#its the same feeling emotionally and physically as getting shot with a rocket to the head

[saint-hymn]

a minor inconvenience, really

[jediknightgoofball]

One Last Thing // Steve Rogers

READ AUTHOR’S NOTE

Fandom: Marvel Pairing: Steve x reader Word count: 1,381 Warnings: None really

**A/N: This post does contain very minor plot spoilers for Endgame, so if you haven’t seen the movie yet or you don’t want to ruin the experience for yourself I would advise you to keep scrolling :)

Also, I normally don’t write imagines for Marvel, but watching Endgame just rejuvenated my love for Cap so here we go.

A small smirk covered your lips as you examined the new suit given to you by Tony. While your knowledge on quantum physics was as limited as the percent of body fat on Steve Rogers’s body, you knew that its kinetic fibers would protect you in your attempt at time travel. The concept had always frightened you, as you harbored a genuine fear for the unknown, but those stones have to be located if it means bringing back your friends. Your family.

Besides, you looked good. Who would have thought that red and white complimented each other so perfectly?

“Lang,” You greeted the older man with a tilt of your chin, crossing your arms as you watched him wring his hands and scratch at the back of his neck. He hardly spared you a second glance, mumbling incoherently to himself. You pressed further. “Scott.”

His startled green eyes met yours, jaw popping open for a fraction of a second before he composed himself. You rose a brow in disinterest as he straightened his posture, puffing up his chest to appear more stereotypically masculine. “Hi, yes. It is I, Scott Lang: an emotionally stable man who could defeat Thanos in his sleep. I just wanted the rest of you to feel like you had a shot before I went and finished the job myself, thus I came to you for help. I’m very strong.”

“Dude, cut the crap.” You demanded half-heartedly, gaze softening. “This will work, okay? You’ll get to see Hope again, and we can get rid of that purple bastard for good.”

“I know, I know.” He returned, almost sounding defeated before the battle had even begun. “I guess I’m overwhelmed by, just, everything. So much is happening all at once with so much at risk. One wrong step, and I could ruin this for not only myself but everyone.”

“Scott Lang, you are the toughest Ant-Man I know—”

“—there are other Ant-Mans?!—”

“—and you’re not gonna screw up anything, because we’re all gonna be covering each others’ asses out there. We’re a team. A family. We’re all in this thing together.”

“She’s right, Scott.”

Ignoring the tremor that ran through your body at the sound of his voice, the corner of your lip curled upwards as Steve Rogers, Captain America, joined the two of you. He met your eyes briefly before focusing on Scott, his cheeks now carrying a faint pink hue. “We are a family, and families stick together. It won’t be any different for us. We’re gonna go back in time, get to those gems before Thanos, and bring back our friends.”

“God, you guys are good together.” Scott uttered before giving much thought to his words. The compliment caught you off guard, as you choked on your breath while Steve’s face became a deep shade of red. Scott’s eyes widened as he attempted to save himself. “Oh, I didn’t mean it in that way, of course! I was just trying to say that you’re really good at those motivational speech things. You knew that, right? God, maybe I should permanently stitch my mouth shut.”

“Yeah, why would we—”

“How about we just get back to the others?” You suggested, sending a tight-lipped smile to convey your need to evade this conversation topic.

“Great idea!” Steve agreed a little too enthusiastically, the excitement in his tone making you jolt in surprise. Shaking off what may have been the worst interaction in your life, you led the two men back to the rest of your friends.

“We ready to do this?” Natasha wasted no time for pleasantries as she lifted an eyebrow in question. “I know I am.”

“Sure, why not?” Scott responded, nervously, but you could tell from the newfound determination on his face that he was ready.

“Let’s do this.” Bruce said.

“I’ve never been more ready for anything in my life.” Clint stated, a hard look in his eyes from all the pain he had endured due to Thanos.

“Hell yeah!” Rocket cheered. “Let’s get this dirtbag, once and for all.”

Thor tipped his head back to chug the soda in his hand before crushing the can and releasing a belch that caused even you to crack a smile. “I’m with the Rabbit.”

“Well, majority rules.” Tony pointed out, an edge to his tone that hid his true levels of excitement to be working with the team again. “Let’s go save our friends, and hopefully the world.”

Natasha guided the temporary remaining members of the Avengers to the Quantum Portal. Your friends followed her, but you couldn’t bring yourself to do the same. Something was holding you back. Or someone.

“Actually, Steve,” There was a waiver to your voice, and you silently cursed yourself for waiting so late to do what you were about to do. The man stopped in his tracks and looked back at you, brows furrowed in question. You sighed shakily, suddenly hating the way feelings made you feel. Your spoke quietly so as to not alert the other seven people who will definitely tease you about this once everything is back in order. “Can I talk to you about something for a second?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Everything alright back there, you two?” Tony shouted, but the dryness in your throat made you unable to speak above anything more than a whisper.

Steve took note of this, probably because he’s never seen you in such an emotional state before, and answered for you. “Yeah, we’ll be over there in a minute.”

“Fifty-nine, fifty-eight, fifty-seven, fifty—ow! What the hell, Iron Moron?!”

“Don’t make me get a muzzle, because I can make that happen.”

Steve shuffled into your line of sight, his calm and reassuring baby blues giving you the courage to catch your breath. “What is it?”

In a terrifyingly accurate Lang-like fashion, an avalanche of words tumbled from your mouth before you could organize your thoughts. “Okay, so, this one thing has really been bugging me that revolves around the two of us. I’ve been meaning to talk to you about it ever since we met, but, obviously that never happened. I guess it’s because of these stupid walls I put up to block out anyone who I find myself even the sligh—”

Steve’s touch was gentle yet persistent. Kind yet urgent. Loving yet determined. His lips were soft and warm, like a field of flowers on an enchanting summer day. His hands held your face in such a way that anchored you to him. The two of you became one as he drew your body in closer, your hands finding a place to rest on his chest. Every emotion running through your bodies could be felt within the embrace.

The urgency of the mission.

The secret fear you held for its outcome.

The doubts you hid to be a strong leader for your teammates.

The ambition to bring back your friends.

The passion you held for one another.

As you parted for air, your eyes remained closed. After pushing back the desire for any chance of happiness for yourself, you had finally fought those inner demons to find love. You finally had him. You wanted to bask in this moment of self-glory in his arms for eternity, but even a couple more seconds would suffice.

Rowdy cheers and applause were what forced you to open your eyes to the genuine smiles on the faces of those you loved. Seeing them celebrating in a time such as this lightened the weight on your shoulders, as living a life like yours required you to seize every moment of laughter that you could.

Steve’s smile widened upon seeing your happy expression. He brushed a loose strand of hair behind your ear, before slightly shaking his head in bewilderment at the sight before him. “You ready to go restore humanity, doll?”

“Always,” You kissed his pink cheek, your smile falling the slightest bit as you said your next words. “Just don’t die on me, Rogers.”

“And you be careful.”

“When am I not?” You winked, poking his nose.

The two of you rejoined the team in the Quantum Portal where you would be sent back to the past. You locked eyes with Tony across the way, who flashed you a quick thumbs up and a wink.

From that point forward, you all began the mission to save your friends, and hopefully the world.

[shen-gong-oops]

sick of seeing ghosts

The anomaly shows you what you desire and what you fear most. Or the one where Bellamy is really tired of losing the people he loves.

this picks up right at the end of season six so spoilers guys

@bellarkebingo

read on ao3

Clumsily dropping to the ground, Bellamy stretched his leg out in a vain attempt to soothe his aching thigh. A small dark patch began to form in the fabric. Groaning he let his head fall back against a nearby tree. He reopened the stitches in his haste to search the woods. Maybe he should have listened when Gabriel said it was useless. His voice wouldn’t be hoarse, his feet wouldn’t be throbbing, and he wouldn’t have blood on his pants - actual that last one was most likely a lie. He probably already had blood on his pants from everything that went down during the adjustment protocol. Bellamy let out a second groan, hands coming up to cover his face. For the first time in six years - no 131 years, his family had been together and safe but no. He had to agree to follow Gabriel to the anomaly. He should have stayed in Sanctum. Octavia should have stayed in Sanctum. Not like they even knew what the anomaly even was! Right as they were on starting to mend, for everything. For the situation Aurora forced them into for fifteen years; for the months on the ground learning to survive; for the years they were apart. They were finally beginning to be the siblings they should have been all along. She was his sister, but no longer his responsibility. Not saying it would be perfect, they always clashed heads, but they were starting over. Then Octavia gets ripped away.

He was getting real tired of this shit

The tree Bellamy was leaning on began to shift and he immediately shifted away. Right, even the trees were homicidal here. So much for a sanctuary.

Getting up to return to Gabriel’s tent was harder than he expected. Slowly, Bellamy rose to his feet but he took at most ten steps before collapsing. Drained emotionally, physically, and mentally of any fight he had left in him, Bellamy rolled over to stare up at the stars.

