#August 18: The Hermit

[asmilethatshines]

The hermit

Near surrounded by the Lego city he built himself

"My solitude is boring yet peaceful. Don't just come disturb it and then leave"

For @nearsbday event that @empressofthewind and @neallo are running: "The hermit" prompt (August 18)

[servantofthefates]

How to Ask Tarot If Your Relationship is Hopeless

More often than not, you already know the answer. But if you need official confirmation, see tarot’s declaration.

STEP 1: Shuffle your deck.

Invoke your gods, your ancestors or your higher self, and ask if you should keep hoping or forget everything.

STEP 2: Draw three rows of cards.

First Row

Dealing from the top of the deck, get as many cards as the number of letters in your first name. (If it is Samantha, your first row will have 8 cards.)

Second Row

Continuing to deal from the top, get as many cards as the number of letters in your lover’s first name. (If it is Bradley, your second row will have 7 cards.)

Third Row

As before, deal from the top. Get as many cards as the single-digit number of the day you met. (If that is August 7, 2019, your third row will have 9 cards. Because August = 8; 7 = 7; 2019 = 2 + 0 + 1 + 9 = 12 = 1 + 2 = 3. Add them all up: 8 + 7 + 3 = 18 = 1 + 8 = 9.)

STEP 3: See the answer.

If, in each of the three rows, you get at least one of the 13 cards below, then your relationship is doomed. Otherwise, hope is still alive.

The Magician

They see you as competition, not as a companion.

The High Priestess

You will thrive better alone than with this person.

The Chariot

Your lover will leave you behind sooner or later.

The Hermit

They would rather grow old and die alone than be with you.

Justice

This person only entered your life to teach you a lesson.

The Hanged Man

You will be waiting forever for this person to love you back.

Death

What the two of you share will never evolve for the better.

The Devil

This person’s passion will always be less than yours.

The Tower

The damage to this relationship can never be undone.

The Star

A happy ending with this person is nothing but a fantasy.

The Moon

Honesty will forever be an issue between the two of you.

Judgement

There is no space for this relationship in your destiny.

The World

The world will end before this person truly commits to you.

STEP 4: Express your gratitude.

Thank the ones you invoked for their advice, as well as your cards for speaking with their voice.

[hermitsandhideouts]

Welcome, one and all, to Hermits and Hideouts!

Hermits and Hideouts is a Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition compatible compendium that will take the Hermits and their bases/builds across the seasons and turn them into a plethora of unique NPCs and interesting locations that you can easily drag and drop into your DnD games.

As a potential contributor, you don't need to be familiar with Dungeons and Dragons at all! You just need to want to participate and have a healthy dose of enthusiasm.

If you don't want to or can't contribute, you could help in another way by submitting which bases or which versions of hermits you would like to see included in this compendium.

Timeline

Mod applications: open until July 31

Idea submission: open until August 4

Open applications: August 5 - August 18

Creation period: September 2 - November 3 (subject to change)

Mod application (CLOSED)

You can apply to be on the mod team here

Idea submission (CLOSED)

You can suggest certain bases and/or hermits here

Contributor application (CLOSED)

Writers can apply here!

Artists can apply here!

Stat block creators can apply here!

[nearsbday]

hi everyone! we are very excited to finally reveal Near's birthday wishlist! above you will find the prompts for the event; you can use any one of these prompts to inspire your gift, or you can combine them however you wish. you'll also notice that there is a free day on near's actual birthday, so if you have an idea for a gift that doesn't fit within what's written on the wishlist, you're still welcome to bring it to the party.

this event will begin on August 17, 2024 and will run for 8 days; all types of gifts (fanart, fanfiction, edits, playlists, etc) are welcome!

if you'd like to learn more, you can visit the following pages:

GENERAL INFORMATION PARTY RULES HOW TO PARTICIPATE

we hope to see you there!

Image Description:

A graphic in shades of blue which gives instructions on how to use prompts, and lists out the prompts. The graphic reads:

for each day of the party, there are 3 prompts. you can use any one of these, or combine as many as you like (including from different days)! just make sure to indicate which of the prompts you're using for your submission.

the last prompt listed for each day is a tarot card. you can use this however you want to (the name of the card or any of its meanings)!

NEAR'S WISHLIST

august 17: toy, strategy, the star august 18: game, memory, the hermit august 19: match, comfort, the lovers august 20: dice roll, fortune, temperance august 21: bullseye, victory, the sun august 22: puzzle, mystery, the moon august 23: gift, fixation, the devil august 24: wild card, free day, the world

[coven-of-genesis]

Which tarot card represents each star sign

In tarot, different cards can be associated with each zodiac sign based on their symbolism and characteristics.

Here are some commonly suggested tarot cards associated with each star sign:

1. Aries (March 21 - April 19): The Emperor

2. Taurus (April 20 - May 20): The Hierophant

3. Gemini (May 21 - June 20): The Lovers

4. Cancer (June 21 - July 22): The Chariot

5. Leo (July 23 - August 22): Strength

6. Virgo (August 23 - September 22): The Hermit

7. Libra (September 23 - October 22): Justice

8. Scorpio (October 23 - November 21): Death

9. Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21): Temperance

10. Capricorn (December 22 - January 19): The Devil

11. Aquarius (January 20 - February 18): The Star

12. Pisces (February 19 - March 20): The Moon

Please note that these associations can vary, and some individuals may have different interpretations based on personal beliefs or traditions.

[mcytblrsource]

MONTHLY MCYTBLR RECAP: JULY 2024

CHECK PERIODICALLY FOR UPDATES!

REBLOGS ARE ENCOURAGED!

EVENTS:

May 12-Jul 7: Hermitcraft Guess The Author @/hermitcraftguesstheauthorevent

Jun 30-Jul 6: MCYT Subversion Week hosted by @/mcytsubversionweek

Jul 1-7: Gem Pearl Week hosted by @/gem-pearl-week

Jul 1-31: MCYT Musical Bingo hosted by @/mcytmusicalbingo [Check blog for more details]

Jul 12-18: MCYT Aspec Week hosted by @/mcyt-aspec-week

Jul 15-24: RedScape Week hosted by @/redscapeweek

Jul 15-21: HideDuo Week hosted by @/hideduoweek

Jul 15-21: fWhimmy Week hosted by @/fwhimmy-week

Jul 22-28: Hot Scarian Summer hosted by @/hot-scarian-summer-2024

ZINES & MAPS:

Jul 24: Petals of a Rose: Hideduo Zine @hideduofanzine

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR AUGUST:

Jun 1-Sep 30: MCYT Omegaverse Month (18+) hosted by @mcyt-month-of-omegaverse [Check blog for more details]

Jun 1-Aug 31: Niki Nihachu Summer hosted by @niki-nihachu-summer

Aug 4-Sep 21: QSMP Month(s) hosted by @qsmp-month

Aug 5-11: Felpac week hosted by @felpacweek

Aug 16th: Dream SMP Sixteenth Day Event: Crack Month hosted by @sixteenth-day-event

Aug 11-17: Skizzleman Week hosted by @skizzlemanweek

Aug 12-18: Hypnotizd Ship Week hosted by @hermitrarepairevent

Sep 1-30: Your Cubito, Your Culture hosted by @yourcubitoyourculture

Sep 22-Oct 5: MCYT Non-POV hosted by @mcyt-nonpovs

—-—

TBA: @qpr-kersuma-week

CLOSED APPLICATIONS:

MCYT Non-POV: @mcyt-nonpovs Prompt submission closes Aug 3

MCYT Yaoi Exchange: @mcyt-yaoi-exchange closes Aug 7

Petals and Clouds - FRONT COVER ARTISTS: @flowerhusbandszine closes Aug 13

Treebark Zine: @treebarkzine closes Aug 14

Classical Empires Zine: @nromal closes Aug 15

OPEN APPLICATIONS:

NSFW Life Series Zine (18+): @nsfwlifeserieszine closes Aug 17

MCSR Mini Gift Exchange: @mcsr-mini-gift-exchange closes Aug 18

Hermits and Hideouts: @hermitsandhideouts closes Aug 18

Moonrot-Pearleo Zine: @moonrot-pearleo-zine closes Aug 28

MCYT Halloween Exchange: @mcyt-halloween closes Sep 23

HermitPost Zine: @hermitpostzine Aug 15-Sep 12

MCYT Horror Exchange: @mcythorrorgiftexchange Aug 15-Aug 31

MCYT Couture Zine- MODERATORS: @mcyt-couture-zine Aug 17-31

The Great MCYT WIP Purge: @multidimensionbb Aug 22-Sep 3

MCYT Trick-or-Treat: @mcyt-trick-or-treat Aug 25-Sep 8

MCYT Playwriting Fest: @mcytplaywritingfest closes Aug 26 [Check blog for more information]

Colourful Crafters Colouring Book: @colourfulcrafterscolouringbook closes undetermined

—-—

Technoblade Cookbook- MODERATORS: @technobladecookbook Sep 1-10

MCYT Couture Zine: @mcyt-couture-zine Sep 10-30

Technoblade Cookbook- RECIPE SUBMISSION: @technobladecookbook Sep 14-Oct 14

Technoblade Cookbook- ARTISTS AND WRITERS: @technobladecookbook Oct 20-31

ZINES & MAPS:

Aug 5-Sep 2: @qsmpzine released for pre-order

Aug 10: @mcytsapphiczine released

[leiflitter]

I've figured out the You’re Almost Home Timeline so for the gang who care about the passage of time it's under the cut.

