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missdawnandherdusk · 4 years ago

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The Boy Who Lived

Reader X Draco

Summary: A few months after the war, Draco gets attacked and left barely alive in St. Mungo’s. They refuse to treat him or take his money. You have a few things to say about that.

A/n: Look at me writing! And I’ve really been meaning to write something like this for quite some time because it is so soft and fluffy with only mild angst if you squint. Anyway, I hope y’all enjoy and let me know what you think! I miss talking with y’all.

“He... he’s gonna be okay, right?”

My heart feel when I heard the news. No matter how much I loathed the youngest Malfoy, hearing that he was in St. Mungo’s because some ne’er do well thought that the boy deserved to be tortured to almost death for what his family had done. My eyebrows furrowed as I parted from the small group of Alumni Gryffindors and watched the city behind the windowpane. I could hear the soft murmurs of Harry Hermione and Ron discussing it.

“Oh, come on Ron really!?” Hermione shouted.

“Well it’s not like he doesn’t deserve it!” Ron argued back.

“Deserves it?” I snapped turning. “Yes, I’m sure he deserved to be killed. An eighteen-year-old who fought on the wrong side of the war but walked away for his family! What would you give for your family Ron!?”

The golden trio stared at me, Hermione grinning and the other two looking dumbfounded. Not that it ever took much.

“So, your defending him?” Harry asked, his voice barely restrained.

“I don’t know, Harry,” I rubbed my face. “But I won’t stand here listening to how he deserved to be tortured for being loyal to his family,” my voice dropped ice as Ron’s gaze was focused on the floor. “I’m heading out,” I huffed, grabbing a coat.

“Where?” Harry stood. “You’re going to go see him aren’t you!?”

“Yes,” my voice was calm and soft as I paused at the door. “Maybe you’d like to join? Make sure he isn’t up to something?”

Flustered, Harry didn’t respond as I stepped outside and apparated to St. Mungo’s. The receptionist at the desk was genuinely baffled when I asked for Malfoy.

“Well, Miss, no one has gone and seen him. We were barely able to ID him. Do you think you could answer a few questions for us?”

“Uh, I can do my best? I don’t know him that well to be honest,”

She nodded and started to prattle off questions.

“Middle name?”

“Lucius,”

“Mother’s maiden name?”

“Black? I think?”

“Allergies?”

“For Merlin’s sake I don’t know,” I huffed. “I’m just here to visit him,”

“I apologize miss, but we’re not sure what to give him to medicate him. We’d hate to give him something he might react poorly too,”

“I understand,” My temper diminished. “He likes apples,” a smile touched my face. “And I think he’s allergic to feathers?”

“Feathers?”

I shrugged as she scribbled something down on her notepad. “Alright Miss, thank you for the help. He’s on the fourth floor,”

I nodded and swallowed thickly, heading up to the permanent spell damage ward. I had only been here one other time, with Neville one Christmas to see his parents. It was different being here alone and being here for Malfoy of all people.

“Malfoy,” I gave the nurse. He led me to an estranged cot near the window.

It would be a lie if I said I hadn’t gawked at the sight before me. I had seen my fair share of injured and mangled bodies with the war, but this... this seemed unnatural.

His chest was thickly wrapped, red seeping through. His arms and shoulders not faring much better. I was thankful that he was half covered by a sheet. But despite the wounds that no doubt lingered beneath the white cotton, nothing could compare to the deep gash that drove down the left side of his face, distorting his features and pulling his lips down into a permanent grimace. His cheeks were hollowed out with malnourishment and his once creamy pale skin was deathly and translucent.

Tears stung my eyes as I wrapped my arms around myself. No matter how much Malfoy irked me, he didn’t deserve this.

“Are you his girlfriend then?” The nurse asked.

“Stars, no.” I gasped. “Just... an old friend.”

“You’re both a little young to have old friends,” the nurse muttered. “Poor kid. Barely dragged himself here before collapsing in a puddle of his own blood.”

My eyebrows furrowed as I took a step closer to the hospital cot, nearing his upper half and the chair that was my destination. I winced in taking off my coat, the buttons tangled in my hair.

“Is he gonna make it?” My voice was hoarse as the question slipped out.

“If they can figure out who to bill. The Healers don’t want to heal a Death Eater much less a Malfoy.”

“Are you bloody joking?” I demanded standing promptly. “He’s just a kid! And...” I growled menacingly. “He’s going to die if he doesn’t get the medical attention he needs, now.”

“Well, ma’am, I... I can get a Healer in here but—” the nurse stammered. “It won’t be much use without a patron,”

With one final glance to Draco I hissed:

“You’re looking at his patron. Now get him a damn healer.”

Collapsing on the chair again, I sighed, mourning my savings account. I had spent a long time waiting tables and doing odd jobs, determined to move far away after school and the war finished. But it looked like that would have to wait. Besides. He was a Malfoy. If I really wanted to, I could finagle the money back from him when this was all said and done.

A Healer rushed in and ushered me out, despite my protests. I ended up back down at the receptionist desk.

“I thought you didn’t know him that well?” She asked, raising an eyebrow as I gave her my bank info.

“I don’t,” I huffed. “But I couldn’t let him die. Not because the Healers refuse to—”

She just smiled at me.

.................................

“You what!?” Ron and Harry demanded.

“Have you gone mental!?” Ron shouted.

“They were going to let him die!” I roared. “You didn’t see him! It was worse than what Harry did to him!”

That shut both boys up.

Hermione wrapped an arm around me and led me to the sofa. Ron huffed and left the room. Harry however sat on the adjacent armchair.

“He’s really that bad?” The question was barely heard.

“It’s awful, Harry. He’s got a gash down the left side of his face... it’s going to scar no matter what they do,” I confessed to my hands.

“Dark Magic tends to scar,” Harry murmured. “And they... they didn’t treat him because he was a Death Eater?”

I nodded and rubbed my face.

“What else was I supposed to do?” It was the question that had been running through my head. “I couldn’t let him die,”

“And rightfully so,” Hermione encouraged.

....................................

Every day that followed, I visited Draco. Sitting at his bedside. Each day he looked a little healthier. A little more color returned under his skin. A little more weight filled out his sunken cheeks. A little less blood was seeping through his bandages. One day I came in and the left side of his face was bandaged properly. I felt a pang of fury knowing that if it had been done sooner, there was less of a possibility of scarring but whoever decided he was worth killing among the Healers, also decided he was worth scarring. The anger faded and it left unshed tears in my eyes.

“Oh, what did you get yourself into, Draco?” I murmured.

Hesitantly I reached out for his hand. It was cold under my warm fingers. Experimentally, I felt more of his skin that was still like ice no matter where my fingers met the softness of it.

The next day I brought in a quilt and draped it over the bedsheet.

“That should keep you warm,” I murmured though I knew he couldn’t hear me. “You’ll get better soon,” it was a weak promise.

Somehow it became a part of my routine. I’d spend hours with Draco as he laid there unconscious and healing. Sometimes I’d read to him or just lament about my day—anything from Ron’s ridiculousness to what I had for breakfast, or even the flowers I noticed growing on the roadside. I did it because I knew he couldn’t hear me. I did it because he was almost easier to talk to than anyone else.

“You’re not so bad when you’re not talking,” The thought of him glaring at me for daring to say such a thing, made me smile to myself.

.................................

“He’s awake,” the receptionist informed me one day.

I didn’t reply as I ran up the stairs and burst into the long room where Draco remained. A fit of nervousness washed over me. Even though I had spent the last few weeks talking to Draco, he was still the same person he was when he went under.

Yet, I couldn’t deny how elated I was to see a grey eye meet mine, the other still trapped beneath gauze.

“Stars, Draco,” I smiled in spite of myself. The tears the stung my eyes were involuntary as well. “I know you probably don’t want to see me, but you have no idea how good it is to see that you’re awake,” I whispered, then turned and left.

Agony tore through me that night, knowing I had dug myself a grave to lie in. I kept myself away from the hospital for two days before in the middle of the night I arrived, not bothering with reception. There was no point in my lying awake staring at my ceiling when I could be at the place that kept me awake in the first place.

I knew that Draco would be asleep when I pushed the door open. The bandages from around his face had been removed, a faded pink line distorting and carving a path down his face. And I had been correct. He was asleep, his chest rising and falling rhythmically as breaths were drawn through parted lips. My quilt was still draped over him.

“I hate to make this all about me,” I sat beside him and spoke softly. “But who am I supposed to talk to... what am I supposed to do, if there’s no you? You’re the only one who listened...” I scrubbed my face.

“How daft is that? Craving someone to talk to while they’re in a coma? I should be happy that you’re getting better, but... that just means I lose you faster in another sense,” I studied his peaceful face. “Not that you’d ever know... or care.” I sighed and looked out the window at the stars about the sleeping city.

“I’m sorry, I never meant...” I huffed, rubbing my face. “Sleep well Draco, you’ll... you’ll get better soon.” I paused. “But I’m not too sure about me,”

Grey eyes watched me as I left.

It was another day that I avoided the hospital, before succumbing again. The receptionist eyed me warily.

“Did Mr. Malfoy forget something?” She asked.

“Uh...” I drew a blank. “I’m sorry, what?”

“Oh stars,” The papers in her hands began to reorder themselves. “He checked out this morning, under the pretense that he would be allowed home if he had a caretaker. He listed you,” She handed me a random document and sure enough in Draco’s elegant script was my name.

“That lying Slytherin bastard!” I shouted, then sheepishly handed her the paper back. “Anything I need to know to take care of him?”

“He has potions with him, he needs to take them every morning and evening with or without food. He needs his bandages changed daily. He shouldn’t be walking and shouldn’t stress himself out too much in fear of a relapse,” She handed me another pamphlet of rules. “And absolutely no magic. It’s going to affect his healing process,”

“The little twat,” I muttered. “Thank you,” I smiled kindly before stepping outside and apperating to the Manor, a place I had been only a handful of times.

“Draco!” I shouted, bursting through the grand front doors. “You know it’s one thing to lie the receptionist, but I paid for your sorry ass! You can at least tell me that you left the hospital! Or return my blanket!”

“M-m-miss,” A house elf stammered, appearing at my side. “Please, Master Draco is asleep,”

“Take me to him,” I growled.

“Y-yes ma’am,”

Again, all of my anger seemed to fade at the sight of Draco. He appeared absolutely ghastly. His grey eyes were trained on me, only barely open, as if it were too much effort for him. My blanket was draped over the large bed, looking out of place amongst the expensive silks and linens. I took a sharp breath in and let out an annoyed sigh.

“Hey there, drama queen,” It was barely a whisper as I sat on the edge of his bed. “What were you thinking? Checking yourself out like that? You’re not well enough to take care of yourself,”

There was a sort of fire that returned to his eyes at my words, though he made no attempt to speak.

“Don’t look at me like that,” I rolled my eyes. “You know I’m right,” His gaze dropped, almost as if he were pouting.

“I don’t like this anymore than you do,” I muttered. “But you need to get better, and you can’t do that alone. Not this.”

His eyes closed as if he were ignoring me, but his breathing evened out and I knew he had fallen asleep. A soft smile touched my face. Without the scar that distorted his features, it was almost as if nothing had changed. Almost as if there was no war. There was peace on his face. An innocence. All disrupted by an angry flushed gash.

The house elf informed me that he has taken the vial as he was instructed to earlier, and though night had barely settled in the sky, I was wary to leave him alone in the Manor. My eyes drifted to the chaise lounge that was in the corner of the lush room. Sighing, I stood, wandering to the room next door—thankful that it was another bedroom—and located pillows and a blanket. As comfortable as I could be, I settled onto the chaise and kept an eye on Draco until my eyelids were too heavy to keep open.

I was nudged awake. By the same house elf that attended to me the night before. I panicked when I saw Draco’s bed was empty and made.

“Master Draco wishes me to inform you that he is in the den downstairs, and wondered if you’d like to join him for breakfast,”

I gaped at the house elf.

“Uh, sure?” I scrubbed my face. “I’ll be down in a moment, thank you,”

“Yes, Miss,”

Sure enough, Draco was downstairs, in a silk emerald housecoat, scanning the Daily Prophet like it was the most natural thing in the world.

“Is there anything that you own that isn’t green or black?” I drawled softly, taking a seat in the adjacent armchair.

“Good morning,” His voice was as tires on grovel or perhaps the groaning of a whomping willow.

“So, he does talk,” I offered a small smile.

He took a careful sip of what I assumed was tea. The house elf set out another mug for me, pouring the hot water over the small bag of dried leaves.

“You said you preferred when I didn’t,” His voice was less strained after the tea.

“Suppose I did,” I hummed, fixing the rest of my tea to my liking. “Doesn’t mean it’s not good to hear your voice though,”

His lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes trained forward, through the window panes overlooking how autumn had conquered the rest of the Manor.

“So, how are we going to do this?” He finally said. “You’re too stubborn to leave me on my own,”

I wanted to argue, but he was right. I was too stubborn.

“I... I can come in the mornings and evenings. I’ll change your wrappings and make sure you take your potions... do you need me here more than that?”

He shook a seldom ‘no.’

“I... should be off then,” I stood. “Thank you for the tea. I’ll be over around seven tonight?”

He didn’t comment as I made my way out. I hated myself but I counted down the hours until seven arrived. At work, at home, at lunch, all of my thoughts meandered back to how long it would be until I could see Draco again.

____________________________

Draco hated being reliant on anyone. He hated that he was weak. He hated that he couldn’t make it up the stairs without help. He hated the scar that pierced the left side of his face. He hated the face in the mirror regardless. He hated that you kept coming back. He hated that he wanted you to keep coming back. He hated that he had heard every word that you spoke to him while he was healing. He hated that you had said them. He hated that even when he was asleep, he could still hear your voice.

He hated that when he heard your voice pipe up in the house again promptly at seven, his heart fluttered.

He hated that you helped him up the stairs and into his room. He hated that you lead him to his lavish bathroom and sat him on the counter and began to undo his wrappings with such concentration that you seemed to tune his stammering heart out.

“Stars, Draco,” You murmured after unwrapping his left arm bandage.

He winced involuntarily. To be fair it looked a lot better than when they had first gouged the Dark Mark off his skin. And perhaps some part of him was grateful. All that was left was a skin graft and a scar in the shape of the Dark Mark, raised and angry like the line on his face.

“Dark magic always leaves a scar,” The words tumbled from your lips as your warm fingers brushed over the raised skin. He hated how he shuddered at the touch.

With all of his bandages gone—despite that his bottom half was still clothed—Draco felt bare, if not completely nude before you. He hated that too. Your eyes trialed over his chest and the marred skin that now belonged to him. Your gaze dragged up his shoulders, his neck, up the slice on his cheek, until your warm eyes settled on his.

There wasn’t pity in your eyes. Nor sadness. But rather understanding, and comfort. He hated that he noticed.

Wordlessly, you turned and began to draw a bath, filling it with what looked like a chance bath salt to you, but was the one his mother had once used for him, when he was young, and she was home. The scent quickly began to overpower the smell of sweat and soiled gauze and the hospital smell that lingered on his skin.

“I... Call if you need me,” You stammered and rushed out of the bathroom and slammed the door behind you. Maybe he hated that you left.

The warm bath water and the familiar scent calmed him greatly. It soothed the ache in his muscles and bones. As he draped the water over his skin, washing away the past few weeks. He so desperately wanted to wash you away too, but you lingered on him like the scars he couldn’t ever heal.

An excruciating pain shocked his system as he reached up to wash his hair.

“No, no, no, no,” He groaned, trying again and reaping the same results. “Oh, this is so not fair!”

“Draco?” There was a soft knock on the door. “Everything alright?”

He glared at the door; the words trapped behind pursed lips. He loathed this.

“I need help,” He growled.

Your head peered in, a gentle look on your face. You weren’t laughing at him or teasing him. You looked genuinely concerned.

“What do you need?”

“I... I can’t wash my hair,” He muttered.

“Do... do you want me...?” The question was timid. He didn’t remember the last time he had seen you timid.

He nodded.

With a few well-placed bubbles and some shifting, you entered the bathroom and rounded the tub. He directed you to the correct soaps and lathers. Before you began, your eyes darted around the room, trying to locate something. You rose and took one of the empty ornate cups on his sink. It had once held flowers or something, but it had been emptied for months. Flowers didn’t grow in the presence of Dark Magic. You rinsed it in the sink and took your position behind him again. He didn’t have the energy to question you.

Draco never thought how calming having someone else wash his hair would be. The glass you had taken from the sink was filled carefully with bath water and cascaded over his head and shoulders as your free hand kept the water from his face. Your fingers massaged his favorite lather into his hair, and he had to be careful not to let out an involuntary groan. You hummed softly as you worked, to fill the silence. Again, water flowed down his head, clearing the lather from his hair and into the water around him. Draco closed his eyes and relaxed as you reached for the oils, not afraid in your company. This time your fingers carded the oil through his hair.

He hated that he enjoyed it so much. He hated that it was over too soon. He hated that you simply got up and left when you were finished without a word and left him, half asleep, feeling incomplete without your soft lullaby or your hands in his hair.

He hated that you combed his hair for him. He hated that you were silent as you reapplied his bandages. Your eyes focused on the task at hand and not his racing heart.

“I’ll be back in the morning,” He loathed that the most.

In the morning, you undid his bindings and applied the healing balm that the doctor had sent him home with before wrapping him up again. You gently brushed his hair and ran gel through it, coiffing it like he used to. Somehow it looked different when you did it.

You rarely spoke a word as the days passed. Your morning and nightly routine with him becoming a ritual that he craved. To feel safe with you near. To relax even for just a moment for nightmares and terrors plagued his sleep. To feel more like himself, even if things would never be the same. You treated him the same. Despite the foul scars that plagued his skin.

He hated that you kept leaving.

“You’re dressed,” A smile rose on your face as you walked in one crisp winter morning. “I thought I’d never see you rid the house coat,” It was the most you had said to him since he had been unconscious.

“I thought I’d try,” Draco ran his fingers over the soft cotton of the dress shirt. “You wouldn’t believe the trouble I had with the buttons,”

A soft chuckle left your lips as you wrapped your arms around yourself.

“Is this where it ends then?”

The words shattered him more than torture ever could. He hated the thought. He hated the somber look on your face.

“Y/n, I...” Draco loathed fumbled his words.

“No, I guess this was... this was always going to end.” Your eyes didn’t meet his. “I should have just paid and left.” There was regret in your voice. Regret that he misread.

“So, you’re here for the money then?” His voice raised against his better judgement. “Is that why you kept coming back?” He couldn’t deny how deeply that wound pierced.

“What? No! It was never about the money!” Your voice raised as well. “If it was about the money don’t you think the first thing I would have done was gone to Paris to demand it from your parents!?”

“Then what was it about!? Some vendetta!? Something to goad over me!? As if you don’t have enough already!” He was gripping onto the stair railing tightly, his body threatening to collapse any moment.

“Merlin’s sake, I couldn’t let you die!” The tears he never say you shed, finally fell in front of him. “They were going to let you die!” Your head shook in denial as you pressed your arms around yourself, as it if would stop the tremors that shook your frame.

“You should have let them kill me!” He roared and you gawked at him—finally a reaction response to how he appeared. “It would make your life so much easier!”

“What the hell is that supposed to mean!?” You paced up the first few steps of the staircase, closer to him.

_________________________

I watched the light fade from his eyes.

“Draco!?” My anger turned to fear as his arm gave out and he fell to the step he was on. My close proximity allowed me to prevent him from tumbling down the stairs further.

“Stars, Draco,” I wept pulling him into my arms. He was out cold. “Don’t, don’t die on me, please,” I couldn’t stop my tears now.

I gathered him into my arms and with great difficulty, trudged upstairs, collapsing beside him on his bed. Righting myself, I gently brushed the hair away from his eyes.

“I don’t want this to end,” I confessed. “I don’t want to leave you, Draco,” I wiped away my tears. “Merlin, you have no idea how much I love you. That’s why I kept coming back,” I pressed a soft kiss to his forehead.

I must have fallen asleep beside him because I was woken by a whimper and cry. A desperate plea for someone to stop. A guttural cry of mercy.