Real tired.

As the suns began their descent, the green tint to the air started to intensify. The anomaly making its mysterious presence known. Bellamy was in its territory, he was at its mercy. Just like how he was at the mercy of the murderous trees. He closed his eyes, hoping sleep would over take him but instead he was thrust back into the rocket. His hands shaking at his side, his eyes locked on the entrance to Becca’s lab. He could hear a heart pounding, the sound echoing around the clearing. He could hear Raven’s voice off behind him the radiation was effecting the rocket. They needed to leave. He knew his decision was the right one in the end but didn’t make it hurt any less. They all would have died if they waited.

Opening his eyes, Bellamy hoped the image would dissolve as it did every time he startled awake. Sometimes it was the faces of those on the Ark that woke him. Or those in the Grounder village from his stint with Pike. Usually, he saw the faces of those they failed to protect in Mount Weather. But these few minutes always found their way into his sleep. The few minutes where he left her to die.

As the blast doors inched closed they framed the door that wouldn’t open.

“Please stop.” His whisper hoarse, “Please.” The vision shifted, as the Bellamy who made it to the Ring turned to face the rocket. To climb the ladder. His friends voices mixed in but he couldn’t make out the words. Not that he didn’t to, he knew what was side. He remembered the broken look in Harper’s eyes as she asked if Clarke wasn’t coming. The moment when he closed the hatch door. His own voice mixed in with the heart-wrenching symphony he was forced to relive; desperate for Clarke to stumble through the doors. May we meet again.

Suddenly, he was starting out into the darkened woods.

“Sanctum sucks.” Bellamy grumbled, turning into his side. Earth and Sanctum were both supposed to be better than the Ark. Even if their reasons for coming to earth in the first place didn’t seem better. They may have been sent down to die but their final journey to the ground, at least in his imagination, was supposed to be freeing. No more starving on half rations, no more adhering to laws favoring Alpha station, no more living in fear, and most of all no more hiding Octavia. Then Sanctum was supposed to be their second chance, their shot to do better. For Monty and for Harper. But then Russell had to go and attempt murder.

Real fucking tired.

A breeze racked through the trees, leaves whispering taunts at him. Every time he got a member of his family back another was torn from him. If the trees could do him a favor and root him that would be highly appreciated.

Off in the distance, someone spoke. What they said or who was saying could not be made out. Just quiet murmurs. Octavia? He propped himself up on his elbows, eyes darting between the trees trying to make out any movement. The homicidal trees stood dormant. There was no rushing of foliage, no footsteps, nothing to announce someone was coming towards him.

The voice became louder and louder but still warped as if forcing its way through a filter. As the voice babbled on, Bellamy shot up. “Clarke?”

She wasn’t out here. She stayed in Sanctum. She needed to be with Madi as she was mourned for the mother she had to float, not wandering aimlessly in these murder woods at night. He opened his mouth to tell her she should have stayed in Sanctum, when Clarke’s voice surrounded him, saying multiple things at once.

Bellamy, if you can hear me. What becomes of the Commander of Death when there’s no one left to kill? Tell Raven to aim for the one spot of green, and you’ll find me. They’re not very sweet, but they’re beautiful. I think that’s what they used to make the paint for.

He really hated Sanctum.

“Someone’s being dramatic.” Twisting his torso to gaze behind him, Bellamy Blake came face-to-face with one Clarke Griffin. The green air swirled densely around her. As she shifted to get comfortable on the large, unearthed root, the moonlight she basked in refracted.

“You’re not really here.” He inched himself around, to be able to look at the manifestation of Clarke easier. “You’re part of the anomaly.”

This fake version of Clarke had the same chopped blonde hair; all scrunched up and messy. She had shed the cloak worn by his Clarke to disguise herself as Josephine, leaving her arms bare in a blank tank top. Her eyes, those damned blue eyes. She simply shrugged, closing said damned blue eyes.

Silently, the pair sat engrossed in the cacophony of multiple Clarke’s talking over the other. “If you listened to each one in succession, you’d be here for too long.” The manifestation opened it’s eyes, gazing out towards where the two suns had set, “Too long Bellamy.”

Were these the calls she made while left on earth? He strained to make out anything specific but each call blended into the other, making each individual stream of consciousness indistinguishable. There were a few words here and there that rang out clear: Madi, bunker, rover, Bellamy. But in this chaos of past one-sided conversations was Clarke’s life for six years. Her story of survival. Even though he couldn’t hear exactly what was being said, he could feel it. The air shifted; became heavier, became chillier. It pressed down on his chest and bit at his skin. It tried to pull the oxygen from his lungs. Gasping, he tried to regain his breath but he couldn’t. His heart beat wildly in his chest. Was this how he’d go? After watching his mother float, after losing Clarke twice, after Octavia faded away in his arms - it was his turn. Almost immediately, the pressure in the air lightened. Enclosing him in its warmth. He felt - happy? No, that wasn’t the right word. Calm? Maybe. In a blink, an image of him desperately clinging to Clarke in Gabriel’s tent flashed behind his eyelids. He relived the relief that washed over him he never thought he’d experience at hearing someone cough. Knowing she was breathing.

Alive, he felt alive. The calls were Clarke knowing she’d persevere.

His name was repeated over and over, felt like near every call had his name in it at least once.  “You called me every day for six years,” he knew this wasn’t Clarke. He knew this wasn’t real but seeing her, being here in these woods he needed to say something, “and left me to die in the fighting pits.” Tears welled in the corners of Clarke’s damned eyes. She tried to stammer out an explanation for the pit but he cut her off. This wasn’t Clarke. It was a cruel joke played by whatever the hell the anomaly was. The manifestation looked so much like her and for the first time since Clarke’s heart restarted, he couldn’t look at her. He looked beyond into the tree line.“And I left you to die in a radiation storm.”

Josephine was right, it was exhausting. No matter what apologizes he gave he could never make up for that lost time.

Clarke’s answer doesn’t come from the manifestation but from the raucous calls echoing about the clearing. All but one muted to a low murmur. Please don’t feel bad about leaving me here. You did what you had to do. I’m proud of you. She may not have blamed him but he sure as hell did. He knew leaving was the reasonable option. If he waited any longer the seven of them would have died right there in the cockpit of the rocket. And unlike Clarke, the didn’t possess nightblood to help thwart off the radiation poisoning. The seven of them would have ended up like Shaw. Logically, it was the right decision. Didn’t make it hurt any less.

The carbon copy of Clarke climbed down from her perch on the root to sit beside him. She brushed the tips of her fingers along his forehead, gently pushing stray curls aside. He and Clarke were tactile people and while he knew the fingers that graced his skin weren’t actually hers, he needed the comfort of someone’s touch. “You’re a good man Bellamy Blake. Even if you don’t see it. You’ll find O.”

What if he didn’t? Diyoza’s daughter Hope stabbed Octavia in the abdomen before she dissolved into a could of green smoke. How was he supposed to save her?

“Next time one of us dies, it’s going to be me.” His dark eyes never leave her glassy blue ones. Watching as they crinkle in the corner as she smiles wryly. He sucks in a breath before continuing on. “I’ve lost you twice- I’ve mourned you twice. I can’t do that a third time.” He couldn’t lose her again. He refused to lose her in Gabriel’s tent. He meant it when he said he needed her. He lived six years on the Ring without her. He knew what is was like to live without Clarke and he never wanted to do that again.

“I don’t think that’s how it works.” The manifestation said in jest, “We don’t have much of a say in the order we die.” She gave a him a small smile, brushing a strand of her blonde hair behind her ear. “Real positive, I know.”

He could feel something slowly inching across his ankle. Whatever it was scrapped its way over the skin, contrasting Clarke’s feather-light touch. Her eyes darted down quickly before she gripped onto his hand. Her touch was neither warm nor cold, but her presence filled the space between them.  "I called you for 2,199 days and each day I had to believe you were alive on the Ring.“ He really hated the anomaly. "You need to get up. Find Gabriel, find Echo, hell run to Sanctum. Please just get up Bellamy.” The manifestation dissipated into the air leaving Bellamy alone once more among the trees.

Or at least he thought he was alone. “Visions from the anomaly are fun, are they not?” Gabriel’s voice drawled out behind him. The fingers of other male’s left hand danced across the blade of the dagger Gabriel gripped in his right. “Who needs red sun toxin when you could see what you desire and what you fear most simultaneously.” As he walked around to face Bellamy, Gabriel dropped the dagger into the dirt beside Bellamy’s ankle. A root from one of the trees had made it’s home wrapped around the skin of Bellamy’s ankle. The dagger a silent warning to cut it now before more spread.