Firstly, I have chosen to totally ignore the gravestone dates because of Reasons, including "okay look I started writing this when it wasn't on streaming and this is mostly so it makes sense to me" and "time is an illusion I just need to know this so I can say what year it'll be on NYE". Felix has a January birthday in my little canon and nobody can stop me.

So let's go!

2007

Felix is in Expensive Rehab Facility until Christmas. Sir James and Lady Elspeth have pulled a lot of strings to make sure that Felix's accident won't impact him in any way, shape or form. This mostly means getting him an expensive tutor and essentially permission to submit all of his work online. No need for tutorials because he's had a hard time and is a very special boy. Felix takes this chance to essentially do as much work while he's stuck in the facility as he can because there's fuck all else to do, and he's being made to quit smoking so he's mad about that. Farleigh's back as if he never left, and Venetia is being an absolute rock.

Oliver returns to Oxford, makes contact with the Student Counselling Services, and throws himself into studying so hard it hurts. He needs to distract himself. They allow him to switch tutors and move to a different dorm where he turns into a studying hermit. If he sees any of the Alpha Hotties, he hides. He becomes invisible again, even more than before. His new tutor helps him switch to an accelerated degree program.

2008

Felix turns 21 and does the Spring and Summer terms. His parents decide to go on a tour of Europe to celebrate Felix getting back on the horse. They also know he's going to graduate, because the Special Little Boy measures are in place for him so all he has to really do is log on to Moodle and submit one of his pre-written essays every so often. He's burned a few bridges because he's being very twattish. Felix decides to sack off Christmas term and heads to Bali in late July/early August. Sir James has made sure he has internet access, so what's the point of even being in Oxford? He meets Lucia, who is 18 and on her Gap Year. Because it's the end of the summer, there aren't many options, so Felix sticks with her. Harry is part of the group from maybe like... week three? Luckily, Lucia is on a cleanse, so although they're partying, she isn't drinking or indulging in anything else. In November, Lu gets food poisoning- or so they think, until the doctor Felix hauls her to gives them the news. Felix contacts his parents in a hurry, and they are flown back to the UK and subjected to a major parental conference. Felix proposes to Lu at a Catton Christmas party.

Oliver graduates early. He doesn't go home for the holidays, saying he needs to keep studying. He decides on teaching because it won't be sustainable to be a student forever. His tutor is a major help; he's from Newcastle, although you wouldn't know it because his accent has long since faded and has taken Oliver under his wing. He remains Oliver's main advisor throughout his studies and is probably the reason he gets the job- he's keeping an eye on him so he knows there'll be a Northern Lad Professor once he eventually retires. They're not exactly friends, but there's a lot of mutual respect there.

2009

Felix turns 22 and marries Lu shortly after. He briefly returns to Oxford, but mostly to make sure he graduates. Harry is born in on the 10th of April and he gets his degree in absentia. Lu gets pregnant with Ru maybe a little too soon afterwards, and Rufus is born prematurely on the 27th of November. Oopsie.

2010

Oliver gets his Masters degree in english literature.

2011

Sir James dies of a heart attack in May.

2013

Ellie is born on the 1st of August. Felix gets a vasectomy.

2014

Oliver gets his PhD. His thesis was titled "Narrative Accessibility and Diversity within Academia".

2015

Lady Elspeth passes away in her sleep.

Then a bit of a time jump until

2020

Oliver is finally an associate professor after being in postdoc for 6 years.

Farleigh finally hits on a startup that works- a designer resale app that offers item verification for an add-on fee. It's wildly successful, mostly because he's been hobnobbing in America hardcore and is getting a ton of celebrity endorsements.

2025

Venetia is diagnosed with lung cancer.

2026

Venetia passes away. Felix is bereft.

Harry gets her A level results and Oxford place, despite being 17- Lucia, having not got a degree herself, is adamant that her children be highly educated as fast as possible... and Harry will turn 18 in her first year anyway. Harry doesn't mind this, as she has a fake ID and cannot wait to be away from boring boarding schools.

Oliver Quick receives an email notifying him that, amongst others, he will be tutoring Harriet Catton.

And then Felix Catton walks into his office, and they proceed to go bonkers.

[anastpaul]

Saint of the Day – 19 August – St Donatus of Sisteron (Died 535) Priest, Confessor, Hermit, Miracle-worker. Born in Orleans, France and died in c535 of natural causes in Provence at the foot of Mount Lure. Also known as – Donatus of Mount Lure, Donato of… Additional Memorial – 18 August on some calendars. The Roman Martyrology reads: “In the neighbourhood of Sisteron in France, the blessed St Donatus, Priest and Confessor. Being from his very infancy endowed with the grace of God in an extraordinary manner, he lived the life of an Anchorite for many years and after having been renowned for glorious miracles, he went to Christ.”

(via Saint of the Day – 19 August – St Donatus of Sisteron (Died 535) Priest, Confessor, Hermit – AnaStpaul)

[pubbamoon]

Hello🤍 may you please tell me what’s the most standing out feature in my destiny matrix ? 🤍

Destiny Matrix chart interpretation

Hello! Thanks for asking me this question. So, I cannot choose only one particular feature of your Destiny Matrix chart, 'cause there's always many of them. But I can try to pick several features that stand out the most.

The first thing that stood out to me was the number 9 at the center of your chart, which is the most important placement in your Destiny Matrix chart, 'cause it represents who you are. The number 9 represents intelligence, wisdom and the end of a cycle in numerology, which makes you naturally wise and intelligent. Some people who are into the Matrix of Destiny may tell you that this might be your last incarnation on Earth, since number 9 represents the end of a cycle, as I said earlier. Your life path number might be also 9 as well. The Hermit is the 9th arcana which represents solitude, introspection and wisdom. I kinda feel that you're an old soul who needs to be alone a lot of the time.

Your karmic tale 18-9-9 is also an interesting feature to me. This tells me that in the past life, you were a wizard, witch or just someone very knowledgeable. The problem is that you maybe didn't want to transfer the knowledge you had in your previous life. So, in this current life, you need to share your knowledge with other people.

I can see that you were born on August 21st, since you have number 21 on the left side of your chart and number 8 on the upper side of your chart. The number 7 on the right side of your chart represents the year you were born, so you might be born in 1987, 1996, 2005 etc. The number 9 on the bottom side of your chart can represent your life path number.

Other things that kept my attention were your love line and your money line which are the exact same as Thewizardliz. Your love line is 18-7-7, while your money line is 7-5-16, just like Thewizardliz. If you didn't see my Destiny Matrix chart interpretation of Thewizardliz, then you should because I have nothing different to say about that.

You also have a number 17 at your Throat chakra, which I find interesting. This number is associated with The Star arcana, while the Throat chakra is about our communication and writing style. I always see number 17 in the Destiny Matrix chart of famous people. With the 17th arcana (The Star) at your Throat chakra, you might get noticed in the fields when the communication and writing skills are crucial. You might be a successful writer, singer, author, public speaker etc.

Well, I think that could be it. I hope you enjoyed it. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. And sorry for my late response. Hope you don't mind it.

Best regards

Paky McGee

[ataraxiaspainting]

500 𝓯𝓸𝓵𝓵𝓸𝔀𝓮𝓻𝓼 － 𝓽𝓪𝓻𝓸𝓽 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓭 𝓮𝓿𝓮𝓷𝓽

dean cornwell, the other side, 1918

-> aya here - i just wanted to let you all know that i am so, so thankful for you all, and that the support is still strong despite the two-month long hiatus. my gratitude will be never ending, for this community has prevented me from fully burning out this whole time. once again, thank you all so much! ♡︎

achille beltrame, fanciulla con lillà

-> how the event works...

the tarot card event will be telling the fortunes of jujutsu kaisen, hunter x hunter, genshin impact, honkai: star rail, and twisted wonderland characters until august 27th. please do not request anything beyond this date, because our teller would have left by then.

this is an x reader event, and not a character x character event. no exceptions will be made. requests must also follow my rules.

all characters will be written sfw only, but requests with mentions/implications of such will still be accepted. no character with not sfw implications that is below the age of 18 will be written.

you can choose up to three cards and a mandatory other type of card with the fortunes of a maximum of three characters, separate or otherwise.

