “bad”.

Despite all that, you tried to think highly of all the classmates you had not yet met. This was an esteemed school after all.

However, you learned quickly that not everyone at this school was good. That some would be bad.

Some would be villains.

Your first encounter and understanding of this happened only halfway through the third day. Excitement for learning slowly fizzled out through each class, creating a great eagerness to enjoy the castle grounds and relax for a little while during free time. The smell of water led you to a lovely courtyard with a center fountain that was bustling with students going to and fro. Glancing around, your attention was briskly snatched away by a stationary, nearby group.

They seemed different than the other students. It wasn’t just the darkness of their clothing or the style of their hair (although you swore one of them looked like they had horns). No, it was their gait; how they held themselves and examined the students in motion around them. You recognized that very own behavior in some of the more vicious dragons you’ve handled; it was predatory. Eyes slid over and followed other teenagers walking past, mouths curved into sharp little smiles and sneers. One thing was for certain; they were dangerous.

You were just about ready to walk away before a bright glint caught your eye like some sort of magpie. The source came from the hand of one of the students. He moved his wrist back and forth, showcasing not a hand, but a metal hook in lieu of one. Thoughts of fear were defenestrated by your joy at the sight; you weren’t the only one here with an amputation.

Ignoring the tiny little alarm bells still going off at the back of your brain, you walked as briskly as you could towards him, not trying to hide your limp for once. His friends and him hadn’t even noticed you until you were right in front of them, seemingly distracted together by some pink-haired student.

Grin splitting your face, you gave yourself a moment to examine him more closely. Brown hair was swooped back as if by the wind, framed slightly tanned skin. For a split second it makes you think he could be a dragon rider, but you dismiss the unlikely notion. He held his head high, seeming proud of himself and giving himself the air that he would view dragon riding as something filthy (as many royals tend to do). His clothing looked high-tailored, and most definitely something someone would never risk getting dirty.

Regardless of your slightly judgmental judgement -and now noticing his amused expression upon noticing you- you still wanted to say something to him. Pointing at his pirate-esque metal hand, you told him “I like your hook”. He seemed surprised. Smiling, you added “Makes me want a peg leg.”

Wide eyes instantly thinned into what resembled into a glare while his mouth followed suit into a frown. Did you say something wrong?

“Why would you want that.” He spat. Those unexpected words stung to hear, only ever-so-slightly soothing to the ear due to the pretty accent he had, but stung nonetheless. You opened your mouth but he got there before you. “Do you think losing a limb is fun? That a replacement is somehow better? Prettier?” Now it was your turn for your eyes to go wide.

“No- no I- “

“Then don’t tell me you “want a peg leg”’ he said that last part in a higher, whinier pitch. This time the words shot straight across your chest like dragon claws, making the air you breathed hotter and slower, each breath starting to drag out painfully. You opened your mouth to speak again, words getting tangled in the web of your throat.

“Listen, Scarface.” The girl with horns said with a cruel twist in her voice. Gasping softly, you brought a hand up and touched your face, feeling the pale lines that graced it. Growing hot and sweaty, the nickname sunk in your brain. Yeah, you had several nicks here and there, along with a few gnarly ones, but that was just a part of handling dragons. It was part of the occupation. You had never minded then because it meant you got to fly. They were quite common back home; it didn’t truly matter that you had scars on your face, right?

Black nails snapped an inch from your eyes, aided right after by an eye roll. You completely missed what she said. “Honestly, how can you be so insecure about your scars, yet not care enough about someone else’s hand.”

You were dumbfounded; what could you even say at this point? How did this go so bad so quickly?

You didn’t get the chance to make amends, because after a scoff and a “let’s get out of here”, the group left, leaving you to sit in an awful cauldron that was bubbling with emotions, pain, and stinging tears.

End Pt.1

Pt.2

Thanks for reading! let me know what you enjoyed, if you'd like to know what happens next, and anything writing-wise that'll help immerse you into the story!

[meanderingsofmistria]

Dance for Joy

Caldarus x gn! farmer

Word count: 902

Warnings: not proofread and honestly kinda rushed, but I was listening to some dance music and felt inspiration. Enjoy!

(I cannot wait for the day that I can smooch the dragon. Lemme plssss give the dragon a smooch)

    “Dance for me. Please.” 

     These words would have been jarring to hear no matter who it came from, but the word ‘jarring’ took on a whole new meaning when this phrase was spoken by Caldarus of all people. Or, well, creatures?

     “Why…” The farmer asks, their confused gaze falling upon the regal statue, an impressive carving standing tall and proud. 

     “The people of Mistria are joyous people-”

     “Even…”

     “Yes. Even March. Even he finds joy in this life. Though I, like many, cannot see it. I can feel it, though. Deep within me, I can feel when he is prideful, when he fashions a blade just to his liking. I can feel Lady Adeline’s desperation when her thoughts are about Mistria’s future and fate. I can feel Holt’s excitement as he thinks of a new joke to share. I can feel the joy of the people as they dance around each other at the seasonal festivals, and how their excitement and merriment are shared with each other as they enjoy themselves. And…I can feel your desire to join them, to dance alongside them. I can feel that, and I can see how you hesitate. I see and feel, yes, but I cannot understand.”

     The farmer remained silent, taking in the new information. They considered Caldarus their friends at this point. Their daily banter and amicable exchanges have slowly made them forget his true heritage. They heard his stories daily, grinned as he recalled some of his past, but at this moment they truly remembered that he was a dragon. 

     “I enjoy dancing, I do. But I don’t enjoy it when others watch me dance. I feel out of place and I get embarrassed, so even if I work up the courage to dance with them, I don’t think I would feel happy doing it.”

     The Guardian of Mistria grew silent. His words were often so expressive that one could easily overlook the fact that he didn’t have the ability to show any expressions on his stone face.

     “Farmer, tell me. Would you find joy in dancing if I were to avert my gaze. I wish only for your joy, for you to dance freely.”

     “Why?”

     Again, the farmer is met with a brief silence.

     “I feel the joy of the inhabitants of Mistria. I feel their content and their happiness. I revel in their joy and laughter…though I find myself yearning to feel yours as well.”

     This time the Guardian is met with silence from the farmer.

     “You…” The farmer pauses, collecting their thoughts. “...you yearn for …my joy?” They ask, hesitantly, as if waiting for the punchline to a joke made at their expense.

     “Yes. Although if I were to put more thought into it, I feel as though craving would better encompass my feelings on the matter.”

     A silence is shared between the two. One lost in raging thoughts, the other calmly navigating through them. 

     “There…isn’t any music. How shall I dance?”

     Caldarus was made of stone, yet the farmer swore they could see him light up.

     “I am of the opinion that the sounds of nature provide the most brilliant music. However…I may remember some music from a long time ago. Music that could be used for dancing. I am not the best singer, but I can follow a tune just fine.”

     “You’d sing for me?”

     “If you dance for me, yes, I shall sing for you.”

     “How shall I dance?”

     “You may dance however you wish, farmer. My only request is that you may feel joy in your dance.”

     The farmer smiles wistfully, feeling that aforementioned joy creep up on them.

     “Very well o’ Guardian of Mistria.” They took a dramatic bow before the statue. “Sing and I shall dance for you. Caldarus chuckled heartily, amused by their theatrics. 

     The Guardian and the farmer made good on their vow to each other, singing and dancing for hours upon hours. Even as the day turned to night, the stars provided a spotlight for their performance. The farmer danced and danced, laughing and smiling, singing along as best they could as they talked and shared stories.

     As the night continued, the Guardian Dragon found himself yearning, craving for something he could not yet have. The farmer danced beautifully. They were not classically trained, nor was their technique flawless…but they were having fun. And Caldarus felt odd about that. An odd feeling bubbling up from deep inside of him. He craved…he wanted that joy. He looked upon the farmer and watched as they danced…he wanted to dance beside them. He wanted them to look upon him with a joyous smile and dance alongside him. He wanted to hold them, smile at them, and be joyful in their presence. Ah to feel that joy, the joy of dancing. The joy of loving.

     The night progressed wonderfully, up until a point when the farmer suddenly collapsed from exhaustion, sometime around 2am, if he recalled correctly. They stopped, but he still sang. He sang to them throughout the night, until he could not sing anymore. He was regaining strength, thanks to the farmer and their offerings of essence, but he could not remain conscious for as long as he hoped. No, he could not dance with them, nor could he smile at them. But he could sing for them, if only a little, in hopes that they would dance for him another night.

(Thanks for reading! Feel free to request!)

[chaysreality222]

Introduction to my Hogwarts Dr Self!

hey guys, it's c! in this post i'll be introducing you to myself in my hogwarts dr :) i feel it will give you guys a more in depth of my hogwarts dr. to put it out there to not confuse anyone, i have not yet shifted to this dr. i merely want to share about it so that when i do shift, you guys have some backstory <3

my time ratio is 1 hr = 1 week. i'll be shifting to 4th year- a little before 4th year technically. my first day will be the day of the quidditch world cup which is also the day of my birthday! i'll wake up on an early morning at my house by my s/o (i scripted in my irl boyfriend!!). i made my bf a potter meaning he'd be harry's older brother (also because when he wears glasses i and other people say he looks like harry potter).

ps: i am shifting for the plot but i've changed it a little bit and have included myself in the story instead of fully making myself the main character. meaning i don't want to take harry's place but always somehow be connected to the things that happen.

introduction + backstory

name: c(real name) authorne-lestrange hogwarts house: hufflepuff year: 4th blood status: pureblood patronus: a dragon wand type: 13 in. Ebony wood intertwined with silver, glistening unicorn hair

backstory: so in my dr, i am the daughter of leta lestrange. due to the lestrange reputation, she wants me to go by the last name authorne which was supposedly my father's name who has passed long before i was born. also so that it would make it hard for voldemort and the other death eaters to find me, due to my mother making an unbreakable vow that she and i would be by voldemorts side when the time was right. trying to imply that it's the destiny for all lestrange to serve voldemort. leta has constantly thought of any and all loop holes out of the vow. she doesn't want that life for me and so she got dumbledore to take me in at hogwarts thinking i'll be safer there.

disclaimer: i understand that the timeline between fantastic beasts and when harry exists is like a 70 year long stretch but i'm shifting to a reality to where she is alive to be my mum.

my house

located: cambridge, england exact address: unknown

here are some pics of the house! go to my pinterest board to see more details or rooms of the house to get a better look. of course, the middle photo is my bedroom where i'll be first waking up in my dr! i'm really excited to wake up there and take a look around. i'm also excited to be here on break or holidays!

you may have some questions on why the address is unknown. i scripted it to be like that because i felt that's something leta would do to keep me safe. also adding to the fact, i scripted she placed a protective barrier around the whole property that leads anyone who's looking in from the outside to hear nothing and see nothing but a thick forest.

my pets

their names are soren and sage! soren is my male barn owl and sage is my female cat. i'm allergic in my cr so i scripted that out so i can experience having a cat lol. i just had an idea that maybe i should script that sage fly's around on sorens back?? imagine how cute that would be.

my dorm at hogwarts

so i scripted that i have a personal dorm there at hogwarts and honestly, i'm kinda in love with the room and bathroom <3 as you guys can see here, i have a pics of my dorm! the first image, that door is the entrance into my room and then the second door in my third image is the door to my bathroom. for the last image, i added one pic of how my bathroom looks like.

i think that's pretty much it! i'm so excited to shift to my hogwarts desired reality and finally experience life as a wizard. i'm working on my shifting routine as of right now to help me get in the mood and get ready to shift! get ready for shifting storytimes <3 as always, Happy Shifting!

xoxo, c.

[hotdaemondtargaryen]

PHIA SABAN PHOTOGRAPHED IN NEW YORK BY JULIA SARIY FOR ROSE & IVY MAGAZINE.

HOW HAS THE ANTICIPATION BEEN LEADING UP TO THE RELEASE OF SEASON TWO?

"It's funny because in order to make the show with any integrity, you cannot think about the scale of it at all. It has to be about the moment you're trying to make special and doing justice to the reality of the reality. I mean, it’s a show about dragons (laughs). I hope people will find it's a family drama and the dynamics are very human."

"You almost can't focus on what a big thing it is, but there's nothing like doing a press tour and going to New York, Paris, and London. You realize it is bigger than the soundstage in Watford (laughs). I guess the answer to your question is trying not to anticipate anything."

"That’s the other thing, it's fantastic when things are amazingly received especially since it has such a built-in fan base. People love it almost before it even exists, which is fantastic. It's been very warm and lovely how everybody has received us."

HAS THE EXCITEMENT AROUND THE PROJECT SUNK IN YET?