As Bellamy worked his way through the root, Gabriel rambled on, “For me, Josephine was both. The woman I loved for centuries and the woman who I should have stopped. Instead I ran, stayed out here while she grew callous. While she enacted oblation for null infants.” Gabriel stopped where he was, gazed out into the night before quickly averting his attention away. “Maybe I’m a masochist but I would come out here for decades just to see her. The anomaly creates another Josephine Ada Lightbourne. Thinks like her, acts like her, looks like her. In every way, except one, I was with Josephine again and for a brief moment the past two hundred some odd years didn’t exist.” Gabriel’s dark eyes met Bellamy’s, “We could just talk.”

The anomaly shows you what you desire and what you fear most. He saw Clarke. He only saw Clarke. He saw losing her the first time. He briefly saw himself after he did a piss poor job at CPR - beating their chest isn’t idle when resuscitating someone. He saw her. Standing to his feet slowly, Bellamy gave a small nod of acknowledgement to the other. Sanctum was too far to reach at this hour and she’d need time to heal but he needed to speak with Clarke. He wouldn’t spend his days speaking into the anomaly’s version of Clarke Griffin. They had a lot to discuss.

“Want to talk about whatever it was you saw? First brush with the anomaly can be altering and it’s a decent walk from here to the tent. When I left, Echo agreed to watch over the girl. We got time.”

This is probably the worst bingo submission you’ll see. I’ve never written for The 100 before. Sorry if this is really bad. Inspired by Gabriel stating that the anomaly shows you what you desire and what you fear most and me not getting to see what Bell saw in the anomaly. That and, “You called me every day for six years and you left me to die in the fighting pits.“ I took a lot of liberties since we know very little about the anomaly. Sorry that there’s no real discussion about the calls, it’s more Bellamy understanding Clarke while she made the radio calls. Hopefully that makes sense.

[hpconsentfest]

That’s  a Wrap!

It’s been nearly 7 months since the idea of a consent themed fest was born from a discussion in the Drarry Squad discord. It’s been said before, but it bears repeating: when we the mods first began planning the fest in earnest we discussed how 5 ficlets would be a success (and that’s with two of us writing!).

After just over 6 weeks of posting, the HD Consent Fest AO3 collection hosts:

-55 different writers and artists, including 11 who identified themselves as writing in a fest for the first time

-56 submissions

-50 fics

- > 800,915 words (words embedded in comics and graphic novels not counted); average word count = 16018

-6  beautiful works of visual art, including 2 comics and a graphic novel

And these stats don’t even account for all the HYPE that followers of the fest shared—keeping the fest buzzing on AO3, tumblr, and discord via recs, chat, comments, kudos, likes, and reblogs.

Needless to say, mates, we are chuffed. You have done more than blow away our wildest hopes; you have strapped them to a rocket and shot the rock into outer space.

To everyone who submitted fic or art or both, we are staggered, humbled, and beyond grateful for all of the thought, energy, time, love, and sweat you poured into your submissions.

To everyone who read along, whether you read something every week or looked at even 1 work—thank you.

Finishing posting feels not unlike crossing the finishing line after a marathon: we’re high on fandom endorphins, elated, excited about what this community accomplished together and how much fun we had doing it, but we’re also ready for a nap!

Below is the Reveals Master List. We encourage everyone to lavish these fan work creators with love!

ART:

Breaths Against Skin by @carpemermaidtales/ carpemermaid,  Mature Summary: Harry has picked up a habit of breathing "May I?" against Draco's skin.

Can I Kiss You? By @ano-ka-ba /anokaba, Mature Summary: can I kiss you?

Harry: *staring longingly at Draco's thighs*

Draco: *raises eyebrow, reaches for Harry's glasses*

Harry: *finally drags eyes up*

Draco: *pulls towards and wraps legs around*

Harry: *grabs bum*

Suits and Serenity, by @illuminatedweasel, Teen Summary: “You looked hot out there today.”

“Don’t I always?”

“Mhm, can I kiss you now?”

“I thought you’d never ask”

Worth In the Wait by @sailorslash /SailorSlash, Teen Summary: A short comic about the night of Harry and Draco's wedding.

You're the only exception and I'm on my way to believe it. By @mea-momento/mea_momento, General Summary: While stuck in a convoluted fake dating plot, the boys have to keep checking with each other for consent to do things like pretend to kiss in public for the sake of their ruse.

ART & FIC:

It's a Plan by @torrancelim /Marshview, Teen Summary: Harry and Draco are in a relationship, but Draco was raped in the past, and cannot kiss Harry on the lips or have sex. He does enjoy forehead kisses, cuddles, and showing affection. Harry understands, and gives Draco the kind of love and support Draco needs.

The Shetland Demon by @owlpostart/Owlpostart (Charlotte_Bird), Mature Summary: Draco Malfoy of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures has been sent to a remote Scottish island to handle the post-mortem and clean up of a washed up magical beast. The Scottish Auror office have also sent one of theirs, Harry Potter, somebody Draco hasn’t seen in several years, but with whom he shares a romantic history. Draco quickly finds himself slipping back into old habits while struggling to maintain his own agency and professionalism. Is it the beast’s malevolent influence or genuine yet long buried affection for Harry that’s behind their slide back into physical and emotional intimacy?

FIC:

5A by @neveranygoodupthere/neveranygoodupthere, Mature Summary: It’s his twenty fifth visit to the flat. A posh spot in midtown Manhattan with updated appliances, rooftop access, and a snooty doorman. A spot that five years ago would have been inconceivable to its resident. But war and death and time all wreak their changes.

About Time by @reginaagr0na/LadyOfTheAttic, Teen Summary: Harry opens his big mouth and must pretend to date Draco Malfoy to keep things from blowing up in his face even further.

Arseholes by@postjentacular/postjentacular, Explicit Summary: In which words and actions don't mean the same thing.

Asking For It by @gold-from-straw/Lynds, Teen Summary: Fill for post 109 on the Consent Fest: Draco tells Scorpius about his own experience of sexual abuse when teaching him about consent, and becomes involved with helping other parents teach their children about consent, and dealing with lad culture.

Beautiful Eyes and Dark Blue Skies by @foularcadebanana/Yesimawriter, Teen Summary: Everybody knew about the rivalry that brewed between the two kings living in neighbouring kingdoms and not much changed after one of them died. This surely meant that when their children met at the age of sixteen, both princes and heirs to their respective thrones, they would develop a deep all-consuming hatred for each other as well. Surely they would not happen to like one another. Surely not.

Bed Music by @lower-east-side/LowerEastSide, Explicit Summary: The new call-in sex advice show on the WWN is Very Inappropriate, Harry thinks. But he finds himself spending more and more time with Malfoy anyways. Will Draco be able to convince him of the necessity of open discourse on sex, consent, and intimacy? And what are the Greengrass sisters plotting? Caller, go ahead!

Bloody Tease by ENCHANTED_JAE, Explicit Summary: Draco wants to be sure that Harry is willing. Very, very sure.

Brick by Brick by @agentmoppet/agentmoppet, Explicit Summary: There’s something between the two of them, something that builds beneath the smoky lights of the club and grows stronger during midnight conversations held on a rooftop high above the streets of London. But Draco wants to wait.

Cherished by @acciotomriddle/leontina (Leontina), Explicit Summary: Ever since Draco was turned into a vampire he hasn’t touched Harry, and Harry desperately wants to know why. When they finally turn, surprising revelations are made.

Cold Like Fire by @queenofthyme/QueenofThyme, Mature Summary: Head Auror, Harry Potter, had no problem with mandatory consent training for his team. He’d actually been looking forward to it, that is until he discovered who the teacher was. Now, he had no idea how he was going to get through the training without throwing a hex at Draco Malfoy. Or a punch.

Come Inside by @vaguedisclaimer-ao3/VagueDisclaimer, Explicit Summary: “Can I come inside you?" Harry asks, his voice a breathy whisper.

And Draco nods, just once, ever so slightly, biting his plump bottom lip and looking deeply into Harry's eyes.

At least, that’s how Harry imagined it going.

Communication Is Key (For A Happy Ending) by @articcat621/articcat621, Mature Summary: Draco can tell that there's something on Harry's mind.

A Day in the Life by @unadulteratedstorycollector/unadulteratedstorycollector, Explicit Summary: Harry and Draco have been together for years. They have a great sex life. Great and perfectly normal. Sometimes they have sex, sometimes they don't. Sometimes it takes a little persuasion... but not really that much. Ok, barely any.

Everything That Happens is From Now On by @thusspoketrish/trishjames, Explicit Summary: After surviving a brutal assault, Draco tries to navigate the tumultuous waters of his mind, and embrace a bit of love and trust in his life. After all, the smallest steps forward can begin to heal the most fractured of souls.

