#I loved everything about the little mermaid except the new songs he wrote for it 😭

[ohsosweeran]

if Lin-Manuel Miranda has a million haters I am one of them if Lin-Manuel Miranda has 10 haters I am one of them if Lin-Manuel Miranda has 1 hater then that’s me if Lin-Manuel Miranda has no haters I’m dead

[ukiyokki]

mars reads too much dreamnotfound fanfiction for their own good

a dreamnotfound fanfic recommendation list by your resident dumbass (me)

this took way to fucking long... i’m tired

below is a (very extensive) list dedicated to all my favorite dnf fics, ranging from quick one shots to 100k+ word monstrosities that devour the storage on my computer, forever incomplete masterpieces to ongoing works of art, you get the idea. i provided links for each fic/series for your reading pleasure. there will be no smutty/nsfw fics on this list, that’s just not my vibe lmao. this list goes in no particular order, and i’ll update it from time to time when i feel like it. now, without further ado, let us begin.

Heat Waves (complete) by tbhyourelame

(wtf else did you expect, looking at a dnf rec list?) amazingly well written, and while it’s not my favorite dnf fic it’s damn near close. in the midst of a brutal heatwave, a suffering dream comes to terms with the fact that he is desperately in love with his best friend. everything i could say about this fic has already been said by nearly everyone who’s read it, so if you haven’t yet caved into the hype, just go for it. you won’t be disappointed.

Gonna be around (completed) by georgescatcafe

(mc irl) my favorite dnf oneshot to date. just read it, i don’t wanna spoil for you :)

Inferno in the Sky (ongoing)by zairielon

(star wars au) an ongoing star wars au currently clocking in at almost 200k words. need I say more? everything about it absolutely slaps, each chapter is amazingly written, and it’s just good. also, can we just appreciate dream and tubbos dynamic in here? 10/10, amazing, must protecc. oh right, a summary: george, an exiled padawan turned engineer, must return to the jedi temple after attacks on it from an unknown assailant threaten the safety of himself and the other jedi.

Like Magic (ongoing) by KangarooKen, NotGra55 (Gra55)

(harry potter au) the unofficial official dnf harry potter au. we watch the young unlikely wizard pair grow up together throughout their years at hogwarts as they battle good old fashioned wizard racism. beautifully written, incredibly fun and suspenseful, and just an overall blast and a half.

GeorgeNotFound, Son of Poseidon, and the League of Minor Gods (ongoing) by Clichewho_69, Cygnvs, Trash_Kinggg

(percy jackson au) percy jackson au? check. “road trip” (technically quest but u get what i mean)? check. enemies to friends to lovers? check. this fic follows the plot of the lightning theif (albeit loosely), but everything is explained enough where you don’t have to read percy jackson to understand what’s going on. basically after moving to the usa, george gets taken to camp halfblood where he learns that a) gods exist. b) he’s the son of poseidon and c) he needs to prove that he didn’t steal zeus’s master bolt.

Protected (completed) by aenqua

(royalty/camelot au) my favorite piece of dnf media of all time. dubbed the official dnf camelot au, where dream is the heir to the throne and george is a servants son with a secret that couldp get him killed. these childhood friends grow up together and learn trust, love, and acceptance. (that summary did not justice to the masterpiece that is this fic) here’s the directors cut

The Hunter (completed) by HederEgo

(mc irl) a choose your own adventure fic with 13 different endings, where dream the hunter must kill george and stop him from beater the ender dragon. enough said.

The official dream team cowboy AU (series)(ongoing) by antsu_in_my_pantsu

(cowboy au) cowboys and outlaws horses and shit. and the big gay. it’s a cowboy au, what else did you expect? fucking yee haw (all seriousness this is a great read, i loved it so so so so much and i can’t wait for the final chapter to release).

This is a Drista moment, let's just accept it (completed) by Qekyo

dnf fic from drista pov. considering its unique perspective, it’s perfectly done. beautifully showcases a sibling relationship through drista and her memories/moments with dream, and it just works, y’a know? also drista supremacy.

Dear Dream (completed) by Qekyo

(wwii au) i don’t cry when watching/reading anything sad. translation: i’m a heartless bitch. however, this fic is the only exception. it caused me to cry so hard my mom walked in my room and asked if i was ok. ‘nuff said.

TECHNOlogical Wingman (completed) by Closeted_Bookworm

techno is the autocorrect ai on dreams phone, and he gains sentience. interesting concept, and the author fucking nailed it. great fic.

It Was Only a Fic (ongoing) by imagineitdear

dream starts reading a dnf fanfic (we’ve all been there buddy).

Teacher’s Pet (ongoing) by niyuha

(teacher au) in which dream is a high school english teacher and george is the new comp sci teacher in room 297.

Saltwater Secrets (ongoing) by earlgay_milktea

(mermaid/high school au) a great example of the shear amount of variety in fics this fandom has to offer. when i started reading dnf fics i would have never thought i’d find one about a mermaid george hopelessly crushing on his human friend, who happens to be his schools star swimmer. yet here i am, and i am far from disappointed.

Smash My Heart (incomplete) by dontrollthedice

george and sapnap are commentators for duper smash brothers tournaments, and george develops a crush on an up and coming smash streamer named dream.

roleplaying in the dark is harder than it seems (completed) by Alienu

laser tag. 10/10

solar system (completed) by quartzfia

(mc irl) george vists dream in pandora’s vault.

Ramblings of a Lunatic (completed) by jungkooksfic

ahh communicating through a notebook left on a shelf in a bookstore- what a perfect way to start a relationship.

Paint me like your French Girls (It's Charcoal, Actually) (completed) by Turtle_ier

(artist au) george is an art student, and dream is a model.

00:00:00 (completed) by isleofdreams

(soulmate au) 00:00:00 is the moment you meet your soulmate, as indicated but the clock ticking down on your wrist until the moment you meet. i’m not a fan of soulmate aus; this fic is the exception.

Blue Skies Smilin' At Me (completed) by kivy

(artist au) i don’t usually cry while reading stuff, but this brought me damn near close. george is a painting conservator and chats it is with the ghost of the artist if the painting he is working on. they fall in a love.

Current Location (incomplete) by hendollana

(influencer au) george simps for a hot american instagram model. who knew he’d actually follow back?

The Withering (series) (series ongoing, 1 work completed) by App1e_Juice

(mc irl) lore and world building and fight scenes and everything i crave. what’s not to love? something starts making the plants and crops around dreams village wither, and must team up with new friends to find the cause of the mysterious disease plaguing the land.

Minecraft, But You Can't Leave (complete) by facadecake

(mc irl) dream and george are sucked into their own private minecraft world together and must beat the game to escape.

Free The Game, Beat the End (incomplete) by goatgoatwasfound

(mc irl) a glitch in minecraft causes thousands of players from around the world to be trapped inside minecraft, with only one way of escape- beating the ender dragon. first dnf fic i ever read, and it’s still 10/10 for me.

Why don't you come a little closer? (completed) by lifeofandoms

george gets stood up by a date, and Dream pretends he’s the date to save george from the embarrassment. simply adorable.

lightning bug (completed) by saintachesP

(band au) while on tour, dream realizes his feeling for george.

Hold me closer (completed) by Treesofmyheart

(mc irl/dsmp) i just,, really like this trope.

Dizzy on caffeine (completed) by GleamingGreenGoggles

(coffee shop au) best dnf coffeeshop au i’ve read. periodt.

living a life of crime isn’t always easy (series) (completed) by itisjosh

(mafia/assassin au) stockholm syndrome except it’s not weird.

Inhibitions Make Interesting Situations (completed) by Ship_On_The_Sea

i pissed myself laughing. it’s just a dream and george being hilariously dense, flustered idiots. serotonin central.

thy eternal summer shall not fade (completed) by gracequills

(high school au) that moment when you recite shakespeare to your crush in your ap lit class instead of confessing (hate it when that happens).

All is Fair in love and Football (ongoing) by graciegirl2001

(college au) #1 favorite college au. in which george is a cheerleader, and dream is the football teams rising star player. this one gets extra points because of the amazing karlnap moments sprinkled throughout. *chefs kisses air*

online love (completed) by andbutso

(high school au) online classes go zoooooooom

Can’t help falling (completed) by isleofdreams

dream re-learns the guitar to sing to george on his birthday. beautiful. fluffy. amazing

dance in the rain and my arms (completed) by lazy_kitkat

george is a rain god, and dream is a wind god

Weather Boy (completed) by DaintyDiizzle

wouldn't you like to know, weather boy? (where dream can control the rain)

The color orange (completed) by anon

(mc irl) dream describes the colors of a sunset

Family Mode (completed)by Strawberry_flavoured_tears

they’re dads :,)

Breathing Room (incomplete) by papercranes

(band an) an amazing band au. the mad lad author wrote original songs for each chapter. above and beyond, mad props :). unfortunately, it’s incomplete

Piece of Clay (completed) by carbonbrine

(artist au) george is a sculptor and his sculpture comes to life- but oh no he’s hot.

Try (completed) by Not4typicalwriter

(royalty au) george must choose a suitor, but none of them are up to dream, his head knights, standards. or dream is hella jelly. also protective dream is perfect

When the Roses Bloom (completed) by HederEgo

(royalty au) close second for my favorite fic. go to royalty au for a quick serotonin bost. it’s all fluff and flowers and crushes, and i love it. criminally underrated.

Heavenstruck (ongoing) by dontrollthedice

george is dreams guardian angel, and dream want to find out more about him and his past life. bittersweet :,)

Bang and Burn (completed) by App1e_Juice

(spy au) george accidentally falls for target number 1 on sapnap’s secret agency’s hit list. this ones great, i love me a spy au :)

Can I get a uhh… (completed) by lemonskies

dream keeps pulling up to the drive through mcdonald’s that george works at drunk.

Pretty Stranger (completed) by anon

when looking for dream in the terminal, george sees a cute guy and decides to flirt.

Take my Hand (completed) by latinbias

(royalty au) another royalty au? poggers. surprise twists? double poggers. love this a lot.

seconds, minutes, hours, lifetimes (complete) by meridies

ROAD TRIP ROAD TRIP ROAD TRIP ROAD TRIP *inhales to compose herself* roadtrip au. unrequited love, ignored feelings, longing, pining, you know the drill. absolutely love this one, its the best roadtrip au i have ever read, in any fandom. (maybe cause i identify with it a little too much, but thats not important. whats important is that you read this fic. right now. im waiting).

Message redacted (complete) by justyouraverageloser

(text fic) dream asks for a girls number and realises hes been given the wrong number. however, an unexpected relationship starts to form between him and the stranger on the other end of the line.

the waves (completed) by anon

(mc irl) this fic was written by the same anon who wrote the color orange, which is up there on my fav dnf oneshot list. dream and george know they have a higher purpose. they don’t know where they came from, or why they are seemingly the only humans in the world, or how they feel about eachother, or even where the skeletons come from, but they are sure of one thing: they have to beat a dragon.

The Dream Doll (completed) by PeppDream (Pep_Pizza)

(voodoo i guess) i’m a real big fan of fics with really out there or unique concepts, so naturally this one makes the cut! i really liked it, it’s really sweet and made me think a lot about what matters to me in the world. george finds a strange doll in an antique shop, and would really like to just stuff it in a drawer and forget about it. sadly (?), the doll has other plans.

last updated February 6th, 2021

[geometricalien]

oh dear i'm super duper late but I have a lot of questions about your wips!! I wanna know more about sick Akashi, nekoma pirate crew, BoKuroo/BokuAka midsommer, Pining + Jacket, The truth burns and destroys, feeling good, Punk Noya, Strawberry Blonde, sunspot and the merman au!!! Thanks babe <333

Hi Vee!!! This is it, I spent wayyyyy too long on this, I think my finger is cramping from typing. But thank you for asking, I love sharing my ideas, sorry if it’s incorherent.

