#but about roller coasters getting rebuilt

[asterisk-666666]

Augh I made the most heartbreaking (but also weirdly funny) and absurdly niche pair of characters possible and I’m way too attached their dynamic already

[ivnscribbles]

being back at college has gotten me a tad stressy so did some headshots of some characters from a lil story idea i've got. yahoo. I am about to go off in the tags.

[occatorcreator]

Second Chances

Links - 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6

5 - Difficult Reconciliation

After the fight, Purple just wishes to forget everything about his old friends. Easier said than done when all he finds is reminders of them everywhere and he's lonelier then ever. Perhaps there is still time to reconcile?

The first thing Purple did when he got home was destroy the portal frame. If they had decided to break it off, then he did not want them back for any surprise visits.

He blocked their number too, once they began bombarding him with texts.

The villagers watched on as he stomped about in rage, like a stick figure possessed, and gave him a wide berth. Purple made avoiding him easier for them by digging straight down into the desktop until he hit the mines, wanting monsters to fight.

Instead, he landed on the tracks of Yellow’s roller coaster. He remembered how excited Yellow was to show them all their elaborate coaster, practically shoving Purple in the front seat in their excitement. The utter joy on everyone’s faces burned in his memory.

Purple kicked a track piece so hard it reverted it back into an item, and he tore off into a random direction in the caves, far from Yellow’s memory.

Once he got his mindless slaughter out of his system, he returned to the surface with more gunpowder, rotten flesh, and bones than he really knew what to do with. He climbed up towards the castle, wishing to return these kills in his chest and to flop on his bed. Yet everywhere he looked around, he saw those little added touches to his village: the lovely rebuilt tower Green decorated, the redstone elevators Yellow set up for the villagers, the lush farms and animal pens Blue and Red took care of…

“Remove it,” Purple said to the villagers in his throne room many days later.

“Remove it?” A villager asked, “but why? Lord Purple, what happened?”

“Do you question your Lord?” Purple snapped. “I said to remove it.”

The villagers turned to mutter to each other, not doing as he ordered them, and he felt his anger rising.

“I said to remove it all!” Purple snapped. “Everything that they crafted is polluting our village!”

“But, your friends made these gifts for us…”

“They’re not my friends anymore! They abandoned us,” Purple said, reveling in the shocked gasps of the crowd. “I no longer wish to be associated with them. And if they dare set foot in the village, detain them.”

“But, why would they abandon you?” Another villager asked, several more chimed in in disbelief. “Purple, surely, we could speak with them!”

“That’s Lord Purple to you, and there is nothing left to discuss!” Purple snapped, standing up sharply, “I’m going out on a supply run, and if I don't find everything removed by the time I get back, then I will be sentencing people to exile!”

He marched past the crowds and back into the mines again. He longed to go to the nether, but he couldn’t risk making a portal now, just in case the others come entering the portal later.

Not like they haven’t tried making their own, Purple thought, they have the means to, yet they never tried. I guess that shows that they didn’t really care.

He wondered if Minecraft had other places to portal to, take him somewhere that didn’t have any connections to his former friends. He’d need to research it, but the thought of researching felt taxing at the moment. 

When he surfaced with diamonds, he discovered that the villagers honored his request and had removed all the additions the gang had made.

“We did as you ordered, my lord,” the villager said, though they did not hide their displeasure from him. “Is it to your liking now?”

No, Purple thought with a heavy heart, I don’t get it. Seeing it hurt… but seeing it all stripped away…

“It’s satisfactory,” he bit out, trying to sound pleased, “I’ll be in my room now.”

He lay in bed, staring at his ceiling and finding no rest. He could hear the phantoms screeching outside…

=

“Purple, I got an email from someone named Alan Becker,” Alana asked on the rare day she checked in, “He was asking if you were doing okay?”

While the number was blocked, there were other ways to contact the computer he was on. Purple wondered if the Animator actually sent something or if it was Green or Yellow instead.

“I’m fine,” Purple lied as he wrote.

“Are you and your friends getting along?” Alana typed, “He asked if you could go to their computer to chat.”

“Some other time,” Purple said, not wanting to admit to Alana of his loss of his friends. “I’m busy.”

“If you say so…”

“Also! Don’t open any attachments from him?” Purple added, “stick figures sometimes try to sneak on and… that can be dangerous.”

“Ok? I guess I’ll tell him to triple check before he sends,” Alana typed and then left.

After that, Purple didn’t hear much activity from them. He focused on researching other dimensions in Minecraft. There was a place called ‘The End’ and there was a final boss to fight, a dragon. He went to work prepping a way to go to the End and fight the dragon, desiring to take its coveted egg as a prize. Yet, despite his new goal to distract him, he found it a chore to prepare for it. Minecraft lost its luster without looking forward to what challenge Green came up with or what exploit Yellow would find in the code or Red’s humorous attempts of acrobatics or Blue’s rather bizarre, yet creative use of potions…

The prospect of fighting the dragon all by himself left him feeling adrift.

“Is this what you felt, mom, when dad left?” He asked out loud one day, when he was the most alone. The villagers have been keeping their distance from him ever since they tore down the village’s amenities, and he found himself equally detached from the cold place his village became. All he had left was himself to talk to.

“There were ups and downs,” he admitted, “it was the longest I ever had friends. With people that chose to be with me…”

He felt his eyes burn, but he refused to cry. He wouldn’t be like Orchid, sobbing after Navy when he marched out the door.

“I guess that is it then,” Navy said, “I’m leaving.”

Purple gasped at the memory, for the last words Navy ever said to them sounded painfully familiar.

“No…” Purple muttered, shaking his head in realization, “that– Was this how dad felt? Because he walked away… I walked away… I even repeated what he said…”

He never considered how his father felt that day. He didn’t want to because how could Navy’s feelings matter more than his mother’s tears and his own grief. Yet suddenly, in that moment, he realized that, perhaps, Navy was just as frustrated and hurt like Purple was towards his own friends. Perhaps he was frustrated that the relationships with his wife and kid were not going how it should have, that he could have felt lost as he became unable to connect with Purple or Orchid.

Purple wondered if Navy chose to walk away and never look back because he couldn’t handle the heartbreak. Did Navy ever miss Purple, despite being the one to walk away, just like how Purple missed his old friends?

“What have I done?” Purple whispered, the tears he suppressed were free falling, “Mom, I wish you were here. I still don’t know if what I’m doing is the right option. I felt awful, but…”

Should he reach out to them? Could he rebuild the village? Or was it too late?

Purple was scared. He just sat there paralyzed.

No, do the thing Navy couldn’t do, he told himself, reach out to them.

He took out his phone and unblocked the number.

‘hey it’s me. i needed some time to process and im sorry. for walking out like i did. if you guys still want to talk it out, could you come to my computer?’

He then shoved it back in his pocket and waited for a response. He waited, he paced, he waited some more. When he could no longer bear to, he checked the group chat. It was on read, but there was no response. Even after the next day, and the day after that. None of them reached out.

His heart broke to pieces. He was too late.

Then again, if Navy texted me out of the blue, Purple thought, arms going limp to his side, I don’t think I would want to respond either.

=

Purple was geared up. He built the ender frames beneath his castle, hidden by a redstone door. He had all the supplies, enchantments, and potions to help him with his fight.

His goal was to kill the dragon, grab its egg and… well, he hadn’t figured out what to do with step three yet. All the egg would be would be bragging rights.

Bragging rights to who? To the villagers who hate you? He thought, to your nonexistent friends?

He took a breath and bade his villagers goodbye. He heard the end dimension was vast so he would be gone for longer than usual.

He approached his redstone door and raised his fist to knock--

“Let go of us!”

Green? Purple stopped and turned around.

“It’s us! Green and Blue!” Blue shouted. “Why are you grabbing us?”

Purple raced over to see the villagers grabbing at them. 

“Wait! Let them go!” he demanded.

The villagers and stick figures stopped in their struggles and looked at Purple in shock and confusion. “My Lord, what about your orders?”

“Orders?” Green demanded.

“I changed my mind,” Purple said, “Let them go.”

And with that the villagers let them go, causing them to drop on the floor. Green and Blue pushed themselves up and dusted off the grime. Purple could feel his heart hammering wildly, though he kept a calm expression.

“I didn’t expect you to be back,” Purple said after a moment.

“We got your text a while back,” Blue said.

“You took a while,” Purple said, “I thought you didn’t want to talk.”

“Gee, I wonder why?” Green snapped. “You ghosted us for weeks and now you want to talk? You know we could have returned it in kind.”

“Green, please,” Blue said, before Purple could open his mouth, “remember what I said? We’re here to talk, not fight.”

“Where are Red and Yellow?” Purple asked.

Green and Blue shrugged. “I remember seeing them chilling on our web page last I checked,” Blue said.

“Yeah, and I caught her,” Green jabbed a finger at Blue, “building a portal to get to you. Without telling us!”

“If you didn’t want to come, you could have stayed back at the desktop,” Blue huffed.

“I didn’t want to see you get into trouble,” Green said, crossing his arms.

Already this was a messy start. Only Blue came to reach out?

“I wish everyone was here,” Purple said, shuffling his feet, “I need to talk to you all… about my behavior that day.”

To that he saw Green and Blue’s shoulders droop, if only slightly. Blue appeared the most saddened while Green’s expression was eerily cold.

“It hurt, you know,” Blue confessed.

“I know,” Purple said.

“We missed you,” Blue said, “We all did.”

Purple couldn’t help himself, bitterness let out. “It didn’t feel like you did to me.”

Green turned around sharply, moving to leave but Blue grabbed his arm and halted him. He resisted only a bit against her grasp, but he had no fight in him.

“Doesn’t feel like you missed us either!” Green snapped, voice warbling, “I almost wanted to rush here the moment I saw that text, but I didn’t know how it would go! And now that I have, I see–” he looked helplessly around, “–everything is different! You really removed everything we built here?”

Purple cringed, unable to say anything to that observation.

His silence only caused Green to hang his head in disappointment. “This was a mistake. We shouldn’t have come, Blue,” Green said, ripping his arm out of her grasp.

“Wait, please,” Purple reached his arm out. “I really want to talk to all of you. I made some bad decisions when I left, and you all need to hear it. Blue, can you reach out to Red and Yellow? Ask them to come here?”

“And we’ll talk it out?” Blue asked.

“I will. Promise.” Purple said, crossing his heart.

There was tension, both looking to Green for a response. Green still had his back turned away from them. Then he sighed and pulled his phone to text something.

“They’re not answering yet. Yellow’s laptop probably isn’t nearby,” Green said, “it’ll be awhile.”

So they needed to wait, which would be awkward with just the three of them standing here. Purple looked at the door he was about to enter.

“Say, I guess until they text us back, do you want to do something with me?”

Green shot Purple a weary look while Blue shuffled, unsure.

“What did you have in mind?” Blue asked.

=

Maybe fighting a dragon boss should have waited after the talk. Turns out trying to fight while you were recovering from one with your party made fighting in a coordinated fashion impossible. Somehow, Green ended up on top of the dragon and was steering it off into the void, while Blue and Purple hung by a fishing rod beneath it.

Purple could see that the egg had spawned once the dragon was out of bounds.

Great! We just need to somehow fly back, grab it, and close that portal! Purple thought. But how do we–

SMACK

Purple and Blue hit the mast of a hovering ship. How convenient! Blue quickly discovered the switch to pilot the ship and pursue the dragon, while Purple found the elytra wings in the hull after dodging a shukler’s attack.

“Purple, help me tie the rod to the boat!” Blue shouted.

“On it!” Purple ran up and helped Blue tug the fishing rod around the mast.

“I’m going to reverse it and keep the dragon from those pillars,” Blue said, yanking the lever back.

“Right, then I can get the egg with these on,” Purple said, flapping the wings on his back.

Blue frowned, looking upward at Green and the dragon. “But what about-”

Blue didn’t get to finish her statement before Green was sent down careening into Blue’s arms.

“Ow,” he groaned, rubbing his head.

“Okay, I’m going!” Purple said.

He made it a point to not look down in the void below. If the wings didn’t work, he’d know for certain. He’d rather not psyche himself out. He leapt off the ship, the wind roaring in his ears as he flew across the void towards the End Island.

Yes! It’s working! Purple grinned at the way the wings swooped. That egg is mine!

“Purple!”

Blue’s distressed scream paused Purple in his flight. His wings flapped wildly, trying to stabilize as the dragon swooped right above his head, untethered.

The dragon’s free? What happened to the boat?

There was no boat, somehow it was all gone. Only Blue and Green remained, floating and clinging to each other for dear life.

“Please help!” Blue yelled, “We don’t have much time!”

Time seemed to slow down, and in that split second, Purple entertained the thought of leaving them to grab the egg. If he didn’t, then the dragon would guard the entrance, possibly killing all three of them. Besides, death wasn’t permanent in Minecraft, they’d just respawn…

But that would require turning his back on them. If he chose the egg over them, then he’d be telling them that their friendship is truly over. There would be no apology, there would be no reconciliation.

Really, there is only one right option, Purple thought.

He dove after them.

Time resumed as normal and he saw them drop suddenly. He went down and clasped Green’s outstretched hand. Green and Blue smiled up at him in relief, but then the moment the effect wore off and their weight dragged him down. Purple tried to flap his wings, but it was clear that it couldn’t handle the weight of three stick figures without any momentum.

No, no, no! Purple strained as they fell down towards the void below. Not like this! Not like this!

Then, suddenly, he felt hands clasp his ankles, and they stopped with a painful jerk. The sudden stop almost had Purple drop Green and Blue, and he dug his nails into Green’s arms in his panic. 

“Good catch, Red!” Blue shouted.

“You are so lucky we were able to reach you!” Red said, with a strained voice.

Purple craned his neck back. He couldn’t see well, but he saw Red was holding him by his feet, while Yellow held her by her torso.

Is that the entire village? Purple thought, noticing a long chain of villagers holding Yellow and on to each other. The whole village saved them from certain death.

“Pull us up!” Purple didn’t bother to mask his panic. “Hurry, hurry! I can’t hold them much longer!”

They were quick to heed his warning, pulling them out from the gaping void that called them below. Upon meeting the obsidian stone, Purple plopped face down on its surface, gasping for breath. He did not let go of Green’s arm, even now that Green and Blue were safe.

“Oh, cursors! Are you all okay?” Yellow asked, picking Blue up to her feet.

“Yeah, shaky, but not hurt,” Blue said.

“I’m glad Yellow checked his laptop,” Red helped Green to his feet. “We might not have made it.”

“Thanks for the help,” Green said. As he stood, he lifted Purple to his feet. He looked at Purple, relief without his guarded expression from earlier. “You too. You saved us!”

“Hardly, I couldn’t even lift you,” Purple said, shaking his head.

“Nah, it was good that you grabbed them!” Yellow said, “I think if you didn't, we wouldn’t be able to reach them when they fell.”

That made Purple feel all the more shakier. Because he could see where he did that, leaving them behind...

“Well, now that you’re all here, I wanted to say–”

The dragon let out a bellowing roar, halting any attempts of starting his apology. The dragon was perched around the portal, guarding its egg. The villagers were starting to sweat, ill equipped to handle a dragon.

“Yeah, we’ll talk later,” Blue said, “We need to get everyone else out and the dragon is blocking the way.”

“What do we do?” Yellow asked, pulling out their sword, “You have any plans?”

“We tried steering it away from here and doing some damage,” Green said, “but those crystals heal it.”

“Are you unable to break them?” Red asked.

There was a beat of silence and Green let out a beleaguered sigh. “No, we didn’t even try to break them.”

“Look, our main goal is to leave,” Purple said, “We need to get the dragon distracted and that’s easier said than done with it guarding its egg.” He snapped his fingers, “If we move the egg, then surely the dragon would move out of the way!”

“So, we need to somehow grab the egg and play keep-away long enough for everyone to go back home?” Yellow said.

“Yeah. Yellow and Red, you focus on getting the villagers back in the portal,” Purple said, “Green, you and I will play keep away with the egg, while Blue can take out the crystals with her bow. Does that sound good?”

This wasn’t Purple’s first time sharing a plan of his, but it was after their break up. He really didn’t expect to see the determination and trust in their gazes as they acknowledged his plan.

“I’ll follow your lead,” Green said. 

And, with that, Purple climbed up to a nearby tower while Green and the others waved and distracted the dragon on the ground. Once its head turned, exposing the egg, Purple flew down  to grab at it, only for it to vanish upon contact.

“Wha? Where did it go?”

No one had time to answer him as the dragon knocked Purple across the island. The dragon too was moving about frantically, looking for the disappeared egg. Its large feet and tail made the ground tremble and crushed several endermen in the process. When it found nothing but angry endermen biting its heels, it took up to the sky flapping around and looking down from an aerial view.

“Now’s your opportunity! Go!” Purple called to the villagers, wheezing as he stood up. While Red and Yellow focused on getting the villagers through to the portal, he kept his eyes up at the soaring dragon.

“Found the egg!” Green called.

“Wait, don’t touch it!“

But Green already grabbed it, and the egg ended up teleporting right into the path of a villager and tripping them. The dragon swooped down, its breath swirling in its jaws.

“Nevermind! Touch it! Get it away!” Purple screamed, running towards the egg.

Red was closer and touched it. The egg vanished, but the dragon was already sending out its breath attack. Purple was sure that he would see the villager and Red both burn before him.

Kaboom!

An explosion rang from above and the dragon flinched in pain, changing the course of its attack and narrowly missing Red and the villager. Blue had moved closer to the center, firing down the crystals with quick precision. Every healing beam that exploded caused the dragon to flinch in pain.

“Thanks, Blue!” Purple said, helping Red hustle the villager back in the portal.

“That’s everyone!” Yellow shouted.