A Gift for Draco by @norelationtoatticus /SquadOfCats, Explicit Summary:Though their new relationship is going well, both Harry and Draco have trouble communicating and are holding back from taking things to the next level–both emotionally and sexually. When Harry decides he is ready for more, he stumbles over how to start the conversation, but figures out a plan with the help of his friends. He comes up with the perfect Valentine’s Day gift to show Draco trust, commitment, and desire: sexy pictures of his naked arse. Thankfully, Pansy Parkinson has a camera and is willing to help…

A Hag, a Hex, a Tale of Redemption by @aibidil/aibidil, Explicit Summary: A fuck-or-die fairytale in which Draco Malfoy lives a despicable and unapologetic life — that is, until he’s cursed to die unless he can fall in love with and fuck Harry Potter.

Have Me Then by crazyparakiss, Explicit Summary: In Draco’s world, women are expected to be demure, non-lusting creatures. They are expected to be devoted while their husbands cater to base desires with women of the evening. All passions they are permitted lie between dusty, well-worn pages of romance novels. Draco doesn’t want to be that woman, but as she spends her days—unfulfilled—in the arms of a boring lover she dreams of more. Potter is so much more than she could imagine.

Highly (in)Compatible by @callingdrarry/gracie137, Explicit Summary: Draco’s been shagging The Prat Who Lived on and off for a few months when his soul mark starts to change. Draco’s had to accept a lot of adjustments to his life, but accepting that Harry Potter could be his soulmate is one step too far. It can’t be true? Can it?

I Don't Want This to Be a Mistake by @maraudersaffair/maraudersaffair, Explicit Summary: Consent can be tricky when Harry is Scorpius’ professor.

In the Ways That Matter by @FleetofShippyShips/FleetofShippyShips, Mature Summary:  Falling asleep with Harry Potter mid-argument, while completely pissed, was something Draco could never have predicted happening when he returned for his repeat seventh-year at Hogwarts. But it happened. And then it happened again. And again. At some point the alcohol was gone, and they were just falling asleep side by side night after night, escaping nightmares together.

It isn't anything more than that, even if sometimes it really feels like it is.

It's Been Draco For Awhile by @oceaxereturns/oceaxe, Explicit Summary: What harm can a love potion do if you're already in love?

In which Harry finds out that it's not a love potion but it can do quite a lot of harm, and Draco finds out how fiendishly difficult it is to fend off his flatmate's advances when all he wants is to give in to them.

just drink this and we can do whatever you want by @must-love-drarry/Juh_Nunes, General Summary: Harry was tired of people trying to dose him with love potions, so he decided to create a charm to counter it. Now he only need to test it, unfortunately (or not) it doesn’t work as he was expecting.

Kiss Me on the Mouth (and set me free) by @nerdherderette/PalenDrome (nerdherderette),  Explicit Summary: Finding a partner to sate his needs has never presented a dilemma for Draco. That is, until he encounters the fit and willing Head Auror.

Luck Is What You Make It by @starlillie/starlillie, Teen Summary: Liquid Luck. Warning! May cause giddiness, recklessness, and dangerous overconfidence.

Draco should really read the labels on these things.

The Magic Cat by dot_the_writer,  Explicit Summary:  When Harry sees Draco Malfoy with painted nails and wearing an oversized jumper covered in cat fur, his obsession from school comes back in full force. Featuring supportive friends, cute cats and lots of Harry figuring out what he wants.

Malfoy’s Anatomy by @novareblogs/Novaa, Teen Summary:  Healer interns are nothing short of a bunch of little children running around with wands and severed limbs, having inappropriate sex in inappropriate places. What's the worst that could happen, really?

Missing-him-thing by @thealmostrhetoricalquestion/Thealmostrhetoricalquestion, General Summary: "Did you miss me?" Draco asks.

He’s teasing. Teasing and amused, and he doesn’t mean it, doesn’t expect a serious answer, or an answer at all, so Harry feels quite within his rights to shove Draco away, scoffing. Draco laughs, and it’s not the snide, mocking sound from their childhood, the laugh that used to make rage bubble in every delicate vein, as fierce and forceful as dragon-fire.

Did you miss me?

Every damn day, Harry doesn’t say.

(Harry and Draco teach their kids about consent, and fall in love along the way.)

Mixed Drinks and Crossed Wires by @korlaena/ korlaena, Explicit Summary: Draco is a handsy drunk. Harry is okay with it, really. They’re friends, so it doesn’t mean anything.

Oblivious by @gregqoyle/lealamalfoy, Explicit Summary: One potions class leaves Harry questioning everything. And it seems that there is only one other person that seems willing to question it too.

Orbit by @henrymercury/HenryMercury, Explicit Summary: "The classical problem of celestial mechanics, perhaps of all Newtonian mechanics, involves the motion of one body about another under the influence of their mutual gravitation."

*

They don't like each other. They're not friends. There's not even a ceasefire of any sort because they're fighting as much as ever—but there's definitely something different about it. An added layer of self-awareness they don't dare identify, but which colours every Scared, Potter? and Do your worst; each You wouldn't dare and Then prove it.

Perfectly Imperfect by @astronomicalblaise/pansypxrkinson, Teen Summary: What is going on with Potter? Draco doesn’t know. He’s too busy worrying about Salazar and choking on Pansy’s cucumber sandwiches. Now Potter’s owl is out for blood and Blaise has to be stopped.

All things considered, it’s hard being an investigative journalist and a crazy person at the same time.

Proper by @violetclarity/violetclarity, Explicit Summary: Draco sighs. “What kind of absolute twit has the chance to have sex with the Chosen One and can’t go through with it?” // In which Draco studies with Gryffindors, learns a new spell, and navigates the difficulty of being in a not-so-casual secret relationship with his childhood nemesis.

Purity Control by @frnklymrshnkly/frnklymrshnkly, Teen Summary: In which Harry tries to ignore his trauma with fantasy Quidditch but Malfoy's Thereness is distracting and all his classmates want to talk about is unicorns, virginity, and Muggle music.

Say The Words (Say Them Out Loud) by @goldentruth813/GoldenTruth813, Explicit Summary:  When Draco gets assigned as the Auror to guard Harry Potter day and night, he is sure nothing good will come of it. But as the days go on Draco is forced to evaluate himself and things he thought to be true about Potter and relationships. Sometimes it's not love at first sight. Sometimes, first, it's miscommunication and misunderstanding. A story in which Harry and Draco learn to accept the things they want from themselves and from each other.

Show Me by @bangyababy/bangyababy, Explicit Summary: On Harry and Draco's anniversary, they decide to try something new, but Draco won't do anything he isn't 100% sure Harry wants. So Harry tells him, every step of the way.

Silenced by the night by @parkkate/parkkate, Mature Summary: After a spell goes horribly wrong, Harry has to deal with the loss of his eyesight. It’s such terrible timing, too, because how is he supposed to find out what Malfoy has been up to in the Room of Requirement? It’s not like he can ask the git, not only because it’s Malfoy, but also because the Slytherin has suddenly lost his voice. While they’re both trapped in the hospital wing, however, Harry discovers there’s so much he didn’t know about Malfoy, and it’s highly intriguing, but also a bit alarming. Where did all these confusing feelings come from all of a sudden? And what is Harry going to do about them?

Start a Revolution (From My Bed) by @untilourapathy/untilourapathy (gwendolen_lotte), Teen Summary: Harry’s coming of age starts at breakfast. A peek into the lives of the Eighth Years as they become bona fide feminists over jam and croquet. Featuring the fear of growing apart, Blur and a pink cravat.

the strength in letting go by @candybarrnerd/icarusinflight, Teen Summary: Some relationships will end. This is something that everyone should be aware of, and there is no shame in ending a relationship. These things happen, and certainly, no one should stay in an unhappy relationship. We don’t want to have people learning to maintain their suffering here—only fix what can be fixed.

In which Harry and Ginny seek counselling when their marriage is on the rocks—it just doesn’t work out quite like Harry’s wanted it to.

Teach Me by @xxthedarklordxx/XxTheDarkLordxX, Mature Summary: "If you can’t learn Occlumency, then you can’t become an Auror.”

No. All of this couldn’t be for nothing. Harry hadn’t spent so much time proving himself, proving that he was more than just a famous name for all of this to go to shite. “This can’t be the end.”

"I have someone in mind that could teach you if you are willing, but I can't guarantee he will teach you, especially considering your... past."

"You don't mean Malfoy, do you?"

Team Slytherdor by @gingertodgers/GingerTodgers, Teen Summary: Rolanda Hooch takes the Slytherdor Quidditch team to the Sheffield Central Travelodge for some team bonding.

Tell Me How You Like It by @phd-mama/phdmama, Explicit Summary: It's a beautiful sunny day, and when Ron is laid up in the common room with a broken ankle, he gets more of a glimpse into his best friend's private life than he ever might have wanted!