“Draco!?” I was wide awake and alert. “Draco! Wake up!” I shook his shoulder as gently as possible.

Petrified grey eyes met mine, filled with tears and terror. Not a beat passed before he pulled me close and clung to me, sobbing into my shoulder. After the moment of initial shock, I wrapped my arms around him, cradling him against me. His cries tore deep wounds in my soul. The desperation and agony that they possessed.

“Don’t. Don’t leave me,” He hiccupped through tears. “Please, I don’t want this to end,”

I ran my fingers softly through his hair, leaving soft promises of new beginnings in their wake. It was enough to lull us both back to sleep.

When sunlight crept through the windows, my eyes fluttered open, to see grey ones studying me.

“Hello,” His voice was soft, his arm draped around me.

“Good morning,” A soft smile touched my lips as I sat up. “How are you feeling?”

“Better,” Draco sat up—without wincing. “Did you mean it? What you said?”

“Mostly likely yes, but which part are you referring to?” I teased softly, working on the buttons of his shirt to free him of the tight article of clothing.

“You’re gonna stay?”

“Well, not here probably, but as in I’m going to keep coming back, yes,” My fingers traced old and new scars.

“And this isn’t the end?”

“Not particularly,” I watched him shudder as I ran my fingers over his collarbone—something I had noticed months before and used against him now.

“And you love me,”

My fingers left his skin promptly as my eyes flashed to his.

“Yes,”

Part Two

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simpingforsoftboys · 4 years ago

Text

The Odds of Us All

CH 3 Part 2/5: The Foxes Burrow

You stood beside Kita, facing the starting members of Inarizaki’s team. Your soulmates were pretty surprised to see you here- but that was a given since you may or may not have neglected to inform them that you would be their new manager.

“This is Ushijima Y/n. She was previously Nekoma’s volleyball club manager- I’m sure some of ya’ have heard of them before. They’re Fukurodani’s main rival- aside from Itachiyama.” Kita introduced her formally, before allowing Y/n to say a few things herself.

“I look forward to getting to know you all! Please take care of me.” You said with a bow. Kita nodded in approval at your brief greeting- concise yet polite- just as he liked it.

“Today’s extra practice for the senior and starting members. So take yer time with gettin settled in. If ya need anythin just ask me or Aran.” A tall male in a #4 jersey strode up to you, a welcoming smile on his lips as he stretched out a hand for a handshake.

“Nice to meet ya Ushijima! Welcome to the team!” You accepted his hand and shook it firmly.

“Glad to be here Aran-senpai- but please just call me ‘Y/n.’ Ushijima is my cousin-”

“Course- ain’t gonna lie- made me double take the first time I heard it.” They shared a quick chuckle. “Why don’t ya go talk to the other’s? We’ll be right here after.” Aran stepped away to speak to Kita, luckily you didn’t need to go seek out anyone else to speak to- since someone walked up to you.

*Apologies in advance ya’ll, I’m only an anime watcher so I DO NOT have a grasp on Akagi, Omimi, or Ginjima’s characters AT ALL... so please- if you guys have tips please comment. Also I have no idea if Akagi or Ginjima was raised in Hyogo so I’m going to give them a normal Tokyo dialect for now- but Ginjima will have hints of Hyogo dialect- this is subject to change if I get advice.

“Hi! I’m Akagi Michinari, you’re new right? How’s Inarizaki so far?” Akagi was fairly cheerful- almost like a breath of fresh air compared to everyone else. Sure, Kita and Aran were plenty nice but they were more like a parental/older brother sort than friendly.

“Mhm, I just got here two days ago! Everyone here is so friendly- I love it.”

“Hey... this is just between me and you but,” Akagi leans forward, hand covering the side of his face like he’s telling a secret, curious, you lean forward to hear better. “It’s kind of refreshing to talk to someone without the Hyogo dialect. Sometimes I still have trouble understanding what people are saying so I smile and nod.” You two look at each other for a good moment before bursting into actual giggles.

“Me too actually, I was so lost in Japanese literature- so I just pretended to know what was going on when Kenji-sensei was lecturing.” You whisper back- sending the third year into a fit of laughter. The two of you were oblivious to the jealous stares from the nightmare trio, and the curious looks from the others.

“Haha- I think we’ll be fast friends Y/n!” The libero says, turning to look at the last two people. “Hey Ren, Hitoshi- come say hi!” A super tall, scary dude with a blank expression walks over, along with a stereotypical alt obsessed looking guy. “The super tall one is Omimi Ren- and the grumpy one is Ginjima Hitoshi!” Omimi doesn’t say anything- instead opting to nod in greeting.

“Hey.” Is all Ginjima says, looking like he’d rather be anywhere but here.

“Call me Y/n! I was meaning to ask earlier but are there any allergies or food preferences you might have? I was going to bring homemade energy bars but realized someone might be allergic.”

“Uh, nah I don’t have any allergies.” Ginjima looks pleasantly surprised, though it’s barely noticeable on his face, “I don’t think anyone here has allergies so ya don’t need to worry.” He turns to look at his seniors for confirmation.

“No one has any.” Omimi agrees.

“Great! Thank you... how about food preferences? Any dietary restrictions for you three specifically?” You’re slipping back into your old managerial habits, pulling out a notepad and scribbling down notes. You may not be of any help on the court directly, but you pride yourself on being analytical and taking care of your team. An example of this was how you’d watch Nekoma’s next rival team beforehand, chatting up their players by starting off with simple conversation- and estimating what makes them tick based off their answers.

“So professional- Shinsuke picked a good one.” Akagi praised, before giving his own preferences (along with Omimi’s), Ginjima spoke after him. Something told you this years team was going to quickly be added to your list of friends.

“What’cha talkin bout over here?” Atsumu slinked over to stand at your side, inserting himself into the conversation. The two third years were unperturbed at his interruption, meanwhile Ginjima looked a little irritated.

“Just dietary restrictions.” You replied showing him your notebook. “Speaking of which I have to speak to you, Osamu, and Suna about yours. Excuse us-” After politely excusing yourself and Atsumu, you walked over to join the other two.

“Enjoyin yerself?” Osamu questioned in greeting, taking a bite of his senbei cracker. “Never seen Akagi so chatty with someone he just met.”

“That’s because they were gossiping.” Suna snickered, shooting you a knowing glance. “It was something about the dialect right? He said the same thing to me when we first met.” He laughed at the scandalized/busted expression you wore.

“What d’ya mean?” The vegetable oil color haired twin questioned, tilting his head to the side- Osamu said nothing, content to munch on his cracker.

“Thank you so much for exposing me.” You ‘thanked’ Suna with a saccharine sweet tone, before answering your faux blonde soulmate. “It’s Tokyo dialect things. That’s it.”

“Oh ok.” He seemed satisfied with your answer, not seeing any reason to doubt you- much to his twin’s, and Suna’s amusement.

“Alright everyone, practice now!” Coach Kurosu called, the gym doors slamming open as he strode in alongside Coach Oomi. “Ushijima- er I’ll just say Y/n yeah? Come over and I’ll give you a rundown on how things work around here.” While the boys began running their warmup laps around the gyms interior, you made your way over to the coaches. “So... says here you were manager of old Nekomata’s team huh? Interestin’ well, it’s the same as any managerial position. Keep the bottles filled, maintain our players morale when you can, and launder the towels and practice jerseys... sound good?” You nodded, already used to the burden of managing a boys volleyball team.

“Yes, thank you.”

“Oh and here,” he hands you a hefty, sealed envelope. “Your budget for the next two weeks. Anything you don’t spend will be subtracted from the next allowance.” Your eyes widen at the weight of it, but you nod along nonetheless. Money is a friend of yours- the Ushijima’s being a very well off family. “Well the bottles are in the locker room hallway.”

“Right, of course.” Then you left, going to begin the familiar tasks that had somehow become an important part of your daily high school life.

Oomi looked at Kurosu. “Why’d you give her cash? We’re supposed to give her the card?” Kurosu is silent, watching his players with a scrutinizing look.

“She reminds me of a boerboel.”

“I don’t follow?”

“I have a feelin that we can trust her.”

Facts/Trivia

This takes place the very next day after CH3 pt1, ignore the 4d mark on that one cut off tweet please

Tendo has this uncanny ability to tell when someone is trash talking either Ushijima

Sakusa still doesn’t know that Y/n is Inarizaki’s new manager

None of her soulmates follow her private twitter- or know of it’s existence

Y/n is very efficient at doing laundry/filling water bottles within a small time frame- she has Nekoma vbc to thank for that

Nekoma didn’t have a allowance for their team- so Y/n just paid for everything out of pocket

Yes their budget for TWO WEEKS is about $270

The only things she can bake well is granola/energy bars, scones, and cookies. Anything else she attempts turns out horribly

A boerboel is a extremely dependable dog breed

Sometimes when the teachers speak too quickly, Y/n can’t tell what they’re saying so she just stares at them, acting like an attentive student so that they’ll be less tempted to call on her during class

I have no idea how to write for Omimi, Ginjima, Akagi, and both coaches so I’ll just do whatever

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serpentstole · 3 years ago

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Luciferian Challenge: Day 17

What symbols do you refer to in Luciferianism? Why?

There’s some overall symbols I’m really drawn to when it comes to my Luciferianism. Torches and serpents are the big ones, perhaps for obvious reasons: the Lightbringer or enlightenment aspects of Luciferianism are wonderfully represented by a torch (though I’ll sometimes use a lantern as a substitute, especially when it comes to an actual physical prop or tool) and serpents or snakes have a connection both to the Original Sin and to imagery of rebirth and growth given their constant shedding.

Stars and fire are also imagery I enjoy, as they’re often a light in the dark and the theme of the Morningstar is ever present during modern discussions of Lucifer, and they have some overlap with my Dionysian side of things, as do the aforementioned serpents.

For more obscure ones that are a bit esoteric and personal to me, I like the dagger (for its history as a very broadly used magical and practical tool) and those archways/portals with a set of stairs and stars beyond it (because it reminds me of imagery similar to the Flammerion Engraving, and the act of trying to look beyond the firmament).

And finally, I’ll sometimes use the seal of Lucifer from the Grimoire Verum or a pentagram, but they’re sort of a supporting symbol or last resort rather than what I like most or find the best fitting for my beliefs and practice.

I will admit that most of my general symbols are also ones I’d also use for Lucifer specifically, as despite having a trio of figures that are important to my practice and beliefs, he’s central and the tie that binds it all together. It is, after all, called Luciferianism. I’ve used the Emperor tarot card as a temporary idol for him during divination, but it’s a poor fit and I’d want to find a new one… perhaps the Magician instead, but it’s something I mean to put more work into.

For Eve, I like the apple best as it’s most recognizable, but also figs, pomegranates, and mushrooms. Due to some tarot divination I’ve done, I also associate her with the Empress card, and the Queens of Swords and Pentacles. I’m still working on other flowers and plants beyond the fruiting ones that suit her, as well as planetary associations. It’s an ongoing process.

And for Azazel, I so far default to a goat or goat’s skull. I don’t like leaning too far into the Scapegoat side of things, as that feels pretty uniquely Jewish, but even in Christianity he has some association with goats. He also has a role to me that feels very similar to the paintings you’ll see with the goat headed figure at the witches’ sabbaths, so it’s double appropriate.

I am very, very conflicted on Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s symbol for Saturn being used as his sigil. While he is absolutely a figure you could describe as Saturnian, magically speaking, my research suggests that the earliest popularization of using that seal for him might have come from the founder of the JoS, which would be deeply unfortunate. Obviously it’s not like I’d be the one to spread the idea (as looking up “sigil of Azazel” will almost universally give you the Saturn symbol), but I’m just so deeply allergic to everything they stand for that the idea of using it is a bit, for lack of a better word, icky.

Frater VIM, who ran a now defunct blog that brought this un-fun bit of trivia to my attention, proposed that the related symbol of the planetary daemon/demon Zazel was actually referencing Azazel, and therefore an appropriate alternative. However, I’m not fully sure if the idea of Azazel and Zazel being the same figure purely on name similarity is one I vibe with, and would have to do further research. While this happens a lot with some angelic names/occult figures, there’s other times when a similar name is not in any way indicative of two deities or spirits being related. Finally, as far as Tarot symbolism goes, I used the Devil card in a pinch but did not like it for him. As with Lucifer I need to investigate more appropriate alternatives. Currently I’m leaning towards the Hermit.

I tend to represent myself in my practice, when the need arises, with the Fool (for its association with new beginnings), or with the card that’s become my signifier during Tarot divination, which I don’t want to post publicly at this time. I think having personal symbols and associations can be incredibly handy, and I wish I’d started employing it in my practice sooner.

#luciferianism #theistic luciferianism #lucifer #azazel #eve #symbols #symbolism #illumine #30 Day Luciferian Challenge #30dayluciferianchallenge

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fangirl-creates · 4 years ago

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ZERO OVER YONDER (FULL FIC)

(Likes and Reblogs are appreciated!)

1 - Banjo Pluck

“Look, all I’m saying is—would it kill Rippen to just have a little chill once in a while?” The red-headed boy vented to his friends as they walked to the movie theater.

“Penn, Rippen is Rippen. Of course he’s still gonna be rude to you when we’re not saving the Multiverse.” Sashi commented, wanting desperately to hear the end of these complaints spilling out of Penn’s mouth.

“Well yeah, obviously. But today, there was just no end to it! Like even when I was eating lunch, BAM! There he was!” He folded his arms, his face turning about as red as his hair at this point.

Rippen had definitely been more annoying than usual today. The reason? Probably having a bad day and picking on Penn was the only thing that would bring him ‘joy’...if you’d even call it that. And even though Penn had learned to ignore Rippen during times like these, today was one of those ‘impatient’ days for Penn Zero—considering the fact he had stayed up till 3am last night on a count of The Chinchilla bothering him again.

“Don’t worry about it, dude.” Boone put his arm around his friend, patting his back. “I’m sure beating Rippen again will put you in a good mood. Think of it as a way to get back at him.”

“Yeah!” Sashi chimed in. “I’ll even let you kick him in the face this time.” She smiled.

Penn felt a little better, the red from his face fading away. “Thanks, guys.”

The trio stepped onto their usual spots on the zap platform, Penn cracking his knuckles.

“I’m really gonna let him have it today.” He grinned between his teeth.

“Violence must wait till tomorrow!” Phyllis called from her spot on the balcony.

Penn titled his head. “...I don’t understand.”

“You will see.” She pulled the lever, the trio levitating as they were forced into the portal. “GOOD LUCK!”

After the brilliant blue flash, Penn opened his eyes. Space. He saw Space. Below him was the material of some kind of smaller planet he stood on—“Purple-colored dirt” in his Earth vocabulary. But that wasn’t the thing that surprised him...it was the body he was in. It was weirdly insulating, like a very thick fur coat—that’s when he realized he was covered in it. Orange fur coated him from head to toe. The only articles of clothing he was actually wearing were white socks and some slightly worn blue sneakers. He felt..uncomfortable.

“Penn?” Sashi’s voice made itself known.

Penn looked up, a bit surprised she was taller than him now. “Sashi! You’re a—uh….” He studied his friend’s new look. She was blue with a pink mane—yet her body itself was a cross between a horse and a dinosaur. He shrugged it off. “Never mind.” He looked around for the Wiseman. “Where’s Boone?”

“Right here!” A confident voice called, Penn searching for the source.

“Boone? Where are-” He noticed Sashi pointing above his head, to which he realized he was wearing a hat as well. He took it off to find the rather large green hat staring back at him. “Oh.”

“Oh yeah. I definitely feel like a wiseman now…”

“Cause you were on my head and you feel like you can give me knowledge that way.” Penn raised a brow.

Boone did what was an attempted shrug. “Who knows...maybe I’m magic.”

Penn rolled his eyes, placing Boone back on his head. “Okay Sash, check the specs.”

Sashi pressed the side of her glasses, which were now a dark purple to complement the colors of her new form. The holographic image showed up in front of them. “You are a wandering Do-Gooder, and I am your trusty steed and best friend.”

“What about me?” Boone asked, feeling a little left out.

“You’re his hat.” ….She didn’t add anything else.

“Well, I still think I might be magic.” He looked away. “You two just don’t know it yet.”

Sashi rolled her eyes. “Annnnyway, the evil Lord Hater is planning to conquer another innocent planet with his army of Watchdogs. It’s up to us to stop him before he manages to leave the planet successful.” Normally, this was the part where the hologram would disappear, but it lingered.

“All right! Sounds easy enough.” Penn pounded his fists together. “I’ll admit, this body is a little on the weaker side, but I can still give Rippen a good fi-”

“Actually, you can’t use violence at all. I’m the one who can fight them. You stop bad guys by...being nice.” Now the hologram was gone.

Penn suddenly understood what Phyllis meant earlier...and he hated it. “I...I can’t fight him?! Seriously??” His face was turning red again, yet it was hard to tell with the orange fur. “So not only does Rippen get away with all the stuff he did to me today, but now I can’t even GET HIM BACK?!”

“No one said you can’t get him back—you just can’t beat him up.” Sashi folded her arms.

“...Can I at least punch him?”

“No. You’ll ruin the hero’s image.”

Penn covered his face with hands, a muffled scream. He then took a deep breath, calming himself. Thankfully for him, this body seemed to have a very calm mindset...that, and really cheerful one. “Okay...okay, I’ll do my best…for the sake of the mission, and because I don’t want to accidentally break something.” He hopped onto the saddle on Sashi’s back.

“Good choice.” Sashi nodded. “Now how do we get out of here?”

“Don’t look at me—what the??” A small bottle fell onto the ground. Upon closer inspection, it looked like a container for bubble blowing, but it read ‘Orbble juice’, with instructions on the back. Penn shrugged and pulled the wand out, blowing as a large air-tight bubble formed around them, lifting them off the ground. “Now we’re talking!” He yelled out into the bubble, cheerfully. “HEIGH-HO, SYLVIA!”

Sashi and Boone both looked at him.

Penn blinked, not sure what came over him. “S-Sashi...I meant Sashi. Oh, that was weird.”

Thankfully, it was quickly forgotten by the trio, heading on their way to their next destination…

—————————-—————————-—————————-—————————-—————————-————————

2 - A Hero’s Image

Rippen looked at himself in the mirror. In all his years as a Part-Time Villain, he had only been a skeleton once. And even then, it was only for a couple minutes. The complete lack of skin made him feel...exposed. But at the same time, the bone seemed hard as nails, so there was that.

His thoughts were quickly interrupted, however, by the rambles of his cheerful minion—who was in the body of a Commander with the exact opposite personality. But that didn’t affect Larry in the slightest. “Isn’t this eyeball head weird? I mean I’m talking, but there’s no mouth! How crazy is that?” He laughed. “How do people even know when I’m speaking?”

Rippen rolled his eyes. “Your pupil moves, Larry.”

Larry looked in the mirror, expressing a smile as much as a watchdog could to the best of their abilities. “Heh, it’s kinda funny how it bounces like that.”

“Can we get on with it, then?” He was having an exceptionally good day...as far as Rippen’s standards go. And he didn’t want this good mood to go to waste.

“Right, right...sorry.” He laughed softly, pressing the side of his glasses, which were now yellow and only one square instead of two. “Okay, you are the evil Lord Hater and I am your Second in Command. Our Mission is to conquer another poor innocent planet before Penn stops you with-” Larry paused, unsure he was reading this right.

“With what? Come on, spit it out.” Rippen pestered.

“Um...friendship.”

Rippen blinked, a bit stunned by what Larry just said. “Maybe it's the lack of ears that makes it hard for me to hear you, but did you say…‘Friendship’?”

“Yep. He’s supposed to be nice to you.” Larry nodded.

Rippen was silent for a moment, then he burst out laughing. “Penn Zero’s forced to be nice to me!” He laughed again. “If we’re lucky, he’ll break under the pressure, completely ruining the hero’s image! And then I can finally become a Full-Time Villain!” When he laughed a third time, however, green lighting shot from his fingertips as he made a ‘rock n roll’ gesture with both of his hands.

Larry narrowly avoided it, but some watchdogs down the hall weren’t so lucky; loud yelps followed by groaning were heard after getting zapped.

