#i'm really glad i won host's favorite too!

[nogenderbee]

Could I request Diluc, Kaeya, Childe and Ayato with an s/o who has amazing good fortune and luck?

Sure! I did these in oneshot format because I thought it'll be a bit more interesting ^^ Well hope you like it dear anon!

♡˗ˏ✎*ೃ˚ 𝕃𝕦𝕔𝕜𝕪 𝕔𝕙𝕒𝕣𝕞 ₊˚ˑ༄

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ Diluc, Kaeya, Childe, Ayato x lucky!reader

*ੈ✩‧₊˚ @bleachtheidiot

You visited Diluc in Angel's Share to classically ramble about your day and adventures. He seemed to expect you by now before as soon as you say down, your favorite juice was right under your nose and when you looked at your partner, you noticed his eyes softening. It was like alternative of a smile since he can't let other read: Venti, Kaeya or Rosaria see him like that and risk getting teased to death.

But going back to current time... there was almost no one else close to bar so it was basically just the two of you.

"So how was it? I heard you accepted one of more dangerous missions today."

He gave you the strict look and you knew just by that that he was worried for the whole day even if he didn't wanted to admit it!

"Yeah, but it was easy! My luck never disappoints me~"

"That's great and I don't wish it to be otherwise but you should stop relying on it so much. It's just luck. What it won't be on your side one time?"

"Oh stop worrying so much! I'm all safe and sound!"

"And I couldn't be more glad for that..."

He was gently caressing your hand by now. It may seem like normal gesture but you could see he's being a bit mean because he cares about you. Maybe next time you should take some extra stuff just to make him less stressed text time?

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You and Kaeya were just hanging around on Mondstadt's festival. There was game based on luck so of course he encouraged you to try it! And naturally, you win every single one of them~ Eventually it ended with hosts stopping you from playing because you'd win all prizes in this tempo...

"See? I told you it's worth checking out!"

"Did you had something to do with it again?"

"What are you assuming me of? But just maybe I made a bet with host that you won't loose a single round! I'm treating you to dinner tonight, my dear~"

You should've expected it honestly... he will use every opportunity to show how amazing luck his partner has after all. But you can't really complain since he's treating you to dinner!

But he doesn't do it just to use you or so, it's more like showing everyone your amazing talent. And you can see it by the way he always compliments you before even suggesting bets or anything like that.

"Another bet? Really?"

"Well yes but you know it's not me who suggested them... they were just a bit too confident that you can't have those sort or luck."

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Childe brings you everywhere with him. And it's even worse if you know about him being part of the Fatui... he'll always bring you to negotiations, competitions, fights and so on.

Since that one time when you both were just shopping in Liyue Harbor and he won over 3 negatiations with you on his side, he literally started calling you "his lucky charm".

That's how you ended up watching him fight on the sides, like today. It doesn't matter if it'll be whole boss or few slimes, he'd always tell you to give him some of your luck with that grin on his face.

And when he comes back after his win, he'll be a bit flirty, saying how it's all thanks to your luck even tho you both know very well it's thanks to his fighting skills.

"Thanks for cheering for me there! I couldn't have done this without your help~"

"C'mon... these slimes were nothing for you... you said it yourself plenty of time."

"But it could've been your luck this time! You won't mind accompanying me for some time, right?"

"Aren't you just trying to show off by now?"

He definitely does try to only impress you... and you're sure of it by the way he sends you that little grin of his symbolizing he's planning something.

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You came to Ayato rambling about how lucky you got with winning a prize on some festival. He was genuinely happy to see you smile like that and the way you were so sure it's because you're lucky person is making him adore you even more.

"I guess I just have incredible luck! No one won this one before me and it's the one I liked the most anyway!"

"Of course. I'm so proud of you, my love."

It's not immidietly noticible but he doesn't really believe in so called "luck". He's sure it's a simple coincidence but that sparkle in your eyes just makes him go with your thoughts to not accidentally ruin this day for you.

"Well then, why won't we celebrate your another lucky day by going out for dinner?"

"Well I can't say no to that!"

He softly smiled at your reaction. He liked to spoil you in the first place but he adores how childish you could be sometimes.

He'd always listen to you rambling about your newest achievements and how it's all thanks to your luck with a smile. He's saying that he's proud of you and acts as if he's sure that's how it is, but in reality he thinks it was just coincidence. As much as he doesn't want you to ALWAYS rely on your luck, he can't just tell you what he thinks in the face, you're simply too pure in his eyes.

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[cboffshore]

No idea if this has been mentioned before , but i reread the OSSAS series and why do i kinda feel like some of the non-prisoner-related stuff nadakhan does to Nya ( not defending his creepy behavior or anything) are things Delara possibly used to enjoy ?

Nadakhan slightly playing with Nya's hair ? Delara liked it when he played with hers. The two playing chess over some mulled wine ? Well there aren't many restaurants aboard the Keep so that could very much have been their favorite way to have a date . Just him reeeeeeeally pushing Delara into Nya before she even knows what's actually going to happen ...

If you were at some point hinting of that in the series , i really apologise for not getting the cue ! #autism

Btw so excited for next chapter of " Witness For The Solitary Host" :D your works are amazing

Good catch - that was definitely intentional. I actually have never rambled about that pattern before, so I've been wondering if I pulled it off well enough for people to catch on. Looks like I did! That's great! (I'm putting the rest under the cut to save dash space!)

It kind of plays into a longer pattern I have in OSSAS about Nadakhan trying to pre-mold Nya into Delara - not even by trying to get her used to those things, but sort of by trying to convince himself that he's got some part of Delara back before he actually does. He knows Nya's not her, but, like.... if the lights are dim enough, or she's asleep or not glaring at him head-on, or she's doing something close enough to what Delara used to do, it's easy enough to pretend he's already won for a few seconds. Just enough to keep him going, really. (Sidenote: there's a song on the playlist with the line "There's nothing wrong with just a taste of what you paid for" - that's on the playlist specifically for this stuff.)

I should admit I wasn't working from the "things Delara used to like" angle - I was more on the "how Delara used to behave" track - but the idea of him intentionally resurrecting these sentimental activities definitely works with the themes of the series, too! On some level, he's absolutely working out of habit (re: the hair touching), so viewing the chess night as something she used to enjoy is a totally valid interpretation.

One thing that's always annoyed me a little about Skybound is this really weird idea that Nadakhan targets Nya because he thinks she's just Delara reincarnate. This is true at the start of the season, but by episode 60 (where he actually refers to Nya by name when speaking to Jay) it's VERY obvious that he's figured out his initial reincarnation idea was off the mark. A lot of fanfiction I've read over the years misses that development, which kind of skews the whole thing and turns it into more of the "I know you're in there and I'm going to break you out and help you get your memories back" stereotype. I didn't want to work with that angle, both because it's just flat out wrong and also because I have seen it SO MUCH and I'm tired. (Which explains most of the motive for writing this series, really - trying to skirt all the trends and seeing what I can wring out.)

Nadakhan's whole thing is taking existing materials and sculpting them into his ideals - which, in my opinion, plays VERY nicely with the "I know Nya's not 100% what I'm looking for but she'll make a good enough starting point" that we get canonically. I really tried to play that up throughout OSSAS, and I'm glad it came through!

Also - glad to hear you enjoyed Witness! The next chapters aren't due til later this year for reasons I can't spoil yet, but I'm very excited to get working on it, because this time I get to examine how Nadakhan behaves when he has what he thinks is 100% Delara. I won't give too much away, but.... it's going to be so fun. He's going to have an awful time. I'm so ready to run this guy over with a Barbie jeep.

Thanks for the ask!!

[absentcaryatid]

Already hooked by the concept of Namjoon as a show host. He looks the part, and would have such a pleasant delivery in his warm voice. And he is smitten from the start, this is going to be good.

I love friend Hoseok's conversation with Namjoon allowing us to get the latter's thoughts on being interested in a man for the first time plus some good life advice for us all from Hobi:

"But you're unsettled." "Yeah," Namjoon admits. He cringes, squeezing his eyes shut; he feels like an asshole. Why should he be unsettled about finding someone attractive? What kind of person does that make him? "Look, it's okay to be uncomfortable with new feelings. Discomfort does not make you a bad person; it just means your brain is struggling to process the information. You just need time."

Namjoon discovers where his heart lies soon enough and his awkwardness with getting to know Yoongi better was charming. Yoongi quickly won me over too. "Yoongi doesn't really have a favorite dish that he prefers to prepare but enjoys making soups and stews because they are hearty and versatile, and you can easily store the leftovers." I'm laughing here because I too am a fan of easy leftovers like the black bean stew I made today. Yoongi is so attractive for this practicality.

The food smells incredible, and Namjoon waits for Yoongi's signal before digging in. Everything from the flavors to the aromatics fills Namjoon's senses, and he closes his eyes and groans into the first spoonful; he is not sure he has ever tasted anything so good before. It is rich yet delicate and hearty, and Namjoon fears that this will only serve to make him fall even more head over heels for the pretty chef.

Food stories are a favorite of mine, and they are always realistic in Harrow's educated hands, including some vital safety precautions! "Whenever Yoongi's hands are free of something sharp or hot, Namjoon likes to place his hands on Yoongi's hips and kiss him on the neck, smiling against his skin when Yoongi lets out a satisfied hum."

There is something here for everyone to love as Yoongi confidently eases Namjoon into his first same-sex relationship. It is a very sweet story, and I'm so glad to have it to unwind with today.

Lips Like Honey

Chef Min is easily the prettiest man Namjoon has ever seen, and now Namjoon is questioning everything—including his sexuality.

🍯  Namjoon x Yoongi 

🍯  word count: 13.9k

🍯  strangers to lovers, smut, fluff, light angst, slash, nsfw, 18+

🍯  warnings: top namjoon, bottom yoongi, light angst (namjoon has an identity crisis), fluff (flirting, mutual pining, self discovery, falling in love), smut (phone sex, blow job, frotting, ass to mouth, anal fingering & anal sex. first time with same-sex partner.)

🍯  note: namjoon is older than yoongi. also, uhhh…..holy shit, did i…..did i write fluff???? like tooth-rotting fluff?????????? what is happeing?!?!?!?! ahhhh i love this one! enjoy!!!!

🍯  written for the BTS One Line Wonders Fest!

🍯  beta read by @neoneunnajimin​ 🍯  posted june 2022 | read on ao3

“Alright, everyone, we’ll be going on air in 3…2…” the producer holds up a single finger, mouths the word “one,” then points to Namjoon, who flashes a practiced winning smile into the camera.

“Welcome back!” Namjoon beams, doing his best to ignore the excited audience behind the cameraman to speak directly into the camera. “Today, we have a very special guest who will be showing us how to create his spin on several popular street food dishes from the ease and comfort of your home. Please give a warm welcome to the hottest new chef on the block, Chef Min.”

As soon as the camera pans over to the guest chef, Namjoon’s heart begins to pound heavily in his chest. All morning he has been struggling to so much as make eye contact with the guy, and now, in front of hot stage lights and a live audience, he has to actually speak to him.

Chef Min smiles shyly into the camera, showing off his gums as a faint blush paints his cheeks. He looks incredibly soft despite his sharp features, with bleached blond hair falling just below his dark eyebrows and silver earrings dangling from his ears, accentuating the pale and rosy shades of his skin and the deep browns of his eyes.

Under Chef Min’s dark denim apron is a fuzzy white sweater and skinny black jeans, and Namjoon cannot pinpoint why, but the combination makes his heart go do-geun, do-geun. Even glancing over at him for a moment feels like an impossible feat.