Ten Thousand Reasons Why Not by @lqtraintracks/lq_traintracks (lumosed_quill), Explicit Summary: Harry and Draco are stand-ins for the usual witch who gives the workplace harassment and sexual consent talk to the Auror trainees. Or, a little tale in which Harry consents to be sexually harassed by Draco Malfoy.

That's What You Get For Waking Up by @alpha-exodus/alpha_exodus, Explicit Summary: Draco wakes up in the morning hungover and with someone in his bed. He never could've dreamed it would be Harry Potter.

To Hear You Say It by @drarrymylove/jeni_andtheafterthought, Explicit Summary: Hogwarts has put together an eighth year in order to allow all students a chance to complete their N.E.W.T.'s.  Harry and the other "eighth year" students come back to a much different Hogwarts.  Harry could get used to a new dormitory, harder classes, even his new roommate.  He could even get used to all the new rules and expectations.  Making is bed? How hard could it be?

Trapped by @foularcadebanana/Yesimawriter, Mature Summary: Harry was stuck in an enclosed space with no way to get out, and he just happened to have been stuck in there with Malfoy.

Treat Your Body Like A Temple by @rose-grangerweasleyisbae/donnarafiki, Mature  Summary: It hadn't been easy, and it hadn't been fast, but after many years Harry had finally gained Draco's trust. Now he woke up next to him every day, and he knew just the way to show the Slytherin how grateful he was for that.

We Sleep In Pairs by @protegototalvm/darkestbliss, Mature Summary: We do not blame flowers for their death. But when Draco’s magic dies after the War, he struggles to forgive himself, and it’s going to take far more than striking up a companionship with Harry Potter for him to heal.

When Nightmares Lead to Day Dreams by @drarryismymuse/Drarryismymuse (Hatchersn), Explicit Summary: Harry Potter didn’t want to return to Hogwarts for 8th year, concerned that the castle held too many terrible memories. Lacking any other plan, though, he agreed. He soon discovered how right AND how wrong he was.

Wing It, Baby! I Want to Fly with You by @sliceosunshine/ SliceOSunshine, Teen Summary: Harry finds him in a ditch. He never expected the life of a Superhero to be easy. But showing your enemies mercy is so hard

Still looking for more great HP fanfic? The following fests are or will soon be posting:

HP Horror Fest/@hphorrorfest (Posting April 30 - May 13)

HDS Beltane/@hdsbeltane (Posting starts May 1)

HD-Remix/@hd-remix (Posting starts May 28)

[crimsxnrebellion-blog]

Comfort

[Here’s my first contribution to DxL Week! It’s not the best, but I wanted to get it done before I left for vacation!]

Dante hardly expected any kindness from the woman he had just met in that damn tower. Neither of them was in any state of mind to help anyone else out. At least, he didn’t feel like being kind. After watching his brother, the only family he had left, topple off a ledge and into Hell where he could have no inkling of an idea if he would survive or find his way back, he felt like lashing out. Screaming. Fighting anything that moved. It didn’t help when they returned to his shop and he found it in shambles, reminded of the fact that he would have to have repairs done for his home to even be livable again.

Unlike Lady, he never would have thought to offer a near stranger a place in the hotel room she had called home for a few months. He followed her into the small room after she struggled to find her key, curses mumbled under her breath. He shut the door behind him but remained awkwardly in the doorway, hands shoved deep in his pockets. There was only one bed in the room and a small recliner. A small TV sat on a stand across the bed next to the door to the tiny bathroom. He felt claustrophobic, and he sighed in relief when she opened the window. The storm had passed, and the smell of fresh rain wafted into the room.  

“Make yourself at home.” His gaze fell on Lady as she shoved her prized rocket launcher, Kalina Ann, in the corner. He still didn’t know how she had convinced the front desk not to bother her and now him about the very obvious weapons they carried. Judging by the look of the place, he assumed she easily bribed them with a little extra money each week.  

Following her lead, he removed his own weapons from his person and his coat. He hung his coat on the headboard and set Rebellion against the wall. Ebony and Ivory were placed on the nightstand next to the lamp.  

Lady sank down into the recliner with a sigh. Now that he looked, he realized how exhausted she looked. Her eyelids drooped over bicolored eyes, and her posture was limp and bent forward. He knew it wasn’t just the physically demanding trials of Temen-Ni-Gru that weighed on her. She had been through emotional hell and back just as much as him that day.

“I, uh, I can help pay for this,” he muttered, toeing his boots off and tucking them next to the nightstand. “I don’t have much, and a lot of what I have saved is gonna have to go toward fixing my shop, but I can give you something for sharing the room with me.”

Lady glanced up from her boot strings. Even from here, Dante could see redness in her eyes from the tears she shed herself. As if hearing his thoughts, she glanced back down at her feet and kicked her boots off.  

“Oh, don’t worry about that,” she muttered as she lifted the makeshift bandage on her thigh to check the wound her own bayonet had left thanks her own father. The blood stain reminded him that she was human. A formidable, strong, talented human. But human. One that didn’t heal in seconds and wouldn’t survive an impaling or being shot in the face. And yet she still fought demons. She had fought him without batting an eye. “Not now, at least. You can pay me back later. This...hasn’t been the easiest day for either of us.”

He nodded, inwardly relieved. He hated being in debt to her already; they had only met a few hours ago and she had shot a rocket at him after soaring through the air on a motorcycle. Damn...If he wasn’t sure she hated him and they weren’t both so emotionally spent, he might have actually tried to woo her. He had a thing for badass women, but, at the moment, his libido felt nonexistent. He felt lost, and he hardly recognized himself in that moment. If he had looked into the future to this moment but twenty-four hours before, he wouldn’t recognize himself. He would scoff at the puffiness around his eyes, the slump of his shoulders, the fact that he wasn’t on top of the beautiful woman he shared a room with. It was a strange feeling. It made him uncomfortable, though he didn’t have the energy or willpower to do much about it. The bed started to look more and more inviting, lumpy as it looked. But first, he needed a shower.

“Mind if I get a shower?” He managed a smile, though he doubted his really reached his eyes. It felt forced. Dead. “I smell like a demon’s asshole.”

The smile that twitched the corners of her lips matched his. “You really do. For my sake if not yours, please do.”

Dante snorted and headed toward the bathroom. “Feel free to join. We can save this place on their water bill.” The offer was half-hearted. And empty attempt at finding his old self again. At least it distracted him from his troubled mind.

He flipped the switch in the bathroom and closed the door. Leaning against the wood frame, he released a sigh. Hot tears burned his eyes and he finally let them drip from his eyes. His frame shuddered as he fought to hold back his sobs, the screams of anguish caught in his chest. He felt like a failure again. First his mom, now his brother. His hope (small as it had been) to live a life with even one member of his family was extinguished as quickly as it had sparked. He should have tried harder to save him. Convince him to stay. That their stupid father’s home wasn’t meant for them. They were meant to be there. In the human world. Together. Living something of a normal life after all they had been through.  

His fingers curled into his palms as he cursed under his breath and swiped at his eyes. He started to unbutton his jeans when he paused. The only soap in the shower was obviously Lady’s, and the last thing he wanted was for her to find any other reason to put a bullet between his eyes. Now that he had allowed his devil to awaken, he itched to resurface at even the slightest irritation. He didn’t want to give himself a reason to lose control.

Dante opened the door and began to ask for permission to use her lily scented shampoo but paused. Lady had moved to sit on the edge of the bed. Her face was buried in her palm, and the other hand gripped the comforter beneath her. Sensitive ears caught the sound of her soft sobs despite her attempt to muffle them with her hand.  

The sight made his heart ache despite his own sorrows. She just watched her own family burst to pieces as well, and he suspected many of her wounds were fresher than his. He didn’t know the whole story; only that her dad went crazy and killed her mom to break the seal Dante’s own father had place on the demon world and bring literal hell on earth. Gain the power of Sparda and whatever bullshit he led himself to believe. Judging by her rage, she was at least old enough to know exactly what was going on.

Silently, quieter than one of his stature should be able to move, Dante crossed the room to her. The second the mattress sank down beside her, Lady flinched away, nearly sending herself off the edge of the bed. His hand hovered in the air where her shoulder had been, but the glare she shot him lowered it.

“Sorry. I didn’t mean to scare ya...”

“What? Think you can take advantage of me because I’m crying?”

Dante flinched. The sad part was that, if she had been someone else, that might have actually been his plan. “No...I just...I don’t know. I’m shit at this comforting stuff.”

Lady crossed her arms and scoffed. “Then why are you even trying? I thought you were going to take a shower.”

“I was, but I didn’t want to use your soap without asking.” Out loud, it sounded a little stupid to even ask. Though, he supposed the twitch of a smile that he nearly missed as she wiped her face with her hand was worth it. “That stuff ain’t cheap. And I didn’t see anything provided by this shit hole.”