This is super long so it’s under the cut, saving people room

Sick Akashi 

So, it’s based off of a line prompt “I’d like it if you’d stay” and as the title suggests, 3rd year Akashi gets sick, sorry Vee it’s not fatal, Furihata comes to Rakuzan to check on his friend after he doesn’t answer his phone. The entire premise is Akashi works himself sick with his various responsibilities he takes on as “perfectionist who can’t show any cracks at all”. I don’t want Bokushi Akashi showing up so it’s minus the mental break elements. (also technically in canon terms it's after they have merged so yeah) I feel like they deserve a cute little “nurse” the other from a sickness ficlet. And… maybe… sick Akashi confesses…….. It’s almost a writing challenge for me because Akashi has a more polite sophisticated way of thinking and speaking, so cough yep

The rest are Haikyuu aus so buckle in

NEKOMA PIRATE CREW 

Admittedly this is more loose, less of a solid idea. It’s Yaku centric, and how he went from a merchant from his grandfather’s company searching for lost merchandise and became the first mate who keeps track of the ship's finances and keeps their captain Kuroo on track. Other things of note, he meets Kuroo first as a pirate on another ship who stole his merchandise, Kenma is a sea witch (is that science or magic? That's always the question), and about halfway through the adventure they get Lev on board as a new member. So yeah! Kinda a fetch quest but on of my favorite fanfics is legitimately a fetch quest so it's okay fjdkaljf

BoKuroo/BokuAka Midsommer

This is based off of a fanart by desdelasombra my friend Shayla showed it to me and we threw this idea around together, we really don’t want to write it but it's also spectacular. So it's the movie Midsommar, right? Bokuto is a “gatherer” bringing his friends to come join in his village’s rituals. But we didn’t want anyone to die (except for Kenma sorry he’s dead as the substitute for the main character’s sister), so a grieving Kuroo comes with his boyfriend Bokuto, joined by their friends the smart studious and jaded Oikawa and bright bubbly Hinata. Obviously the three react badly to the first ritual and Bokuto doesn’t understand because for him it’s always been a joyful experience and he wanted to share it with his friends. A Lot of things happen, but most important is Akaashi and Kuroo dancing under the may pole together. BokuAka was in the past when Bokuto was home so part of this is them coming together as poly and escaping the final scene of the movie. Again this is very painful but that art is beautiful and the world is better for it being created

Pining + Jacket (KuroLev)

Again this is a line prompt about lending a jacket because it’s cold and it had so much potential for pining and who is the most pining bastard that I know? LEV and Shayla told me about KuroLev and somehow this happened. It’s currently going to be a sequence of drabbles of Lev pining after Kuroo, what else could you ask for? Uh? Lev confessing to Kuroo and them going out??? Sorry I can’t hear you over the exquisite angst and pain of one sided love that I want to explore

The truth burns and destroys

GOOD CHOICE, I began this on saturday night and it has earned a very special place in my heart. Sometimes I fear that my writing is like a lazy pool, sure it's nice and easy and smooth but there isn’t an intensity or raw emotions, BUT THIS this accomplishes what I want. And I’m really glad, its metaphor and imagery heavy but it really captures their emotions and thoughts without it sounding like I’m a 7th grader writing my first fanfiction glances to my abandoned wips from that time. Okay, Vee, I am a glutton for punishment and angst and I choose to pursue cheating fics. But specifically where and how they build the relationship up again after finding out. So, I was reading a KageHina cheating fic and how the character’s reacted felt off somehow so at midnight I wrote this snippet to fullfill my craving, you know what they say the best fanfiction is self indulgence. Here is a short excerpt,

He wants to brush this aside and continue their lives. He wants to wake up next to Tobio and still be seen the same way. He doesn't want anything to change. 

Tobio is his favorite book. He has read it time and time again. Highlighting, underlining, cherishing. So Shouyou is able to read the silent begging in his eyes. The right clenched fist. 

"Shouyou," a deafening pause "What is this?"

Please lie to me.

…

It stretches on. The eternity of silence. They sit together holding on to the last hope they have. Shouyou memorizes those beautiful hands, each crease and bump. Hands that helped shape him become who he is and that reached out unwaveringly. 

Tobio sighs a world ending sigh. 

Shouyou was the one who created their world, it's only fitting that Tobio is the one who destroys it.

In summary I like angst, I want to feel something 

Feeling good

AAA, okay uh, This is a BokuAka pop star au. Akaashi sings “feeling good” at a big charity event hosted by Akashi (... yes I am AkaFuri trash and I can and will sneak them in anything and everything I write) while he is singing he walks down a big staircase remembering moments in his relationship with Bokuto, how much they have grown and how much he loves him. I love the concept! But I tried to write smut in the beginning of it and OOF THATS A NO. I actually have the majority of it written but I do want to add more emotions and thoughts (the lazy pool writing) and make it Ao3 friendly because I have all of the lyrics for feeling good in it as “post signs” for what he sings and that’s against their rules. 1 major aspect of this fic is it's all leading up to the point where Akaashi says “I love you” for the first time to Bokuto after finishing the song, on stage, in front of everyone and on every screen broadcasting it.

Punk Noya

I have a love for feral boys, especially feral alternative punk boys (and girls and humans) so this whole idea is that Noya goes to another school for high school, embraces more punk aethsetics, and on the first day of the preliminary tournaments he hears the rumors about a high schooler in a gang, getting up to nasty things, and he decides to confront them. He finds Asahi, rants him out and leaves. The plot then follows canon, at the winter tournament Karasuno faces Dateko, Karasuno loses even more badly because Noya isn’t there. Asahi quits volleyball, BUT Asahi and Noya run into each other at the store and talk leading to friendship which leads to romance. Idk man, I want more punk haikyuu characters, it gives me life. Alt Yamaguchi is my favorite but onwards we go

Strawberry Blonde

!!!! So this is Mitski’s song and to give a vague idea this is a pining Kageyama fic where he tries to pull away from Hinata and that back fires. (I  do have more to say but I’ve been typing this for over an hour and I’m getting really tired fjkdaljl) There is one paragraph that I love, so here it is! Kageyama and Hinata are practicing by themselves outside of school and they are playing pepper (its a volleyball warm up practice routine where you partner up with someone pass, set, and spike the ball to each other sesquentially) Hinata goes to spike the ball and for a moment Kageyama sees it, 

They are at nationals and they made it to finals. The crowds are screaming, but everything except the court is thrown into shadows. They are at match point of the final set. Everything is at peak intensity and at the center is him. Flying in the air. Orange hair waving with the momentum. His loud take off echoing in the gym. Arm poised for the kill. Eyes sparking with ferocity and passion as he aims. And finally, tipping the world over is the loud slap of his hand, sending the ball to the far side of the court-

This was actually going to be finished and posted in time for Haikyuu season 4 coming out and the manga wrapping up.... clearly I failed my goal fjdaklfj

Sunspot

You don’t know this about me but I love royalty aus, and this is BokuAka Prince Akaashi and Knight Bokuto. This was a short snippet of this grand idea I have for them where they run away from Akaashi’s inherited destiny together. It has potential to be really wide and expansive with the differnet teams as different kingdoms (AGAIN ILLUSION OF CHOICE, that fic really influences me doesn’t it fjdskalj) But this was a short glance at Akaashi taking a break from studying and watching Bokuto and the other knights practice duel. The title comes from the fact that Bokuto is a sunspot in Akaashi’s life, and his day is substantially better basking in his golden shining light.

Merman au

I’m so glad you asked about this and its technically the one I’ve written the most for since it's actually the one I posted on my haikyuu writing side blog. But brief recap, long term it’s a BokuAka little mermaid au but instead of a sea witch it’s an underwater deity who makes “wishes” (it's a deal) with every royal who is born. And Akaashi has a lot of siblings: Ushijima, Oikawa, Suga, Terushima, and Hinata, and its in that order. So I have information on every sibling’s deal, what they wish for, what they give for it, what happens to them in the future, romantically and otherwise. But, this is the one I haven’t updated in over a year, I am working on it!! I’m currently on Koushi’s (suga’s) wish/deal, its just taking forever. If you want to learn more about it I’ll link it in parts  1  2  3  4

BUT I will work on Suga’s part and then Terushima’s and then to the meat of the idea with Akaashi. 

If you have made it this far, thanks, you are cool as always. My brain and fingers is ded. 

[2idiots]

so... i'm thinking about getting actually into n.flying. i've listened to their title tracks and their most recent album, and i can tell the members apart and know a little about them (i think hwesung is my bias atm) but where should i start if i want to learn more? thank u!!!

I support your decision to dive into N.Flying head first, they are chaotic individuals that deserve all the love and support in the world. I'm not sure of any great resources to just learn everything about them right off the bat, especially because a lot of sh!t has happened to them since they first started promoting in Japanese clubs in 2013. 

Read more for an overview and some youtube recommendations... warning there’s a lot, I wrote you a book and I’m sorry. But also please read if you’re interested ⇟⇟

An important timeline of major life changing moments:

They officially debuted in Korea in 2015 with FNC label, starting out as a four piece band with Seunghyub, Jaehyun, Hun, and Kwangjin (their first bassist). These songs had a lot more stereotypical rock vibes, this is awesome and lonely. They were a LOT more angsty here

Hweseung came into the mix in 2017. He finished up his military service in 2016 and joined FNC for 8 months before joining N.Flying for the Real where they use him as bait to catch a mermaid lol. They also lightened up on the angst... kinda 🤣🤣. This time also included Hot Potato and HOW R U TODAY?

In December 2018, Kwangjin "voluntarily" left N.Flying because he was seeing fans outside of schedules. Also because rumors of sexual harassment to female fans in events. As of May 2019 he filed a lawsuit against his accusers and denied all rumors. (There's not much published news past then other than Kwangjin enlisted and has won a few medals in the military.)

Back to a four person group, their senior Lee Jaejin (from FTISLAND) subbed in as their bassist on tour

Their first win happened on March 2019 with Rooftop. Which Seunghyub wrote and first published to his soundcloud (go check it out, he is so crazy talented). They performed it on tour before "officially" releasing it with FNC (cause FNC sucks). This is the win where Jaehyun sobs so hard he can't speak and a bunch of groups hug him (most notably Rowoon from SF9). (Starlight was also released on Seunghyub's soundcloud prior to FNC's release.)

Now we're mostly caught up (on major life changing moments in their career)! Dongsung officially joined N.flying January 2020, however he had been playing with them as an unofficial member before his addition was announced. Dongsung previous debuted with (disbanded group) Honeyst, also under FNC (FNC sucks). He also trained with the rest of N.flying and you'll might hear Seunghyub talk about how he has always been friends with Dongsung and was there after Honeyst disbanded in April 2019 to encourage Dongsung to keep performing. His first MV was Amnesia but his first official debut (I guess you would call it) was Oh Really.

Lol you're really getting a whole novel and I'm so sorry for that. Just a few more things I promise. Here is a quick overview of the members:

Seunghyub/JDON: The leader/ rapper and deeper vocalist, he has actually no control of them, he writes/composes/produces, he is a maknae collector, v nice see here and here

Cha Hun: the lead guitarist, an emo boy, owned by his cat Romang, i have no doubt he will poison you if you talk bad about her, kinda evil like actually evil, only a few days older than Jaehyun but still thinks he's old, ½ of 2idiots

Jaehyun: drummer, has an absurdly big mouth, the embodiment of pure chaotic good, laughs like this 😆, still acts like the maknae even though he is now the middle child, has a cute dog that I think Hun sees as competition, ½ of 2idiots

Hweseung: lead vocalist, amazing vocals go watch Still Love You (you'll know why I sent you around 3 mins in), loves pats (they literally all pat him except maybe dongsung but give it time), he did so many immortal songs b o y

Dongsung: bassist, current maknae, apparently he has m u s c l e s, father's son (seunghyub is his dad), he worked really hard to be here and if you're not nice to him I'll fight you

Now you might be curious about:

Why is Seunghyub a maknae collector? Well this single father started with Jaehyun as the baby, then added Hweseung as the baby, and now Dongsung is the youngest member. Lol and he definitely spoils his three children

Why is Seunghyub 28 (international age) and not enlisting? He had a bad accident that caused chronic pain in his leg, he's had multiple surgeries and it pushed back their debut. He was exempt from enlisting.

Why is Hun evil? Well he has a habit of cheating to make other members more confused (see the dreaded game of mafia poor seunghyub), just as chaotic as Jaehyun but it's hidden behind his emo exterior

Why is Jaehyun so chaotic? Good question no one knows. If you find out please share.

What is 2idiots? I thought there were 5 idiots? Correct there are 5 idiots in this group, however 2idiots is Jaehyun and Hun's youtube channel where they do dumb stuff and are hilarious.

Anyway thank you for joining me on this journey that you probably didn't ask for 🤣. If you want to learn more I suggest watching 2idiots, Seunghyub's Summer Camp, that one cooking thing, the weekly idol with Day6, this questions video, and many more.

[shireness-says]

Happy Holidays! I'm dropping into some of my fave creator's ask boxes and encouraging them to Spread the Cheer by Sharing What You Created This Year! Before a new year starts, take some time to reflect on the things you wrote or created to bless the fandom this past year. Remind us all of the awesomeness you put out there in 2019, and feel free to tease us with things to come in 2020!

Hey, holiday nonnie! Thanks for dropping by - I wrote a lot this year!

Not All That (But Has Potential): It’s not love at first sight, far from it. But there’s something about Killian Jones that has potential…

Playing the Part: As a stage manager who’s clawed her way up from the bottom, Emma Swan can handle just about anything thrown her way. But does that include handsome lead actor Killian Jones? (started 2018, completed 2019) (link to last chapter, which includes previous links)

The Queen’s Librarian: As the palace librarian under Queen Emma’s rule, former Lieutenant Killian Jones gains a reputation for knowing not just what books his monarch wants, but those she needs. Perhaps when all is said and done, she’ll need the man himself as well. 

The Things This Desk Has Seen: Killian and Emma take advantage of an empty office. A smutty, 1950s historical AU.

If I Could See Your Face Once More: This time, there’s no celebration at Granny’s when the latest crisis has been resolved. Instead, they’re left to deal with the body of Killian Jones. A 5B canon divergence where Killian dies in Camelot, never becoming a Dark One. (link to last chapter, which includes previous links)

Ear-resistible: Emma may be out the night before Easter as a favor to Mary Margaret, but she didn’t expect to see Killian Jones in the center of town. After midnight. In a rabbit suit.

You Mean Everything: Even in the silliest moments, Emma and Killian always manage to find the beat together. A little lighthearted rockstar!Emma AU snippet.

What’s in a (Second) Name?: The arrival of a new family member should be a happy time. However, the birth of Henry’s little brother stirs up some unwelcome internal conflict. A sequel snippet to “Killian Jones and the Lost Boy”.