“Get in! We’ll follow!” Purple said, shoving Red right in the portal.

Red opened her mouth, about to argue, only to disappear as her leg touched the portal.

“Gah- uh- alright?” Yellow looked from the portal to Purple before following after Red.

Purple turned, seeing Green and Blue surrounded by the dragon’s breath. The dragon had landed before them and was swiping at them with its claws.

No! They won’t be able to dodge for long! Purple thought and looked around for the egg. Luckily, he found it by a pillar further away from Green and Blue. Purple raced next to it and pulled out his bow.

“Hey, ugly!” Purple yelled as he fired an arrow at the dragon. It landed its target and caused the dragon to turn to Purple. It let out a fearsome growl as it saw Purple by its egg and armed with a flint and steel. “Stay away my friends or else the egg gets poached!”

The dragon roared again, charging down at Purple, breath streaming.

“Purple!” Green cried, “No!”

“Run to the portal, you fools! Go!” Purple snapped, turning heel as he ran away from the dragon too. “I’ll see you at my castle!”

He meant it, but he was too slow to run to the portal; the dragon fired its breath and consumed him. The burning stung painfully, but without any armor, death found Purple quickly.

Death in a game was like a blink. There was pain, confusion, the moment where things were still before resuming at a bed like it was all a dream. He hated it, for that moment in between death and respawning, he was in the void of falling petals.

So stupid! He closed his eyes. Did I make the right call?

A petal touched his head, and Purple swore it felt like a hand petting his head.

“Don’t keep your loved ones waiting.”

“Mom?” Purple said, opening his eyes. But he was back in his bed. Items were gone, and so was the pain.

Quickly, he sprung out and raced back to where his portal was. He had to make sure, did Green and Blue make it?

There was a large crowd before him, Red and Yellow towering over them all. Purple craned his neck and let out a sigh of relief when he saw Green and Blue with them.

“You made it!” Purple couldn’t help but smile. “You all made it out!”

Everyone turned around to Purple, silence falling amongst everyone as they stared in shock.  Then, with a burst of speed Green raced up and tackled Purple in a tight hug. Blue, Yellow, and Red joined in, causing everyone to fall on the ground with a thud.

“You're okay! You’re okay!” Blue sobbed.

“Don’t you ever sacrifice yourself like that again!” Green yelled, and sure enough, Purple could feel his tears wiped in his shoulders.

“You absolute mad lad!” Yellow croaked. “You saved everyone from a dragon!”

“Y-yeah, erm,” Purple was overwhelmed by their hugs. “Could you stop crushing me? It might kill me again.”

The pressure was relieved as Purple was pulled to his feet. Their hands didn’t leave him, rubbing his back and arms, as if to assure themselves nothing was wounded or broken.

“That was so scary,” Red said, “Thank goodness for respawns!”

“Yeah,” Purple looked around, seeing his villagers crowding around as well, looking to see if Purple was okay through the stick figures surrounding him.

“To Lord Purple!” A villager exclaimed.

“To Lord Purple!” The chorus of voices joined in.

The warmth in their voices that he thought lost returned. Purple felt like crying himself.

“So, since everyone is here, can we talk?” Purple eyed his villagers. “Alone?”

=

They were in his room. Purple set up some logs for them to sit on. Now that the adrenaline wore off, the atmosphere felt awkward again. Red’s leg was bouncing, and Yellow shifted in their seat nervously. Blue was slumped in her seat, exhausted, while Green was still as stone.

No one looked each other in the eye.

“I guess I’ll start,” Purple said, “I am terrible with apologies, but you guys needed better than me just… walking out.”

He paused, in case any of them had a question. Instead, they watched, quietly awaiting his response.

“I… I want to explain something. I was… jealous of your friendship with Orange,” Purple admitted. It was stilted, finding the words felt like pulling barbed wires from his chest. How it tore his heart. “Yellow told me that they were someone you’ve met before you met me. They were important to you. So when you guys started to hang out with them more often, it felt like I was being ignored.”

Red raised her hand, for once not jumping in like usual. When Purple nodded at her, she asked quietly. “I know I asked this last time, but this is a genuine question: why didn’t you tell us sooner?”

“Look, ever since I was a child, I found it hard to make friends,” Purple admitted, “We moved a lot, and I guess I never learned how to? When I had no clue, I tried to be someone others would like: took on their interests, gave them gifts… but, over time, we ended up disagreeing or I messed up– no, I couldn’t keep pretending to be what they wanted, and we fell out.” He looked at them all with an earnest expression. “You four were the first friends that stuck around me for so long. The first time I didn’t feel like I was pretending. 

“But old habits die hard,” Purple said, gulping, “It’s still hard for me to explain how I feel, because I never say it right. Or my friends hate what I say. It’s easier to avoid. Easier to pretend that I didn’t need you when I felt like I was just the replacement, the second best option to your ‘real’ friend.”

“Purple, no…” Blue was wiping tears away.

“I'm sorry.” Purple sniffed. He held his tears back. “You don’t know how much I regretted cutting you out. I feel rotten for blowing up like that, and I still feel jealous of Orange! So I don’t know if we can be friends after that… I don’t know how to fix this…”

He sniffed again, falling silent. He closed his eyes, awaiting his judgment.

“I’m sorry too,” Green said.

“What?” Purple asked.

“I’m sorry too, because it’s not your fault,” Green said, jawing wiggling, “We noticed you were acting off, but we should have asked. We shouldn’t have neglected you when we met up with Orange again. Because you have always been our friend.”

“We missed you so much,” Yellow said. Purple never saw Yellow cry, even now, but his head was low and eyes glimmering. “We realized we took you for granted. The amount of times I had to stop a redstone project because I thought about how I’d like to show it to you… only to realize you wouldn’t even want to see it and didn’t want to see me, us.” He looked up at Purple. “I’m sorry that I didn’t try harder to reach out to you.”

“I’m sorry, too, for our neglect,” Blue said, struggling to speak, “For us blaming you for how you felt rather than working something out.” 

“I’m sorry, we didn’t tell you how much we love you,” Red said, “Because, Purple, even when we thought you didn’t want to see us again, we still loved you.”

“You still… love me?” Purple said. Now the tears were free flowing. 

“Can we still be friends?” Green asked, standing up, “We all want to do better for you.”

Purple was heaving, overwhelmed by sheer relief that he couldn’t speak. 

So he went up and held Green in a hug. He felt the others reach out and hold him too in a much gentler embrace then before.

Purple confessed after a while. “I love you guys too.”

[bepisbee]

Take me back to eden

based on this post https://www.tumblr.com/c-is-for-circinate/731826400486653952?source=share

“The eyes are the window to the soul, they say. An important part of you. Part of you we brought back haha,” He cupped Shadow’s cheeks in his hands “I am so glad you are here.” Shadow was overwhelmed at the moment in conflicting emotions. “Welcome back.”

Read on Ao3

He was suddenly and painfully, very painfully, aware. Everything was wrong. His body felt too big, he couldn’t get enough air. There were black spots covering the majority of his vision. Shadow's body gasped air into his lungs, retching him upright with the force. Too many things slammed into him at once, his head felt detached from his body and dizzy. If he could see the room would be spinning wildly. Shadow could hear voices but not make out what was being said. Gulping in air fast, then slowly ebbing out to normalcy. It quenched the ache in his chest. The burning sensation faded. Someone was gripping his left hand tightly. Something hard and cold was under him. Stone? As he blinked the black blurred into shapes. Tunnel vision faded as his body finally calmed down. He still felt too big at the moment.

“Can you hear me?” A familiar voice was in his ear, soft and concerned. More mature than he last remembered. Was it possible?? Shadow looked over and met his eyes at last. Unique ice blue as sharp as glass filled his vision. Until it got blurry with tears. There would never be any mistake whose eyes those were. His heart thumped loud in his ears as blood rushed back into his system. Something in the eye contact was beginning to bring up a fight or flight response.

Shadow had a feeling it wasn’t to do with his sudden consciousness.

Vio sat next to him on a hard cold stone floor. Hand interlaced with Shadow’s clawed fingers. Shadow nodded at him yes to the question. Vio being the first sight since he’d died, it made him breathless. It was almost enough to shake off the strange chill that ran up his spine when he met his gaze. Something putting goosebumps and hairs on end in an unfamiliar way. At least the feeling of running from immediate danger had gone away.

“Hey.” Shadow’s voice was rough and dry. His lips stuck a little when he opened them to speak. A shorter version of Vio, wearing a red cat shirt, handed over a glass potion bottle. He took it gratefully. After chugging the refreshing liquid magic he finally realized who was all around him, his senses coming back but by bit. Kneeling down was Red, who gave him the potion. Green, a little ways back standing up. Blue halfway between, watching. He couldn’t read their expressions from here. Vio. His beautiful Vio. His dry lips split as he smiled to his eyes. Shining bright and pretty as ever. Vio melted.

“The eyes are the window to the soul, they say. An important part of  you. Part of you we brought back haha,” He cupped Shadow’s cheeks in his hands “I am so glad you are here.”

Shadow was overwhelmed at the moment in conflicting emotions.

“Welcome back.”

Shadow was now sitting on a large old jean blue couch. Its cushions restuffed (overstuffed) to pure comfort. The small home was new to him of course. As was everything inside it. It had been a few days since he woke up and things had been a roller coaster. After some serious private conversation with Vio, they had decided on a trial relationship. There were many things to air out between them and trust to rebridge. Shadow tucked himself up, knees underneath like a cat loaf. He was wearing Vio’s ratty black hoodie. He had said it was a five “ex el” so it was ginormous on them both. Shadow had a lot to learn about the world. It had been interesting enough when he barely saw it but now that he had the time? Technology amazed him, as limited as they had right now.

Vio had explained they owned a cottage in Faron Woods. Well he did anyways. The others lived in Hyrule City, where they could walk to work at the castle. They had rebuilt and recovered quite well. Shadow hummed in thought, looking down at the bowl of stew in his hands. It has been ten years so it wasn't surprising life was normal again. Vio claimed to be a potion curator. Creator, herbalist, and magic influencer. He seemed hesitant to talk in detail about it.

Steam rose up from the bowl. Shadow needed to get used to this whole eating thing. The others were currently working on projects, (Blue and Green), cooking, (Red, who had woken him for this delicious smelling meal) or somewhere. He wasn't actually sure where Vio was at the moment.

He had been getting a nagging feeling they weren’t telling him something. Everyone on the surface was smiling, laughing, talking, and teaching. There was something in it though. Smiles that didn’t quite reach their eyes, nervous glances at each other when they don't think he’s looking. Not to mention how cold he felt down his spine when making eye contact with Vio. Shadow had been doing his best to put it aside. How would he even ask something like that without making it sound bad?

“ -ot feeling stew or too hot?” Shadow jumped, startled at Vio’s sudden voice. Speak of the devil.

“Ha sorry.” He laughed it off. He genuinely was happy to see him. “Just thinking about you actually,“ he put the bowl down on the coffee table in the middle and patted the seat next to him. Vio sat, one long graceful leg over the other. A strange chill filled the air again.

“What've you been up to? I couldn’t find ya.” Shadow leaned against him barely. Vio leaned back. They were still learning each other's boundaries and touch starvation made things complicated on both ends.

Shadow’s skin felt warm and tingly where they made contact.

“I’m sorry, I got lost in some research. You know me and books.” He nervously tucked some hair behind his pointed ear. A habit he had picked up a while ago.

“Down in your super secret locked basement of doom?” Shadow teased. It had 5 deadbolts and a magic seal. His memory of waking up was hazy enough he knew it was downstairs, but not much else about it.

“There’s dangerous equipment and ingredients. Red spilled something once and burned a hole in the floor.” Vio smiled fondly. “I’ll spend all of tomorrow with you, to make up for it.” the blonde hesitated a little before running a hand through his purple locks. “How about a little bath? I have these soap things that we call bath bombs.”

“Bath bombs??” Shadow perked up. He liked explosives.

“You put them in water and they… well you’ll see it.” Vio chuckled at his excitement. “They are surprisingly easy to make…” he began talking about how to make the soaps, scents, and compress it. Shadow sort of listened. The longer he sat close to Vio the more he noticed the slightly off smell. Not bad or stinky necessarily, just different. Usually it was his lavender soap, maybe some incense. Today it was different. It reminded him of the dark world portals he used to plague the world with. Strange herbs and weird fire. Shadow mentally shook it out of his head. There was no way. He must just be thinking about the past too much.

Shadow helped clean up some dishes, much to his grumbling. Red claimed it was to help him get better with helping people. While he was washing, hands all full of soap he had an idea. He grinned and slowly snuck up behind the red hero bubbles a plenty. Just as he was about to prank he noticed: the distant look. Red’s eyes were flat, plain, no light. Just staring off creepily. An offset frown on his face. It was the first he had ever seen a frown on Red, even during their adventure. Shadow paused for too long getting his attention.

“O-oh! Sorry! Did you need something?” Red went back to his cheery self but it was empty. Shadow shook his head and went back to the sink. That really weirded him out.

“I'm going to go to bed soon, I think Vio said for you to meet him in the bath when you were done? G'night shadow! ~’

“Alright!” He called back to his retreating form. “Erm- thanks!” Shadow remembered. They had tried to teach him about politeness. Whatever was going on with them he did not want to rock the boat.

Shadow kept replaying the odd scenarios over and over. He finished setting all the dishes on a drying rack and let the water go down the drain. “Fuck. I’m sure it’s just me…” shadow took a deep breath and headed over down the hall. It started smelling very strong like soap and herbs.

He gently opened the bathroom door. No he did not open the wrong door first and blush about it, thank you very much.

Vio was waiting for him, reading while sitting on a counter. “Ah! Hey,” he put it away. “Good timing.” The bath was luxurious! A giant tub that you feel the warm water of making the room humid. He handed Shadow a small chalky ball that was purple and dried but with something inside. Flower petals?? 

“Hey,” Shadow looked it over and was about to lick it.

“Do not!” Vio laughed. “You put it into the water.”

“I know!” Shadow flushed. He did not know. He stepped over and put it in. It seemed to spark to life. The tiny ball started fizzing and rolling around in the hot tub water. “Woaaah!” It started to turn it into a deep purple color that sparkled. The tiny petals floating at the top. It smelled of lilac and honey.

Vio put a hand on his shoulder. “If you step in, I’ll wash you?” Vio looked a bit uncomfortable and vulnerable. This was a big step for them. This almost felt more intimate than some of the things he’d read in Vio’s secret book stash.

Shadow did as told. Thankful Vio had turned around while he derobed. He almost missed the cute blush on his face. The blonde only turned around when he heard Shadow stop moving. “This is so warm!” He sank into bliss. Vio knelt down by the edge and rolled up his sleeves. It was almost scandalous. He never showed any skin afterall. There were some battle scars but not anything that seemed too concerning.

They spent the next while talking while Vio washed his hair and showed him to clean up. As peaceful and serene this moment was, an anxiety formed in his gut. Shadow tried to push it down but it just would not go away. Vio seemed to be the only color fully presently aware when making eye contact. That was almost worse. It felt intense, like a predator about to strike. And he knew that feeling, for Hylia’s sake he had a dragon! Shadow’s shoulders remained tense.

“It’s alright if this is too much for you,” The ever observant Vio noticed. “I can stop-”

“No! No- I uhhh…” shadow raised his wet hands up. “I'm just not used to this sorta thing!”

“If you're sure… I think it’s probably time to get out and dry anyway. The water is turning cold.” Vio stood up. “There's a plug in the bottom can you reach? You just pull it out.” He turned to grab a fluffy towel from the small cupboard. Shadow leaned down and did so. A sharp spike of fear struck his back upright afterwards for showing his back to Vio. But when he looked, he was still in the cupboard fiddling until he found a black towel. Shadow let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding and stood up carefully. He was warned the water was slippery.

Shadow took the offered towel and dried up, the wrapped it around his waist haphazardly. He had no idea what he was doing and the panic was rising as much as he tried to bottle it up. Something wasn’t right. It was awkwardly quiet on the walk to their room. Him and Vio shared since there were only two in the small cottage. The others were sharing the guest room and rotating who slept on the couch.

They changed into pajamas avoiding eye contact. Shadows of course was just some of Vio’s old clothes. When he brought up shopping (stealing really) something for his own it was shut down hard. Faster than reasonable honestly. More so about going into the city. Shadow supposed it was reasonable, he did terrorize them after all. But it had also been ten years since, and surely no one would question their heroes?

They slipped into the bed and eventually Vio fell asleep.

It had been very hard for Shadow to sleep next to him. At first he thought it was lingering feelings over Vio’s betrayal. He was sure that was still part of it. But not all.

It must have been well past midnight when Shadow snuck up. Careful not to disturb Vio, he crept downstairs. He needed to know. He wrapped the loose long edges of Vio’s sweater around his palms in comfort as he slowly walked to the basement door. Tunnel vision prevented any other thought. Need to see, need to know. He reached up and undid all the locks. It was just his pure luck that this night Vio had forgotten to reseal the magic. Maybe it was him sitting on the couch? Or a slip of carelessness. It didn’t matter. The door opened. It was darker than the abyss that had trapped him so many years.

His mind whirled back to that first day. Less than a week ago now, that still felt like years. Just out of reach. It smelled the same as Vio had when he approached earlier. Like dark magic.