꧁★☆★☆★☆★☆★☆꧂

-> potential characters...

jujutsu kaisen - gojo satoru, geto suguru, mahito, sukuna ryomen, nanami kento, mei mei, megumi fushiguro, yuji itadori, toji fushiguro

hunter x hunter - chrollo lucilfer, nobunaga hazama, feitan portor, machi komacine, hisoka morrow, phinks magcub, shalnark, franklin bordeau, shizuku murasaki, pakunoda, bonolenov, uvogin, kurapika, illumi zoldyck, pariston hill

genshin impact - scaramouche/wanderer, zhongli, albedo, xiao, eula, raiden shogun, kazuha, childe, cyno, alhaitham, kaveh, diluc, kaeya, kamisato ayato, arlecchino, columbina, capitano, dottore, pantalone, beidou

honkai: star rail - kafka, blade, dan heng/imbibitor lunae, aventurine, dr. ratio, jing yuan, sunday, black swan, topaz, jade, ruan mei, serval, boothill, argenti

twisted wonderland - malleus draconia, lilia vanrouge, leona kingscholar, jade leech, floyd leech, azul ashengrotto, riddle rosehearts, jamil viper, vil schoenheit, rook hunt, rollo flamm, idia shroud, kalim al-asim, silver, sebek zigvolt, neige leblanche, che'nya, ace trappola, deuce spade, cater diamond, trey clover, ruggie bucchi, jack howl, epel felmier

꧁♥︎♡︎♥︎♡︎♥︎♡︎♥︎♡︎♥︎♡︎꧂

-> the major arcana - upright

non-yandere

-> the fool - a pillar of order falls for a reader who is free spirited.

-> the magician - your dear partner makes something special with you (or for you).

-> the high priestess - you repress your feelings for someone you have had a crush on for months, or even years.

-> the empress - you host a picnic or some other nature activity.

-> the emperor - your child and your partner bond as you pretend to not notice.

-> the hierophant - your partner, who comes from a traditional family, refuses to find someone else to please them.

-> the lovers - a day in the life of you and your partner doing housework together.

-> the chariot - you and your partner attempt to have healthier habits and encourage each other.

-> strength - someone stops you from being harassed.

-> the hermit - they dream of you.

-> the wheel of fortune - your relationship goes to the next level.

-> justice - you make up after an argument.

-> the hanged man - they leave work early to comfort you.

-> death - you two move in together.

-> temperance - you meet in the middle for a date idea.

-> the devil - your friend convinces you to not get back with your ex.

-> the tower - a rumor spreads about you, but your partner ends it.

-> the star - you both open up about your insecurities.

-> the moon - a nighttime routine.

-> the sun - you go out for your first-year anniversary.

-> judgement - you comfort them after someone says that you're too good for them.

-> the world - play wrestling.

-> the major arcana - reversed

yandere

-> the fool - naive reader.

-> the magician - drugging.

-> the high priestess - your kidnapper isn't the best at expressing their feelings.

-> the empress - they smother you so much you do not know right from wrong anymore.

-> the emperor - your stalker has blackmail on you.

-> the hierophant - you refuse to conform, until your kidnapper snaps.

-> the lovers - a wedding is supposed to be a happy day for all, but you only cry.

-> the chariot - there is knocking on your bedroom window, and a voice telling you to let them in.

-> strength - they are convinced you feel your worst when you are not with them.

-> the hermit - after being put in a white room for quite some time, you are back to how they want you to be.

-> the wheel of fortune - you wake to warm sheets, cold sweat, and familiar blood on the mattress. your period is back, but your captor has no idea... or so you think.

-> justice - shadows of the past are doomed to resurface sometime or another. it is up to them to push them back into the desolate earth.

-> the hanged man - they keep telling you that they will take you outside tomorrow.

-> death - the only place they take you regularly is their self-made cemetery.

-> temperance - they attempt to see things your way.

-> the devil - they can buy your worth in gold but choose to steal you anyway.

-> the tower - everyone in this event is dead... aside from you and them.

-> the star - after much work, you are brought back from the dead.

-> the moon - they watch you sleep.

-> the sun - your captor decides to do something special to celebrate your birthday.

-> judgement - someone figures out where you are and attempts to save you.

-> the world - you successfully escape, only to come face to face with unfortunate familiarity years later.

꧁✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀✿❀꧂

-> other types of cards

type of writing

-> suit of wands - a fanfic with a minimum of 1k words.

-> suit of cups - a short story/concept with a word count between 300 and 1k.

-> suit of swords - headcanons with a maximum of ten to fifteen bullets per character.

-> suit of pentacles - an AU request. the suit of pentacles is a special case, so another type of card has to be chosen along with it. please also specify the AU you want.

꧁♔♕♔♕♔♕♔♕♔♕꧂

-> examples of requests include...

sunday, major arcana - reversed, death, the devil, the hanged man, suit of wands. gojo satoru, major arcana - upright, the magician, the empress, suit of cups. chrollo lucilfer, major arcana - reversed, the devil, the emperor, the wheel of fortune, suit of pentacles with demon chrollo, suit of wands. lilia vanrouge, major arcana - reversed, the empress, the moon, suit of swords. eula, major arcana - upright, the tower, suit of cups.

[wizardsandcrystals]

Major Arcana for the New Year

*A reference of guidance for me to return to throughout the year*

January

15--The Devil: Sense of entrapment, feeling loss of power, mistakes.

February

9--The Hermit: Truth, self reliance and trust, keep trekking

March

12--Hanged Man: Crossroads, making decisions that have risk

April

21--World: Completion, fresh start, learning lessons

May

14--Temperance: Dynamics, creativity to make change, possibilities

June

20--Judgement: Outcomes, taking heed, think before you speak

July

19--Sun: Freedom, sucess, trying new things, independence

August

17--Star: Hope, work towards your goals, shine for others, growth

September

4--Emperor: Power, logic, plans, positive manipulation

October

2--High Priestess: Intuition, gifts, gut instinct, going with the flow

November

0--Fool: Beginning, questions, opportunity for growth

December

18--Moon: Hidden, cycles, instincts and impulses

Initial thoughts:

This in conjunction with my reading I did for Yule, which also included the High Priestess and the World, this year seems definitely the year of trust myself and the process (which I def struggle to do). It in particular seems like a year for self definition. Here's to a good 2024. Ave Satanas.

Divider Credit

[thinkdust]

21st August 2024

TW : a whole lotta cussing n s*xual subjects mentioned

I fucking hate dating apps. I was pressured by people and society to join. In our cult-like community, girls are "adviced" to be married off at like 18-19 or atleast be engaged, lest she go awry (live her goddamned life in her own way, plus she's a child, this is predatory behaviour). But being 23, I'm basically considered an "approaching old age" girl, which is so awful.

Like, i still have never left home or lived according to my needs, you'll take away my freedom before I even get a taste of it?

Well with all this ever-mounting, sometimes blatantly obvious, sometimes subtle pressure, i had to do something. I haven't dated any one ever. All I've had are awful "situationships", unrequited love and just a lot of idiots. Also you'd think being bi would increase your chances, considering your target demographic is now increasing. Welk guess what? No. It isn't! Mine was already small. It has somehow managed to shrink.

So i did what anyone on the brink of insanity would do in my situation. I started using online dating apps. I'm so socially inept. I kept my identity hidden as much as i can. I know people worry about getting catfished but like, what the hell! Can't we just have a normal conversation n then I'll reveal my fucking face?

But no. All these assholes with gym-bods and stupid greasy smiles and awfully stale pick up lines, with their "i wanna be deep with someone", "have a deep conversation with u" bullshit. Like you're as deep as a puddle, u actual waste of air!

And then, when finally one of them FINALLY connects with u, u are laughing and chatting n imagining fuckin fake scenarios of your future together in your head; full of gentle sweet nothings, n BAM! u find out they just wanna fuck around. Which is so, why would u not be straight up about that before this? And i will never understand the "casual hookup culture" thing people do, nowadays or at any time honestly. It's so lame n idiotic.

U wanna be intimate with people without actually caring for or respecting them? I understand if you're aro or ace or anything of the sort, but these straight ass men, have the audacity to say "our conversations need to be deep" n u find out they were actually talking about the depth of your fucking vagina!

I'd rather be a hermit than do this!

Rant over.

- @thinkdust 💌

[risingwiththeheatabove]

A Little Honey - Chapter 3 - Strange Horizons

Pairing: Josh X Reader

Series list

Warnings for series: 18+, Alcoholism, toxic parents, domestic abuse, drug use, alcohol use, explicit sexual content, NSFW, smut, unprotected sex, fingering, oral, blood kink, praise kink, daddy kink, and probably so much more that I am forgetting

Word Count 5.2K

August 2021

From Josh

We have a show in Franklin this week. The guys and I would love to have you and Nora there. There will be a small after party that you are welcome to stay for. Just let me know and I can get you all set up with our security team.