The Company Way: Stage Manager Emma Swan always has something to worry about, and right now the mess that’s taken over her balcony tops the list. And maybe some anxiety about all the ways her life is changing. (She’d rather focus on the boxes.)

Echo: Sharing a heart has unexpected side effects - but maybe they can help say the things that need saying. A 4a heart-sharing AU

A Drowning Soul Will Clutch at Any Straw: Though this is far from Killian Jones’ first encounter with a mermaid, he’s never met any quite like this blonde siren. Together, can they break a cruel curse?

Took My Soul, Wiped It Clean: Killian generally loves Storybrooke and its close-knit feeling, is happy to be raising his family here, but those close ties also often mean that everyone is sticking their nose into everyone else’s business. Can’t a man keep any bloody thing to himself?

Swan’s Seven: After two years behind bars, Emma’s out, and she’s got a plan in mind. Now to put together the perfect team… Let’s stage an art heist. (WIP - link to most recent chapter)

Smut Prompts: self explanatory.

A Reflection on Hats: There are some things you don’t understand understand until you become a parent. 

Ebb and Flow: There’s nothing like the motion of the waves - especially when dealing with a baby who just won’t go to sleep. Being married to a pirate with his own ship certainly has its perks. A fluffy and domestic sequel to “If I Could See Your Face Once More”.

The Song Remains the Same: The more things change, the more they stay the same - including Emma’s teenage crush on Killian Jones. Will she finally work up the nerve to act on it at their ten year high school reunion?

Heat: There’s only so much that one can do on a hot and lazy morning. Luckily, Killian has a wife to do it with. Or: CS honeymoon sex.

A Twelve-Legged Matchmaker: Killian Jones has an undeniable crush on Emma Swan. He just needs a little nudge from man’s best friend to act on it.

Election Day: This is, arguably, the stupidest thing her best friend has ever done. So how in the hell did Charlie Jones get dragged into it? A 5B Divergence ‘verse future snippet.

How can I forget your love?: Anne is used to not being noticed - except…  (A Persuasion modern AU snippet)

A Sparking Attraction: Emma just wanted a nice, relaxing weekend. Who knew her car trouble would be the ticket into her hot’s neighbor’s pants?

and he called her love amongst the snowflakes: Being a princess is no guarantee of a perfect Christmas. Spending the next two days snowed in with her brother’s hot bodyguard just might be, though.

hashtag holiday party: This isn’t Emma’s company, or her holiday party, or her idea of a good time. Is there any good to be salvaged from the worst date ever?

Here’s to more in the coming year!

[star-villager]

Ezra: Month 1 of Animal Crossing New Horizons!

Hello all! I’m here to tell my journey of the first month of New Horizons on Cillia Island!

There’ll be lots of pictures! I hope you enjoy! Future updates will probably be daily because this is... long at first... but I promise it slows down!

This post covers 32 days (skipping a few). It is indented to be a fun, long, read! I’ll say it’s a 10-15 minute read just to be on the longer side!

-Ezra; Island Resident Representative; Local Island Decorator; Mayor of Cillia (if it had a mayor hehe!)