Keep reading

[baekhvuns]

Lmao my friend turned her TV once and France scored then she switched the channel, came back and another goal for France akgsuahajjsjs I didn't care who won, so I wasn't in shambles I also didn't watch the match thoroughly, but I still felt some kind of tension especially during penalties. Ahhh that sucks for PSG, hopefully the management gets their shit together.

Omg the stadium view?!?! Baek do you have a big backyard, maybe they can play there

Pique is the villain seriously, I'm glad he's gone. I couldn't believe miss Shakira got with him?! Though she's not doing well these days, girlie 💩

I used to be a big Ronaldo fan, yes. Please Pepe was out of control 😭 chill and calm was never in his dictionary

And you didn't reveal your true colours to me then... 🐍that's why I can't watch PSG 😭 I didn't spend years seeing Ramos playing against Messi and Neymar to now see them together. I'm hateful 🔫 but what's going on with Benzema and France NT 😭 but also Zidane might be their new coach? 👀 I do love that bald headbutting man, ngl

Yep agreed about Mbappe, sadly there are some good players who just cannot work in a team if they're not the centre of attention. His skills are good, but he needs to think more, his head isn't always in the game.

Pretty sure Wooyoung would get RED, remember him during Kingdom's sport's day? Wooyoung in his Ramos era.

Every webtoon guy is a Hwa look-alike lmaoooo. Act Like You Love Me apparently gets a bit better, but it's still bad, the beginning was fun, but over 90 chapters in and this shit is insufferable. I read comments from Korean fans and they're pissed as well. I hate most of the characters at this point, it's TB 2.0. Buuut I read spoilers about For My Derelict Favorite and it doesn't seem to be going downhill so fingers crossed!

All the bear emoji users assemble, who do we have, Kai, Seulgi, Jongho, Beomgyu... they need to fight, the ultimate 🐻 battle

No one needs new SuperM members unless it's Key 👀 EXO's freedom era let's gooo

Wait BAP getting plagiarised, what?

I didn't know what to expect from that Devil Wears Prada thing, but? I agree, he looks cuter than Miranda though sjudishsjansjhshs

Not to be like this, but why wasn't Hwa featured in today's collab, he literally did the Rush Hour challenge 😭 come to think, he's never been in any collab, neither vocal nor dancing (except for Kingdom but it featured everyone so it doesn't count). My friend pointed out that he's in a weird position he's either treated as a vocalist, dancer and rapper or neither, so he gets kinda omitted... and Wooyoung wasn't in Rush Hour as well 🤔

But Hwa's full leather fit and Mingi's too wow

Ohhhh he's a pianist (his ass is not playing but 🤩)

AAAAAAAAAA WANT. Ha ha ha I have normal feelings about this

YSL model Park Seonghwa (real) I keep forgetting to re-read model Hwa...

Ok ok bestie listen because, Yunjin opera and Kazuha ballet?! And they covered The Boys? Ive did Karaaaaaa, someone covered WG too I think

CUTE also D-100?! 😭😭😭 April 2nd omg a day before Seonghwa's birthday you know what he should do to celebrate... anyways Taemin finally ended our torture we have a dateeeeeee! - DV 💖

hi hello!!

Lmao my friend turned her TV once and France scored then she switched the channel, came back and another goal for France akgsuahajjsjs I didn't care who won, so I wasn't in shambles I also didn't watch the match thoroughly, but I still felt some kind of tension especially during penalties. Ahhh that sucks for PSG, hopefully the management gets their shit together.

LMFAOOOO 😭😭😭 i rly blamed france scoring on anything breathing at that point 😭i think the final had a very unsettling feeling (even w the city who hosted it) to it that increased at penalties, maybe it was mbappe’s face that was so relaxed and calm, scoring easily as the previous winners to agrentina’s hunger to bring the trophy in after decades,,, it was really a fight to the END, what a final but in the most unsettling way,,, hopefully psg does better! they got the best players they gotta make it useful!! also this tweet so true

Omg the stadium view?!?! Baek do you have a big backyard, maybe they can play there //// Pique is the villain seriously, I'm glad he's gone. I couldn't believe miss Shakira got with him?! Though she's not doing well these days, girlie 💩

KCHCKCLC I WISH I DID but theres a better one just an hour away! not w the mountain view but def the entire skyline and super pretty <33 no bc pique meeting with messi and suarez for christmas 😭😭 may b he’ll beg for him to come back to barca ANS then messi to convince ney to come and the world will heal,, fhsjdhsj miss shakira is still doing better then him 🤚🏼

I used to be a big Ronaldo fan, yes. Please Pepe was out of control 😭 chill and calm was never in his dictionary

NO FUCKING Y SHAKDHWKDH I SMELLED HIS FAN OFF OF U BFKWHDSK WHAT A COINCIDENCE A MESSI LIKER AND A RONALDO LIKED HAVING A CIVIL CONVO DBDB

And you didn't reveal your true colours to me then... 🐍that's why I can't watch PSG 😭 I didn't spend years seeing Ramos playing against Messi and Neymar to now see them together. I'm hateful 🔫 but what's going on with Benzema and France NT 😭 but also Zidane might be their new coach? 👀 I do love that bald headbutting man, ngl

LMFAOOOO NO BC PSGS GOOD THEY GOT THEM AND DI MARIA ITS RLY ENTERTAINING TO WATCH IT AS A WHOLE DBDBDB the beef of mbappe w messimar, the neymar messi giggling and the fight w defence 😭😭 HATEFUL FBWNFHWK NOOOO THE BENZEMA FRANCE THING IS SO MESSY BUT FUNNY GBDNFBNE HE DIPPED AFTER THE BALLON D’OR 😭😭😭 zidane ayo 👀 hoping for a mourinho and guardiola return,,, the 2026 wc is so confusing the math is not mathing 😭😭

Yep agreed about Mbappe, sadly there are some good players who just cannot work in a team if they're not the centre of attention. His skills are good, but he needs to think more, his head isn't always in the game.

absolutely 100% !!!!! he’s predictable and it won’t take long for ppl to notice (and they are) before they start eating him up bdbdbd his head is always to just win 😭😭

Pretty sure Wooyoung would get RED, remember him during Kingdom's sport's day? Wooyoung in his Ramos era.

RBQKDHQKHDQKJCJCJC WOOYOUNG RAMOS ZLATAN AND PEPE MIX add neymar for the drama and the winks, he’d ask the goalkeeper where to shoot for pen’s just like him 😭😭😭😭

Every webtoon guy is a Hwa look-alike lmaoooo. Act Like You Love Me apparently gets a bit better, but it's still bad, the beginning was fun, but over 90 chapters in and this shit is insufferable. I read comments from Korean fans and they're pissed as well. I hate most of the characters at this point, it's TB 2.0. Buuut I read spoilers about For My Derelict Favorite and it doesn't seem to be going downhill so fingers crossed!

seonghwa perfect face agenda is shown every time i open a webtoon and it’s always a replica of him in a diff hair colour,,,, OKAY BET IM READING THIS AND SO FAR SO GOOD,,, TB TROPE HAS RLY TAKEN OVER EVERY FIC ATP COME ON GIVE THE BEST GUY A CHANCE 😭😭😭 webtoon y/n’s <<<< fic y/n’s

All the bear emoji users assemble, who do we have, Kai, Seulgi, Jongho, Beomgyu... they need to fight, the ultimate 🐻 battle /// No one needs new SuperM members unless it's Key 👀 EXO's freedom era let's gooo

ADDING SHOWNU TO THAT, not cat fight just beats going head to head,,, UR SO RIGHT EITHER KEY OR CHANGMIN !!!!! exo freedom era 😭😭😭 everytime i open twt i see them and ive or make sure it’s not an edit 😭😭 traumatized forever

Wait BAP getting plagiarised, what? ///// I didn't know what to expect from that Devil Wears Prada thing, but? I agree, he looks cuter than Miranda though sjudishsjansjhshs

yeah! right here! BDSNBD if miranda was cute,,,,, hear me the fUCK OUT fashion designer hwa and his intern 🤚🏼but it’s his ex 🤚🏼

Not to be like this, but why wasn't Hwa featured in today's collab, he literally did the Rush Hour challenge 😭 come to think, he's never been in any collab, neither vocal nor dancing (except for Kingdom but it featured everyone so it doesn't count). My friend pointed out that he's in a weird position he's either treated as a vocalist, dancer and rapper or neither, so he gets kinda omitted... and Wooyoung wasn't in Rush Hour as well 🤔 ::: But Hwa's full leather fit and Mingi's too wow

wait….ur kinda right ive never seen him in a collab,,, he’s like on a cusp between so many positions that in the end of the day he’s like no where, will put myself into delulu and say he doesn’t participate in them bc he will steal all the attention <3

Ohhhh he's a pianist (his ass is not playing but 🤩) //// AAAAAAAAAA WANT. Ha ha ha I have normal feelings about this //// YSL model Park Seonghwa (real) I keep forgetting to re-read model Hwa...

if he steps on the piano in the mv, that is peak taemin core! STOP BC HE LOOKED SO GOOD IM AFRAID LEGO CAN FUCK OFF I NEED A DIOR AMBASSADORSHIP !!!!!! …..omg….that is indeed model hwa….u keep forgetting to read and i be re-reading that fic like my life depends on it, reminded me of that mingi hwa runway video and this,, convinced this is a look he’d wear as a model in the au

Ok ok bestie listen because, Yunjin opera and Kazuha ballet?! And they covered The Boys? Ive did Karaaaaaa, someone covered WG too I think

THW WAY I FUCKING SCREAMED AT THEIR PERFORMANCE FINALLY AFTER SO LONG ITS THE SONG AGAIN !!!!!! no bc lsf can do a horror concept so well, like a black swan concept and yunjin’s doing opera 😩😩 IVE DID KARA 😭😭😭🤚🏼 GGS DOMINATING

CUTE also D-100?! 😭😭😭 April 2nd omg a day before Seonghwa's birthday you know what he should do to celebrate... anyways Taemin finally ended our torture we have a dateeeeeee! - DV

WE FINALLY 😭😭😭😭 FINALLY 😭😭😭 KNOW HIS RELEASE DATE 😭😭😭😭 I THINK THE DATES APRIL 4TH BUT CLOSE ENOUGH TO HWA’S SCREAMING HE’S FINALLY COMING BACK 😭😭😭😭😭 STOP IT 😭😭😭

also just turned christmas when i finished this so merry christmas to u!!!

and. correct.

[megamegaturtle]

mon chou, mon chou, mon chou

pairing - draco malfoy/luna lovegood

raitng - m

words - 1,993 (complete)

summary - mon chou:1) A French term of endearment meaning honey or sweetie; literally translates to "my cabbage"2) The time Draco helps Luna steal cabbages from her neighbors

(For the Rare-Pair Judged by the Cover flash comp in the Dumbledore's Armada Discord; Prompt: Crimes and Cabbages; Winner for Host's Favorite)

ao3/ff.net

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Magic thrives in the midnight hours when the world sleeps. Magic is at work, too, when Draco Malfoy knocks on Luna Lovegood’s door. He lingers on her doorstep, nerves fluttering under his skin like both butterflies and bats. Draco longs for fresh air that is not within Wiltshire. He longs for company that sees through him and what he could be rather than his past mistakes and follies.

Draco knocks on the door, the oak firm under his knuckles. The knob twists as if Luna had been waiting on the other side for him. She greets him with the same hospitality she would if she’d provided an invitation.

“I am torn between saying ‘good evening’ or ‘good night’ at this hour,” she muses with a smile. “But, hello, Draco.” Her voice catches between sleeping and awake.

He clears his throat before leaning on her door frame. “Fancy a walkabout, Lovegood?”