To Josh

That sounds incredible! We will be there! What day is it on so we can both request off work?

From Josh

Oh I guess I forgot the date. Haha. It is on Thursday the 5th. I can not wait to see you.

To Josh

I will be thinking about it all week.

Nora and you were both able to switch shifts to get Thursday night off. Debbie even ended up giving you Friday off just in case you needed to recover from the festivities. Debbie had been trying to get you to go out ever since you started working for her. She was always concerned you were too much of a hermit. She was happy to hear you had plans with someone other than just Nora for once.

Thursday rolled around quickly. You and Nora decided to enjoy your morning off by getting breakfast at your favorite cafe. You sat out on the patio enjoying your iced coffee and smoothie bowls. As you walked back to your apartment, anxiety began to creep back in. Nora could tell you were not yourself.

“Hey can you help me pick my outfit for tonight?” She asked. You knew she did not need your help. She has probably had an outfit planned since you told her on Monday. Not to mention she was always the more fashionable of the two of you. You knew she was trying to help calm your nerves so you agreed you would help each other find something to wear.

Nora grabbed three options from her closet. They had already been displayed on the hangers. No doubt she had them ready for several days.

“Which one?” She asked as she lay them all on the bed.

“I like the pants and jacket from this one.” You said as you grabbed a pair of black pressed trousers and a royal blue velvet fitted blazer. You jumped up and grabbed a t-shirt out of your closet. It was a white Jimi Hendrix Tee that had a psychedelic colorful pattern on the front. “How about this shirt instead?”

“That is way cooler than what I had planned!” She laughed as she accepted the shirt. She quickly changed and modeled the outfit for you. “I may need to borrow some shoes to go with the cool girl aesthetic.”

“Docs or Chelsea boots?” You asked pulling both options from your closet.

“Surprise me!”

You toss her the Chelsea boots. She slips them on completing the look. You check the time. 12:50. You still had hours to kill before heading to the concert. You huff and throw your phone on the bed.

“Let’s find you an outfit then we can go grab some drinks before the show. A little liquid courage never hurt!” Nora suggested.

“That sounds really nice!” You agreed with a nervous laugh.

You ended up going with a black mini slip dress with lace detailing. It had a deliciously placed slit that came up the front of your thigh. Adding black sheer tights, and your favorite black docs. Playing with your jewelry you mixed some delicate gold and silver chains and rings. You decided to wear your hair down again, finishing the look with a light Smokey eye and blush. Nora finished her look with a textured bob, statement hoops, mascara and a nude pink lip.

You pick a bar not to far from the venue that had decent reviews. As you drive to the bar you pass the venue.

“Wow I didn’t know they were that popular!” Nora said, repeating exactly what you were thinking. People were camped out on the concrete with sleeping bags and chairs. You knew they had gained popularity through TikTok, but you hadn’t know to this extent.

You get to the bar, unsure of what your luck would be trying to find parking at the venue. You decide to park at the bar for the evening. You both take a fancy shot of Nora’s choice and order a cocktail each before closing out.

“I needed that!” You say hugging into Nora as you walk to the venue. The doors didn’t open for another hour but you Josh asked that you be there early. You find the side entrance as instructed. Here you are quickly meet with the head of security. They give you each a “Crew” pass and tell you to stay out of the way of the actual crew. You nod in agreement as they hastily rush you to the green room.

“The guys are in here, it opens from the inside unless you have a key so don’t get locked out.” Security states as he scans the key to pop the door open. You thank them as you walk into the room.

“Hey you made it!” Danny said walking up to Nora giving her a bear hug. You shoot her a quizzical look and note this interaction to discuss later.

“Can I get you ladies a drink?” Sam asks as he pulls you into a side hug. As always with a cocktail in hand.

“That depends on who the bartender is.” You say with a wink.

“It’s pretty hard to mess up a jack and coke!” He whines back.

“I am sure you could find a way!” You hear Jake’s voice enter from the door. Jita follows behind waving. You greet them both with a hug.

“Where is Josh?” slips passed your lips with out thinking.

“Don’t worry, he will be here soon.” Jita says with a big smile.

“One thing you will have to learn about Josh, well all of us really. Is that we are always late. If you want us to be on time, lie! Tells us that dinner will be at 4 if you want us there before 7.” Sammy explains.

Everyone laughs and Sam hands Nora and you each a questionable jack and coke. You sit and discuss what everyone has been up to. They are excited for the upcoming shows and eventual tour. You finish your drinks and get comfortable on the green room couch.

“Have you guys heard from Y/N?!” Josh questions in a very animated fashion while he barges through the door. He freezes for half of a second when he sees you. You could have sworn a slight blush came across his cheeks. “Why hello!” He says cheerfully with a big toothy grin. He opens his arms inviting you in for a hug. Standing from the couch you walk over and find yourself wrapped in a tight embrace. He smells divine. He is wearing a white jumpsuit with embroidered colorful feathers along his leg and chest. The whole suit is studded with silver rhinestones. An additional white, sheer tule jumpsuit is worn over the top with even more rhinestone embellishments. He looked ethereal, celestial even. A stark contrast with your dark feminine energy.

“You look absolutely amazing Josh.” You speak softly still wrapped in his arms.

“You are too sweet Honey.” He responds in a bashful tone. “Look at you!” He theatrically gestures to your outfit as you unwrap from one another. Now causing you to blush. “A true rocker goddess stands in front of me!”

“No body has complemented my outfit!” Sam chimes in. He does a quick spin and places his hands on his hips to pose.

“Cedric is about to start his set. Does anyone want to join me?” Hannah asks as she peaks her head through the door. The guys all insist on staying in the green room, so it leaves the four girls to go watch the opening acts. You find reserved seats on Jake’s side of the stage. The opening acts were fantastic and your company was even better. You enjoyed dancing and laughing with the girls. You all got along so easily. The sun had set and the warm Tennessee night encircled you. You began to feel the butterfly’s in your stomach as the boys were about to take the stage.

“I am going to go smoke before the guys come on. Does anyone care to partake?” Hannah asked as she took out a small joint.

“Oh hell yeah!” You respond.

“I will pass.” Nora didn’t smoke often but when she did it normally ended up in a state of panic.

“I will stay with Nora.” Jita said placing a hand on Nora’s shoulder.

Hannah finds you guys a spot back stage. You pass the joint back and forth while you talk.

“So… what’s up with you and Josh?” She says with a suspicious smile. You pause for a second not sure what to say. “Not that its any of my business.” She quickly adds when she sees you thinking on your response.

“I am not really sure if I am being honest. We text like friends, but when we see each other in person…”

“…It’s more than friendly.” She finishes your sentence shooting you a wink.

“Mainly harmless flirting. I am really not sure if he is interested. The guys all seem to be pretty flirty.” You shrug your shoulders slightly embarrassed for admitting you care if Josh is interested in you. You take the last hit and stomp out the stinger.

“Josh doesn’t text people. If he is texting you back, he is interested! Again its none of my business, but I think everyone can tell you guys have chemistry.”

You see the lights dim and soft intro music begins to play. You both run back to your seats giggling like high schoolers who just got away with smoking in the bathroom.

You grab Nora’s hand as you see the boys take the stage. You all scream cheers of excitement as you hear the opening notes of Heat Above. The whole show is magical. The boys are all elevated versions on themselves on stage. Jake makes cute nods to Jita through out the evening. Sam sends a few waves in Hannah’s direction. You stood there wishing you and Josh had what they did. Nora would squeeze your hand when she saw you going into your head. You would squeeze back as if to say thank you. Even though their newest album hadn’t been out long, you already knew all of the words. You sang along through out the entire show, to the extent you thought you might lose your voice. When they left the stage the first time Jita motioned for everyone to follow her. You all joined hands and ran back stage. The boys were exhausted grabbing a quick water and catching their breath before the encore. You got there just before they retook the stage. Josh’s eye caught you as he was running up the stairs. He blew you a quick kiss followed by his classic smile. Nora hugged you from behind in excitement for you. The girls lead you to side stage to watch the boys finish off the show. You stood there in absolute bliss. This night was entirely perfect.

You all waited backstage for the guys to come off stage. You were practically vibrating with joy as you saw sweaty Josh run down the stairs. He picked you up in a hug spinning you around as you both chuckle at the intimacy of the moment. He sets you down, placing his hands on your hips. Yours around the back of his neck. With your body’s still touching he pauses staring at your lips. You watch his as he bites his bottom lip gently. You make eye contact with him and a smile is plastered on his face. You can not help but smile back at him. He is glowing. His forehead meets yours and you feel every breath he takes.