Thursday, March 19th, 4pm -7GMT. The virus is present, but just starting. I have been home for not even 24 hours of my job that was supposed to keep me out of town all March. I make a phone call to a local Gamestop, asking if they’re still open, and how the midnight release of Animal Crossing is going to work. The worker tells me I can go pick it up right then, because they’re going to be closing early and had JUST gotten a phone call from corporate that they could give it out early - you can assume what I did /immediately/ after lol.

~~~

Starting was incredibly easy! I’ve had my dead name as my New Leaf Mayor forever, and I loved that city name so Ezra and Cillia it was! And we began! My starting villagers were Cherry and Roald with Cherry Trees (fitting!), and I said I wasn’t gonna restart no matter what... so here we go!

I picked a town that had a West Beach River Mouth as well as a South River Mouth - which matched my town in New Leaf! (The south exit, and the flow of the river - but the west exit would be where my original upper waterfall was so the shape was the same). Picked northern hemisphere (where I am). And placed my house right in a river bend (with the initial plan to section me off into my own island within an island!). Cherry and Roald’s homes were placed along the west-running river right at the top, with not much effort or forethought. Not that it was a bad thing! I knew they wouldn’t be permanent villagers, but wanted to give them some beautiful scenery while they were here.

I can definitely tell that I’m still acting and thinking like a mayor even thought I’m only an island rep. ... this doesn’t change bwahaha!

Day 1 March 19th, was all setup and prep for our REAL day 1! Blathers already was about to have a decent encyclopedia, and I was getting nook miles left and right - already expecting a house instead of a tent the next day. I wasn’t too surprised, I’ve done this song and dance before, and I’m just here to have a great time in my island paradise! Getting Blathers was definitely my highest priority!

Day 2 March 20th, was... difficult... giving 15 things to Blathers one at a time and finding 30 iron for the Nooklings was excruciating lol - but getting fossils and a pole vault to absolutely DECIMATE the weed ecosystem filled me with a glee that I’m sure you can understand. I managed to upgrade my house, get Blathers and Nooks Cranny all in one day *whew*. Now, time to have some fun!

I build my first QR code which was a cool outfit I called PRIDE Coat! It is a black coat with drawstrings and pockets on the front - a lil’ trans flag on the left arm, a bi flag on the right arm, and my (pretty decent!) attempt at a rainbow of paint (in the gay flag colors) falling down my back! And I made an Iwatobi Swim Club Beanie to match the one I wear every day!!

I then played with my Passport a bit to have my title be “Future Fish” which is Free! Eternal Summer (the second season’s) Ending Song!!!! Which I thought was SUPER cute and VERY me. (It’s my second fave anime. I plan on making a Reigisa outfit in the future!!).

Already by the end of Day 2 I had my hair customization options, the tool wheel, and the DIY that I needed to buy. Everything Nook was offering I managed to get my grubby little day 2 hands on! So you KNOW my hair went to pink pigtails IMMEDIATELY. And took /many/ photos. But since my outfits are all the same just imagine the ones you just saw but with pink instead of blonde!

With that it was time to get my 3 villagers that would accompany Cherry and Roald (This correlates to getting the iron for Nooklings!) I wanted to grab the first 3 villagers that I saw just to try some new friends this go around - as I had already planned on making my New Leaf family my permies! So my first three were Ketchup (nice!), Hornsby (Aww!!), and... GALA!?!?

Well how convenient! That was one permie immediately out of the way!! Welcome back, Gala!!! So excited to have you on the island!

Then I caught an Oarfish and saw *GASP* WISP!!!! To which, I immediately ran up to him and demanded he bring my girlfriend, Cece the Squirrel, to the island. He, instead, got spooked, had me collect his spirit, and offered me items. *sigh* Ok - can’t get Cece that way - so I decided to sleep!

How naive I was...

Day 3 March 21st, was both good and bad! I had access to Nooklings, but that was about it. Blathers was getting a crowded amount of critters outside his roped off building, but it would be all worth it, tomorrow. But!! I found my first spider island! Which I sold off to Nooklings and happily went to sleep!

Day 4 March 22nd, had SO MUCH to offer! Blathers, Daisy Mae, Harvy, WHEW. Pretty sure I had a visit from Gulliver either today or yesterday, too! Nothing could POSSIBLY ruin this day!!

Oh how wrong.

How so terribly wrong I was.

Animal Crossing New Horizons is an incredible game that lets you invite so many villagers to your island!

All of them. But 14.  

14 Villagers from New Leaf are not available. The Sanrio Characters. And the Amiibo Characters.

No Felyne. No Ganon, Epona, Medli, or W. Link. No Viche or Inkwell. No Rilla, Chai, Morty, or Etoille.

No Toby.

No Chelsea.

...

No Cece.

...

To say that I was devastated would be an understatement. I was absolutely crushed. Not only were 3 of my permies out, but the one villager I couldn’t live without, wasn’t allowed in the game. She didn’t even get a poster.

So I did what any crushed lover would do, and made a memoir to her.

And it started raining. Poetic. (I was only cheered up slightly when I got to catch a Coelacanth!) I didn’t do this until much later (April 4th) but for the sake of not talking about her too much, I would open New Leaf and wrote her a goodbye love letter, which, honestly, makes me tear up whenever I read it.

And I went to sleep.

I have nothing for Day 5 other than scanning all my amiibo cards for the POSTERS which are UNDOUBTEDLY my FAVORITE new feature in the game!!

Day 6, March 24th, GALA MOVED IN! I was so excited, and it was definitely needed. My best friend also came over and we goofed off and we met each other’s villagers! Then I went to an island tour and got A PANSY HYBRID ISLAND!!!! OOOOOOOOOOOO!!!! I went crazy. Absolutely destroyed that ecosystem. I went full feral. MINE. ALL MINE!!!

And I caught my first Sturgeon!! Which was awesome because I only had the rare fish left in my March collection! Trying to get a Golden Trout, I made many many fish bait, and got the 200 clam achievement! Which was exciting because that unlocked “Mermaid” for titles!! I doubt I’ll change from Future Fish, but Mermaid would be a second pick!

For Day 7 I went to a good friend’s village and desperately tried to make Chiyuki Fujito’s blue dress from Runway de Waratte... it didn’t work... but I like the attempt! (Will send pics in messenger if you’re curious!).

Day 8, March 26th, was the day ISABELLE WAS HERE!!! Welcome to your island paradise, QUEEN. I definitely dressed for the part ;)

This, of course, opened up tunes and flag options! Flag was incredibly easy. It’s going to stay my picture of Cece until she’s added back into the game (which will probably be never, so...)

The tunes was much harder for me. But since I couldn’t think of anything else I made it “SO. NO. CHI. NO. SA. DA. ME.” from the first Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Opening (which is, ironically, what is playing as I type this... SO NO CHI NO SA DA ME <- was written in time with the music playing. Incredible.) It’s definitely not going to be that forever, but for now it makes me giggle!

Nothing for Day 9 except for a SICK tarantula island :) love those furry babes! I also built my campsite! Tomorrow was going to be big!! Who on Earth was going to move in!?

Day 10, March 28th, now, I have what I like to call “chaotic luck”. I’ll catch the bus, but my gosh did I almost miss it. I was absolutely positive I failed that test, and I did, but the question I messed up doesn’t count and I passed! Cece isn’t in the game but do you know who’s at my campsite??

OFFICE

HETEROCHROMIA

TSUNDERE

TRANS

CAT

EXTRAORDINAIRE

RAAAAAAAAAAAYMOND!!!!

Can you even imagine my face??? Can you IMAGINE the jaw drop??  I moved him next to me IMMEDIATELY.

Day 12, March 30th, I saw kicks for the first time!!! Love that funky newsie skunk!

Day 13, March 31st, I saw Flick for the first time!!! Went on a mad tarantula hunt and made BANK. Fun story, I thought both Flick and C.J. were girls, so when I learned Flick was a boy I was really upset because I thought a canon gay ship was now straight, but WHOOPS they’re BOTH boys! 😎 Nice.

I also saw Celeste for the first time!!! Gosh how I missed her!! I actually sat and got all 200 stars in one night, just because of how much I like wishing on falling stars!!!

Day 14, April 1st, The Nightmare Begins. Love him or Hate him, Zipper was here. I won’t go on about the eggs. Everyone talks about the eggs. They sucked, fishing was a nightmare, not a big fan. I would end up not getting all the sakura DIYs which was very upsetting (but I’ll just get them next year). In INCREDIBLE news I got a golden trout!!! Which was the last thing I needed in my March encyclopedia - and it was on to April hunting! Every night thing I could get, I did! So I decided to set up my last 4 houses, and focus on getting K.K. Slider finally to my island!

The first house sold naturally to Pecan! NICE! I love squirrels so much! She was very welcome!

Day 15, April 2nd, in the interest in getting new villagers, I went on a tour and there she was: MERENGUE! She’s, truthfully, not a favorite of mine. She’s SO cute, but not someone I wanted permanently. However, she’s my other best friend’s FAVORITE and she doesn’t have a switch. So, there was NO WAY I wasn’t taking Merengue onto my island. I haven’t sent my friend pics, yet, but I hope I can soon!! She’s gonna be so happy!

Today was the first day I met C.J. which... stunning. Absolutely jaw dropping. I’m SMITTEN with a TAKEN BEAVER. He calls me fashionista. Asks about my anglersona. Takes selfies of/with me. He’s truly the ideal. I’d invite him back any day!

Over the next 3 days, Freya and Bruce move in as my last 2 villagers giving us a grand starting total of: Cherry, Roald, Ketchup, Hornsby, Gala, Raymond, Pecan, Merengue, Freya, and Bruce! Not bad not bad!

Day 19, April 6th, THE BEST GIRL IS HEEERE. LABEL CAME TO MY TOWN FOR THE FIRST TIME. I might have cried, honestly. I cannot believe someone that incredible would want to come to my island. She asked for me to give her an official look. Are you kidding me? Easy breezy. For my perfect outfit she rewarded me a Label Hat. Oh? DESIGNER? I was awestruck. The design was IMPECCABLE. The flavor was IMMACULATE.

One of my villagers also happened to gift me a Pink SPRITE COSTUME??? I, honestly, have never been more in love with an outfit in my entire life??? A pink Peter Pan outfit??? LEGENDARY.

Day 20, April 7th, I don’t quite remember what day K.K. Slider visited the island when I hit my 3 star rating - so we’ll say it was today lol. That meant ISLAND EDITING, but I didn’t know what to do, yet, so I didn’t worry too much about it!

Label’s hat came in MORE COLORS in the store today. YOU BET I bought all of them. The talent. But this meant that I had a pink hat to match my pink sprite costume and you bet I was LIVING my best life. I had also finished the Anklyosaurus which is my FAVORITE dinosaur so I was LIVING it up.

Later, Ketchup would approach me and ask to move. I was happy for her to explore new lands and bid her farewell, and gave her a sweet goodbye. With that, it was hunting time, and I found the perfect villager that would set everything in motion.

Day 22, April 9th, Label VISITS AGAIN!!!!!! Unfortunately, she asked for a sporty look, which I couldn’t pull off perfectly :/ So no new item from her... but my OUTFIT WAS FIRE AND WE WERE MAD CUTE TOGETHER.

Day 23, April 10th, the villager has moved in, the cryptid gyroid herself, COCO!!!

And her moving in gave me a BRILLIANT idea. I’d like to keep it under wraps for now, but I’m so, so, SO happy she’s here!

Day 24, April 11th, The Fishing Tourney. The Summer tourney will be significantly easier for me, now that I know you can double your points by fishing with someone else, but it took me HOURS to collect all the clams and get to 300 points. It wasn’t really worth it, but I love fish so much so I wasn’t going to miss a SINGLE thing. I got that gold trophy and I’m SO proud of myself.

Also my fishing outfit could slay for MILES

Straight Fire.

Day 25, April 12th, With a golden trophy in hand and the last day of eggies, I was feeling really confident. I had the means and the idea to change cliffs + water for a couple days and just... made what my brain came up with! I’ll keep this vague for now, because I’m really excited about the final results! Just know that everyday I edit a little bit more and come up with more ideas!

Day 26, April 13th, Happy Homestuck, Neil Bangs out the Tunes, and Thomas Sanders goes to the Wedding Day!! And it did NOT disappoint. Label for A 3RD TIME!!! She must like me as much as I like her >w<!! Today she gave out her cap!!! It’s, honestly, not my thing, I’d rather stick with the brim hats, but I do think they’re cute!! So I would buy them all the next day! The Able Sister’s haul on Day 27 was oh my gosh amazing!!! They had the cap, of course, but they also had THE OTHER SPRITE COSTUMES!! Which I bought all of them. And now I wear, near exclusively, this outfit in 5 different colors bwahaha!

Day 30, April 17th, I got my first golden item!!! The slingshot! Nice! Over the past few days, I’ve just been designing, moving houses, and building ramps! Learning new myth debunks, stuff like that!

I was also blessed with 3 encounters :OOOO I didn’t know this was even POSSIBLE!?

Day 31, April 18th, Disaster Strikes. I’ve been moving so many homes that I didn’t consider that a villager couldn’t move in because you were already doing a home thing for the day. So when I went to invite camper Gonzo to my town he declined!? I was devastated. He was SO cute and I thought he could move into Bruce’s house to keep the peace of personalities! I think he’s someone in the future who I’ll ask for a poster of or ask for an amiibo card of! I know I’m going to check the campsite first before moving any buildings from here on out! D’:

And that brings us to today,

Day 32, April 19th, one month from the day I started. I’ve been having the TIME of my life! There’s definitely been some ups and downs, but I have a goal in mind and it’s keeping me so focused! I organized an entire flower field today!! Due to a turnip mishap, I happen to be 2 days ahead of everyone, but I have been good about time traveling other than that. This means that I am fortunate enough to get my Nooklings upgrade 2 days early and they’ll be open tomorrow!!! I’m... I’m so excited!!! I NEED more flower seeds!!!!!!!

The future looks incredibly bright on Cillia island, and I cannot wait to hear about everyone else’s month!!

Thank you for your time. Please enjoy these random favorite photos of mine!

[spacey-acey-artemis]

Author Meme

tagged by @shatteredhourglass (ilu)

Author Name:

candycanedarcy - but everyone who knows me calls me Arson, and I could explain why... But wouldn’t you rather live with the suspense?

Fandoms you write for:

Only Marvel at the moment. I thought about branching out, possibly into Harry Potter or into one of the many many many��shows I watch, but I like my little corner of the fandom. Everyone is nice here, and it makes me fuzzy inside.

Where You Post:

Always on AO3, but everything I post there gets posted on my writing tumblr, @candycanedarcy

Most Popular One-Shot:

New Things - A Steve/Tony thing I wrote for MCU Kink Bingo a while back. My first (and only real) foray into that ship.

Tony has many, many, many kinks. He thought he had pretty much discovered them all by now. Steve shows him different.

Most Popular Multi-Chapter Story:

Steve Rogers: Unapologetic Slut - a 5+1 in which I explore people’s expectations regarding Steve and his presumed sexuality/virginity. I had a lot of fun writing this - I think 5+1 might be a favourite trope of mine?

Five times people found out Steve Rogers was a massive slut, plus one time he told them.

Favourite Story You Wrote:

i walked with you (once upon a dream) - hmm, this was a tough one! Ultimately, I’m choosing a more recent fic of mine, written for a friend of mine’s birthday. She requested merman!bucky and pirate!clint, and I came up with this. Part of why I love it so much is the format - like I said, 5+1 is a favourite. But mostly, it’s because it’s got mermaids and pirates and pining and adventure, and who can resist that?

Five times Clint saved Bucky, plus one time Bucky saved Clint.

Story You Were Nervous To Post:

How It Should Have Gone - 100% this one. It was my first real attempt at a multi-chapter fic with an actual plot, and although it didn’t do as well as I’d hoped (go read it right now I need validation) it still did much better than I thought it would.

When Steve Rogers wakes up from a nap he wasn't supposed to wake up from, he's not expecting much.