"When I watched the first episode, 90% of me thought, this is really cool—cool because I was watching my friends on TV. But 10% of me thought that's the way I've done it; it’s permanent and that represents me now and that’s quite hard. It's easy to feel a bit existential about it, especially when you've started with theater and went to drama school."

"There's something amazingly ephemeral about theater and the fact that it doesn't exist anymore once it's happened."

"When you have something with a big budget and loads of people working on it who really believe in it, everyone is so engaged in how to serve the story best, but it's not the same as theater. When you wrap that's the scene."

"It doesn’t have anything to do with me anymore, and it's going to be made into something else."

"During a play, the only people who shared the moment was me and everyone else in the room, and then it goes out into the ether. I am on the journey of finding that on the screen because it's not the same."

ABSOLUTELY, IT’S A LITTLE BIGGER OF AN AUDIENCE—IT’S INSIDE PEOPLE’S HOME, BUT TIMES MILLIONS AND MILLIONS!

"Exactly—that's a nice way of thinking of it, that it is still being shared. With a show that comes out with one episode a week, there's something communal about that. It can be a talking point at the pub or work, which I really like. When Succession came out weekly, I was like, I'm so glad I'm alive to watch this week by week (laughs)."

YOU MENTIONED YOU GRADUATED FROM DRAMA SCHOOL, AND THIS WAS ONE OF YOUR FIRST ROLES.

"I did have one part before, The Last Kingdom, a Netflix show, which is about Vikings and Saxons. I was in my third year of school, and it was during that third year Covid came. So we were all sent home and we didn't ever have that closure."

"But also, you're doing an acting degree and you think, the thing I'm in denial about is that this might not even happen for me. Then suddenly theater doesn't exist and you're back in your childhood bedroom. I mean, worse things were going on in the world, but I think that when I got that part in The Last Kingdom, it felt like magic. I couldn't believe it."

"I got to go out to Budapest for eight months. The cast was so warm and welcoming. I got the House of the Dragon job while I was on that job. I had a bit of time to wait in between them, but it was time I could obsess about the scripts that I did have and all my ideas about her."

CAN YOU WALK ME BACK TO WHEN YOU ACTUALLY GOT THE PART?

"It did take a long time before I finally got the part of Helaena. They were using dummy sides from a scene of Arya’s from Game of Thrones. I did it and thought it was a long shot because every actor my age in the world was probably taping for that part. I knew it was good to be seen by the casting director, Kate Rhodes James. I didn't hear anything for a very long seven months."

"In Budapest, there were whispers that some of the actors were getting auditions for it. I didn’t think it was going to come through for me."

"Eventually, I got a notice saying, they didn’t want me for that part, but to audition for the part of Helaena. When I came home for Christmas, I did the tape. It's so rare when you do a tape where you think, that's a bit of me and I really want to do this. Then I was back in Budapest and I got a text that said they wanted to meet on Zoom."

"So I met with the casting director and the two showrunners, and that just went by in a complete blur. After, I felt like an alien a few days (laughs). I kept having to put myself to sleep in order to not feel worried. One day I woke up from one of those naps and I had a text that said, you've got the part."

YOU GET TEXTED THAT INFORMATION–THEY DON'T CALL YOU! AT LEAST A TEXT CAN BE PRINTED AND GO IN THE MUSEUM ARCHIVE. YOU CAN CREATE SOME MEMORABILIA!

"That's true. I think either way it would've gone, it would have been just me blacking out."

CAN YOU SHARE MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER, HELAENA?

"What's interesting for me about Helaena is that she's in this unique situation. She's in the royal family and married to her brother, which she’s done for the family. It is a personal sacrifice."

"She's uncomfortable with what's expected of her. She doesn't like wearing those clothes. She doesn't like standing up there in front of the people and doesn't like being a figurehead or being projected on. She's got her own stuff that makes her feel safe and she wants to be in her own world."

"So we leave her growing up in a level of discomfort. For this season, I would describe it as a reckoning of what she's willing to accept and how far is too far. It's about family dynamics, inherited trauma, and the quest for us to understand each other."

IT MUST BE PRETTY FUN TO FILM THE SHOW ON THAT SET. ARE THERE ANY COOL MOMENTS THAT STAND OUT?

"The sets by set designer Jim Clay are incredible. They have built a castle inside the studios. I can walk into my bedroom, look around my bedroom, walk out, walk downstairs, the grand hall, go into my mother's bedroom, go upstairs, and go to the study."

"In a way, it's like a lazy actor's dream because you just look at something and it's real."

"My favorite moment of this year was when I got my first scenes that are properly in Helaena’s bedroom."

"She has this special interest in her insects and there are cabinets and cabinets filled with the most beautiful bugs and incredible things that had been designed to look like something that she would've sewn."

"She’s written notes all over her desk and dreams all over the wall along with these amazing drawings. I'm trying to think of the perfect way to describe it, but it was as imaginary as if somebody had created a child's imaginary world for them in real life."

WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF FROM YOUR WORK ON THE SERIES?

"That's a really big question. I'm proud I made a choice about this character and have stayed true to her. I try to make choices that are through the lens of specificity of this person."

"It's not even so much something to be proud of, but it's more like a gift that I'm in this position because you don't always get to play someone so particular. It's really exciting to get to make all of those choices for yourself."

SINCE YOU ARE THE START OF YOUR CAREER, ARE YOU SOMEBODY WHO HAS A VISION BOARD OF WHAT YOU'D LIKE TO ACHIEVE IN THE FUTURE?

"I go to the theater twice a week, so I almost see that as manifesting, just in that I put so much thought and energy into appreciating plays that I like. I'm letting it rub off on me."

"I'm also someone, who every time I watch a film, see a performance, or go and see a play I'm interested in, I log it somewhere. It’s a nice notch on the climbing ladder and helps in developing a strong sense of taste."

GROWING UP, WAS THERE SOMETHING THAT LEFT AN IMPRESSION ON YOU THAT INSPIRED YOU TO PURSUE ACTING?

"I was a kid who watched a lot of TV and films. I was really into Buffy the Vampire Slayer. I also did a huge amount of Shakespeare because nearby there was a small children's company that put on plays in the summer."

"I also had a crush on James Dean in films like East of Eden, but I also wanted to be Buffy."

"When you are in a small school and you're objectively the keenest person in the class, you get to play cool characters, parts that I would never play now in a million years. So I think of it all as influential."

IT’S SO INTERESTING WHEN SOMEONE HAS THAT FIRE FROM A YOUNG AGE AND THEN THEY PURSUE IT TO THE BIG LEAGUES.

"It's also about the positive energy of the people you have around you."

"I have had very supportive parents and teachers, so it didn't seem as much of an obstacle, but that's not the case for everyone."

DO YOU HAVE ANY FUN PLANS FOR THE SUMMER?

"I'm going to the End of the Road festival—I went last year for the first time and it was such a beautiful festival."

"I think I am going to go to Naples but I also hope I'm going to be doing a job."

"As an actor, you want to make these plans, but you also think, I could just stay home and wait by the phone instead and not do anything."

"But it's important to make the plans, but I kind of hope that something gets in the way."

[thesparklingwriter]

a gift from a dragon

"Was I ever going to be told about this, or was I supposed to accidentally discover it myself?"

tags: pet names, fem!reader, established relationship, reader is preganant, dragon!zhongli doing dragon!zhongli things because im a simp, nesting, tooth rottingly fluffy

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hello everyone ^^ this segment of the zhongli flufftober that is now just 31 fluffshots is inspired by this ask! i recommend checking it out so you know what the original context was :) i had so much fun writing this, i was literally kicking my feet and giggling like an imbecile... anyway I've been told by a couple of betas on some other works that i may have a slight over reliance on dialogue so I've been working on setting the scene a bit more through description, please tell me if this slays or not.

i am down so astronomically bad for family man zhongli be still my beating heart and ovaries cause wtaf

Zhongli's favourite part of the day is easily six pm when he can hurry home from the funeral parlor to see you. But over the few weeks, he's been becoming more on edge as the clock tends to the end of his work day. He's never particularly enjoyed being away from you for long, granted, but he always wants to be at home now.

On his way home, he passes through the market stalls and finds himself drawn to a couple of stands, musing over how the wares would suit your home perfectly. Before he knows it, he's bought a ridiculous amount of goods and is staggering under the weight of it as he returns home to you. He'd only meant to buy the vase, but then he'd been drawn to some woolen blankets and pillowcases with golden threads, and how could he ignore his instincts when they were calling out to him so loudly?

"You're finally home," you smile when he comes through the front door. You dare not ask about the ridiculous amount of things he's been buying recently–when you do, he looks at you with confusion, as if you're supposed to know what he's doing. You don't. At all. When it comes to Zhongli and his instincts, you've learned to ride the wave and accept whatever you're told.

Zhongli lowers his head to kiss you, manoeuvering his pile of goodies out of your way. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm great. How are you?" You shoot back snarkily. You know that's not what he's asking—he's asking about whether the baby's been good today or whether you've done anything particularly exciting with the sudden excess of time you've been granted since taking maternity leave.

"I'm well, thanks," he replies, chuckling at your evasion of his question. You do this almost every day, withholding the details of your day from him until he sits down and gives you his full attention—something he can't do while carrying a whole mound of knitted goods.

"I'll tell you more after you put that away. Where are you stashing all that stuff anyway?" You ask, and Zhognli shrugs.

"Places." he smiles, heading upstairs. The aforementioned place is your room—not that you spend much time in it. In fact, Zhongli's been in your old room more often in the past three months than you have since you moved in. As your pregnancy progresses, you seek him out more than usual, desperate for his comfort. And so, his room has become a shared room. Not that he particularly minds.

When he returns downstairs, he lies down, resting his head in your lap, and you tell him everything you've done today, absent-mindedly braiding his hair as you talk. He likes being close to your stomach, even though you're barely showing, and listens attentively, asking questions about your adventures. Nine times out of ten, you both fall asleep like this, and you awake in the morning in your bed. But today, you wake up before Zhongli does, having napped earlier in the day, and carefully slip away from him, slipping a pillow under his head where you once had been.

The sheer amount of knitted things Zhongli brought today has made you want to revive your old hobby of crocheting in the hopes you might be able to make something for the baby. If you remember correctly, the last time you crocheted anything was when you still used your room for its intended purpose—and not as a walk-in wardrobe. And so, you march yourself to your room, ready to check under the bed for your trunk of supplies.

Or rather, you would be if Zhongli hadn't replaced your bed with what feels like thousands of pillows and blankets.

Oh, Li, you think, wrapping a blanket with golden threads around your shoulders.

Sometimes, it's easy to forget that the man wasn't always human—that even though his body is that of a man's, his mind and soul aren't, and that sometimes old instincts kick in. Was he embarrassed? Was he worried that you'd think he's weird?

You walk towards the large pile of comforters out of curiosity. If he put this much work into it, you might as well test if it's any good, right? You sink into the blankets, curling up with one of the pillows in your hands. It feels like every part of your body is being hugged by him and you can swear the blankets smell like him. Before you know it, you've fallen asleep, a golden pillow clutched close to your chest.

When Zhongli wakes up and finds you replaced by a pillow but the house silent, he's slightly concerned. Have you injured yourself while he's been sleeping? It can't be. He would have woken up. And so he decides to search for you. Just to make sure you're alright. He can't be too careful. But you're not in his bed, and you're not in the bathroom, the study, or the small makeshift library he'd put together for you.

The final place to look is your old room, but you'd had no reason to go in there before, so why would you go now all of a sudden? But of course, that's where he finds you, curled up in the middle of the sorry attempt of a nest he'd put together to try and curb his urges. He wishes he'd had enough time to finalise his preparations, but seeing you sleep so happily makes his heart swell. He sits on the floor beside the bed, carefully taking your hand in his as you stir, resting your hand on your stomach as you sit up.

"Good evening," he smiles, and you stare at him blankly as if you don't understand, a sign you've slept well. "Are you alright?"

You nod, wrapping your arms around his neck and pulling him into bed with you. When you've finally woken up enough to talk, you look up at him and ask: "Was I ever going to be told about this, or was I supposed to accidentally discover it myself?"

"I had intended it to be a gift for you and the baby when you were further along, but I have no objections to you getting an early present." His smile is excited and bright as he pulls you closer to him, suddenly overcome with the feeling that you can never be close enough.

"This is not what I expected when I found out dragons nest." You smile against his chest.

"Well, I can't exactly bring you feathers, can I? You'd slaughter me the minute I step over the threshold, so this will have to do."

"I can think of worse places to sleep," you smile, kissing him lightly. "Thank you. I love it."