Shadow took each step down slowly, unsure in the darkness. Feeling the walls as he went for any sort of switch or even a candle. He found one at the base of the steps. It flickered the overhead light in a dingy barely lit yellow. It flickered and buzzed. The room of course was made of stone, as most basements were. There was a small white container in the corner, shelves upon shelves of things, a cauldron in the middle. Jars of specimens, parts, preserved roots, all things that would seem normal for an alchemist to have, lined the shelves and table. It was creepy but not out of the ordinary. He noticed drag lines near the bookshelf. Way to make your secret liar obvious, Vio. He smiled a little. It gave him nostalgia. As he pulled aside the shelf he found another room. There was no stash or storage. It looked savage and It all came back to him at once. This was the room he woke up in. He could feel the unnaturally cold hard floor. It was a giant mirror surface, or at least appeared to be. Shiny inky blackness of a dark mirror on the floor. A circle with some kind of writing he didn’t recognize the language of sat in the middle. He had enough experience to know that it was dried blood that spelled out whatever ritual he had been part of. Shadow’s whole body felt cold. This entire room, the second he stepped into it, felt absolutely utterly wrong. He had been in the presence of evil, hells he was evil until very shortly to the end of his life! This was something darker. More malicious. The floor under him swirled about not acknowledging his presence.

A sharp chill shocked his spine. Something was wrong. He felt watched. That first instinct he had had on this floor: the fight or flight. It was kicking in and he was freezing instead.

In hindsight, VIo thought, he should have double checked the door as he usually did. Tonight he was just so ecstatic that Shadow seemed more reciprocating to his touch and advances. He just didn't think about it. His revived partner was happy, warm, in his clothes. Vio’s breath came quicker now, looking around. Shadow wasn’t in bed, wasn’t in the bathroom, or the kitchen. Options to where he could be were running slim and he didn’t like the odds. He glanced over now, at the partially ajar basement door. Shit.

Shadow meanwhile looked around in paranoia. He shuddered and when he turned to look again from the corner of his eye he saw eyes watching him inside the mirror. He quickly faced them as they disappeared. Whose were those?? It happened again. Lingering longer than last time. Three pairs stayed this time. He couldn't look away. It was Link. Or well, his parts anyways. Something clicked for him.

He wasn’t sure why but something Vio had said to him after waking up.

“The eyes are the window to the soul, they say.”

What had he done?

As true panic began to set in, making him hyperventilate, a sudden force knocked his world into blackness.

Shadow woke up the next  morning with a minor headache and a start. “Ha! Whuh??” He looked around. His movement woke a bleary-eyed Vio in the process.

“Huh? Whas?” Vio mumbled rubbing his eyes and sitting up. “Ok?”

“Oh.” Everything felt fine. He was exactly where he had been the night before. Vio was where he had been when he fell asleep. Fell asleep?? When did he fall asleep?

“Are you alright Shadow? You were kicking in your sleep, was it a nightmare? I’m sorry, maybe I should have woken you… but I’ve read it’s better to let nightmares sort themselves out…” Vio sleepily supplied. Shadow started. A nightmare…. Of course! That’s why his brain was foggy about what he saw. There was no way the other colors would have let Vio make a giant floor dark mirror in his basement, let alone sacrifice their own souls to bring him back.

“Sorry. I… I don’t even really remember what it was about now.” He laughed nervously. Vio did not catch onto his lie. “Can we have some of that tea? The Sharp one.”

“Chai?” “Yeah! Ch eye!” Shadow beamed at him, once again stuffing down his body response. Vio smiled back and got up. “I’ll be right back then.” He left to go downstairs.

Shadow let out his breath, his body still tensed up. He knew exactly what happened. He knew it was no dream or nightmare. Maybe one day he would be willing to accept that.

A thought occurred to him though, as VIo left the room. He didn’t remember seeing Green after the first day in the basement. He didn’t remember seeing Blue on the couch where he was supposed to be sleeping last night. He couldn’t hear Red humming from the kitchen today…

Downstairs, the door had a new magical seal on it. This time, to keep anything in rather than out.

Vio glanced only briefly at it, before heading back upstairs. He needed to make sure Shadow couldn’t see them anymore after all. He brought up the tea where Shadow was waiting.

[anxious-witch]

we still can't send asks from sideblogs? okay then

I just came here to say yes hello hi, I used to not care for soulmate fics and only got into them a year or two ago through a soulmate fic in another band fandom that also ripped my heart right out for many tens of thousands of words, and now here I am, feeling like a crushed bug in a useless class, ready to take a nap on the table or floor at 9:30 because I'd had the Inertia tab open for weeks now but always put it off because it was so long already and I didn't have time for it, and said yesterday night when I already should have gone to sleep "I'll just read the first chapter to get into it and then go to sleep" and idk how much later I have suddenly finished the whole fic and went through the full spectrum of human emotions while Jan slowly learns that maybe maybe he can let Nace in and he can talk to his friends about his soulmate troubles and they'll listen and be there for him even if they might metaphorically whack him over the head and tell him he's being a dick, and he's also going to therapy to work towards a better happier life with his friends and Nace as his friend and his soulmate and his boyfriend 🥰🥰🥰🥰

anyway I love so many things in each chapter, I hope I'll have time during the christmas break to go scream in the comments about each chapter and have my heart crushed and rebuilt in each chapter again ❤✨💖🥰🥺🌈

Apparently so, but dw, I also saw your reblog so I do know who you are 🤗

Funnily enough, I used to have a very similar view on soulmate au few years back, until a really good friend of mine didn't write the most heartbreaking soulmate au ever, and it was the best fanfic I read. After that I became kinda obsessed too, so it's nice to know I am participating in the cycle now 😂

Felt you sm about putting off a fic and then once you pick it up just reading it in one breath. I am honored my fic was one of those for you, that's a huge compliment.

I love writing through characters who go through the transformation, even if they only needed to realize they just need to let people care about them instead of pushing them away. For Jan, in this fic that isn't easy, so I'm really glad that roller-coaster of emotions is something that one can feel while reading.

I appreciate every comment so if you do decide to make them about parts you liked the best, that will definitely make me happy but this comment already means so much. Thank you so much for taking the time to let me know you liked my fic ❤️

[dubaiactivities]

Top 10 Free Attractions in Abu Dhabi You Can’t Miss

The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) capital Abu Dhabi is a vibrant metropolis that combines modern sophistication with traditional Arabian culture. Situated on a Persian Gulf island and linked to the mainland, Abu Dhabi functions as the political, industrial and cultural centre of the United Arab Emirates. The city is well known for its explosive growth driven by abundant gas and oil deposits, which have made it a major hub for industry and trade worldwide. Abu Dhabi, which houses the president of the United Arab Emirates and serves as the government's headquarters, is crucial to the political climate of the country and contributes around two thirds of the country's $503 billion GDP.

Abu Dhabi has become a popular tourist and cultural destination in recent years, with a wide range of attractions to suit every taste. With sights like the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the serene Corniche Beach, the city offers a rare combination of contemporary and traditional experiences. The best way to discover the spirit of this amazing city is to take an Abu Dhabi City Tour whether you're seeing its bustling metropolitan areas or learning about its fascinating history.

Here are the Top 10 Free Attractions in Abu Dhabi You Can’t Miss

1. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi:

Situated on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi United Arab Emirates it is a prominent indoor theme park. Being the first Ferrari-themed Park in the world, it offers exhilarating attractions like the Formula Rossa, the fastest roller coaster in the world. After three years of development, the park which was initially demolished by Aldar Properties in 2007 and rebuilt by BESIX Group's Six Construct opened to the public on November 4, 2010. Experience the thrill of Ferrari-inspired rides and attractions with Ferrari world Abu Dhabi Ticket, the ultimate destination for speed and adventure enthusiasts.

2. Warner Bros Abu Dhabi:

Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, the second-largest indoor theme park in the world, is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Miral built it at a cost of $1 billion, incorporating Warner Bros. properties such as Hanna-Barbera, DC Comics, and Looney Tunes. It opened as the third theme park owned by Warner Bros., featuring 29 rides and a variety of entertainment. The first hotel featuring a Warner Bros. motif is the WB Hotel, which is located next door.

3. Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi

The unique display concept of the Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi draws attention to the connections between many civilizations and cultures throughout space and time. A chronological and thematic display that spans multiple historical eras and cultural contexts to provide a thorough examination of world heritage is experienced by visitors. Discover art, history, and culture with Louvre Museum Abu Dhabi tickets—your gateway to a world of global masterpieces.

4. Qasr Al Watan:

A remarkable monument to the history and aspirations of the United Arab Emirates is Qasr Al Watan. This palace offers an engaging experience that highlights the cultural and historical significance of the United Arab Emirates through an interactive journey through governance, knowledge, and craftsmanship. Explore the stunning architecture and cultural treasures of Abu Dhabi's presidential palace with Qasr Al Watan tickets.

5. The Village of Heritage:

Visit Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village to travel back in time and discover its rich past. This cultural institution gives tourists a look into the past of the United Arab Emirates by recreating traditional Emirati living. The village offers a practical look at the simplicity of pre-modern living by showcasing traditional crafts, artefacts from pearl diving, and Bedouin structures. The best aspect is that visiting the Heritage Village is a free and excellent method to learn about the origins of Emirati culture.

6. Yas Marina Circuit:

The Yas Marina Circuit is a great place for fitness fanatics to get their fix of walking, cycling, or running on a world-class Formula 1 track without the cars. The 5.55 kilometre track is free to access, and bikes are also provided without charge as part of the TrainYAS initiative. Although registration is necessary, this is an once-in-a-lifetime chance to partake in a healthy activity and take in the energetic ambiance of a professional racetrack.

7. The Fort of Al Jahili:

Constructed in 1890, the Al Jahili Fort is one of the biggest forts in the United Arab Emirates. A permanent exhibition honouring renowned explorer Sir Wilfred Patrick Thesiger, who made two crossings of the Rub al Khali desert, is housed at this historic site. The fort's stunning, historically accurate Arabian architecture provides a window into the past. Since the Al Jahili Fort admits free visitors, history buffs should not miss it.

8. Hike up Jebel Hafit:

Abu Dhabi's tallest peak Jebel Hafit is 1,249 meters high. There are breath-taking views of Al Ain and the surroundings when hiking up this mountain. The expansive views from the summit provide an ideal background for pictures. If driving is more your style, you can easily get to the summit on foot. You won't want to Miss Jebel Hafit's breath-taking natural splendour and the experience is free in either case.

9. Marina Mall:

Marina Mall offers a variety of complimentary activities in addition to being a retail attraction. There are several entertainment options available at the mall including tramp lining and ice skating. With its exquisite architecture and views of the Persian Gulf, Corniche and Emirates Palace even a leisurely stroll around the mall is a visual feast. Remember to get to the top level for an amazing view of the setting sun.

10. The Beach at Al Bateen:

Al Bateen Beach is the ideal location if you're searching for a tranquil getaway. This calm beach provides a peaceful diversion from the city's bustle because it is less used than other beaches. It's the perfect spot to unwind because of the serene ambiance created by the sound of the waves and far-off birds. The best part is that Al Bateen Beach is totally free to enter making it a must-go to place for everyone looking for peace.

Conclusion:

Abu Dhabi offers tourists a singular combination of experiences that few other cities in the world can match serving as a tribute to the UAE's rich cultural legacy and contemporary aspirations. The city is a goldmine of free attractions that offer a window into the core of Emirati culture, from the breath-taking grandeur of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the serene beauty of its immaculate beaches. Abu Dhabi welcomes you to discover its varied attractions without going over budget whether you're drawn to locations like Heritage Village for their historical significance or Al Bateen Beach for a tranquil getaway.

You may fully immerse yourself in the dynamic life of this remarkable city by starting an Abu Dhabi City Tour. You can take advantage of a multitude of complimentary attractions to fully immerse yourself in Abu Dhabi's offerings, while also being greeted with warm hospitality. Whether you're a history buff a nature lover, or you're just seeking for a quiet getaway, Abu Dhabi promises an amazing trip full of adventures and cultural discoveries.

[roller-coaster-tycoon-classic-95]

Roller Coaster Tycoon Classic: Six Flags Magic Mountain

Well here I am after a 2 year hiatus, I decided to buy the expansion pack and to play with the extra perks. I needed something that was a little familiar to me and something that was more cleaning up a park rather than starting a park from scratch. So I chose SFMM first because I can beat it in 10 seconds (deleting 2 coasters and paying off the loan) and not have to worry about beating a park.

I started by raising the entrance price, making sure there were enough restrooms and food stalls everywhere, as well as making sure there were no dead ends or path traps in the park. I then started going section by section and beautifying the park, deleting paths, making lines neater, even moving rides across the map. I never deleted any rides though, as I wanted to keep all of the same rides in the original park. I did however rebuild rides with different stations, different entrances, even redesigning parts of Flashback and Ninja, and lowering the entire structure of Goliath by 30 feet so its station isn’t as ridiculously high as when you start. Gold Rusher had a major overhaul, redesigning the section before the lift, as well as the long finale so it was more thrilling. I found an odd glitch while rebuilding ninja, when rebuilding it as a new ride, one of its trains would spawn at the bottom of the first drop, valleying it as soon as it spawned. I somehow fixed this by reprofiling the first turn so it would spawn higher up the first drop, completing the circuit. Really strange glitch that I’ve never seen before.

After redesigning the entire park, I started adding to it. I wanted some brand new rides that aren’t at the real park, but I wanted some nods to the current park. There is a green B&M stand up coaster called Saguaro where the Riddler should be, but a different color pallet and a different layout. Next to it is a blue B&M invert where Batman should be, but a different blue with a different layout and theme. There’s a launched shuttle coaster called Full Throttle. Some brand new rides I’ve built are a wooden twister a la gravity group between X and the entrance called Sierra Flyer, a mini launched giga coaster called Grizzly which twist over the rapids ride, an industrial themed wild mouse next to Psyclone, a pirate themed area where the water park should be, including an inverted impulse coaster and a dive coaster, which intermingles with a river raft ride. Next to the pirates area is a castle themed area where the looney toons area should be, I’ve moved some rides around (Ferris wheel now on the mountain) and added new rides including an inverted wild mouse. The final pair of coasters I’ve made are a massive duo of a 200 foot giga coaster called Inferno and its wooden counterpart, Ember. These are built in the very back corner of the park in an odd diagonal patch of land, with Inferno crossing the station of Colossus.

Rides that I did not touch were Colossus, I thought about making it one continuous coaster but I thought that might make the intensity too high. Revolution is the same though I rebuilt it so I could redesign the station. X is untouched but its station scenery design changed. Psyclone is untouched as well, Deja Vu was moved 2 spaces towards the canal so I could fit a plaza in between them.

This park was extremely hard to manage, with only entrance ticket prices making you money, I couldn’t hire a lot of staff, so the paths were regularly a mess, vandalism happened frequently, and people would always get stuck, forcing me to create paths and create new routes all the time. I had to redesign sections for the handymen and mechanics, and I eventually had to hire a couple security guards. The key is keeping the handymen’s sections small, as this park easily could fit 6,000 people in it, so areas can get very messy very quickly. You have to use marketing at almost every moment if you want to get anything done, but it also brings more people in, and people never leave if you keep cash machines around. It’s a rough scenario.

All in all this park was therapeutic for me to build, and I’m very happy with the end result. I loved combing over every inch of this park and making it perfect in my mind. I finished SFMM with 5,800 guests, 65 staff, 60 rides, and 25 coasters (including duplicate/racing coasters).

[larryfanficwriter98]

Ten

*Fake It Until You Make It Real*

-SMEXY TIME NEAR THE END I'LL WARN YOU JUST BEFORE IT STARTS- Also please enjoy my Storytime about this chapter's journey

Let me tell you about the roller coaster that this chapter has been through. I have rewritten this chapter a million and one times in the last few weeks that I honestly have no idea how I finished it. Then right when I got the idea I wanted to stick with my phone BETRAYED ME BY PLAYING GOSPEL MUSIC WHILE WRITING MY SMEX SCENE!!! GOSPEL!!! I was raised catholic though I'm not religious anymore BUT LET ME TELL YOU WHEN THAT WILL THE CIRCLE BE UNBROKEN VERSE CAME ON AS I WROTE ABOUT GAY RIM JOBS!! My grandma probably rolled over in her grave a few times, my lights flickered, my computer went out of sleep mode...y'all made me summon my grandma and that woman does not like me. She opened my closet door and had the nerve to not shut it after she left. My grandma sang that song every morning so that song summons her and it just happens to be the song that plays while I write about one of the many things she did not believe in.

Side note- Not sure if roadblocks are a thing in the UK/Manchester area but in my town there is a roadblock every Friday and Saturday night (obviously except during the pandemic) and when I tell you they will find every drunk driver above the legal limit that is on the main roads I am not exaggerating. So I mentioned them in this chapter because I'm American and that's what I'm use to. Also throughout this story you will notice I go back and forth between UK English and USA English because I try to respect that this is technically based in the UK and they're British and I know a lot of my readers are British, but I am not therefore I use different wording. If you are ever confused and can't find the correct term googling it please comment and I will tell you what it means.

That is all. Enjoy.

On his days off and hours he had to spare during his workdays Harry finished Freddie's bedroom and had went through Maddie's old clothes in her closet that no longer fit. He also had started going through the toy room downstairs digging through the toys from many years ago that he still had that she played with occasionally for a few seconds. He reorganized the toys and space and made sure there was plenty of room for Freddie's toys and future toys he knew he would buy him come Christmas and his birthday. He took down a few old princess dresses that didn't fit and the accessories and made a note in his home journal to ask Maddie if she wanted him to replace them when he spoke to her next. He made little notes as he threw toys in bags or moved larger things out of the room and by the week of Halloween his home was all ready for Louis and Freddie to start moving in. He left his Murano and keys at Louis' place for that week while he took his Audi to and from work for the few days that he worked and the other days he helped Louis and as promised he was the one who took the train table apart and rebuilt it back inside the playroom at his house.

"Come on Louis all five of us are off tomorrow I can call Amy and ask if she can babysit Freddie at my place and we all go there afterwards." Harry begged.