She nods and grabs her coat, granting his wish like a creature of the night. Luna leads him down a path only her feet have traveled.

The forest and moon witness them together, standing shoulder to shoulder with all the world’s creatures as their eyes. Down the path they wander, Luna’s hum filling the silence as she carries a basket at her side. They stroll passed a farmhouse before discovering a vegetable patch guarded by Britain’s loneliness scarecrow.

Luna does not fear scarecrows and enters to greet her old friend.  

There’s a hum in the garden and a dance in her step as she inspects the perfect cabbage. She kneels in damp soil and unsheathes her blade. She peels back the outer leaves with tenderness, pats the head, and kisses its forehead like a baby.

“One cabbage, two cabbages, where can I find you? Mon chou, mon chou, mon chou,” she sings, off-key, but sweet.

Draco watches from the edge of the cabbage patch, his dragonhide shoes free of any mud. Her footprints lay heavy in the soil, weaving between pumpkin vines and corn stalks, looping around large, midnight-colored aubergines.

The night stills, but watches with bated breath.

The moon swallows Luna, soaking her in silver. She wears the moonbeams like a cape. Bright blue eyes find his across the darkness, and he can see the smile in them. Eyes are windows to the soul, but Luna’s are only labyrinths.

Draco can’t find any scorn or malice in her mazes.  

“Cabbages don’t pick themselves, Draco,” she says, her voice drifting across the garden as if she speaks for it. Luna’s voice echoes from all corners and looms in his ears.

The soil squelches under his shoes, the sound reminiscent of spongy bodies and bloody puddles. But Luna beckons again and cares not what he remembers. Draco is at her side in fewer steps than he’d assumed, heart hammering out of sync as she serenades the cabbages.

“Three cabbages, four cabbages, oh how’d I’d like to know you. Mon chou, mon chou, mon chou.”

She saws the cabbage’s stem halfway before she snaps it free and the ringing crack reverberates in the air. She does not look at him as she moves onto the next one. It is a dance, the way she dips into a curtsy, her hand fanning out to her side as if she grabs the skirt of a ballgown. She sinks her knees into the soil again, unbothered by the moisture that sticks the fabric to her skin.

Draco sighs and charms his trousers so they don’t get wet. “Why are we stealing cabbages?”

Luna stops ruffling the leaves and gives him a sidelong glance. “Stealing implies we’re taking something that doesn’t belong to us.”

“Well, yes. The family that lives here might think we’re stealing their vegetables.”

She shrugs and returns to her work. “The fairies that live here said we could take whatever we need. They were here first.”

“And you always listen to fairies?”

“Yes. It’d be stupid to cross a fairy. They know things we don’t know. Wizards? We know just as much as them. More even.”

“Because fairies?”

She gazes at him, her head tilted to the side. “Oh, no, Draco,” she states simply, “it’s because you and I are intelligent.”

Draco nods but says nothing. Dirt packs under his fingernails. A rocky piece of soil pinches his skin. He pulls back the cabbage leaves in search of a head that’s smooth and green.

He watches her out of the corner of his eye as Luna walks further into the garden. She squats with some herbs and takes a sprig of mint. She holds it up to night sky, almost as if it is an offering to the moon who watches from her palace amongst the stars.

Draco isn’t sure when he came to her side again, but he was not called to be. He lowers himself beside her and plucks the herb from her hand, placing the sprig of mint behind her ear like a flower. Luna blinks with surprise, her hand gently touching the leaves as if rose petals.

“Thank you,” she whispers, wearing a faint smile. “This will help me keep cool.”

“Are you feeling warm?”

He tries to rest a hand on her forehead, but Luna jumps up and away, leaving Draco kneeling in the mud alone.

Her gaze is to the sky, her arms overhead as if she’s stretching. “Sometimes, I feel very warm when I’m with you. You take all the coolness when you occlude.”

The stare of the forest weighs heavily on Draco’s shoulders, the expectations haunting him from the shadows.

“All set?” he asks.

Luna fastens the buttons of her coat. “As a bone will ever be.”

The forest’s stare lingers as they walk along to Luna’s cottage. She still wears her spring of mint as if a treasured jewel. Her hum and their footsteps the only noise in the silence. 

She invites him inside as if he has always belonged inside her cottage in the dead of night. The moonlight pushes him forward and closes the door as he crosses the threshold. Together, they place their harvest on her modest table. A warm fire crackles in the corner.

They scrub their hands in more silence at her sink. A cauldron bubbles on her counter with a nondescript potion. It smells like springtime and fresh lemon despite that autumn is to be winter next month.

“You have not slept,” Luna says.

“You steal vegetables from your neighbors,” he replies.

“Only wizard neighbors. Fairies gave permission.”

Draco swallows. “Do I—can I—” he says, but then stops.

He closes his eyes and inhales. The warmth of the cottage settles into his bones. Luna taps the counter in a steady rhythm that soothes his heart. He opens his eyes and gives her a deprecating smile.

“What is the unknown?”

Her lips purse together, and she rests a hand on her chin. She does not blink when she answers, the universe wide in her eyes. “The absence of known, but it has its own siren call.”

He laughs. “What does that even mean?”

Her gaze softens. She steps closer. The moonlight filters through her window, and outlines of enchanted wings rest on her back. “It means that I forgive you and I want you,” she says. “It means your unknown is known.”

Draco stops breathing for a second, but then confidence awakens in his chest. “Does that mean I can steal a kiss, mon petite chou?” 

She chuckles quietly. “Stealing implies it’s not yours.”

In the moments that don’t add up, Draco crosses the arm’s length between them, kissing Luna on the mouth. She smells of mint and soil, but her touch is fire on his skin as she cups his face. He buries his fingers in her fine hair and their bodies meld together.

“Sleep with me,” she commands, and he obeys.

Like her muddy footprints, their clothes trail them as they make their way to her bed. He trips trying to get out of his trousers, and she is there to catch him with calm yet sturdy arms. They laugh as they fall into bed, her lips peppering his face with kisses. They are only vested in their undergarments.

He settles into the plush comforter, the scent of lavender encompassing them both. She leans over him, her hair a silky curtain that tickles his bare shoulder. Luna traces the soft skin under his eye. “I’m so happy that you’re here.”

He grasps her hand and kisses her palm. “You’re too good for me, Luna.”

“I am only as good as one’s idea of morality. To me, we are both good. I wouldn’t invite you in otherwise.”

Adoration wells in Draco’s chest, and he pushes himself up to kiss Luna again. He takes his time and savors each moment. There is no rush or need for frantic passion as his hands trail down the curve of her spine. He unclasps her bra and relishes in the feeling of her chest against his.

She giggles as he lightly glides his hand across the dip of her waist, but then he tugs her knickers off without a care in the world.

“Perfect,” he whispers with reverence. “Absolutely perfect.”

Luna does not hide her body and preens under the praise. Her fingers trace his forearm as she spreads her legs open. Her arousal perfumes the air.

“Touch me, please.”

In the soft glow from the moon, Draco teases her warm slit. His fingers slide inside her with ease, and there is nowhere more he’d rather be. He kisses her neck as he pumps his fingers inside of her, enjoying the way she moans. Her hand finds her clit, and together they bring her pleasure. She presses hard onto herself, her fingers moving in precise circles she’s traced a thousand times.

Draco matches her pace, the tension in the room mirrored in the locking bones of her body. Luna fucks herself on his fingers, and their hands bump into each other’s. She stops breathing, her back curving off the mattress. She smiles to the moon hiding behind the roof, her free hand intertwined with Draco’s. Her hips jerk, the tension of her body snapping as she rocks into his hand in a slowing descent. Her content sigh as she opens her eyes reminds him of a gentle breeze at the seashore.

With a breathy laugh, she reaches for him and palms his cock through his briefs. “Hi.”

He kisses her chest, sucks on the spot above her heart until he’s left a mark. Her fingers find his hair as he shimmies out of his pants. With a lightness that only comes with hearing Luna’s breath in his ears, Draco allows the warmth to encircle him as he enters her. He feels worthy of this moment, feels that he belongs to the witch beneath him.

Luna crosses her legs behind him and forces him to bottom out inside of her. She giggles as he groans into her neck, her hands gripping his shoulders to draw him closer. He rocks into her slowly, taking his time as the concept disappears. There is only now, only the feeling of Luna under him, meeting him stroke for stroke.

She touches herself again, blunt nails smooth against his cock as he fucks her. She squeezes tight, and Draco wonders if these are how constellations are made. Supposes the stars above come from moments where two people join as one. Her breath hitches again, her back curving. Her nipples skim across his skin.

“Draco,” she whispers, a ghost of a kiss on his shoulder.

Draco holds her tighter, finds her mouth to swallow her moans, steals her breath because she’s given it to him. He comes with her lips cool across his, her tongue soft and saliva sweet as she orgasms. He can feel her heart beating hard as he cuddles into her chest, finding home and purpose where his future has no crime, except for stolen cabbages.

[wearethekat]

Okay maximum spice🙄🤢🤧But also 🥺

🙄 what's a popular book that you dislike, but you'll get crucified if you say it?

hmm I think I've mentioned this one before but I absolutely despised TJ Klune's House in the Cerulean Sea, which a lot of people seem to like. it was just so saccharine. it was weirdly stylized. you could picture the disney animation going as you read. everyone held hands with the bad guys at the end and sung kumbaya because it was all a big misunderstanding and now the village understands. Well, not quite, but you get the idea. The romance was sickeningly sticky-sweet. I don't really think of myself as a cynic, but I'm far too cynical for that.

🤢 what's a popular ship you despise, and why?

now usually I don't have very strong opinions about ships. it's more like. well that seems implausible. or, hmm. no.

but the one ship I absolutely despise is anyone shipping Cam Lockedtomb. I don't talk about this much because I know I'm being a little unreasonable about it. BUT. get your paws OFF my aroace Cam! SHE WOULDN'T DATE YOU AND SHE WOULDN'T DATE ANYONE IN CANON EITHER. she just has aro vibes, okay! I've hit her with the aspecification beam and she's MINE now. luckily the big one was Cam/Corona and that one's not really popular anymore post As Yet Unsent.

🤧 An overrated book/character trope you're tired of?

Rivals to lovers. You're just making fools of yourselves. Either commit to being enemies or stop pretending that you don't like each other, you're going to look ridiculous when you have to eat your words in the third-act love scene.

🥺 what's a truly underrated book/series you recommend and wish the whole world would read?

The Vorkosigan Saga by Lois McMaster Bujold! Starting with Warrior's Apprentice. it's flawless. it's perfect. it's literally the best book series ever, overall. No one has such an excellent hand with characters and dialogue like Bujold does. Or with writing believable, interesting cultures. There's a reason she was nominated for nine Hugos for this series alone and won four. And no character is so maniacally competent as Miles Vorkosigan, who's also my very favorite character.

Alas this series was burdened with the worst covers that have ever seen the light of day by Baen Books (damn their name), so I have the hardest time convincing people to read them. In lieu of a cover (seriously, please don't look at them), I leave you all with a randomly selected passage beneath the cut.

(ask game here)

Miles sank into his seat with a groan. “Some bodyguard you are,” he said to Elli. “Why didn’t you protect me from that interviewer?”

“She wasn’t trying to shoot you. Besides, I’d just got there. I couldn’t tell her what had been going on.”

“But you’re far more photogenic. It would have improved the image of the Dendarii Fleet.”

“Holovids make me tongue-tied. But you sounded calm enough.”

“I was trying to downplay it all. ‘Boys will be boys,’ chuckles Admiral Naismith, while in the background his troops burn down London . . .”