“Wait..what just happened?” Rippen looked at the gesture he was making, a bit confused.

“Oh yeah, you got cool lightning powers! I forgot to tell you that…” Larry attempted a smile again.

For once in his life, Rippen was filled with the absolute confidence that this time...this time, he could not only win...but finally annihilate Penn Zero. He laughed one more time, green lighting sparking around him. “This is it, Larry! Victory is finally at hand!”

Friendship...of all the things. He had been nice to Rippen before, sure, but that was often out of pity...or on rare occasions, when he genuinely felt sorry for him. But this was the first time he was forced to do it. And that fact made him upset. Heck, even the phrase ‘Kill em with Kindness’ was starting to sound not understandable anymore. He glanced at Sashi. “Soooo, this whole ‘friendship’ thing…”

Sashi’s eyes met his, despite being focused on the destination.

“Is he like...allergic to it or something? Is he gonna melt if I hug him??”

“No. You’re just being nice to him...for the 100th time.” She mumbled under her breath.

“I know, I know...it’s just...what’s the point of being nice to your enemy if they’re just gonna continue to do you harm? How is this furball even still alive after constantly clashing with this guy?”

It Never hurts to Help. A little voice said in the back of his mind.

Penn blinked. “Boone, did you say something?” He glanced up.

“Uhh no?”

He scratched his head, thinking. If he was really gonna do this, he was gonna do it right. But how?

As if on cue, Boone jumped up, a Banjo seemingly appearing out of nowhere, landing in Penn’s hands. He stared at it. “Uhhh Boone...where did this come from?” He looked up.

Boone just gasped in response. “I AM magic!!” He said triumphantly.

Penn rolled his eyes, holding the banjo awkwardly. When it came to music, Penn considered himself more of a singer than anything else. But Instruments were not his strong suit...still, this Banjo didn’t look unimportant. He held it the right way, his fingers dancing along the frets. And then, as if on command…he started playing. It wasn’t a specific song or anything too complex, just a simple melody that made his friends smile as he continued. It was so strange...he had never played the banjo before, and here he was; playing it like he’d had years of practice. He was so lost in song, that he didn’t realize he was moving around while he did so. Luckily, they had found their destination before Rippen did, so Sashi was able to land on the ground, giving Penn freedom to do...whatever he was doing.

Sashi was amused by this. She had seen Penn dance before, but this was nothing like how he normally did it. This kind of dancing was silly, almost...cartoonish. What was even funnier was that not only did he dance in tune to the music, but he sang along to it as well. Well...more like sing-talking gibberish. Regardless, he seemed really into it. In fact, he got faster with each ‘verse’. It got to a point where he was strumming so fast, one would think the banjo was going to catch fire.

Penn’s chest went up and down as he breathed heavily, stopping finally. The sound of Sashi clapping caught his attention and he immediately realized what was going on. “O-Oh...yeah I didn’t mean to do any of that….” He blushed.

“It was cute.” Sashi commented. “But, you know, like in a funny kind of way.”

“Yeah, But not so good for me…” Boone managed, feeling a bit dizzy from Penn’s rapid dancing and spinning.

Penn cringed. “Ohh oh no. Do you need a minute? Do hats even get sick??” He thought about it for a second. Unfortunately, his thoughts were interrupted by a loud THUD.

All three turned to see a giant Skull Ship land on the planet’s surface. It opened its mouth, a large tongue landing down as watchdogs began to march in formation, chanting ‘Hate’s Great, Best Villain!’ as they did.

Penn watched, standing proudly as he held the banjo close. “Alright…” He took a deep breath. “Time to go to work.”

—————————-—————————-—————————-—————————-—————————-————————

3 - Never Hurts to Help

It didn’t take long for Rippen to get the Watchdogs out, the inhabitants of the planet already running away in fear. The Do-Gooders were behind a rather large rock. Not the best hiding spot, but a good temporary one.

“Okay, Sash. That’s your cue.”

Sashi cracked her knuckles, but glanced at her friends before she ran off. “I know you can do this, PZ.” Then she was gone—charging into a group of Watchdogs.

Penn watched, taking a deep breath.

“So what are you gonna do?” Boone asked.

Penn hesitated. “Honestly, I have no idea.” He remembered what Sashi had said earlier...No one said you couldn’t get back at Rippen—you just can’t beat him up. Penn remembered how annoying Rippen was earlier...and for some reason, the mindset of this body seemed to know exactly how to annoy him back. A smirk appeared on his face as he ran to find his enemy.

Rippen was having the time of his life, blasting back at forth. What felt even better was that the creatures feared him the closer he got. He didn’t even care Sashi was punching the Watchdogs left and right—as long as he got his reward, he didn’t care what else went wrong.

“Havin’ fun, Rippen?”

And there it was.

Rippen turned to face the orange ball of fur, a cackle at how tall he was compared to the do-gooder. “Well, Well, Well! If it isn’t Penn Zero!” He raised his hands, pointing them at him as green lighting charged between his fingers—the soft glow illuminating on everyone close enough to see. “I know all about this little requirement of your’s to not hurt me-! So now I only have one thing to say to you—!”

Penn’s heart pounded in his chest. Best case scenario, the plan worked. Worst case scenario, Rippen blasts him into the next dimension.

“—Are you ready to meet your demise?”

Penn cleared his throat, standing casually. “Actually, Rippen ol’ Buddy, I’ve got a question for you.” He sounded so calm despite the fear inside of him.

Rippen raised part of his brow, staring down at his enemy. This day had been going so well for him. And if he destroyed him without hearing the question at all, it would haunt him forever. Rippen shrugged, not letting his guard down. “You know what? Ask away!”

Penn breathed a small sigh of relief, taking a step back. “Well I was just thinking...you must be hungry after this...invasion thing.”

Though he didn’t want to admit it, Rippen was starving. He didn’t understand why, but this body had the need to consume every junk food imaginable. And everything it craved, Rippen had never touched in his life. He made a slightly annoyed face at Penn. “Why would it matter to you?”

“Oh no reason…” He pulled out two sandwiches from behind his back. “Just that...uh..got some sandwiches here. Hate for them to go to waste…” He mocked, waving the scent around Rippen’s nonexistent nose. “Truly...truly a shame.”

Rippen’s stomach made probably one of the loudest sounds a stomach was capable of making—strange, considering Skeletons didn’t even have stomachs. He tried to keep his eyes off the two sandwiches, but it was impossible. “Ugh! Just give them to me—!” He tried to reach, but Penn jumped back.

“What’s that? You do want these?” He grinned. “Well, would you prefer—” He threw the first sandwich at Rippen’s face. “Mustard-?” He jumped over Rippen, throwing the other sandwich on his face when he turned around. “-or Mayo?!” He laughed, landing on his feet.

Rippen angrily wiped the sandwiches from his face, staring at Penn with a piercing glare.

Instead of a rude gesture, Penn stuck out his tongue in a playful manner, his legs speeding up. “Come and get me!” And he was gone.

Rippen didn’t know why, but every voice in the back of his head screamed ‘GET HIM!’ no matter what. And that’s exactly what he did. He ran, screaming at the top of his...lungs? Whatever skeletons have.

Penn pulled out the banjo as he ran, turning around as he was now jogging backwards. “How about a little chase music?” He smiled, strumming rather fast. The music seemed to be annoying Rippen even more, which meant it was working.

Meanwhile, Sashi had already beaten up all the Watchdogs while Rippen was distracted. Larry was too busy watching Rippen chase Penn around to notice. Something about it made him want to sigh. He was...disappointed in Rippen?? He shivered, hoping he’d never get that feeling again.

At this point, Rippen was exhausted. He clawed at the ground, now laying on his stomach. Penn, however, didn’t feel tired at all. He felt as though he could run a marathon in seconds. Eventually, he stopped running and walked right over to Rippen, bending down so they were at eye level once more. He put his hands behind his back, a smug look on his face.

“You uh..you doing okay?” He raised a brow.

Rippen wheezed, trying to stand. “W...Watchdogs! Get him—!” It wasn’t until he yelled that when he realized they were all defeated, Sashi standing there triumphantly. “NOOO! I WAS SO CLOSE!!” He wheezed again, his face lightly hitting the ground.

Penn felt a little bad for him. He wasn’t sure why the feeling was so sudden, but he didn’t question it. “Look, you seem pretty exhausted, so I’ll just leave this here for you.” He placed one of the mustard sandwiches and a bottle of a soda labeled ‘Thunder Blazz’ in bright yellow bubble letters on the side.

Rippen stared at the food, standing up as he wolfed down the sandwich. He glared at Penn, pointing at him. “This doesn’t make us friends!” He spoke between bites.

Penn made a face. “I uh...I never said that.”

Rippen blinked, shaking his head. “Oh never mind!” He grabbed the soda and angrily trudged back to the skull ship, Larry patting him on the back as they headed inside.

The inhabitants cheered once the skull ship took off, Sashi running to greet her friends. “You did it, Penn!”

“Yeah!” Boone chimed in. “I’m not exactly sure what you did...but you did it!”

Penn’s eyes watched the skull ship fade from view. Why did Rippen retreat? And why did he think he was trying to be his friend? Even with all these questions, Penn still couldn’t help but feel good about himself…

With another blue flash, the trio was pulled back to the movie theater, landing safety back onto their original spots. Penn looked at himself, no longer feeling uncomfortable, but a bit disappointed the cheerful feeling was gone. “That was probably one of the strangest missions ever...but in a good way.” He managed.

“Yeah, wonder what was up with Rippen after we won…” Sashi added, hand on her chin.

“Sometimes,” Phyills started, coming back down from the balcony. “Enemy is just a friend you haven’t made yet.” She looked at Penn. “Remember that, Penn Zero.”

Penn put his hands in his pockets, a smile. “I will.”

—————————-—————————-—————————-—————————-—————————-————————

4 - Epilogue

Later that evening, the space duo set up camp for the night. Sylvia was still trying to process exactly what happened earlier. Her fists were sore from punching Watchdogs, when she hadn’t even done that today? Or had she??

Wander, on the other hand, seemed to be in a particularly good mood. Normally, that wasn’t a surprise in Wander’s case, but it definitely was after the events of today.

“I swear,” Sylvia put some wood on the fire, the flames grasping onto it. “My head’s buzzing like a swarm of bees. The whole thing was so weird…” She sat down next to her friend, who was casually resting, playing a happy tune on his banjo. “How are you keeping it all together, buddy? Doesn’t your head hurt?” She asked, concerningly.

The Nomad looked up at her, smiling. “Because I helped someone.”

Sylvia blinked. “So...you remember what happened today?”

“Nope.” He cheerfully responded.

“...then..how do you know if you helped someone or not??”

“Just a hunch.”

Sylvia rolled her eyes, playfully, rustling his fur. “Okay, buddy…”

Deep within the stars, they saw the skull ship pass by, the voice of Lord Hater screaming into the night sky…

“I CAN’T BELIEVE I ACTUALLY ATE ONE OF WANDER’S STUPID SANDWICHES!!”

Wander chuckled, yawning as he got into his normal sleeping spot. “Yep, not a bad day…”

Sylvia still couldn’t remember what happened, but regardless of that, she was happy Wander still got to help out someone. And in the end, that was all that matters...

END

#penn zero part time hero #wander over yonder #crossover fanfiction #fanfic #pzpth #save woy #woy watchdogs

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wrenhyperfixates · 4 years ago

Text

The Gift

Pairing: Loki x reader Summary: Tony says no pets in the Tower, but since when has Loki ever listened to him? Warnings: like one curse word A/N: Any Tom Hiddleston stans out there should get the Easter egg in this one :)

Disclaimer: Picture not mine

“Oh, come on, Tony! Please,” you whined for the fifth time that week. “Not even just a little one?”

“Absolutely not. It’d make a mess of the place. Not to mention that this isn’t exactly the safest place for a pet.”

“So it gets into a lab accident and we have a super dog. Not the worst thing ever,” you said, half joking, though Tony actually seemed kind of intrigued now. You changed your tactic before he got any ideas. “Besides, it won’t make a mess. I’ll train it. And not all dogs shed.”

“I guess, but someone might be allergic,” Tony countered, thinking he delivered a winning argument.

“We can get a hypoallergenic dog,” you shot back, though you’d already checked with almost everyone and no one said they were.

Tony grumbled, running out of excuses to give as to why you couldn’t get the pet you’ve been pleading for the past few months. Tony had become somewhat of a father figure to you during your time in the Tower, and you’d been pretty sure you could use that to your advantage. Sadly, though, nothing had been working. In fact, that relationship had been more of a detriment to you than anything else as you didn’t want to make him upset with you. Otherwise, you might just go out and buy the pet of your choosing. Maybe even more than one. Although, to be fair, it was Tony’s building, and he was allowing you to live here rent free, so you should probably just drop it. But you really wanted a pet, and you knew you weren’t the only one.

“Sorry, but still no.”

“Fine,” you relented with an overdramatic sigh. “For now, anyway.”

“Thank you,” he said, going back to whatever he was tinkering with before you came in.

You pouted in the lab for a bit, hoping he might change his mind, but to no avail. Eventually you slinked out and went into one of the common rooms, plopping on the couch between Peter and Bucky.

“So, how’d it go?” Peter asked after popping a handful of Skittles into his mouth.

“No luck," you responded sourly, stealing some of the colorful candy from him. “None of my strategies are working.”

“What if we tried for something smaller?” Bucky offered. “Like a gerbil.”

“I guess,” you grumbled as you flopped back in exasperation. “But we’ve had our eye on that Cocker Spaniel for a while. A gerbil just wouldn’t be the same.”

“Yeah, I know.”

You all sat in silence for a bit and watched as Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck argued about what hunting season it is, mulling over the situation. Admitting defeat seemed to be the most likely option at the moment, but you hated to just give up when you were sure there was a way to get what you wanted and not have Tony be upset with you.

“I’ve got it!” Peter suddenly shouted, bubbling with excitement. “We go and adopt it and then tell Mr. Stark that it just followed us home!”

“Except he wouldn’t let us keep it even then,” you stated, having already thought of that yourself.

“So we hide it. Simple,” Bucky chimed in. “By the time he notices, Peter will be so emotionally bonded to it, Tony wouldn’t dare take it away.”

“Great idea, Mr. Bucky,” Peter said, high-fiving him.

“Yeah, if only there weren’t cameras everywhere. Not to mention a home system that tells him everything,” you added, growing more upset at the lack of options by the minute.

You pushed up from the couch as the episode’s end was heralded by Porky Pig’s “Th-th-that’s all folks.” After waving bye to your friends, you headed to your room to brainstorm in silence. The figure lurking in the shadows didn’t even register in your mind, so you had no idea that a certain god heard your whole conversation. Not only that, he was about to fix all your problems.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Mr. Loki, where are we going?” Peter inquired as he and Bucky were led into the city by the trickster god.

“All will be revealed, spiderling. I assure you.”

Bucky just shrugged when Peter looked at him, and so they continued following Loki through the busy New York streets. After hearing about your plight, he had hatched a plan to get you what you wanted. All it took was a bit of research on that infernal computer device, and he was pretty sure he’d found the right shelter. It was a far walk from the Tower, and since neither he nor his travel companions could drive, he resorted to taking the subway, an experience he’d rather not have again. Finally, they arrived at the destination, and Peter was about to burst with excitement.

“Mr. Loki!” he gasped. “This is exactly where we were looking for dogs!”

“But I have a feeling you knew that already,” Bucky said.

“Indeed,” Loki replied. “I must confess that I overheard your conversation in the common room yesterday.”

“Oh I get it now. You’re doing this for-”

“No time for speculation, we are here to get me a pet,” Loki interrupted, “Go on. After you, spiderling.”

Peter, still blissfully unaware of Loki’s true intentions, led the way into the shelter. They were greeted with the sound of happy barking and the distinct smell of dog treats. Loki had to admit, he wasn’t the biggest fan of animals. He found some to be more agreeable than others, such as a good steed, but overall he thought them to be more of a nuisance than anything else. Thor had bought a cat for Jane once, and it tore up half of his capes before he presented it to her. Loki was glad his brother kept it away from him and his belongings. Not to mention he didn’t appreciate the sheer number of similarities people said he had with felines. Dogs, however, he was fine with, so long as they were trained properly.

“Hello, how may I help...” the girl behind the front desk trailed off, her eyes going wide with excitement upon realizing who the trio was. “Y-you’re... Oh my gosh. My friends are never going to believe this! But, uh, how may I help you?”

None of the heroes were particularly comfortable with the attention and star struck gaze of the girl, so it took them a minute to get over their sheepishness. Loki looked at both his companions before realizing he would have to do the talking. He sighed but knew the look on your face would be worth it. You’d look at him the same way you had so many times before, whenever he did little things for you, whether it be rubbing your shoulders after a stressful day or brewing you a cup of tea on a chilly morning. The two of you weren’t dating, exactly, but you weren’t exactly not dating, either. Loki found himself incapable of asking you to make it official, lest it ruin what you currently had. He didn’t know what he’d do if you no longer casually held his hand or rested your head on his lap while reading in the evenings. Even though he was fairly certain you felt the same way, that last bit of doubt wouldn’t leave him alone. Besides, despite usually being quite a great thinker, he couldn’t come up with a good way to confess. He supposed that kissing you would do the trick, but he wasn’t brave enough for that, so getting you a dog would have to suffice for now.

“My friends here were looking at some of your dogs recently, and there is one that they are quite smitten with. We are here to adopt it.”

“That’s right! A Cocker Spaniel named Bobby,” Peter offered. “He hasn’t already been adopted, has he?”

“Nope!” the girl responded in a perky voice. “He’s all yours as soon as you fill out the proper paperwork.”

“Mr. Loki, are you sure about this. Mr. Stark told me I couldn’t get a dog.”

“Exactly. He told you, not me,” Loki replied, picking up a pen.

“Well, yeah, but I don’t really think he meant it just for me. I think it was more of a general kind of thing.” Loki and Bucky looked at him in exasperation for a second, wondering how he could still be so innocent, before he caught on. “Oh, ok. I get it now. Carry on.”

The three boys huddled around the page as Loki filled it out, providing Tony’s credit card as payment when the time came. It seemed appropriate, Loki thought, that Stark should have to pay for making you upset, and taking that in the most literal sense was the only somewhat acceptable way, it seemed. No longer could The God of Mischief go around stabbing those who hurt the ones he cared about. In a way, he missed the good old days, as he referred to them, but his new life led him to you, which made the rest of it fine with him, he decided, as he finished his signature with a flourish.

“There,” he declared, admiring the loop of his fancy, cursive L. “Finished.”

The girl disappeared into the back, only to return with Bobby a moment later. After giving the paperwork a quick once over, she handed the leash over to Bucky, who couldn’t stop the smile from growing on his face. Peter immediately bent down to scratch the dark brown dog behind his ears.

“Who’s a good boy? You are! You’re a good boy!” he cooed.

“Spiderling, he hasn’t even done anything yet,” Loki said, somewhat perplexed, as Bobby rolled over onto his back, stopping at the god’s feet. “Though, I do suppose he is a rather good boy,” he added, an inexplicable smile tugging at his lips.

One stop at the pet store and a taxi ride later, both unknowingly paid for by Tony, they arrived back at the Tower with the newest member of their family. It wasn’t even ten minutes later that Tony strolled into the room where they were playing with Bobby. He stopped dead in his tracks as he noticed the dog, happily playing tug of war with Bucky.

“What is that?” he asked, pointing at the Cocker Spaniel.

“A dog,” Loki deadpanned.

“Yeah, no shit. I mean what is it doing here?”

“I adopted it. Really Stark, for a supposed genius you ask a lot of obvious questions.”

“Don’t get snippy with me, Rock of Ages,” Tony quipped back, gritting his teeth a little. “This is my Tower and I say no pets, except for maybe a goldfish.”

“Yes, this is your Tower, but it is our home, is it not? As thus, we should be allowed the simple pleasures of life, such as having a pet. After all, studies show that having a dog can reduce stress, something I’d say is rather important for people in our position.”

Tony glared for a minute, not really having a good response to that. Then he called your name, certain you were behind this.