"Harry, I haven't even met Amy yet or talked with Freddie or even had five minutes to think about it. I'm not going to stop you from going out with your friends and if you want to invite Zayn out then go ahead, he'll be all for it. But I just- I haven't been out to a pub in years not like that at least. The last time I left Freddie with anyone other than Zayn or my mom I was given a fifteen-minute lecture about the apparent abuse and neglect I was inflicting on him by being twenty-two and having fun. I just...I don't want to leave him alone and-"

"Louis you are entitled to have fun a few nights. You're allowed to get a babysitter for a night once in a while. Amy is amazing and you will love her instantly and Freddie will like her. You will cause more harm not taking some you time than you will going out once a month to get drunk. We won't even get wasted we'll eat greasy bar food and have a pint or two then go home. I swear to you, you and I will not get drunk if you're worried about not being available for Freddie tomorrow. You're an amazing Papa Louis and I have no doubt a little hangover will never stop you from being there for Freddie but if you want to stay sober then we can."

"I'm not going to make you stay sober just because I am the lamest twenty-four-year-old around."

"You're not lame. You're a parent. A parent with full time custody. I'm not, I don't have all the...precautions and feelings that you do. It's okay to have boundaries with your son, if you don't want us going inside a home, he is at drunk then we won't drink, or Amy can watch him at your place, and you can drop us off at mine then go home. Whatever you want it's fine and we will respect that. You don't have to worry about hurting feelings or sounding lame. Liam and Niall will completely understand if they are limited to one beer. They will respect that."

"It's not that either. I just want to think about it first. Tell you what, tell Amy to call me at my lunch if she can then I'll give you my answer after we talk." Louis said as he unlocked his classroom door before walking to his desk and setting his stuff down.

"Alright. I'm sorry. I just- I think it'll be fun for all five of us to do something before Halloween this weekend. Since you don't have school tomorrow and I'm off until the third and Liam and Niall are off tomorrow, they proposed a night out. It's okay if you don't want to though, we'll all be together Saturday anyway."

"I'm not upset or feeling pressured relax. I just want to think about it. I will let you know everything when I know." Louis said grabbing Harry's hands as he leaned against his desk.

"Okay. Fair enough. I'm going to go home and finish some last-minute things for this weekend then tomorrow we can go shopping together with Freddie then pick up Maddison and have a family dinner outing then have a family movie night. What do you say?"

"I say that sounds like a wonderful Friday night. I'm glad you were able to get Maddison this weekend."

"Yeah, it wasn't easy. I'm just happy I can have her around my family after so long. My family hasn't seen her in years. Not in person for more than a few minutes at a store at least. I should go before your kids come into the room and see me with their teacher. I'm sure that's in the rule book somewhere."

"Something like that." Louis agreed, "You're allowed in my room just no inappropriate displays of affection upfront of students."

"Ah so I should get my goodbye kiss before they come." Harry said quickly grabbing Louis' face and kissing it all over. Louis laughed and swatted at him pushing him off before he pulled Harry down for a proper kiss with his hands on Harry's wrists as Harry's hands cups his face.

"MISTER T!" Louis jumped pulling away turning red as his early arrivals entered his classroom teasing him already.

"I'll talk to you later." Harry said chuckling.

"Oh, don't stop on our behalf." One of his students teased.

"Don't you kids have breakfast to attend?" Louis said.

"Why should we when the tea is obviously all right here." Harry laughed before he kissed Louis' cheek and left the classroom with a grin leaving Louis to fend for himself amongst the teenagers, "is that the fiancé mister T?"

"Yes, it was and you three saw nothing."

*****

"You didn't text me after lunch." Harry said by way of greeting Louis when Louis got into the Murano.

"I know I forgot my charger at the apartment and wasn't able to charge it. The Nursery teacher called me after Amy, and I had to talk to Freddie because he was upset, he forgot his stuffy at the apartment. I obviously couldn't go get it then my phone died just as I was starting to calm him down, so I haven't eaten my lunch yet nor have I been able to text you." Louis said with a heavy sigh.

"I'm sorry. You know you can add my name and number to the nursery call list. I can do things...I am going to be your husband, your partner."

"I know you've told me this before I just keep forgetting to since the mornings are always so routine and the afternoons, I'm usually ready to just go home."

"Well how about we do it today. We'll go in together. Then I'll call the boys and tell them we can do it another time and-"

"No, we can go tonight as long as Freddie is okay by the time we want to leave. I told Amy she can come by an hour early so Freddie can get comfortable with her first and we'll decide then anyway."

"Are you sure? It's okay if you want to stay home and get pampered."

"I could use a beer. One beer for me at least."

"Okay. And if we have to wait until Freddie goes to sleep to have that one beer we can. Honestly, it doesn't matter to me as long as you and Freddie are comfortable and happy." Harry said kissing his hand as he drove across the street to the nursery.

******

Louis had kept himself at one beer though he had tried to convince Harry to have fun and get drunk, but Harry had kept himself at two. That didn't stop him from going on the dance floor with Liam who was already on his fourth beer.

"So, tell me about Freddie. I mean obviously Harry talks about him all the time, but I'm sure you can tell me something new." Niall said.

"Really? What does Harry tell you?" Louis asked not at all bothered just curious, he knew Harry had told his friends about Freddie, but he didn't realize Harry talked about Freddie with them.

"Literally everything. The easier question to answer would be what he doesn't tell us. He loves that boy you know, has a picture of you and him in his locker beside his picture of Maddie. Has a picture of him in his wallet too. Harry includes him when he talks about Maddie and sometimes when he gets really animated, he calls him his stepson instead of his fiancé's son. It's cute and I don't think he realizes it." Louis grinned as he looked over at Harry who was being spun by Liam.

"I didn't know that. I think he's worried about going too fast with Freddie considering everything."

"Yeah, he is, but he means well. I get why you two waited so long to mention it to us, with Harry's court situation and with Hannah and with you having Freddie. It's understandable you two just wanted to stay on the low until you knew where it was going. What I don't understand however is why have a wedding so soon?"

"Yeah, Lou why so soon? Are you-"

"NO! No, I am not." Louis quickly said when he saw Niall's eyes widen with excitement, "No. I won't lie the custody situation did encourage me to push for it sooner and also we both wanted a winter wedding, but we also both wanted a small intimate wedding and with all those factors I figured why not do it in January. We talked about it and concluded that if we could make it work then why not. The custody situation alone didn't pressure me into it and neither did anything else it was just a why not situation. We knew we wanted to get married so why wait an extra year. There will be some sacrifices of course, but nothing that is very major or decision changing for either of us."

"I guess that makes sense. That's what Harry said as well that it was just sort how it was planned. I knew Harry wouldn't have pressured you, but I also know Harry can sometimes be a bit...pressuring without meaning to."

"I haven't felt pressured in anyway with him. I know he can be pushy at times, but he has always stepped back when he needed to. Actually, I haven't found any flaws except his puns and dad jokes and - is he always fucking perfect? Like is that a trait his entire family has or just him?" Niall laughed as he set down his fifth empty pint glass.

"Perfect? Harry? I have no idea what you're talking about. That man is not perfect."

"He is perfect, he's always so...composed and in control of himself."

"You do see him on the dance floor, right?" Zayn asked making Louis turn and burst out laughing as he saw Harry and Liam doing a circle while shimmying together.

"WHAT ARE YOU LAUGHING AT TOMLINSON!" Liam shouted.

"YOU PAYNO!" Niall shouted back.

"Go to hell Irish." Liam shouted as he grabbed Harry's hands and spun together dramatically.

"Okay so he's not always perfect..." Louis conceded, "But he's pretty damn close."

"I think you're blinded by those biceps Lou." Zayn said making Louis turn red as his jaw dropped.

"WHAT?!"

"I mean I can't blame you Dr. Styles definitely has a nice body. I'm impressed honestly. You're not one to go after muscular men."

"I have no idea what you are talking about." Louis said looking down at his empty glass with melting ice.

"I tried to hit on Harry when he was transferred to Manchester Royal. I was already a nurse there and here comes this hot young doctor who had scrubs that hid nothing from view if you get what I mean." Niall said, "I mean I'm sure you get what I mean you probably caused a few...accidents during your secret stays." Louis buried his burning face into his hands and refused to acknowledge Niall and Zayn laughing their asses off beside him.

"What kind of view are we talking about Niall?"

"Okay we're done talking." Louis said quickly interrupting that train of conversation as he slid out of the stool and headed to where Harry and Liam were, "I'm stealing him back." Louis said wrapping his arms around Harry's shoulders.

"Only for a few minutes Tomlinson I'll be back for him after a pint. And don't think a boner will deter me we slept in the same bed during puberty when we had sleepovers." Liam said as he headed back to the table with a playful wink and a blown kiss towards Harry who playfully caught it and put it in his pocket winking at Liam right back and puckering his lips. Louis chuckled shaking his head as he pulled Harry away from the table's view and further into the crowd of dancing people.

"Ready to go home?"

"In a little bit, it is getting really late considering we only planned to be out until eleven. I think it's one already."

"Yeah, sorry I know you wanted be home. We can leave-"

"In a little bit Harold. For now, this is as close to a pub date as you're getting from me for some time which means we have to snog in the middle of aroused strangers who are grinding on us in all directions and probably trying to grab one of our wallets without us realizing. It's a relationship requirement." Harry grinned nodding as he looked around.

"I think we're meeting all the requirements."

"All except for one."

"Ah right let me correct that." Louis laughed as Harry wrapped his arms around Louis' waist and pulled him closer to his body just as their lips met. Slowly, almost hesitantly, their bodies started to move and after a few minutes, they were one of the many couples dry humping each other on the middle of the dance floor. Harry grabbed Louis' hand and spun him around then wrapped the arm around his waist and pressed him against his body causing Louis's breath to catch momentarily. He leaned back against Harry, leaning his head on his shoulder letting Harry keep his arms wrapped around his waist while his mouth stayed on his neck mouthing at him in various spots. Louis' hands slid up and behind to wrap around Harry's neck pulling him closer as he turned his face to kiss him again letting Harry's tongue take control while one of his hands cupped his cheek keeping him there. Louis could feel Harry's other hand twitching from where it was rested against his stomach, it was one of the things Louis had learned about Harry that he was very touchy and handsy when they snogged and tended to keep his hands firmly in place on his cheeks, waist, hips, or back not moving them at all except to those safe locations. Harry definitely liked to touch more than he liked anything while also being respectful and mindful of his hand placements and where it was deemed safe to touch. He was also very willing to let Louis be in charge, didn't seem to have any hang-ups about ''roles'' or positions that were stereotypically associated with carriers and non-carriers who were gay unlike most people.

"Oi if you're going to give us a free show at least do something worth watching!"

"Remind me to kill Liam tomorrow morning." Harry whispered against his lips.

"Sure thing." Louis said turning to face him only to be kissed again once he did, "We're being watched Harold."

"Fine. We can continue this behind a closed bedroom door preferably locked too." Louis chuckled as he followed Harry back to the table, "You're getting killed tomorrow morning. Are we ready to head out?"

"Sure, I am and yeah we are. I already paid the tab, so we just need to figure out who is the more sober one of us all and get to your place."

"That's probably Louis or myself." Harry said.

"I can drive." Louis offered, "I only had a pint, I'll be the safest if we hit a roadblock."

"Agreed. Here you are my love. Let's head home." Harry said placing the keys into Louis' hands before wrapping his arm around his waist and walking with him out of the building while the others followed closely behind.

"I have to pee so bad." Harry said running up the stairs as soon as the front door was opened. "Holy fuck my bladder is about to explode."

"Harry always has to pee after a beer. I swear it goes straight through him." Liam said shaking his head, "don't worry we'll show Zayn to the guest rooms and make sure he's comfortable."

"Thanks, I want to check on Freddie really quick. Zayn-"

"I'll be fine." Louis nodded then headed upstairs to Freddie's room entering it as silently as he could. He gave Freddie a forehead kiss then fixed his blankets and tucked him in. He grabbed Patches off the floor and laid the bear beside Freddie then stared at his son until he felt Harry sit behind on the edge of the bed.

"If you stay here any longer, he'll wake up and neither of us are strong enough to say no to a half-asleep Freddie wanting snuggles." Louis chuckled nodding but he didn't move. Harry stood only to kneel on the side of the bed and gently run his fingertips though the messy hair. He gave Freddie a light kiss as well then stood up and pulled Louis up wrapping his arms around his waist as he guided him out of the room, "let him sleep Papa bear. He's fine and we have a busy two days starting tomorrow."

"I know I know I just wanted to make sure he was okay."

"Uh huh. Sure, you did. I'm sure you were hoping he'd wake up."

"Only a small part of me was hoping that would happen. I can't help it he's growing up too fast and soon he'll be too cool for snuggles."

"I still snuggle my mom, if he's raised right, he'll never be too cool for snuggles. And trust me I'll make sure he's raised to love snuggles when he's fifteen." Louis laughed as they walked into Harry's bedroom, well their bedroom now since they were mostly moved in by now. Louis turned in Harry's arms, so they faced one another and wrapped his arms around his neck.

"You know Niall told me something at the table."

"Oh?" Harry questioned wrapping his arms around Louis' waist.

"He told me you have a picture of Freddie in your locker."

"I do in a magnetic frame beside Maddie. You're in the picture too."

"He also told me you call him your stepson when you talk about him."

"I might say that word a few times." Harry said nervously as his cheeks turned red, "I love Freddie, I've told you he's my family now." Louis grinned as he stood on his toes and pressed his lips against Harry's pulling him in closer by his hand in Harry's hair. He walked back until his back hit one of the boards of the four-poster bed frame. Harry moved in and completely covered his body with his own slotting himself between Louis' legs.

"I don't want to like assume anything but-"

"Harry I am pressed up against your bed post by my own decision and you're worried about assuming things?" Harry laughed nodding.

~~The Smex starts in a few paragraphs~~(Smex spelling is so wattpad doesn't get their sensitive feelings hurt by already pre-tagged warnings of smex and the mature thingy tagged...they're pansies)

"As I was saying before I was rudely interrupted...assuming you're not on contraception methods which I'm not going to make you get on or anything obviously I know that can affect your body more ways than they tell you, I was going to ask what you wanted to do like if you wanted to top or if you have a preference. I'm sure you've noticed I have none and am completely fine with any method since I can't get pregnant. I mean obviously I have condoms and I’m obviously clean and everything I just don’t want to assume anything like you want to bottom just because you’re a carrier and I don’t want you to assume I only want to top because I’m not a carrier and I have an ‘’alpha male job’’ as some like to call it nowadays.”

“Oh well I usually don’t top unless I’m in my more fertile week. As I’m sure you know since men don’t ovulate or menstruate, we have a week of higher fertility rate that we can track by weekly pee sticks. Don’t care to know the science behind it so please don’t tell me.”

“I can give you a long lecture about your hormones and-“

“Don’t make me soft Harold.”

“Well alright. Are you-“

"No, it's always the first or second week of the month, it sometimes comes in the middle of the week, I usually take one very two days until I get it. So, stop worrying and stop talking." Harry chuckled as he pressed his lips against Louis' again pressing himself against Louis who was pressed against the bedpost. Louis' hands ran up under Harry's shirt bunching it until Harry pulled it off followed by Harry pulling Louis' shirt off. Their jeans and pants were off and in a few short moments Louis was bent over the bed with Harry between his legs giving him a mind-numbing rim-job. Something that not five minutes ago Louis would have said he hated because he never had a good one. Louis was very aware of the fact that they currently had six people on the same floor only few feet from them and one of those people being his son, which was why he was trying extremely hard to stay as quiet as he could. However, when two fingers joined Harry’s tongue at his entrance Louis gasp resisting the want to push back against them.

“I could do this all night. How are you feeling?” Harry asked smugly.

“Like if you continue, I’ll cum way too soon.” Louis said trying to swat at Harry but missed.

“If you think that’ll stop me you’ve got another thing coming. Literally.” Louis burst out laughing which quickly turned into a too loud moan that Louis just knew anyone awake on the second floor heard it.

“You ass you did that on purpose.”

“Well, they say you are what you eat.”

“You did not just say that.” Louis said laughing as he buried his face in a pillow muffling any and all sounds that came from him from that point forward. Harry kept his promise as he spread his cheeks wider giving him more room to lick his entrance pushing his tongue in.

A large hand wrapped around his cock and started tugging on it painfully slow while his tongue moved as fast as physically possible. When Harry removed his tongue, he sucked and ran a thumb over the wet hole before going back in not giving Louis any time to breathe between all the sensations. Despite all that not once was it hurried or rough in a way that took away the intimacy of a first time together. Louis moaned as he felt his orgasm building, he could feel it all building under his skin and when it was released it was released in strong spurts on the duvet cover underneath him and Harry didn’t stop until nothing else came out. Then when Louis was sure he’d get some time to breathe Harry pushed two thick lubed fingers inside of him making him groan in pleasure and slight pain at the over simulation.

“You’re not going to let me breathe?” Louis asked breathlessly.

“You’re breathing now, aren’t you?” Louis laughed shaking his head, “You’ll be fine I have faith in you and your lungs. You just relax and enjoy and let me know if you’re too sensitive. I am a doctor I know how to avoid a prostate.”

“No get out you’ve gone and ruined it with a doctor joker.” Louis said.

“Oh hush.” Harry said leaning over Louis to kiss his shoulder as his fingers slowly moved inside of him. Louis was all for slow fingering, but it was currently almost three in the morning and they had a long busy weekend coming up.