Elli grinned. “’Sides, they weren’t interested I me. I wasn’t the hero who’d dashed into a burning building – by the gods, when you came rolling out all on fire –”

“You saw that?” Miles was vaguely cheered. “Did it look good in the long shots? Maybe it’ll make up for Danio and his jolly crew, in the minds of our host city.”

“It looked properly terrifying.” She shuddered appreciation. “I’m surprised you’re not more badly burned.”

Miles twitched singed eyebrows and tucked his blistered left hand unobtrusively under his right arm. “It was nothing. Protective clothing. I’m glad not all our equipment design is faulty.”

“I don’t know. To tell you the truth, I’ve been shy of fire ever since . . .” her hand touched her face.

.

.

actually no, wait, I lie. I can't pick just one have another:

.

.

"Mon Dieu, it’s the little admiral,” she said cheerfully. “What are you doing here?”

Ignoring the anguished scream inside his skull, Miles schooled his features to an—exquisitely—polite blankness. “I beg your pardon, ma’am?”

“Admiral Naismith. Or . . .” She took in his uniform, her eyes lighting with interest. “Is this some mercenary covert operation, Admiral?”

A beat passed. Miles allowed his eyes to widen, his hand to stray to his weaponless trouser seam and twitch there. “My God,” he choked in a voice of horror—not hard, that—“Do you mean to tell me Admiral Naismith has been seen on Earth?”

Her chin lifted, and her lips parted in a little half-smile of disbelief. “In your mirror, surely.”

Were his eyebrows visibly singed? His right hand was still bandaged. Not a burn, ma’am, Miles thought wildly. I cut it shaving . . . Miles came to full attention, snapping his polished boot heels together, and favored her with a small, formal bow. In a proud, hard, and thickly Barrayaran-accented voice, he said, “You are mistaken, ma’am. I am Lord Miles Vorkosigan of Barrayar. Lieutenant in the Imperial Service. Not that I don’t aspire to the rank you name, but it’s a trifle premature.”

She smiled sweetly. “Are you entirely recovered from your burns, sir?”

Miles’s eyebrows rose—no, he shouldn’t have drawn attention to them—“Naismith’s been burned? You have seen him? When? Can we speak of this? The man you name is of the greatest interest to Barrayaran Imperial Security.”

[emperor-palpaminty]

The Lady and the Archer

A fantasy/medieval Bad Batch AU. The kingdom is hosting a competition for the best archer in the land, attended by the royal family and the lady-in-waiting (reader). 

I like the concept of albino Crosshair, so I used that as my inspiration of him.

It’s too hot. You exhaled heavily and fussed at the long bell-like sleeves that loosened and draped around your forearms. You were thankful the princess allowed you to trade out your starched wimple for plain hair. The wind was forgiving enough to send a kind breeze your way every now and then, and you felt that otherwise you would melt in the thick fabric of your gown.

“Come now, lady,” The princess chided, but shifted in the chair she was in. You felt a small twinge of satisfaction in seeing that not even the spoiled royal could demonstrate the prim patience she so often bragged about. “That kind of huffing and puffing is not very befitting.”

The princess' favorite event was the arching competition. The winner would have the honor of bestowing the title of whom he deemed the fairest, and many a lord who won had elected the young royal in hopes she would be charmed enough to allow her to pursue them in marriage. She loved the attention, and was not unkind if she didn't win, but would be in a pout for several days thereafter.

“Quite right, your highness.” You apologized, offering a slight curtsey, but barely hiding a smile. Your lips pressed together tightly, and you moved from behind the princess towards the steps of the platform. “Allow me to fetch you wine.”

“Cool wine, please.” The princess fanned herself, cheeks red from the heat.

You nodded and curtseyed quickly, bustling off to fetch a cup of a refreshing beverage for the princess. If she fainted, that would be on you, and you would never hear the end of it. You would be scrubbing sheets and dresses until your hands were stained from the dye and raw from the hot water.

You quickly located the chalice and turned, noting the archers lining around the target field, examining their bows and quivers. You watched for a moment, enchanted briefly by the grace of the closest one’s hands and how it tugged lightly on the sting.

“See something you like, darling?”

You glanced up, face turning red, noticing how his eyes were trained on your face. They didn’t skim you, or falter, they simply.... dwelled on your own eyes. Peirced them. Wounded you, to your heart, and back. You shook your head, opting to stand your ground. “Very much. The bow, not the man.”

The archer threw back his head and laughed, the blade of grass twisting between his lips. “A beauty and a brain.” He stepped towards you, dropping the blade of grass that was between his lips. "I like that."

"I'm glad you do, sir. However, my mouth is not for you; it is very much mine and I would like to keep it that way." You smiled and leaned down, picking up the skirts of your gown and walking away, the goblet still cool in your fingers. Hopefully, you looked as graceful as you felt.

The archer's laughter followed, and you smiled. His presence filled the space next to you, with him having easily caught up in long strides. "So, fair lady, give me your name. That way, when I win the arching competition," He moved gently in front of you, putting space between you and himself, ensuring you didn't feel trapped. "I can declare my belief of you as the most fair here." His voice was lazy, a drawl, but hypnotic. If his voice were a being, surely it would be the snake that tempted Eve in the garden.

That left you as Eve, charmed and wooed by the invitation dripping from the snipers lips. You chuckled, shaking your head, walking around him. "I'll be sitting on the dias with the royal family, but you really should not pick me."

"Mm, an interesting prospect." He moved along with you, voice snaking into your ears and squeezing your very core. "But what if I did anyways?"

You turned to him, looking up at him, your sights only briefly acknowledging the scar over his eye and his pale features. His brow cocked, lips playing gently, teasing the idea of a smirk. "You may do as you wish," you finally considered aloud. "And may I have the name of this victorious archer?"

"You won't need it, they'll announce it upon my victory." The archer's lip twisted into a sly smile, and he leaned down in a bow, plucking a blade of grass and planting it between his lips. "Be ready for my declaration."

You laughed again, turning and walking away. "I have no doubt," you teased, hurrying towards the dias.

___

The whole thing was quite silly, really. Crosshair had naught to gain by winning this contest- he simply viewed it as practice and a reminder to the uppity lords enrolled that they should not hold their skills above his own.

But now, he had a reason to win. A quick thinking and smart mouthed reason.

He moved towards his stationed place, picking up his bow. The judges had been ensured there was no magic or runes that would falsely enchant his skill. Crosshair walked calmly towards his target, standing patiently, the blade of grass playing between his lips.

Somewhere behind him, Wrecker cheered loudly. Crosshair plastered his mouth straight to not smile, but a sense of pride still tugged on his heart. He watched the archer before him, a lord, lower his bow. One bullseye, two very near the center, a staggered sense of victory of the noble man.

Spitting out his current blade of grass, Crosshair moved up to target, motioning the squire attempting to remove the arrows to stop. "No need," he drawled.

He raised his bow, eye level, keeping both of his eyes open. He inhaled, the earth inhaling steadily with him, anticipating his next move.

Crosshair released half his breath and let go of the bow string all at once.

The arrow flew through the air, with a thwip, and by the time it reached its mark a second one had been released, and then a third. Crosshair lowered his bow, examining where the arrows had landed. They'd lodged themselves directly down the middle of the previous lord's arrows, splitting them in half, Crosshair's own marks more victorious.

"Not bad," he commented to himself.

The audience behind him erupted in applause, led primarily by Wrecker, who was yelling in delight ("I knew he'd win! He always wins!"). Hunter nodded in approval, smiling slightly, and Tech released a whistle between his fingertips. Echo was applauding modestly, but was smiling brightly all the same.

Crosshair took the bag of money offered and picked up the rose that lay next to it. He scanned the audience, eyes piercing the raised platform the royal family sat on.

There she was. Lingering next to the princess, still open mouthed at the shot he'd made, the Lady-in-waiting was fighting off red cheeks, long skirts billowing in the wind.

Crosshair sauntered towards the dias, the rose dangling from his fingers. The princess shifted, a smile crossing her face, but Crosshair ignored her as the king addressed him.

"Good shots, sir knight."

"I try, your highness."

"What shall we call our victor by?" The King scooted forward, voice booming thunder compared to Crosshair's subtle rain threatening further storms.

"Crosshair." He stated, simply. "Crosshair of Nowhere, sire."

The king frowned slightly, hesitation lacing his voice. Nowhere was a name given to dishonored lords, stripped of land. Crosshair disagreed- he needed no land to be the victor. "Sir Crosshair, then. Well, Sir Crosshair, the flower in your hand is to be gifted to the fairest lady in the audience, or-" His hand splayed towards his daughter, who was already blushing at the prospect of being selected. "- up here with the royal family."

"I shall elect the latter." Crosshair's eyes flicked towards the lady in waiting, who had gone furiously pink. "However, as far as I am aware, the lady I am selecting has no title of nobility." His gaze settled, meaningfully, upon the woman he had been talking to earlier.

He moved up the stand, ignoring how the princess fussed with her skirt, and stood directly in front of the lady.

___

You didn't think it was possible to get warmer. But here you were, melting.

The victor, Crosshair, slid down to a knee. "Your quip and wit outshines that of all here, and your eyes shine with your sarcasm and intelligence." His voice was soft, eyes still locked onto yours. "I will be bestowing my favor upon you, if you should like it or not."

You cleared your throat, reaching down and softly accepting the rose. "Thank you." You mumbled, unable to fight the smile off your lips.

The crowd erupted in quake-like applause, and Crosshair stood quickly, reaching out and grabbing your hand. "Come. We'll go enjoy less frivolous festivities. My brothers are waiting, no doubt, to lay their eyes upon your beauty."

Your face was supplied with endless blushing as he led you, hand firm but gentle, away from the embarrassed and fuming princess towards the gentle laughter of his brothers, perhaps arming themselves to tease the victor and his lady.

[mariacallous]

thoughts on julia hbo max (hope it’s ok that i’m coming back to ask another)

(It's always okay :D)

I've actually been enjoying it, which I wasn't sure about when I first saw that it was coming out - it's too easy for things like this to veer into parody and cheapness, and I wasn't entirely sure about Sarah Lancashire for the role, only because this sort of thing isn't necessarily her usual forte, and both period pieces and biopic-esque projects aren't easy to pull off. (I've also watched so much of Julia's work and read both about her and her recipes than the average bear and so have a little more knowledge and expectation regarding the background and context to The French Chef and her life.)

But she is doing a really excellent job at inhabiting the role of Julia Child, and not going too far in the portrayal (obviously she's doing The Julia Voice but it's a realistic one, not an exaggerated or comical one).

David Hyde Pierce is awesome as Paul Child, and is also doing a really good job of inhabiting that role without becoming a caricature or a joke (both Paul and Julia were fairly sensitive to the fact that neither of them exactly fit the mold of an ideal normal American couple and were the focus of a lot of jokes and cruel comments, and were also incredibly supportive of each other and very much happy and in love and so I'm glad that that part is being respected).

I was especially pleased with Bebe Neuwirth as Avis DeVoto, both because so many people forget or don't know about Avis and her friendship and role in Julia's life and also because it's Bebe fucking Neuwirth. I will say that I think more could have been done to flesh her out or add more to her beyond being Julia's blunt-talking right-hand woman who third-wheels, because she was also an editor who helped get Mastering the Art of French Cooking published and worked for Harvard and Radcliffe - I'm hoping and thinking we'll get more about and from her, but that's my only real quibble.

I think the guy playing Russ Morash is attractive (quelle surprise) and I'm glad that they show him loosening up and being more positive towards Julia and The French Chef (Morash worked with Julia on several of her television projects over a few decades as a director and producer, and his wife is also a cookbook writer and chef who's won the James Beard Award).