“No, Mr. Stark,” Peter said. “They had nothing to do with this. Don’t blame them.”

“That’s right,” Bucky also defended you. “It was all us.”

It was already too late, though, and you appeared in the doorway. Loki had been planning on presenting your gift to you in some cute or clever way, but all he had time to do was a magic up a bow on the pup’s head, a green one, of course. Bobby started happily yapping at your arrival and trotted over to you, looking for a scratch behind the ear.

“Oh. My. Gosh. He’s adorable!” you exclaimed as he rolled over for belly rubs. “You finally got a dog for me, Tony? Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Sorry, but I can’t take credit for this,” he said, turning down the hug you were offering him by putting a hand up. Then he pointed at the mischievous trio whose doing it was.

“Well actually, it was mainly Loki,” Bucky said, nudging the god in the ribs.

“But Mr. Bucky, we all- Oh wait. Awwww,” Peter gushed as he realized what Loki was feeling.

“Oh. In that case, thank you Loki!” you shouted, throwing your arms around him in a hug.

Without a second’s hesitation, he wrapped his arms around you, too, returning the embrace. “You are quite welcome, my darling.”

You nuzzled into the spot where his shoulder met his neck. In turn, he put his head on your own and breathed in your scent, forgetting the others in the room for a minute. It seemed you had, too, because you looked equally startled when Tony cleared his throat.

“Ok, fine. He can stay,” Tony conceded, “but only if he doesn’t wreck the place. And keep him out of the lab.”

You all chorused your thanks and, despite his harsh tone, could tell that Tony had already taken to Bobby, who was now the center of attention again. After playing with him for a bit, Bucky made some excuse about having to leave and took Peter with him, both of them wanting to give you some alone time with Loki.

“This really is very sweet, Loki,” you told him after a few minutes.

“Think nothing of it. It is my gift to you.”

“I feel bad, though. I don’t have anything for you,” you said, biting your lip. “Well, actually, I do have one thing that I can give you.”

“Oh? What would that be, my darling?”

The end of his sentence was nearly cut off by your lips crashing into his. The kiss was a little sloppy, but filled with so much love and desire that neither one of you cared. After gathering his wits, Loki kissed you back, cupping your cheeks as you grabbed his shoulders, still a little unsteady from surging forward.

“That,” you breathlessly whispered, pulling away as Bobby began barking again.

Later that night, Tony found you and Loki passed out on the couch, Bobby sprawled out across both your laps.

“Huh,” he mumbled, draping a blanket over your shoulders. “I guess it’s a good thing they got that dog, after all.”

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rolandtowen · 4 years ago

Photo

Dumbass Romantics, the first part of a series exploring the ways in which Sokka and Zuko falling in love after the War.

Sokka and Zuko seem to keep “accidentally” flirting with each other with romantic gestures from their respective cultures. It takes a while for everyone else (and them!!) to catch on. Set a few months after the end of the war, featuring chronic pain and cultural flirting.

Read it under the cut!

The Fire Lord hated the cold. He supposed he should have commissioned a fur cloak before visiting Katara and Sokka, but where could his tailors find fur on such short notice? He couldn’t bring himself to slaughter dozens of squirrel-toads just for one coat. He had settled on a cloak woven with extra koala-sheep wool, but stepping out of his ship’s warmth now and into the crisp air of the Southern Water Tribe, Zuko knew he should have heeded Sokka’s advice to him to dress warm.

The cold was a bitch. But thankfully, he didn’t have to dwell on it long.

“Zuko!” Came Katara’s voice from somewhere below him. Zuko hurried down the rampart and came to meet his old friend. He went to bow formally, but she laughed and pulled him in for a hug. “Maybe save the bowing for when we have dinner with the old folks tonight.”

Zuko raised his eyebrow.

“Oh! It’s nothing big – just my Dad, Bato, Kanna, and Pakku. I do hope you’ve worked up an appetite for stewed sea prunes, that’s all my Dad can make without blowing the kitchen up – unless you’re allergic to sea prunes, of course, but I guess you wouldn’t know yet seeing as you’ve never tried them—”

“Katara,” Sokka’s voice startled Zuko a little bit, coming from his left side. Zuko shifted his head so he could hear him better. “You’re rambling again. Let the man breathe!” Zuko let out a low chuckle and turned to fully face Sokka.

“It’s good to see you too, Sokka.”

“And you, jerkbender! Spirits, aren’t you cold? I told you bring layers!”

The trio started to walk towards Katara and Sokka’s village. Zuko pondered what he should say: admit weakness and say he was, in fact, cold; or be miserable for the rest of his visit in silence?

“I’m okay, it’s just that the Fire Nation hasn’t ever had a need to make warm clothing. My tailors wouldn’t even know where to start on finding fur for a cloak.”

“Well then,” Sokka said, “it’s lucky for you that we have polar leopards!” And with that, Sokka unclipped the fur-lined cloak he was wearing and draped it over Zuko’s shoulders, fastening the metal clips with practiced ease. Zuko was shocked.

“Sokka, I can’t take your cloak!” He protested, stopping in his tracks.

“Relax, jerkbender, there’s more where that came from. When are you going to learn to dress up for your visits, dork?”

Katara chimed in. “The last time Zuko was here, his body temperature was elevated by his righteous search for the Avatar. I’m sure peace and love have probably cooled your hot head off quite a bit, huh?”

Zuko only hummed, looking down at the cloak that had been thrust upon him. It really was, quite warm. And quite intricate as well! He ran his fingers over the moon phases embroidered at the seams, a striking white against the deep blue of the cloak.

“Enjoying my handiwork?” Katara asked.

“Yeah, I am.” Zuko answered in a daze.

He wasn’t sure if he should tell them what it meant in Fire Nation culture, to place your own cloak on another’s shoulders, to literally and figuratively place another under your protection. Really, Zuko couldn’t remember the last time he had been given anything as a gift. Charity was not a concept Ozai was familiar with. Sokka couldn’t have possible known that what he just did was like the Fire Nation equivalent of a betrothal necklace. Still, it did leave Zuko touched that Sokka would so willingly give over such a valuable garment. He decided to leave the matter alone and revel in the warmth of the cloak.

“Sooooooooo, do you wanna go fishing together?”

Zuko sighed. He was a little bored. When they got back to the village, Katara had immediately ditched them to go help Kanna and Hakoda prep for the night’s family dinner. Leaving him and Sokka to do…. whatever until dinner time rolled around.

“Uh, I don’t really know how to fish—”

“That’s alright! I can teach you. Just grab your cloak!” Sokka leapt up and swept out the door. “You are coming, right?” Sokka called from afar.

“Yeah, I’m coming!” Zuko hollered back. He fiddled with the clasp on Sokka’s – er, his cloak—and stepped back into the cold.

Sokka was at the edge of the village, spears in hand. “You ever been on a kayak before?”

Zuko chuckled. “No, the ships I’ve been tend to carry more than one person, I don’t suppose you’ve got one of those?”

Sokka punched him in the shoulder. “We can’t use one of the warrior’s boats, we’ll scare the fish!” Oh. That made sense. “Now I get it, you really don’t know anything about fishing, do you? What have you got to say for yourself?”

“Two things: one, prince; two, fire nation. We much prefer Komodo sausage to seal jerky.”

“Well, your hotness, let me show you how it’s done.” Sokka hopped into one kayak, patting the one next him. “I assume you at least know how to use a paddle?”

Zuko laughed. “I may have been an adrift refugee once or twice. I think I can handle a paddle.”

“Good,” Sokka smiled at him as he climbed into the one-seater kayak. Zuko took a few moments to adjust to the shift in his center of gravity, then nodded at Sokka.

“Let’s catch some fish.”

It turns out, Zuko is not a natural at spear-fishing. He watched closely the first few times Sokka threw his spear, bringing up fish each time. “Go on, try it,” Sokka encouraged him. Zuko looked into the depths and tried to aim for the blurry shadows he took to be fish. His spear came up empty. “That’s okay! It took me a few fishing trips before I really go the hang of it.” Sokka analyzed his form. “Make sure you extend your arm a bit before your release the spear, then you can change your angle more easily.”

Zuko nodded, mirroring the way Sokka was holding his spear. They waited in silence, kayaks knocking gently into each other on the waves. A fresh school of fish appeared underneath them, and they released their spears at the same time. This time, even Zuko had caught a fish! Only one, compared to Sokka’s two, but it was his first fish! Sokka smiled widely at him. “I knew you could do it.”

“I guess I should call you Sifu Sokka now, my fishbending master.” Zuko quipped.

Sokka blushed and he hoped the gathering snow hid it from Zuko. “I think we should probably get back; you don’t want to miss Dad’s stewed sea prunes.

“Definitely not.” Zuko replied. “What, what does one do with a fish once they’ve caught it?”

“It depends – I think it being your first fish, we should celebrate it! What do you say to making some boiled fish dumplings?”

“I think that if you’re teaching me, it’ll be wonderful.”

If it was even humanly possible, Sokka blushed harder.

When they docked their kayaks, Zuko noticed that Sokka was favoring one of his arms over the other. Normally, it wouldn’t be strange to see a person favoring a side, but Zuko knew Sokka was ambidextrous. He didn’t say anything, so Zuko kept his observations to himself. Kanna met them outside her home, and positively beamed when Sokka told her that Zuko had caught his first fish.

“Well, better a late bloomer than never, eh?” Zuko laughed but still bowed his head in deference.

“It is very nice to finally meet you, Lady Kanna. Sokka has told me much about you in your letters.”

“Oh, he has, has he?” Kanna gave a mean side-eye to Sokka, who was suddenly very interested in the icy ground. “He’s told me about you as well. You have my gratitude – I can’t imagine what would’ve happened if you hadn’t gone to the Boiling Rock.”

“It was my pleasure, Lady Kanna.”

“Just Kanna, just Kanna, my dear. Well, come in! I see Sokka has leant you a cloak, but you still must be freezing! In, in!” Kanna shooed them inside. “I will take special care of your first fish, Zuko. Anything you had in mind?”

“Uh, dumplings?”

“Excellent choice, dear. Fish dumplings coming right up!” She disappeared into the kitchen of the home.

Sokka sat down on floor, covered by blue fabrics and pelts. Zuko noticed how gingerly he set himself down, now obviously favoring his right side. Sokka’s lips were drawn tightly as he rubbed circles into his left shin. Zuko could have almost swore he heard Sokka whimper. Almost.

“Sokka,” Zuko knelt down next to his friend. “Talk to me.”

“Mmph,” Sokka scowled.

“Words, Sokka.”

“It’s mostly my leg—you know how I broke it on the day of the Comet?”

Zuko grimaced. He did remember. Even in his lightening-induced fever, Zuko remembered. He heard his physicians set Sokka’s leg and pop his shoulder back in place. He wanted to forget those sounds of Sokka in pain, but he couldn’t.

“Well,” Sokka continued. “Ever since then, it still… it still hurts. Katara’s tried everything, but I’m probably stuck with it forever. My leg hurts the worst, but my shoulder’s the most inconvenient. I’m old enough to start putting braids in my wolf tail, but I just—can’t. I can’t lift my arm above shoulder-level. And I know I’m wallowing to the guy who literally got half his face burned off but—”

“But nothing, Sokka. You’re allowed to be in pain. Here, you know what, pull up your pant leg—”

“Geez, buy a guy dinner first will you?”

Zuko blushed but Sokka did as he was told, exposing his left shin and ankle. Zuko focused a little bit of heat into the palms of his hands. He placed one on Sokka’s ankle, scanning his face for any pain. When Sokka relaxed into the touch, Zuko placed his other hand on Sokka’s shin, applying the slightest bit of pressure.

“You know, with those hands you could almost be a healer like Katara.”

Zuko snorted. “And you need to learn to let people help you.” After a few minutes, he pulled his hands away, fearing that if he kept them there too long he’d burn his friend. “If you want, I can help you braid your hair. I won’t even tell Katara.”

Sokka smiled shyly at him. He guessed Zuko didn’t know the importance of braiding another’s hair in water tribe culture—reserved for family members and, well, lovers. But Zuko was kneeling in front of him, in a water tribe cloak, offering to help him with a warrior tradition. After everything they’d been through, Zuko was family—and maybe, he could be open to being something more?

“Okay,” Sokka nodded. He pulled two beads from his pocket, both striking shades of blue, one carved by Kanna and one by Katara. “You know how my Dad wears his beads? It’s the same idea.”

“I caught my first fish today, I’m pretty sure there’s nothing I can’t do now.” Zuko settled himself closer to Sokka’s face. “I’m going to let your hair down now, is that okay?” Sokka nodded again.

Zuko took out the hair tie and separated two sections of hair thick enough to support the beads. For lack of another set of hands, he resorted to holding the sections in his mouth while he carded the rest of Sokka’s back into place and tied it into the wolf’s tail again. Sokka was suddenly very aware of how close Zuko was to him—more specifically how he never wanted him to leave. He loved the warmth that radiated from him, but furthermore, he couldn’t remember the last time someone helped him with his hair. He hadn’t asked anyone since he got back from the war, and while they were on the run… he was focused on more important things than his hair. Sokka risked a look at Zuko’s face: he was rewarded with Zuko’s adorable concentration face. Wait, adorable? Where had that come from?

“How do you know how to braid, anyway? I didn’t see a whole lot of braids in the Fire Nation.”

“My mother used to let me braid her hair when I was feeling anxious or overwhelmed. You know, it’s calming, repetitive, doesn’t involve fire—perfect for mess of emotional issues like me.”

“Hey, you’re not a mess.”

Zuko laughed darkly.

“Well, not anymore than the rest of us. We all already had our own issues and then a war happened on top of that. You were just lecturing me on letting people help me. You don’t have to be alone in this.”

Zuko’s fingers trembled as he finished the second braid. “I know. I’m still getting used to having people I can actually trust.”

Kanna suddenly called from the kitchen. “Are you two done lounging around or are you going to help an old woman with this fish?”

They looked at each other and laughed. They did kind of forget about everyone except each other.

“Hey, Zuko,” Sokka started as Zuko stood up and held out a hand for him.

“Yeah?”

“You can braid my hair anytime you want.”

Zuko resisted simultaneous urges to bow and to hug Sokka. He smiled instead.

“I’d like that.”

Bonus:

Kanna had heard everything of course. But she couldn’t bear to interrupt them sooner. Tui and La, if those two didn’t end up together she’d have a riot. In the few months since Sokka had been home with her, he hadn’t opened up to anyone about his pain. And he certainly hadn’t asked anyone for help with his braids.

Spirits, those two were good for each other. Dumbasses in love.

#my fic #mine #rolandtowen #zukka #fic #zuko #sokka #chronic pain #the dragon and the wolf #cloak sharing #avatar #atla #avatar: the last airbender #firelord zuko #ambassador sokka

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allthingshetalia · 4 years ago

Note

the rusger poly trio was adorable! maybe we could get ludwig and ivan becoming a little protective/ jealous of their s/o?

You waited impatiently for your professor to finish his lecture. He seemed to move as slow as the time as he explained the causes and effects of the fall of the Roman Empire. Having been in school for almost all your life you were hearing all of this information for the millionth time, the only difference being your professor using big words.

“You will work in partners! I know that’s something we usually don’t do but there is a lot to cover.” His voice drilled into your ear and you cringed, slouching forward in your seat slightly. “I think it will benefit you all greatly!” He looked around the room like we would all be excited.

A small gap on your shoulder, caused you to turn in your seat.

“Wanna be partners?” Adam asked. He was a good guy. You two went to high school together and you even had a small crush on him freshman year. You realized that you had no friends in the large class and decided he was better than nothing. You quickly nodded your head.

“That would be nice.” You smiled politely. You turned back in your seat just as your professor was wrapping up.

“How about we work on it at my dorm?” Adam asked. The thought of that made you a little uncomfortable.

“How about we go to my apartment?.” You didn’t bother to mention that it was your boyfriend’s and that boyfriend would be plural. People were judgy and the last thing you wanted was to be labeled a slut or something. His smile faltered a little bit but he nodded his head.

“Sounds great!” He threw his bookbag over his shoulder. “I have football practice tomorrow so we have to get a majority of it done today.” He said as both of you walked down the halls.

“I’m not afraid of putting in some extra time.” You jokes, nudging him with your elbow. You two walked and chattered ever so often. You finally made your way to the apartment and you quickly pressed a button to be buzzed up. The front door of the building quickly opened, as both Ivan and Ludwig knew you would be getting home very soon.

As soon as you opened the door Ivan was the first one to greet you. You quickly shot him a look and he stopped his plans of embracing you, confused, until he saw an unfamiliar mop of blonde hair behind you.

“Ivan this is Adam.” You smiled. “Adam this is Ivan.” Hearing you introduce someone Ludwig quickly darted out of his office to analyze. The dogs rushed to the door to greet you, but Berlitz growled lowly in his throat. You shushed him and he sat down and rested against Ludwig. “And this is Ludwig. Ludwig This is Adam.” You stepped out of the doorway so they could see him. Adam gulped as he saw the two unreasonable large men.

“So which one of you is the boyfriend?” Adam chuckled nervously.

“Yes.” You responded, not giving either of them a chance to speak up. Ivan held back a chuckle, as he stepped out of the entryway, pushing Ludwig along with him. You walked into the large apartment and took your backpack off sitting down on the couch.

“I’m sorry, which one?” Adam inquired. You ingnored him and motioned for him to sit next to you.

“We need to work on a project for history.” You smiled at the two large blondes who were still continuing their inspection.

“Rome?” Ludwig asked, somehow always up to date on your school work. You nodded your head and took out your history binder. “If you need help ask us.” He pressed. He nodded his head and both him and Ivan went back into Ludwigs office. They kept the door open so they would have a clear view of you.

“Okay so I was thinking I could do foreign invaders and you can do expansion.” You smiled, looking over at Adam. His caramel eyes were trained on the dogs who were staring at him intensely. “They’re harmless, but they are protective.” You assured. Your fingers went out and scratched the back of Asters ear.

He sighed in relief and nodded his head in agreement. “Sound good.”

It had been about 2 hours and you were already over this project. You were hungry and you swore you caught glimpses of Ivan and Ludwig cuddling on the couch in Luddys office. From time to time one of their head would peak out the door or they would walk past you to the kitchen watching you closely.

“This is so tedious and boring.” You groaned, falling back against the back board of the couch. You wanted nothing more than to be in the middle of a cuddle fest with your boyfriends. Adam nodded his head in agreement, his hand rubbing at his eyes. “I’m gonna get a snack. You want anything? More water?” You asked, stretching. Adam watched as your shirt rode up a little.

“I am a little hungry.” He said hesitantly. You shot him a smile and pranced to the kitchen grabbing some granola bars and fruit snacks.

“You’re aren’t allergic to nuts right?” You asked, handing him some food. He shook his head and thanked you before digging into the granola bar. “You’ve gotten a lot done so far!” You encouraged looking at all the slides he had done in the presentation. “I really hope he isn’t going to make us present these!” You shuddered.

“That would be the worst, wouldn’t it? Having to listen to people talk about the same thing over and over.” You both laughed lightly. “But you’re pretty so I’m sure you could hold people attention.” He said in a quieter tone. It wasn’t quiet enough considering you saw Ludwigs head shot out of the doorway. Adam didn’t seem to notice.

“That’s very sweet. But I don’t think anyone is attractive enough to hold anyone’s attention about this.” You giggled. You sent Ludwig a soft smile, that went unnoticed by Adam.

“Well you’re close.” Adam whispered, brushing a piece of hair out of your eye. His fingers lingered on your cheek before Berlitz barked loudly causing both of you to jump. The large German Shepard bared his sharp teeth.

“Berlie.” You hushed, using his nickname. He stopped showing his teeth but hopped in on the couch resting himself between you and Adam.

“Ummm.” Adam stuttered nervously backing away form the dog. “I thought you said the dogs were nice!” He raised his voice at you. You were about to respond when Ludwigs voice boomed through the apartment.

“As long as you don’t touch Y/N!” You heard Ivan gasp and he quickly appeared in the doorway right behind Ludwig.

“I didn’t!” Adam assured. You gave him a ‘wtf’ look before groaning.