© 2023, thesparklingwriter. please do not copy, edit, repost, or translate.

taglist: @ainescribe @thelonelyarchon

[noeverse]

Among Crowns, Prologue: The Wheel of Fate

Author's Notes

Be welcome to my first HOTD fic! I'm excited to share it with y'all and see where this story takes me. I hope you guys love Aurynn and her story as much as I do!

English isn't my first language, so please forgive any typos/grammar mistakes

If you wish to be tagged in this series, let me know in the notes and asks!

This series will contain canon-typical sexism, sexual themes, violence, infidelity, among other tags to be added, as well as some canon takes from both Fire and Blood and HOTD, and even some liberties of mine

Summary: Princess Rhaenyra, seeing the state of her court and claim to the throne, decides to switch her cards; her firstborn son will marry Lady Aurynn Mormont in order to have a shot with ensuring the North's allegiance, and Lord Rodrik Mormont shall take Baela as wife in Jacaerys' stead. With war at their doors, these siblings will play whatever tune its sang in order to live in a volatile enviroment.

Words: 2.0k

Pairings: Jacaerys Velaryon x OFC (Aurynn Mormont) Baela Targaryen x OMC (Rodrik Mormont), eventual Cregan Stark x OFC & Alyn Velaryon x OFC (Aurynn Mormont) and OFC x OFC (Visella Targaryen @blood0fthedragon x Aurynn Mormont)

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: None (they will be added as the series progresses)

Tagging: @aeksion-aekse @mini-kunoichi @huramuna @blood0fthedragon

Princess Rhaenyra paced herself in her chambers, the thought of war coming soon heavy on her mind. Alicent had made her move already, and she was running out of time. For ten years, they had been playing the political chess. Her eldest son was of age. And Baela seemed perfect for him; however, she was not blind. She had seen the way Jace looked at the Mormont girl.

She was certainly a beauty, with a long cascade of brown curls, expressive brown eyes and a wit and charm that easily matched others. And she was from a beloved and fierce house from the North. Baela was a Targaryen, and a daughter of her beloved husband, however, it was clear that there was no attraction between one another. If Rhaenyra was to sway the North to her side, then a successful marriage between a Northern and her son would be the wise thing to do.

She also was aware of Rodrik’s eligibility. He was strikingly handsome, an accomplished warrior, a patron of the arts and cunning in politics. However, his wandering eye escaped nobody. Someone as brazen and ill-tempered as Baela could either make him better or worse. Perhaps, if she played the game right, it could be done well.

Summoning her advisors to the chamber, she asked “Tell me, my lords, about Lady Mormont.”

Both men looked at one another “Well, Princess, she is a certified beauty, and an accomplished one at that. A famous companion of the princes, and someone very much wanted in all of Westeros. Why, only on her thirteenth name-day we received numerous letters from all the places. Do you plan on arranging a marriage for her, Princess?”

“As a matter of fact, I do.” She folded her hands.

Aurynn was brushing her very long hair, sighing as she performed her nightly dance with her Northern ringlets. It had been almost eight years since she arrived at Dragonstone after a pact between her late lord father and the princess. Life had been good, playing with the princes and getting to hone her courtly skills. And perhaps find a good marriage, one with a lord that would treat her well and give her beautiful children and a purpose.

Suddenly, a knock interrupted her thoughts. She looked up to see sweet Luke, doubt in his eyes. She had always seen him as a little brother, and the feeling was mutual. “I… am not interrupting, am I, Lynn?”

“Of course not, sweet boy. Do come, tell me what’s on your mind.”

He sat at the edge of the bed, used to seeing her in nightgown and her hair down, something that raised many eyebrows “As you know, Mother is to send us to gain alliances. With our dragons.” He was fidgeting, as he usually did. She got up from her seat and squeezed her hands in his, calming his racing thoughts.

“Take a breath. Order your thoughts,” he did as she told him “Now, speak slowly.”

“I’m afraid, Lynn. What if something goes wrong? What if Arrax gets sick? Jace looks so confident…”

“Just because someone sounds confident doesn’t mean that they are. And I know what you’ll say: ‘but Jace is perfect’. He is virtuous, yes, but he is but a boy. As am I. As are you. There is nothing wrong with being afraid every once in a while.”

“Are you ever afraid, Lynn?”

“Many times a week, my boy. That I will be betrothed to a cruel old man. That everything I’ve worked for isn’t enough. Of my house’s fate.”

Luke flushed “If it helps, I’d sooner marry you than ship you off to a cruel old man.”

Aurynn threw her head back and laughed, a melody that often calmed and soothed the young prince. Then, she kissed his cheek “Oh, Luke, my dearest boy, I’m afraid I’d be deemed to old for you. Besides, you and Rhaena seem to get along just fine.”

“The sentiment isn’t only mine.”

Aurynn frowned, amused “How come?”

Lucerys flushed, the face he did when he talked too much “I, uh, should go to bed. I have much to prepare with, uh, Arrax. Good night, Lynn!” Then, he sprinted away from the room, leaving an amused and confused Aurynn.

The next morning, Aurynn had dressed herself with a beautiful purple ensemble and had finally coiffed her hair in a complicated hairdo when her door was knocked “Who is it?”

A masculine voice replied “Princess Rhaenyra sends for you, my lady. I am to escort you to her.”

Feeling nervous and excited, she polished herself and opened the door. Taking a deep breath, she nodded “Let’s go then.” After crossing a corner, she asked “Do you know what business does Her Grace want to do with me?”

“I do not know, my lady. I am only following orders.”

They finally entered the room, where at the top of the table was Rhaenyra, Prince Jacaerys and Lady Baela. Curtsying to them all, she gave them a friendly face “Did you summon me, Your Grace?”

“Do approach the table, Aurynn. Would you like some wine?”

“No, thank you, I’ve had breakfast a few minutes ago.” It was a small lie. Her stomach was made of knots, and she prayed that none of them heard her intestine roar.

“As you know, you’ve reached age of marriage, and your presence has not escaped my allies. Men all over the Vale, the North and other regions have been sending me owls for your hand, offering you all sorts of luxuries. Even houses that are allied to Alicent’s party have offered to swear fealty to me if I were to give you your hand in marriage.” She looked around the room “However, my council and I have agreed that none of these men are a match worthy of you, and have thus come to a decision.” She then looked at her eldest son and proclaimed “You and my son Jace shall marry within the month, and you, Baela, shall marry Lady Mormont’s brother Rodrik. He is handsome, rich, young and a formidable ally. He is sailing to accept your hand as we speak.”

Aurynn’s gaze turned to an equally stunned Jace. They had known each other all their lives, and Aurynn had always admired Jace and had fancied him for long, even after his duties had taken over. They have had a strong connection that raised question of marriage before Princess Rhaenyra married Prince Daemon and betrothed his daughters to her sons.

Nevertheless, one couldn’t simply reject the formidable Prince of Dragonstone. She bowed to the princess and recited “I thank you for this privilege, Your Grace, and promise to be the loveliest, most dutiful wife to your son.”

Jace woke up from his shock and gave them a rehearsed smile “If it pleases my mother, it shall be done. Might I have a moment alone with my betrothed?”

He didn’t even wait for his mother to respond before they both curtsied and he practically dragged her out of the room.

“Jace!” Aurynn exclaimed, surprised at her reaction.

He didn’t seem to hear her, still in stupor. They walked and walked, his grip on her, until they finally got out, in the beautiful garden they used to chase one another and laugh and munch berries.

“Jace, you’re hurting me!” Lynn finally exclaimed.

Said words seemed to wake him from his stupor and let go of her hand, clearly embarrassed “Forgive me, Lynn. I didn’t think I was gripping you too hard.” He examined her hand and gave it some gentle strokes. Her breath caught. “I didn’t know that my mother would pull this off.”

“Jace, it’s alright—,”

“Lynn, being my bride is being in the eve of danger. I understand if you’re scared.”

She looked at him defiantly “I am a Mormont, Jace. I am not scared of a drunken prince and his desperate mother.”

He squeezed her hand, a small smile on his lips “I know that you are as fierce as a Northerner comes, but this is different. You’d be queen someday, if we aren’t betrayed. Besides, you deserve better than someone whom they call ‘bastard’ behind his back.”

“I don’t care about that, Jace. I care about your good opinion and your mother’s. If you don’t wish to marry me, say it. You have the power to undo the alliance.”

He smiled sadly “I am flattered that you think me of someone with power, but my mother’s made her choice. Your brother is on his way. And… I do like the idea of marrying you.”

Lynn looked at those tender brown eyes and swallowed “Truly, Jace?”

He gave her a tentative look “Do you, Lynn? Like the idea of marrying me as well?”

She opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Instead, her gaze went to his lips, and he seemed to notice. Soon, his hands were on her hips, squeezing the light Dornish lace and stroked aside a wild ringlet.

“I—,”

“Jace!” A familiar voice called.

They both bolted away, clearly flushed. Luke was running towards them, Joffrey in tow, “Is it true? You and Lynn are to be married?”

It was Lynn who spoke “Yes, dear Luke. Your mother was generous enough to allow me to join our family.”

He smiled “Amazing! It’s just like when we were boys! You and Lynn married, in those imagine games we used to play when—,”

Jace, clearly embarrassed, placed his hands on his brothers’ shoulders and cleared his throat “Let me tell you all about it in our dragon pit. I am sure Lady Mormont has many preparations to make for my brother-in-law’s arrival, don’t you, Lynn?”

Trying not to chuckle, Lynn nodded, taking the opposite direction to the castle, wanting to busy her toes in the sand. When she reached the beach, she found a familiar silver hair. She slowly and gently approached her “Might I sit?”

Baela looked at her and nodded wordlessly. She sat besides her at a respectful distance and looked out at the sea “If you’re wondering, I am not angry. Neither of us asked to be moved around like chess pieces.”

Baela sighed “Isn’t that all we are? Chess pieces to move and discard to their heart’s delight?”

Lynn bit her lip “Gods, I hope not. I suppose that, to our fathers, we are, but Princess Rhaenyra is no man.”

“She ought to behave like one if she is to hold the throne one day.”

It suddenly hit her. Baela was tragically right. Being a woman was unsafe as it was in Westeros, and Princess Rhaenyra must’ve felt cornered by her rivals for her to make such sudden move. Jace was a great man, but a man nevertheless. As was Rodrik, and Luke, and everyone in the council.

She liked Jace, and with time, she might even grow to love him, but she was no fool either. She knew from a young age which role to play if she wanted to win the eternal game of survival in a world where women were feeble and discardable little things.

“Let them think that we are,” she declared “but we will know the truth. Let them believe the illusion that we are innocent, meek and playable things, as long as my will is made.” She looked at Baela “reforming a man like Rodrik is no easy task, but it is not impossible.”

Baela seemed to catch up “Go on.”

“Give him something that no common girl can give him. A reason to be with you alone. Let it be your bedding skills, or wealth, or the illusion of having the girl he’s dreamt of having, and he’ll be yours. Make yourself irreplaceable, and he shall be yours. Isn’t that what men want in a woman, after all? A gem so rare, so wanted, that if they do not take care of it, it may slip from his fingers.”

Baela smiled at her “I pray to the Gods that your brother is as cunning as you, Aurynn. We’ll need all the wit and conniving we are allowed to show in this tryst.”

[clanofjones]

MERRY (late) CHRISTMAS!

I started this on Chrismas Eve and I just finished it five minutes ago, but I think it's pretty good nonetheless! Quality got scrambled tho, so click for better quality LOL

L to R: (I am sorry for the tag if you don't celebrate or didn't want to be in this, I will do my best to change it if that it the case)

@fanatess, @theosb0rnway, @3mutantsinatrenchcoat, @paytato435, @karonkar, me, @delicatechildwitch, @allyheart707, @friskebits, @zeawesomeness, @tinker-the-dragon, @yelenapines, @justletmereadmycomics

There are so many others I wanted to include, but my canvas is not that big! I love you all regardless!

For those pictured, I am feeling sentimental, so have a nice sentiment under the cut ^^

Fanatess: You are always super sweet to me, and you let me rant about silly tropes and fic ideas! Thank you so much. (Fun fact, I own the tree hat in the art, and it gives me 'you' vibes)

Oz: Oh my god, literally where to start. You are absolutely amazing, and I have to thank you so, so much for letting me rant about random crap, even if it makes no sense. You’re like. The best person I could have made an AU with.

Three: Gotta say, I don't really know you all that well, but what I do know is that you are so kind and awesome. Your asks always brighten my day, and it's always awesome to talk to you!