“Help yourself. Never thought a demon could be so considerate.”

The comment stung. It was a reminder that his heritage had caused all of this. That, in some ways, he was responsible for her family shattering to pieces. Did she blame him like he blamed himself?

“I’m sorry.” He glanced away from her, but he could feel her curious gaze burning a hole in the side of his head. “I know this whole thing was because of me. Well...my dad and him being a demon who betrayed his kind but...I’m sure you hate me because of what I am but I am sorry.”

Silence fell over the room for several minutes, one so full it seemed as if the sound of their breathing had ceased along with their words. He should say something else. Even get up to go take his shower and leave her in peace. He had already made the situation uncomfortable, so he should ditch now before he made it worse. Lady couldn’t care less if he was sorry. Not because she was cold, but because he was a demon. To her, he was the worst of the worst. Demons were never sorry.

The featherlight touch on his wrist stopped his train of thought dead in its tracks. He glanced over to find Lady resting next to him again. She wore a small, tight smile despite the tears in her eyes. Guilt and relief washed over him at the same time; he wasn’t sure how to read her reaction. Did he upset her more or was she happy?

“No...It’s not your fault. None of this,” she finally croaked out. Her free thumb wiped away her tears. “You’re different. I know you are. It took me a while to realize it, but I know you’re not evil, even if you are part demon.”  

Her bicolored gaze fell. He took a chance and shifted his hand into hers. She didn’t flinch away. “I’m learning quickly that some humans are worse than demons.”

Dante squeezed her hand. “Yeah...” He smiled as she rested her head on his shoulder. He could have added more. Added how that was a harsh reality he still needed to learn. Something that might help him accept himself for who he was. He couldn’t change it after all.  

He glanced down at the woman resting against him. Her eyes were closed and her breathing had evened out. He chuckled softly to himself and wrapped an arm around her frame to support her. The whole ordeal must have exhausted her more than he thought, though he wasn’t surprised. He didn’t quite mind either. His shower could wait.  

If she could see the good in him—enough to pass out on his shoulder despite her intense hatred of devils—then, maybe someday he could, too.

[easyhairstylesbest]

Aquarius Monthly Horoscope

MONTH OF January

Monthly Snapshot

It’s your time, Aquarius! After a tough and trying 2020, you’ve finally floated ashore, completing a long swim in the emotion ocean. You sidestroked through those uncomfortable and oft-choppy waters all last year (and boy are your arms tired…). For a sign that’s famously described as “emotionally detached” you hardly fit that picture.

Then along came the Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn on December 21, 2020, AKA the buzzed-about “Christmas star”. As these two galactic giants united—visibly, unless there were clouds—in YOUR sign, you were launched into a bold and expansive new chapter. Talk about being shot out of the cosmic cannon!

If you’re not feeling the renewal, you will soon enough. With the Sun slogging through Capricorn and your sleepy twelfth house until January 19, it might take a couple weeks for your Water Bearer buzz to full kick in. But when Aquarius season begins on January 19, you’ll start to feel propelled by rocket fuel to pursue your solo goals and personal passions. Prepare for liftoff!

Just make sure you get your exciting plans underwaclass=”body-el-link standard-body-el-link” y before January 30, when Mercury turns retrograde  in your sign for three weeks. You may have to hit the pause button temporarily, or go back to the drawing board to tweak your plans. But this will give you a chance to make sure you’ve got a solid launch strategy in place before you commence your epic debuts. The world will be eagerly waiting, so you might as well do it right!

Week 1: January 1-10

Home is where the heat is

Ready for a mental break? For the past six months, your mind has been on constant alert, thanks to activator Mars blazing through Aries and your interactive third house since June 27, 2020. Mars normally stays in one sign for six weeks, so its quadruple-length visit activated your communication sector for an extended cycle.

For many Water Bearers, this also meant multitasking against a constant backdrop of gadget notifications pinging, WFH Zooms, and calls with coworkers, friends, family and co-conspirators of all kinds. Even your social sign felt the utter overload! Throw in the slightly stressful but much-needed socially-distanced interactions, and you may have felt like your head was in a constant spin state that’s left you mentally exhausted and overtaxed at the same time.

This spell of being both wired and tired ends on Wednesday, January 6, as Mars enters Taurus and your fourth house of home, family and foundations until March 3, turning your attention to self-care and personal matters. Are there things around the house you simply haven’t been able to address? Perhaps it’s a renovation project you’d really like to tackle—or it might even be time for a move, a roommate reshuffle or some other home-based matter. Your mother or a female relative could be a source of either motivation or stress (and maybe both).

Between now and March 3, tackle any home or personal life matters head-on. The new Mars-fueled courage and determination helps you move quickly and efficiently. Don’t be surprised if strong feelings and mood swings erupt along the way, thanks to the fourth house’s thin-skinned nature. Hint: There’s nothing like a good cry or a primal scream in the car to clear those channels! Indulge your inner child as needed.

Week 2: January 11-17

Call of duty

This week finds you torn between your desire to pursue your own agenda and a sense of duty to your family and home. Reconciling the dueling agendas won’t be easy, and you could find that by trying to please everyone, you please no one. Prioritize your passions, Aquarius, but make time to relax with loved ones, indulge in restorative self-care or attend to matters at base camp.

This tension is the result of two activating planets, Mars and Uranus, racing through Taurus and your domestic fourth house, which could bring curveballs and pressure to your personal life. You may be moving, making unexpected changes to your living situation or attending to a relative in need. The demands could definitely spike your stress levels and provoke a few intense mood swings.

At the same time, expansive Jupiter and structured Saturn have just nestled into Aquarius and your first house of self, independence and personal projects. You’ve got big ideas and missions to accomplish, and you don’t have time to be held back by too many people depending on you.

It class=”body-el-link standard-body-el-link” all begins on Wednesday, January 13, when Mars and Saturn get embroiled in a tense square. You’re in front of some important personal decisions, perhaps even at a crossroads. With Saturn in your sign from December 17, 2020 until March 7, 2023, you’re at the beginning of a powerful new chapter. But it’s one that will demand your focused attention, and that won’t leave much time to take care of other people.

With stressful Mars ratcheting up the neediness from your inner circle, keeping firm boundaries—which is what Saturn’s all about—will be essential. Teach them how to fish instead of rushing in for the save, and make sure YOU have enough support if you find yourself pulled into guilt trips or other old family dynamics that are hard to overcome.

On Thursday, January 14, changemaker Uranus, your ruling planet, ends a five-month retrograde. Instability or slowdowns related to your family or living situation will clear up. If you’ve been at a crossroads about where to live or a personal decision, innovative Uranus could bring in some unexpected new options.

That same day, the Sun makes its annual conjunction (meetup) with shadowy Pluto in Capricorn and your twelfth house of closure and healing. Some deeply-buried emotions could emerge or you may need to summon the courage to end a toxic situation for once and for all. Perhaps you’ve been sticking around out of fear, guilt or some misplaced sense of obligation. Cut the codependent ties and follow what your soul is telling you, Aquarius.

If you’re still hanging on, don’t worry, because come Sunday, January 17, liberation will be a requirement, not an option. Your ruling planet Uranus will form an embattled square to Jupiter, pushing you to break free of anything that feels confining or limiting. These two freedom-seeking planets only square off every seven years, and when they do, it’s impossible to stay in a situation you’ve outgrown.

Strong feelings erupt today and you won’t be able to bite your tongue. They may bubble up without notice, and before you know it, you’re having THAT conversation. But if you’re planning to drop a bombshell, make sure you have some emotional support at the ready. The fallout of making a big, life-altering decision could have more impact than you expect.

Week 3: January 18-24

Awake at last! Aquarius season begins this week, as the Sun joins Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn in the Water Bearer’s domain this Tuesday, January 19, staying until February 18. You’re ready to dive into your 2021 goals and resolutions with full focus. Bring it on!

Midweek, you could be a bundle of nerves and feelings! On Wednesday, January 20, hotheaded Mars and volatile Uranus connect in Taurus and your touchy fourth house. Your moods may be mercurial and your temper could be like an active volcano on the verge of eruption.

With these two game-changing planets in your fourth house of home and family, this week may also bring curveball news about your living situation. Perhaps your dream home suddenly goes on the market and you decide to buy at a rock-bottom price. Maybe your landlord announces she’s selling the building that you’ve rented in for years, or you decide to rip up your roots and relocate…cuz why not? For Water Bearers of the childbearing set, pregnancy news (yours or a relative’s) could come out of the blue!

Your emotions get way overblown on Saturday, January 23, as Mars squares off with outspoken Jupiter in Aquarius. Resentment will boil over toward anyone who seems to be holding you back or demanding too much of you. You’re only human, Aquarius—but remember, so are they! Most people are feeling sapped and burnt out these days. If you bit off more than you could chew, or took on the role of caretaker then crashed, don’t get mad, just make a new arrangement. Relieve yourself of any burdensome emotional duties and decisions for a bit.