Judith Jones is probably my favorite character on the show, and I think Fiona Glascott's portrayal is amazing. (And of course Judith Light as Blanche Knopf!)

I'm torn about Alice Naman because I think both the character and the actress portraying her (Brittany Bradford) are excellent and I appreciate that with her they're trying to show and do more with the show, but Alice was also created for the show (and based partly on the actual producer, Ruth Lockwood) and it sort of complicates the effort I think - I know that some of the critics have pointed out the way it looks to have this incredibly smart and talented Black woman helping produce and promote a show that, through the background and life of the host and star and the nature of the content and venue, is geared to a very narrow slice of people (predominantly upper-middle class (and up) white people) and (so far at least) doesn't actually engage with that and what it might mean and say, and how much and how little things have changed. One critic said that while the show hints at or touches on complex themes and issues like that, it's "mostly happy to skip along the (admittedly very charming) surface" which I think is pretty valid.

All in all I've really liked it, and the most recent episode involves Julia Child and James Beard in a San Francisco gay bar.

[dagss]

What did you think of this year's Césars? PS: I've been watching your movie recs andI loved Adieu Les cons, Gazon maudit and Raw. Zone Blanche is also ridiculously great.

u mean the winners or the ceremony itself ahah? (both weren't that great idk, although the ceremony was hosted by antoine de caunes my meowmeow ksjksjksj)

last year i had seen most of the movies and it's so cool to watch award shows when you know about every movie, but this year i missed a lot of them and only watched the women directed ones so i was out of the loop for most wins, mostly for illusions perdues which won a bunch of categories but i still don't feel like watching it idk 😢 i had watched all the shorts but my favorite ones (des gens biens & le départ) didn't win, sobz. my fav animated short (le monde en soi) didn't win either but the actual winner (folie douce, folie dure) sounds dope, ngl. will watch it.

so happy that valerie lemercier got the best actress one tho, she's so funny she deserves it for her whole career,,, still gotta watch aline tho.

i'm also kind of disappointed la fracture didn't get many noms/wins because it was legit amazing and highlighted a huge systemic problem with french healthcare so idk if you'd relate as a foreigner but it's still a really powerful watch!! lots of anguish and despair, chef's kiss

on another note there's also a small polemic rn on filmtwt about the way the animated movie category got shortened and the winners' speeches were rushed by management, because the program was like 30 mins behind schedule. personally, that felt really wrong to me since animation already lacks room to exist in this ceremony and more generally it lacks recognition in french cinema. i just sat there trying to listen to the super important points the animators were trying to make while the crowd and host were ostentatiously annoyed at the speech being "too long"... it literally wasn't.

also disappointed for adam driver who came all the way here, sat through 3 hours of lame french jokes and didn't win anything 💀

there was a lot of positive things too tho, it was way less boring than other years, the sparks performed so may we start live (i sang my heard out ngl), omar sy was there and made people dance, xavier dolan read a tear-jerking homage letter to gaspard ulliel (dunno if you know who that is but he's an actor who recently died from an accident and it was so sudden and shocking coz he was only 37), cate blanchett's speech was admirable and she spoke french my love!! (even though she told people to shut the fuck up lmao that's going to be a meme on french twitter now)

the extra positive thing is that, despite getting many noms, bac nord didn't win anything, and that's great since neonazi scums reclaimed it almost immediately after it came out & the (white) director didn't want to clarify, nor admit his movie was political, nor acknowledge it had an obvious right-wing vibe about its depiction of poc and Paris' poor districts 🙄 i don't know if i'm gonna watch that one, regardless of the director's initial intentions, his reaction to justified criticism really bothers me, and so i'm glad it didn't win 'cause the nazis were like: >:(

anyway i think i'll add onoda, maalbeek, folie douce, folie dure, aline & le sommet des dieux to my watchlist. from the nominated movies i'd already seen, i'd recommend la fracture, the father (obvi) & annette (i hated most of the songs tho ksjksksksj). oh and also boîte noire was super cool and i love pierre niney!! (i might have said that already i think???)

--

i'm so glad you liked my previous recommendations, ah!!! was gazon maudit funny to you? i'm so scared the humor might get lost and the movie might feel weird to people from other cultures 😭 i'm especially glad you like zone blanche omg, even in francophone countries people don't talk often about it, smh.

[milazka]

Distraction — Drew Starkey.

image found on pinterest

summary: the one where the quaterback of the football team helps you forget about your bad grade.

request: yes

content: fluff & smut

author’s note: it’s my very first story about a member of the cast of outer banks! i would like to clarify that all this is fictional, i only use the looks and the names of the actors and actresses. my masterlist will be linked at the end of this story if you feel like reading some other fics. this one is for my babe cort ( @pogue-writings ) because she is drew’s soulmate.

warnings: most of my stories may contain mature themes such as swearing, underage drinking, substance abuse, sexual language and scenes, fights and more. also, i do not intend to be offensive towards anyone who reads this blog, if anything written can be perceived as hurtful to any community or person, i apologize, it was never my purpose while writing it.

word Count: 1957.

The campus library has always been her favorite spot to study. It's quiet and the atmosphere is always soothing, the exact opposite of her dorm room where her roommate seems more interested in experimenting the male anatomy than studying it in her textbook. A few weeks ago, after catching her once again during the act, she had decided to find a new place to study. She had walked around the campus and eventually found this spot around one of the large hardwood tables that stand between the bookshelves full of old books about psychology. The perfect place to set her in a study mood. 

For the past few hours, she has been sitting in her usual place, her textbook open in front of her eyes and her black notebook on her right. She only has one midterm left in two days and it will cover all the topics seen in her subconscious psychology course, which is one of her most interesting courses, but also the one that requires the longest hours of study in order to pass the exams. 

The sound of a chair gliding on the floor makes her look up and she’s surprised to see Drew, a boy from her psychology of the subconscious class, sit on the chair in diagonal to her. Normally, the library is almost empty at this time of the night and she never saw him here; he seems like the kind of guy who spends more time on the football field than he does in front of his textbooks. They’ve been in the same class for four months, but she never really paid attention to him, except when he is disturbing the class with the two other musketeers, Chase and Rudy. She smiles nicely at him when their eyes meet and he raises his coffee cup which he pretends to drink all at once while they both laugh silently, hoping not to be warned by Mrs. Jones, the librarian who looks strangely similar to Roz from the movie Monster inc.

She tries to put her nose back in her book, trying to focus on the pages suggested in the study guide and highlighting important sentences from a passage about Freud and his discovery of psychoanalysis, but she can't help but look up discreetly at the boy. He is wearing a navy flannel shirt which, half-buttoned, reveals a white shirt that moulds his muscular chest. His trademark cap, which he always wears backwards, rests as usual on the top of his head, still letting a few strands of hair slip out of the hat. She particularly lingers on his muscled arms covered by the navy blue cloth, it's not surprising that he's the quarterback on the football team. The  studious look on his face and the way he’s chewing on the tip of his pencil while frowning makes him look cuter than usual, she can’t deny it. 

When she sees the lateness of the hour, she delicately puts her books back in her red bag, not noticing how intensely the boy is staring at her. He simply can't help but admire her sweet angelic face, her tired-looking little eyes, the thin, shiny layer of lip balm covering her lips that he would dream of kissing; he likes everything about her and cannot help but smile foolishly. 

“Hey Y/n,” he whispers, catching her attention. “Me and the boys are throwing a party friday night, you should come.” 

“Oh, yeah, of course!” she smiles at him, noticing his blushing cheeks and the little spark in his gaze.

“Great! Good luck on your exam.” 

“Good luck to you too. I’ll see you friday.” 

─── °• ❀ ───

The room goes from purple to blue, then from blue to pink, courtesy of the spotlights that change the colour of the room's luminosity along the rhythm of the music. The parties hosted by the university football team always do justice to their reputation, no matter what’s the occasion. It's not the first time she attends one, but it's the first time she’s been invited by the quarterback. Her mind did not stop playing back the memory of the little sparkle in the young man's eyes when she had accepted his invitation. Maybe it meant nothing, but a part of her wants to believe it didn't. Plus, she really needs to take her mind off things after receiving her mediocre grade from the last exam. She knew her teacher was strict, but not this strict. 

As she makes her way through the dancing crowd, an arm slips around her naked shoulders, making her startles. She's used to being approached by boys at parties, but she hates it when they think they can do anything and touch her even if she doesn't want to. Looking up, she loosen up when she sees Drew's familiar face smirking at her and she's glad it's not a drunk who's asking her to blow him.

“I'm so glad you came,” he says to her as he hands her a red cup filled with beer. “How did your exam go?”

She pouts, taking a big sip of the golden liquid that tickles her throat.

“Really bad.” 

“That sucks,” she raises an eyebrow at the boy as when he takes back the cup that he just gave her and drops it on the countertop behind him. “C’mon, I have the perfect remedy for a bad grade.” 

Drew takes her tiny hand into his big one, guiding her to the backyard where several tables are set up to play beer pong. Small lights illuminate the yard where games have already started. People cheer each other up and yell like crazy when someone manage to get the ball in a cup. She recognizes Rudy’s familiar blond hair when he jumps into Jonathan's arms and she deduces they just won their game against Madison and Austin. Everyone laughs when the two boys lose their balance and crash into the grass, grunting at each other. Her hand is still holding Drew's firmly when he walks up to Chase who is sitting in a chair close to the fire pit with his girlfriend on his lap, grilling and eating marshmallows. 

“Yo Chase! Me and Y/n vs Maddie and you?” Drew challenges his friend, wiggling his eyebrows. 

“Game on, baby!” Chase exclaims as they both stand up and follow them to the table.

She and Drew make a fire team, throwing a series of winning shots and gradually getting Madelyn and Chase drunk. All the way through the game, she never worries about her bad grade, it's like it never existed. The alcohol in her bloodstream seems to be opening her eyes to Drew's attractiveness. The girl never really paid attention to how he is totally her type of guy. She bites her lower lip, obviously checking him out when he pulls off his hoodie and his shirt comes up, revealing the prominent V-shape above the hem of his pants. 

“Like what you see, don't ya?” he teases the girl, an irresistible smile on the corner of his lips. 

She blushes up to her ears, making Drew laugh, and he just adds to her embarrassment by putting his arm around her shoulders before throwing the last ball who lands directly into the last standing cup. Maybe it's the emotion of the moment for her, whereas he's been dreaming about it for months, but their eyes meet each other and suddenly their lips collide. The kiss doesn't last long, not long enough in his opinion. The flight of butterflies in the young woman's belly doesn't disappear when their lips separate, she needs to kiss him again, to feel him touch her. 

“I need you, Drew.” she whines close to his ear, making his heart skips a beat. "God, Y/n," he breaths out, pulling her closer to him. "Do you know how long I've been dreaming about you saying that to me?”

She just winks at him and grabs his hand, pulling him toward the front door as he pinches himself on the arm, not believing that this is really happening. He throws a murderous look at Rudy and Chase who make fun of him by pretending to make out sensually. They pass through the living room which is still full of people swinging their bodies to the rhythm of the music and climb upstairs where Drew guides them to his room. He slams her against the door, his hands grabbing her hips as he kisses her again. She bites his lower lip, making him growl against her mouth. Drew starts to place open mouthed kisses on her neck and she tiltes it to give him full access to her burning skin. He leads her to the bed, pinning her on the mattress and he removes her short as he is now hovering over her half naked body. His hand slides down her thigh, making her squirm under him as he gets closer to her core. He plays with the waistband of her panties, smirking against her lips.