Payto: They say great minds think alike. Regarding Casey Junior, I think we might be thinking exactly the same. LOL. Thanks for letting me bounce ideas off of you regarding the best boy. We've taken over the "au-rant" channel and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Kar: You are like. SO COOL. I stand by that statement. You are one of the coolest people I’ve met online, and my brain straight-up short-circuits when I remember 'yes, we are friends with this guy, and this guy knows we exist. Holy shit.' Weird world, ammarite?

Me: SELF LOVE, you guys! If this many awesome people care about me, then I'm probably pretty awesome too, right? YAY! Friends!!

Ally: If our server had a yearbook, you’d win “kindest person” or whatever the actual title is. You get the point! You are always so kind and inspiring to me, and thank you for the extra encouragement to actually finish this!!

Del: You are so sweet and kind and creative it's unreal! It's been so fun so far getting to interact with you and I look forward to more of it in the New Year!

Frisk: Thanks for somehow always being there. Whenever I shove some janky art or concept into a server, you’re almost always the first one there with encouragement, a compliment, or something to add. Thanks for the extra encouragement on this thing's completion as well!!

Ze: I haven’t interacted with you much, but when I have, you have been nothing but nice and welcoming! If we’re being honest, I was pretty nervous but you’ve been super cool to me, and it means a lot!

Tinker: It’s always crazy when you share fandoms with the gang outside of The Main, Soul Encompassing One, and I find it so fun to have someone else to discuss them with! Hatchetfield and TMNT enjoyers unite! *high-fives you* You've also got such good takes!

Yelena: If not for you, I wouldn't be on Tumblr at all in the first place! For that, you've earned a place in my hall of fame. I know we don't talk often anymore, but it's always so exciting when I see you on my dash!

justletmereadmycomics: (slightly embarrassing, but I don't know a name to call you by ._.) You are one of my closest beloved mutuals! I have loved getting to know you, it always warms my heart whenever I see you in my activity! You are so funny and smart, keep just being you!

You're all so smart and creative, it bewilders me how we met in the first place! Either way, I'm so grateful for it, and I wish you all nothing but the best in the New Year!!

[mira-annabelles-poke-kitchen]

DISCLAIMER: Any discussion of meat on here should be assumed to be synthetic meat or ethically sourced (E.G.: Slowpoke Tails, which fall off naturally without harming the Pokemon). I do not support unnecessary hunting or unethical factory farming.

Hello! I’m Mira Annabelle, a twenty-seven year old travelling chef! I was born in Lumiose City, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to explore the entire world’s culture! Not that I dislike Kalosian food. In fact, I think the abundance of amazing food I got to try growing up was what inspired me to seek out more! Every region has so much amazing food and culture, and my goal is to experience it all!

I am currently working on a cookbook that will focus on fusing various regional foods together, primarily Kalosian and Paldean, as well as some classics from the regions. Please send in suggestions, as learning what you all enjoy will help me narrow my focus.

Currently, I’m enrolled in the Adult Student Program at Uva-Naranja Academy. My project for the Treasure Hunt is, of course, experiencing the cuisine of Paldea! I’m so grateful for the program, as it gives me an opportunity to save on money when it comes to housing. While I’m fine with camping out, I do prefer to have a warm bed available, and hotels can be expensive! I’ve also travelled in Hoenn, Alola, and Galar, and I learned so much about cooking from all of those regions.

Anyway, I’m excited to join Rotomblr and share my culinary journey with all of you!

OOC and Team Under the Cut!

//ooc: Hiya, I'm Xander, 23! I'm a foodie in real life, so I made a blog where I could live vicariously travelling the world and eating tons of good food. Feel free to message me about anything Pokemon or food related, I like making friends!

//Pelliper Mail is on! No magic/mean anons, though!

//Keep it light! No NSFW, nothing heavy, etc.

//Avatar is from this Picrew: https://picrew.me/en/image_maker/1500446

//Information/Headcanon Document Here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13BRFIWJgT_i8Vj22Rx1VOMCuwwg6e3xm9xsGuVxINZQ/edit?usp=drivesdk

Team:

Coconuts - A Ludicolo who loves to dance along to music while I cook! She's been especially enjoying all the street musicians we've heard in Paldea!

Pie - An Appletun who's one of the laziest dragons I've ever seen! Maybe I spoiled her with snacks as a baby, because good Xerneas, she eats so much!

Vanilla - A Rainbow-Swirl Alcremie that I evolved using a Love Sweet. I was so dizzy when evolving her, but it was work it! She's beautiful and fiesty!

Honey - A Fidough who's been a riot to train! She has so much energy, I swear, she was born to battle!

Oil - A Smoliv, and she's my newest addition to the team. She's such a sleepy girl.

[blueraineshadows]

Brothers - Chapter One

Garreth Weasley 🔺️F!MC 🔺️Oscar Weasley

I have rewritten this first chapter. Thank you for the love on the original post, but I thought I could do better and started again.

Oscar Weasley is an OC created by @eternalremorse and fleshed out by members of the Garreth's Groupies Discord ❤️

Garreth and his older brother, Oscar, both have a soft spot for MC, and so a love rivalry emerges during MC's 6th year at Hogwarts.

Chapter One - September 1st

The scenery whizzed past the windows as the Hogwarts Express clattered along the track on its way to Scotland. MC leaned her head against the glass, her eyes growing drowsy with the steady clickity-clack of the train after a lack of sleep last night. Coming back to Hogwarts as a 6th year filled her with a deep sense of longing and excitement. Her debut as a 5th year had been explosive, to say the least. The whole year had been a whirlwind of events that had left her with the occasional nightmare, but she also had discovered a deep thirst for magical knowledge and had made some wonderful new friends too.

Compared to this time last year, there were no nerves, no fear of the unknown, and definitely no dragon attacks as the train made its trip through rolling English countryside. She had not tossed and turned all night racked with nerves but had been restless and excited to return to the one place where she could truly be herself. Her fingers caught the edge of her black robe, trimmed in yellow for Hufflepuff house, and a smile tugged at her lips as she looked forward to stepping foot inside her common room.

"Sickle for your thoughts," Poppy said.

MC's smile widened as she lifted her head from the cool glass of the train window and turned to her friend. Poppy's hair had grown a little longer, and there were definitely more freckles across her cheeks from all the time spent outside over summer helping her grandmother with their beasts. MC had been fortunate enough to spend a week with Poppy and her grandmother during the summer, making memories she would cherish forever.

"I'm looking forward to this term," MC said. "I'm ready, more than ready, in fact, to get stuck in. Hopefully, there will be less drama this year, and I can concentrate on my studies."

Poppy smiled and opened her box of sweet treats that she had purchased from the trolley. "I am looking forward to this year as well," she said. A mischievous glint appeared in her eyes. "Although, I am not ruling out a complete absence of drama. Speaking of, do you have any gossip to share? I heard that Leanora Everleigh's parents were looking for a husband for her already."

MC wrinkled her nose. "Poor Leanora. Can she not choose one for herself?"

Poppy shrugged. "Perhaps, although it isn't uncommon to arrange a marriage." She popped a sweet into her mouth and leaned back, her face thoughtful. "Now, who would I fancy being arranged into marriage with," she mused. "Isaac Cooper? Hmm, too much of a show off. Andrew Larson is cute and very smart. Definitely not that creep from Slytherin who torments the animals. Imagine the horror!"

MC gave her an amused glance and shook her head. "There's plenty of time for all that later on," MC said. "My roommate at the orphanage got engaged this summer. She is so happy, and I am pleased for her, but I intend on finishing my education before I get swamped in by all that nonsense."

Poppy gave her a nudge and scoffed at her quick dismissal. "Don't tell me you would be immune to the charms of a handsome boy, MC," she said. She quirked her eyebrow playfully. "You never did fill me in on your little trip to Feldcroft. How is Sebastian, by the way?"

MC rolled her eyes. "My trip was lovely, and it was quite proper. I can assure you," MC insisted. She shifted in her seat, adjusting her robes. "Sebastian is one of my best friends, and anyway, Ominis was there too. He spent the whole summer with Sebastian as he usually does."

Poppy hummed in mock disapproval. "Goodness me, spending time with not one but two Slytherin boys over summer break. Quite the scandal! Imagine if Leanora did that. Her poor mother would be mortified! No handsome bachelors for Miss Everleigh after that!"

MC fought back her giggle. "I've missed you, Poppy."

Poppy grinned and linked her hand with MC's. "Perhaps this year will be less about fighting dark wizards and more about winning someone's heart."

MC shook her head and leant back against the glass window, the countryside growing wilder and more mountainous as they travelled further north. Poppy may tease her about her closeness with Sebastian, but he truly was just a friend. MC thought about all this talk of marriage and winning someone's heart and couldn't imagine herself in that kind of situation.

She had no parents to arrange a marriage for her, not that she would want that for herself. She was strong in her belief of finding her own way in matters of the heart. She was grateful for the open-minded community that the Wizarding World offered in that respect. They still arranged marriages, but there was definitely more freedom of choice when it came to being yourself and what path you may wish to take. No stuffy finishing schools for witches, that was for sure.

Her thoughts drifted to the exchange of owls she had shared with Garreth Weasley over the summer. She had honestly not expected him to write at all when she had slipped him her address on the last day of 5th year, but he had. MC had devoured every letter describing his home on the farm, his family, and his outlandish ideas for various potions. With no family of her own, MC had absorbed every detail and tried to imagine what it was like to live in a home with siblings that were your blood, that had a shared history with you, rather than random children that passed through her orphanage like ships in the night.

A soft smile returned to her lips as she thought about Garreth. The summer break was a long one, weeks apart from her potions partner, and she wondered if he still looked the same. He had the most adorable smile and fluffy hair, and she had discovered that she was rather fond of boys with freckles.

She had first noticed this attraction when Sebastian had befriended her last year, but her silly crush on him had faded as their friendship had strengthened, and then her eyes had been drawn to Weasley. Taking the bold move to switch seats in potions to allow her the chance to get to know him better had been absolutely worth it in her opinion. He had no idea about her crush on him. There was no way she would admit to that. He might laugh or avoid her all together, and she didn't think she could handle that.

Poppy's suggestion that this year could be the year to find a boyfriend replayed in her thoughts. MC tried to imagine what that might be like and felt her cheeks warm. She had never kissed a boy before, had only ever touched one for the first time last year, and that didn't really count. Sebastian tended to her battle wounds, and she tended his, but that didn't really come into the category of romance. A hug in friendship was not the same as reaching out to touch someone with intent for more, and thoughts such as this made her shiver. It made warmth gather in intimate places that made her ache and tingle for something mysterious and new.

It was all rather overwhelming, and this is why concentrating on her studies was something far more sensible and within her comfort zone. There was no need for any other distractions.

....*....

Hogsmeade Station was overrun with students as they piled off the Hogwarts Express, greeting friends and juggling their belongings as they headed towards the waiting carriages to take them along to the school. Garreth stepped from the train, yawning and rubbing his rumbling stomach as his older brother, Oscar, appeared beside him. Oscar grinned and ruffled his hair, an annoying habit that irritated Garreth to the point of gritting his teeth.

"Stop that," he hissed.

Oscar chuckled. "I can't help it, your hair is just so fluffy and begs to be ruffled like a big shaggy dog."

"You're not funny," Garreth groused. He adjusted his bag on his shoulder and began to wind his way through the hustle of students, Oscar close behind him.

"Where's Hector?" Oscar asked. Garreth thumbed back to where they had just come from, where their younger brother was in the middle of a group of friends. "He told me to get lost so I wouldn't embarrass him in front his mates."

Oscar laughed. "He's got a point."

A group of girls caught sight of them, their cheeks blushing and smiles widening, but Garreth knew it wasn't for him. He threw a glance over his shoulder to see Oscar giving the girls a flirty smile, winking as they walked by. The girls seemed to huddle closer together, whispering and giggling as they gave Oscar furtive glances.

Garreth rolled his eyes and shook his head. "We are not even through the bloody school gates yet and you're chasing skirt."

Oscar wiggled his eyebrows. "No harm in casting the net out, brother. It's my last year here, got to make sure I don't miss out on all the pretty witches before I leave."

Garreth frowned. "There's a name for men like you."

Oscar looked at him. "Charming, handsome, fun...eligible?"

Garreth scoffed. "A cad, and an insufferable flirt, you could even say a man whore, if the cap fits."

Oscar laughed and draped his arm around Garreth's shoulder. "Trust me, brother, make the most of your time here at Hogwarts. You're a 6th year now. The girls are definitely more game for a kiss. Get your nose out of your potion kit and start enjoying the view, and work some of that Weasley charm. I will even show you where the best broom cupboards are for a bit of cheeky snogging if you like."