But that doesn’t mean you should slip into denial! Take a hard look in the mirror on Saturday as sobering Saturn and the Sun make their annual conjunction, meeting up in Aquarius. This once-a-year alliance rips off the rose-colored glasses and forces us to confront our limitations and shortcomings. Harsh? Yes, but like any tough-love coach or bootcamp trainer, Saturn is “cruel to be kind.”

On this day of self-reckoning, keep it real with yourself—but be compassionate! You’ve been through an incredibly tough 2020, weathering nonstop planetary action in your twelfth house of loss, closure and transition.

If you’re out of shape mentally or physically, or you’ve lapsed into bad habits or addictions, forgiveness is the path to grace. Hitting rock bottom? Good. But once you’ve acknowledged that, make a plan for how you’ll get out of this hole instead of digging yourself in deeper. A coach, expert or supportive mentor can help, so don’t hesitate to send out an SOS. You don’t have to do it alone!

Week 4: January 25-31

Me, myself and I

This week continues to energize your personal goals and passion projects. With the Sun, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn all in Aquarius, you’ve got cosmic clearance to prioritize your own agenda, although you may have to navigate a few obstacles along the way. Nevertheless, you shall persist—and hopefully pick up a few new allies along the way!

On Tuesday, January 26, the Sun in Aquarius will square off against disruptor Uranus (your ruler) in stubborn Taurus, echoing the tension of the January 13 Mars-Uranus square. Your need for “me time” or to pursue your own goals is at odds with curveballs from home and family, particularly a female relative.

One Aquarius we know is juggling supporting her mother going through radiation treatments, a best friend whose family is also dealing with a medical crisis and extended travel away from home to be there for everyone. Just remember that “wherever you go, there you are”—and try a meditation app like Headspace, Calm or Aura to keep calm and centered.

This kind of uprootedness could push you over the edge if you don’t take time for your own needs and self-care in January. We know it won’t be easy to carve out that space, but your mental wellbeing depends on it! Plus, you could find yourself in “caretaker burnout” which could lead you to snap at the very people you’re trying to help. Balance is key!

Luckily, the stars summon your support squad in the nick of time at the Thursday, January 28, Leo full moon, which blossoms in your seventh house of committed partnerships. Is it time for a relationship to turn official, or increase the commitment level? Joyful Leo says go for it.

Because, hey, you’re in the magic hotseat today, Aquarius—a well-deserved throne, might we add! Along with the Leo full moon, the Sun will conjunct expansive Jupiter in its once-a-year meetup, known as the Day of Miracles and considered by astrologers to be one of the luckiest days of the year.

In 2021, the Sun and Jupiter are meeting up in YOUR sign, tripling your fortune. Put yourself out there, pump up a passion project, make a big announcement about a solo endeavor. Love, business success, artistic expression—whatever’s most important to YOU will get a big boclass=”body-el-link standard-body-el-link” ost today.

Take advantage of this moment, though, because on Saturday, January 30, communication planet Mercury will go retrograde until February 20. Mercury will back through Aquarius—and put you in a different kind of hotseat. Your splashy announcements could fall flat or be eclipsed by other things.

Dip behind the scenes for a couple weeks, learn from your launch and tighten up your beta version so it’s truly ready for prime time. Be extra careful of what you say, post or announce because you WILL be called to task for anything off-color or offensive. This is meant to be your luckiest year in over a decade, Aquarius, and you don’t want to squander it by attracting the wrong kind of PR  during Mercury’s backspin. When in doubt, cut it out!

LOVE & ROMANCE:

Get out of your head and into your heart! After six long months in Aries, passionate Mars leaves your cerebral third house and moves into Taurus, activating your touchy-feely fourth until March 3. Since June 27, 2020, Mars has had your mind going a mile a minute, leading to bouts of indecisiveness, analysis paralysis and, as often as not, overthinking everything! In your hyperactive mind, the grass was greener and FOMO raged—or perhaps because of pandemic, there was a lot of TALK but not so much true connection.

From January 6 to March 3, Mars will tour Taurus and help you get back into your body and your heart. This is a great time for self-care, redecorating (and in the process) re-energizing your home. Anything that needs a fire lit under it will benefit now. Just stay on guard for friction with relatives and roommates since Mars motivates and aggravates!

Venus has been in Sagittarius and your social eleventh house, but she’ll pull up stakes on January 8, relocating to Capricorn and your twelfth house of fantasy. This is a healing zone, so you might take a little time out to visualize, meditate, journal or get over a heartbreak. In the privacy of your own thoughts, you can release something that no longer fits into your life or brings joy.

On January 9, Venus and Mars form their annual harmonious trine, heralding a beautiful moment of tenderness and connecting heart to heart. Pay attention to authentic feelings that arise at this time; they might just surprise you!

Key Dates:

January 9: Venus-Mars trine

Bring on the lasting love! As affectionate Venus and passionate Mars harmonize in stable earth signs, you could have true romance with all the trimmings—sensuality and stability. Skip the “come here now go away” players and their mixed messages. A partner who makes you feel secure is suddenly the most attractive catch in town. Coupled? Mark a long-term relationship with a thoughtful gift to let your mate know how much you cherish them.

MONEY & CAREER:

  Dear Reader: To bring you cutting-edge financial and career astrology, we’ve discontinued our monthly Money and Career Horoscope. This will allow us to devote the time to courses and offerings we’ve got planned all year to support you in creating abundance.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a dreamer with a side hustle or just looking for deeper satisfaction from your work, we invite you to join us for January’s special event to craft your vision for 2021.

2021 Vision Board Experience: January 28 with The AstroTwins Ready to designclass=”body-el-link standard-body-el-link” a path that truly fulfills you in 2021? Join us for a star-powered live online event to create success, leadership and impact on January 28, 2021. Tickets available at https://astrostyle.com/visionboard21

Love Days: 24, 28

Money Days: 8, 16

Luck Days: 6, 13

Off Days: 26, 3, 11

See All Signs

Shop ELLE.com’s Exclusive Zodiac PopSockets

Aries Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Aries Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Taurus Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Taurus Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Gemini Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Gemini Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Cancer Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Cancer Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Leo Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Leo Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Virgo Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Virgo Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Libra Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Libra Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Scorpio Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Scorpio Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Sagittarius Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Sagittarius Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Aquarius Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Aquarius Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Pisces Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Pisces Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Capricorn Illustrated PopSocket

Stars & ‘Scopes amazon.com

$14.99

Capricon Astrology Galaxy PopSocket

The AstroTwins Identical twin sisters Ophira and Tali Edut (The AstroTwins), have been ELLE.com‘s official astrologers for over a decade.

This content is created and maintained by a third party, and imported onto this page to help users provide their email addresses. You may be able to find more information about this and similar content at piano.io

Aquarius Monthly Horoscope

[tb5-heavenward]

flight hours

continuing from part 2, mostly concerns philosophical differences with regards to pacifism.

3

None of his sims have simulated the exit procedure from the interior of a cargo plane's cockpit while said cargo plane is in freefall.

Thankfully it doesn't take much theory to know that he needs to get the hell out of the cockpit, and then out of the damn plane. The forces at play are dizzying, both in theory and in reality, because the plane has started into a corkscrew dive, plummeting towards the sea below. John's already dizzy from the impact with the back of the cockpit, the way his head within its helmet had snapped back as he'd been thrown towards the rear of the plane. He at least seems to be dizzy in the opposite direction to the plane's native spin, so that's something. It almost cancels out. And it's put him closer to where he needs to be, as he peels himself off the back wall, hauls himself towards the cockpit door, the reinforced servos in the joints of his exosuit helping him to overcome the immensity of the G-Force, as he powers his wings back on.

Overhead, looking upward through the cockpit door, he can see the blown open hatch at the back of the plane and the infinity of bright blue freedom beyond it. The interior of the plane is dark, cavernous, a hollow space of bare metal, confining and claustrophobic. When he'd gotten aboard, the cargo bay had been filled with miscellaneous black crates, and now it's apparent what they had contained. Even in those first few moments, he'd gotten the sense that something was wrong, and wished he could've had more intel. Should've trusted his instincts.

Neither here nor there, at this point. At least he's got a straight vertical shot up and clear of the plane. As he pulls himself up through the doorway, John manages to find purchase on the bulkhead, levers himself to his feet, unfolding long limbs with the assistance of the exosuit. The suit is haptically controlled, and so flexing his back changes the positioning of his wings, and he extends his hands to wrap his fingers around the dual joysticks that control his thrusters. There's also a secondary switch for his comms, and he toggles this on, announcing, "Thunderbird One, I'm about ready to bail out of this thing. Am I clear?"