“Honey, have you been smoking the devil’s lettuce?” He softly teases into your ear. You both continue to giggle in your embrace.

“Hey maybe you guys should do that further from the stage.” Danny yells playfully. “Unless you want an army of angry teenagers to find her!”

Josh grabs your hand and runs you back to the green room. He pours you both a drink while the rest of the group files in behind you.

“So what now?” Nora said as she entered the room with Danny.

“Now we PARTY!” Sam exclaimed.

“First we shower!” Jake said throwing a towel at his younger brother. Sam grabbed it sticking his tongue out at Jake.

“Us girls will stay here while the guys get cleaned up!” Jita explained.

“I won’t be gone long Honey.” Josh said placing a kiss on your cheek and handing you your drink.

“Hurry back Sugar.” You said while offering a short slap to his ass as he walked away. He jumped cheerfully as he left the room with the other guys.

You made your way to sit back on the couch next to Hannah and Jita. Nora was looking in the mirror fixing her hair.

“So…” You pause getting Nora’s attention. She looks at your reflection in the mirror but does not turn around. She knows what is coming. “You and Danny seem…”

“Y/N STOP! We are just the two single ones of the group! Do not turn this into something more!” Nora barks back.

“I am single! Josh is single!” You retort.

“You guys don’t look single!” Jita adds, shyly hiding her face in her drink immediately after speaking.

“Obviously I like Josh, but right now we are just friends!”

“…Friends with benefits?” Nora asks in a mischievous tone.

“The night is young…” You reply in a similar tone.

The whole room erupts into laughter. You were falling for Josh, hard and fast. Though you had only been friends for a few weeks it felt much longer. You connected so effortlessly. You spent most days texting about silly details of your day. He would recommend a movie for you to watch and you would recommend him a book. Your music taste was similar though his was much more in-depth. Occasionally exchanging flirtatious text that never amounted to anything. You were unsure where you stood with Josh. You knew you wanted him in your life at least as a friend. You could settle for friendship. But you longed for more.

“Jake just text me, they are heading to the van.” Jita said interrupting the conversation.

“Well ladies lets go!” Hannah said as her and Jita lead you both out of the room and towards the van.

As you approached the van you noticed all the guys had changed into there usual styles. Josh wore his classic white t-shirt, khaki pants and vans. His face slightly pink from the activities of the evening as well as the heat. He wrapped his hand around your waist and guided you into the van. You held his hand pulling him closer to you as you both sat down. His head rested on your shoulder. “Are you tired?” You asked as you softly ran a hand through his hair. He hummed turning into you. His nose brushing your neck.

“A little. It’s been so long time since we preformed. I am out of shape.” He said softly into you neck.

“You don’t look out of shape.” You coo back. He reaches over placing his hand on your upper thigh offering a light squeeze between him thumb and forefinger. You can not see it but you know you are both smiling. Josh melts into you for the short ride to the after party. The van stops and he lets out a slight sigh as he hears the door open. He lifts his head offering you another kiss on the cheek grabbing your hand once more to guide you out of the vehicle.

“Come on Hannah lets show Y/N the bar!” Sammy says. Hannah and Sam wrap one of their arms around each of yours and quickly sweep you away from Josh.

Josh offers an annoyed “HEY!?” As he slaps Sam on the back of the head.

You look back at him and mouth “Sorry.” Between the drinks and the weed consumed earlier in the evening you had a decent cross fade going. You knew you had to pace yourself to enjoy the remainder of the night. You ordered a water which Sam met with disappointment.

“Not everyone drinks as much as you Samuel!” Josh approached the bar placing a hand on the small of your back as he neared. You leaned into his touch. Nora and Jita joined the group at the bar.

“Did you guys have a good time?” Danny asked directing the question to Nora and yourself.

“You guys were fucking awesome! Best concert I have ever been to!” You respond a little too quickly. A slightly more sober you would have been embarrassed.

“It was really fun even if I didn’t know any of the songs!” Nora said comically.

“Y/N you knew every song! I was impressed! I don’t think I even have the new album memorized.” Hannah said light heartedly.

You felt Josh’s body tense as he removed his hand from your back.

“WAIT Y/N, You are a fan?!” Sam said flabbergasted, throwing his arms in the air.

“She is a huge fan!” Nora responded for you. She could see the embarrassment across your face. Josh pulled away further repositioning himself closer to Jake.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Jake asked.

“It just never came up.” You shrugged taking a sip of your drink to hide slightly. Your face must have been a vibrant pink.

Extremely aware of Josh’s sudden change in demeanor. Josh scuffed and walked away joining a group of what you gathered were mainly crew. Nora shot you a confused look, one in which you returned.

“If you guys will excuse me…” You say softly breaking the group to look for the bathroom. Nora follows noticing your changing mood.

“Are you good?” She asks as you enter the bathroom.

“Did you notice Josh? How he changed back at the bar?” You say with slight panic in your voice.

“Hey, what happened?”

“I have no clue Nora! All of the sudden things felt different.” You were trying to focus on your breathing to stay calm but you could tell something switched in him.

“Hey, Hey. Stay with me. You are probably just over thinking things. It’s fucking Chris’s fault. You always had to be so aware and on edge around him. But you don’t have to do that with Josh. He is a good guy Y/N. Don’t get in your head.” Nora rubbed your shoulders as she talked you down.

“You are probably right. It’s probably nothing.” You said not fully believing what you were saying.

You both rejoined the group, Josh was still away talking with the crew. Everyone else seemed like themselves. You figured Nora was right and continued to enjoy your time with them. You all danced and laughed and celebrated the world slowly starting to open back up. Several hours passed with not even a glance from Josh. As the festivities died down you were extremely intoxicated. You did not pace your self well but instead decided to try and keep up with Sammy. Bad idea. Nora the only sober one of the group carried you back to the van when it was time to go. You spent the entirety of the van ride telling the group how much you loved them and how lucky you felt to call them friends. Everyone reciprocated the sentiments. Everyone expect Josh. He didn’t say a word. The van returned you to the venue and drove off. Josh slipped away to quickly for anyone to know where he was heading. Sam and Hannah said their goodbyes heading back to their hotel. Leaving just Nora, Danny, Jita, Jake and yourself.

“Shit!” Nora said as she searched her purse for the keys.

“What’s wrong?” Danny asked coming to her aid.

“Oh nothing I just forgot we walked here from the bar. She won’t be able to walk back like that so I will have to get the truck and come back for her.” Nora explained.

“That’s fine, I will set her up in the green room and she will be taken care of until we get back. I will walk with you. You do not need to be walking alone this late at night.” Danny said as he got Jita to help take care of you.

“I will be back for her shortly. Thank you guys!” Nora said as her and Danny made their way toward the bar.

“Alright Y/N lets get you some water and a place to lay down!” Jita said as she and Jake helped walk you back towards the green room. Cursing yourself for drinking too much you repeatedly thanked them for helping you.

“What are friends for?” Jake said sweetly.

You entered the green room unaware Josh was sitting across the room fiddling with a few of his things. They sat you down on the couch and gave you a bottle of water. Jita sat next to you while Jake joined his brother. You closed your eyes and layed on your side. You were in and out of sleep, but you caught bits of the room’s conversation.

“I think she had a little too much fun.” Jake said jokely tapping his brother on the back.

“Why is she still here?” Josh spit back at him.

You wanted to spring up and leave but your body began drifting back to sleep.

“What is your fucking problem?” Jake questioned Josh, waking you once more.

“Shut up guys she is awake!” Jita whispered harshly.

You fell back to sleep. The next time you woke up you could have sworn you were alone. You sat up reaching for your water that had long since fallen off of the couch. You stood up but betrayed by your legs, resembling that of a new born deer. You huffed falling defeated back into the couch.

“Where you ever going to tell me you are a fan?” Josh asked softly from across the room. Causing you to jump slightly and your breath to catch in your chest.

“Shit you scared me.” You said with a hand on your chest trying to steady your breathing. “Um yeah, I guess eventually. It just never felt like the right time.” You manage to stumble though your words.

“So you were just going to lie to me until then?”

“What? I never lied to you Josh! Nobody ever asked me!” Your face was starting to grow red with anger. “Why the fuck does it mater so much to you?”

“I don’t get involved with fans Y/N.” He said sharply unable to look you in the eyes.

“Is that really what all of this…” you said throwing your hands around frantically. “… is about?!”

“You wouldn’t understand.”

“Then fucking enlighten me Josh!” You yell back.

He stepped towards you and opens his mouth to speak. Just then the door opens. Nora and Danny walk in with concerned faces. Surely they heard you.

“Lets fucking go Nora!” You barked as you stood up too quickly. She caught you on one side and Danny on the other.