Garreth could feel his cheeks growing hot at the very idea of taking a girl into a broom closet. He tugged at his collar as one girl in particular came to mind, a girl who had been sending him owls all summer. He had been trying not to be too obvious at seeking MC out amongst the students piling out onto the platform, but he knew she would be there somewhere. It had been bad enough sitting through the long train journey knowing that she was seated within the long row of carriages, the urge to get up and wander along the passageway in the hopes of bumping into her had niggled at him all the way from London.

There would be plenty of time to see MC in class, though. He hoped she would take the seat next to him in Potions again like she had done towards the end of 5th year. His heart pattered away haphazardly at the thought. It made the lesson even more of a favourite to have her beside him. He was fairly certain that MC had the prettiest eyes he had ever come across.

As they neared the enchanted carriages that would take them up to the school, no horses needed here after all when you had magic, Oscar clapped Garreth on the shoulder. "Ah, I can see my own classmates, brother," he said. "We shall catch up on snogging locations another time."

Garreth gave his brother a sour smile. "Great."

Garreth stilled, his expression shifting to one of delight as his gaze landed on his favourite Hufflepuff getting ready to climb up into a carriage with Poppy Sweeting. "MC!" He called.

Her name burst from his lips before he could even think about it. Her head turned, her eyes scanning the students around her to see who had called out. Garreth flushed scarlet at the realisation he had just shouted at her across the pathway. His mother would have slapped the back of his head and demanded to know what he had done with his manners.

Oscar paused in his step. "Well, well, if it isn't our very own Hero of Hogwarts," he said.

MC caught sight of Garreth, and a smile lit her face immediately. She lifted her hand in a wave, and Garreth waved back, his heart soaring. She looked wonderful, her smile wide and happy, those lovely eyes lighting up at the sight of him. All the Owls they had exchanged over summer seemed to hang in the air between them, and he smiled softly back at her.

"A friend of yours, is she?" Oscar asked.

Garreth glanced at Oscar, his mouth tightening as he saw the way he was giving MC a slow look up and down. "Yes, she is," he said firmly.

Oscar raised an eyebrow. "She is rather lovely, isn't she?" He tilted his head curiously. "Although, it seems she may already be spoken for."

Garreth whipped his head back around to see MC taking the hand of Sebastian Sallow as he helped her up into the carriage. MC was smiling up at Sallow now, their chatter and laughter very familiar and intimate. Garreth felt his soaring heart shrink a little. Those two had been rather close all through 5th year, and it looked like not a lot had changed.

"They are always together," Garreth said. "If it's not Crossed Wands, it's in the library, or whispering with each other in corners."

Oscar gave him a look. "You almost sound jealous, Garreth."

Garreth shifted his feet and adjusted his bag again, his cheeks warming. "No," he denied. "Don't be daft."

"It's not daft, brother," Oscar said. He turned his gaze back towards MC, his teeth rolling his lower lip. "It's not daft at all. Now, that is the kind of pretty witch you want to tempt into dark cupboards, brother. I've seen her in Crossed Wands. She is a feisty little thing, and I do like a witch with a bit of fire to her. I might have to make a point of speaking to her next time I'm there."

Oscar gave a playful wink as he patted Garreth on the shoulder. Garreth stared after Oscar as he sauntered off to greet his friends, clenching his teeth together in frustration. The bitter thing about it was that, knowing Oscar, he probably would.

Garreth's shoulders drooped, and he sighed as he headed towards a carriage where Leander Prewett was settling down with a few others from Gryffindor house. Garreth shook hands with Leander, and they nodded to each other. It hadn't been that long since he had seen Leander. They often spent time together over the summer as their parents were friendly with each other. He supposed he could say that they were best friends, they shared a dormitory, and he spent the most time with him compared to anyone else at school.

Garreth listened idly to the chatter in the carriage as it lurched into motion, the wheels creaking a bit as it began its long trip towards Hogwarts. He clutched his bag on his lap, his gaze drifting to the carriage up ahead where MC was sitting with Sebastian. It didn't even make sense that Sallow was here. He must have come down to the station to meet MC from the train because he lived fairly close by. There was no other reason for him to be here that Garreth could think of.

Sallow was a top duellist, a smart Slytherin who kept company with a Gaunt, and there weren't many who were willing to get on the wrong side of him and Ominis. If Sallow truly did have a claim on MC, then that was that as far as Garreth could see.

And then there was his brother, Oscar, who could charm the birds from the trees with his smile, who had girls falling over themselves to just speak with him. Garreth was fairly sure that Oscar had even taken a girl to bed judging by some of the comments he had overheard him making to his friends. How could Garreth ever hope to compete with experience such as that?

With two older siblings and two younger siblings, Garreth was very much the middle child, and he felt invisible, almost inadequate at times. It was one of the reasons he concentrated so hard on his potion brewing. He was not incredibly smart like Nigellus, and he wasn't as charming and handsome as Oscar, who was an impressive Beater on the Gryffindor Quidditch team to add to his attractiveness. Garreth needed to be good at something, and potions were his passion. He was quieter and more sensitive than his other siblings, preferring to sit and write in his diary than go whizzing about on a broomstick like Oscar, or impress people at the Ministry with his brilliant brain like Nigellus.

How was there ever going to be any hope of getting the attention of a brilliant witch like MC, who could bring down a troll single handed, or put a stop to a goblin rebellion right underneath their school. Oscar hadn't called her a hero for nothing. Garreth sighed and pondered over his thoughts as the carriage rolled along, and then his stomach rumbled, and he hoped that there would be apple pie and custard for pudding this evening.

....*....

As usual, the house elves had outdone themselves with the feast. The food spread out along the four house tables was magnificent, and students were tucking in, sampling the various dishes and chatting with their housemates. The new first years had been Sorted, and there was a buzz of anticipation in the air for the start of a new term.

Oscar Weasley speared a roasted potato with his fork and listened as Isaac Cooper chatted about the Quidditch game he had gone to see over the summer. Cooper was on the Gryffindor team, and he was an excellent Chaser, their Captain, and he was a fierce advocate for getting Headmaster Black to bring Quidditch games back to Hogwarts. Together with Imelda Reyes, they had put together a petition and ran a strong campaign last summer to attempt just that. It was unusual for a Gryffindor and a Slytherin to work together for Quidditch, but their passion for the game was unrivalled.

"So, do you think Black will concede this year, Cooper?"

The boy frowned over his dinner. "I bloody hope so. It's just not right, no Quidditch, pfft! It's not Hogwarts without it."

"I couldn't agree more," Oscar said. "Seeing as it's my last year, I would quite like to get back out there. I've missed it!"

"Missed showing off is more like it," Garreth quipped.

Oscar gazed down the table to where his brother was sitting. Garreth's smirk was daring him to quip back and Oscar merely narrowed his eyes. Garreth was trying to get a rise out of him, and he had been all evening since they had got off the train, and Oscar had an inkling why.

Sliding his gaze away from his younger brother, Oscar looked across towards the Hufflepuff table and the rather lovely view afforded to him of MC. She was sitting with a brunette girl, and they were chatting away, MC's hair pulled back into a braid with soft strands framing that very pretty face. Her smile had a way of lighting up her features that caught Oscar's attention. She moved with a charming grace, her slender hands animated but not overly so. He had seen those hands in a duel, quick and deadly, nothing like the gentle, soft way she was speaking to her friend. Oscar realised he would quite like to get to know her a little better. She was fascinating to him.

As they finished up their meals, Oscar's gaze kept drifting back over towards MC, and a few times, she had caught his gaze. Her eyes had danced quickly away, a lovely pink colour flooding her cheeks as she did so. Oscar's curiosity was piqued even more. There was something very soft and innocent about her despite her heroic deeds, and the more he looked, the more intrigued he became.

As he wiped his mouth with a napkin, Professor Black took to the podium and addressed the Great Hall. The hum of conversation dwindled to a stop, and the students turned their gazes towards their Headmaster. Oscar folded his arms, boredom seeping through him as the pompous fool began to speak. Black was one member of the faculty he certainly wouldn't miss when he left.

"Another year, another opportunity to be at our best..." Black droned on.

Oscar yawned and flicked a stray pea across the table towards Garreth. It sadly missed its target and promptly landed into the lap of the girl sitting next to him, another late starter transferred from Africa. She frowned and glanced up, Oscar fixing a look of pure innocence on his face as he pretended to be engrossed in Black's speech.

At her irritated click of the tongue, Oscar fought the urge to smirk and leant his chin on his hand, his elbow on the table top.

"And so, as a consequence of such hard work and dedication from our students, and the threat of the goblin uprising now over thanks to MC, it gives me great pleasure to announce the return of Quidditch matches to the school's extra curricular activities," Black announced.

Oscar's attention was quickly snagged at those words, and he straightened, his lips stretching into a wide smile as he looked across the table towards Isaac Cooper. Cooper gaped and immediately stood, along with many other students, to clap and cheer. The entire Great Hall erupted into sound as excited voices and applause filled the air. Oscar got to his feet, too, a thrill shooting through him at the thought of getting back out onto the pitch and smashing a few Bludgers about. He lifted up his hand towards Copper, and they grasped each other in a victory shake.

"This is going to be the best season yet," Cooper vowed. Oscar nodded in agreement.

He couldn't help but look across towards the Hufflepuff table. MC was on her feet, her little friend hugging her happily as they, too, celebrated the news. Other Hufflepuff students were patting MC on the back and shaking her hand, her face a glorious pink as she accepted their praise rather awkwardly.

Black had said it himself. Thanks to her, the goblins were gone, and now Quidditch was back. Oscar made a mental note to thank her himself, an ideal conversation starter, and he definitely wanted to start something where MC was concerned.

....*....

Poppy had taken her arm and led MC out of the Great Hall after dinner, making their way towards the Hufflepuff common room, other students dirifting off in various directions to do the same. MC leaned against her friend. She was tired after the long journey and a big meal. There was a buzz of excitement in the air with the news about Quidditch returning, and while MC couldn't wait to experience the game for the first time in match form, Professor Black had reminded everyone of her deeds last year and now they were making a fuss.

MC hated to be reminded of it. She was no hero, not really. She had done terrible things to stop that rebellion, and the nightmares still plagued her, her heart still hurt from the loss of Professor Fig. But, the rest of the school did not know the half of it. The only people who truly understood were Poppy, Sebastian, and Natsai. And even then, it was only Sebastian who knew the deepest, darkest secrets of her heart, just as she knew his.

They had made a promise to each other, her and Sebastian, to take those dark secrets to their graves, and she intended to keep it that way. So, when people came up to her and reminded her of being their "Hero of Hogwarts," she smiled and nodded and thanked them for their kind words.

It was exhausting.

"My bed is calling for me, Poppy," she sighed.

"Mine too," Poppy yawned.

The Hufflepuff common room had that warm, inviting ambience that wrapped you up safe and secure. MC savoured the cosy feel as she made her way up to her dormitory, Poppy still at her side. They had beds beside each other, and they chatted in between their yawns as they readied for bed.

"Who is better looking, Isaac Cooper, or Oscar Weasley?" Poppy asked.

MC gave her a look. "Are we talking boys again? Really?"

Poppy gave her a sly smile. "As if you didn't notice the way Oscar Weasley was staring at you during dinner."

MC flushed and turned her back, taking great pains to neatly fold her clothing and stack it in her chest while she waited for her cheeks to cool down. "Nonsense," she muttered.

Her heart thumped a little louder under her ribs as her cheeks burned. She had noticed Oscar staring. Of course she had. It seemed that whenever she glanced across at the Gryffindor table, Oscar's blue eyes were fixed on her. MC brushed her hair back from her hot face and ignored Poppy's giggle.

"Oscar would definitely be in my top five of 'What Ifs'." Poppy climbed into her bed, and MC moved to do the same, pulling back her blankets.

"Your 'What Ifs'?" MC asked. "What does that mean?"

"What if they kissed me?" Poppy said impishly.

MC settled down into her bed and turned to face her friend, adjusting her pillow. "And who else is on this list, dare I ask?"

Poppy shifted to face her, laying close to the edge of her bed so she could whisper across to MC. "Isaac Cooper, obviously. Like Oscar, he has that Quidditch physique that makes my knees tremble."

MC considered Cooper and her mouth twisted. "Isaac is nice, but he doesn't really make my knees feel weak. I thought you said he was too much of a show off anyway."

Poppy gave her a look. "I wouldn't want to marry him, but a kiss wouldn't be the end of the world."

MC chuckled at her friend's brazen talk. "Well, if I had to choose...out of those two, I would choose Oscar Weasley. It's the freckles."

"Ah, so you have a type!" Poppy squeaked.