“Harry I’m all for slow sex and all but it is almost three in the morning and-“

“I’m obviously not doing it right if you’re able to think.” Louis opened his mouth to retort that Harry was doing great and it was just that it was almost three in the morning, but all thought process escaped his head when Harry pushed three fingers inside of him and started thrusting them, brushing them against his prostate. He moaned not even bothering with the pillow as he gripped the duvet in his fists before Harry rolled him on to his back. He arched his back as his legs spread almost automatically to give Harry’s arm more space between his legs. Louis cursed repeatedly when Harry wrapped his mouth around Louis’ head sucking it down as he fingered Louis, his second orgasm came as a surprise as Harry swallowed it all before Louis even realized he was cumming. Louis pulled Harry down for a kiss as soon as he had enough oxygen in his body and felt no shame when he could still taste himself on Harry’s tongue. His hands gripped Harry’s hair before he rolled them over, so he was straddling Harry’s hips as they snogged. Louis reached over and grabbed the condom on the nightstand then opened it and slowly slid it down Harry’s hard cock. Harry gasped tensing when Louis rolled the condom on before he relaxed and helped position Louis as he held himself in place. They broke the kiss momentarily so Harry could help guide Louis, he thrust up just enough, so the head entered the ring of muscle then his mouth was back on Louis’ to muffle the majority of the sounds that came out as he slowly slid himself down. When Louis was completely seated on Harry, he knew neither one of them would last long for multiple reasons. Louis slowly started a rhythm that he was comfortable with at first since he hadn’t had sex in years then slowly it sped up by both of their doings then Harry rolled them, so Louis was on his back when Louis was wearing out. The new position and angle had Louis burying his face in Harry’s neck before Harry was kissing him again. Harry started thrusting harder and faster leaving Louis to gasp and let out high pitched noises that he couldn’t help and only hoped they were as quiet as they seemed. When Louis came for a third time it was followed almost immediately by Harry as he groaned holding Louis close to him keeping their faces buried in the other’s neck.

“Holy fuck I can’t move.” Louis burst out laughing as rubbed Harry’s sweaty back as they slowly caught their breathes, “I’m serious I can’t move. We’re stuck like this. One and done.”

“I wouldn’t call that one and done.” Louis said making Harry laugh, “I’d call that almost two hours and done.”

“Last time I focus on your pleasure.” Harry joked before he kissed Louis’ forehead then straightened up and gently pulled out. Louis watched as Harry got off the bed and headed into the bathroom leaving the door wide open as he balled up some toilet paper and pulled the condom off. After tying it off he tossed it in the trash then he wet a washcloth and wipe himself off before he came over to Louis and wiped him off making sure to get everything from lube to the dried cum on his ass from when he rolled over the first time. Once that was done, he tossed it into the hamper and pulled off the duvet.

“Are you really stripping your bed? Right now?” Louis teased.

“No, I’m just pulling the duvet cover off, so we don’t accidentally sleep in cum or lube. If you dirty my white duvet, you’re in trouble though.”

“I promise not to ruin your fancy duvet.”

“Good.” Harry crawled into bed and pulled the duvet over them, “Come here and cuddle.” Louis grinned turning to face Harry as he snuggled into his warm body tucking his head against his chest and wrapping his arms arounds his waist, “Perfect. Goodnight.”

“Night.”

[gameofdrarry]

Wizards Hearts Recs: 12 Grimmauld Place Setting

Wizards Hearts was a four-month-long Drarry reading fest. Players were given a playing deck of 52 tropes, and were asked to find 52 different fics to read and comment on to fill their decks. To prevent the same few fics from being read, fics were restricted to only being used for the game three times before being considered ineligible for further points. The tropes and submissions list can be found here.

Check out the masterlist of fics for this trope below the cut!

📜 Colliding By Design by Asterie Rated:  Explicit Words:  21491 Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Interior Decorating, Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, Witch Weekly, Past Harry Potter/Ginny Weasley, Auror Harry Potter, Interior Designer Draco Malfoy, Hipster Wizarding London Summary:  Draco Malfoy has used his time under house arrest to launch a promising career in interior design, and Harry Potter has inherited a magical house in desperate need of renovation. It’s an age-old story, brought to you with a little “help” from Witch Weekly Magazine. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 Only Ash Remains by Saulaie, shilo1364 Rated:  Teen and Up Words:  66870 Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Post-Hogwarts, Hurt/Comfort, Fluff and Angst, Slow Burn, Depression, Disability, invisible disibilities, Healing, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - PTSD, Pre-Slash, Grimmauld Place, Malfoy Family, Malfoy Family Feels, POV Harry Potter, Community: harrydracobang, Harry/Draco Big Bang 2018 Summary:  One year after Harry defeated Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts, he still has no idea what to do with his life. He’s been living at No. 12 Grimmauld Place with Hermione and Ron, but they’ve spent the past few months on an extended stay in Australia to try and restore Hermione’s parents’ memories. Alone, he feels set adrift. Everyone else is focused on enjoying their summer before Hogwarts reopens (after a one year rebuilding period), but without Ron and Hermione, Harry doesn’t know if he can go back. Everything changes when the Malfoys dramatically re-enter his life, and together they learn to live again. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 keep it down by warmfoothills Rated:  Explicit Words:  13657 Tags: Living Together, Housemates, omg they were roommates etc, Grimmauld Place, switching POVs, between the boys and ginny also gets a couple of interludes because we love her!, backyard quidditch, Yoga, Masturbation, references to draco/others, including blaise, not so accidental aural voyeurism, not so accidental aural exhbitionism, Clothes Stealing, shampoo borrowing, wall sharing, rugby and denial (harry), snobbery and slobbery regarding food (draco), Massage, a long hot summer, bit of breathplay, one small linny reference, it’s porn but i make you read 10k of faffing about first, an EXCESSIVE amount of parentheses, harry’s an idiot, draco’s only slightly less of an idiot Summary:  Malfoy’s an inconsiderately loud roommate and Harry’s over it. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 almost heaven by M0stlyVoid Rated:  Explicit Words:  12432 Tags: Sentient Magical House, Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, Malfoy Manor, House magic, Magical Theory (Harry Potter), Wizarding Culture (Harry Potter), Sex Magic, Rituals, Happy Birthday Tacky!!, Minor Character Death Summary:  Draco’s father dies. Harry’s house has a tantrum. When it turns out the two are related, Harry has to decide how far he’s willing to go to set his home to rights. And when Malfoy ends up looking like that, Harry finds he’s willing to go a lot farther than he ever thought he would. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 I could be wrong, I could be ready by harryromper Rated:  Mature Words:  57343 Tags: Post-Hogwarts, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Post-Second War with Voldemort, POV Alternating, Redeemed Draco Malfoy, Angst with a Happy Ending, Pining, Romance, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, wizarding houses, House magic, Magic, Families of Choice, Pureblood Culture (Harry Potter), Wizarding Traditions (Harry Potter), Magical Theory, Brooklyn, Roller Coasters, Socks, Quidditch Player Ginny Weasley, Minor Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Minor Luna Lovegood/Ginny Weasley, Minor Hannah Abbott/Neville Longbottom, Professor Neville Longbottom, Curse Breaker Bill Weasley, Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, Godric's Hollow, Hogwarts, Grimmauld Place, H/D Erised 2018, Community: hd_erised, Lovers to Friends Summary:  At first Harry wonders if they’ve managed to destroy his vaults and are trying to tell him in the most oblique way possible. But when he turns the page he realises they’ve found a vault. A vault in the name of Lily and James Potter. The parchment trembles a little in Harry’s hand. He takes another gulp of wine. Harry Potter left Britain after the war and didn’t look back. Ten years later, when Gringotts discovers a vault containing his parents’ belongings—including their badly spell-damaged wedding rings—he’s forced to face up to friends and family who’ve grown in ways he could never imagine, a wizarding London rebuilt beyond his expectations, and the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the entirely unforeseen problem of Draco Malfoy. Featuring pureblood wizarding traditions, ancestral magic, open mic nights, marriage equality, a diner in Brooklyn, and the return of Fleamont Potter. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 Modern Love by tackytiger Rated:  Explicit Words:  61322 Tags: Draco Malfoy in the Muggle World, Slow Burn, Oblivious Harry Potter, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, idiots to lovers, Politics, Ministry of Magic (Harry Potter), Songfic, Friendship, Found Family, Mentions of Cancer, References to Illness, Chemotherapy, references to canonical child abuse, references to canonical deaths, References to Depression, Drunkenness, Sad Harry Potter, Church Services, Hymns, Atheism, Kissing in Church, Religious Discussion, Light Angst, Boxing & Fisticuffs, Minor Injuries, Blood and Injury, Gay vicar, Original Character(s), Original Character Illness, Magical Theory (Harry Potter), Scars, Emotional Hurt/Comfort, Happy Ending, Minor Draco Malfoy/ Sexy Tall Vicar, Draco Kisses Someone Briefly That's All I Promise, Magic/Muggle Relations, Jealousy, Family Drama Summary:  Harry Potter, of all people, knows that life isn’t always fair. And no one gets to be happy all of the time. But surely there’s something more—something better—than a rubbish Ministry job, and a lonely old house, and that feeling that everyone out there is doing a better job of living than Harry is. And it really doesn’t seem fair that Draco Malfoy is back in Harry’s life, all of a sudden, and even though he’s wandless, and living with Muggles, and making his mother cry with his lifestyle choices, he’s happy. So what's he doing right, that Harry isn’t? Because things don’t really change, do they? And if Harry can’t be happy, he’ll settle for a good night’s sleep, some posh antiques, and the opportunity to find out what Malfoy has been up to for all these years. And that’s what starts it all. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 In Every Universe by skeptique Rated:  Mature Words:  27179 Tags: Dubious Consent, More Detailed Warning in End Notes, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Post-Hogwarts, Post-War, Several Dracos Malfoy, depiction of mental health issues, Depiction of Anxiety Attacks, Brief Mentions of Drowning (in a dream), Mystery, Multiverse, Parallel Universe, Canon Content Warnings Apply, Moral and Ethical Quandaries Abound, Implied Drug Use, alcohol use, Smoking, Biracial Harry Potter, Black Hermione Granger, Minor Character Death, A Very Light Sprinkling of Smut Summary:  They sent Professor Harry Potter to search for Unspeakable Draco Malfoy. Draco has stolen a Firebird, an experimental magical device from the Department of Mysteries that lets you enter parallel universes as yourself. As Harry traverses from universe to universe, he begins to think Draco might be the one searching for him. A story about whether knowing what's possible makes it possible. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 Haunt the corner of my eye by harryromper Rated:  Teen and Up Words:  23358 Tags: Post-Hogwarts, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Post-Second War with Voldemort, Mystery And Angst With A Happy Ending, Auror Harry Potter, Student Draco Malfoy, Healer Luna Lovegood, Wizarding Politics (Harry Potter), Number Twelve Grimmauld Place Summary:  Harry’s life is very much on track. After a successful career as an Auror, he’s set to become the youngest ever Minister for Magic. But strange things are starting to happen at Grimmauld Place. Items he doesn’t recognise are appearing left and right, and somehow he never feels quite alone. There’s only one thing Harry knows for sure: it has something to do with Draco Malfoy. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 Portrait of a Marriage by glitteringvoid Rated:  Mature Words:  130626 Tags: Hurt/Comfort, Angst with a Happy Ending, Marriage of Convenience, Marriage Proposal, Domestic Fluff, Developing Relationship, Relationship Discussions, Enemies to Friends to Something More, Lack of Communication, Self-Discovery, Self-Esteem Issues, Consent Issues, Internalized Acephobia, Ferrets, Bickering, Asexual Draco Malfoy, Touch-Averse Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter Can't Cook, Slow Burn Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter, Draco Malfoy & Pansy Parkinson Friendship, Harry Potter & Ron Weasley Friendship, Minor Hermione Granger/Pansy Parkinson/Ron Weasley, Post-Hogwarts, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, H/D Sex Fair 2020, Dubious Consent Summary:  Harry didn't want to marry Malfoy, he really didn't, but he also does want this house and Malfoy looked so smug and well - now they are married, and the house still doesn't like him, and Malfoy only looks more smug. Draco didn't want to marry Potter, he really didn't, but he also does want this house and he never seems to be capable of escaping Potter anyway, so if he is already doomed to being married off he might as well decide for himself what he is worth, sign the papers and ignore everything wrong with that plan until physically no longer possible. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 Litany by thistle_verse Rated:  Mature Words:  7170 Tags: Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Post-Hogwarts, Pandemics, Quarantine, Isolation, Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, Wizard's Chess (Harry Potter), Minor Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Touch-Starved, Drinking, Draco Malfoy in Azkaban, Ghosts, Guilt, Lists, H/D Erised 2020 Summary:  With the wizarding world on lockdown due to a magic-draining pandemic, Harry is stuck in Grimmauld Place, bored and alone—until the ghost of Draco Malfoy shows up to haunt him. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 Cleaning Up The Mess by Samunderthelights Rated:  Teen and Up Words:  3469 Tags: Drarropoly: Founders Edition - A Drarry Game/Fest, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Enemies to Friends to Lovers, Enemies to Lovers, Falling In Love, Post-Battle of Hogwarts, 12 Grimmauld Place Summary:  Harry has been hiding away at 12 Grimmauld Place, trying his best to clean up the place. He has fallen into a quiet and boring routine. But when Draco shows up at his door one day, asking for his wand back, that quiet and boring routine of his is about to be broken. ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 The Grimmauld Christmas Curse by crimsonheadache, inspired_being, kitty_collab (kitty_fic), Ladderofyears, Vaysh Rated:  General Words:  2323 Tags: Number Twelve Grimmauld Place, Christmas Tree, Christmas Decorations, Aunt Walburga (portrait), Curse Breaker Draco Malfoy, Meme Insert Summary:  "I'm telling you, Hermione, the house is out to get me." Harry poured two cups of tea and passed one across the kitchen table. "Don't be ridiculous, Harry, it is not out to get you." Or is it? ❤️ Read on AO3

📜 Distractions by pottergerms Rated:  Explicit Words:  2239 Tags: Grimmauld Place Summary:  Kingsley was not his friend. He was not a paperboy. And Harry Potter was definitely not the hottest thing alive. ❤️ Read on AO3

[fairhairedkings]

small town stories are wild because you have no idea where they’re gonna go when someone starts telling them to you

is it about how someone went downtown and trimmed all of the trees one night?

is it about when kids started finding human bones on the schoolyard? (twas next to a church, which was on a hill. turns out people had been buried on the hill. don’t worry, no murders.)

is it about a wealthy protestant paying to get the catholic church rebuilt (after the protestants burned it down) so that it was dead centre when he looked out his window?

a roller coaster every time

[magic-and-moonlit-wings]

Chapter 51: Changeling Rite Of Passage

Becoming the Mask

Bold italics are trollish.

+=+

"Everybody set?" asked Jim, adjusting his backpack. "First aid kits, water, emergency rations?"

Mary patted her bag. "Plus a solar-powered phone charger and fully-charged credit card, in case we get stuck in Florida and have to get home the human way."

"You're sure bringing our weapons is okay?" Darci asked Glug, who had agreed to join them. "I mean, showing up with swords and spears doesn't exactly say 'peaceful diplomatic party'."

"Everyone needs a good spear," said Glug lightly. "Never know when you find something to hunt. Or something hunts you."

"This way," said Blinky, turning. He was guiding them through the lower levels of Trollmarket.

It was a mostly residential area which the humans hadn't explored yet. The light here was softer and multi-coloured, coming from various crystals besides the Heartstone. There were still occasional market stalls. They gave Darci the impression of neighbourhood corner stores, rather than the more downtown-ish feeling of the main market area.

Blinky led the way down a sloping path, through a doorway, and paused to gesture dramatically.

"Behold, young ones. The Gyre."

It rose from the floor, rotating into what Darci assumed was the 'ready' position.

"Oooooh."

"That's the coolest troll-y trolley I've ever seen," said Toby.

It looked like a gyroscope, between two side-mounts instead of a central base, and with a boat-like structure in the centre. Or one of those models of an atom, with the electron orbit paths mapped out. Or those depictions of angels as multilayered interlocking wheels.

They climbed up the thin staircases on either side of the basket while Blinky continued to deliver exposition.

"No longer do trolls have to travel on hoof between our markets. Now, thanks to a series of tunnels and some creatively engineered machinery, we can take a journey that would last weeks in only moments!"

AAARRRGGHH spun the outer wheel of the vehicle to kickstart it, and got out of the way rather than climbing into the basket with the rest of them. The stairs folded back.

"You're not coming?" Toby asked.

AAARRRGGHH shook his head, his ears set low. "Hate Gyre."

"What so bad about the GYYYYYYYRRRRRREEE–?!"

Inertia pushed the passengers to the back bench. How Blinky was able to stay standing at the controls was a mystery. The six-eyed troll cackled, his four hands dancing over the control panel, pushing buttons and turning knobs and pulling levers with perfect timing to adjust their course down a series of forking tunnels.

It was the scariest and most exhilarating ride ever.

They slammed to a stop and the passengers fell forward, still screaming.

"We've made excellent time!" said Blinky brightly. "You see, was that so bad?"

"Yes," said Jim, rolling off the pile of twitching bodies. "Yes, it was."

"I've got some saltines in my purse," said Claire.

"I think I need, like, a gallon of ginger ale," said Mary.

"For once I don't think I can eat anything," said Toby.

"That was awesome!" said Darci. "It was like, the world's best roller coaster! Is that as fast as it can go?"

"Nooo, don't tell us," moaned Claire. "I don't wanna know."

The humans untangled themselves shakily. Glug had apparently kept her balance, clinging to the basket's side. Darci made a mental note to do that next time.

The Gyre station did not open to another Trollmarket. They climbed up a steep tunnel, and emerged into a swamp.