“Is everything okay?” She asked in a hushed tone. Your eyes began to well up so you hid your face. That was answer enough.

“I can take her from here Danny.” Nora said.

“I will help you get her out to the truck.” Danny insisted. Nora realized she would probably need the help given your essentially non functioning lower extremities.

They carry you out to the truck. You try to hide your now flowing tears with your hair. Setting you inside and buckling you in. Danny pats you on your head gently and closes the truck door.

“What the hell did we walk into?” Danny asked Nora.

“I have no clue but I will talk to her if you talk to Josh?”

“Deal.” Danny said hugging her goodbye.

Nora started the truck reaching over to hold your hand. You turned your head away and closed your eyes. She placed a kiss to the top of your hand to comfort you before pulling out of the venue driveway.

The ride home was silent besides your occasional sniffle. Nora didn’t ask questions. She knew you were in no state to talk. She was hoping the situation in the green room could be blamed on too much alcohol consumption. She helped you into your apartment and slipped off your boots. Before she could get you into pajamas you were already asleep on your bed. She threw a blanket over you and set a glass of water on your nightstand. She slept in your bed as well to keep an eye on you.

You woke up to sound of the front door opening.

“Coffee delivery!” Nora yelled as she entered the kitchen with a tray of drinks and greasy breakfast food from your favorite diner.

You fell to you feet adjusting your dress and removing the hair from your mouth. You looked in the mirror and shuddered at the sight. Your once smokey eye was now resembling that of the grudge. Mascara tears stained your face and your hair looked like a nest belonging to a forest creature. Throwing your hair up into a clip you meet Nora in the kitchen.

“You are my savior Nora!” You say grabbing a coffee and a greasy brown bag of deliciousness. Taking a seat at your small table she follows closely behind.

“I like your new look.” She said flashing you a smile. “Very heartbreak chic!”

You knew you would have to tell her about the conversation you shared with Josh.

“There is no getting out of this one, is there?” You ask as you lay your forehead into your hands.

“I am afraid not.” She said placing a fry into her mouth.

“I really don’t even know where to start!” Still hiding your head.

“Well clearly he changed at the bar. Which I have to apologize for gas lighting you!” Nora said offering you a consoling hand. You reach out grab her hand in yours.

“You did nothing wrong! You were just trying to help me.” You tried to reassure her. “It was like once he found out I was a fan, he completely detached from me. Physically and emotionally.”

“What did he say in the green room?” She asked.

You retold the conversation the best you could remember.

“Who the fuck does he think he is? Stringing you along like that! We are absolutely not going to their show tonight!” Nora said in a fit of rage.

“What do you mean their show tonight?”

“Josh didn’t tell you? They are preforming there again tonight. Danny told me. He said Josh was supposed to invite you?” Nora said puzzled by your shock. “But of course he didn’t say anything because he is an asshole! I am texting Danny right now to tell him we will not be there!” Nora grabbed her phone typing so fast her finger could have caught fire.

“ Nora you can still go if you want. I will be okay. I need to rest for work tomorrow anyway.”

“Are you kidding me? I am not leaving you alone right now! We are going to eat shitty food, watch shitty movies and pretend that those boys do not exist!” She grabbed your hand with hers and pushed a stray hair behind your ear with her other hand. “You should also probably take a shower.” She said giggling at your appearance.

“A bath sounds really nice actually!” You respond.

“Its settled! You will get cleaned up and we can have a girls day! We could even do face masks! Oh and I can paint your nails!” She smiles rather happy with her plans. You agree to entertain her agenda for the day. Finishing up your meal you head to the tub. Lighting a candle and putting on your favorite Fleetwood Mac album you settle into the warm water. You instantly start to feel better.

“Fuck him.” You think as you sink deeper into the water. You were hurt but he was never yours to have. There was no promise or agreement between you two. Your life will go back to how it was before meeting him. You loved your life before him. But the familiar sting of heartbreak still hung around.

You put on your favorite pair of cozy pajamas and slippers. You joined Nora in the living room. She had an array of snacks and drinks layed out on the coffee table. She had already started watching your favorite show, The Office. It was your also on your favorite episode. The one where Dwight sets off the fire alarm in the building to teach fire safety. You sit next to her and giggle at the goofy antics on the screen.

“Face mask time! Also I only own pink or blue nail polish so you will have to pick the lesser of the two evils!” She joked knowing you never had color on your nails. She sat there pampering you while the show continued to play.

“I am sorry we didn’t get the chance to do this when we were kids Nora.” You said. The moment brought up feelings of melancholy. You always wondered what it would have been like to share your childhood with your sister.

“We get to do it now!” She chimed back. “You have nothing to be sorry for. You rescued me and gave me all of this!” Gesturing to your small apartment.

The afternoon turned into evening and you both began to feel sleep creeping in. You insisted on cleaning up as she went to bed. She obliged and headed into her room.

Just as she shut her door you heard your text tone go off in your room. Nora sprang from her bedroom door before you could even process the sound. She ran to your phone.

“If this is Josh I am going to give him a piece of my mind!” Nora said unlocking your screen.

From Josh

Can we talk?

“No you can not fucking talk to her you fucking douche cannon!” Nora yelled to no one.

“Nora please do not respond!” You pleaded. She huffed handing you your phone to see the text. Checking the time you take a mental note that he should be getting on stage soon.

“What are you going to say?” Nora said trying to calm her rage.

“Nothing. He is about to go on stage anyways.” You were not about to be left on read for hours. Nora throws up a questioning eyebrow. “Seriously I am not responding.” You throw your hands up defensively. “I will even leave my phone in the kitchen for the night.” You do as you as say heading to bed and Nora doing the same.

“Can we fucking talk?” You think to yourself. Nora is right. Who does he think he is?

[hermitsandhideouts]

Hermits and Hideouts: contributor applications are live!

So, you've been interested in participating in this event, but you've wondered when you can apply? Well, the time is now!

Writers can apply here!

Artists can apply here!

Stat block creators can apply here!

These applications will be open until August 18, 23:59 CEST.

[nearsbday]

it's the second day of near's birthday party! today's prompts are:

game | memory | the hermit

please tag your gifts with #nearsbday or mention @nearsbday in your post! if you are posting to archiveofourown, you can add your gift to the collection.

graphic in shades of blue. a banner at the top reads "august 18: day 2." there are three boxes on the right side of the image, which read in order: game, memory, the hermit. at the bottom righthand corner, there is a piece of text that reads: tag gifts with #nearsbday or mention @/nearsbday in your post! on the lefthand side of the image is a blue-toned manga cap of near from death note. he is frowning slightly.

[imnotoverlyobsessive]

Moodboard by @softhecreator

Don’t Blame My English Blood For This American Heartache

Chapter Five: Don’t Stop Me Now

AO3 info prologue one two three four five six seven eight nine ten eleven twelve

All my work is 18+.

I feel I’m watered down whenever he’s around. I put on the crown of clowns and melt slowly to the ground.- MARINA, Hermit the Frog

Mid August, 1984

Diagon Alley

London, England

“I don’t think this is a good idea,” Sera admitted, looking at the wand a very old man named Ollivander was offering her in his wand store.

“Nonsense, Miss Malfoy,” the old man assured her. “The wand chooses the witch.”

“I’ve never used a wand before,” she explained. “I learned magic without one.”

“You can’t go to Hogwarts without a wand,” Yarrow told her, fanning herself with a painted fan that looked like it had been made for Queen Victoria herself.

“Indeed, Miss Rosier,” Mr. Ollivander confirmed.

Hesitantly, Sera took the wand in hand.

“Now then,” Mr. Ollivander said pleasantly, “just give it a wave, if you please. Or, if you’d like, perform a simple spell.”

Sera waved the wand, imagining a small ball of harmless light emerging from the tip.

A ball of light did emerge from the tip. But it was not small, nor was it harmless.

It caused a moderately-sized explosion.

With a wave of his own wand, Mr. Ollivander cleaned up his store and offered Sera a second wand to try.

She did the same thing with the same results six times. It seemed that every wand Mr. Ollivander had made disliked Sera a great deal. It took awhile, but eventually, one of the wands she tried didn’t produce an explosion, but rather a large ball of light that closely resembled the sun. She had instinctively waved her free hand and put the light out, of course, but the three of them were momentarily blinded anyway.

“Well,” Yarrow said, mildly amused, “I suspect that’s as good as it’s going to get.”

“Perhaps we should try—“

“Thank you, Mr. Ollivander,” Sera cut him off with a polite smile. “I’ll take this one, if you don’t mind.”

“Yes, of course.” He seemed reluctant, but he did as she’d asked.

Sera figured she wouldn’t be using the wand, anyway.

What she was excited for was the cat she was allowed to bring to school with her, were she to be accepted. She’d found a tiny black kitten by the side of the road. She figured that since he was an orphan she found in Europe, she’d name him Beowulf, Beo for short.