MC couldn't stop the smile that lifted her lips. "I think I do. Although, I confess, if it came down to it, I can not imagine any boy wanting to kiss me, or even what that would be like."

"I will lend you some of my romance books to read," Poppy said. "They are rather eye-opening, I must say. It made me look at boys differently, that's for sure. Although, I know what you mean about a boy wanting to kiss you. I'm fairly sure that boys like Oscar and Isaac wouldn't want me."

"Dont sell yourself short, Poppy," MC said. "They would be lucky to get a kiss from you."

Poppy's smile was quick, and then she sighed. "I think Oscar would like to kiss you, MC. You are so lucky. Would you kiss him if he asked?"

MC felt her cheeks warming up again. Oscar did have lovely eyes and a delicious sprinkling of freckles over his nose. He was also tall and had the loveliest shade of red hair. She remembered him being at Crossed Wands duels last year, and he certainly seemed charming. He definitely had a way of looking at you that made you very aware of every heartbeat. "I...I guess so."

Poppy gave a little squeal into her pillow, her feet kicking the mattress under the covers. "Oh, MC, the way he was looking at you tonight, I would put him right at the top of your list. I reckon you would have a good chance at getting a kiss from him."

"Along with half of the other girls in years 6 and 7," MC scoffed. "I've heard the rumours about Oscar Weasley."

"Hmm, yes," Poppy mused. "I have heard girls whispering about him, but then, how much of it is actually true?"

"I'm already a subject for gossip, Poppy. I'm not sure if I want to encourage that by letting some boy kiss me."

He wasn't just some boy, though. Oscar was Garreth's older brother. MC thought of Garreth's soft smile at the train station earlier today. He had looked taller, his cheeks hadn't looked so soft, they were leaner, his jaw more defined. If anything, he was starting to look like Oscar. Garreth would absolutely be in her top five of boys to kiss, and it was on the tip of her tongue to admit it.

But, what if Poppy accidently let it slip and Garreth found out? The fear of being mocked, or worse, him avoiding her completely made her heart pound and her palms sweat.

This is why boys were a distraction she couldn't afford. MC sighed and plumped up her pillow. "That's enough boy talk for tonight," she said. "I need to get some sleep."

"Maybe you will dream of Oscar," Poppy chuckled.

MC rolled her eyes. "Goodnight, Pops."

"Goodnight, MC," Poppy whispered back.

As the dormitory slipped into dark quietness, MC lay awake, sleep hovering at the edges of her consciousness. Her thoughts swirled between Garreth's soft smile, his letters over the summer, and the way her pulse had quickened when her eyes had met with a pair of blue ones across the Great Hall, Oscar's eyes.

Two Weasley brothers, both handsome, both tugging at those deep, secret places within her that teased at her curiosity.

MC closed her eyes, pushing those thoughts away, and hoped that her dreams took her somewhere else tonight. Somewhere less distracting.

To be continued...

[gumnut-logic]

Óen (Part 4)

Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

Thunderbirds Are Go and HTTYD crossover.

Sorry this is writing so slow. I can only manage a few hundred words a day in between work and other committments so it seems like this fic is going soooo slow.

Many thanks to @onereyofstarlight and @idontknowreallywhy for all their help with this fic and for fielding my crazy every day this week so far :D

Have some Virgil :D I hope you enjoy.

-o-o-o-

Alan was excitable.

As they made their way out of the infirmary building, he was quite happy and even proud to point out things as they encountered them.

The village was smaller than Berk and only consisted of a handful of buildings with very few people out and about. It was like Berk in that it was settled on steep land, caught between a bay and a massive hill. Several dragons sat perched on rocky ridge lines above the buildings. They appeared to be sunning in the weak sunlight.

Alan was quite happy to point out Óen and a big green one called Dá. There were also a number of tiny white dragons, far smaller than a terrible terror, more like some of the sea birds. In fact, they were sharing roosts beside several puffins.

It was reassuring to see at least something familiar.

The houses were of an odd design. Most were round and built from stone, at least at the base. Sometimes wood made up the top half with steep roofs to shed the snow that no doubt fell in the winter.

There was no snow. Summer’s brief relief was exactly that.

But right now, all he wanted to see was Toothless.

“Virgil keeps all the injured dragons safe. Máthair taught him the lore and he helps save people, too, but he cares much for the dragons as well. Though not everything in the lore works for them.”

Hiccup blinked. That was certainly true. The few times one of their dragons had been struck ill, what little cure they could find was always vastly different from what might help a human.

And sometimes downright weird.

Alan led him to another large building, bigger than the one they had left. He stopped Hiccup with a hand in front of the two massive wooden doors.

“You have to be quiet in here. The dragons are sensitive to sound and Virgil gets cranky if you disturb them.”

Hiccup nodded, desperate to see his friend, but ever so curious about what was inside.

Alan pulled the massive door open just a little and stuck his head in. “Virgil?” It was whispered.

“He’s awake. You can come in.”

Alan’s face lit up and he pulled the door wide.

Just like the infirmary building, there was a massive fire burning in the middle of the room, and oil lamps against the walls. The moment the door opened, Hiccup was assailed by the scent of whatever it was they were burning. It was like fish, but overlain with some kind of herb or spice.

He swallowed as he spotted Toothless curled up on one of the sleeping pallets ringing the room. The rest were empty. Was this an infirmary for dragons?

With no words, Hiccup slipped into the room and hurried over to his friend, dropping down beside the night fury’s head.

Toothless crooned at him.

His scales were warm against his cheek.

“He’s going to be okay.” The deep baritone belonged to the smith who stepped out of the shadows. He was no longer wearing smith leathers, but dressed in a red shirt tied across a pale linen undershirt. His pants were well worn and stained. His strong boots were much the same. “He has strained his wings, however, and will need some time to heal.”

Hiccup stroked Toothless’ head. “I’m so sorry, bud.”

More crooning and a distinct impression that Toothless forgave him.

“He doesn’t blame you. Though I have to say, he was not particularly impressed with that storm. Cóic had to have a word with him.” The smith sat down on the edge of Toothless’ pallet beside them. “He’s been far more worried about you.”

Hiccup continued to stroke Toothless, but frowned at the smith in query. “You’re Virgil?”

The smith arched an eyebrow at Alan. “That I am. Apologies for the lack of introduction. I presume you are Hiccup?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Quite a stir you’ve created around here. We don’t encounter other dragon riders very often, much less another night fury. Óen is rather excited. We feared there would be no more. Do you know of any other night furies?”

The man had a hope in his eyes that Hiccup had to dash. “No. I’m afraid not. Toothless and I have been searching, but no, we don’t know of any others.” Toothless crooned again, tilting his head to snuggle up with Hiccup. “He’s going to be okay?”

“He needs a few days of rest at least. He’s tired himself and there is pain when he extends. I could not find any broken bones and other than that, he’s very healthy.”

Hiccup blinked. “Toothless let you examine him?”

Virgil quirked a smile. “Cóic has her ways of calming the injured. Your friend certainly put up a fight. We didn’t want to separate the two of you but Máthair was concerned you might be more injured. I’m glad to see that you are not.”

“Cóic?”

“That’s John’s dragon. Wait until you see her!” Alan earned himself an arched eyebrow from Virgil.

“My brother John’s dragon is the heart of our commitment.” The smith rose from where he was sitting. “You should walk Toothless daily at least, preferably more, and do some basic wing stretches so he doesn’t lose any movement. I can show you. But first we should meet with Scott. We can use the excuse to get both of you out of the infirmary for your first walk.”

Hiccup stared at Virgil a moment. Well, that was a whole lot of information that mostly told him little. “Who are you people?”

“I believe Scott has the exact same question for you.”

-o-o-o-

Next

[aphroditelovesu]

I watched the house of the dragon trailer and I was so excited and I also saw the poster and I couldn’t contain my excitement so I hope you don’t mind me sharing my excitement and asking your opinion. I saw the poster first thing like I don’t know when exactly but I was kind of disappointed but also the same time excited and happy because I have read the books. Well, I am reading them currently I’m not done with yet I haven’t finished, but I read the dance of the dragons. And the poster it like disregards Aegon and put Alicent when they’re supposed to put Aegon because the war is not about Alicent in the books this relationship never existed. There was no one single rumor that suggests that they were friends and there is a big age difference I think Rhaenyra was eight or nine and Alicent was like 16 years old that’s a big age difference so I don’t know how they would’ve been friends. So why center the whole show about them it’s not about that relationship it’s between brother and a sister and if you are a nerd of history, you would know that this whole situation comes from a historical event called the war of the roses. if I remember correctly. So I didn’t like that part of disregarding, Aegon. but I feel like they’re changing too much, but one thing that I have noticed and was happy about is that Rhaenyra is wearing like Dragon riding clothes which you got me really excited because in the books she really does not use her dragon at all except for flying to kingslanding but never in war, like there was never a war battle or a dragon battle recorded, so I actually think that this was a good thing I actually want her to fight not to be a bystander because this is her war. So I can’t wait to see if she’s going to have a dragon battle or use her dragon in a battle that would be cool, and another evidence to my theory of her, using her dragon in a dragon battle is in the poster. Her clothes are burnt, so the only thing that makes sense is that they’re burned from dragon flame. And I watched the trailer my poor two Queens Helena and Rhaenyra broke my heart sing them in the state I want to hug them both. But the rest of the trailer was so exciting. And I loved the scene where she was wearing the crown that reminds me so much of book Rhaenyra so yeah, what are your ideas about it?

I understand your anger, anon.

They changed a lot of things from the books to the series, I think that's why it should really be an adaptation. I agree that the main focus should be on Rhaenyra and Aegon, considering that they are vying for the Throne, but the biggest power behind Aegon is Alicent and Otto (and maybe Criston) and definitely Aemond, I think that must be why they gave her more prominence than Aegon.

It's a fact that Rhaenyra and Alicent were never friends, or close. Both have always had a rivalry and some striking features of the books were well-manicured in order to make them more toned down, I think. Rhaenyra and Alicent are much more cruel in the books, but perhaps now in S2 this will be shown. Especially after Lucerys' death.

One thing I liked was that, the fact that Rhaenyra was more active in the war, because in the books she is not. Her scene with Syrax took me by surprise and I can't wait to see it all!

I mean, look at that woman's look of fury and grief. Blood will definitely be spilled and I can't wait to see the conflicts begin!

My Black Queen...

~ Lady L

[sophierequests]

🌿 i talk in my sleep - send me your ideal idea of a first date and some facts about yourself (name/nickname, favourite pastry, favourite song, random fun facts etc.) and i'll ship you with a character and write a short drabble about them → please specify your sexuality, pronouns and whether the ship is supposed to be romantic or platonic!

Hi! I hope it's still the 14th where you are haha, but if it's passed the date, you can completely skip and delete this!! Ideal Idea of a First Date - Definitely attending a festival or carnival of some sorts! I love strolling around to see different carts and markets and the music and performance!! And ending the day with a fireworks show of some sort! Nickname - On here, my friends call me Oath! (but for the drabble you can just make it an 'x reader'! I don't mind ^_^) Favourite Pastry - I absolute LOVE cookies, especially chocolate chip and when it's soft baked, the best kind uwu Favourite Song - About Time (feat. Kelsey Kuan & prettyhappy) Random Fun Fact - I am pretty introverted when I first meet people, but once I feel comfortable and safe with someone, I open up and become a very energetic and talkative person, especially if it comes to topics I like or the person likes, I love listening to people's interests and have them sharing it with me Sexuality and Pronouns - I am a straight hetero woman, I go by she/her but I don't mind they/them pronouns as well! I would like it to be a romantic drabble please! (And fluff if you don't mind XD) Thank you in advance, I love your work, and I hope you have an amazing day! Take care ^_^

shipping people with grishaverse characters // the garden event

don't worry, you were just in time!

i don't think anyone's surprised by who i'm shipping you with

since we never really heard much about shu han in the books, i took the mid-autumn/mooncake festival as inspiration for this! (it's only very loosely based on it and i don't mention the history, so if you're interested in the festivities, please look them up, it's so interesting to read about!!)

“I cannot believe that the one time Nikolai is dragging us off to Shu Han is also one of the days when the whole country chooses to abandon their houses and fill up the streets,” you mumbled, more to yourself than to anyone else.

Tolya only chuckled in response, a few loose strands of hair falling lazily onto his forehead. Both of you wore a somewhat traditional robe that Nikolai had gotten all of you to blend into the crowds, but only Tamar and Tolya really managed to pull it off. You still had to admit that the fabrics looked more than stunning, especially in the warm red light emitting from all the paper lanterns around you.

“We should be glad that Nikolai didn’t intend on going through with that plan of his today.” He whispered back, almost having to lean down towards you so that you could hear. “We wouldn’t have a chance getting through the streets without causing some sort of commotion.”