What do you get when you add a deaf archer, a redhead assassin, five university students at varying places on the gender spectrum, aliens, the son of your dead friend, and the fact that almost everyone else you knew is dead?

A very confused Steve Rogers. Add in a splash of romantic feelings, a ton of therapy, and Nick Fury's shitty manipulation, and well...

Steve wants to go back to sleep.

How Do You Choose Your Titles:

Song lyrics, mostly. I used to choose something from the fic, something that would only make sense once you’d read it, but song lyrics are just... Well, there’s a lyric for every situation, I think, so why not make use of that?

Do You Outline:

Sometimes? It depends. If it’s just a one-shot, normally I just wing it and hope for the best - which in most cases, is just no glaringly obvious plot holes. If it’s a multi-chapter fic or a super long one-shot, I try and have at least some idea of where it’s going, but that doesn’t always work out.

Complete:

85/86 works, which I think is pretty awesome.

In Progress:

Just the one - it’s supposed to be an unbirthday present for @flowerparrish but I keep forgetting about it. I swear, bro, once I’m done Kinktober, and MTH, and all the bingos - yeah, you know what? You know I’ll get around to it. <333

Coming Soon/Not Yet Started:

Untitled Shifter Winterhawk Fic - Bucky’s a shifter, Steve’s a shifter, Nat’s a shifter - everyone’s a shifter. Except Clint. This was just an idea that popped into my head a while back, and I decided to run with it, but it’s been sitting in my docs folder for nearly a year at this point. I’m just waiting for the muse to strike.

Untitled Winterhawk Fake Boyfriends - Again, an idea that struck that I decided to run with. This one will be chock-full of pining, misunderstandings, and some good old fashioned makeout sessions on the couch while each person is thinking “He’s only doing this because I asked, he doesn’t actually like me.” Boys, get your shit together.

Do You Accept Prompts:

Yes! I would love to do prompts and stuff, because I have so much free time that I don’t know what to do with! (You’d think I have no free time, what with all the shit I’m signed up for, but I make do.)

Upcoming Story You Are Most Excited to Write:

Untitled Time Loop Fic - Clint and Bucky (who goes by Jamie) get trapped in a time loop in the Tower a month after the events of Winter Soldier. Steve joins them eventually, and then we follow them through figuring out their feelings while also trying to get the hell out of this time loop. Ameriwinterhawk endgame - I’ll get there.

Tagging: @claraxbarton @madrefiero @1000-directions @aw-hawkeye-no (no pressure, ilu all so much <3333)

[bluebellhairpin]

Lucky Strike

Loki Laufeyson X Fem!Reader

A/N: I was bored (I’m bored a lot wow) and I wrote this up. If you wanna see the loose inspiration for this it’s the song ‘Lucky Strike’ by Maroon 5. Anyway, Have a good one. - Nemo 

Summary: You and Loki have been friends since you were younger, Loki has loved you ever since he could recognize what that feeling was; You, however have been promised to marry another. At one of King Odin’s parties, Loki sees you with your fiancé and gets a little bit upset. His approach to your fiancé make you realize your being used. Eventually, Loki comforts you about your seeming betrayal; somewhat chaos then ensues.

Masterlist  

He irritated you. Irked you beyond belief. Completely and utterly vexed you more than words can truly tell. 

He loved you. You were his motivation. He’d take galaxies down from their place in the sky if you asked him to do so.

He doted after you whenever he could, while you tried to shoo him away like you would a stray animal. He'd been doing this to you since you both first met, when you both were much, much younger.  

You hated to snob him like you did, you truly did, because over the years of constant pestering, and questions, and tokens of love left behind for you to see, you'd grown to love him back. 

However, you'd never tell him that, and part of the reason why was because you'd been promised to someone else.

In fact, you had been for the past couple years. 

Your father was a Count of the kings court, and in order to obtain a higher rank he struck a deal with one of the Dukes. The price of that rank was your hand in marriage.

The Duke was nice, and he treated you decently, he was even rather attractive by Asgardian standards. He was tall, a good fighter, wealthy enough to give you whatever you wanted, he had warm brown eyes and dark curly hair. He was nothing to complain about.

However he didn't really care how you felt in matters, it was as if he didn't care about your opinion at all; you were like another rare stone to add to a crown full of already sparking jewels.

It was during one of the Kings parties that everything finally came undone. 

You knew the Duke, of whom you’d come to know as Aeduuin, was planning on letting the rest of the Kings court know that you were both betrothed. Loki, who was still convinced you held his heart, was also planning on asking to properly court you that same night. 

You were in a black dress; it had lace tattoo sleeves, a Queen-Anne neckline, the skirt was floor-length and mermaid style, and the whole thing had gold and green accents. You had it specifically tailored to catch Loki’s eye, for it would be the last time that’d you’d be able to willingly do so.

You entered the room where the party was being held, the smell of food hitting your senses, and Aeduuin had his arm firmly wound around your waist, and you had a smile forced onto your lips.

The sight of you alone made a shiver go down Loki’s spine; the sight of you and Aeduuin standing so close together made a lump form in his throat. Who did that guy think he was to get so close to you? Especially since most of Asgard knew he wanted you to be the one he married; even Thor never even thought about courting you, he did want his brother to be happy after all.

He watched you for a while, standing at the place next to his brother, but when he saw Aeduuin placing his hands where he probably shouldn’t have, he made his way from Thor’s side straight to yours.

“Good evening, Milady.” Loki said, bringing your hand up to his lips, placing a gentle kiss to your knuckles as he glared slightly at Aeduuin. “Duke Aeduuin. How are you?” He asked, mocking interest at your fiancé simply to try to make him a bit uncomfortable. 

It didn’t seem to work.

“I’m rather well at the moment. You seem to be fairing well too, my lord.” Aeduuin said with a smirk and pulled you a fraction closer. 

Loki stiffened.

You wondered if Aeduuin just wanted you to get all up in Loki’s face. Both men had a history of trying to one-up each other, or getting on the others nerves. You swallowed thickly at the thought that you were being used by Aeduuin just to rile up Loki.

“Excuse me, I think I need some air. My Prince. Aeduuin.” You said quietly, bowing to both Loki and Aeduuin before you weaved your way back through the crowd and out one of the many doors of the ballroom. Both men watched you go, Loki however turned to face Aeduuin before the latter could say anything more.

“What are you doing, Duke Aeduuin?” He hissed, glaring at the duke as he sarcastically emphasized the title.

“My, sir. I don’t know what you’re talking about.” Aeduuin replied with a glint in his eye, proving he was up to no good.

“You dare Lie to me? The God of lies? What nerve.” Loki spat and stalked off to find you. He was seeing a lot of red, and he never usually lost control of his emotions, especially in public. 

When Loki did find you, ten minuets later, you were standing near an open window that over-looked Queen Frigga’s garden, the stars shining above you as you wiped away a couple stray tears. 

Loki wandered up to you, a bit faster than what he usually would, and instantly took one of your hands in his.

“My dear, why do you cry?” He asked softly, moving his other had to wipe away the rest of your tears. 

“I-I... Loki, he's... Aeduuin, he-he is just...” You stuttered out, a few more tears escaping your eyes and falling straight into Loki’s waiting hand. “He's using me.” You finally managed to sob out. 

“Darling...” Loki murmured and pulled you into his chest, resting his head atop of yours as you quietly cried into his embrace.

You stayed there for a couple moments; your cries died down as he gently ran his fingers through your hair, minding the braids that had been delicately woven into the strands as he did so. 

“I don’t want to marry him Loki. I truly don’t.” You said and hesitantly looked up to gaze at his face.

“I know you don’t.” He said as if it was something he’d know for years. He might’ve known for years; after all, can you really lie to a master liar? “I can tell him, if you wish me to do so.” He asked and wiped away the remnants of your tears. 

That made you remember-

“Jewel, the whole of Asgard will know you belong to me by the night’s end.”

-Aeduuin was going to make your proposal official.

“Love, what is making you look so worried?” Loki asked, the concern for you evident on his face as you looked up at him in horror.

“Aeduuin, he’s planning on telling everyone about our engagement tonight.” You breathed out. It took a couple seconds for Loki to process what you said; but when he did, he shot off running like his life was at risk. “Wha- Loki! Where are you going?” You yelled as you kicked off your heels and ran after him.

“I’m stopping a proposal!”

“Ladies, Gentlemen. May I have your attention!” Aeduuin called as he stepped onto one of the few podiums in the ballroom. 

The room went silent as it turned it’s gaze on the brown-eyed god. 

“Thank you, all. First I’d like to apologize for interrupting your night; rather uncalled of me, I know.” A few laughs sounded from that, causing him to smirk a little.

“What is he doing?” Thor mumbled to Lady Sif, the latter of whom had made her way to Thor’s side when she had realized you went missing. 

“I do not know, but I have a feeling it might get messy if your brother comes back.” She mumbled, noticing that Loki too was missing. 

“Your feeling’s tend to be right, but for Duke Aeduuin’s sake I hope you’re wrong.”

“So do I.” Sif replied and wandered back into the crowd to search for either you or Loki.

“Some of you may know already, and for that I apologize again, for this will be no new news to you.” Aeduuin started again. “But, now, so that all of Asgard may know, Lady (y/n) and I are set to be-"

"Aeduuin! Stop right there you filthy rat!" Aeduuin was cut off by one of the large oak doors slamming open, a furious Loki marching right through the parted crowd to stand on the steps near Aeduuin. "You and (y/n) are no longer engaged, and you both never will be for as long as there is breath in my lungs." Loki hissed, his voice a but calmer now that he had approached Aeduuin in such an upfront manner.

"Tch," Aeduuin clicked his tongue and rolled his eyes. "And who are you to speak up, Prince? You are not her father, of which whom's blessing I have already gained." 

"And you are simply a Duke. You word compared to mine means nothing!" 

"Word or not, my word doesn't matter, she agreed to marrying me." Aeduuin said, striking a final blow as the room truly went silent. Loki turned to face you, a flash of hurt swam through his eyes as he did.

"Is- is that true?" He asked. You looked to the side before taking in a deep breath and looking back up to the Prince.

"That was before." You said quietly, Loki's feature softened at you words, finding reassurance in your words. "I thought it would be a way to forget you, but I was naive to think that way. Someone like you deserves the attention." You finished with a shy smile as Loki grinned at your confession.

"Oh, girl. You're making excuses! Trying to trade me for him, it's pathetic!" Aeduuin called loudly.

"You shut your mouth!" Loki snapped, his attitude changing as fast as he turned to face the Duke. "You're a hypocrite; you've been trying to one-up me since we were children, always taking away the best things from my life. You shan't take (y/n) away from me. As much as I'm not worthy of her love, I've seemed to have gained it anyway." Loki said, angrily stepping up the stair so that now he was almost eye-level with Aeduuin. He would've been eye-level, if Aeduuin wasn't an inch shorter. 

"Here, here, brother!" Thor hollered, clearly supporting his brother more than the Duke. 

"You tell him!" Sif joined in the calls, then the Warriors three. Soon the whole room was cheering on Loki in contrast to Aeduuin; even the queen and your father were clapping along.

Loki was smiling like a cat who'd just got a canary, except he was smiling at you. He wandered down the stairs, taking his hand in yours when he was close enough, and held you hand up to his chest.

"(Y/n)." He said, quiet enough that you could just hear him.

"Yes, Loki?" You asked, a grin on you face in anticipation of what he would say next.

"Will you be the glittering stars to my moon; the rose to all my thorns; the sun that warms my cold heart. Will you marry me?" He asked. 

You figured he already knew the answer, the look in his eyes told you he did, but you thought then he'd be a bit less romantic. You should've thought better than that; he was a well read Prince, after all.

"Of course I will." 

[tristala]

Thoughts on Sofia the First Part 1:

     I wrote these almost every time I watched an episode but I’m just going to post the more ‘meaningful’ ones out here. Only the episodes that I care or got mad about will be featured. I know it’s late and I should have posted these every time I finished a season but it took a week to convince myself just to post this since the finale is today. It will be divided into 5 parts and maybe an additional sixth part if I feel like talking about Forever Royal.

Season 1

Sofia the First Once Upon a Princess

     Not a bad pilot. I could barely remember the whole thing so this is basically still new to me. Suddenly becoming a royal must be a huge culture shock for Sofia though shouldn’t Miranda also have a hard time? She probably took lessons or something, maybe it’s also because she’s a full grown woman? Idk.

     I like how it showed Sofia struggling in trying to keep up and it doesn’t help that Amber was sabotaging her.  Also hearing the good ol’ Mr. Ceedric brings back memories. I feel like I’m gonna have a lot of second hand embarrassment for Cedric in the future eps.

     I personally like Cinderella's advice and song for Sofia and how she and Amber patched things up. A good introduction to the series.

Just One of the Princes

     The usual girls can’t do boy’s things just because they’re girls. The song’s catchy and everyone’s voices are good, especially Amber’s. Minimus is amusing and I’d like to see him again and judging by them being in the derby I probably will. I also kinda hoped that Sofia wouldn’t actually win because she never rode a horse let alone a flying one in her life and didn’t have enough practice time. But since this is a kid’s show (Get ready to hear this a lot) she just had to win.

     Winning isn’t everything and I wish they showed that and still praised Sofia for trying to make a change, maybe then she and Minimus will just have to practice more for next year. My favorite moments were Amber supporting Sofia, getting worried for her and giving her derby tiara to her sister as a prize.

The Big Sleepover

     I don’t have much to say for this ep. I’m loving Amber’s singing. Ruby and Jade annoyed me a bit but I’m starting to like Clio. Glad that they showed a different personality and not just cardboard cutouts of typical haughty princesses.  

Cedric's Apprentice

     This was the episode I remembered the most and still love, even more than when I first saw it. Cedric’s parents are fun, doing the devil angel thing. His song was nice, it explained the reason why he wants to take over the kingdom. It really shows that he has low self esteem. Even if this was the episode I remembered the most I forgot that he was pretty patient with Sofia when he taught her.

     “Not every royal sorcerer can be as gifted as your father.”

     That line was like a slap to the face. Roland...dude, the hell?

     No wonder he has low self esteem. Even when I chuckled at Baileywick’s burn, that was still sad. Everyone seems to look down on him except Sofia.

     Sofia leaving him rubies arranged into a heart, risking herself with the lizard potion and giving him a gold star gave me diabetes. I feel like magic’s going to be the princess’ forte. I’m seeing a beautiful friendship blooming and I don’t think Cedric’s truly evil, maybe this will go somewhere.

A Royal Mess

     Another catchy song. Amber fanning was hilarious, as well as Cedric’s “Oh it wasn’t me your Majesty, it was the chiiildreeen.” The lesson was simple and nice.

The Shy Princess