“I think it would be best if you left.” Ivan stated. Ludwig nodded his head in agreement, both of them glaring daggers at the man.

“What about our project?” Adam whispered, turning to you.

“We both of access to the google slide, we can work on it together but separately.” You offered him a small gentle smile. He quickly nodded his head and collected his things.

“Good Boy!” Ludwig praised, digging treats out of the kitchen cabinet and throwing them to Berlitz who caught them.

“I feel bad! He was probably so scared!” You sighed. You tiredly held your arms up and were quickly scooped up in Ivan’s arms. You nuzzeled your way into his shoulder and wrapped your legs around his waist, vaguely aware as he carried you to the bedroom.

“Good he should have been scared. Who does he think he is? Coming here and touching you! Even after you told him you had a boyfriend.” Ludwig spat. They both knew you only told a select few people you were in a poly relationship. It didn’t bother either of them because you didn’t try to hide them, you just didn’t talk about it. Ivan flopped down on the bed his back sinking into the mattress as you were resting on his chest. Ludwig joined both of you and moved so he was laying on his side, his head resting on Ivan shoulder and his forehead pressed against yours.

“I know, but I still feel bad. It would be scary having dogs bark at you.” You yawned. “He’s probably never going to talk to me again.” You mused.

“You say that like it’s a bad thing.” Ivan smirked. You rolled your eyes and Ludwig hummed agreement.

“And you two were watching us almost the whole time!”

“Well Ja! What do you expect us to just go about our day like there isn’t some strange boy in our livingroom?” Ludwig questioned.

“With our girlfriend.” Ivan added. “I don’t trust anyone with you, little one. I mean he was obviously scared of me and Lud when he walked in but he still chose to press his luck with you.” Ivan hummed, pressing a kiss to the top of your head.

“You’re Right.” You mumbled, feeling your eyelids grow heavier by the minute.

“Take a nap. You can finish your project later.” Ludwig smiled watching as you drifted in and out of consciousness.

“Learning is Hard.” You mumbled just before you drifted off to sleep. Both of the men chuckled and held you tighter.

#allthingshetalia #hetalia #hetalia blog #hetalia imagine blog #x reader #hetalia imagines #germany x reader #germany hetalia #aphgermany #russia hetalia #aph russia #russia x reader #gerus #rusger #germany x reader x russia

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elias-code · 4 years ago

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My OC's relationships on the Dream SMP

These are all characters, not the actual streamers! <3 It's also not all of them since I don't watch a few of them :) I harbour no hate towards the people behind the characters that I have issues with lmao

Awesamdude - Negative relationship - basically, he let Quackity get away with putting Techno away, let Tommy die and get revived by Dream and then never apologised, and then let ghostbur die and... wtf - Yeah we aren't friends. In another universe, if he weren't the warden, we might get along.

BadBoyHalo - He kinda gives me bad vibes - After the egg stuff I just don't really like to be around him... he killed Foolish and tried to kill everyone at the banquet which I just don't vibe with - I kinda understand why he joined the egg. I mean he was there for Skeppy which I think is ok, but he really went off the deep end. If he redeems himself, I'll be the first to befriend him (cautiously)

Callahan - Alright I taught him some American Sign Language for basic communication - I go and hang out with him whenever I feel like there's too much angst on the server, he's so neutral it's honestly relaxing.

Captain Puffy - We don't know each other very well - I mean I agree with her when it comes to the egg and she seems nice but it's hard to be friends with her when her son is Dream... poor Foolish, though.

Connor - I don't know how to feel about him - I don't have anything against him but... he just seems like someone I wouldn't get along with so I don't hang out with him. He is kinda funny tho

Dream - Ok, ok, he's just an ass - I'm not even gonna list why, you know why... I'm just saying. - I do feel bad for him since Quackity just beats the living shit out of him and he's already in prison so why...?

Dream XD - I fear no man... but that thing... it scares me. - Why his voice do that?? - I avoid him but if he approached me, I would be ok with being his friend, I mean he's a god. If I don't then I might die. Might as well use it to the fullest extent I can.

Eret - I don't really understand why he joined the opposing side during the L'Manburg war - I mean she's cool! I like their outfits and it's nice to have another queer person on the DSMP - I think we'd be good friends in another life, but our friend groups don't overlap very much, so it's hard to hang with them.

Foolish - Little bit scary ngl - Lightning go brrrrrr - I feel really bad for him since he's gotta be related to Dream and he died during the egg shit. That's just cruel. - also I don't really vibe with his personality but I do like to talk to him about his building ventures since I also love to build

Fundy - I feel sooooo bad for him - He's super cute, super sweet, and he just deserves more love - I plant sweet berries around his house to brighten his day whenever I can and I also feed his fox - I love to talk to him and he teaches me dutch sometimes because it's an interesting language. Also, he just deserves a good role model in his life... Like Will kinda sucked as his dad, Schlatt was not a good role model, and his friends don't really care about him. :( - Um also (IRL) he's the reason I started watching the DSMP, I love coding and Dutch so it was a very good mix for me

George - I sleep the opposite amount that he does. - I love his mushroom aesthetic but I stay away from him in fear of Dream XD. - I don't have a lot to say about him since he's not on the dsmp much

Jack Manifold - Yo he's lowkey annoying??? - Give Tommy his hotel back??? He died??? - If he were nicer to Tommy I'd be his friend but he's gotta get his shit together lmao

Jschlatt - Fuck that guy - bruh, he ruined L'Manburg?? - He drinks too much, not surprised he had a heart attack oof

Glatt - Ghost Schlatt gives me such chaotic evil vibes - I enjoy his presence much more than I enjoy his living presence. - I like the fact that he's kinda useless and can't do anything. It's like going to a zoo to see a creature you wouldn't want to see in the wild

Karl Jacobs - I feel bad that he's losing his memory, he's such a fun character. - I like to hang out with him but he makes me sad and also our friend groups do not vibe with each other oof

Niki Nihachu - She's super sweet and absolutely terrifying. - I love to help her bake and its super fun to try out new recipes with her - People really underestimate her and in return for her help with the baking, I help her train her fighting skills.

Philza - DADZA - I get in trouble with him a lot oof, I like to troll people so it happens quite a bit. Also, I take the blame for a lot of the stuff Techno and I get up to as well as with the bench trio. - He taught me how to sew and crochet so I can make my own clothes. I also build with him whenever he asks for help

Quackity - Scared. - He's rude and evil and I dislike him... gambling bad - I like Charlie and I think he's a good influence on Quackity but tbh I feel the same as Techno in this scenario. I am not a Quackity apologist!

Ranboo - I have the same vibe as him. We are one and the same. - I keep an eye on him during his enderwalks, he worries me sometimes. - Out of everyone in the bench trio, we get along the best. I take care of Michael sometimes when he's out doing Snowchester stuff with Tubbo.

Sapnap - I mean I dislike him a little, he throws off my vibe. - He's on the wrong side of everything imo, just stop being weird, big man... - Also I mean I don't understand why he threatened Dream with torture if he ever escaped. Like you don't have to tell him that, just do it? - We have very similar voices (IRL oh no) and so I'll mess with people by doing my best impression of him

Skeppy - One of the many victims of my trolling (with techno usually) - He's fun to hang out with for a while but I can't handle being around him for too long, he gives me a headache - Sometimes I wonder if he's actually made out of diamonds... should I kill him and see what happens?

Charlie (Slimecicle) - BEST BOY I LOVE HIM - HE'S SO CUTE DAP ME UP - Honestly, we get along soooo well, he reminds me of a slime for some reason, hmmmmmmmm - I try to teach him human-ness because if he doesn't want to look like a slime then there's no reason for me to say no

Technoblade - Ah yes the best one on the SMP - He did not like me at first, I can be a bit annoying oh no - Eventually, he got a soft spot for me since we have the same sense of humour and I love to mess with people - I sympathise with him, he deserves so much more than he's getting. - I wish he didn't express his emotions as anger all the time since it really affects everyone. He's got some anger issues and I try to deal with them with him.

TommyInnit - Omg I still find him annoying but I love to hang out with him like Wilbur does. - He needs to learn some boundaries but he is still a kid, so it doesn't really matter. I think people have to stop being little shits to him since his brain hasn't fully formed, like all adolescents. - He's very sweet sometimes and I appreciate his assistance in a lot of random tasks

Tubbo - I am allergic to bees so we can't hang too much - I like to chill with him and Ranboo and sometimes him and Tommy, but I'm always telling Tommy off for being a little shit to Tubbo. - I do not approve of his governmental ways, but his heart is in the right place. Also, why do you have nukes?

Wilbur Soot - Too much government, I do not approve - not a good father - Eventually, he stopped governmenting so whatever, no more animosity from me, eh?

Ghostbur - Awww he gave me blue - how dare he die twice - I love friend, I walked him sometimes. So glad he has infinite canon lives - I wish he had more time on the SMP, he's super sweet and his vibe is amazing

Revivebur - Alright he's kinda cool, I like his hair. - He doesn't have any governmental plans thank god - He's a bit worrying but he hasn't done anything yet. I'll just keep my eyes on him.

That's it, just doing this for fun! I have a lot of things in the works, don't worry! If you're curious as to what I'm working on, take a look at my masterlist (it's on my page at the top where my asks are) If you do have any asks please give 'em to me, I love to write for you guys :)

THANK YOU FOR 80 FOLLOWERS!

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drawlfoy · 5 years ago

Text

Truce

masterlist request guidelines requests are open ♥ per the usssual

this gif hit me in the face :/

pairing: draco x goldentriofriend!reader

request: yes! thank you :) sorry for not actually following the type of soulmate AU you wanted.....i took a creative plunge

summary: draco malfoy and the reader, while having rather tense relations before, are pushed into a strange situation and are forced to work together to get out of it. once they learn the reasoning behind their predicament, things are only complicated further.

warnings: cursing most likely because ~that’s me~ also there’s a mini anxiety attack (i don’t even know if it’s classified as that) so if that’s a trigger i don’t suggest reading this!

a/n: this is the longest fic i’ve writtten in one go and i also don’t have any beta readers or edit it closely, so i apologize for any errors i may have made. if you’re sick of soulmate aus, then this one may not be for you, but i tried to put a fresh spin on it instead of the run-of-the-mill names on their wrists/matching tattoos and whatnot.

music recs: please please please listen to the pride and prejudice soundtrack along with this! it pairs very well, especially with the songs living sculptures of pemberley, dawn, liz on top of the world, and leaving netherfield. so so so good. trust me on this one

word count: 8,596

Thursday morning. It was raining....again. Y/N was getting rather sick of the constant downpour that began the day earlier. She’d exhausted the use of drying spells and eventually stopped doing them--after all, there was no point in going through the trouble if she had to take the trek through the rain in just another hour.

Y/N was reminding her friends, Hermione, Harry, and Ron, of her plight as they walked to Potions.

“I can’t even imagine what would bring this weather onto us,” Y/N told the group, hoisting her robes up so they wouldn’t be dragged through another puddle.

“Can you cut it out?” Ron asked, rolling his eyes and pulling his cloak tighter around his body. “We’re all cold, we’re all wet, we’re all tired. I don’t want to think of it anymore than I have to.”

Hermione smacked Ron’s shoulder lightly, hissing a stressed be nice, Ronald! before turning back to Y/N.

“Be happy that it’s only been two days,” she told Y/N matter-of-factly. “I read in Hogwarts: A History that it once rained for 29 consecutive days. The weather surrounding the castle was temperate and per usual and no one ever found out why. The professors at the time hypothesized that someone got a little angry with the headmaster and messed with the weather. However, I believe...”

Y/N allowed Hermione’s analysis to take her where she wanted it to, instead choosing to study the various groups of students passing by. A group of 4th year Ravenclaws...uninteresting. She knew of some of their older Gryffindor siblings but had never spoken directly to them. A few strides behind, 2nd year Hufflepuffs were splashing around with a 5th year prefect, laughing and relishing the feeling of rain on their faces. Y/N couldn’t fight off the smile forming on her face--there was something about Hufflepuffs that inspired her to appreciate the present.

Then, as luck would allow, a much stormier group of students appeared around the corner: 6th year Slytherins, with, of course, Draco Malfoy at the very front of the pack.

Oh, how much she hated him.

He had a deep scowl etched into his face, his hood pulled taut over his blonde head. A few rogue strands of his hair were plastered to his forehead. Y/N chuckled to herself as the image reminded her of the Slytherin’s brief stint as a ferret in 4th year...except for this time, he resembled more of a drowned rat.

She decided to tell him as such.

“Oi, Malfoy, are ferrets allergic to water?” Her voice carried across the courtyard. Draco froze, his scowl deepening even further.

“What’d you just say to me?”

The Trio was behind Y/N in an instant, pulling back at her.

“Can we not start anything? Please?” Ron pleaded.

“Yeah, it’s too early for this,” Harry added. “Can you take a rain check?”

He yelled the last part out, clearly directing it at both Draco and Y/N.

Too late.

Draco was already in front of Y/N, his icy eyes ablaze.

“Maybe I should give you the same treatment,” he snapped, unsheathing his wand and rolling up his sleeves.

“Oh my god, he’s actually gonna do it Harry,” Y/N heard Ron whisper. “Are you gonna to help?”

“Listen, she got herself into it,” Harry mumbled back. “She could use this as a wake up call to not start any more shit.”

“Come on, Malfoy,” Y/N taunted, holding her empty hands out in front of her. “Do you even know the spell for that?”

“For your information, Transfiguration is one of my best subjects,” Malfoy snarled.

Oh. Now that she thought about it, Transfiguration was the only class he surpassed Hermione in. Sensing impending doom, Y/N reached for her own wand.

She hadn’t been holding it for more than a millisecond before she was disarmed, her wand falling down to the ground and just narrowly missing a deep puddle to her right. Flinching at the sight, Y/N bent down to snatch it up, praying that Malfoy would at least be a gentleman. She had no such luck.

She heard him begin to mutter something under his breath, no doubt the spell that would transfigure her into a ferret. Adrenaline pumped through her veins. He was really going to hex her while she was on the ground?

Y/N managed to jump up in time, abandoning her wand and instead dodging the spell by leaping to the side. Without her wand, Y/N only had one choice to save herself from the next attempt--she had to disarm him manually.

Before Malfoy could gather his bearings Y/N had sprung at him, her bare hands outstretched to knock his wand out of his arm. She was not successful--he jerked his hand out of the way before she could reach it. Instead, Y/N’s hands met the soft skin of Malfoy’s bare arm.

Pop!

The sound rang out, akin to the sound of apparition, but much louder, like everyone in the country decided to apparate at once.

Stunned, the two leapt away from each other. Y/N’s first instinct was to locate her wand, which she did without much trouble.

When she was sturdy on her feet again and ready to fight, she noticed something incredibly strange--not only was Malfoy not rapidly firing hexes at her, everything was completely silent, except, of course, the heavy breathing of Malfoy across from her. He was just as stricken as she was, but his eyes were darting around the scene surrounding him.

The first definite clue that something had happened was the rain. It was no longer falling--but that isn’t to say that the sky had cleared up. No, instead, the drops were stalled in the air, almost like what raindrops looked like when they hit the window if they were suspended in midair.

The second clue was the fact that no one was moving. The whirlwind of motion that had surrounded them in the instances before had halted. Curious, Y/N turned to her friends. Hermione was frozen, her wand up and pointing at Malfoy with a determined expression on her face.

Y/N would’ve smiled, pleased to know that her friends wouldn’t really leave her to be hexed without any help after all, but the situation was far too strange. Her best friend’s eyes were wide and unblinking. A raindrop that had just bounced off her hood was hovering above her brow, the silvery fragments levitating next to it.

“What is this?” Y/N’s voice had lost all previous conviction as the statement broke the crippling silence.

“I...er.....I don’t know.” Malfoy shifted his weight back and forth, deciding to flip his hood off his head now that it wasn’t being assaulted by rain. The fabric collided with the still raindrops above him. Y/N watched as the water fell into motion, pummeling back down to the ground.

“Maybe if we touch everyone, they’ll unfreeze,” Y/N offered.

Malfoy looked like he had something nasty to say in response, but he quickly closed his mouth before jogging over to his friends. He roughly poked Zabini, jumping back directly after to gauge his reaction.

Nothing. Zabini’s body swayed away from Malfoy’s jab, but he did not spring back to life.

“That was a horrid idea, Y/L/N,” he snapped.

“And yet you tried it!” Her frigid hands curled to fists at her sides. “This isn’t my fault!”

“That’s not true!” Malfoy fired back. “The last thing you did before...this...happened was grab my arm! That triggered it!”

“I wasn’t the one trying to hex someone with their back turned!”

The two continued sparring, yelling various insults back at each other and shifting the blame. Eventually, Y/N ran out of venomous things to say and just stood there, her cloaked chest heaving and her fists clenched tight.

“Are you done now?” Malfoy taunted, twirling his wand around his fingers.

“Are you?”

The pair glared at each other. Y/N took note of the fact that they had taken a few steps closer to each other during the yelling match and immediately felt uncomfortable with the proximity.

“What are we going to do?” she asked wearily as she took a step back. “Obviously this has something to do with the two of us...unless this is an elaborate prank pulled on us.”

“A prank!” Malfoy straightened up, a relieved smile on his face. “Exactly! It has to be a prank!”

Y/N furrowed her brow, shaking her head at him.

“You’re an idiot! How could so many people freeze at once! And look at that 2nd year--she’s frozen in midair!”

They both turned to where she was pointing to see a young Hufflepuff floating over a puddle.

“Plus, who would even want to prank us like this? It’s not very fun.” She drew her pointed hand back, crossing her arms instead.

“Well, gee, I don’t know, people don’t like either of us very much,” Malfoy said, his voice annoyingly void of expression.

“What do you mean they don’t like me? It’s you they have a problem with!”

Malfoy shrugged, reaching up to unstick the wet hair on his forehead before flipping the soaked strands back onto his pristine blonde head.

“I don’t know. I’m just brainstorming.”

She glowered for a few moments, refusing to let him off.

“Ok, princess, what would you like me to do?”

The pet name startled her out of her disgruntled state.

“Excuse me?”

“You’re standing there acting like you want me to do something,” Malfoy pointed out. “So, in interest of shutting you up, what is it?”

“Well, I’d certainly like to get back into a world where my friends are acting like they’re alive, yeah?” Y/N tilted her head at him and raised an eyebrow. “But I don’t know if I want to deal with such an intolerable partner such as yourself.”

Malfoy bristled up.

“I’d like nothing more as well. Can we just...call a truce? For the time being, until we get out of here.”

What? Y/N stood frozen as the rest of her classmates in that moment, her brain refusing to comprehend what her enemy had just told her. A truce?

“You mean it?” The words tumbled out before she could stop them.

“You’d think I’d say--” Malfoy stopped himself before he let out another biting remark, huffing dramatically instead. “Yes. I do.”

“Okay then.” Y/N stepped forward, extending her hand and tucking her wand back into her pocket. “Let’s start out simple. Maybe if we touch again, the world will return to normal.”

Malfoy raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything back, instead reaching his own hand out to grasp hers in a handshake.

“But,” he interjected, right before their hands met, “The truce ends when this situation does.”

“Deal.”

With that, they shook hands. Y/N was overjoyed when she felt an airy, light feeling in her stomach, almost like someone had set off sparks inside her at the meeting of their skin. It seemed as though Malfoy felt it too, as he glanced eagerly around at their surroundings. Y/N followed suit, dragging her eyes away from the blonde Slytherin and praying to see movement resume around them.

Nothing. Everything was still, and the thick, deafening silence hung in the air between them.

“Okay, so it isn’t reversed like that,” Y/N pointed out rather lamely. “What next?”

“Do you think time has stopped?” Malfoy suddenly butted in, ignoring her previous question.

“Well...” Y/N thought for a moment. “Yeah. That’s what I assumed. Do you think it could be anything else?”

“Let’s go find a clock,” he suggested. “I would think that time has stopped, but if it’s a prank, then it probably hasn’t...that would take immense and mature magic to do.”

“Okay.”

♥♥♥♥

It took a while to locate the big grandfather clock that Malfoy insisted was always on time, no matter the occasion. Malfoy kept saying “no, nevermind, other corridor” and grabbing her arm to pull her in another direction.