“Drew,” she moans, looking at him with her eyes filled with desire. He grabs her waist and flip them over so she is now straddling him. She unbuttons his khaki shirt, slipping his hands over his muscular chest. She starts to grind down on his lap, making him whine and dig his fingers into her buttcheeks

“It's not about me tonight, I'm not the one who needs to be distracted.” he whispers to her ear before  flipping her over again so that he is now hovering over her. 

She lets out a few muffled moans as he leaves a trail of kisses between her breast and on her stomach. He sucks and nibbles at the skin on her inner thighs, only increasing her desire to feel him on her already wet womanhood. 

“You’re so pretty, all wet and spread out like this, just for me.”

“Drew, please…” she begs, but he cuts her short by placing a kiss on her clit, slipping her underwear off. He places an open-mouthed kiss just above her wet folds, making her buck her hips up. 

“So eager, baby, I like it.” he hums just above her bundle of nerves, sending vibrations on it. She runs her fingers through his light brown hair, pushing him closer to her heat. He finally licks a full stripe through her folds, making her back arch to the so desired feeling. 

“Oh fuck,” she groans as he inserts one finger in her, his tongue sucking on her clit. His hands are  firmly wrapped around her thighs to keep her spread open for him. She clenches the sheets between her fists, her eyes close under the wave of pleasure that runs through her body when he replaces his fingers with his tongue. His nose rubs up against her clit as he moves his face, pumping his tongue in and out of her.

“Fuck I’m so close, please don’t stop,” she moans, making him pumps his tongue faster. A few profanities mixed with loud moans leave her lips as she reaches her high, legs shaking on his shoulders. He licks her folds a few more times to clean her up, sending electric jolts through her body when he touches her sensitive nerves from the orgasm. He lies down beside her, pulling her towards him with his arms wrapped around her body.

“What about you? I’m no the type of girl who doesn’t give back,” she starts but Drew shushes her with a quick kiss. “I’m sure you’re not, but tonight it’s about you and only you.” 

“Fuck, you’re perfect, y’a know?” 

“It was about time you figured that out!” he mocks her and she giggles, burying her face further into the crook of his neck. 

─── °• ❀ ───

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[my-name-is-apollo]

Apollo and Hermes: best bros

For @lazyreddd and @greek-mythographer this is a bit of an overdue, but anyway, here are some of my favorite Apollo - Hermes moments from mythology:

First of all, the Homeric hymn to Hermes! aka where Apollo and Hermes become best friends! I'll put in my favorite lines from it, but you should really read it if you haven't already

[Apollo]: This I will declare to you exactly: by this shaft of cornel wood I will surely make you a leader renowned among the deathless gods, and fortunate, and will give you glorious gifts and will not deceive you from first to last.”

Then wise Zeus was glad and made them both friends. And Hermes loved the son of Leto continually, even as he does now, when he had given the lyre as token to the Far-shooter

But Apollo, son of Leto, swore to be fellow and friend to Hermes, vowing that he would love no other among the immortals, neither god nor man sprung from Zeus, better than Hermes: and the Father sent forth an eagle in confirmation

Apollo swear also: “Verily I will make you only to be an omen for the immortals and all alike, trusted and honored by my heart. Moreover, I will give you a splendid staff of riches and wealth

Thus the lord Apollo showed his kindness for the Son of Maia by all manner of friendship: and the Son of Cronos gave him grace besides.

- Homer, Hymn to Hermes

Apollo showers him with gifts and honors, and it ends with them being friends and promising to love each other.

And it looks like they stayed close friends. Hermes participated in the Pythian games hosted by Apollo:

"Apollon organised funeral games in honour of Python [the Pythian Games of Delphoi]; Hermes contributed to it, like Aphrodite; she won and accepted as prize a zither."

- Ptolemy Hephaestion, New History (trans. Pearse)

And they both participated in the Olympic games

The record of victors include Apollo, who outran Hermes and beat Ares at boxing. It is for this reason, they say, that the Pythian flute-song is played while the competitors in the pentathlum are jumping

- Pausanias, Description of Greece (trans. Jones)

Hermes lost XD But I don't think it affected their friendship at all. They have a lot of interactions in various texts. For example, this little banter they have when Ares and Aphrodite get caught having an affair:

Thus they spoke to one another. But to Hermes the lord Apollo, son of Zeus, said: “Hermes, son of Zeus, messenger, giver of good things, wouldst thou in sooth be willing, even though ensnared with strong bonds, to lie on a couch by the side of golden Aphrodite?”

Then the messenger, Argeiphontes, answered him: “Would that this might befall, lord Apollo, thou archer god—that thrice as many bonds inextricable might clasp me about and ye gods, aye, and all the goddesses too might be looking on, but that I might sleep by the side of golden Aphrodite.”

- Homer, Odyssey

Here is Hermes going around and showing off Apollo's son Aristaeus:

There shall she bear a son, whom glorious Hermes will take from his fond mother's breast, and carry to the enthroned Horai (Horae, Seasons) and Mother Gaia; and they will gently nurse the babe upon their knees

- Pindar, Pythian Ode 9 (trans. Conway)

And in one version, he even helped Apollo save Asclepius

She (Koronis) was killed by Artemis to punish her for the insult done to Apollon, but when the pyre was already lighted Hermes is said to have snatched the child from the flames.

- Pausanias, Description of Greece (trans. Jones)

they also once shared a lover named Chione (not the goddess) and she gave birth to twins, one Apollo's and one Hermes' (I'm ignoring Ovid bc he ruins everything)

Apollo and Mercurius [Hermes] are said to have slept the same night with Chione, or, as other poets say, with Philonis [an alternative name for Chione], daughter of Daedalion. By Apollo she bore Philammon, and by Mercurius [Hermes], Autolycus. Later on she spoke too haughtily against Diana [Artemis] in the hunt, and so was slain by her arrows. But the father Daedalion, because of his grief for his only daughter, was changed by Apollo into the bird daedalion, that is, the hawk."

- Pseudo - Hyginus, Fabulae (trans. Grant)

(this is a headcanon, I think Hermes and Apollo raised the kids together. It's not far fetched because they're both good dads, esp Apollo)

And These dialogues from Lucian's "Dialogues of the gods" are a treat. This one isn't avaliable on theoi.com (I found it after scrolling down a great deal on another website) so I'll save you the trouble

Just them gossiping, goofing around on Olympus ☺️

They share a few domains too, and their symbols are literally the gift they received from the other (lyre and caduceus). Need I say more? Apollo and Hermes are best of the best bros✨ I love them so much!

[pbandjesse]

Thank you all for waiting for my to have any service again. I am still having a blast on our last night of camping but i am also super sad that its our last night. 

I slept pretty well last night. It wasn't as cold and i felt pretty comfy. Me and James stayed up talking after we all played games and talked about spooky things for hours. 

I woke up around 730. But i just dozed for a bit as other people in other camp sites started waking up. I pulled myself together and put my change of clothes and my soap and my towel in a tote bag and once i gave James some hugs I walked up to the bath house and got a shower. I was prepared for a very cold time. But it was actually hot and really pleasant overall. I never like shower shoes. But i was glad to be cleaner. 

I dried off best i could with the towel i had, got dressed, and headed back to camp. 

We made fancy eggs. I had avacado and feta with mine. We all had a little sausage. They were all nice to me this weekend and got mainly impossible brand fake meats. 

We are getting pretty good at this though and got things together quickly and cleaned up and then we could just chill?? It was super nice. 

I read my book for a bit. We all marveled at all the people leaving. Our camp hosts came and told us we were going to be basically the only ones here tonight. Wild. Later today i had a conversation with them and they also thought it was crazy that people stayed only one night. But also that out of every camper they have had uh last couple weeks we were like in the top three favorite. Made me feel great.

Today was our hiking day. We spent some time getting ready. And soon we were off! 

It was beautiful out today. I got a little overheated and when James left us to go pick us up wood we did get a little lost. But honestly a lovely hike. 

We hiked to a beach and spent some time there enjoying the sand. Taking pictures. I took my shoes off and walked in the water and it was lovely. I wish we could have swam but it was just a little to cool. Another time. We saw a lot of downed giant trees. And very little frogs. We saw a newt and many large birds. It was a great time. 

After the first hour i was just hungry. We had some candy but i wanted to be done and eat lunch. But we still had some walk to go. We found some lovely vistas and took pictures. But i was sweaty and glad to be back at the camp site. Even if we got a little lost for a few minutes. 

We got back to camp and got changed into cooler clothes. James met us there soon enough with more fire wood and him and Evan worked on a fire while me and Noelle chilled. 

I got in the hammock with my book and read for a bit. Then Noelle and Evan got on one hammock and James joined me in the other. He would get out a few times to get a smore or check the fire. But mostly it was just cuddles and laughing and singing. 

And a lot more laughing when we realized we were all basically brushing the ground because the ropes werent high enough for the doubled weight. But once we fixed that it was smooth sailing. We even saw an eagle from where we were laying. 

The rest of the day was games. And walking around. And enjoying each others company. I read some more. Took a little nap. I went and swung on the swings. It was just such a nice day. 

I started writing this around 630 and its 930 now. We had dinner and played games. We had lots of laughs when James won twice because we're all bad liars. We made plans for next time. 

Once the sun was down all the way we put the fire out and we walked back towards the swings from yesterday so we could all lay around and swing and watch the stars. It was magical once we got there. But getting there took some doing. And i scared James walking ahead into the dark with my tiny flashlight. Didn't mean to actually scare him. But we all had good laughs and told stories and talked about podcasts and it was a lot of fun. 

But it was getting past 9 and it is about a half walk. So we headed out. Saw a deer and heard many sounds from the woods. 

But now we are back. Getting a fire started for final smores. I'm sad that its the last night but I'm so glad we came. 

Tomorrow i will have these all up on the ride home. We're going to wake up and have breakfast and probably pack. But i don't know what else we will do. I hope we do at least one more thing. Even just something small. 

I hope you all have had a good weekend too. I've missed you! 

[o0o-chibaken-o0o]

heya:) do you by any chance have any party game fics (idk, truth or dare, fuck marry kill, spin the bottle, never have i ever...) that aren't "starts with a spin" and "right hand red" or "'check this hand 'cause i'm marvellous" because, obviously, those are classics! but i've been craving fics like these and your recs are always AWESOME, so if you have some, that would make my day! ♥♥♥ fucking love your blog btw

DO I KNOW ANY PARTY GAME FICS?? DO I??

(spoiler alert: the answer is fuck yes I have a ton of them, this is one of my all-time favorite tropes!)

Drarry & Party Games Fic Recs

Starts With A Spin by Maxine (120K)- It started with the spin of a bottle, and now Harry and Draco have gotten themselves so far into their own game there’s almost no way out again. Except to keep playing.You can’t tell me not to include the most quintessential party games fic ever on my party games rec list! Much like Drarry’s relationship, this fic starts with a game of spin the bottle and then develops over a series of fucking amazing funny REALISTIC teenage drinking games. And there’s a real, developed plot too! Oh, and smut. Don’t forget the smut. Perfection!!

Right Hand Red by lumosed_quill (73K)- Harry felt Malfoy’s breath on his lips as they came together over the bottle, hands firmly planted on the floor as though they each needed their familiar soil, refusing to cross into enemy territory. Except that Malfoy no longer felt like his enemy. Malfoy felt inevitable.I challenge you to find one person who has read this fic and not loved it to death. Like Starts With A Spin, there are tons of fun games that bring our boys together, but unlike Starts With A Spin, they are into each other from the beginning and it is a sweet lovely romance and MY FAVORITE THING is Harry teaching Draco to cast a Patronus.

check this hand ‘cause I’m marvelous by lumosed_quill (8K)- Harry’s had a crush on Malfoy for months now. But it will take a bar full of his friends, some Firewhisky, wagers made on his behalf, and Malfoy himself to get him to act on it.You know, on my own I probably wouldn’t have thought to include this one for party games because they’re at a bar, but they’re playing DARTS so it TOTALLY FITS and I’m so glad you mentioned it. Draco is a sexy fucking bastard here. Sexy. Fucking. Bastard. Do you like sexy Draco? READ IT.