     Sadly it’s the typical approach of a shy girl but sorta done better. I like James’ and Zandar’s friendship and I want to know more about the adorable chinese princess. The way Sofia handled Vivian’s shyness was okay. Maybe the reason I thought it was mediocre was because not everyone is gifted or loves music as much as Vivian. I know music helps people deal with their stage fright. Heck, it helped me when performed onstage but what if music wasn’t her hobby? What then? Still, I find her interesting and I really want her to not be suddenly confident like she wasn’t shy at all in the future episodes she will be in.

The Princess Test

     I love the song and I like how Amber gave Hildegard more confidence in herself but something about it doesn’t sit well with me and I don’t know why. Maybe I’m thinking too much into it like what if more than one helped Fauna? Would she have conjured up more books and more obstacles? Maybe it’s because of the way the fairies awarded everyone?

The Little Witch

     This didn’t really sit well with me. Lucinda did a lot of harmful hexes and her being easily forgiven disturbed me. Jade has every right to not invite her. That witch should learn that there are consequences and not everyone can be forgiven so easily. Also where are the adults? If she has been doing this for a while then someone must have at least reported to the king or have done something. Still a kid’s show after all.

Two to Tangu

     The first time we get to see another land and kingdom. Not gonna lie, that carpet also frustrated me. Amber’s ruffled hair is cute though. It was Sofia and Amber’s bonding moments that made this one gold.

Finding Clover

     Clover I swear irritated me a lot and I hated the fact that the episode implied that it was Sofia’s fault too. She did nothing wrong and I just felt bad for her.I love how Sofia threatened the magician.

     “I’ll go to the castle, I’ll get the guards. I’ll get my dad.”

     I do like the lesson though, a pretty realistic moral.

The Amulet and the Anthem

     I adore the Enchancian Anthem especially with their combined voices in the end. I also like how Ruby is more forgiving than Jade. Cedric was really fun in this episode. Belle’s song was nice and Sofia trying to sing along is cute.

Princess Butterfly

     Another favorite episode. Amber’s character development is going well and I’m growing quite fond of her. Wormwood and his sorcerer playing checkers and them sleeping is precious. Cedric’s “NoOO.” and “I CAN’T imAgine what went wrONg.” was hysterical.

     The costume is beautiful but I also love Sofia’s. Cedric manipulating Amber was also good, their interactions are amusing. I also find it funny that Sofia noticed Amber’s attempts on trying to get her amulet but not when Cedric does his schemes.

     Sofia willing to to sacrifice her amulet for her sister and Amber realizing that she doesn’t deserve this was A content. It was so adorable when they leaned their heads on each other.

The Floating Palace

     Sofia’s mermaid form is nice along with Oona and her family. I don’t mind Sven, he actually didn’t annoy me. The animation is improving, the water and clouds look amazing and I love Emily’s design. I also noticed that Cedric is more devious in his sea creature form? Wormwood as a small squid is cute.

     Ariel used to be my favorite and seeing her again just hit me with nostalgia. Wow, Cedric actually tried drowning a child, maybe he gained animal instincts? The whole sequence with Emily stopping the storm was epic. I guess we’ll have more mermaid adventures in the future. It was a good special.

Holiday in Enchancia

     A good holiday special. Wassalia’s one of my favorite songs and Amber hits those notes so right. I love all of the winter get ups except for Amber’s. For a fashionable princess, she surely has the most plain outfit of them all, they basically just made her usual dress darker but her coat makes it a bit better. I didn’t like the reason Aurora was summoned and I felt that her appearance was wasted. It was too short and didn’t have any real meaningful lessons. Sofia could’ve easily thought of that herself.

     I do love that they gave their gifts to the children, especially Amber’s “We have enough presents.” My girl’s growing, I’m proud.  It’s an uplifting episode.

[babblingfishes]

Another FroodPad Update

(I’m sending an email instead of tagging people about this one because the majority of you guys have changed urls.)

For anyone who used the original FroodPad (PiratenPad) teamsite for fic writing, the host is taking down the site next month.

As before with the Mozilla alternative, I have backups of most of the text.

Here’s what I do not have:

Backups of locked pads

Chat logs

Authors / authorship colors

Time slider histories

If you want any of those, you’ll need to grab them yourself asap! If you’ve forgotten a password, the quickest way to grab my attention is to let me know via the tumblr messager (or my Discord, if you have it) and I can help you.

As for the actual text of the pads, I have these saved! I can send them to you whenever you like. Under the cut is a VERY lengthy list of the pad titles I have backups of. I can also do a text search if you need.

!!HEY GUYS -- WRITER PROFILES *Goat scream* 2SPOOKY 2c Stories 365 days of Rabbit No! A Very Frood Pad Christmas An attempt to organize chaos And the Band Plays On Annie got her gun Ask Walter Kids BADLY SINNING BRAINTHUNDERING Best Ship Around Broken little pieces CC 4 editing Care Cat!Steve. Don't ask. Cat's sehr whichtig grad portfolio stuff Catori's Little Pad ^^ Cheeroko: ES Drabbles And Possible Story Cheeroko: Elder Scrolls Brainstorming Cheeroko: Fanficing Fanfics since ... Today? Cheeroko: Has Started Yet Another AU Cheeroko: Rabbit Appreciation Pad (Aka, SPG Pad) Cheeroko: Walter Manor Cheeroko: What Should I call this? [{Original Fic}] Cheeroko: You Know What? I'm Just Going To Use This Pad For My Gender Stuff Christmas List Come keep French Company! Please? Configuration (new-new CC and biocore planning) Counter Nonsense Crazy Community Fanfiction Crazy Community Fanfiction II Crazy SPG Collab Thing 2.0 DANGER 5 SOLVE THE GREATEST CRIME OF ALL Derelict (spoilers yo) Derelict 23 and other stuff Derelict Chapter 20 Derelict Chapter 24 Derelict Chapter 25 Derelict Chapter 25 for real this time Derelict Dragon Dreads Derelict Take 73 Derpy-Nuns Don't come here unless Fish is whining at you Don't look Dr. Babblefish's Quest to Only Become Moderately More Insane Dragon Lurve Elephants and Nachos Everyone Writing Everything FRANKENPAPPY Fantastic Mister Vox Fish Does Terrible Things Fish Fanfictions Salgexicon Now Fish and Serif attempt a role play thing. Fish and its monospaced text Fish has an F in evil Fish is Sailing a Ship Fish is a terrible person. Fish is just rambling Fish writes things about other fandoms Fish's Awkward Nonfandom Headcanons Fish's Lupin Drabbles Fish's Magical Tragical Guide to Not Writing Mary Sues Fish's OC Boat Fish's Originalish Pad Fish's Plots and Characters French Rambles French Writes Stony French is a Poet Froodpad Rules and Instructions Further proof we're all insane Futureverse G-Mans and Watering Cans GW2 Cav stuff Ghost! Ghostfacers! Hangout pad Happy Little Family Happy Little Family Notes Here ye go, Redacted Heyo, Achgfd Homestead-Ch.1 How to be nice in RP I blame everyone but me I figure at this rate I should just make a Weird SPG Dreams pad I have no idea what im working on I never tire, I serve I- I- I- LOVE ROBBIE DARREN IT IS A SMUT POWERED BLANKET MY GOOT SAR Ice Cream and Knit Bow Ties Imma figure this thing out by posting prompt responses Improb In Which Pappy Dies In Which Reed Becomes a Robot In Which Steve Drops Bass In Which There is an Abandoned Lab In which robots become metaphors for Autism Spectrum stuff Laying Down The Law Here MATURE REPLY MBG Tumblr Planning   MERRY HOLIDAYMAS YOU WEIRDOS! MWFGOH Notes MY FRIEND MATT WHERE YOU AT May B. we Feta get outta here May B. we Feta get outta here pt2 Muppet Baby Giraffe Fics Myth fanfiction maybe??? NOBODY PANIC (MICHAEL GOT THE D) Neoma's Writes Not Actually a Funeral Not!Derelict Nuns could use help writing a comedy piece for English Nuns does a research paper on GAY GODS Nuns fools around with a hero's journey Nuns hunts for the Holy Grail (and a good essay grade) OC ADVENTURE!! OFF Musingses OOPS Oedipus Script Old Money On the wings of steam One of the Fanmily Original stuff is harder than we anticipated PSILENCE WILL FALL Pappy Pad 2 Pappy Rabbit Old (Still needed though!) Pen & Kari's Pad of Fairytale Badassery Philosophy Notes Pokemanz SPG Post-Derelict Headcanons Princey and Leeland's Walter People Pad Princey definitely isn't using this pad for homework anymore Princey is the best right Leilani right Princey tries Original Stuff Princey wanted to write OC stuff too Princey's self-indulgent stuff Princeyfic (An Accident of the Smallest Kind final chapter) Princeyfic: An Accident of the Smallest Kind Princeyfic: Basically nothing but a mermaid OC Princeyfic: Canoe Catastrophe Pronz Psi does homework and other stuff Psi does homework occasionally Psi gets his shit together Psi is in pain. Also class. Psi jacks Cat's characters Psi plans the Derelict!Verse RP blog early because he's bored Psi reads Marsupial Psi takes out dysphoria on The Spine Psi tries for "canon" SPG Psi writes Cabin Pressure stuff Psi writes a thing about an author Psi's Headcanon Psi's Kazooland OCs??? Psi's class notes Psi's class notes and HatchWorth stuff Psilent's Hatchworth Feels Psilent's Pscribblings Psilent's Pstuff Psunny's Muppet Babby Stuff Public pad 2: 2 public 2 pad Pun and Psi Make a Porno Punny: Ask Index Punny: Broken little pieces Punny: Crack Fic ideas Punny: Ficlets Punny: HLF Th teen years Punny: Happy Little Family Punny: Justice Giraffes Punny: Major fics Punny: Rainbow! The Spine Punny: Trying to figure out how the hell Super spg works RABBIT NO RABBIT NO 2: electric boogaloo Rabbit writes fanfic Relish's Ramblings Reverse Pre Mid Life Crisis 3000 Rex and Captain. Rover! SICK ROBOTS. (Princey and Leeland) SIMNANIGANS SO I may have discovered aquabats and it may have given me some muse SPG/Avengers cross over collab-fic SS kills a lot of young women SS: Aftertheendverse SS: Aggressively writes happy fanfiction SS: Amnesia Home Pad SS: Amnesia Revisions SS: Amnesia!Spine Headcanoning SS: Ancient Mariner SS: Angsty Poetry xP SS: Annie/V SS: Dragon!Steve SS: Genderbends because of reasons SS: Just our positronic electronic harmonic SS: Michael wants the D(erelict!Steve's dick) SS: Michael wants the D(erelict!Steve) #2 SS: More Spine/OC junk SS: Okay actually writing Amnesia now SS: Poems by Peter VI SS: Possible Natalia 'Verse SS: Private Party SS: Ratchet and pumpkin SS: Spine/OC SS: Spine/OC #2 SS: Spine/OC #3 SS: The Only Constant SS: The Way Home SS: hoamwork Satyr Adventure script Secret Santa (Sign-ups closed, Santas have been assigned!) Serif needs to kill something apparently Serif's Dump Pad Serif's Dump Pad 2 Seth only starts things and never finishes them Sewing Stitches SisterofaFish's Pad So much craft poisoning Something Wicked This Way Comes Space-Opera Spoons' Stuff Goes Here Stalking Information Steve has Joined Your Party! THIS IS WHERE THE PARTIES AT TIME TO SCARE THE BABIES Tango's Reason Why The Case of the Quest of the Missing Coffee The Mythos Mythos The Rake This is a public pad because Fish is bored This is utter crap Thunder Charge Title! Too Many Thoughts Untitled 180 Untitled 217 Untitled 314 Untitled 322 Untitled 323 Untitled 324 Verse Fable...or something like that WE GON WRITE FLUFF WE LAV U HRUP WRITER PROFILES We write Mirrormask fics now. Mirrormask is cool. Well look what the cat dragged back in World Building You know what, ignore Nuns a surprise in every pad and no one was ever happy the end awkward monsters/spg campfire song song cat used to write hannafic class notes copper conduction 3: REVELATIONS copper conduction p. 4 death lullaby ye everybody look down fear and loathing in san diego half-baked hatchworth stuff hesitantly works on new chapter how rabbit got his groove back 2 i leik ur silileh lteile hat incdrop - frisk incwrites it's sort of like hellraiser except not lemarchand's fic oh heck there's a plot one time ruffy wrote angst original sexy awesomeness possibly part of Two Birds One Stone possibly not psi is the batman psi's original story (caution may contain robots) ((totally contains robots)) psi's presentation that's due in six hours ruffy's writing a thing schoolwork and such (go away) shit so many fics so little time so much writers block sometimes i doubt your commitment to sparkle motion the end. the fucking crying game the future doesn't love you the wit and wisdom of spg woo lets write pirates woo

[the-jade-cross]

Fairy of Hogwarts - Chapter 2

YEAR 2

Year one passed quickly for Arya. She remained closed friends with Luna and even made friends with Cho and the Patil twins. She hung out a lot with Fred and George, through whom she met the golden trio who also became close friends of hers. Out of all of them, Luna, Fred, George and Ginny were her closest friends.

of course, she soon discovered that Draco was a bully and she stopped considering him a friend. he still wrote her letters every few days but she would never answer them, except telling him when and where she read the notes. Whenever he tried to talk to her, she would make an excuse to talk to Fred and George.

"THERE YOU ARE ARYA!" luna cried.

Arya looked up from where she was walking down the hallway and smiled. she hugged her best friend and Luna looked her up and down.

"love the outfit. So screams girl and your hair.... always looks gorgeous!"

Arya chuckled. Luna was never this talkative unless she was around her. Everyone found Luna strange but Arya adored her.

"Well look who it is!" a voice remarked.

the two girls turned to see David Kieth, a Slytherin standing there. David was what girls called a Lady Killer but most of the time he liked to just attempt at flirting with girls.

"Looking good Gerasimov," the boy remarked, sauntering over to the second year. "Totally love the skirt. Shows off your legs."

"Back off," Luna said, pulling Arya behind her.

David rolled his eyes, "You're just jealous because you're not as pretty Lovegood."

Arya glared and pulled Luna next to her, "Don't talk to her like that! You're lucky she's even talking to you! Only someone with as thick a scull and as thin a brain as you would bother talking to you!"

"GERASIMOV!" Macgonagal called, approaching, "Might I have a word with you?"

Arya nodded, noting that Minerva's voice wasn't one of anger or annoyance.

"Lovegood, you may go on your way to class. As for you Keith. A detention for three days with Professor Snape. I shall inform him."

Keith rolled his eyes and stormed off, leaving Minerva and Arya alone.

"Sorry professor," Arya said, hanging her head.

"Not at all," Minerva assured her, "That was very good and brave of you to stand up for your friend like that. Besides that, I wouldn't expect anything less from you. However, that isnt why I wanted to talk with you. Madam Pomfrey needs some help in the medical bay because there have been many more incidents since you know who has returned. You are gifted in the healing arts Arya. Would you be willing to offer your free time to helping Madam Pomfrey? she specifically asked for you and agreed to let you have the weekends off. it will not interfere with your studies. Besides that, you excel in everything."

Arya's face lit up and she nodded her head in excitement. Minerva smiled, "Also, Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter crashed into the whomping willow with a flying car. It will not calm down and I was wondering if you would mind trying to comfort it."

The girl nodded and soon she was rushing off to her new duties. She found the whomping willow with no trouble and saw that it shook whenever someone walked past. Several students were looking at it, making sort of a crowd for it kept howling.

Arya pushed through and approached the tree. Looking up, she smiled.

"Hey there," she called in her sweet voice. "I know you're scared but I'm here to help.'

The other students watched in surprise as the girl approached the tree and it seemed to stop howling and shivering. Instead, it seemed to relax. Gently reaching up, she touched one of the high leaves and the tree seemed to come alive. It's leaves turned greener and it relaxed, letting out and gentle breezy sound.

"It's witch craft!" Pansy Parkinson muttered.

Arya looked at her with raised eyebrow. She saw all the Slytherin's standing there, watching her in skepticism.

"This is the school of witchcraft and wizardry Parkinson! What do you expect?"

Blaise snorted, fully enjoying that joke but Pansy tossed her hair over her shoulders and marched off.

LATER

"You will have your own 'beds' in the bay," Madam Pomfrey explained. "Every other bed will be your assignment. If none of your beds are full and there are other beds that are, you can help with those."

Arya nodded and considered the hospital bay.

"I'm so glad you will be helping dear," Madam Pomfrey said, hugging the girl.

Arya smiled, "I'm glad to be of a help."

"Better run along now dearie," the woman remarked, "Don't want you to be late for greenhouse lessons."

Arya couldn't stop zoning out. Professor Sprout was talking about Mandrakes but Arya was busy considering her pot. She knew enough about mandrakes to know that they were harmless if your ears were covered.