It was dark. They'd timed their trip to arrive shortly after sunset in the Everglades. The world seemed to be made of green shadows and distant stars. Jim's armour glowed a little, but not enough to work as a flashlight.

"We should probably hold hands to make sure we don't get separated," said Jim softly. "Move slow. Try to test the ground before you put your weight on it."

The humans and Changeling latched onto each other – Darci took the end of the line, since her crossbow couldn't be hung from her hip like a sword or hammer – and followed the tall, rectangular shadow of Blinky deeper into the swamp. Glug blended in too well to guide them.

Darci's eyes gradually adjusted enough to see Glug when the troll got close. She could see how Toby had his hand on Claire's elbow instead of holding her hand, so Claire could use her spear as a walking stick. Darci started walking a bit more confidently. So did everyone else.

She felt a sudden jerk on her arm as Mary, between Darci and Claire in the lineup, stumbled.

"Whoa!"

"Wha-?"

"Ow!"

"Everyone okay?" Jim asked once they all stopped yelping. Nobody had actually fallen.

"I'm okay."

"Fine."

"Just caught my foot on some vines, I think."

"I'm alright."

"Almost there," Glug reassured them.

And then they were surrounded, by trolls nearly identical to Glug, pointing spears at them.

"Oh," said Glug delightedly. "We're here!"

"Why are you leading outsiders to our home?" one of them demanded.

"I vouch for them," Glug promised. "They've come to ask a favour only the Quagawump Trolls can help them with."

"You're practically an outsider yourself by now." Another one snorted and jabbed her spear closer to Glug. "Why should your word mean anything?"

With suspiciously convenient timing, the clouds moved away from the moon. Several of the Quagawumps gasped and pointed at Toby.

Okay, maybe there was some truth to that weather-magic thing?

"Uh … Greeting!" Toby waved uncertainly at them. "I am Tobias of Arcadia. I journey with the Trollhunter to ask you … to help, to avenge the Shattered King."

Most of the Quagawumps quickly huddled together, whispering among themselves. The two who had been furthest to the edges of the group kept their spears at the ready and their eyes on the outsiders.

"Follow us," the one who was probably in charge of this scouting party said. "You will present your request to everyone."

The path through the swamp was twisty, but it stayed on relatively solid ground.

Darci started to see green crystals growing from the trees, like in Glug's poem. Jim gasped sharply when they saw the first one. When the crystals were thick enough to appear in almost every tree, he wandered from the group and touched one. Their local guides started chanting, distracting her. When Darci looked at Jim again, he was standing at Toby's side with his hands behind his back like a bodyguard.

+=+

Jim broke off a fragment of the green Heartstone. Just like the first time he'd touched the one back in Trollmarket, it came off easily in his hand.

He vanished and reformed the scale mail of his armour over his palm. His stolen prize was safely hidden. With his other hand he coaxed it around to rest on the back of his hand, caught under the plate of his gauntlet, rather than on his palm where it might affect his grip on a weapon.

He rejoined his friends, lingering protectively around Toby.

The swamp Heartstone was coloured similarly to the green crystals in the Darklands, but it felt different. Warmer. Had this been how the supposed 'Darklands Heartstone' had felt back when Gunmar first built his throne into it?

They went through a freestanding brick archway with curtain of hanging vines, entering the Quagawumps' – meeting hall? Town square? Plaza?

There was Heartstone everywhere, like Vendel's workshop, and dozens of trolls milling about on their nightly business. Jim didn't see anything that looked like a house or tent, but there was a table out in the open, and some cooking fires.

A large statue of King Quag watched over it all.

(At least, Jim didn't think it was his rebuilt body, since it was so much bigger than the other Quagawumps.)

"AI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YAAA!" cried the Quagawump carrying the Parlok spear.

"AI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YAAA!" cried the rest in response, turning their attention to the newcomers.

"Mm, humans," Jim heard one say quietly to another. "A taste not common." He readied himself to summon his sword.

They were banking on Toby's resemblance to King Quag to coax the Quagawumps into hearing them out. Blinky's suggestion, that Toby pretend to be King Quag's reincarnation, had been dismissed as rude, risky, and with a chance of Toby getting possessed. Maybe they should've given it more consideration, though.

"What is the cause of this ruckus?" asked a deeper voice. "Has tonight's first scouting party returned early?"

A tall, brownish-grey troll with a large stomach and back-swept horns walked into the plaza with slow dignity. He wore nothing but a crown with a glowing green gem. He blinked at the sight of humans in the crowd and continued in English.

"Who you now? Why humans here?"

Blue light pulsed over the lines of Jim's armour, calling attention to him.

"I am the Trollhunter, Jim, son of Barbara. These are my allies, Tobias, Claire, Mary, and Darci, and my mentor and trainer, Blinkous Galadrigal. We come to ask a favour of the Quagawump trolls."

"King Blango, am I."

"We are honoured to meet you, King Blango." Jim did a little half-bow. "We have learned of how to kill Gunmar. Your tribe does not need to fight," before anyone started thinking this was an army recruitment speech, "but you do have an object we need to make certain weapon."

A troll jabbed her spear in their direction, too far away to strike and not in the right stance to throw.

"Why do you think you can defeat Gunmar? What magics do you have?"

"This is my moment," said Toby. He stepped in front of Jim and began waving his hands dramatically. "Watch and be amazed. Abracadabra, nothing up my sleeve-era!"

He pressed his hands together, folded his thumb into his hand and pinched his other thumb under his forefinger, drew his hands apart to show his 'severed thumb', then put his hands back together and, with a flourish, waved his ten intact digits at the crowd.

The Quagawumps all gasped.

"He dismembered his hand, and then rejoined his flesh and bone?"

"His magic is so powerful!"

"The Trollhunter has found mighty allies! AI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YAAA!"

"AI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YI-YAAA!"

Blango laughed. "Dismemberment amuse Blango."

Why did he keep speaking English? Did he not believe the humans spoke trollish? Did he find it offensive that they did? Or was he trying to intimidate them with his intelligence? Speaking your own language will not allow you to confer privately amongst yourselves, because I understand it too. Or was he trying to be hospitable, like how Jim tried to make a good impression by speaking trollish?

"What you ask of us?"

"Allow me borrowing the last living stone of King Quag, to unite the Triumbric Stones. You have my oath that I will return it once Gunmar is dead."

King Blango's expression went from amused to annoyed.

"King Quag not able help you," he said scornfully. "Shatter-ed King was – shatter-ed. Stone is mine! King am I!"

"My favourite musical," said Toby.

"What?"

"It's like a play, with singing?"

"Sing for us?" requested someone hidden in the crowd. The locals nodded among themselves, murmuring approvingly of this idea. One of them tapped on a section of Heartstone like the crystals were drums, sending a resonant boomp, boomp through the air.

For a moment, it looked like they might actually get away with that – defusing tension with an improvised musical number.

King Blango punched the ground and roared "NO!"

The plaza went silent.

Blango took two thudding steps closer to the humans. Jim edged forward to make sure he was between them and the troll. Blango leaned into Jim's face.

"You want crown … you fight me."

Jim had hoped it wouldn't come to that, but shrugged off his backpack casually, as though he wasn't worried.

"Okay."

"Master Jim –" Blinky tried to object. Blango threw a punch before he could finish.

Jim jumped over it and onto Blango's back.

Jim yanked Blango's ear and leaned, turning Blango away from the humans and sending him stumbling.

Blango grabbed Jim's leg and pulled him off. Jim's conjured knife left an ugly scrape down the king's back. It cut deep enough for purple blood started oozing up before that strip of stone went grey and lifeless.

Blango roared and threw Jim.

Jim rolled and snarled. Blango was between Jim and the humans now.

The amulet pulsed. Daylight manifested in Jim's empty hand.

He could conjure a throwing knife, but there were too many unacceptable potential casualties if he missed.

He was dimly aware of the noise of the crowd, of his friends and Blango's subjects reacting to each move of the fight. Blinky had one hand on each human's upper arm, to keep the four of them from jumping in.

Jim readied the blades. He and Blango started circling each other. They had only gone a few paces when Jim's foot slipped.

Blango charged and grabbed Jim by the neck.

Jim slashed Blango's arm.

Blango dropped Jim and clutched his wound.

Jim's knife and sword vanished when he landed. Blango grabbed Jim around the torso with his uninjured hand, and Jim drew his Creeper's Sun dagger.

Blango started to squeeze. The armour glowed more brightly, the forcefield keeping him from crushing Jim, but not repelling him. Jim touched the dagger's tip to Blango's throat.

"Surrender."

The king laughed.

"Blango never surrender to human," he sneered.

Jim turned the knife just slightly to the side and stabbed him through the shoulder. "Okay."

Blango dropped Jim again and fell to his knees, gasping for air as the toxin spread across his chest.

"What – happening?"

"It's a poison. It petrifies, but does not kill." Jim plucked off the crown just as Blango's head turned grey and inanimate. Sometimes the toxin could spread to clothing and he didn't want to risk decapitating Blango just to chisel the Killstone off him. To their audience, Jim announced, "I have the antidote for reviving him after we've left."

Jim started turning back the prongs of the gem setting, to remove the stone from the crown.

The swamp was still.

One of the mossy trolls cheered. "The Pretend King is gone!"

"Blango was our king!" snapped another troll near her. "Just because he was not the Lost King does not mean –"

"He was not even a Wumpa!" interrupted a third.

"He still led us for nearly two centuries!" countered a fourth.

In seconds, the Quagawumps were all yelling at each other. In minutes, they were shoving and smacking.

"We should go now," said Glug, in English.

Jim got his backpack back from Toby. He put the Killstone inside and took out a small bottle of Creeper's Sun antitoxin and a marker.

Antidote. Add piece of Heartstone and pour on poisoned troll, he wrote on the plastic. He left it on the table, along with the empty crown.

While he was crossing under the archway they'd come in through, Jim heard the unmistakable sound of breaking stone. He turned and saw that Blango had been toppled. These trolls now had two 'shattered kings'.

Toby started to turn around, as well. Jim put a hand on his shoulder and urged him forward.

Out in the swamplands, between the Quagawump plaza and the Gyre station, Toby said quietly to Jim, "You stabbed that guy."

"Yeah."

"It was scary, watching you fight like that. He could've killed you."

"Maybe? The armour did its job, though."

Jim had definitely had worse fights, which was probably not what Toby needed to hear right now. Blango had grabbed Jim a few times, but never properly hit him, and the throws and drops hadn't done much damage.

"I filmed the fight, if you want to watch later," Mary offered.

Jim made a noncommittal noise. He wasn't sure what to say to that. None of his training had covered 'what to say when your human friends comment on seeing you kill someone'.

(Well, it did, actually, but those options were 'deny it and prepare to discredit the human in the eyes of local authorities if necessary, or get the human alone and kill them too'.)

"I wonder what are the Quagawumps going to do for a leader now," said Clare.

"They'll find one," said Glug. "Maybe a Queen this time."

The Janus Order had a drinking game, called 'And What Have You Done?', which involved bragging about various accomplishments they had picked up in their time on the surface.

How it worked was that one Changeling would say a thing they'd done – like "I have officiated a wedding" or "I was a pirate" – and everyone who had done it would drink, and then the one who had said the thing would look at one of the Changelings who hadn't had a drink and ask, "And what have you done?"

It was too bad Jim couldn't tell most of them about his part in 'replacing a head of state'. He'd have to wait at least a decade, until he looked old enough that they wouldn't immediately demand details if he drank along with that.

Back in Trollmarket, Glug went back to the pub. The humans followed Jim into Vendel's workshop. Vendel looked at them, but said nothing, only pointed Jim to the cleaving tools.

Jim scratched his hand through his armour, moving the green Heartstone to his palm again, where he could conceal it once he dropped his armour. He used that hand to pull off the Amulet. Jim put the Amulet and Heartstone into his stomach pocket. He got the Killstone out of his backpack and handed the bag to Toby again.

"If anyone comes in, you guys are just curious about stone cleaving."

He changed shapes.

"You're doing it – like that?" Toby gaped at him. Jim's ears flicked back and down in discomfort.

"It's easier to see the right facets with these eyes. I can't afford to take chances with something this important."

+=+

"A shield?!" Jim yelled in delight. He blocked the fire jets – which would be a terrible idea with non-magical metal, but this didn't conduct the heat for some reason – and whooped. "I got a shield!"

And he'd unlocked one of the Triumbric Stones!

Unless this was something the Eye and the Killstone did as a cumulative effect and neither actually did anything on their own? He'd have to train with the Killstone by itself later.

It was too bad he would have to give it back to the Quagawumps once Gunmar was dead. A shield would be extremely useful, especially since most trolls Jim fought were bigger than him. He'd have to look for another shield-stone.

In his distraction, Jim nearly got crunched by some of the Forge's mechanisms. Not even the weaponry, but the giant gears that operated it. He yelped and jumped away.

His faceplate snapped shut as he recoiled. It had been doing that more and more often since the pepper spray incident. Maybe he should just leave it closed.

Hmm … Jim got an idea and made a quick mental note to practice it at home later, where he could watch his reflection, and wasn't in imminent peril.

+=+

Jim squinted at the mirror and opened his helmet's faceplate. The whole suit of armour flashed blue.

He closed the faceplate. Another blue flash.

He changed forms. This blue light was not quite the same shade, and more … crackly, like fork lightning reflecting off clouds.

The armour was amazingly responsive. At Jim's mental instruction, it covered his horns up, and trapped his ears under his helmet. His ears were a little uncomfortable, but not pinched or in an unnatural position. His helmet was padded, which allowed space for hidden ear pockets.

Jim changed to his human shape while opening the helmet's faceplate. The two blue lights blended into each other.

Jim has always liked his colouring. He felt it made him look intimidating. That was why he wore mostly blue clothing while in human form. The light of a Changeling's transformation tended to be that of their stone skin. Jim's just happened to be similar enough to the Amulet of Daylight that he could pass one glow off for the other.

(That could also come in handy if a fellow Changeling caught him just after he'd dismissed the armour – let them think they'd just missed him switching forms.)

Back to troll shape, closed faceplate. The armour adapted to his form with the new design, concealing his horns and ears. He was taller, but not by a lot – enough that it could be excused as a change of posture.

His tail was a bit of an issue, but since it was covered in armour plating, it looked like part of the faulds and tassets. As long as no one was staring at Jim's butt while he switched forms …

He might be able to train in the Hero's Forge in his troll form after all.

+=+

Previous Chapter (Jim talks to AAARRRGGHH, Toby talks to a therapist, Claire talks to Not Enrique)

Table of Contents

Next Chapter (AAARRRGGHH and Blinky make Jim a tempting offer)

I was rewatching The Shattered King to get ideas of how the swamp scenes would play out without Angor's intervention, and I realized that in canon, Angor killing Blango when he did was probably the best thing that could happen for the protagonists at that point.

Like, if Angor just sat there and watched?

Blango was definitely going to try and kill Toby, which would mean Jim would have to fight and probably kill Blango. Then they'd have to fight their way out of the swamp because the Quagawumps would all be mad. "You show up, lie to us, murder our current leader, and then try to escape while stealing a relic of our most beloved leader?"

And then, when the Tribunal shows up in the next season, the new Quagawump leader would be against Jim just like Usurna and Gatto were.

The Quagawumps in that universe would definitely be unwilling to side with the Trollhunter at the end of Season 3!

But with Angor interfering when he did, not only were Jim's hands clean of Blango's death (meaning Jim at that point in the narrative has only killed goblins, one Changeling, a Stalkling, and Bular, not any "good" – meaning "not serving Gunmar" – trolls), but Toby saves Wumpa from the collapsing petrified tree, so she gives them the Killstone and is willing to hear Jim out at his trial, even if she does ultimately vote against him.

Season 3 is still tense because the Quagawumps wanted to stay out of the fighting at first, making a deal with Gunmar's forces for protection. But, after changing their minds, not only do the Quagawumps fight on the Trollhunter's side during the Eternal Night, they even bring in their extended family as backup.

Also, on a Doylist level I get why the team only discussed their plan while on the way to do it, and why they only discussed where they were going once they had arrived – to deliver exposition to the audience and have that exposition pay off as soon as possible – but on a Watsonian level it was highly impractical. So here they planned it a bit further in advance.

[speedygal]

In the rain; I walk, with careful thought, but fall

Jonathan was on a walk around the castle after coming back from a trial that featured strange characters that were lucrative in many romanian leu and his reputation ballooning up into the world of the law. His hands were in his pockets as he went over the events of the month, tracing over the events that lead him into criminal law with one leg in being a realtor and Dracula keeping his presence out of that life style as part of a small but mutual discussion.

The count was part of the life of a vampire, one that Jonathan was part of, a fine film between the living and the dead. More of a very thick curtain hanging on a railing in front of the window blocking views of another life that was different to the one inside. A drip of a wet droplet landed on his forehead so Jonathan looked up toward the sky spotting the clouds were heavy.

Jonathan’s smile faded as he continued to walk in the sprinkling rain alongside the curved and paved road as the dirt became muggy with each step forward. He followed the age old path that he had taken outside of a vehicle or any known associates keeping his private life a secret. Jonathan had been careful to keep his colleagues from getting too close to his life in the early 20th century so well that it seemed perfectly logical to assume it could be continue.

He walked on, casually, with a whistle. Once, as a mortal being in the rain would have bothered him. All the mud, the moisture in his clothing, all of that could be peeled away by a simple arrangement that had become part of his routine, just as had blood sucking, mastering the art of it without being soaked in the blood of the fallen victim, the dirt was a reminder of what was still there; life, filth, and inconvenience. It was a piece of a relatively old normal that still lingered of which he disliked but embraced.