“What on earth do you mean you don’t need a trunk?” Aunt Ursa asked, astonished.

“Well,” Sera said slowly, idly petting Beo, was perched on her shoulder at the moment, “we don’t have the money to buy one, and my suitcase will do just fine.”

“But everyone has a trunk.”

Sera shrugged, jostling Beo, who let out a small meow of protest. “Everyone enrolled as a first year, too. I’m enrolling as a seventh year.”

Aunt Ursa pursed her lips. “Very well, dear. As you please.”

Sera smiled. Her aunt had been very kind and accommodating. “I’m very grateful to you for all you’ve done for me, Aunt Ursa. Truly.”

Her aunt smiled back at her. “Of course, dear girl. Now come, we must get you to Hogwarts for the placement examinations.”

The tests were beyond exhausting.

It certainly didn’t help that Sera hadn’t bothered to attend in the Hogwarts uniform everyone else was wearing. That was probably why people were staring so much, actually: she wore a black and red plaid skirt with suspenders that went over the black Lick It Up sleeveless shirt she’d bought at a KISS concert when she was fifteen and the beat-up combat boots she’d had since she stopped growing at thirteen.

She didn’t always dress like a punk, but she had a few friends who were in college back at UCSC who were really into that kinda thing. Okay, so Doug was more the sort to wear jeans and plain t-shirts, but his girlfriend liked to drop acid at the Boardwalk, and his best friends consisted of a dude majoring in astrophysics and another dude who’d founded UCSC’s gay and lesbian organization, which Ta attended the meetings of despite not even being enrolled yet. In any case, some of her friends back home dressed the way she did, and she kept forgetting that nobody in the Wizarding World did.

Mid August, 1984

Hogwarts

Scotland

“I really think I should try it without a wand, ma’am,” Sera attempted to tell the transfiguration professor, whose name was McGonagall. Transfiguration was her first test with a practical section, and Sera knew it was essential she display her abilities there because Aunt Ursa’s explanations of English-style magic may not have been entirely adequate to get her a passing grade on their own, comprehensive though they were.

The older woman—who Sera thought she might like, actually; she was terribly excited to get to know other witches, especially teachers—pursed her lips. “We will try with a wand first, and then without a wand.”

Sera nodded, and was then presented with some sort of ball.

“Turn this into a balloon, if you please,” Ms. McGonagall said politely. “With your wand.”

Sera nodded, and, picturing the ball turning into a balloon, she flicked her wand at it. 

The ball transformed into a balloon, which promptly exploded.

Ms. McGonagall blinked at the scorch marks on the stone floor, then looked up at Sera. “Let’s try without your wand, then.”

Sera put her wand down on the table carefully, as if it might bite her, which she half-thought was a possibility.

“Should I make a new ball?” she asked. 

Ms. McGonagall raised her eyebrows. “Can you do it without making it explode?”

Sera grimaced, but nodded. “Yes.”

“Very well, then.” With that, the teacher stood back, presumably to avoid potential injury if another explosion were to occur. 

Sera flicked her hand, and a ball identical to the one before popped into being.

Ms. McGonagall stared at her. “Wandless and nonverbal,” she observed quietly, taking notes on a pad of some sort. “The balloon, if you would.”

Sera nodded and flicked her hand again, and the ball became a balloon.

Ms. McGonagall pursed her lips thoughtfully. “Are you capable of human transfiguration?”

Sera nodded, sitting down at a desk chair. “I used to do this at the beach with a friend of mine,” she admitted a bit bashfully. The teacher raised her eyebrows expectantly, and then Sera gestured to her legs. Her pale skin became opalescent scales, and her legs merged into a tail.

“You can transform yourself into a mermaid,” the teacher observed dryly.

“Yes,” Sera confirmed, tapping her tail idly to turn it back into legs. “I can’t breathe underwater or anything, though.”

Ms. McGonagall’s lips twitched, and Sera thought she might’ve been trying not to smile. “Miss Malfoy, what happened when you used your wand, does that always happen?”

Sera shrugged. “I never used one before I came to Europe. I learned without one.”

“You learned magic without a wand?”

Sera nodded. “The people who taught me don’t use them, either. I didn’t know witches used wands until recently.”

Ms. McGonagall nodded once, scribbling down something on her notepad.

She had to do several other transfigurations before the practical was over, and the teacher was a very stoic woman, but Sera hoped she was at least a little bit impressed.

“Excuse me, ma’am,” Sera addressed her, a bit nervous. Ms. McGonagall looked down at her, as expressionless as always. “Do you think… that is to say, do I have a chance? At— at getting in, I mean.”

The older woman looked at Sera consideringly. “I think, Miss Malfoy,” she said slowly, “that if you show the skill in your other examinations as you did in this one, I will be very pleased to have you in my class.”

Mid August, 1984

Malfoy Manor

Wiltshire, England

Upon her return to Malfoy Manor, she was most displeased to discover none other than Regulus Black waiting there for her.

“Eugh,” she said by way of greeting, curling her lip at him. “Go away. I am so not in the mood.” It was true; she was exhausted. Hours of testing made one very tired, and she was very interested in going to bed, despite the fact that it was barely past six and she hadn’t even had dinner.

Regulus smiled in a way that made him look deceptively good-natured. “I know you had your placement examinations today, and I thought you’d fancy could use a bit of a breather afterwards.”

“Yes, I would could,” she agreed immediately. “Which is why you should leave. I’m not in one of your fancy hundred-year-old dresses, anyway.”

He looked down at her outfit, his eyes widening as if he hadn’t noticed it before. “What on earth are you wearing?”

“Clothes,” she informed him flatly.

“Is… is that how Muggles dress?”

She put a hand on her hip. “People who can’t use magic, you mean? Yes, they sometimes dress like me.”

He licked his lips, his eyes fixed on her bare legs. “You… you wear this kind of thing oftena lot?”

“Sometimes.” She wanted to smack him until he actually left. “Not that it’s any of your business.”

His gaze flicked back up to her face. “I’d like it to be.”

Sera fixed him with a glare. “What I wear is never going to be any of your business.” 

With that, she moved around him to the main hallway and made a right in the direction of the spiral staircase that led to the third floor she occupied.

“Where are you going?” Regulus asked, sounding like he was hurrying after her.

“My room. Not that that’s any of your business, either.” She turned into the tiny room with the staircase, hoping very much he would take the hint and leave her be.

“I thought we could have a cup of tea,” he told her.

“I’m American,” she snapped impatiently. “I don’t drink tea to wind down. I watch things, listen to music, and take naps.”

“Oh.” She rolled her eyes at his ridiculousness and didn’t respond, but he followed after her anyway.

“I might decide to turn the stairs into a slide,” she warned as she began to go up them.

“No, you won’t,” he deduced easily. “I remember those exams, and they’re an absolute nightmare. You won’t want to do magic like that for another few hours at least.”

She pursed her lips, annoyed. Especially about the fact that he was right.

“Why won’t you go away and leave me alone?” she demanded in exasperation as they reached the top of the stairs on the third floor.

“Because if I leave you alone, you’ll never fancy me, and that won’t do.”

“That won’t do,” she mimicked, dropping her voice down low in and faking a British accent in what she considered to be a spot-on impression of the dickhead. “I’ll never ‘fancy’ you either way, fancy boy.”

She strolled into her TV room, plopping down on the couch and grabbing the remote off the coffee table. “I’m confident you will, but— what’s that?” He pointed at the TV.

“It’s a TV,” she said flatly, clicking the power button. She had MASH queued up in the VCR already, so Hawkeye’s dreamy face immediately appeared onscreen.

Regulus flinched. “What on earth—“

“It plays videos,” she explained impatiently. “Recordings. Like a play you can watch. See?” She pressed play, and Hawkeye resumed badgering Frank Burns, the way he’d been doing when she’d turned it off last.

Regulus stepped closer to the TV as if it would bite him.

“Ugh,” she groaned when he stepped in front of the screen. “If you’re not gonna leave, at least get out of the way. Sit down or something.”

He did so wordlessly, watching the screen with wide, fascinated eyes. “This really happened?”

Sera grimaced. “Well… yes and no.” He looked at her in askance, and she paused it with a sigh. “The people, they’re actors. The characters aren’t real. But the place they’re in, Korea, is obviously real.” He nodded his understanding, and she continued, “And Americans really did send troops over there.”

“They’re not fighting anyone,” Regulus pointed out.

“That’s because they’re a MASH unit,” she said. At his blank face, she added, “Mobile Army Surgical Hospital. They’re doctors—healers, whatever—and they treat people who were wounded in the war.”

“Why would anyone choose to do that?” he asked, bewildered.