"Arya," Harry whispered, snapping her out of her daze, "you okay?"

Arya nodded and listened as Sprout told them where to grab the mandrakes. Arya grabbed her mandrake and pulled it out just after Sprout cried.

"Your ear muffs Arya!"

All eyes turned to her, expecting her to faint.... but she didn't. Arya looked at her mandrake who was screeching and all the others.... but it wasn't affecting her.

"Arya?" Ron inquired. "How did you do that?"

Arya shook her head, "I don't know."

The moment the girl spoke, the mandrakes stopped screeching. all the students and Professor Sprout froze, not knowing what happened. The mandrakes were all looking at Arya, their eyes wide and no longer screeching.

Feeling uncomfortable with all eyes on her, Arya set her mandrake in her pot and covered him up. the other students did the same but they were all watching her nonstop.

After about three mandrakes not screaming at her and not affecting her ears, Arya slipped out of class and headed off. She removed her gardening robe, hung it up and headed out.

"Arya!" Luna and Harry called.

The two rushed over to her with the rest of the Ravenclaw and Gryffindor's with them.

"That was amazing!" Luna cried. "I forgot you could do that!"

"You mean not being affected by mandrakes screams when the rest of us pass out? Oh and the fact that they practically adore her and then the willow tree?" Draco snapped, glaring. "What evil magic is this Gerasimov."

Arya smirked. this wasn't the first time Draco spoke trash to her but now she had a good retort, "No magic. It's called being a faerie."

Almost everyone knew that Arya was a faerie but no one knew what that meant. Reaching out with her hands, Arya moved her fingers and suddenly.... the whole place was covered in snow!

Arya twirled around, her red hair waving with her and suddenly, the snow stopped and turned to water in the air! The water all came towards her and began to form shapes around her as if she was controlling it.

The water split up into groups and began to form shapes. A shape that looked like a mermaid moved towards Luna and the girl giggled at it. One that looked like a deer bounded around the golden trio.

Then, a group of water that looked like a human danced towards Draco and looked at him thoughtfully. with a swirl, it was gone and everything was back to normal. Arya glanced over her shoulder, smirked and walked off.

"See you later Malfoy!"

the Weasley twins chuckled in wonder and rushed after the girl with Luna, Austen and Aiden who were all grinning.

Pansy poked Draco for the boy looked like he was frozen, his eyes wide with wonder and his mouth slightly open.

"Hey, you okay?"

Draco nodded, glad that Pansy couldn't read minds. For at that moment, he was stunned....

LOCKED IN RAVENCLAW COMMON ROOM)

"I hope everyone else is okay," Luna remarked.

The Ravenclaws were all sitting in their common room. All the houses had been sent to their common rooms for safety and the doors were locked. Occasionally a professor would come check on them.

Arya nodded, "Knowing Ron, Hermione and Harry, they probably snuck out."

Luna nodded. Just then, the door opened and Minerva stepped in.

"Is everyone alright in here?"

"Yes professor," all the voices chirped.

Minerva nodded, "Very well. Arya, I'll need you to come with me."

Arya scurried from her perch and followed the professor, "What's wrong?"

"I need your help comforting some students. Dumbledore is taking care of the Hufflepuffs but the slytherin first years are scared out of their minds and no one can calm them down."

"But how can I do that then?" Arya inquired.

"Because of your voice," Snape said as he appeared.

He smiled fondly at the girl, "Don't you remember how when you first found out you were a faerie? you sang that song and everyone present was filled with courage and peace? You have the voice of an angel Arya. Use it well."

the girl nodded as Minerva and Snape led her to the Slytherin Common room. She swallowed and shivered when she saw the place. it was slightly creepy and she was glad that the Ravenclaw common room was more bright and welcoming.

A bunch of heads looked up when they entered and Pansy snorted. "What is she doing here?"

Minerva glared at the girl but when Snape put a hand on Arya's shoulder and glared at her, Pansy shrunk back.

"She is here to help," Snape replied. "I suggest you be civil Parkinson."

The man gave Arya a little shove into the room before Minerva left. Snape went to talk to Blaise which left Arya alone in the center of the room, all the Slytherin's looking at her. Swallowing, she spied a group of young first years who were huddled together, some of them crying. Walking over to them, she knelt down beside them.

"What's wrong?" she asked in a kind voice.

Two first year boys glanced in Draco and Pansy's direction before shaking their heads, "nothing."

Arya didn't miss the look and she glared at Draco and Pansy, "Have you no respect for little kids' emotions? What if you were frightened out of your lives and was teased about it?"

Pansy rolled her eyes while Draco crossed his arms, "Why should I have respect for emotions? I was never afraid."

Arya raised an eyebrow, "Really? What about the time you ran screaming in fright from the dark forest?"

Draco's face paled, his eyes widened and he swallowed. he had no idea that Arya heard about that. He quickly looked away and Arya turned back to the kids.

"I promise, everything is going to be alright," she said, sitting down between two young ones, wrapping an arm around each of their shoulders.

"When I'm afraid, my mom always sings to me," a little girl said.

Arya smiled, "I could sing for you... I'm not that good though."

"What songs do you know?" a boy inquired, curious.

Arya ran off a list to them and the kids all picked Arya's favorite. Sitting back, she drew the two youngest students close to her and closed her eyes. Soon, her angelic voice filled the room and all eyes turned to her, surprised at how beautiful it sounded.

(SONG: My heart belongs to you    by Hayley Westenra)

When Arya finished and opened her eyes, she was surprised at what she saw. Snape was standing near the door, a grin on his face. something only Arya ever saw. the first years were all sitting near her, looking at her with smiles on their faces, the tears gone from their eyes and their eyes full of hope and peace.

The older students, especially the older boys were all sitting on the couches, leaning over the backs to watch her, several of them sitting on the sides. Arya looked down, feeling her face heat up. She smiled at the first years and slowly got up.

"I've got to go," She replied.

"Thank you for coming," a first year said, hugging the girl.

Arya smiled and hugged the girl back, "You're welcome."

With that, she got up and headed towards Snape where he stood with Blaise, Pansy and Draco. Pansy had her arms crossed, glaring at him, Blaise was grinning with admiration and Draco was staring, fully shocked.

Arya smiled before giving Snape a high five and headed out back to her common room. She was about to leave when she heard Pansy's high pitched voice whining from inside the room. Leaning against the door, she listened.

"Will you stop gawking for five minutes Draco?" she whined. "The girl's gone. She's not going to come back in through the door."

"Leave him alone," Blaise remarked, "He's love struck."

"Am not," Draco replied. "And I'm not gawking,"

"Uh huh?" Pansy sassed. "Then how come you keep looking at the door every few minutes and when Arya was singing you were staring as if you had just gotten a glimpse of heaven."

"You know, that's a really good description of her singing. It did seem like we got a glimpse of heaven. Don't you think Draco?"

"Shut up Blaise!"

Arya smirked to herself. Blaise was the only Slytherin she got along with and she loved it when he defended her whenever she wasn't around. However, she thought about Draco watching her.... it made her feel kind of weird. She had never had a boy watching her.... at least not the way Pansy and Blaise were describing it.

[thecinephale]

Best Movies of 2017

I’m so excited that many of the great films this year did so well at the box office and are such a big part of the awards conversation. I’m grateful that every year brings great works of cinema, but it’s even better when a bunch of people actually get to see them.

This is the first year I’m not counting miniseries. The lines are becoming too blurred between TV and film and also nobody needs me to say again how much I love Jane Campion and Top of the Lake: China Girl.

Still need to see: All the Money in the World, Berlin Syndrome, Graduation, Happy End, In the Fade, Loveless, Lovesong, Prevenge, Princess Cyd, Professor Marston and the Wonder Women, A Quiet Passion, Slack Bay, Staying Vertical, Thelma, Woodshock

If your favorite movie isn’t on this list maybe I didn’t see it because a sexual predator was involved or maybe it was just a really crowded year with a lot of really good movies!

Honorable Mentions: -Battle of the Sexes (dir. Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton) -The Beguiled (dir. Sofia Coppola) -Call Me By Your Name (dir. Luca Guadagnino) -Colossal (dir. Nacho Vigalondo) -Columbus (dir. Kogonada) -A Fantastic Woman (dir. Sebastian Lelio) -Good Time (dir. Josh and Benny Safdie) -Landline (dir. Gillian Robespierre) -Lemon (dir. Janicza Bravo) -Logan Lucky (dir. Steven Soderbergh) -Parisienne (dir. Danielle Arbid) -Phantom Thread (dir. Paul Thomas Anderson) -Wonder Woman (dir. Patty Jenkins)

15. Planetarium (dir. Rebecca Zlotowski)

The first two movies on this list got fairly bad reviews so take my opinions as you will. And I get why many struggled with this film. Not only is it dealing with a wide swath of issues, but it’s also doing so with a variety of different tools. It dabbles in the occult, but it’s not a horror movie. It’s a period piece, but feels of the present. It suggests romance, suggests betrayal, suggests familial tension, yet… But here’s what’s great. It’s gorgeous. With some of the best cinematography of the year (Georges Lechaptois), some of the best production design of the year (Katia Wyszkop), and easily the best costumes of the year (Anaïs Romand) it’s compulsively watchable. Combine that with Natalie Portman’s incredibly grounding performance and I was more than willing to go along with Zlotowski as she explored the history of images, the power of images, and the danger of images without committing to a conventional structure.

14. It’s Only the End of the World (dir. Xavier Dolan)

I don’t know how anyone could love Dolan’s other films and dislike this one. It’s such a perfect embodiment of Dolan’s career thus far. Dolan’s films are operatic because he understands that for individuals their problems are operatic. Pretty much every family has conflict, disagreements, scars, but that can’t be dismissed so easily when they are OUR conflicts, OUR disagreements, OUR scars. I love how much respect Dolan always has for that truth. The cast is filled with French cinema royalty and they fully live up to the material’s grounded melodrama.

13. The Lure (dir. Agnieszka Smoczynska)

There’s one key reason this vampiric Polish horror-musical retelling of The Little Mermaid works in a way that other adaptations fall short. Sure, the sheer audacity of that genre mashup makes for a fascinating and unique viewing experience. But what ultimately makes it work emotionally and thematically is that it’s about two mermaids. This was always intended as the initial concept was a horror-less, mermaid-less musical about the Wrońska Sisters (who wrote all the songs in this). But still Smoczynska and her screenwriter Robert Bolesto really manage to keep all that’s wonderful about the source material while contextualizing its complexity. I’ve softened on the Disney version over the years, but it still can be painful watching Ariel change herself for a man (especially when one of those changes is not speaking). Here the presence of her sister, sometimes judging, always worried, creates a circumstance that allows this film’s “little mermaid” to make the realistic mistakes of a teen girl in love with a boy and in hate with herself, without the filming giving its seal of approval. There’s no judgment one way or the other. It’s just real. All that aside this is a vampiric Polish horror-musical retelling of The Little Mermaid. Like, come on. Go buy the Criterion edition!!

12. The Rehearsal (dir. Alison Maclean)

This is the only film on this list that isn’t available to watch. I was lucky enough to see it at the New York Film Festival two years ago, then it had a one week run at Metrograph, then nothing. The real shame is that this isn’t some avant-garde headscratcher to be watched in university classrooms and backroom Brooklyn bars. This is a deeply humanistic, very accessible movie that almost demands wide conversation. And given its setting at an acting conservatory I especially wish all the actors in my life could watch it. Well, hopefully it pops up on some streaming site someday. But until then check out this early Alison Maclean short film that’s equally wonderful albeit wildly different in tone (this one is more like feminist Eraserhead): Kitchen Sink (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lt58gDgxy9Q&t=1s).

11. Novitiate (dir. Margaret Betts)

The history of cinema is a history of queer subtext. But it’s 2017 and while it may be fun to speculate whether Poe Dameron is gay and I’d be the first to say “Let It Go” is a perfect coming out anthem, it’s no coincidence that the best queer allegories of the year ALSO had explicitly queer characters. This film in particular is so special because it’s both the story of a young woman’s repressed sexuality and a story about how faith of all things is comparable to said sexuality. Sister Cathleen’s mother does not understand her affinity for Jesus the way many parents do not understand their children’s sexuality or gender. While coming out stories are a staple of very special sitcom episodes, I’ve never seen one that captures the pained misunderstanding the way this film does. Part of this is due to wonderful performances by Julianne Nicholson and Margaret Qualley and part of it is that religion is oddly the perfect stand-in for queerness… even as it represses queerness within this world. The movie begins with a series of flashbacks that feel stilted and conventional in a way that’s totally incongruous with the rest of the movie. It’s unfortunate because otherwise this would’ve been even higher on my list. But this is Betts’ first film and the majority of it is really special. And while I do think she’ll make even better films in what will hopefully be a long career, this one is still really worth checking out. I mean, I haven’t even brought up Melissa Leo’s frightening and absurd (yet somehow grounded?) performance that makes Meryl Streep in Doubt look like Amy Adams in Doubt.

10. The Florida Project (dir. Sean Baker)

As marketing extraordinaire A24 has managed to spread this film to a wider audience, they’ve made a lot of fuss about this film’s political depiction of Florida’s “hidden homeless,” Baker’s approach of mixing professional and non-professional actors (shout-out to Bria Vinaite who deserves as much awards attention as Willem Dafoe), and how the film “feels like a documentary.” And while I’m glad this strategy has worked, I tend to balk at the tendency of marketers and critics alike to call any movie with characters who aren’t all rich and/or white “like a documentary.” But regardless of its realism which I feel in no position to comment on, it’s certainly a great film about childhood and fantasy and how sometimes it’s easier to be a parent to everyone except your own kids. And not to build it up too much if you haven’t already seen it, but the ending is truly one of the best endings in recent years, not only in and of itself, but how it contextualizes and deepens everything that came before.

9. Whose Streets? (dir. Sabaah Folayan)

This is an exceptionally well-constructed film. I feel like most documentaries in this style have great moments but show a lack of restraint in the editing room and/or struggle to find a clear narrative. But this film moves along at an exceptional pace while still feeling comprehensive. Every sequence feels essential even when the scope expands beyond the two central individuals. This can be credited in part to the editing, but the succinctness wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the footage captured. The intimate moments we’re able to watch are stunning and enhance the already high stakes of the surrounding film, the ongoing narrative of the country. This is an essential reminder of the humanity behind activism, the sacrifice behind news stories, and that for many people political engagement is not something to do with an open Sunday afternoon but a necessary part of survival.

8. Their Finest (dir. Lone Scherfig)