“At least something,” you chuckled. “As frustrating as our favourite privateer’s planning skills are, I’m still excited to see what this whole festival is about.”

He raised his brows in amusement. “Have you never heard about the Moon Festival?”

“Tolya, I grew up in Ravka and spent my entire life cooped up at the Little Palace, studying manuscripts older than that hag Baghra, do you really think I know what kind of celebrations the Shu have?”

“Oh dear, then I have a lot to show you.” With that, he grabbed hold of your arm and pulled you face-first into the crowd.

There was so much going on and you barely had time to catch a proper breath before the next impression was basically thrust upon you. 

First, he led you to what looked like a parade passing through the streets. People dressed in colourful hanfus and intricate costumes danced amidst the onlookers, laughing and singing songs that you had never heard before. A few of them held up a giant puppet of a bright green dragon, making it dance and writhe over their heads. It was a stunning display of colours and music alike, and you couldn’t help but gape at the performers as they walked past you.

“Dragon Dance,” he stated matter-of-factly. “It’s a tradition as old as time. They used to only do it during times of drought, because the dragons are associated with rain here, so they hoped that this dance would bring us a prosperous harvest.”

“It’s most definitely a stunning tradition.”

“You’d be surprised about how many stunning traditions the Shu have other than this.” He smiled, letting his eyes wander over the parade one last time before offering you a hand. “Are you hungry? I think I know something that you might like.”

This statement should remain to ring true. He took you to a less crowded market street, vibrant shops and huts lining the sides of the road nearly everywhere you looked. There were shops selling masks, fabrics and dresses, or all kinds of food. 

Tolya stopped in front of a bright red booth, offering something that looked to be tiny sweets. He called them mooncakes and went on a long, complex rant about how his sister always used to steal the best ones while he was left with the flavours that no one really liked. After he was done rambling, he bought a little box full of mooncakes and two cups of Kuei Hua Chen Chiew, also called osmanthus wine as he explained to you later.

For what felt like the hundredth time today, he pulled you away from the commotion and towards a little ledge that overlooked the lower parts of the city and quite a bit of the raging sea. The city was bathed in the red glow of the lanterns and flashing lights, competing against the heavy darkness that surrounded you. It was a strange, but beautiful sight to see. And it was made even more beautiful by the fact that you had someone to share it with.

[galexystern]

butterfly wings

chapter three; fall 1984

pairing; steve harrington/eddie munson/reader aka steddie/reader, steve/reader, eddie/reader

rating; T

warnings; fluff, angst, au - canon divergence, fucked up the timeline a bit, smoking weed, shotgunning smoke

word count; 3.8k

desc; eddie gives you a nice surprise, steve gets to know you better, and all three of you share some smoke.

read on ao3 / series masterlist

Winter comes and goes. In fact, the whole rest of the school year comes and goes in a flash. The summer comes in hot and heavy, and you suffer in the sweltering bookstore. You swear that you'll get another job next summer if they don't add air conditioning. You beach it up with Nina and Mark. You and your friends take a road trip into Illinois and hit Chicago hard. You attend the annual Taste of Chicago and explore the State of Illinois Center. You even manage to find a gay bar—Jesse goes wild under your and Hailey's supervision and Vickie's awkward flirting somehow nags her a girl's number. She gets embarrassed every time any of you bring it up, but you can each tell she's proud too.

Junior year sneaks up on you and hits you like a freight train. It doesn't even slow down, just pushes you into the deep end as soon as it starts. You try out for the fall play and drag Jesse into auditioning too. Surprise—he loves it (he's an English nerd like you, so you knew he would). The difficulty dial turns up on all your classes except math, which has never been your strong suit. While you're stuck a year behind everyone else, you're pleasantly surprised to find Eddie in your class.

"Well hello there, stranger," he says as you take the desk next to his.

"Hi!" You exclaim, happy to have a friend in the class.

Eddie laughs at your enthusiasm. "That's the most excitement I've seen for a math class in a long time."

"Oh, yeah," you say sarcastically. "I'm all about math. I dream of it at night."

"And here I am, a fool for dreaming about you instead." He winks and you blush madly. You set up your notebook and pencil perfectly, just for something to do instead. You hear Eddie chuckle and then there's a loud handclap from Mrs. Dolip, making everyone jump.

"If she's gonna do that every day, I'm gonna have a heart attack," Eddie whispers to you under his breath.

"Don't worry," you whisper back, "I know CPR."

You can feel his eyes on you and you know you're still blushing, but you also smirk, all the while watching your teacher write the first lesson on the board.

A week later, while Mrs. Dolip is blabbing on about equations, Eddie speaks out of the side of his mouth. "Have you thought about my Hellfire offer at all?"

You wince and shake your head minutely.

"Okay, angel. No sweat." Your breath hitches at the pet name. "Just keep it in the back of your mind for me." You nod and he lounges back in his desk.

Another week later, Eddie stops paying attention to the worksheet you two are supposed to be finishing and props his head on his hand. "You know, D&D is a lot more fun than this."

You give him a look. "Anything would be more fun than this." The page is full of fractions that keep drifting away from your eyes.

"Fair," he muses, "but D&D would be as fun as doing the school plays. I know you enjoy those."

"I do, but there are things I enjoy more, you know."

"Like what?"

"Reading. Fleetwood Mac. Cats. Taking a walk by the Seine."

"Paris, huh?" You nod. "But what about an alternate world where magic exists and fairies are spiteful and dragons terrorize villages and wizards command the elements?"

"Sounds a little dark for my tastes."

"You're the one who said Fleetwood Mac." He gives a cheeky smile. You roll your eyes and get back to work.

A month after that, just when you've forgotten about D&D, Eddie says after class one day, "You could be a princess, you know. Or a bard. Or a really good thief who always takes what they need but must leave something they want."

"What?"

He shrugs. "It's a curse. Balance is necessary."

You put your pile of books on your desk and turn to him. "Eddie, what are you doing?"

"A great question, milady." He beams. "I'm courting you."

"You're what?" You feel like you're choking on the words.

"To be my apprentice," he clarifies. "My successor."

"Oh." There's a faint sense of disappointment. "Well—"

"Before you say anything, just gimme some more time. I've got some tricks up my sleeve." He winks but there's a pleading in his voice. "Gimme a chance."

You study him, fingers adorned with silver rings constantly fidgeting at his sides, hair wavy and out of control, the same faded leather jacket he always wears shining in the florescent lights.

You sigh. "Okay."

He brightens considerably. "Really?"

"Yeah. Court me or whatever."

"That I can do, angel!" With that, he sprints out the door. You follow at a leisurely pace, not really sure what you're getting yourself into.

;

The next Steve-and-Nancy drama comes around, except this time, you're somehow in the middle of it. It was a crazy sequence of events that led up to it. It started at home.

"I'm going to the store. Do you need anything?" Nina had called from the foyer while putting on her shoes.

"Um," you'd uselessly shouted back while thinking. "We need Pop-Tarts and lemonade. Maybe also some Arnold Palmer's? And tampons please!"

"Check, check, and check," and then she was out the door.

About twenty minutes later, you heard a honk from outside—your sister's way of telling you she's back and to come help with the groceries. You slipped on some boots and grabbed the first heavy jacket you felt in your closet, since a chill had set in recently. You walked out the door, down the stairs, and to the car. Nina had the trunk open and you pulled out one of the bags. You started walking back to the building, not paying enough attention evidently, because you ran into someone halfway through the parking lot.

As if in slow motion, the bag broke open and things went flying. Nothing broke but it was almost worse what actually happened: a box hit the ground with abnormal force and sprang open, propelling tampons into the air. You looked at the person you bumped into through the spray and were mortified to find Steve Harrington staring back at you with a smirk.

Worse still, when the tampons had fallen back to the ground and rolled around on the pavement, Steve reached out and pinched the jacket you were wearing. "I wonder where I've seen this before," he teased.

You looked down and sure enough, you were wearing Steve's letterman jacket.

You just froze, staring at nothing with wide eyes, sure that this whole situation could not get worse. And yet, it did.

"Steve!" Nina said happily, joining the two of you. "Where have you been?"

"Hi, Nina. Just around. At school, practice," he answered cordially, still looking at you with mirth in his eyes.

"We've missed you. You have to come for dinner. What are you doing tonight?"

"Absolutely nothing," and you could hear the cheekiness oozing from the words. "I'd be honored to join."

"Great!" With that, she just walked away and disappeared into the building.

"Oh my god," you breathed, and Steve finally burst into laughter. "Oh my god," you repeated, moaning this time.

"Your face! It was priceless!" There were tears in his eyes. "That was the best thing I've seen in a long time."

That piqued your interest, but it could be examined later. You had to survive this mortification. "I'm so sorry," you said, "I'm so sorry!" You dropped the broken bag, scattering more items, as you rushed to pull off his jacket. "I forgot!"

Steve's hands darted out and stopped yours from moving. You looked up at him. He was smiling. "There's nothing to apologize for, beautiful. You don't have to take it off now. It's cold out here." He dragged it back over your shoulders and you had to hold in a shiver. "I wouldn't be much of a gentleman if I made you strip out here."

Your eyes widened and he laughed again. In an effort to draw attention elsewhere, you dropped to the ground and started collecting the tampons and other stuff. Steve joined you. You tried to use the bag but it was useless. Without any other option, you took the tampons and shoved them in the pockets of the jacket, making him laugh again, louder this time. You laughed too, seeing the ridiculousness in it all. All you and Steve could do was laugh for a minute, just crouching in the middle of the parking lot.

As the giggles faded and breathing evened, you started picking up the other things. "Here," Steve said, and held out his shirt, making a kind of basket. You giggled again as you piled items into the makeshift pouch, until everything was off the ground. You two stood and both supported the weight of his shirt.

"I never imagined I would kind of understand what it's like to be pregnant," Steve joked, and it took a lot of effort not to become completely useless due to laughter.

You both got inside and helped put away the groceries. You were thankful Nina had already started cooking and didn't seem to notice how you'd carried the items inside. As soon as everything was away, Nina was directing you and Steve to help prepare and dinner got underway.

A few hours later, after you'd finished eating and cleaning up the table, you and Steve escaped to your room. "Here," you said sheepishly, handing him his letterman jacket. He took it with a grin and laid it on the back of your desk chair. You sat on your bed while he examined your room.

He looked at your collection of manatees. "Each one is from a new city we've moved to," you explained.

"There's so many." Steve sounded both awed and a little sad.

"Yeah, we've been a lot of places."

"Why?"

"Nina and I are army brats. Dad was moved from base to base a lot. It was cool to see the world, but making friends was always hard." You breathed deep. "They died a couple years ago. Car crash. Can you believe it? Dad was in the fucking military and a random accident is what officially takes them away?"

"I'm sorry." His voice was gentle and soft and kind.

You forced your voice to stop wobbling. "Anyway, Nina got custody. We've moved a couple times so she could find a good enough job to take care of us both. But her job at the hospital here is really nice. She likes it a lot. And it feels pretty stable."

"Where's the one for here?"

"We haven't been able to find one yet. We do have to get it local and for some reason, Hawkins just doesn't sell manatee merchandise." Steve looked back at you and matched your grin.

"What's your favorite one?"

You stood and moved to join him. You picked out a small, delicate manatee. "This one's from Hawaii. We weren't there for very long, but we found this at a tiny shop in Maui. Hand-carved and hand-painted."

"It's beautiful." But Steve was still staring at you.

"Thanks," you whispered, face heating. Realizing your position, you cleared your throat and stepped away. "So, um, how's Nancy?"

It was like being doused in cold water. Steve's expression hardened, though he carefully returned the manatee to its rightful place before stalking away. "It's fine."

"Sounds like it." You said it simply, but it broke through. Steve sighed and perched on the end of your bed. You sat next to him. "Wanna talk about it?"

"I don't even really know what's wrong," he started, sounding confused and lonely. "This past year was great. I thought we were past all the stuff from last year. But...it feels different. Feels like something's off."

"Have you asked her about it?" He shook his head. "Might be a good place to start. Communication is key."

His lip quirked up. "Maybe." There was silence for a few minutes. You were just about to touch his hand when he sprang up from the bed. "So what are you doing for Halloween?"

Shocked by the sudden topic change, you stammered, "Um, something with my friends? Like...horror movie night? Maybe?"

Steve nodded seriously. "Are you dressing up?"

"I'm not sure. I have an idea but there's not really anywhere to wear it."

He lit up. "Come to the party! Tina's party! Nancy and I will be there. And you can bring your friends."

"Are you sure?" Your brow furrowed.