How to Handle an Enemy by who_la_hoop (7.5K)- Everyone knows that it’s no fun playing truth or dare with a Slytherin. But add a little Veritaserum, a scheming duo of Slytherin girls and surprising things can be revealed. Particularly about the fine line between love and hate…I fucking ADORE this fic!! It (and its equally-amazing-but-lacking-party-games-sequel Turnabout is Fair Play) is one of the hottest things I’ve ever read. The Slytherins play veritaserum Truth or Dare and then– ENTER THEIR SURPRISE PARTY GUEST: THE BOY WHO IS THE OBJECT OF DRACO’S LUST. And there’s WANKING PUBLIC WANKING. 

Spin the Wand by WrittenSins (3K)- In the spirit of inter-house unity, the eighth years have a small party. In an attempt to get Harry and Ginny back together, Hermione and Ron come up with the plan of a rigged game of Spin the Wand, but not all goes as planned. Excerpt: “The idea was simple: A game of spin the bottle, but instead of a bottle, a toy wand, and instead of a game of chance, Hermione had spelled the wand to land on whoever the spinner most desired to kiss.”One of those fics where the summary says it all- and you’re probably already reading the fic, not sticking around to hear me babble about how cute it is XD

Silk Scarves and Enchanted Handcuffs by TommyLane (28.5K)- It was only supposed to be for seven minutes and then the blindfold would come off and he’d be free from the dark cupboard and his mystery partner - only Harry was no longer sure he wanted it to end.This fic is brilliant. It’s pretty much just one long party with one long game in which Harry and Draco are blindfolded and shoved into a cupboard together and then subsequently handcuffed. YEAH. And Harry is like “WHO IS THIS HOT PIECE OF ARSE I’M KISSING I WANT TO DO THIS FOREVER” and then he’s like “OH IT WAS MALFOY….STILL WANT TO DO IT FOREVER.” Mhmm. Yep.

Teach Me by lauren3210 (3K) “I’ve decided to help you out,” Draco had said earlier that evening, plonking himself down on the sofa next to Potter.Draco benevolently offers to teach Harry to play poker. And then he not-so-benevolently draws him into a private game of strip poker ;)

One Night at the Leaky by birdsofshore (12.5K)- Harry should have known better than to accept a drunken dare. Especially when Malfoy was sitting right there, looking like that and wearing those bloody tight trousers.What’s better than eighth year truth or dare? ADULT truth or dare. Especially amazing funny lovely adult truth or dare in which Harry tries to win a date with Draco Malfoy

Games Night by @agentmoppet​ (7K)- Harry has no idea why Hermione decided that an inter-house Games Night would be a good idea, but he’s here now, and he intends to beat Malfoy, no matter what game he chooses. But, who would have thought muggle games could be full of so much… tension?Aaaah Harry and Draco being super competitive playing various muggle games

Trick or Treat by amorette (9.5K)- Harry had no idea that he was such a fetishist - a fact which he discovers on Halloween.This fic has so many good things- Draco loses a bet and has to wear a girl’s uniform to the Halloween party. Harry is distracted and jealous all night. A game of “trick or treat.” And kinky kinky, very hot smut. 

The Lovers’ Circle by nicevenn (13.5K)- Tired of feeling alone, Harry agrees to play a matchmaking game with the other eighth years. It’s just a game, after all. What harm could it do?AAAH these tarot cards match up Harry and Draco because they’re compatible af, but they refuse to do the task (THE AMAZING TASK) they are given, so Harry and Draco have to endure a curse! And by curse I mean they’re bonded in an incredibly creative and helpful way. FLUFF and CHRISTMAS

Corruptela Vox by Constant Vigilance (5.5K)- Draco’s kink is revealed. Pretty much a PWP. Parselsmut Parselsmut Parselsmut. With a side of truth or dare, embarrassment, and some fluff.

Never Have I Ever by faithwood (0.5K)- Hogwarts students play the “Never have I ever” game.Can a fic be a classic if it’s only 690 words long? APPARENTLY SO because this is required reading and it’s perfect. 

Restraint by @fleetofshippyships (153.5K)- Someone casts the Imperius curse on Draco Malfoy, and whatever the instructions may be, Harry finds himself an unwilling target. The encounter leaves him torn between pleasure and revulsion. As they fight in the aftermath, a tense game begins. Harry fights to convince Malfoy, and himself, that he was not affected by that initial encounter, or any of those following it. Faced with a series of escalating encounters, Harry must come to terms with desiring things he never thought he could, things he wishes he didn’t respond to. They each use signs of arousal as weapons against each other in a mad struggle to finally shame the other into backing down for good. But it’s only after the game is over that Harry starts to understand.So as you can probably guess, there’s quite a bit of angst in this fic, but the development of their relationship reads really realistically, and if you’re into the enemies-to-reluctant-lovers trope (aren’t we all?!) then you will absolutely enjoy this blessedly LONG fic, which features plenty of games to out Harry and Draco to their friends ;) (warning for brief but detailed Harry/George)

Bond, Shag, or Crucio by catsintheattic (5K)- I hope you all realise how asinine this situation is,“ says Draco as he looks down his nose at the assembled party.Just a short little fic in which the Slytherins and Gryffindors join together for a revealing game of the wizard equivalent for fuck, marry, kill ;)

Seven Minutes in the Garden of Wizarding Delights by Zahra (3K)- Draco Malfoy is resolutely heterosexual; Pansy Parkinson will attest to this. So will Queenie Greengrass, Orla Quirke, Eloise Midgen, and if pressed, Blaise Zabini.There is Seven Minutes in Heaven and Draco is in MAJOR denial and his inner monologue is hilarious. 

Reigning Champ by LadySlytherin (14K)- If there’s one thing every Slytherin loves, it’s a good game. Too Hot was played at every party Slytherin House had hosted for years, and Draco had won every round since the first time he played. Pride in his title as Champion was to be expected. Stating it like a challenge in front of the returning Eighth-Year Gryffindors? Not Draco’s brightest move, to be sure. Combine the challenge with mistletoe, feminine wiles and secret plots, Ron Weasley’s temper, and an unexpected connection with a Dragonologist and Draco’s Christmas just got a whole lot more complicated!I’ve never seen a game quite like this before- the first person to touch the other during a kiss loses. And Draco thinks he’s so cool and invincible but he’s NOT because when it comes to Harry he just can’t restrain himself! As you may imagine, it features lots of non-HD kisses for game purposes, but also be warned that Draco goes on a date with Charlie. Endgame 100% Drarry though!

Veritaserum Truth or Dare by ElectricBlueLilies (2K)- The returning eighth years bond over a game of Truth or Dare.Short, adorable, easy fluff

You Already Know What’s Next by silverdawn89 (14.5K)- It’s about Truth or Dare, except it’s not really about Truth or Dare at all. Or: there is alcohol and a bunch of twenty-somethings play embarrassing party games.Harry is Draco’s neighbor, and he is very LOUD and ANNOYING until Draco is finally invited to one of his parties and it has to be a prank only it’s not

Lockdown by Vorabiza (35K)- Four Gryffindors and four Slytherins under a forced lockdown in the potions classroom for two days.A lot of Harry being a confident, sexy bastard who’s done everything you could ever think to mention in a game of Never Have I Ever. Also some exhibitionism for good measure :P

[rndyounghowze]

The Wedding of Sophie and Sky set to ABBA Music hosted by Off Broad Street Players at The Levoy Theatre in Vineland, NJ

By Ricky and Dana Young-Howze

I was invited to a wedding of my second cousin twice removed, Donna Sheridan’s daughter last night at the last minute. I'm glad it was casual dress but I was sorry that I didn't bring a gift. If you get invited to this wedding at the Levoy Theatre hosted by Off Broad Street Players be sure to grab a drink at the bar (*see my note below), and listen to a slew of songs written by the Wedding Band, Abba. This wedding was directed by the wonderful wedding planner John T. Stephan and was a wonderful night!

Apparently my cousin Donna's daughter Sophie was getting married to a guy named Sky and wanted to get walked down the aisle by her father. Turns out though that my second cousin twice removed Donna hooked up with three guys a long time ago and they could have all been the father. So Sophie just up and invited all three of them. And they all showed up! How scandalous! It all went crazy from there!

Direction and Choreography by wedding planner John T. Stephan took on a real crazy undertaking and decided to go ahead and just make it harder. "Stage Mamma Mia with impressive vocals, amazing choreography, and a set that belongs in Disney World? Boring! I have to make it immersive!" I joke with John that he doesn't sleep ever. Well now on top of that I believe that not only that but he must have won a fiddle contest with the devil!

So let me tell you about some of the wedding party and the guests!

Sophie (played by Corrine Podolski) was such the stunning bride! Her voice has such a piercing quality and her acting chops have only gotten better since the last time I saw her!

Okay one of the crazy bridesmaids, Ali (played by Caitlin Geisser), was such a crazy good actress and it was really fun to see her again onstage! It was a great kind of role that I had never seen her play before. The other bridesmaid Lisa (played by Nicolette Barr) was also a great dancer and a great fit for the other two young ladies. Wonderful singing in “Honey, Honey”.

I could just not stop laughing at Tanya (played by Christina Fuscellaro). This is a woman who knows who she is and will run right over anyone who isn't ready for her. A very well seasoned performer! You just have to get to know this wedding guest!

Rosie (played by Kristy Joe Slough) had me dying right before the wedding in her rendition of “Take a Chance on Me"! It takes a lot of talent to be that deliciously awkward. Great job!

I really loved the performance of my second cousin twice removed Donna (played by Carmen Delia Bryant). She's got some mad pipes and can dance like she's got a fire within her soul! I've seen her many times on the Levoy stage but this time she has out done herself!

Okay some people would be tempted to say that Sky (played by Scott Bonerbo) is just too young to get married or mix it up with performers that are a bit older than him. They would also be stupid! He's a wonderful performer and I hope he and Sophie have a wonderful life together!

Pepper (played by Jerrod Ganesh) is really that greasy bartender we've seen at every wedding! But he really is a great dancer! Come watch him cut a rug!

Harry Bright (Played by Andrew Jarema) I've seen this guy play a lot of people before and this may have been my favorite role ever! So smooth and wonderful and if you know him you'll know that playing such a milquetoast man is such a feat for a guy who has played some really heavy roles in the past.

It's been a while since I've seen Bill Austin (played by Don Fransko) onstage and it was wonderful to see him again! He is just such a handsome gentleman and a confident performer! Great job!

I really appreciated the soul Sam Carmichael (played by Frank Dimauro) put on display. He allowed himself to be so tender and vulnerable and I was right there feeling it with him in his songs!

Okay again John Stephan assembled such a great mix of performers that I can't choose between them. So here's a collective background shout out to the entire ensemble of wedding guests and hotel staff. I have never seen an ensemble that is so cohesive and spectacular! Break a leg on the rest of the performances!

Special shout-out to Dance Captain Lindsay Nakai who must have danced her feet off for all these numbers! She has an excellent frame and masterful command of her young instrument. I've seen older dancers with less confidence and skill. Great work!

Music Direction by Mandy Milne led the nine piece wedding band through the greatest hits of disco icons ABBA! I really admired the work of the four keyboards in the band. Four keyboards!!! They were a hit!