She snorted. “Oh, they didn’t choose it, most of them. They got drafted.” He looked confused again, so she elaborated, “You know, conscription? Picking random citizens to go fight?”

“That’s barbaric!” Regulus declared, horrified.

“No shit,” she said dryly. “Now shut up; Hawk takes his shirt off in this one and I don’t want you distracting me from his hotness.”

“You— you find this man attractive?” he demanded, looking astonished.

Sera rolled her eyes. “Duh, look at him.”

“He’s got dark hair and light eyes,” Regulus observed. “He’s tall and rather thin— I am your type, then.” He settled back against the couch cushions, satisfied. “Lovely.”

“You are so not my type,” she said, like a liar.

After that, Regulus spent a great deal of time at Malfoy Manor bothering Sera.

She could admit to herself, however begrudgingly, that he was occasionally interesting to be around. He was intelligent and well-spoken, and he seemed to genuinely want to hear her thoughts on things.

Not that she’d ever tell him that, of course.

“We should go out to dinner,” he decided one afternoon.

Sera scowled at him from her place on the couch as she pet Beo, who was asleep in her lap. “Absolutely not.”

He frowned. “It’s a grand idea.”

“It most certainly is not a grand idea,” she said, mimicking his stupid fancy boy accent.

“Very well, then,” he acquiesced, plopping down next to her on the couch, far too close for her liking. “We can stay here.”

She scowled again. “Or, fun alternative,” she said slowly, “you could leave.”

“No,” he hummed thoughtfully. “No, I don’t think I will. Your family likes me.”

“They like you because you’re rich.”

Regulus shrugged. “The end result remains the same.”

“Whatever,” she scoffed.

It wasn’t until several hours later, when she fell asleep on his shoulder, that he carried her to bed; Beo trotting after them. 

Very softly, he said something to her, and whatever it was made her smile and nuzzle into her pillow, but she drifted off before his words could register.

September, 1984

Hogwarts

Scotland

Before Sera knew it, she got her acceptance letter and was off to Hogwarts.

Everything happened so fast that it felt like a whirlwind; she was sorted into Ravenclaw with Yarrow, and they were to share a dorm room. Yarrow didn’t even mind that Sera had a kitten and wanted to put up a mezuzah on their door frame.

She was honestly very excited for almost all of her classes: Transfiguration, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, History of Magic, and—tragically—Potions. She was also taking two elective courses in Ancient Studies and Magical Theory, both of which sounded fascinating.

“Really, Miss Malfoy,” her Head of House, Mr. Flitwick, was saying, “Llumos Solem solem is not a terribly complex spell for a witch of your level. I trust that you will be able to perfect it with ease, based on your examination scores.”

“I can, yeah,” Sera agreed immediately. “The issue isn’t the spell or how difficult it is, sir, it’s the fact that me using a wand doesn’t go well.”

“I’m sure you’ll do just fine,” the teacher assured her.

Sera winced, glancing back at Yarrow, who was looking on with raised eyebrows and pursed lips.

“Remember, Miss Malfoy,” her teacher said, watching the way she held her wand closely, “lumos solem.”

Sera nodded, furrowing her brow in concentration and trying her damnedest to not put too much power behind the spell. Very softly, her voice almost a murmur, she said, “Lumos solem.”

A ball of light emerged from her wand, and it rather closely resembled the sun. It was hot, as if she were in an inferno, and the force of it knocked her onto her ass before she could put it out, but Mr. Flitwick quickly waved his own wand to disperse the bright, burning light.

“I think, Miss Malfoy,” Mr. Flitwick said after a tense moment of silence, “perhaps it would be best if you didn’t use a wand.”

She didn’t notice when several weeks had passed.

She did notice when an unfamiliar owl dropped a letter in her lap at breakfast one morning.

She looked at the front; the envelope was sealed in green wax, a weird, morbid-looking crest on the front. If she looked very closely, she could see that it had three ravens on it, a hand holding a dagger, what appeared to be a skull, and some French written on a weird scroll at the bottom. Bizarre.

She frowned, opened it curiously, and began to read.

Miss Malfoy,

I hope you’re settling in well. Your aunt tells me that you were Sorted into Ravenclaw. I must admit I’m disappointed you weren’t put in my own House, though I don’t doubt that you deserve a spot in the House of wit.

I would very much like to see you, perhaps during a Hogsmeade weekend. I assure you I am privy to all the best places to go and things to do in the village, so your time will be well-spent, even if you do not particularly enjoy my company just yet. Please let me know when would be best.

Yours,

R. A. Black

“Who’s that from?” Yarrow wanted to know, looking up from her vegetarian omelet.

“Lord Black,” Sera said mockingly. “He ‘would very much like to see me’, as he put it.” She made air quotes and rolled her eyes.

Yarrow’s eyes widened. “He really fancies you, doesn’t he?”

Sera scowled. “I hope not. He’s a jackass.”

Yarrow bit back a smile. “Is he now?”

“Don’t look at me like that!” Sera groaned miserably. “Just ‘cause he’s hot doesn’t mean I—“

“Oh, so he’s hot now, is he?” her friend tittered. “I thought he was a jackarse.”

“He is,” Sera insisted. “He’s just a very sexy jackass.”

Yarrow grinned. “You must write him back.”

Sera recoiled so much she damn near fell off the bench. “I’ll do no such thing!”

“Oh, honestly.” Her friend rolled her eyes. “He’s the most eligible bachelor in the country. I find him repulsive physically and even I’d marry him!”

“Dunno how you can find him repulsive,” Sera grumbled into her oatmeal. “Either way, he’s trying to ‘court’ me or whatever, and I’m not having it. No thank you to that.”

Yarrow dropped her fork, and it clattered onto her plate. “He wants to what?”

“Court me,” Sera said dully, taking a bite of her food. “Or so he says.”

“And you said no?”

“Doesn’t seem to have deterred him.” She shrugged. “Maybe my lack of response will do the trick.”

Her lack of response did not, in fact, deter Regulus. He sent her letters fairly regularly, and she always said she wouldn’t read them, but she ended up caving every time.

The letters usually contained things like him bemoaning the fact that she wouldn’t respond to him, stories about his life and schooling, things he wanted to know about her, and—more than a few times—how ‘utterly enchanting’ he found her. His words.

She would be nineteen at the end of October, on the 29th, which was a Monday. However, the following Wednesday was Halloween, and they were permitted to visit a nearby village called Hogsmeade starting after classes let out.

The morning of her birthday, yet another letter arrived from Regulus, except this one was… heavier than normal. She opened it and pulled the paper out, beginning to read.

Miss Malfoy,

I hope your birthday is as lovely as you are. Please accept this small token of my admiration. Your aunt has accepted an invitation to my family’s annual Christmas ball on your behalf, and I ask that you wear this gift for it.

I hope to see you soon.

Yours,

R. A. Black

Yarrow, who had snatched the envelope, pulled a necklace out. Sera’s mouth fell open when she saw it.

The necklace was a woven platinum snake with tiny emeralds amongst the diamonds covering the entire thing, and, astonishingly, a large emerald hanging from the mouth of the snake, as well as three more on either side of it, all the size of her thumb.

Sera could do nothing but stare.

Yarrow, however, laughed outright as she pulled out the pair of matching earrings. “Oh, this is just—“ She cut herself off, collapsing into giggles.

Sera took the necklace from her friend to inspect it, turning it over in her hands.

The emeralds had to be fake, right? They just had to be.

Apparently, she’d said that out loud, because Yarrow fought down more giggles and said, “Oh, no. Those aren’t fake. Emeralds and diamonds. Check the back of the center gemstone.”

Sera blinked in confusion but did as she’d been told.

To her absolute horror, the Black family crest was engraved into the setting.

“Their crest is there, then?” When Sera could only nod, speechless, Yarrow snorted in a rare moment of minor inelegance. “I thought as much. It’s called the Ophiuchus. He gave you a family heirloom, darling. Bloke must be hard as a rock for you.”

“What am I gonna do?” Sera breathed, dejected and at a loss.

Yarrow shrugged. “Marry him, of course.”

“I can’t do that!”

“You could do a hell of a lot worse.”

Sera wasn’t sure that that was true. Hopefully, she’d never have to find out. 

Regulus is so fun to write lol

Big thanks, as always, to the lovely @lilmaymayy for betaing this for me 💗 and of course Sof’s fucking phenomenal moodboard, as per usual

Tag list:

@ellamaianderson @shika1200 @blackqueenstarseed1 @gatoenlaciudad @esmaada @mariaelizabeth21-blog1 @softhecreator @timolaurence @timmymyluv @oddlyenoughiamweird @leecrunchybones @s-we-e-t-t-ea @almostg @leespparker @bubblebuttwade @glizzymcguirex @starberry-cake @camille-1019 @lixzey @shycreationdreamland

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