The most horrifying aspect of their trip was the sheer amount of still students and even faculty that they passed by. McGonagall was in the middle of lecturing a rowdy group of 3rd years, her crooked index finger pointed at them in emphasis.

Y/N found it hard to believe that such an esteemed woman would stoop to the level of a prank this concerning, but that didn’t mean she didn’t try pleading with her.

“Please, Professor,” she whined, turning her head as Malfoy dragged her down the hall. “If this is a prank, please make it stop. I don’t understand why this is happening...”

Malfoy scoffed.

“You really think McGonagall is going to do us any favors when I’m with you? You’re even more daft than I thought.”

Y/N shoulder bumped him aggressively, sending him a sour look.

“Truce, remember?”

Sighing dramatically, Malfoy just steered her down another side corridor, one she had never been down before.

“Ah, here it is.”

Malfoy cast a quick Lumos to observe the clock in the dim corridor and was cemented into his beliefs when he noticed that the second hand was completely stationary.

“Yeah, time’s stopped alright,” he reported, extinguishing his wand. “This probably isn’t a prank.”

He watched in shock as Y/N slumped to the ground by the wall, holding her head in her hands.

“What is it?”

“I can’t believe this is happening to me, of all people!” she exclaimed, vividly enunciating her words with her hand movements. “I’ve never done anything bad, I follow most of the rules, I’m only occasionally a pain in the arse, and now suddenly I’m stuck in a...glitch in the matrix or something, with you none the less!”

Malfoy raised his eyebrows.

“Truce, remember?” He took extra care to imitate the exact way she said just a few moments ago.

“It’s not an insult, it’s just the truth!” Y/N cried out. “You sure as fuck know how much you torment me and my friends on stuff we can’t change!”

Females. This was why Malfoy never lasted in relationships--girls were different. You couldn’t just treat them like trash and expect them to forget about it.

“Can we please just focus on the task at hand right now? You can yell at me all you want after this is all sorted out.”

Y/N lifted her head from her knees to glare at Malfoy. Perhaps it was just the low lighting that was messing with him, but he thought he could see the slight gleam of unshed tears in her eyes.

“Why? We apparently have all the time in the world,” she countered. “And plus, what if we never get out? What if I’m stuck in this with you forever?”

Malfoy ran a hand through his hair, leaning on the wall opposite of hers.

“We can’t afford to think like that right now,” he told her. “There has to be a reason behind this. People don’t get wrapped up in these things randomly without us knowing about it.”

“But what if the world is going on as normal right now? What if we just disappeared?” Y/N’s voice struggled to hold in a sob.

“Are you joking?” Malfoy scoffed. “You seriously think that I could go missing without someone noticing?”

“Please, Draco! Stop!”

“Stop...what exactly?” He sunk down to the ground as well. They would’ve been eye level with each other if Y/N wasn’t hung between her knees. “And why did you call me Draco?”

“Is that seriously what you’re concerned about right now?” Y/N wailed. “Whether or not I used your surname? Are you kidding me? We’re in the middle of a crisis!”

Malfoy couldn’t help it--he let out a small chuckle.

“What are you laughing about?”

“A crisis? Really?” He pushed his laughter back, leaving just slight amusement on his face. “I could think of plenty of girls that would consider this a blessing.”

“You’re deranged.”

“Truce!”

“Fuck you.”

Y/N stood up, brushing her robes off as she began to stride off down the corridor they came from.

“Where are you going?” Malfoy called, getting on his own feet as well.

“I’m going to find out how to get out of here,” she responded, raising her voice so it would carry. She didn’t even bother to look over her shoulder. “And since you’re so difficult, I want to do it by myself. Come find me when you want to behave.”

Her figure disappeared as she turned a corner, leaving Malfoy to sort out his own feelings.

Why had that hurt him?

♥♥♥♥

While she was afraid, Y/N couldn’t hide the fact that she was overwhelmed with possibility. If she truly had all the time in the world, then maybe she could read all the books in the library, or study for all of her N.E.W.T.S, or...she shut off the naughtier thoughts. If she had no moral backbone, perhaps she would go around messing with the frozen people surrounding her, but she knew that was a bad idea. Even suspending the concern for basic human decency, she knew full well that Draco was going to try and unfreeze time. If he managed to do so while she was in the middle of mussing up Parkinson’s hair, she would be brutally slaughtered.

So, naturally, she began to make her way to the library. Y/N’s first instinct would be to ask McGonagall for help, but she was clearly not a viable option, so studying and perusing books would have to suffice.

But what would she even search for?

The silence finally felt natural once she stepped into the library. There were a few students frozen in their spots, but not enough to disturb Y/N anymore than she already was. Madam Pince was at her desk, holding a book just inches above the table.

“Looking for something?”

The sudden sound made Y/N leap in the air as Draco appeared around the corner, holding a few books in his hands.

“You git!” she hissed. “Keep it down!”

“Or what? Madam Pince will throw me out?” His lip quirked.

Y/N let out a nervous laugh.

“Oh...guess you’re right.”

He rolled his eyes, turning his back to her to head back over to a bookshelf and shooting an “Am I ever not?” over his shoulder.

She chose to skip over the general Arithmancy, Charms, and Potions sections and headed straight for the restricted section. Without Pince to stop her, she’d finally have free rein, something she had never had before. Momentarily, Y/N was happy, even if it meant that she had to freeze time for it.

Y/N worked diligently, skimming through every book on the shelf. Nothing mentioned instances of time stopping under the conditions that occurred for them--rather, she read a fair bit on time turners and the like. But nothing, absolutely nothing, offered any information regarding time freezing over something as simple as a touch.

She was incredibly disappointed. If she were to choose any section that would help her with obscure magic, it would be the Restricted section, and even it managed to fail her this time.

The familiar rope of anxiety tightened around her throat, and suddenly she was fighting for her access to oxygen. Her breaths became shallow pants as she braced herself against the bookshelf.

Calm down, calm down, breathe, breathe.

“Oh, shit, Y/N, are you okay?”

A flash of blonde appeared in her peripheral, dashing towards her. The sudden movement should’ve startled her, but for some reason, the prospect of having a moving, breathing human with her was more comforting than anything. Even if she hated his guts. Even if he just recently tried to transfigure her into a ferret.

Y/N found herself unable to respond, instead choosing to focus on chanting her inner mantra of in, out for each breath she took. She could see that he was much closer now, sidled up to her left shoulder.

“It’s me, Y/N, you’re okay,” he told her, reaching up a hand to grasp her shoulder. It wasn’t necessarily the sweetest gesture, but the amount of pressure was just enough to ground Y/N and keep her breaths from shallowing into frantic gasps.

She nodded, still not trusting her voice to work. A pale hand that was not her own reached up to push a strand of hair out of her face.

I’ve really done it this time she thought. I’m so off my rocker that I’m hallucinating Draco Malfoy being nice to me.

Her eyelashes began to flutter closed as she swayed and lost her balance. This was new--any time she had felt too overwhelmed in the past, she had only gotten breathless and a little lightheaded, never actually woozy.

She attempted to use her voice to tell Draco that she needed to sit down, but it betrayed her, her statement coming out as a string of mumbles.

“What was that?” She could see his face, granted, it was fuzzy, but even she could decipher the concern etched into his face.

“I need to sit down,” she finally got out, barely hearing herself.

Realization flowed into Draco, and within seconds his arms were around her, guiding her way to the ground. Y/N was a tad shaky on the way down, but she managed to keep her head on straight. Once she was indisputably sitting on the floor, Draco retracted his arms and sat up straight, watching as she leaned back into the bookshelf and cast her eyes to the ceiling, breathing shakily.

He knew better than to push for an answer at the moment, so he waited for her to offer an explanation.

It didn’t take her long to regain her strength. Blinking the cloudiness out of her eyes, she leaned forward and looked Draco in the eyes.

“Why are you being so nice to me?”

“Truce.”

At some point in time, Draco had sat down opposite of her, his knees drawn to his chest, mirroring Y/N’s position. The aisle was cramped enough for their knees to brush every time one of them shifted, and she wasn’t so sure that she minded that. Not anymore.

“Do you want to tell me what happened?” Draco asked gently, reaching out a hand to place on her knee. He told himself that it was simply to steady her--nevermind that she looked fine and was no longer swaying anymore. He was just a gentleman like that.

“Er...” She swallowed, looking up at the ceiling so she wouldn’t need to meet his eyes. If he saw her now, he’d know just how afraid she was. “I was searching this section, hoping to find something, and I didn’t, and the Restricted section has everything and I realized that if it’s not in here then it’s probably nowhere and no one knows and even if they did they could’ve help us because they’re frozen--”

“Y/N, breathe,” Draco commanded, letting his fingers spread to hold onto her knee a little firmer. “It’s all going to be okay. The Restricted section only would’ve helped if this was Dark Magic, or had some kind of offensive secret behind it. It doesn’t feel like that, does it?” He motioned to the air around them.

Y/N had to agree. She was scared, but at the same time, she didn’t feel like she was in immediate danger. There was no essence of evil around.

“Have you found anything?”

“No, but I’ve only searched the History section. I didn’t find much in there. There were a few odd mentions about time stopping, but I didn’t really get what they were referencing...they were all very old books.”

Y/N nodded.

“Do you want to check Divination next? Just in case.”

Draco rolled his eyes.

“I can’t say that I’m enthused, but I guess that we have no choice but to do so.”

He jumped to his feet before Y/N could start moving, extending a hand out to her.

“I just got overwhelmed. I’m not going to die,” Y/N grumbled.

“You’re the only company I have,” Draco responded. “How do you think I’d feel if something happened to you?”

With that, he snatched her hand himself and pulled her up, albeit very carefully to her pleasant surprise.

♥♥♥♥

Between the two of them, it didn’t take long to skim a good portion of the books for anything regarding the freezing of time. Y/N was beginning to lose hope as they neared the final section.

Sensing her worry returning, Draco stepped closer to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“We still have the entire library to search,” he soothed, his thumb moving in a tight, slow circle. “Don’t worry.”

Against her better judgement, she leaned back into him, allowing him to support her weight as her eyes squeezed shut.

“How are you not scared?”

“How do you know that I’m not?”

“Truce.”

Draco immediately backed down.

“Sorry. You’re just so easy to disagree with.”

Y/N giggled--actually giggled, to her horror--and attempted to distract herself from the embarrassment by engrossing herself in the next book she had pulled down. Draco had turned back around and was reading his own finding.

Her eyes, tired from the mounds of books she had skimmed before, lazily flicked over the table of contents before seeing a title that stopped her in her tracks.

When Time Freezes, 394

Y/N quickly flicked to the page, her heart beating fast. Could this be it?

It was.

“Draco, Draco, I think I’ve found something!” she cheered, spinning around to grab him. He snapped his own book closed and peered over her shoulder.

Together, they scanned the page, and together, their faces paled and jaws dropped.

“So...we’re soulmates? And that’s even a thing?”

Draco had moved away from her, leaving a few feet in between them. It seemed appropriate given how surprised he was, but still. The desired distance stung Y/N a little, but she was determined not to show it.

“Ridiculous, I’ve never heard of ‘soulmates’ being anything but a fantasy some people get wrapped up in.” Draco’s mouth twisted back into a scowl. Y/N realized that that was the first time he’d frowned ever since they’d begun to work together.

“It makes sense that you wouldn’t,” Y/N prodded. “It’d be such a rare phenomenon...it doesn’t discriminate on whether or not you’re a wizard or a muggle, it doesn’t care if your soulmate is halfway across the world and will never meet you. It doesn’t care if your soulmate dies when you’re both children. To meet a soulmate, even if it was real, would be such a rarity that of course no one would speak of it...with 7 billion people on earth, how would you know?”

Draco nodded begrudgingly.

“So, instead, time just freezes until you can figure this out?”

“It says right here that in ancient times, before humans had moved all across the world, it was much more common and it that was fabled to have inspired the phrase about how one’s heart stops when they see someone they love. And I assume the frozen time, triggered by the first time their bare skin touches, is offered to give the pair time to connect, and er....naturally perform the act that would unfreeze time without even knowing why time is frozen.” Y/N’s cheeks grew embarrassingly hot and she was sure that Draco could see it.

“And...what exactly is that? I didn’t read that far.”

“You have to....” Y/N swallowed and closed her eyes for bravery, “...kiss the other person.”

She wished that she hadn’t looked so pathetic, sitting there with her flaming cheeks over nothing but a kiss.

The sound of laughter broke her out of her pity party.

“What’s so funny, Draco?”

“You’re this flustered by a...kiss? Seriously?” He was doubled over, his hands supporting his weight on the bookshelf. “You’re joking, right? This is no big deal. We just do it, forget about it, and move on, yeah?”

“I thought you’d be less agreeable about it,” Y/N confessed, her face impossibly red.

“I mean, on a normal day, I might have reservations, but I’d do just about anything to get back to normalcy. I don’t think I can take this much longer.”

Y/N felt an unexpected dagger twist in her heart. It was really that bad to spend time with her?

“Of course, let’s just get it over with,” she choked out, hoping that he didn’t see how conflicted she was.

“No, not yet.”

Y/N knit her brows together in confusion.

“We need to be back in the courtyard! If we’re there one second and gone the next, people will have suspicions,” Draco explained slowly.

“Oh...yeah, I forgot.”

♥♥♥♥

On the walk back, Draco laid out very clear rules--if this worked, neither of them would speak about it again. His reasoning was that every married couple he knew weren’t soulmates--if they were, they would’ve said so.

“So, it shouldn’t matter much whether or not we’re soulmates,” he rationalized. “You’re a muggleborn, I’m a Malfoy, this just isn’t going to work out. I’ll go off and marry a pureblood, you’ll go off, and...”

His voice trailed off, and Y/N was suddenly hyper-aware of the lump forming in her throat. All the affection that he had shown to her...fake, just simply the product of their bizarre circumstances. She had thought for a second that he... but she should’ve known better than to trust his kindness; it was all a front.

“What’s the matter, Y/L/N?”

“What?”

“You didn’t have a biting remark to my slight,” he pointed out, shooting her a curious look.

“I’m just distracted,” she lied, dragging her fingernails across her palms.

“What could be more enthralling than the fact that we’re about to unfreeze time!” He gestured grandly to the still students around them. They had arrived to their original spot and life as she knew it was about to resume. So why did she feel so bad?

“I don’t know, the fact that the universe thought that we were a perfect match for each other?” Y/N was horrified by the squeak her voice had become. “And the fact that you’re acting like it doesn’t matter?”

Draco shoved his hands back into his pocket, seeming to be deep in thought for a few moments.

“Soulmates are dated,” he finally offered. “Even if you are my soulmate--”

“I am.”

“Still.” His face was stony, expressionless. “We’d never work out. Not in my family. And after all, do you mean to tell me that you want to spend the rest of your life with someone who almost transfigured you into an animal against your will?”

“I...er...I...” Y/N’s tongue suddenly seemed too large for her mouth. He’d really backed her into a corner, and judging by the way he was observing her, he damn well knew it. “I don’t know.”

“Perhaps it’s better that we just don’t think about it anymore.” He took hold of her hand, gently leading her over to where they had been standing. “Throw your wand on the ground.”

Y/N did as instructed, letting go of his hand in the process.

“And you, put your hood back on,” she said, pointing at his head.

He did so without complaint.

“So this is it, then,” Y/N stated, a little part of her hoping that he would correct her. “We’re going back to our fighting. The truce is over. And we’re going to pretend like we aren’t destined for each other?”

“If soulmates really were destined for each other, then why do none of them meet?”

Y/N prayed that Draco thought that the wetness on her cheeks was from walking through the sheets of still rain. Perhaps if she kept telling herself that, she’d believe it too.

“Oh, and, Malfoy?” She was bitterly pleasured when he saw the hurt flash in his eyes with the usage of his last name. “Roll up your sleeves, will you?”

Poking his wand in his pocket, he made quick work of the job while Y/N attempted to pretend like he didn’t look like the most precious thing when he had his hood on.

“Okay, so,” he began awkwardly once his sleeves were taken care of, “You’re going to grab my forearm the way you were before, and I’m going to lift my other hand to cover our faces from my side...”

Y/N drowned out the instructions, instead suddenly panicking at what she was about to do.

“...and....Y/L/N, are you even listening to me?”

“No,” she admitted.

“Is something wrong?” She hated the way his eyes shone with what a bystander--or anyone, really--could interpret as genuine worry. She knew better now.

“I just...” Her breath caught. She had no reason to be confiding anything in him, but for some reason, the confession left her before she could veto the idea. “I didn’t imagine my first being like...”

She trailed off, giving up on finding the words to fit her inner turmoil. Draco’s ice blue eyes widened with amusement.

“You haven’t kissed anyone before?! I can’t say that I’m shocked.”

“No need to rub it in.” Y/N looked up at him with the nastiest glare that she could muster, which, unfortunately, was pathetic at best.

“Don’t worry, I’m good enough for the both of us,” he joked, placing her hand on his forearm. “Just shut your eyes. It’ll be over before you know it.”

He gazed down at her, waiting for her venomous objection. When it didn’t come, he took one step closer to her. “You ready?”

Y/N only had time to croak a weak “yeah” before he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. It was wetter than she expected--but then again, the tears running down her cheeks had gained enough momentum to moisten her lips, and the rain certainly hadn’t done her any favors either.

Draco was right; he really did know what he was doing. It was all she could do to grip onto his forearm and allow him to lead. It began gentle enough, just the tender interlocking of his enviably soft lips and her inexperienced ones. Then, in a moment of bravery, his got more insistent, prying at hers tentatively, encouraging her to open them.

She was clinging onto his robes with her free hand, twisting them around and pulling him closer as her tears continued to flow. The salty taste of the kiss gave her away, but she had passed the limit of caring. It was all about to be over, anyways, and Draco had made it more than clear that he had no interest in having her.

Instead of giving into his demands, Y/N steeled herself and pushed him off her.

Pop!

The shrill sound bounded through the courtyard as Y/N bent down, snatching up her wand and pointing it back to a very shocked Malfoy.

“Try that shit on me again,” she spat, hoping that the now falling rain was disguising the wetness on her face. “I dare you. I will ruin you.”

He snarled.

‘Forgive me. I should’ve known better than to waste my time engaging with you, anyways.”

With that, he spun on his heel, turning back to the now breathing group of Slytherins. They were walking out of sight before Y/N could even comprehend what she had done. Had she just imagined all of that? No, that didn’t make any sense. She knew what happened, and she wasn’t a lunatic.

“Y/N, never do that again!” Harry exclaimed, rushing towards her and holding her face in his hands. “Are you okay? Why are you crying?”

Y/N sucked in a shaky breath, gazing up at Harry’s green eyes that were filled with actual worry, the exact thing that Draco lacked.

“I’m okay. Just tired. I don’t know why I did that...I’m sorry.”

She exhaled the apology, managing a weak smile to reassure the boy.

“Can we go to Potions now? The sooner it’s over, the sooner we get to lunch,” Ron complained a few feet away.

Y/N’s smile grew into a larger one as she was reminded of why she chose her friends after all.

♥♥♥♥

Y/N wished that Potions was filled with awkward eye contact and sexual tension...but unfortunately, Draco was treating her exactly as he had previously. Maybe she really was batty. Maybe she really had hallucinated it all.

But one touch to her tingling lips reassured her that she was not loony, and it was only when she brushed her fingertips over them that she noticed a certain blonde boy watching her out of the corner of her eye. The pit in her stomach that had existed since the kiss deepened.

Why did she feel so gross all of a sudden?

In the end, he did not try to talk to her and he most certainly did not try and make peace. Y/N was left to brew in her own confusion, but thankfully, she knew what to do.

After class, she took Hermione aside, telling Harry and Ron that she had “lady struggles” that she wanted to discuss. They both awkwardly nodded and dashed off, leaving the two to their own devices.

“‘Mione,” she began. “So, you know how Malfoy and I kind of...went at it in the courtyard this morning?”

Hermione raised her eyebrows and nodded. “And?”

“And, something else happened. I better show you; are you alright coming to the library with me?”