This was all comforting and keeping him sane even the thought that Mina was living in England having moved on and proceeded to live her life without him but rebuilt, stronger, better, and whole. Jonathan’s thoughts of Mina finding herself a new suitor for her new existence and how she were doing finding the right man for the new Mina. With these thoughts, he was distracted on autopilot walking on.

Jonathan put his right foot forward then slipped forward with a yelp. Jonathan slid down the hill then crashed into a mud puddle and crashed on to his butt with a yelp.  Jonathan sat there as it raised processing what had just happened to him. A deep rich laugh drew his attention off the matter facing up toward the older vampire who welded a umbrella above his head with a walking stick left embedded in the ground as his free hand was held out for Jonathan.

“This was most unexpected, my dear Jonathan.”

Jonathan took Dracula’s hand then was lifted up to his feet.

“Strange to find you out here during a rainstorm, Count Dracula.”

Dracula had a tiny precious smile at Jonathan’s comment as he took the walking stick out of the mud.

“Liked hopping around in your mud puddle?" Dracula lifted his thick eyebrows. "Got some steam off? General fun?”

“I slipped and fell. A fairly long slip." Jonathan admitted then frowned before adding. "Felt I were on a very long roller coaster.”

“How far along?” Dracula asked.

“From there,” Jonathan pointed on then gestured to where he were standing. “To here.”

“How so very interesting.”

“You should have seen me trying to regain control, flailing, struggling, trying not to fall on the way down!” Dracula’s brows rose at once at the upset younger vampire. “However, that failed and now my best suit is thorougly ruined.”

Dracula hummed as he surveyed the younger vampire.

“Mr Harker, this isn’t one of your best suits.” Dracula said.

“Yes, it is.” Jonathan was quite disturbed by the comment taking it as a insult. “I had the best tailor make it. Even checked out the fabric before ordering it.”

Dracula shook his hand.

“You are very mistaken.” Dracula said.

“This is my suit.” Jonathan argued as he gestured back toward himself. “I know every inch of it.” Dracula shared the umbrella with his companion. “I would know if it were less than best!”

Dracula smirked, softly, back at Jonathan.

“Unless, you switched it out.” Jonathan deduced.

Dracula’s smirk became a big smile.

“I switched the best one out for your tenth best one this morning after your clothes were done drying while you were showering.” Dracula held up a finger as he proceeded to explain. “And it is the tenth best one because it has your first hand stitches in it that are silver and not brown.”

Dracula’s index finger moved toward the lapel of the suit with a faintly visible silver gray odd pattern.

“It stands out so well to the average eye without needing voluntarily inspection.”

Jonathan looked toward his lapel then back.

“Stop switching out my suits.”

“Well, it has been helpful in finding clients for your line of work, has it not?”

“Yes, but that’s invading my privacy---"

Dracula was the first of the duo to walk on so Jonathan followed.

“--and we have a deal about stepping through the curtain we made between these two lives to keep our profiles low.” Jonathan continued as he caught up wit the count. “I don’t want to rely on you then one day discover the most vampire that I am familiar to is dead because of a meal and I can’t keep up.”

Dracula grimaced as he contemplated the one possible future that Jonathan had spoken of.

“That wasn’t in our initial deal.” Dracula acknowledged then grimaced. “Penciled in words, yet solidified in ink.” the older vampire’s features became softened. “Your concerns are very well founded.”

Jonathan was quiet looking back at the artistic picture that he had seen of Dracula and his brides, just once, when going on his first hunt. Being without them but with Jonathan Harker was different. He could tell from after work that his companion had missed his own kind in a way that was quite evident from a lonely vampire.

“Do you miss them?” Jonathan asked.

It was quiet between them as they walked.

“My first three brides.” Dracula said as he turned his attention toward Jonathan then nodded before adding, “Every day.”

“Your  . .” Jonathan was at first trying to be careful but the anticipation of his companion indicated the words wouldn’t hurt. “very seductive monstrous jailers.”

The count turned his attention away as he appeared to be regretful for how things had turned out looking on distantly toward the direction of the castle that was partially seen in view ahead of them as a distant specter. Just as the past were to the men, just as their lives had once been, their once normal used to be. That past of before was a figment made of memories tinged in fondness, warmth, and comfort and little to lacking of needing to be in what everything was now. The count wasn’t insulted by Jonathan’s comments.

“If you knew them, met them in a different way, they would eat that up and embrace it.”

Dracula was watching a transparent memory unfold before his eyes, lovingly and sadly as his voice became far more softer.

“Those were the kind of people they were.” Dracula snickered before continuing on with passion in his voice recalling them with dotting love.

Jonathan listened to his companion.

“Blood was a necessity.” Dracula admitted. “Apart from that; they were lively, charismatic, bubbly, and unique characters when not wooing a meal.”

Jonathan lifted a brow.

“They could knit a sweater if you asked and make it into a long dress!” Dracula turned his attention toward Jonathan as he regaled over his former companion’s skill.  “In fact, most of your pajamas were made by them. Made enough to last for a eternity.”

“Never going to run out.” Jonathan noted.

Dracula nodded, somberly.

“Ever.” Dracula said. “One of my brides once said those materials will outlast them." a small sad smile was cast as he looked up toward the sky. "I never believed it." his features fell. "Now, I do.”

“Then why were they in white, gray, and yellow dresses?” Jonathan asked. “If they were so skilled in knitting.”

“It was their choice to be in those gowns.” Jonathan’s curiosity was satisfied. “They liked the aesthetic.”

It was quiet among them once again.

“How different is knitting from stitching?” Jonathan asked.

Dracula turned his head toward Jonathan. 

“Very different, Mr Harker.” Dracula confessed. “Possibly not in your skill set.” then he smiled back at Jonathan. “Stick to stitching, you’re not half bad at it.”

“I don’t see why I should just stick to stitching.” Jonathan said.

"Knitting takes time and patience.” Dracula lowered his head so his eyes met with Jonathan as the rain beat against the umbrella quite lightly. “You don’t have that patience.  . . yet.”

Dracula lifted his chin up then resumed walking.

“Oh, would you like to bathe in the hot tub?” Dracula changed the subject from patience to warmth. “The heater is on in the area that normally gets flooded during this season is all free.”

“And you?” Jonathan asked.

“I have a fire pit to warm up in front of." Dracula said.  "I am not the one covered in mud!”

Dracula walked on ahead and Jonathan chased after the safety of the umbrella.

"Count Dracula, slow down!" Jonathan plead.

/Fin.

[mcchipisfried]

DEArtfest Day 10 - Sickfic

Okay small warning because this has angst. I kinda struggled with the prompt but I hope it's okay?

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Gavin was having the best fucking day ever. No really. This was the best day he has had in who knows how many fucking years. It was fantastic. Except for the part where he couldn’t really taste anything he ate. And the coughing. And the huge amounts of tissue paper that he had accumulated around himself. But other than that he could honestly describe himself as the luckiest bastard on Earth.

Gavin Reed caught a cold. He showed symptoms of this the night before and when he found himself waking up the next day, feeling like more of a shit than usual, a raspy throat, and the urge to just lay down and die, he knew he wouldn’t be going into work. Objectively speaking, his day had started out being pretty shitty but after a few phone calls to the precinct and a few texts to Nines, he found himself with three days off from work and a very caring yet very distressed android barging into his room like he was two seconds away from passing out.

“Gavin are you okay!?” Nines yelled as he barged into Gavin’s room only to find him sitting up on his bed, wrapped up in blankets like an old Russian woman, while scrolling through his phone. He quickly looked up and smiled at Nines.

When he texted Nines that he wouldn’t be coming into work for a couple of days and received a response informing him that he would be there in a few minutes, he found himself to be ecstatic at the idea of spending a lazy day with Nines. He wouldn’t even feel guilty since he knew Nines wouldn’t be able to get sick so he looked forward to Nines coming over.

What he didn’t expect though was to be coddled by an overprotective android who would scan him every five minutes to make sure he wasn’t worsening. Nor was he expecting to get told off for taking better care of himself while also getting to see Nines make him soup that would hopefully keep him warm and help in his recovery.

Gavin would deny this to the ends of time but he was honestly very happy with how the situation turned out. He rarely had anyone in his life that actually cared enough about him to take care of him for long periods of time so to get Nines as his now personal nurse, who at the moment would do anything he asked if he made himself sound just a tad bit pathetic was honestly amazing. Even though he would keep telling Nines that he was fine and this was common for humans only to get responses telling him to shush so that he could get better sooner. If it was up to him he’d honestly rather be sick for the rest of the week if it meant he’d get to have Nines this worried and caring, not that he wasn’t but there was a notable difference in how when Gavin tried to start to banter with Nines he’d just simply nod his head and smile.

This began to make his day not so perfect.

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Nines was having the worst day ever. Arriving early to the precinct to make sure his paperwork was turned in on time, patiently waiting for Gavin to show up, into finding out he would not be coming into work because he was sick quickly spiraled his normal day into the worst one he’s had in quite awhile.

Finding out his partner was sick was bad enough but to then also realize that hey, your partner is Gavin Reed, notorious for being on the brink of death from sleep deprivation and hunger 24/7, so in his mind, no matter how advanced, the thought of Gavin even remotely being sick was enough to imagine him in a hospital bed with tubes and needles and a silent heart monitor-

No.

No. He knew he was overreacting. He knew that colds typically only last a couple of days with the proper medication, enough sleep, and warm meals for the person to get back to their normal healthy self. But he also knew how careless Gavin was with his health. Even more so with his safety. He was brave and strong for a human, who would throw himself into any fight, guns blazing, so long as he got the job done. Moments like these, when Gavin would get hurt or get sick he would be reminded of his mortality. He wasn’t an android who could be rebuilt and updated over and over. He was a human who, if not taken care of properly, would disappear. He was much like a firecracker, with a very specific time limit and easily blown out. Nines feared that if he didn’t protect Gavin from the wind, he’d burn out. Forever.

Nines tried to treat Gavin like he usually would but it was hard because every time he did his scanners would show his partner, sick, burning up, with an increased heart rate, and even without his scanners he could see Gavin, feeling cold and tired. So very tired, that if he were to fall asleep he might just never wake up again.

Gavin looked at Nines, he’d been quiet for awhile now, spending the whole day taking care of Gavin and even going as far as to clean the apartment just to give him something to do. He wouldn’t look at Gavin and that worried him more than anything else.

“Hey Tin Can, what's wrong?” Gavin asked. Nines slowly turned to look at him, surprised at the question but quickly brushed it off.

“Nothing is wrong, Detective. Did you need something else? I could make you some tea, if you’d like. I heard it does wonders for sore throats.” Nines said, already getting up from the bed where he had been sitting next to Gavin. 

Nines wasn’t looking at him. He wasn’t looking at Gavin. And that scared him. He quickly reached out to grasp Nines’ hand before he got too far and turned to look at Gavin.

“Nines cut the bullshit, what the hell is wrong with you? Are you okay?” Gavin desperately asked. Nines’ throat closed up. Gavin was the one who was sick and here he was still worried about Nines. How selfish of him, to make Gavin worry like this.

Nines smiled politely and gently took his hand out of Gavin’s and shook his head. 

“Nothing is wrong, Gavin”

“Then why won’t you look at me?”

This caught Nines by surprise and he realized he wasn’t looking at Gavin but instead at his hand. Gavin sighed and brought his hand to his lap

“Nines you gotta tell me when something’s wrong. I can’t just scan you and know everything. You have to talk to me, because that’s what partners are supposed to do and isn’t that what we are?” Gavin asked hoping Nines would lift his gaze. He did. And Gavin’s heart tore when he saw the look on Nines’ face.

He looked like he was about to fall apart. He looked scared and sad. So very sad. Too sad. In Gavin’s mind, he never wished to see Nines like that ever again so he jumped up from the bed and brought him into his arms. Nines collapsed into him and they both fell onto the bed, with Gavin holding on to Nines, not letting go.

“I can’t bear to see you like this, Gavin. Every time I look at you my scanner shows me distressed signs that you are sick and not okay. It reminds me that I could lose you to an illness or that you could die on the job and it feels like I can't do anything to protect you from it. I’m one of the most advanced androids ever made and I still can’t even do what I want. Not as a slave to CyberLife or as a deviant!” Nines sobbed into Gavin’s chest, heaving from the roller coaster of emotions that spilled out of him.

Gavin buried his face into Nines’ shoulder, holding him as close as possible. He tried to not think about his future with Nines too often since it usually ended with him imagining leaving Nines alone either from old age or his own stupidity.

“I’m so sorry Nines. I wish I wasn’t...this. I can’t promise you that I won’t get sick again or that I won’t get hurt but I can promise you that I’ll take care of myself” Gavin pulled Nines away from him and forced him to look into his eyes.

“I’ll stop smoking. And drinking. I’ll exercise more, because God knows there's no way in hell I’m letting myself look like Hank” Gavin said, which made Nines laugh. But only a little.

“I’ll be more careful on the job. I can’t control the cases I get but I can be better. And I think you're forgetting that I’m partnered with one of the most advanced android ever created. I’m basically invisible and can only be stopped by my ever growing back pains.” Gavin dramatized his words, resulting in Nines giving him a hearty laugh. This is what Nines should look like. 

He finally looked at Gavin. Really looked at him and kissed him.

“Thank you, Gavin.” Nines said, after breaking the kiss. Slowly coming to lay down next to Gavin. He let Gavin take him into his arms once more and let him take care of him because that's what partners do. They take care of each other.

“Anytime, Tin Can.”

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Okay that's it! Hope you guys liked it!

[kvltprince]

@daggertongue asked me about Annamarie and instead of like, filling his wip post with rambling I'm making a post, lol. (Also then if I think of anything more I can easily add on)

She is prewar, but deviates from the storyline because the storyline is pootinky. No kid for her, not sure she was married to Nate even tbh. He might have been her brother or a friend she was rooming with, kinda undecided.

Lost her left eye in a camping accident when she was a teenager. Tent pole end smacked it just right when putting up the tent. Dumb bad luck really. Nothing terribly horribly dramatic. She has a LOT of fun with goofy replacement eyes when she can. Current favorites are laughing at radiation so they tend to be things that are green or radiation symbols.

She has a couple inches on Gage and is quietly amused about it, sometimes less quietly amused by it because he is one of the few people who hasnt made fun of her height.

Her hair is so fun to draw and color because she has fun with it, though it is generally only in braids or puffs, and post war quite often in really fun colors once getting to Nuka World (we do not ask how the raiders get so much dye and paint made we continue to just go along with it, she really does)

She and Gage EVENTUALLY move into the rebuilt up building behind the Red Rocket, but she has little interest in settling down completely. Living together for real is nice though, less in the middle of raiders but nearby.

She is playful and fairly easy going when she isnt working, has only some interest in APPEARING very serious, but is fairly focused and getting things done and over with when she has a task. Heavily prefers sneaking and sniping cos her depth perception is nonexistent from only having one eye. Regardless thinks that the operators need to take a vacation day more often and learn to live a little. Go ride some rides or something. Fix the big roller coaster. (Iirc she went disciples and operators)

She will wear an eye patch sometimes, and then declare that she and Gage match. Shes about 78% less serious than anyone expects upon first meeting her. Her humor is solid for getting through the events of fo4.

[talesofafangirlwithadvr]

February Picks

And just like that another month is coming to a close. I can’t believe how fast it has gone by. I’ve continued watching some favorites from last month and am sad some have come to an end. Meanwhile a bunch of shows came back from their winter hiatus, so it was a lot of fun getting back into their story-lines again.

Be prepared for spoilers once again...

SANDITON

Masterpiece’s Sanditon ended this past Sunday, here in the states, and I am jumping on the campaign that we need a season 2! It can’t end like that with so many open ended story-lines (okay maybe just one or two, but still we deserve more). 

Who would have guessed that Esther would become one of my favorite characters in this series and that’s mainly thanks to her well written character development. From the “villain” in episode 1 she grew into so much more and was such a complex character. I really enjoyed watching her story unfold. I am SO HAPPY she married Babington and his speech to her about living side by side, knowing he loves her more and just wants to see her happy. Wow....Goals. I want to see this relationship progress even more (if that’s possible) with a season 2. Speaking of things I want to see: Will Sanditon be rebuilt and how long will it take? Will there be an alternative allowing Sidney to be with Charlotte? Major twist there as their relationship doesn’t end with a happily ever after (very un-Austen like for the main protagonists). When he returned at the end stopping Charlotte’s carriage, I seriously thought he would have said he broke up his engagement, but alas. The previous episode I really wanted them together (thanks to Sidney’s speech to Charlotte when he told her his ex-fiance left and how Charlotte makes him a better person *melts* and of course their dancing scene the episode prior was amazing). In the early parts of the season, while I knew Charlotte and Sidney would be a thing-eventually, I couldn’t help but have a soft spot for Young Stringer’s character and my appreciation never truly left. I felt he was paired well with Charlotte. Such a tragic ending for him. He wanted to better himself (much like the Parker brothers) but after his father’s death he no longer will. Throughout the series, I enjoyed Miss Lambe’s character, but I agree with many reviews that I was reading that her character was kind of dropped at the end. I’m curious what her reaction will be when she finds out about SIdney’s engagement...

Thank you again, Andrew Davies. I was not expecting to like this adaptation so much.    