It's really hard to do a wedding featuring an icon of the 70s but set in the early 2000's. But Costume Designer Katie Kiessling really nailed the vibe of both worlds with rich hues that just popped in all the heavy lights.

Again I'm looking at awesome hair and make-up by John Rattacasa (my theatrical good luck charm!) and it is totally on point! It's a big compliment to say that I couldn't tell what was a wig and what was really hair they were all so fabulous! I wish I was getting married all over again just so he could do me and Dana's make-up!

I really wish that there was a set for Set Designer Mary Boner to design but it seems like they just found a real Greek village that no one was using and got Wayne Wriggins and Tom Kiessling to airlift it to NJ and put it on the Levoy stage. This is too realistic to be a stage set. So sorry Mary didn't get to do anything this show. Well there's always a next time!

Lighting Design by Tyler Daddario combines a mastery of intelligent lighting and vibrant hues! I have a special place in my heart for good lighting done well and Tyler always has a even more special place in my heart as a great designer.

The lighting heavy on both awesomemess AND strobe lighting so please take the strobe and haze warning seriously if you're triggered by things like that. I too have a neurological condition and I'll let you know that there were times where it was hard for me to stay in my seat. I sat in the front row center so you don't have to. The wedding planner assures me it much less triggering in the back.

I have to give the sound designer of the year award to wedding DJ Sean Pedrick! I hardly ever talk about mic issues because every show I've seen has had some. They're just so prevalent everywhere. But this show had the smoothest sound and less issues than any show I've seen and by far this was the kind of show I would have forgiven several issues! Great job!

So apparently guys this wedding is going on multiple times at the Levoy and all of you are invited! You guys are really in for a treat. They've really out done themselves this time! And tell my cousin Donna and the other guests hi while you're there!

**Mamma Mia by the Levoy Theatre is a very immersive production of the Musical written by Catherine Johnson with music and lyrics by Benny Anderssen and Björn Ulvaeus which allows the audience to come onstage and mingle with the cast before and during the show. Characters will come out and talk to you. There is also heavy haze and strobe lighting being used. If you are very sensitive to such things and sensory overload I would recommend to sit near the back.

[survivorkomnata]

Episode #13: “I'm about to make a million dollar mistake..” - Tim

So....pretty sure my game just suffered a MAJOR setback. Alyssa was my ride or die to the end, and Karth just proved himself to be an unreliable ally. He felt threatened by Alyssa, and maybe rightfully so, since she would definitely have probably beaten him. So at this point, it looks like the sides are lining up to be Me/Zach vs /Tim/Karth/Stephen at this point. I don't think I can convince either Tim or Karth to go against the other, but Stephen might be a possibility. I promised him my loyalty if he'd be my ally, and I argued that tim and karth definitely could NOT and have shown that they will break those promises, so Stephen is pretty much my hope at this point. That being said, I am one clue for spelling the word 'ESCAPE' in the idol hunt, although I don't know what to do with the word once I get it. If I can pull out an immunity this time and get the idol, it's a possibility I could still make it to the end. Here's hoping.

So I survived the last tribal!!!! I can't believe it!! I'm very very satisfied with the way last round unraveled. I pushed for Alyssa to go because she was the main person after me and I was happy with targeting her this round. I pushed for her name because I figured Zach wouldn't want to go to rocks over Alyssa and if he didn't then she'd go home. I didn't want to vote Jake out because I'm trying to bring him to the end of the game with me and karthik. It all worked out in my favor when Stephen won immunity and Zach,Alyssa, and Jake voted for me. Karthik wouldn't flip on me and Stephen had nothing to lose in the event of a rock draw.

So this round's challenge is mastermind! I absolutely love this challenge it is my favorite!!!! Ok so the worst case scenario that can happen tonight is Zach winning immunity and Jake playing an idol on himself!!! That would leave me completely vulnerable. The only way I would survive in that scenario is if Zach and Jake vote Stephen and not me, which I doubt. But the numbers are dwindling quickly. Does jake really think he stands a chance against Zach or Stephen at the end???? He can't be that delusional right??

i promised alyssa i would have me or jake in ftc.

i lied.

the idol is gone.

i'm flopping at this challenge.

it's over.

i'm going :airplane emoji: fifth place.

i think there's a decent chance the vote is 3-2 and i'm in the 3, but get idolled out.

So basically at this point, my path to the end involves Karth not being an idiot, but for whatever reason, he doesn’t want to recognize Stephen as the legit jury threat he is. Ughhhh

Zach claims Stephen is the biggest challenge threat between the two since he has won 2 immunities. I disagree. Have yall SEEN Zach premerge??? He literally carried every tribe he was on. He def has challenge capabilities that I or Stephen don't possess. If I vote out Stephen then it leaves two duos at final 4. Its a 2v2 and if Zach wins that immunity then the game is over for me. If Jake wins it will go to firemaking and I will get my ass handed to me by Zach. On the FLIP SIDE If I vote out Zach then the game becomes a 3v1 with Stephen being a solo player. If he wins that immunity then I can kiss my chances of winning goodbye. If he loses then his game is up and I get to go to f3 and possibly win?? So that is why I'm leaning towards voting for Zach over Stephen.

I'm about to make a million dollar mistake.

I am a mess..idk what to do. I am unsure if I should be glad or sad for being the only person not getting votes so far. I have been doing the best I can but it still seems that I would be seen as the goat at the end. Its so unclear for me on how the jury perceives any of the remaining people and who their favorite. All I know is its definitely not me. At least winning this immunity could have given me some confidence but I wasnt lucky in that either.

I've been pretty calm all day today knowing that I'm going to survive the Tribal Council thanks to my idol. Maybe to a strange degree, but honestly, it's all okay. Jake winning immunity is unfortunate only because it limits my options of who to vote out, but I was leaning towards voting Zach anyway, so this isn't the worst case scenario at all.

Since Alyssa has been voted out, Tim and Jake have both told me that I'd win if I make Final Tribal Council. Tim even got a little vindictive with me when I tried to argue I wasn't the biggest threat to win. I appreciate the compliment, but not all of the implications that come with it. Needless to say, if I didn't have an idol, I'd be packing my bags tonight. But luckily, thanks to Tim, Karth, Alyssa, Jess, and Ally, and all the information they gave me, I won't have to worry about that. My eyes are on F4.

Winning the next immunity challenge would be amazing. It might get me into Final Tribal, but it may also just get me into F3 immunity. I have no clue what it could be. I hope I don't NEED to rely on immunity to stay, but, I mean, give me a break here. With so many people saying I'm THE threat to win, how could I not feel that way?

🚨🚨🚨ANNOUNCEMENT🚨🚨🚨 🚨THIS IS POSSIBLY MY LAST CONFESSIONAL FOR CELESTIAL: KOMNATA🚨

i believe this vote will be 3 votes stephen, 2 votes me. i also believe, in some way, stephen is going to get idolled.

my initial plan was to get [tim + karthik] = stephen [zach + jake] = tim [stephen] = zach

so when one of them idolled, i was safe. however, tim not being on board derails that plan entirely. this game is so frustrating. his logic to a degree makes sense. i support it. but like, stephen will sweep this FTC and i honestly probs wouldn't so. also, through our conversation, i realize how smart tim is. good for him!! king of analyzing.

anyway.

firstly, thank yawls for hosting. i'm sorry 2 alyssa. it's just sucky cuz the "three biggest players" at merge (this is on paper, not legit) were ally/alyssa/myself, and all three of us are probably leaving back 2 back LOL

i also want to apologize to jake. this is for post-season ig NNNNNN jake - i want 2 apologize for being distrusting of you in the past. you are a great person + i am so appreciative to have worked with you & met you in this game.

i am leaving this game content (if i do, that is). i played hard. despite a huge target on my back, i managed to get fifth (when i almost got 10th/7th). i had a pretty elevated social game, physical game too, and i think strategically i was fine. my main blunder was the idol misplay but zzz i wouldve used it at f6/7 anyway probs, just bc ppl knew i had it. i dont want to stroke my ego or anything but im fully accepting of how i played. i only wish i had more agency, but i dont really fault myself for that i guess (but when i get to jury/post season ill def see that it's probs more something i did but... for now, i'm angel :$)

me rn: Alexa, play The Climb

going✈️fifth and going✈️jury tonight! cheers

🚨🚨🚨gays dont win lol🚨🚨🚨

Sooooo...this vote basically hinges entirely on Karthik. If we three vote Stephen (is and Zach), then Stephen is out UNLESS he plays the idol which is a distinct possibility. Either way, the possibility that Stephen gets three votes and doesn’t have an idol is the only way Zach can get thru this vote, and I really hope he does.

Zach is voted out in a 3-2 vote. He becomes the seventh member of our jury.

[amyriadofbooks]

I have an amazing opportunity to meet 4 fabulous YA authors a few weeks ago, and I’m finally sitting down to write a blog post about it. Writing about these types of events are some of my favorites. Meeting an author whose work(s) I really enjoy is like meeting a celebrity for me–they are celebrities to me. 😛

Best of Book in the surrounding Oklahoma City area hosted Epic Reads Summer Meet-Up with authors Julie Murphy, Evelyn Skye, Kimberly McCreight, and Joelle Charbonneau (on the day her recent novel, Dividing Eden, released). Best of Books is also where I met Sabaa Tahir last year, and the store is becoming one of my favorite local bookstores. ❤

What was really neat about this event is it was a round Robin sort of thing, where we met each author and talked for about 10 – 15 minutes about anything. There were 6 people, including myself, in my group, and a lot of us had questions about the publishing/querying process. It was interesting to hear their different experiences. It left me with a feeling of, “Yes, I can do this” yet at the same time going, “OMG, I CAN’T DO THIS.” Haha. (And by “this,” I mean finding an agent and becoming a published writer.)

Evelyn Skye asked us to sign her fan copy of her book, The Crown’s Game.

I swear, authors are some of the nicest people ever. Each author brought some awesome swag to give away!

Evelyn Skye had gorgeous prints of the characters from The Crown’s Game, Pasha, Nikolai, and Vika drawn by the super talented Charlie Bowater. She also stamped each book with her unique stamp which says, “The Tsar salutes you”! Evelyn said she’s been to Russia and it’s one of her favorite places, hence why this series is set in Imperial Russia!

Julie Murphy gave out some goodies, too, like this bookmark, postcard, and enamel pin (I love enamel pins ❤ ). She also signed my copy of Dumplin’, and even told us some SECRET THINGS about the next book in the Dumplin’ series. But you know, SECRETS. 😉 Julie also discussed why she wrote Ramona Blue, and I loved her honesty as much as I loved the book. Julie also talked a bit about the Dumplin’ movie in the works, but wasn’t able to tell us much else since it’s still early in the production phase, I believe.

Postcards, stickers, and bookmarks, oh my! I also won a shirt (not pictured). The fun thing about this event was it was the same day this book was released. 🙂 It’s beautiful in person, and I’m so glad to have this, and Joelle’s The Testing series signed.

  I know what you guys must be thinking. “Nicole, why didn’t you take pictures with Kimberly?” Truthfully, I haven’t read any of her books, and don’t have an interest, so I would have just felt weird asking for a picture. But that didn’t mean Kimberly was any less nice. She was straight to the point and very factual. She didn’t start writing until she was well into her career as a lawyer.

I always come away from these events refreshed, encouraged, and ready to write! 🙂 Have you met any of these authors? What author would you like to meet the most?

You can check out my other posts where I met Leigh Bardugo and Sarah J. Maas.

Thanks, @BoB, for hosting @EpicReads Summer Meet-up! I have an amazing opportunity to meet 4 fabulous YA authors a few weeks ago, and I'm