“Am I ever not alright with a trip to the library?” Her face cracked into a smile as the two made their way up to the library.

Y/N tried not to wince as they passed the corridor with the clock. The hole inside her sent pangs through her heart.

♥♥♥♥

“Divination? Er...” Hermione sent her a quizzical look as Y/N pointed to the section she had spent a considerable amount of time in that morning.

“Please just trust me,” Y/N breathed, dragging her friend as she desperately searched for the book. If she found it in the place they--well, her and Draco--had left it, then she would have concrete proof that it was real and not some weird daydream.

Her fingers pulled at a spine that looked suspiciously familiar, rejoicing when she recognized the cover.

“It’s this one, Hermione! Page 394! Read it, please!”

She thrust the book into her friend’s arms before she could contain herself, watching as she skimmed the pages, her eyebrows furrowed in concern.

“That’s what happened to me this morning,” Y/N told her. “I know that I must sound ridiculously mad, but it happened, and I just don’t know what to do, and now that it’s over, I just have this weird empty feeling inside of me...”

Hermione’s eyes were wide, and, for once in their lifetime, she didn’t look like she quite knew what to do.

“Tell me more. I want to understand.”

So, Y/N recounted the tale of the morning to her, attempting to gloss over the moments where Malfoy was especially soft but noticing that Hermione’s eyebrow cocked higher every time it was mentioned.

“So, he kissed you?” she asked incredulously.

“Yes, and I liked it,” Y/N choked out, fighting back a fresh wave of tears.

“I believe you.”

“What?”

“I said, I believe you.” Hermione rubbed the bridge of her nose. “I’m shocked that Draco Malfoy has found a match in anyone, but I love you, and you know that, so if he’s worthy of you...then maybe he’s not as bad as I originally thought.”

“It doesn’t matter,” Y/N argued. “It doesn’t matter whether or not he’s worthy of me. He’s not interested because I’m a muggleborn...but he’s my soulmate, Hermione! How am I supposed to get over this and forget about it? And that empty feeling inside of me is just getting worse by the minute, like this chronic homesickness...”

Hermione allowed Y/N to weep on her shoulder, wrapping her arms around her midsection and holding her close.

“Don’t worry, Y/N, it’ll all turn out alright in the end,” she soothed. “There’s more to life than love anyways. You have great friends, talent, brains, a loving family...”

Her hand stroked through Y/N’s hair as she began to calm. Y/N sat up, offering Hermione a weak smile in return.

“What would you do if you were me?”

Hermione sighed, clearly expecting the question.

“Well...I wouldn’t give up. I wouldn’t want to make a fool of myself, either, though. If I were you, I’d tell him how you feel at the moment and see what he says. If he still doesn’t want you, then that’s that and I’d count my losses and decide to start a business to fill the void.”

“Want to be business partners?”

Hermione just shrugged.

“We should go eat, you look weak. Perhaps you should send him a note, get him to meet you somewhere.”

Y/N smiled gratefully at her as they made their way to the Great Hall, hand in hand.

♥♥♥♥

She couldn’t bring herself to write the letter. The furthest she ever got was to the second line of the parchment...always beginning with a

“Dear Dra Malfoy, I can’t stop thinking about you and I want to see you again and I’m willing to forgive you for the past..”

She crumpled up the parchment before the ink even had a chance to dry, no doubt smudging the hastily scrawled words to the point of no repair.

There was no way around it. Y/N was never going to be able to send that letter, much less write it.

She needed a walk to clear her head. The cold air always helped, and when it rained, feeling the droplets on her face grounded her.

Slipping out of bed and padding quietly out of her dorm and common room, she was immediately hit with the rush of cold air. It was cooler than Y/N expected--normally when it rained in Scotland, the humidity in the air kept it from getting too frigid, but it was positively chilling outside.

She paid no mind to where her feet were taking her, accepting the fact that she was along for the ride. They seemed to have a purpose...she was no longer dawdling in the halls like normal; instead, her legs were briskly carrying her down into the lower floors of the castle.

The dungeons. Of course, how could she have been so shocked.

Y/N couldn’t be sure where the entrance was--she couldn’t see the door, after all, it only appeared once one uttered the correct password, but she just knew. There was no explaining it, it was just a fact that Y/N felt as sure about as she was her own name.

She stood there for a while, studying the stone of the wall and imagining Draco coming in and out, going about his everyday life casually, without a care in the world for her feelings. She couldn’t help but wonder if Draco had even considered honoring their destiny as soulmates.

“Give me a sign, please,” she whispered, not talking to anyone in particular. “Tell me whether I should try. I’ll leave him alone if you tell me to. I promise.”

Silence. Dead silence, just like when time had frozen, but she knew better. It was just the middle of the night and she was in the castle’s dungeons...the only people out of bed were tired prefects patrolling.

Speaking of which, footsteps broke the silence as they descended the staircase leading to Y/N’s corridor. She sat frozen in the hallway, unaware of where she could go. There was really only one way out of the dungeons that she knew of--the way that the footsteps were coming from.

Her only other option was to hide, and quickly. Thankfully, there was a tapestry covering an alcove and window that no doubt looked into the lake. She bolted behind it, hoping that she didn’t make too much noise.

The footsteps grew closer, allowing Y/N to hear the conversation going on between the mystery people.The empty hole in her stomach tugged.

There were two distinct male voices, one more painfully familiar than the other.

“--and thanks again for agreeing to help me get into the library at this hour. I completely forgot that that old bat wanted us to write an essay on this obscure Divination thing.”

Draco.

“Anytime.” Y/N could identify the second male voice as Theodore Nott, another Slytherin who was tight with Parkinson and Zabini.

“I think I’m gonna take a walk, so don’t wait up for me,” Draco said. Y/N wished that she could see him.

“Whatever you say.”

Nott murmured something under his breath, and the sound of stones softly moving apart filled the air.

Once he had stepped inside the common room, the stone sounded like it moved back into place.

Y/N had no chance to breath a sigh of relief, because just as she was about to let out a shaky exhale, she realized that a tall, slender shadow was standing right in front of her tapestry. A wand was poked around to the edge before it moved the tapestry away to reveal her hiding spot.

“What, are you planning on jumping me or something?” Draco asked, his eyebrows shooting up in inquisition.

Y/N felt her cheeks burning. Merlin, why couldn’t she do anything but blush when she was around him?

“Can you speak?” His words were deliberately slow and taunting.

“You know the answer to that,” she bit back.

“Ah, gotcha!” His face lit up briefly. “You know, that’s the easiest way to break the ice with you...get you mad.”

“I’m not mad!” Y/N huffed,

“I rest my case.”

“Arsehole!”

“Are you going to tell me why you’re standing outside my common room at 1 on a Friday morning?” He studied her for a second, seeming to realize that she was going to remain stubbornly silent no matter what he did.

“Fine. If you won’t talk, I’ll find another way.” Draco pocketed his wand, moved the tapestry away further, and sat down on the windowsill with Y/N beside him.

It was an insanely close fit--the windowsill was probably not even meant for one person. Y/N attempted to ignore the fact that their legs had been forced to tangle in the process of Draco sitting down.

“I was taking a walk,” Y/N told him. “And I ended up here before I heard you coming. I wasn’t sure if you were Filch or Snape or something, so I hid. Your point?”

If he seemed unsatisfied with the answer, he didn’t show it.

“Pity. And here I was, thinking that you were showing up at my doorstep, begging for me to reconsider my prior decision on...us.”

“Did I ever say I wasn’t?” Y/N dared. “I wasn’t planning on begging, though.”

There. There it was--a deep red blush that spread over his pale face.

“What?”

“You heard me,” Y/N grumbled. “This is weird, very weird, and I didn’t ever think that in a million years I would be pining after Draco Malfoy, but I guess things change. I’ve been--”

“Pining after me, huh?” His eyes had a dangerous glint in them.

“Besides the point. I actually came here because I wanted to.....ehm....” Y/N cleared her throat. “I wanted to tell you that I was having trouble moving past the whole soulmates thing without a hitch. It hurts, you know, and I didn’t even think i liked you that much before. It’s like there’s this hole--”

“In your chest? Yeah, I feel it too,” Draco admitted as he intently studied the book in his hands.

“Well, even without the empty feeling, I just can’t imagine willingly passing up my soulmate like this,” she confessed. “It’s easy to say that most people don’t meet their soulmate anyways so it shouldn’t matter, but I can’t imagine getting into relationships when I know that my soulmate is out there and it’s not the person that I’m with...”

“I’ve been feeling the same way.”

Y/N didn’t know how to respond, instead giving his statement time to hang dry in the air.

“Do you want to see if there’s anything else in the book?” he finally asked, stroking the leather cover in his lap.

Y/N nodded, and instead of placing the book in between the two of them, she just leaned over, her head just millimeters from his shoulder. She thought for a few moments before letting it fall onto his, squeezing her eyes shut when she heard him suck in a breath.

“Page 394, right?” Draco asked, even though they both could see the table of contents laid out clearly in front of them.

She didn’t even bother responding to his question, choosing to watch him flip through the book to find it.

They skimmed the first page they had read together that declared how soulmates discovered each other. Turning to the next page, they were both surprised to see a bit of an afterthought added.

“So, if you know who your soulmate is and choose to ignore it...” Y/N’s eyes flickered nervously up to his.

“Then you’ll live with a painful guilt forever unless they, or you, die,” he finished, the eye contact that he offered rather wobbly.

The thought sat with the two for a few moments as they pondered.

“Is it that worth it to you?’ Y/N asked after a while, breaking his gaze and looking down.

“Is what worth it?”

“Keeping your bloodline pure. Is it so worth it that you’d allow us both to live a lifetime of despair?” Y/N wished that she hadn’t sounded so much like she was pleading.

She could tell Draco was thinking, something she couldn’t tell disappointed or pleased her. On one hand, he was considering both options, but on the other, he even had to consider when to her the answer was as clear as day.

“No, I don’t think it is,” he breathed, letting the book slip to the ground. Y/N winced as the binding hit the floor with a smack.

“Don’t worry,” he whispered. “A simple Reparo will fix it.”

Y/N shivered when she felt his breath tickle her neck. She had moved her head off his shoulder before asking the question and tilted her head to the side, and now Draco’s face was leaned in, inches from her own.

This was too good to be true.

“Just like that? You’re going to forget the years of prejudice your parents pressed into you? You’re going to defy the wishes of your family?”

Draco frowned.

“Can’t I say one thing we agree on?” Unlike their past conversations, there was no venom behind his words. “You don’t need to be difficult anymore. I promise I’ll try not to be a nuisance.”

“How am I supposed to trust anything you...”

Before she could finish her rebuttal, Draco had placed a surprisingly warm hand under her chin to tip her face up, gazing sleepily into her eyes.

“Stop getting in your head about this,” he quietly instructed. “We can worry about the rest later. Just...close your eyes and try to feel, not think, alright?”

Y/N waited for the ominous feeling inside of her to warn her not to, but it never came. Without a conscious decision to do so, her eyes fluttered shut.

She did exactly as he told her to do--instead of thinking of the repercussions, she chose to feel each kiss that Draco pressed to her lips, her jaw, her neck. Her fingers curled around the lapel of his suit, desperately clinging onto him as he continued.

When he finally pulled back, she was an unraveled mess of breaths and flushes, and from what she could see, he was too. His ice blue eyes were half-lidded, his moonbeam blonde hair tousled.

Draco leaned on her, resting his head on top of hers.

“Truce?”

“Truce.”

final a/n: ooohhhh boy this was a long one, wasn’t it? sorry if the ending was a little anticlimactic. i’m much more into writing the buildup than i am the actual fluffy moments. my apologies for any typos or bad writing you came across in this fic...it was long so i didn’t spend as much time working on editing!

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certainempatheticturkeymuffin · 4 years ago

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BOTW Challenge Ideas

So, I made a giant list of botw challenges. They’re under the cut, because trust me, it’s looong.

I might add more, I might not. Didn’t do it on a google doc because google docs look horrible on mobile. Please note that challenge runs are for fun and you don’t need to adhere to these exactly, if you have an idea, or like one of these, but want to tweak it slightly, it’s your game, you should have fun with it. I’m not gonna hunt you down or anything. Anyway, I recommend you give it a look over anyway because I added in-universe justifications for Link acting this way and some of them are funny.

The more indents they have, the more difficult I think they are. Then again, I haven’t attempted all of them, so I don’t really know. Italics are the “rules”, Bold is the name, and normal is the in-universe justification. Idk if Tumblr actually did justice to my formatting, so you may have to ignore this entirely.

This took several hours to make, and several more to put into tumblr, because tumblr hates Quotev’s formatting.

Edit: Formatting is fine, but only for the desktop version :(

Limited Teleportation: Purah dared Link to do it, not thinking that he’d take her seriously. You pick 5 shrines, and those are the only ones you can use to fast travel.

No Teleportation: Fast travel makes Link very queasy, so he’s not going to use it. No fast travel.

Only Foot Travel: Link’s allergic to horses, and fast travel makes him want to throw up, so he’ll stick to the tried and true method of walking and running. No horse, fast travel, or bomb launches.

Random Limited Teleportation: Purah dared him to do it. She has the names of each of the shrines and randomized them, she didn’t think he’d actually do it. Input all the Shrines into a randomizer, the top five are the only ones you can use to fast travel to.

Horse Only: Link loves horses very much. They don’t make him want to throw up, and they’re faster than walking. Sure it may be a hassle to drag them up mountains, but he always has a friend, so it’s fine. No fast travel, get a horse as soon as you can, you must have a horse beside you at all times (excluding the desert or other areas where your horse is literally blocked from entry)

My Best Friend!: Link thinks it’s cruel to have a lot of horses and pay very little attention to them, so he decides to keep one horse so they can be best buddies! You get one horse and it needs to be by your side until you defeat Ganon (once again, excluding the desert), try to keep it alive, you only get one horse and I hear the trip to Malanya will take quite a while without your best friend. (Bonus points if you name the horse Epona) If your horse dies, you must go to Malanya IMMEDIATELY and abandon whatever you were doing. No fast travel! (Teleporting horse is yours to decide though.)

Farmboy: Link and his horse have befriended a wolf! Link decides to officially name it Wolfie, and they’re a trio of best friends! The above, except add the Wolf Link Amiibo to it. Same rules apply, keep them with you at all times unless they are forbidden from entry.

I Do What I Want Old Man!: Link is honestly just doing it to spite the old man for leading him on for so long. The Plateau isn’t even that tall, he can climb down! It was only the fog that made it look scary! No paraglider. That's it. Have fun.

Limited Upgrades: Turns out, the Great Fairies have limited magic, even with him supplying the materials. That’s fine though, He doesn’t want them to waste their magic on him when they need it for themselves. You can only upgrade 3 outfits (9 articles of clothing) though you can upgrade them to their maximum.

Restricted Upgrades: Turns out, he can’t find the last two fairies. He feels bad, but it’s fine, he’ll just restrict his upgrades to repay them. It’s not like they’ll ever find out... You can only upgrade 5 articles of clothing, and only half-way.

No Upgrades: What are Fairy Fountains? Link doesn’t know! He’s too busy looking for memories to chase rumors. Fairy Fountains are not to be used for upgrading clothing.

Limited Clothing: Link thinks the clothes are cool, but he doesn't want to waste money on them when he has a perfectly good doublet and perfectly fine pants. He'll have a backup pair, but anything more is just excessive. You get 2 Armor sets and that's it, you can mix and match, but you can only have 2 pieces of headgear, 2 shirts, and 2 pants.

Small Wardrobe: Several travelers have given him the advice to "pack light" and "only bring as many clothes as you need" but a girl also said that "mixing and matching clothes is the worst thing ever" so he'll play it safe and pack lightly but avoid mixing two different outfits together. They’ve been in this world longer than him, so surely they’re right? You get two clothing sets, no mixing and matching

It's My Favorite Outfit: Several travelers have said to pack lightly, and some even said that it was only worth it to bring the pair of clothes that you wear. Smell apparently doesn't matter if you're a wanderer, which is good to know. You only get one clothing set, and if you plan on getting Vah Naboris, you know which one it'll be.

Birthday Suit: Link doesn't like clothes, they chafe and they get in the way. Underwear are the minimum he needs to be decent apparently, so he can't completely get rid of clothes. Someday though, he'll do it anyway. No clothes. Period. I don't recommend combining this with No Meals.

Restricted Clothing: Link figures that "packing light" would mean that he only has one set of clothes. If he plays it smart, one set is all that he'll need anyway. You only get one headpiece, one shirt, and one pair of pants. Mixing and Matching is allowed

I don't like pants: If he's being honest, Link hates pants. He likes the breeze on his legs and the grass, or rocks or sand or snow, beneath his feet. Pants also restrict his movement more than a loose shirt does. He's far more flexible without pants. You can only wear shirts.

This is my favorite shirt: Link doesn't like pants. He also got attached to one specific shirt. He loves it and he's not changing. Sure, he'll take it off to wash it, but he won't put a different shirt on or anything. You can only wear one shirt. Choose wisely

Aren't I beautiful?: Link doesn't like clothes, but headpieces are fine. A lot of them look really interesting too! People keep saying they'll look better with clothes, but his comfort is more important than looking good to other people. He looks good to himself, and that's all he needs. Only headpieces are allowed.

Safety First: Link doesn't like clothes. They're a waste of time and they feel weird. He doesn't really like headpieces either, well, except for one specific piece. Only one headpiece is allowed. (The name is a reference to Hard Hats.)

Shirtless Chad: Link can admit that he likes the attention when he goes shirtless. He isn't particularly muscular, but he's made more than one person blush, and he counts that as a win. If it means he's less restricted when using his bow or a weapon, well that's just a plus. Become that one buff guy that never wears a shirt. Pants only.

I don't smell!: Link doesn't like shirts, and he doesn't like anything on his head that might pull on his hair or block his vision. Pants were a bit of a compromise, until he realized how painful it was to step on a rock barefooted. Still, only one pair of pants is actually comfortable for him, and he rarely takes them off. One pair of pants, choose wisely.

No Shops: Link...doesn’t like asking for things. It makes him feel stupid or greedy, so when he found out that there was a whole profession where people gave things to you if you asked, he didn’t want anything to do with it. Even if it was technically a trade, it made him feel bad. You're not allowed to purchase anything from any shops or wandering merchants.

No Gifts: The king said not to trust strangers too much, and after his first encounter with the Yiga, he understood why. He doesn’t know if they’d try to poison him or use money to lure him into a false sense of security, but he isn’t going to trust it. He’ll be polite, and then immediately throw it away once their back is turned. He isn’t going to let his guard down. If an NPC gives you something, you ain't allowed to keep it or use it. If that thing is rupees, spend them on bugs and set the bugs free.

No Selling: Link didn’t know you could sell things to the shop owners, and even if he did, he’d feel greedy and stupid for trying to sell a shopkeeper bugs and plants, so he’d probably avoid it anyway. You're not allowed to sell anything to get money, if you want money, win it from a mini game.

Wiser the Miser: Link doesn't like spending rupees, so he doesn't. If he can steal or get something for free, he will. Someone gives him rupees? Their loss. Who needs to buy things when there's a world full of resources? Don’t buy anything. If you want exceptions, like getting into Gerudo Town, it’s your call.

No Selling or Shops: Link doesn’t like stores. They make him uneasy. Enclosed spaces where people ask for your stuff? No thanks. You’re not allowed to buy from shops or merchants, and you’re not allowed to sell anything either.

No Selling, Shops, or Gifts: Link doesn’t trust anything that people give him. Maybe it’s paranoia, but it’s entirely justified. Shops are the same, people asking for his stuff when he has more important things to do than barter. Shops are honestly a waste of time when he can get everything for free, except maybe goat butter. If an NPC gives you something, you must drop it, or, in the case of a food item, use it at full hearts/full stamina and if it has an additional effect you will stand in the middle of an inn and wait for the effect to wear off. You’re also not allowed to sell or buy at shops or from merchants.

No Chef Here: Link can make a good elixir, but he can’t cook and he’s not even going to attempt it. He’ll make do with raw apples and meat and whatever else he can find. He’ll be fine. Elixirs are fine, apples and stuff are fine, cooked food is not.