"Totally! It'll be fun. Here," he grabbed a pen and scribbled something onto a piece of paper on your desk, "that's her address. Easy to get to from here!"

"Um...okay—"

"Great!" He beamed. "Well, I gotta go! Those essays won't write themselves!" With that, he awkwardly dashed from the room, grabbing his jacket in the process.

"Bye, I guess," you said to the empty room, completely bewildered.

;

And that's how you're here, at Tina's Halloween party.

"Are you sure we're invited?" Vickie asks nervously.

"Duh!" Jesse replies, already dancing to the beat, "Steve invited us personally."

You shrug, feeling a little helpless. "He did."

"So let's have some fun!" Hailey yells. She grabs Jesse's hand and they plunge into the crowd, immediately heading for the dance floor. You look at Vickie, who looks right back at you.

"Drinks?" You offer.

"Drinks." She confirms.

So you two also head into the fray, in the opposite direction, eventually finding a communal punch bowl that must have six different kinds of alcohol in it for how pungent it smells. You and Vickie ladle some into cups and try it.

"That's nasty," Vickie coughs. You agree. You both keep drinking.

"Hey, you made it!" You hear Steve before he appears, dressed like Tom Cruise in Risky Business. He stops short when he sees you fully. "Whoa."

You look down self-consciously. "Does it look okay?"

"You look sick!" He exclaims. "Not sick like ill, but like super cool. Carrie is such a good choice. Who did the blood?"

"Jesse, Hailey, and I took turns," Vickie answers, and Steve grins.

"Looks awesome!"

"Thanks, Steve." You try not to blush. "Hi, Nancy," you add when you see the girl appear next to him.

She smiles—well, more like grimaces—in greeting before taking a cup and dipping it right into the punch bowl. You and Vickie exchange a side glance, but Steve just follows her lead. "Let's dance," she shouts to him. He gives her a thumbs-up and waves at you and Vickie before disappearing into the crowd.

"Something's not right there," Vickie says to you. You already knew that, but you didn't want to see it right in front of you either.

"I'm gonna get some air," you tell her. She nods and you weave through the people, finally finding the doors leading to the deck and backyard. When they slide open, the cool air is a relief on your hot skin, and you breathe deep in relief.

"Didn't expect to see you here, princess."

You jump at the voice and turn to see Eddie leaning against the side of the deck, surrounded by a cloud of smoke. "Jesus Christ," you choke out.

"I gotta stop scaring you, angel, or I'm gonna have to give you CPR. And I'm not certified." You half-smile, heart still racing. Seeming to sense that, Eddie motions to you. "Come sit down. Get your breath back."

You do as he recommends and sit in the chair next to him. Good thing it's metal, otherwise the fake blood you're wearing would soak in.

"You look great, by the way," Eddie appraises. "Superb fake blood placement. Very authentic."

You smile in thanks, still calming down. "What're you doing here?" You ask when you feel you can.

He holds up a metal lunchbox. "You don't know I'm the local dealer?"

You shake your head. It's news to you, but not altogether surprising. You tell him as much.

He chuckles. "I'm guessing you're not out here to buy?"

"No. Just to get some fresh air."

"Well, shit." He starts to wave away the smoke from his almost-spent joint. "Sorry, princess."

You wave a hand. "It's fine. Actually..." Eddie raises an eyebrow in interest. "I'd be down. To partake. If I can."

"Course you can," he says with a wicked grin. He pulls a fresh joint from behind his ear. "And for you, pretty lady, it's on the house." You go to grab it, but he brings it out of reach again. "But only if we can share."

You nod eagerly and Eddie claps his hands together. "Excellent." He drags a chair over and sits next to you. He hands you the joint and you put it between your lips. Expecting for him to hand you the lighter, you're startled when he leans forward instead, flicking on the flame and lighting it for you. As you inhale, the burning embers set his face aglow a little. He's very pretty.

You finally exhale, releasing the smoke into the air. "Well done, angel," he says, impressed. You shrug nonchalantly as he takes his drag. When he exhales, he creates little rings out of the smoke.

"Whoa! Can you teach me to do that?" You ask excitedly.

He laughs. "Of course."

A little while later, first joint gone and second started, you're just about getting the hang of smoke rings when the door slams open. You and Eddie both turn your heads quickly to see Steve in the doorway, breathing heavily.

"Steve?" You say hesitantly. He looks at you. He has devastation written all over his face. "What's wrong?"

"Can I get a hit?" He asks, ignoring your question.

Eddie hands the joint over without argument, clearly seeing what you're seeing. Steve takes a long drag before exhaling loudly, relaxing as he does. He collapses in the chair near you and Eddie.

"It's over."

"What's over?" You ask.

"Me and Nancy."

Eddie sucks in through his teeth. "That sucks, man."

"Steve, I'm so sorry."

"She called me 'bullshit'," he spits out. "Called our whole relationship 'bullshit'." His tone turns sad. "Said she doesn't love me anymore."

You feel terrible for him. "Steve, you're not bullshit."

"Apparently I am." He inhales from the joint again.

You pluck the joint away, take a quick drag, and hand it to Eddie. Placing a hand on Steve's, you order gently, "Steve, look at me." He swings his head to you sadly, eyes heavy. "You are not bullshit." He scoffs but you interrupt. "Steve." He shuts his mouth. "You are not. bullshit."

Steve gazes at you, then directs his attention to Eddie. "She's right, man," Eddie confirms. Steve looks back at you. You give him a small smile, which he eventually returns.

Temporarily resolved, you turn to Eddie and motion for the joint. You suck in greedily, inhaling quickly. You hold it in for a few seconds, and then release it—finally making a correct smoke ring.

"You did it!" Eddie yells.

"I did it!" You echo.

"Great job, beautiful," Steve commends, and you smile angelically at both of them. You give Steve the joint, who takes a drag and hands it to Eddie. "You guys ever shotgunned?" He asks once he's exhaled.

"Obviously," Eddie answers with contempt, but you're confused. "Like a beer?"

"No, smoke," Steve clarifies. You shake your head.

"You don't know how to shotgun, princess? Well, we gotta remedy that," Eddie continues.

Steve explains. "It's when you blow the smoke into another person's mouth."

You're having trouble trying to picture it, and Eddie senses it. "Here, Harrington and I will demonstrate." It feels like a challenge.

One that Steve is up for. "Let's do it, Munson."

They both stand and step in close to each other. They're about the same height—Steve's just the tiniest bit taller—but their mouths are pretty level. Eddie takes a drag, lets it sit, and then lines up his lips with Steve. He exhales the smoke directly into Steve's mouth, who inhales it deeply. They're centimeters from kissing. It makes you squirm a little.

"Nicely done, Harrington," Eddie says, impressed.

Steve does a little bow, making Eddie laugh unexpectedly. You try to hide a smile. Then they both look at you.

"Your turn, beautiful," Steve says.

"Okay." Your voice is a little small.

"You wanna do it?" Steve asks Eddie, but he shakes his head. "All yours, dude."

Steve sits back down and scoots closer to you. He looks deep into your eyes. "Okay, come close." You do so and your body heats up in the proximity. "I'm gonna do it. You just hold those pretty lips open, okay?" You nod, trembling a little. Steve takes a drag, holds it, and then leans in even closer. You can practically feel his mouth on yours. You're almost unprepared for the smoke as it comes billowing towards you, but you inhale as you're supposed to. Steve stays close for a few seconds, the eye contact too intense to break, until you accidentally puff out the smoke into his face. He leans back and coughs. 

"Sorry!" You exclaim.

"It's alright," Steve answers with a smile. "No harm done."

"You wanna try, angel?" You turn to Eddie and nod. Steve hands you the joint as Eddie comes close this time. You inhale, letting the smoke roll around in your mouth, and then lean in and blow it into Eddie's waiting lips. He inhales it greedily and there feels like electricity between you as he doesn't break his gaze. You can't seem to close your mouth. The moment only ends when Eddie turns his head up and releases the smoke into the night sky.

He looks back down at you. "Good girl," he murmurs, and you feel like you could die.

You collapse backwards, exhausted from the tension.

"How was that?" Steve asks.

"Great," you answer dreamily, and he smiles.

"We're honored we could pop your cherry, princess," Eddie adds cheekily.

You shiver—and then keep shivering.

"Oh, beautiful, you're cold," Steve points out. You don't feel cold; you actually feel hot, from being so close to both of them, and seeing them so close to each other. But there are goosebumps on your skin and you can feel your teeth start to chatter. "Let's get you inside."

All three of you stand and move towards the door. Eddie opens it and lets you and Steve step inside before following and shutting it behind him. You already feel better.

Vickie comes rushing up to you. "We gotta go. It's almost my curfew." She takes your hand and pulls.

You turn back to catch glimpses of those beautiful boys. "Thank you!" You call out, hoping they hear you.

chapter four

[ultrahpfan5blog]

Shazam! Fury of the Gods - Review

I am a big fan of the first Shazam movie. To me, that is one of the unique superhero movies that is less about action and superheroics, and more about heart and emotion. Plus, it was genuinely funny. So I was very excited when the entire team reunited to do Shazam! Fury of the Gods. Just saw the movie today and while I don't think its as good as the first, the film was a lot of fun. Arguably my favorite superhero movie since The Batman.

The film feels like it improves on some elements from the first film and is inferior on other elements. One thing the film definitely improves on is the action and visual effects. The first Shazam was fairly measured on its big action set pieces. And the Seven Deadly Sins definitely felt quite video gamy. Here though, the action sequences are quite good and the visuals on the Dragon, as seen in the trailer, are quite awesome. The film's humor is also on point. There is a scene with Helen Mirren reading a letter which had me in stitches laughing. The humor is consistent and keeps the tone light and frothy. The film also gives all the characters something to do and they all have some sort of purpose and story. Djimon Honsou's Wizard has a much expanded role and he and Jack Dylan Grazer's Freddy share some really funny scenes. The cast also has a lot of chemistry and immense likability, so you enjoy watching the various antics they get up to. The film is also fairly quick paced. It never slacks or bores the audience. The very final climactic set piece is pretty cool.

The one element that the film is inferior to compared to its predecessor, is the emotional heart. It is a little tricky for this film because one of the appeals of the first film was the little kid in a superhero's body. But Billy isn't so young anymore. They still have enough of it to be fun, but it is no longer as refreshing. Also, there is nothing quite as emotionally powerful as the arc of Billy trying to find his mother and finally coming to terms with the fact that his mother rejected him. The film actually doesn't spend enough time with the characters as kids. The key arc with Billy clinging onto his family out of the fear of losing them doesn't have enough emotional weight because we don't see Billy as a kid in situations where that worry would come up. Also, the key dynamic between Freddy and Billy, which was the heart of the first film, is pushed to the side though it does come full circle at the end. The entire action climax could have been trimmed down because it does start to feel a bit repetitive although the ending of the climax is kickass. They could have given that 10-15 mins to giving some more depth to all the kids and their individual predicaments.

The performances are strong across the board. All the kids and their counterparts are perfectly matched. Levi is still a delight as Shazam. Asher Angel doesn't have enough to do in this film but he makes an impression. Jack Dylan Grazer is a scene stealer, as he was in the first film and Adam Brody is a very apt adult Freddy. Ross Butler and Ian Chen as Eugene, DJ Cotrona and Jovan Armand as Pedro, Meaghan Goode and Faithe Herman as Darla, and Grace Caroline Currey as Mary are all excellent. I particularly love how Meaghan Goode plays adult Darla. Grace also makes an impression as the most level headed sibling of the lot. Rachel Zegler, Helen Mirren, and Lucy Liu are all enjoyable as the daughters of Atlas. Marta Milans and Cooper Andrews as the foster parents are very likable and the movie could have used more of them. Djimon Honsou is a hoot and clearly having a lot of fun.

All in all this was still a really fun film. I feel bad that this film is bombing so badly at the BO. I still can't believe that Morbius had a better opening weekend than what this film will have. Unfortunately, this film feels like it was a bad victim of circumstance. Coming 4 years after the first film, which was probably too big a gap for a minor character, after a spate of comic book films which haven't been received with a lot of positivity, with no major integration into the main DCEU till then, with now also the image of being a dead franchise walking after Gunn and Safran have taken over DC, there just has been audience apathy towards the film that the marketing hasn't been able to overcome. I also find the reviews for this to be strange. While I do think the first Shazam is a bit better, I don't get how that has a 90% RT and this has a 54%. I would have thought it would at least have a 75-80% RT rating. I think David F. Sandberg has done a real admirable job with these two Shazam films and its sad that we won't see any more of these but I have enjoyed the two we got. I'd rate this a solid 8/10 on first watch.