"Negative, John, there's about two dozen mechs out here, and they'll tear you apart. Kayo's en route. She'll be here in fifteen minutes. Stay where you are until I can---"

Where John is is in the belly of a cargo plane, spiraling towards the Coral Sea, and while he hasn't ever coded a simulation to match this exact scenario, he's still pretty sure that this is not really a situation in which one stays put. He's got maybe two minutes, tops, until splashdown, and that's presuming that the plane isn't rigged with any other nasty surprises. "...Until you can do what, exactly?"

"Until I can clean up out here!" There's a slight strain of effort in Scott's voice, the one that goes along with him throwing his Thunderbird through its paces, that sort of tactile physicality that John just doesn't share with TB5. He's not quite there yet with the exosuit, either, despite the intimacy of its very existence, and despite the fact that it's going to be the thing that saves him from crashing into the ocean aboard a falling jet plane.

There's an implication in Scott's answer, and it takes John by surprise, because it's not something he ever would've expected from his brother. In fact, it's something he'd have considered a stark impossibility, if it weren't for the situation they're currently facing.

It's a question they've all been asked, something they've all been offered, a choice they'd each had to make for themselves. Scott had made his own preferences loudly and clearly apparent, but even so, he hadn't done anything further to exert his will upon any of his brothers' choices. He'd left The Decision up to each of them.

So John has a question to ask, because the answer to it will change what exactly he does next. He's still hesitant, a little bit uncertain as he asks, "...did you take the upgrade to Protocol Theta?"

There's immediate hostility in the beat of his elder brother's silence, offense taken. And then, though by now John doesn't need the answer, a heated and empathic, "No. No way in hell, John."

And that settles it. John flexes his shoulders again, and engages his controls. "Well," he answers, bending his knees just slightly as he feels the jets at his back whine into life. There's already a countdown to launch running at the back of his mind, and in a second or so he'll be out there in the same deep blue as his brother, facing the same external threat. "I did."

And he launches himself out the back of the plane and into the fray.

As far as Scott knows, Gordon did, Alan didn't. Kayo already had, ever since their first run in with the Mechanic. He hadn't been sure about Virgil or John, but he would've bet no for both of them.

Theta is a weapons upgrade.

TB1 is not---and never will be---a weapon, but after what had happened with TB4 and the Mariana Trench, after the TV-21 and TB3---there'd been a family meeting, though it hadn't been called by a member of the family.

Well. Not a member by blood, anyway.

Brains had insisted that they all be there, and their grandmother too, probably for the benefit of her sage advice and wisdom, but also probably because he'd gone to her with the idea in the first place, to get her approval. It had been late and everyone had been tired, emotionally and physically. There'd been the uncomfortably prescient sense that what they'd gone through was only the start of worse to come. And Brains had brought up the Theta Protocol.

The most fiendishly clever aspect of the Mechanic's mechs is the fact that the weapons best capable of disabling them are some of the most illegal in the world. A simple electromagnetic pulse would make short, effortless work of any of his drones, but their usage is staunchly forbidden by the World Council.

It's still what Brains had offered. He'd put it in simple, purely practical terms, and said that the best defenses in the world could only go so far, and that this would be the only time and the only situation in which he would offer them the option to arm themselves. He'd put it on the table, and left it to the five of them to make their choices, said that they could each get back to him privately, and no one else ever need know what option they'd taken. Kayo had, rather darkly, hinted that it might be best if they kept their choices to themselves unless it became absolutely necessary. Plausible deniability.

Virgil had had his engines torn out from beneath him in midflight, been forced into the choice between ditching his bird in the ocean or crash landing it on the island. Gordon had nearly been crushed to death inside his ship, then seen TB4 ripped in half in front of him. Scott had nearly been murdered alongside his baby brother, burned away to atoms by one of their own ships, turned against them.

He remembers being hazy and exhausted in that specific aftermath, but he'd still stood up in the middle of the lounge, and made some righteously principled declaration about his own personal opinion on the subject. He'd announced the legacy their father had left them didn't allow him to take this option, that they were better than to need to stoop to the Mechanic's level. That he hoped his brothers would give the implications of the prospect some serious consideration, because they would be opening a door they couldn't exactly close again---but also that he wouldn't stop them, whatever they felt was necessary.

Because he couldn't in good conscience forbid his brothers the option to defend themselves.

And even with a swarm of drones bouncing off the hull of his 'bird, even with electrical interference starting to threaten his control of his ship, Scott still feels his jaw set like stone as he watches a blur of blue and goldenrod yellow come rocketing upward up out of the back of the plane, and knows that his brother's made a choice he doesn't agree with.

It's particularly galling as John gets some altitude, and at distance makes an assessment of Scott's current situation. His voice crackles over the comm, almost disbelieving, "Oh boy. You're just in a hell of a lot of trouble, aren't you? Sit tight, Scotty."

"Don't call me Scotty," Scott snaps, for lack of anything better to say.

Because John's currently in possession of an illegal piece of weaponry---has been this entire time---and he's rocketing in Scott's direction, grim and determined and apparently spoiling for a fight. Only about twenty minutes ago, Scott had been condescending to him about his skills as a pilot. Now Scott's in trouble, knows it, didn't need it stated. Realistically, he should be glad that he's got his brother for backup, glad that John has options available. Practically, there are about two dozen murderously dangerous mechs teeming around his 'bird, damaging his shields in quick, glancing blows even as he tries to evade them, and he's going to be in pretty serious danger if someone doesn't do something.

But this is still the last possible situation in which he wants to engage the worst pilot in the family.

Well, of course he'd taken the upgrade.

Gordon had too, that was a given. Virgil was resolutely, intensely private about his choice, and wouldn't say one way or the other. Alan had quietly wanted John's opinion on what he should do, and it had been John's opinion that it wasn't something Alan was ever going to need, and he'd been glad to watch his little brother gratefully decline another too-grown-up responsibility.

And Scott had felt compelled to set an example in their father's absence. As the eldest, that's probably his prerogative. John's the second-eldest, and needs to follow no such standard. In fact, there's probably an argument to be made for the merits of devil's advocacy, for offering an alternative to Scott's take on things. For John, it had been the simple consideration of better safe than sorry, and the practical reality that he was also the least likely to ever need to use a weapons upgrade, such as it was. In his opinion, the differences between what they already had and what Brains was offering were academic, anyway. It's not like TB4 doesn't have a nose full of demo charges. It's not like TB2 isn't equipped with some of the most powerful industrial grade lasers on the planet. It's not like Scott wouldn't level a grapnel at the face of anyone who threatened one of his brothers and pull the trigger, if by doing so he could save a member of his family from harm. Not like their father wouldn't have either.

And further to that point, at least in this specific scenario, it's not like they'd be hurting anyone by defending themselves. The Mechanic weaponizes drones, has a suite of mechs that seem specifically designed to disable aircraft; their aircraft. He remote pilots everything, has nothing at risk and nothing to lose when he goes on the offensive. It's an unfair advantage, and not one John believed they could tolerate.

So, carefully constructed and cleverly hidden, his exosuit contains a mini EMP device. Short range, limited output, single use and disposable. Usable directionally or in a radial burst, with only enough power for a limit of two minutes. Very, very illegal. A last resort, in case of emergency.

The sky full of insectoid drones menacing his brother's Thunderbird seems like it constitutes an emergency.

And surprisingly, bringing today's efforts around full circle, it turns out that flying is a great deal easier when it's obviously an emergency than when it is demonstrably not. Weaving in and out and around Brains' preprogrammed drones in their own airspace while Scott tells him that he needs to make his turns a little tidier is one thing. Negotiating his way out of a falling cargo plane and into a sky full of hostile mechs is entirely another. Apparently there are some actual merits to on the job training.

So John doesn't second-guess himself for a moment as he rockets a thousand, two thousand, three thousand feet upward, gets well clear of the plane falling away below him in case it decides to explode, and up above the swarm of drones that fill the air around Thunderbird One. He wouldn't have predicted it, especially after being harangued all day about the finer aspects of his piloting ability, but there's a weird sense of anticipation building up, as he peers down and clinically assesses the mess Scott's gotten into.

It's worse than he'd expected.

John can't help but be a little bit dumbfounded by the fact that there'd been two dozen mechs lying in wait for them, and they just hadn't had any way to tell. He'd known there were drones, had assumed Scott was exaggerating, and hadn't expected more than a handful, but this is a swarm. If he and Scott held slightly less disparate philosophical positions about the weaponization of Thunderbirds, then the current situation would probably be a death sentence for one or both of them.

"Oh boy. You're just in a hell of a lot of trouble, aren't you? Sit tight, Scotty."

His brother's voice is taut, irritated and tense in his ear as he answers, "Don't call me Scotty."

And John can't quite help a grin at that, as his hands tense around the controls again.

continued >>