What's a Cooking Pot?: Link doesn’t know what the giant bowl thing is, so he stays away from it. If people give him stuff to eat or drink, he tends to throw it away, because he’s smart enough not to risk being poisoned. If it requires you to use a cooking pot, you ain't allowed to ingest it. This includes gifts from NPCs because we all know not to take candy from nice strangers

Don't Eat Raw Food!: The king warned Link against eating raw food, so he isn’t taking any chances. If you want to eat something, you need to cook it first.

No Meals: Link doesn't understand why people waste time eating. Nor does he understand the whole hunger thing. Maybe it's a Shrine of Resurrection thing? Essentially, you aren't allowed to eat or drink anything, including elixirs.

I Can't Cook: Link thinks his cooking is pretty good. Sure, he thinks it's weird that people eat Moblin guts and wood, but who is he to judge, he doesn't really know anything, and he hasn't died yet, so it's fine! No elixirs or proper food, only Dubious food and Rock-hard food.

Insomniac: Link wants to sleep, but he can't, not when there're so many things he needs to do. He can sleep after he saves Hyrule. No beds, including the one in your own house.

No meals or inns: Link doesn't need to eat, and it's unsafe to sleep in a room full of strangers. Mipha has his back, and Hylia does too, if he rests, he'll do so where there aren't any strangers or wild animals to stab him in the back. You can only heal via Mipha's Grace, Heart Containers, or buying your own home.

No Meals or Beds: Sleeping wastes time, and he doesn't need to eat. He needs to save Hyrule, and he can relax when that's done. You can only heal via Mipha's Grace and Heart Containers.

No Meals, Beds, or Heart Containers: Link uses all of his Spirit Orbs for Stamina, because anything that makes him faster will also help him save Hyrule faster. He does wonder why Purah freaked out and tried to force him to sleep when he admitted that he hadn't slept since he woke up, or eaten for that matter. Eh, maybe Zelda will know, and the only way he can ask her is if he saves her. Only Mipha's Grace and three hearts, have fun!

Ew: Link refuses to drink elixirs when he knows exactly how they're made. It disgusts him, and he's not letting them anywhere near his mouth. No elixirs/tonics.

Normal Hylian: Link isn't some sort of god, he can't just freeze time in the middle of battle to heal or change his clothes or grab a new weapon. He can only heal or change after a battle and if he breaks his weapon, he can take cover and switch out or he can just use bombs. Like a normal person. No changing clothes or healing during battle, no flurry rushes or bullet time. If you break a weapon, take cover and get a new one, or use bombs.

Actual Normal Hylian: Aside from not being a god, Link also needs to eat and sleep. Sure he can go without for a day or two, but eventually he'll just crash. And whether it's five raw apples or a five course meal, he needs something to eat. He also needs to stay hydrated, but that's what rivers are for. Try to make him sleep in a bed once every three days at least, and make him eat one meal a day (it doesn't have to be cooked, but it is generally preferred). Also, let him go for a swim every once in a while to stay hydrated, because I doubt he's carrying around any water. (This one adds on to the one before it, though not combining them is totally your call!)

Carnivore: Link got messed up in the Shrine of Resurrection, and now he can't digest plants. You can eat it raw or cook it, but you can only eat meat. Inclusion of Elixirs is up to you

Herbivore: Link gets queasy when he has to kill innocent animals, so he's doing fine just eating plants. He refuses to drink Elixirs too, knowing what they're made of. No meat or elixirs.

Liquid-Only Diet: The Shrine of Resurrection messed up and now Link can't ingest solid food, he also happens to be lactose intolerant, so no milk for him. Elixirs only.

No Map: Link doesn't want to waste time climbing the towers, he'll figure it out. Don't get the towers (except the Great Plateau), you have to use your surroundings, get a feel for the land. Use of Minimap, Divine Beast Maps, and Teleportation is Allowed (No Hyrule Castle Map though)

No Map PRO: Link doesn't want to waste time climbing the towers and realistically, he doesn't have a HUD in the corner of his vision telling him where North is. No Map+Pro mode, so have fun with that. You'll be very reliant on Death Mountain and Hyrule Castle. Divine Beast Maps are still allowed

I'm Lost: Link promptly forgot about the fast travel function and he really doesn't want to climb the towers. You can get the shrines, which are recommended for the spirit orbs, but you aren't allowed to teleport and you must be on Pro Mode. Divine Beast Maps are allowed. You can get the towers if you want to waste time, but you won't be looking at the map, so it's not recommended

The Legend of Zelda: Link has no idea where he's going, but he figures he'll be able to figure it out the more time he spends awake. He feels like he's forgotten something though... We're going back to the NES days! No teleportation, no horses, no bomb launches, and absolutely no map! Have fun getting lost just like the good old days where tutorials didn't exist and maps were reserved for dungeons. And, like dungeons, Divine Beasts do have maps and you can in fact use them.

No Retreat!: Link isn't a coward and he's stubborn. He isn't running from a fight even when he probably should. If you hear the battle music, you can't run away.

No Rest for Heroes!: Link doesn't need to sleep and he doesn't really care that it's dangerous at night. He'll beat whatever stupid monster picked a fight in the first place. You can't sleep through the night to avoid monsters, and you must stay and fight if you hear the music. You have bombs if you run out of weapons

I'm Not Failing Again: Link is guilty and angry. He is Hylia's hero, Protector of Hyrule, it's high time he did his job. If you happen to be near a monster, attack it. Monster camp? Destroy it. It doesn't matter if they don't see you. If you see them, you kill them. Simple as that. No intentionally avoiding monsters either. Best paired with No Map, but I'm not your minder.

FOR THE FALLEN!: Link is the Hero of Hyrule and he will do his job. Sure, he has a problem with rushing into battle, but really, what hero didn't? It's essentially the same as I'm not failing again, but you aren't allowed to do Stealth Takedowns, you see a monster, you run in and do melee combat, bows are allowed if you're close range and the battle music is playing.

Boss Hunter: Link doesn't like boss monsters. Taluses especially are literal death traps for travelers. He's sure he'll get a reward too, they're called Boss Monsters for a reason, right? Kill every boss monster in the game.

Lynel Hunter: Link knows they pose a threat to the people of Hyrule. At least you can run away from most boss monsters pretty easily. For the safety of Hyrule, he will kill every single lynel.

Limited Weapon Slots: Link never meets Hestu. No Koroks to expand your weapon or bow slots.

Spears Only: Link didn't feel comfortable using a sword because he felt like he didn't live up to who he used to be. But the claymores and other two handed weapons were bulky, and he was horrible with a bow. And then he found a spear, and he's never regretted grabbing it. The only weapons you can use are spears, no bombs either. Have fun getting a spear in the first place. (The Korok Limitation does not apply to the rest of these unless you want it to)

Elemental Spears Only: Link likes spears, but elemental spears are way better, in every way. He's never going back. Spears Only too easy? Well now you can only use spears that have an elemental effect.

One-handed Weapons Only: Link's muscles have atrophied from the time in the Shrine. He'll have to make do. What it says on the tin, only use one-handed weapons.

One-Handed Swords Only: Link would rather not use a stick, he's been trained with a sword so by Hylia he will use a god dang sword! One-handed swords only.

One-handed Elemental Swords Only: Link hates that he can't handle larger swords because these elemental ones are great. They just seem way harder to come by than the bigger ones. These disappear the further you get in the game, so have fun with that I suppose. Rationing is going to be your best friend.

One-Handed Elemental Weapons Only: Link loves elemental weapons, but he still hasn't built up enough strength to use the big ones, and he wasn't great with spears or the bow, but the Wizzrobe rods are fun too. One-handed too easy for you? Have fun with this. Options are the Wizzrobe wands and the small elemental blades, the further you progress, the less of the weak blades that'll pop up, and the stronger ones are two-handed weapons, so you'll be killing a lot of wizzrobes if you want to keep a good supply.

Rods Only: Link doesn't really like swords or bows, or really any other weapon. He couldn't really pinpoint why. Until he grabbed a wizzrobe's rod. Power that he didn't know he had coursed through him, and he decided that he wasn't using anything but rods from now on. Only use wizzrobe rods. If it's easier, use any weapon until you find your first wizzrobe, whatever works for you.

Boomerangs Only: Link didn't like getting in close, but he also sucked at archery. Then he found his first boomerang. His aim was good and it came back! It didn't break upon impact, it was perfect! Boomerangs only

Two-handed Weapons Only: Link feels inferior to his Before-Calamity Self whenever he wields a one-handed weapon. Because BC Link was trained with a sword, so there's no way Post Calamity Link can ever compare. To get rid of that feeling, Link only uses two handed weapons, weapons that he's pretty sure BC Link was never trained in. Use only two-handed weapons

Claymores Only: The king, upon Link's inquiry, said that he used a royal claymore. In an effort to remember him, and an irrational fear that he'll forget everything again, Link decides to wield a claymore. Even when he finds out the less than stellar parts of the King's personality, he's too used to the claymore to give it up. Claymores only.

Korok Leaves Only: Link doesn't like swords or traditional weapons, and the Wizzrobe's rods are a bit too...hostile? Yeah, hostile. But the Korok Leaf's magic is quieter and more serene. It also seems...familiar, but he can't pinpoint why. It's also pretty hard for him to break, so he's fine with using it to blow opponents away. Korok Leaf Only, have fun beating Ganon, though Dark Beast is impossible with only a Korok Leaf.

Bow Only: Link likes the bow. He likes it very much. Past Link was good with a sword, but Present Link is not Past Link, Past Link is never coming back and Present Link will grow to become his own person. What better way to distance himself from Past Link than to specialize in a weapon that knights rarely use? Bow only

Normal Arrows Only: Link does not like the sensation he gets from using elemental arrows, and really, they are much too expensive, he'll stick to his normal arrows. Bow only, with only normal arrows.

Elemental Arrows Only: Link finds them very effective, and very fun to mess around with. He kind of forgets that boring normal arrows exist. Bow only, only elemental arrows.

Bomb Arrows Only: Link likes explosions, and the ones he gets from bomb arrows are much more satisfying than the ones he gets from plain old bombs. Sure they're expensive, and sure the rain keeps them from exploding, but...really, after being killed and resurrected, he can afford to give into a few whims, right? Bow only, bomb arrows only

Ancient Weapons Only: Robbie said they were more effective, and Link'll be the judge of that. He'll have to scavenge a lot of dead Guardians, but it'll all be worth it for these supposedly more efficient weapons! Ancient Weapons only, go to Robbie's immediately after the Plateau, I don’t think you actually need the quest, until then, all weapons are allowed

Master Sword Only: Fi is calling out to him, and Link will get to her as quickly as possible. Get thirteen hearts without weapons or using bombs as weapons, then go straight to the Great Hyrule Forest to retrieve Fi. Fi is the only weapon you're allowed to use as a weapon. Other weapons can be used to cut down trees and such, but if they damage a living creature or a monster, then you must reload your previous save.

Trial of the Sword: Fi is weak, and Link hates seeing her like that, so he wants to help her as quickly as possible. It shouldn't be hard for a chosen hero, right? It’s essentially the above challenge, but you also do the Trial of the Sword immediately after getting Fi. Weapon rule is obviously exempt for the duration of the Trial.

Wooden Weapons Only: Link doesn't like the sound of clanging metal. He only uses wooden shields, bows, and weapons. He doesn't care if it makes Death Mountain difficult, his poor ears don't like the sound. Only use wooden weapons, shields, and bows, if it attracts lightning, it's not allowed. Korok leaves or other non-metal but still non-wood items are also banned.

Metal Weapons Only: Link doesn't like splinters, he'd rather be a lightning rod. He also doesn't really trust the durability of wooden weapons, so he'll avoid them like the plague and use only metal shields, weapons, and bows. Only metal weapons, shields, and bows are allowed, if it attracts lightning, it's good to go.

Nuzlocke: Turns out, Link forgets how to use weapons once he breaks them. It's an annoying little quirk that means Link can only use each weapon once. You break a stick? You can't use another stick for the rest of the game, same goes for all weapons, bows, and shields.

The Moon's Curse: Every Blood Moon, Link loses all of his weapons, shields, bows, food, elixirs, and items. He only keeps his clothes and the special items. Link thinks it's Ganon trying to stall his inevitable defeat. Every Blood Moon, clean out your inventory, your hands must be empty, whether or not you count clothing is up to you, and you can eat meals to get rid of them.

Tech Mage: Link....has forgotten how to use weapons. It's a bit unfortunate but the king told him to collect the runes for a reason right? And the Wizzrobes' rods just need to be waved around, no training needed, so he'll be fine! Runes and Rods only.

Techie: Link...doesn’t really know how to use weapons, which makes it hard to kill anything. But, he does know how to use the runes. He did just learn how to after all. He doesn’t...really need weapons...right? Runes only, no weapons, shields, or bows. Well, allowance of shields can be personal preference, since Guardians will probably be a nuisance until you get Daruk’s Protection, if you allow use of the DB Powers.

No Shields: Link finds them bulky and useless, he'll just go without. Simple as that, no shields.

Fragile: Link doesn't really find the need for heart containers when he's mostly running around. Besides, it's just more incentive to get better at fighting. No Extra Heart Containers. Divine Beast Heart Containers can either be kept or traded in for stamina at the Hateno statue.

Asthma: Link can deal with not being able to run for long periods of time. What he can't deal with is how fragile he is. If he hadn't had that fairy, the Moblin would've killed him in one hit! No, he needs to be way more durable than he is now. No Extra Stamina Wheels.

I Don’t Need A Goddess’s Help: Link looked at the statue once, and saw it as a waste of time to pray. He's failed once, he doesn't need a goddess's help to do what previous heroes did alone and on their first try. No praying to statues, so no extra Heart Containers or Stamina Wheels.

Zero Deaths: Link isn't immortal, Mipha's magic isn't as powerful, and fairies don't work on him after the Shrine of Resurrection, so Link has to be careful. He won't get a third chance if he dies again. Disable Mipha's Grace and don't collect fairies. If you die, it's over. Ganon wins.

Sorry, Your Gifts are Worthless: Link appreciates the thought behind the champions giving him their powers...but he can't actually use them. He's not a trained medium or anything, and he needs to communicate with them to make the powers work....soooo.... Don't use the divine beast powers.

I'll Be Quick: Link never got the memo that he was supposed to help the Divine Beasts, but, well, Zelda was alive and the champions aren't, and the only one actually causing any immediately dangerous issues was Vah Ruta, but the Zora will be fine, they're fish people. Defeat Ganon without the Divine Beasts.

Time for Fun: Link is bored, then he remembers all the mini-games around Hyrule. Get the best score on all the mini games.

Photogenic: Link likes taking pictures and getting information for things. It's a fun pass-time that also helps out Symin and Purah. Take a picture of everything, it doesn't matter if you fill your compendium, but you must take a picture if you see something new (obviously only starts once you get the camera rune)

Everything Breaks: Link finds breaking things fun, and if it keeps him sane, might as well indulge his urges. Make a list of all the breakable items in the game, and then break every single one. Maybe you'll defeat Ganon, maybe not. Vandalism is more important.

Economist: Link doesn't really know how to hunt, or which fruits are safe, so he collects things, sells them, and proceeds to buy things that he knows are safe. He buys all his clothing and food, weapons are perhaps the only things he can get for himself. He helps out NPCs too, on the off chance that they'll give him something. Once a city boy, always a city boy. If you pick it up in the wild, you can't use it unless it's a weapon. Sell everything you pick up, and instead buy all your food and clothing. Elixirs too. If you have a picture of a recipe from the stables, you can use those, but only those.

Eventide Challenge: Link is a bit of a completionist, but he also hates back-tracking, so, using the towers as a measure of his progress, he decides to do everything he can in one region before going to the next. You do all you can in one region, or as much as you feel like doing anyway, then you collect the next tower and get rid of all your food, weapons, shields, bows, meals, and clothes. You must make your way directly to the tower if you leave the region, collecting shrines or fighting monsters before collecting the tower is sort of cheating. (You can decide for yourself if previous regions are off limits or not. If they are, I recommend planning out which region would leave you in the best position for Ganon. If not, just have fun!)

Reverse Dungeon Order: Link expected the Divine Beasts to get harder as he progressed, but they got...way easier... Vah Naboris, Vah Ruta, Vah Rudania, Vah Medoh (people say Rudania is the easiest, and I can't even get past the puzzles, so...maybe Fireblight is easier, but Rudania kills me via my unintelligence and I did Vah Medoh in less than five minutes, just go for the hardest ones first and the easiest one last, since I guarantee someone found Vah Medoh to be challenging and Vah Naboris easy. This one is probably the most customizable.)

I'm Not A Hoarder!: Link doesn't like using his resources, because he might need them later and it's such a bother to backtrack and get more if he runs out. He collects things because he might need them later. And really, it's better safe than sorry. You see something, you pick it up. Don't sell anything, try to eat or use as little of it as possible, actively seek out more rupees via mini games.

I may have a problem: Link acknowledges that it isn't exactly normal to have so much of everything, and to immediately restock upon using some, but...he can't stop. Max out all your inventory space. 999 of everything. Max out your rupees while you're at it.

I'm Actually Not A Hoarder: Link doesn't see the value in wasting time picking up useless crap. He has bombs, and he doesn't need to eat, he'll be fine. Don't pick something up if you don't intend to use it immediately. Keep your inventory as sparse as possible. Only collect rupees if you intend to use them for something.

Speedrun: Link has a task he needs to get done, and he needs to do it quickly. Pick a speedrun category and do it. Don't compare to the world record, compare your time to your previous times and measure your progress that way. World record doesn't matter, only having fun does.

Where does this go again?: Link is currently in a pickle and has no idea where the blue flame is. He found one in Akkala and decided that it was the one Purah was talking about. He couldn't find it again when Robbie asked, but he did find the one in Hateno, so he used that one. Use the Hateno Blue Flame for the Akkala Lab, and the Akkala Blue Flame for the Hateno lab.

Impaired Senses: There has to be some consequences for resurrecting, and only losing his memories is a very light consequence. A blindfold is the most obvious one, though you can also turn off sound, which still has a little bit of impact, though it isn't as drastic.

Auto Saves Only: Link is subject to the whims of the goddesses. What it says on the tin, no manual saving for you!

Hunger Games: Link has the rules of the game outlined to him by a goddess. He can do nothing but submit, fearing her wrath. Pretend that towns and stables don't exist (avoid them like the plague), Master Mode, Only Foot Travel, the only time you enter a village is if you intend on completing the Divine Beasts and/or Memories for Impa. If you see an NPC don't interact, only wear clothing sets without set bonuses or special effects, if you see a Yiga, kill them, the Yiga are the only NPCs (aside from the Main Story NPCs) that you are allowed to interact with. Interacting with Koroks and Great Fairies is fine. Every blood moon, you choose one tab at random and completely empty it (special items tab doesn't count, Master Sword and Hylian Shield are exempt from this), and every time you collect a tower you can scan an amiibo, try to ration them.

Pacifist: Link doesn't like killing. Never has, never will, and he avoids fights like the plague. There's no need for excessive loss of life, he'll defeat Ganon and save the Champions, but that's it. Only kill the blights and Ganon and any other mandatory fights for the true ending (Like, I think Kohga is mandatory.)

I'll use this until it breaks!: Link doesn't see the need to stockpile weapons, not when almost anything can be used as one. He'll be fine. Essentially, you pick up the first weapon you see, you use only that weapon until it breaks, when it breaks you, again, pick up the first weapon you see, rinse and repeat. Master Sword is allowed, since Ganon’s going to suck without it.

100%: Link is going to do everything. He has no memories, and he's been dropped in this giant world. He's doing everything and nothing will stop him. You know exactly what this entails and I don't recommend it unless you're speedrunning, and even then, it's a bad idea.

Don't get hit: Link's stubborn, he doesn't like getting hurt, so he won't. Take no damage, even a quarter of a heart means you failed. Doesn't matter if it's a golden heart or not.

#botw #breath of the wild #challenge #botw challenges #spice up your game #have fun #just for fun #legend of zelda #loz #loz breath of the wild

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