Easily the best Dunkirk-related film of the year, this is the rare movie about movies that doesn’t feel self-satisfied, but instead truly captures the joy of cinema and storytelling. It’s odd to me that romantic melodrama, a genre so celebrated when it comes to classic film, is often written off as fluff in contemporary cinema. Yes, this movie is romantic. Yes, this movie is wildly entertaining. But it’s also painful, it’s also telling a story of women screenwriters we haven’t heard before, it’s also showing how powerful art can be as an escape and a mirror in difficult times. If you’re interested in filmmaking and/or British people, check this out on Hulu. Gemma Arterton is really wonderful and Sam Claflin is good eye candy if you’re into that sort of thing.

7. Starless Dreams (dir. Mehrdad Oskouei)

This documentary about a group of teenage girls living in an Iranian “Correctional and Rehabilitation Center” is proof that sometimes the best approach to the medium is simplicity. Oskouei pretty much just lets the girls talk. But it’s truly a testament to his abilities as a filmmaker (and person) and the girls’ vulnerability and storytelling prowess that the movie remains compelling throughout. As the girls tell their stories it becomes clear that the center isn’t simply a prison, but also almost a utopic escape from the daily horrors they faced outside. Both options are so completely insufficient when compared to the lives these young women deserve this realization is enraging. And while the film takes place in Iran it doesn’t require a lot of effort to realize young women have similar stories and circumstances all over the world. This movie is on iTunes and I really, really recommend checking it out. The subject matter is heavy, but because the girls are allowed to determine the narrative it never feels maudlin or unbearable and at times is even quite funny and joyous.

6. Raw (dir. Julia Ducournau)

I really appreciated how Marielle Heller’s The Diary of a Teenage Girl captured the all-consuming lust of teenagehood. So, um, think that movie, except cannibalism. A lot of cannibalism. I feel torn between being honest about how truly gross this movie can be and pretending otherwise because I really don’t want to scare anyone away. I’ll put it this way. It’s really, really worth it to watch this through your fingers if you even maybe think you could handle it. Because it’s just a really great movie about being a teenage girl, discovering sexuality, being away from home for the first time, having a sister, having a first crush, a first sexual experience, feeling completely out of control of your desires and needs. Hey, even Ducournau insists this isn’t a horror movie. So don’t eat anything beforehand, but definitely check this out.

5. Get Out (dir. Jordan Peele)

I hardly need to add any analysis to what has easily been the most talked about and written about movie of the year. But I just need to say that it makes me so happy that a socially aware horror movie (the best subset of my favorite genre) not only made a huge amount of money but is also considered an awards frontrunner. That is so wonderfully baffling to me and a testament to the greatness of this movie. Many great horror movies capitalize on people’s fear of otherness, but those who are othered in our society are much more likely to be victims than villains. That Peele managed to show this without ever feeling like he was exploiting real pain is truly an accomplishment. The tonal balance this film achieves is certainly something I’ll study when I make a horror movie writing back to Psycho, The Silence of the Lambs, Sleepaway Camp, etc.

4. Faces Places (dir. Agnès Varda, JR)

Agnès Varda has spent her entire career blending fact and fiction, opening up her own life for her art. But there’s something different about this film which is likely to be her last. While so much of her work places her vivacious spirit front and center this film feels almost like a cry of humanity. Oddly enough I’d compare it to Mike Leigh’s Happy-Go-Lucky in that it seems to say, “Don’t fetishize my happiness, don’t mock my joy, don’t infantilize me, just because you can’t enjoy life like I can.” I look to Varda as the kind of artist (and person) I want to be in how open she always seems to be. But what this film made me realize is that part of that openness is how sad she can be, how angry she can be. Varda is often called “the grandmother of the French New Wave.” I guess this is the only way the film community knows how to contextualize a woman being the one to start arguably the most influential film movement. Varda is the same age as all those guys! She’s not the grandmother! She just happened to make a bold, experimental film about five years ahead of the rest of them. By ending with Godard, and pairing up with JR who is basically an incarnation of Godard and friends as young men, Varda is really exploring her place in film history and the world, and how difficult it is to be to be a pioneer. No country has more contemporary films directed by women than France and this is in a large part due to Varda. But being the one to create that path is exhausting. I realize I’m making what’s easily the most life-affirming, humanist film of the year sound like an angry, self-eulogy, but I think this aspect of the film and Varda’s career should not be ignored. If you’ve never seen anything by Varda, this film will read very differently, but still be wonderful (and honestly more joyous). I recommend seeing it, watching 20 of her other films, and then seeing it again.

3. The Shape of Water (dir. Guillermo del Toro)

The trailer for this film shows the main character, Elisa played by the always wonderful Sally Hawkins, doing her daily routine. Alarm, shining shoes, being late to work, etc. But even the redband trailer leaves out one of her daily activities: masturbating. Maybe it’s odd to associate masturbation with ambition, but the choice to show that early on and then repeatedly seems like a perfect microcosm of why this film is so great. It’s not afraid. Guillermo del Toro has made a wonderful career out of celebrating “the other” through monster movie pastiches, but this to me is his very best film because of how willing it is to be both clear and complicated. This movie is many things, but one of those things is a queer love story. And even though human woman/amphibian man sex is maybe even more taboo to show on screen than say eating a semen filled peach, this movie just goes for it. I’m not sure if this movie succeeds in everything it tries to do but I so deeply admire how much it tries. Not only is one of Elisa’s best friends gay, but we spend a significant amount of time getting to know that character and see that maybe his obsolete career hurts him even more. Not only is Elisa’s other best friend black, but we see how being a black woman affects her specifically in what is expected of her versus her husband. Fantasy and sci-fi often use real people’s struggles as source material for privileged protagonists, and while this film certainly does that, it works because the real people are still shown on screen. Also del Toro is a master of cinematic craft so this is really a pleasure to watch.

2. Lady Bird (dir. Greta Gerwig)

Before diving into this specific film it’s worth noting that this is one of six debut features on this list. It’s so exciting that we’re hopefully going to get full and illustrious careers from all of these people. But when it comes to Gerwig it feels like we already have. She has been proof that if the film community is going to insist on holding onto the auteur theory, they at least need to acknowledge that actors and writers can be auteurs. Gerwig is known for being quirky, but this really sells her talent short. She is clearly someone who has a deep understanding of cinema and, more importantly, a deep understanding of people. Part of being a great director is casting great actors and then trusting them and it’s so clear that’s what happened on this film (let me just list off some names: Saoirse Ronan, Laurie Metcalf, Lucas Hedges, Tracy Letts, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Lois Smith, I mean come on). They really make her wonderful script come alive. This is a great movie about female friendship and a great movie about mother-daughter relationships, but more than anything it’s a great movie about loving and hating a hometown. Even though I’ve only seen the film twice I think back on moments in the film like I do my own adolescent memories. They feel familiar even when I don’t directly relate to them. This movie feels big in a way only a small movie can.

1. Mudbound (dir. Dee Rees)

This is when my penchant for hyperbole really comes back to bite me in the ass. I use the word masterpiece way too much. But when I say Mudbound is a masterpiece I don’t just mean it’s a great movie I really loved that I recommend everyone see. I mean, it’s The Godfather. It’s Citizen Kane. It’s the rare movie that has a perfect script, perfect cinematography, perfect performances, is completely of its time, and will stand the test of time. If we ever get to a place where art by black women is justly celebrated it will be in the 2070 AFI top 10. It’s that good. Part of what sets the movie apart is its almost absurd ambition. It breaks so many movie rules (not only does it have heavy narration, but it has heavy narration from multiple characters), and yet it always works. I love small movies, I love weird and flawed movies, but there is something so spectacular about watching something like Dee Rees’ third feature. I’m so excited to watch this movie again, to study it, to spend a lifetime with it. I feel like it really got lost in the shuffle by being released on Netflix, but that also means right now it’s on Netflix and you, yes YOU, almost certainly have or have access to Netflix. So you could watch it. Right now. Watch it. Stop reading. Turn the lights off. Find the biggest TV or computer screen you have so you can really appreciate Rachel Morrison’s cinematography and watch it. It is perfection wrapped in a bow of perfection and I really must insist you watch it.

Television!

Still Need to Catch Up On: The Girlfriend Experience (S2), Queen Sugar (S2)

Honorable Mentions: -Big Little Lies -Broad City (S3) -Girls (S6) -Insecure (S2) -Master of None (S2) -One Mississippi (S2) -Orange is the New Black (S5) -Search Party (S2) -Shots Fired

10. Twin Peaks: The Return 9. Jane the Virgin (S3/4) 8. Transparent (S4) 7. Better Things (S2) 6. I Love Dick 5. The Good Place (S1/2) 4. Sense8 (S2) 3. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (S2/3) 2. Top of the Lake: China Girl 1. The Leftovers (S3)

[newyorktheater]

“The last great place to do Broadway musicals is in animation,” says Howard Ashman, in “Howard,” a new documentary on Disney+ that offers a simultaneously sad and inspiring look at Ashman’s life, his work, and his death from AIDS at the age of 40 in 1991. What it doesn’t offer is a very encouraging take on Broadway. This might come as a surprise for those theater lovers who committed to the monthly $6.99 Disney+ monthly subscription fee in order to see “Hamilton,” and expected “Howard” to be a follow-up effort to keep them subscribed. After all, Ashman was a lyricist, librettist and director who collaborated with composer Alan Menken on “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Aladdin,” and ‘Little Shop of Horrors” — all of which have enjoyed a measure of success as musicals on Broadway — and, before that, with composer Marvin Hamlisch on the Broadway musical “Smile.”

Howard Ashman with Marvin Hamlisch talking about “Smile.” It didn’t go well

But look closely: The first three musicals were originally created as Disney animated films, and were turned into stage musicals only after Ashman’s death; the fourth was produced  only Off-Broadway (and made into a film) during his lifetime. The fifth, “Smile,” lasted only six weeks on Broadway. Although Ashman was nominated for a Tony Award for the book of “Smile,” the documentary makes clear that the musical’s lack of financial success made Ashman despondent, driving him out of Broadway and, soon, into the arms of Disney animation. About halfway through the 90-minute documentary, at an event in 1988 at the 92nd Street Y, Ashman is asked: Is making a film out of a musical entirely different from making a film out of a play? “Oh yeah. I think it’s an exercise in stupid,” he replies. “I don’t know why people think film musicals work…” They might have worked in the past, he says, but now “when people start to sing, it’s silly in the theater, and it’s even sillier when you’re taking a picture of it.” He said that animation offered “a little corner of the world, where Broadway skills apply.” A question prompted by that remark: Do Broadway skills apply elsewhere…like on Broadway? The moderator asks him what he thought the future would be of the “American-initiated musical ” (this at a time when the most successful Broadway musicals were British exports.) “I really don’t know. We’re all real depressed.” The audience at the 92nd Street Y laughs. What they didn’t know, but the documentary tells us, is that very afternoon, Ashman’s doctor delivered his AIDS diagnosis. Could this have colored his views? Perhaps. But at a moment three decades later when Broadway’s future is in doubt, and whatever theater we’re consuming is on screens, “Howard” recounts a life that feels relevant not just because it played out during an epidemic.

“Howard” is told in voiceover narration by people who knew him — no talking heads, as if filmmaker Don Hahn feared distracting us with the present. We learn from his sister Sarah Gillespie that Howard Ashman was a born theater maker. “Howard loved to tell stories, and my job as his kid sister was to be his best audience.” He would wear a bath towel as a turban, turn his toy soldiers, cowboys and Indians into characters from his imagination, painting them, dressing them with tissue, sprinkling them with glitter. As a boy, he created musicals in which he enlisted every child in the neighborhood, and as a teenager “musicalized everything,” including laundry lists, “as a hobby.” He met his first boyfriend, Stuart White, at a summer theater program, and they attended graduate school in theater together at Indiana University (initially as an actor), moved to New York, where a few years later they became co artistic directors of the Off-Off Broadway WPA Theater.

Howard Ashman and Al Menken

His first collaboration with Alan Menken was at the WPA, where he conceived, directed and wrote the lyrics for a musical adaptation of Kurt Vonnegut’s novel “God Bless You, Mr. Rosewater” It moved Off-Broadway, where critic Walter Kerr trashed it and it wound up “less successful commercially,” as Ashman puts it politely, in one of the many, many moments in the documentary in which he’s speaking directly to the camera (much of it likely to be interviews over the years promoting his latest project.) All of this we learn in the first 20 minutes of “Howard,” and feels like the prelude to a story about a creative and tenacious life in the theater, especially since it’s followed by an absorbing account of his adaptation of the B picture “Little Shop of Horrors” into musical theater. Ashman saw the show as “the dark side of Grease,” and designed it to be both a conventional musical comedy and a parody of one. As he explains: Just like the female characters in My Fair Lady and Brigadoon sing about what she wants, so does Audrey, except she sits on a trashcan and what she wants is a toaster and a garbage compactor. But the bulk of “Howard” is the story of Ashman’s work on the three hit animated Disney movies. A story told on Disney+ that focuses on Disney products can feel uncomfortably at times like self-promotion. But it is to Disney’s credit that “Howard” is also upfront about Ashman’s gay life, and about the horrors and the stigma of the epidemic that killed him. There is much in the documentary about his relationships, first with Stuart White, which ended because White was drinking too heavily and sleeping around, while Ashman wanted a spouse – which he found with architect Bill Lauch, who is one of the main narrators of the documentary. If Ashman outwardly rejected Broadway — or, as he might have seen it, Broadway rejected him – it’s exciting to see the ways he transferred its lessons to a different medium. One animator on “The Little Mermaid” explains how Ashman told them that Ariel needed a “want” song. “We didn’t have a clue about that stuff.” It’s thrilling to see Angela Lansbury and Jerry Orbach performing the soundtrack of “Beauty and the Beast” live in a studio with a full orchestra – “like a Broadway cast album,” as the film’s director Kirk Wise. It’s stunning to learn that the Oscar-winning songwriter wrote his last lyrics while in the hospital bed where he died. For more about Howard Ashman, check out HowardAshman.com

Howard on Disney Plus: The Broadway talent who rejected Broadway “The last great place to do Broadway musicals is in animation,” says Howard Ashman, in “Howard,” a new documentary on Disney+ that offers a simultaneously sad and inspiring look at Ashman’s life, his work, and his death from AIDS at the age of 40 in 1991.