ZOEY’S EXTRAORDINARY PLAYLIST

The best way to describe one of NBC’s latest shows is that I feel happy and in a good mood whenever I finish an episode. (And then I’m immediately upset that I have to wait a week for the next one. I watch them too fast.) I’ve heard many people compare it to Glee and while I could definitely understand that I keep getting drawn back to Abc’s short lived Eli Stone. There Eli (played by Jonny Lee Miller) could hear people around him sing and dance, which helped him solve upcoming law cases. In this show he was experiencing a brain tumor, but so far Zoey seems all clear. Instead, a freak accident while she is getting an MRI scan and listening to music, allows for her to hear people sing (and perform) their innermost feelings. There’s still some logistics to discover like what Zoey looks like when she watches these performances (does she move around or look like she’s just staring into the air. I might be thinking into this too much...I know). We just recently found out that sometimes she can speak to others as they are happening. Each time she hears someone sing she is meant to help them with something in their life. It could be a family member, co worker, friend, or like this past week her boss. While there’s one major problem (that she has to fix), there are often multiple songs in one episode which I really enjoy. The cast is also very strong, both musically and as actors. I can’t wait to see where the rest of the season is headed!

TO ALL THE BOYS P.S. I STILL LOVE YOU

When the first film was released on Netflix about 2 years ago, I was instantly a fan. I was unfamiliar with the book, but quickly added to my TBR list. (My to read list is extremely long, so I still haven’t gotten to it. Story of my life.) I really enjoyed watching Lara Jean experience the results of having her secretive love letters distributed to her past crushes. I was definitely Team Peter and Lara by the end of the film. They were adorable. The sequel was released earlier this month and I kind of forgot about it. It felt like we had been preparing for the sequel for a bit and then I must have been watching too much Disney Plus to miss the trailer. Watching P.S. I still love you, I just missed the original film. There were parts I liked and I was a big fan of John Ambrose (and of course Jordan Fisher because he’s great), but overall I felt like much didn’t happen. Also, Lara and Peter’s relationship kind of bothered me in parts. I understand that for both of them this was the first time they were in this kind of relationship and could feel awkward about certain things (like the Valentine’s singing-gram or writing an original poem). The main part I did like about them was towards the end when he arrived at the retirement home. I don’t say this often, but I have no want to re-watch it any time soon.   

VIOLETTA SEASON 1

Speaking of Disney Plus....

In a quick month and a half I have successfully watched ALL 80 episodes of season 1 of Violetta. I feel so accomplished and know the withdrawal will happen very soon. (I just finished last night and I’ve been listening to the music a lot recently). I’m so upset that season 2 has not be released on Disney Plus yet. I thought it would be by now because the streaming service has been up for a good amount of months and this show was so popular around the world. Unfortunately, I have not been lucky with my Google searches for when they’ll release it and no luck with YouTube either (no English caption options). I’ve been hearing that season 2 is really great because season 1 did a nice job of establishing these characters and now we get to see more story-lines. I will miss the students and teachers at the Studio as well the home-life at the Castillo’s house. Throughout 80 episodes it’s understandable to love and hate several characters as you’re with them for a good amount of time. For some people it was a roller coaster, but there were a good amount that I liked pretty consistently. I am a fan of Violetta and Leon and they had some super cute moments. I think it was about episode 35 where I truly felt like connection. When Tomas left the love triangle for a bit I actually grew to like him and would often joke how he never smiled and had a Tomas face. I really liked You Mix and the introduction of Frederico. Some great songs came out of that section like Ven y Canta and Tienes el Talento, but my favorite is definitely Ser Mejor. And of course, I will always have love for Pablo. I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I’m going to miss reading subtitles (I really do feel like I know more Spanish now). Definitely check out this show if you want something drama filled and funny at the same time. 

LEGACIES

I know I dedicated a whole post to Chris Wood’s return as Kai Parker on Legacies. (See the article here:https://talesofafangirlwithadvr.tumblr.com/post/190761328673/omg-legacies-2x12) But I still had to include it in this wrap up because once again Legacies is doing a great job this season. I was so excited to see it when it came back from the mid-season hiatus. Since the return of Wood it has gotten more of a TVD vibe than usual, which is great. I haven’t watched the last episode, but have seen a clip of Kai masquerading at the school. I am going to be very interested to see for how long he hangs around and how long it takes for them to discover him AND how Josie handles the evil inside of her. 

BROOKLYN NINE NINE

Thank goodness this show got renewed (and picked up from NBC). When it started a couple of weeks ago, I was reminded how much I missed it. I can’t get over that this is already the second season on NBC. As usual the hi-jinks of the Nine Nine have been entertaining to watch. The Jimmy Jab games were great. I loved how Hitchcock was so desperate to win that he was taking Scully’s array of pills. What an ending with Debbie! Did not think she could be capable of that. I can’t wait to see the outcome next episode. I’m so excited for a Santiago-Peralta baby. It was a great episode when they were hiding it from Charles and Adrian returned. I’ve seen the movie Memento and it is great! It was hilarious each time he was like, ‘I don’t know what that is’ and then saying ‘Finding Dory’ solved everything. I am so happy that this show was suggested for me to watch and fill my Office and Parks and Rec void. Whenever a new episode’s on the DVR I can’t wait to watch it.      

LEGENDS OF TOMORROW

And last, but certainly not least, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has once again not disappointed me this season (I know it’s still early, but I’m optimistic). It started at the end of January following the events of Crisis and I liked how this season transitioned with all the changes (the major one being the introduction of Zari’s brother). I am really happy to see her again though and how she is having these flashes of her old life on board the Wave-rider. I can’t wait to see that reveal happen (especially because as of right now only Nate knows the ‘truth’). I love seeing Ava as a permanent part of the Legends crew and as stepping in as Captain when Sara was away. She is a great addition and I like how quirky she is since we first met her. Her and Sara are perfect. I also love Ray and Nora. Nora as a fairy godmother is fantastic. One of my favorite episodes was the one with the 80s dance. Her role in all of that was great and her realization with what she can provide for these kids. I feel like this is going to be the reason Ray leaves the Legends. I remember seeing Brandon Routh’s Instagram Post about leaving the show and this feels like the reason he will. I hope that isn’t for a while though because I am going to miss him a lot. 

Until March!   

[dewitty1]

I could be wrong, I could be ready

harryromper @harryromper

Chapters: 4/4 Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Draco Malfoy/Harry Potter Characters: Draco Malfoy, Harry Potter, Bill Weasley, Original Female Character(s), Hermione Granger, Ron Weasley, Neville Longbottom, Luna Lovegood, Ginny Weasley, Andromeda Black Tonks, Teddy Lupin, Rose Weasley, Minerva McGonagall, Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, Portrait Fleamont Potter Additional Tags: Post-Hogwarts, Harry Potter Epilogue What Epilogue | EWE, Post-Second War with Voldemort, POV Alternating, Redeemed Draco Malfoy, Angst with a Happy Ending, Pining, Romance, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, wizarding houses, House magic, Magic, Families of Choice, Pureblood Culture (Harry Potter), Wizarding Traditions (Harry Potter), Magical Theory, Brooklyn, Roller Coasters, Socks, Quidditch Player Ginny Weasley, Minor Hermione Granger/Ron Weasley, Minor Luna Lovegood/Ginny Weasley, Minor Hannah Abbott/Neville Longbottom, Professor Neville Longbottom, Curse Breaker Bill Weasley, Headmistress Minerva McGonagall, Godric’s Hollow, Hogwarts, Grimmauld Place, H/D Erised 2018, Community: hd_erised, Lovers to Friends, Don’t copy to another site Summary:

At first Harry wonders if they’ve managed to destroy his vaults and are trying to tell him in the most oblique way possible. But when he turns the page he realises they’ve found a vault. A vault in the name of Lily and James Potter.

The parchment trembles a little in Harry’s hand. He takes another gulp of wine.

Harry Potter left Britain after the war and didn’t look back. Ten years later, when Gringotts discovers a vault containing his parents’ belongings—including their badly spell-damaged wedding rings—he’s forced to face up to friends and family who’ve grown in ways he could never imagine, a wizarding London rebuilt beyond his expectations, and the anniversary of the Battle of Hogwarts. And if that wasn’t enough, there’s the entirely unforeseen problem of Draco Malfoy.

Featuring pureblood wizarding traditions, ancestral magic, open mic nights, marriage equality, a diner in Brooklyn, and the return of Fleamont Potter.

Excerpt:

“I ran into Malfoy again, yesterday. Like, physically. Ran into him full-tilt coming back from a jog outside the Leaky. Bowled him right over.”

Hermione giggles, as Harry kneels beside her on the quilt. “On purpose?”

Harry laughs. “No, of course not.”

She pushes a plate of muffins towards him, and he breaks off a chunk of one.

“Who did he marry?” Harry asks, thinking about Parkinson. The way Draco’s hands, brushing himself off yesterday, were unadorned by rings.

“He’s not married,” Hermione answers, letting Hugo clutch at her finger, dragging it towards his mouth.

“Really? He always seemed the type to be married to some prim little witch who knows how to entertain properly. You know, the sort who’s really good at parties and small talk and never forgets anyone’s name.” Harry can just picture them both at society functions, glasses of champagne in hand. Malfoy looking down his aristocratic nose at everyone.

“That’s funny,” Hermione snorts, clearly delighted by something he’s said.

“What is?”

She gives him a strange look. “Harry, Draco is as gay as a maypole.”

Harry manages to inhale a crumb the wrong way and immediately sets to choking. It causes Hermione to laugh even harder. “You really didn’t know?” she asks, patting his back ineffectually. ”He dated Dean Thomas for over a year!”

And that is really not an image Harry needs in his head, all of Malfoy’s long limbs wrapped around… He shakes his head vigorously.

“No. How would I have known? I heard him talking about picking a kid up from school and I just assumed—”

Hermione’s laughter dies suddenly and the happiness slides from her face. “Teddy, Harry. He would have been talking about Teddy.”

“Why would Malfoy be picking Teddy up from school?” He tries not to make it sound scathing, but it doesn’t really make any sense. The two of them are related, sure, but in the “burnt off the family tree” kind of way. He can’t imagine even a post-war Malfoy being that interested in a Metamorphmagus from the wrong side of the Blacks.

Hermione sighs and gently tugs her finger back from Hugo, picking the baby up as he starts to fuss. She frowns at Harry, a sign he’s coming to recognise means he’s freshly disappointed her in some way.

“Draco looks after Teddy two days a week. He has done for years. Draco’s basically the father figure in Teddy’s life.”

If she doesn’t mean for it to sound like an accusation, Harry thinks, she’s fallen pretty short of the mark. Hugo starts to cry, and Harry decides to take the excuse.

“Time for Hugo’s nap—I’ll leave you to it.”

“You should go catch up with him, Harry. You’ve changed a lot and so has he. It’s Wednesday, he’ll be at the Bent Wand tonight.”

Harry waves absently at her as he leaves. He doesn’t have any intention of catching up with Malfoy.

Except that her suggestion keeps gnawing at him as he heads back to the Leaky, and it won’t leave him alone as he eats a bowl of bland soup at the bar. He asks Kim, the waitress, about the Bent Wand and she gives him directions to a new street opened up after the war. He has no interest at all in seeing what Malfoy’s up to, but the idea that British wizards have caught up with the modern world enough to have gay bars out in the open is sort of intriguing. He could just go have a drink there. It doesn’t mean he has to talk to Malfoy. In fact the thought of not talking to Malfoy and finding an attractive wizard to work out the week’s frustrations with is sort of appealing. And so before he can reconsider he’s wandering past a new Wheezes branch and round the corner into a charming little street he’s never seen before called Equal Alley.

The Bent Wand looks like more of a pub than a bar, and there’s a foreboding-looking bouncer standing at the door. “Tap your wand,” he says, indicating a brick in the wall. Harry does so, and a blue plastic wristband appears on his arm.

“All Ages night tonight,” the bouncer says, by way of explanation, and steps to one side to let Harry in.

The pub is warm and busy, with groups of people clustered around tables and around the bar. The crowd is younger than Harry was expecting. Two boys who look like they’re still Hogwarts-age walk past him holding hands. The taller one is wearing a t-shirt that reads I Like Wizards / It’s None of Your Business. Harry waits behind them at the bar.

“Where’s the sign up sheet?” one of them asks.

The bartender points over their shoulders. “Draco has it over by the stage.”

Harry turns to catch a glimpse of Malfoy’s blond hair, surrounded by young people over by a large amp sitting on a low stage.

Harry orders a pint, and while the bartender is pulling it, he asks, “Sign up sheet?”

“Shout Out. It’s an open mic night for youth. Happens here every Wednesday.”

Harry is reluctantly impressed. It’s more or less the last thing he expected when Hermione mentioned it. He assumed the Wand would be some snooty wine bar with an overpriced cocktail menu and Malfoy holding court in a booth being rude to people who weren’t as attractive or wealthy as him.

“Some of these kids look like they’re still in school,” Harry says, anxious to derail that train of thought as quickly as possible.

The bartender nods. “Hogwarts lets them Floo down for the evening. It’s an approved extracurricular. Draco over there takes responsibility for getting them back afterwards.”

Harry tries to imagine anything like this being possible during his school days and can’t. It took him leaving the country to even understand that the confused knot of feelings he had about his own attraction to wizards was fine and normal and nothing he needed to hide. It certainly wasn’t something they ever discussed in school. Though to be fair to Hogwarts, he supposes, they had quite a lot else on their minds at the time.

He takes his drink and perches on a stool at the corner of the bar with a view of the stage. When Malfoy stands up, clipboard in hand, Harry’s forced to admit to himself that he looks really good. Which is a preposterous sort of thought, because Malfoy’s only wearing jeans and a white t-shirt. But there’s something about the way the dark skinnies hug his legs, the form-fitting tee, even the faded grey lines of his Dark Mark. Harry finds that he can’t look away.

Malfoy greets everyone there like old friends and invites a blue-haired witch in her twenties up on stage as the evening’s emcee, before taking a seat at one of the front tables. The talent on display is mixed at best, but the enthusiasm is contagious. Passable cover songs delivered on guitar, overwrought poetry, a slightly ill-considered rap. Harry finds himself clapping wildly, beaming at the thought of these young people having the space to express themselves. He’s ordering another pint when Malfoy pulls up the stool next to him as if they’re old friends. He hadn’t even seen him come over.

“Didn’t expect to see you here.” Draco sounds curious, rather than mean. Harry realises his hair is cut much shorter than it had been in school. It suits him.

“What, you thought you were the only queer wizard in our year?”

Malfoy laughs, reaching for a drink the bartender has made for him without asking. It looks like a gin and tonic. “Please. That cat’s long out of the bag. Ever since the Weasley wedding guests flapped their traps and the Prophet dedicated a full week of issues to The Boy Who Lived a Lie.”

Harry folds in on himself a little at that. It’s not that he hadn’t known it made the press here at the time, of course; he just hadn’t seen any of it. He’s pretty sure it was ugly. Andromeda always made a face when the subject came up.

As if he can read the dark turn Harry’s thoughts have taken, Malfoy leans in conspiratorially and says, “I may or may not have kept a few newspaper clippings for my personal collection. Some of the photos were very inspirational.”

It startles a laugh out of Harry, and Malfoy gives him a pleased smile. His ears pink up a little and Harry finds himself fixated on the smooth skin over his clavicle. Harry straightens up. Clearly, the pints are going to his head and he should leave. Flirting with Draco Malfoy is an objectively terrible idea. Draco’s tall and lithe and gives the impression of being all coiled power. Like a snake, but probably twice as dangerous. Harry can easily find far less menacing opportunities to pull, with a lot less emotional baggage.

“What brings you to London? Other than knocking people over in the street and lurking around queer youth nights in bars?”

Harry snaps his gaze back up to meet Malfoy’s. He doesn’t seem to have noticed Harry’s inner turmoil, or if he has, he isn’t letting on. “Gringotts found some things belonging to my parents so I needed to sort that out. I’m only here for another day or two.” He doesn’t say any more. Harry knows Malfoy’s father was sentenced to be Kissed. Talking about their parents or the past in general seems like a no-go. In fact, just the two of them sitting side by side in a bar having a conversation seems like something that should bend the universe in on itself and cause it to implode.

“This is impressive,” he manages, taking a deep breath and reaching for a change of subject, gesturing around at the pub night. “Creating an environment like this.”

“Thank you,” Malfoy nods. “Times have changed a lot since we were their age, but not so much that it’s not important to give them all the support we can.” He knocks his drink back in several swallows that leave Harry staring at the long, pale column of his throat. Harry desperately wants to mark it up.

“Go easy,” he manages, aiming for teasing. “You’ll be on the floor at that rate.”

“It’s soda, Potter,” Malfoy smirks. “Someone has to get the children back to Hogwarts in one piece.”

Harry is just wrestling with why that idea seems disappointing when Malfoy gives him a long, considering look. It’s as if he’s weighing every aspect of Harry, and it’s ridiculous, but Harry suddenly doesn’t want to be found wanting.

 Draco seems to reach some sort of decision as he stands and leans right into Harry’s personal space, his lips warm against Harry’s ear. “Though if you want me on the floor, I don’t have to get the students back to school for an hour or so.” Just the words alone have Harry letting out a small groan and adjusting himself in his jeans. Malfoy pulls back, grinning wickedly at him. This whole moment is absurd. 

Unthinkable. 

Harry can’t possibly go through with it. But Draco is the brightest spot in the room and he can’t look away.

“Where?” he breathes, thinking about just tugging Malfoy to him and Apparating them right back to his room at the Leaky, although that seems a bit obvious. 

And really who can wait that long, there’s got to be a perfectly good toilet somewhere in this pub. 

But Malfoy just smirks and walks away, toward a door at the back of the bar marked Emergency Exit. Harry hastens after him.

He finds himself in a service lane behind the building, immediately pressed against a brick wall. If Malfoy’s jeans looked tight from across the bar, now he’s close enough for Harry to feel it. 

“Someone will see,” Harry bites out, as Malfoy makes quick work of his belt buckle.

Malfoy laughs. “You think gay wizards built Equal Alley and didn’t disillusion the hell out of every dark corner?” And then Malfoy sinks to his knees and Harry can’t find himself able to care anymore.