#percy come back this friday challenge

[captainsophiestark]

Anniversary Allergies

Piper McLean x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my personal fic writing challenge for 2024, Sophie's Year of Fic! Featuring a new fic being posted every Friday, all year long :)

Fandom: Percy Jackson

Summary: Y/N tries to do something nice for their 6 month anniversary with Piper, but slightly underestimates just how much their allergies will hate being anywhere near the Demeter cabin

Word Count: 1,183

Category: Fluff, Humor

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

Relationship anniversaries are no joke when you're dating a daughter of Aphrodite.

I knew that, and I'd been trying to figure out how to prepare for one for the better part of the past week. I'd been dating Piper McLean, the love of my life, for almost six months, and I wanted to make our anniversary extra special.

With a little help from Annabeth and her strategic planning, I put together a whole day of things for Piper and I to do around Camp Half-Blood. I debated getting permission from Chiron for us to go into New York, but eventually decided against it. A lot of the best memories so far of us being together had come from being at camp, so it only felt right to celebrate at camp too.

I spent the day before our anniversary making sure everything was perfect, then woke up extra early on the morning of. I knew Piper would probably have something of her own planned, but I also knew that waking up early enough would make sure I beat her to it with my own plans, at least to start.

I strolled through camp with a smile on my face, the sun just peeking up over the trees, and headed for the Demeter cabin. The most classic, romantic thing I could think of to start the day was a bouquet of roses for Piper, so that's what I was going to get her, my own allergies be damned. If I could exist around all these plants at camp for months at a time, a couple of flowers couldn't be that bad, right?

I pushed open the door to the Demeter cabin, a big smile on my face. Most of these kids were insanely early risers, and I found Katie and Miranda sitting at a table in the back, catching up with each other while working on a planter box between them.

"Good morning!" I called, striding over to them with a smile on my face. They turned to me with smiles of their own, but before they could get a word out, I doubled over with the force of a deafening sneeze.

Miranda raised an eyebrow. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm good. Just- ACHOO!"

Another fit of sneezes seized me, and I doubled over again, tucking my face into my elbow. It went on for the better part of 30 seconds, and when it finally stopped, I let out a long groan before straightening.

"Okay, I should maybe go outside. But I came in here because- because- DAMMIT!"

I swore loudly before doubling over again in another fit. Katie and Miranda appeared on either side of me, looking concerned, but I didn't have a handle on myself enough to so much as acknowledge them.

"What's going on in here?"

I whirled around at the sound of my girlfriend's voice, managing to meet her eyes for just a second where she stood in the doorway before doubling over in another sneezing fit.

"Di immortales, why would you come in here?" I heard her cry between my earsplitting sneezes. A moment later, her hand gripped my upper arm and started dragging me towards the door. I stumbled after her, another fit of sneezes hitting me when I got a little too close to a patch of lavender on the way out.

I stumbled after Piper a few more steps, until we were well away from the doorway of the Demeter cabin. I stayed doubled over for a few minutes after the last sneeze ended, then when I felt confident it was finally over, I groaned and straightened up. My eyes were still a little puffy, but I could clearly see Piper staring at me with one eyebrow raised, a hand on her hip.

"What were you doing?" she asked. I gave her a sheepish smile.

"I... wanted to get you a bouquet of roses for our anniversary. To start the day off right."

Piper pinched the bridge of her nose.

"So to begin our anniversary... you thought the best choice would be to expose yourself to a bunch of things you're allergic to, to the point that I had to drag you out of the Demeter cabin and almost decided to drag you up to Will in the infirmary?"

"Well, when you put it like that..."

Piper shook her head and laughed, the sound bright and perfect, then moved forward to pull me into a soft, lingering kiss. She had a beaming smile on her face when she finally pulled away.

"That's incredibly dumb and incredibly sweet. Happy anniversary."

"Happy anniversary, Pipes."

I gave her a smile of my own, then pulled her back in to continue our kiss. We probably would've stayed like that for a while, except for the fact that the rest of camp was slowly waking up and getting moving, and a few different cabins were making faces and fake-gagging as they passed us.

Piper and I pulled apart again, still sharing grins. She looked me up and down, then spoke.

"So, how are you feeling? Do I need to rush you to Will for some antihistamines, or are you alright?"

"I think I'm fine, as long as I stay away from the Demeter cabin. Although, I should probably let Katie and Miranda know I'm alright..."

"Or..."

I turned back to Piper after briefly glancing back towards the Demeter cabin, and found her with a mischeivous look on her face.

"Or?" I asked.

"Or you could let your girlfriend, who's entire superpower magical heritage revolves around love and romance, take the lead on our second anniversary activity of the day."

I sighed dramatically, throwing my head back, but when I met Piper's eyes again it was with a big smile.

"Alright, I guess you can take over for the first anniversary activity. But I planned some other great stuff for the rest of our day that's gonna be way better than the whole flowers thing."

"Oh yeah?"

"Yeah."

"I don't know, I think dragging you out of the Demeter cabin to save you from a fatal sneeze attack is pretty unbeatable."

"Alright, whatever. Why don't you take me to your ideal first anniversary activity then, O wise and knowing daughter of Aphrodite?"

"I will. Tell me what you think about this: you and me, a beautiful clearing in the woods all to ourselves, and a breakfast buffet-picnic with all your favorite foods to start the day?"

"...That literally sounds perfect. You are really, really good at this."

"I try." She smiled and leaned in to kiss my cheek, taking my hand as she did so. "Now come on, we have a whole day of celebrating waiting for us."

"Yeah, we do. I've got lunch all planned, and you're gonna absolutely love it."

"I can't wait."

We shared another smile as we headed off through camp together, hand in hand and lost in our own little world. The sun shone down on us for the most perfect weather I could've asked for, and despite a somewhat rocky start, I knew today was going to be perfect.

As long as I was with Piper, every single day would be.

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989

Riordanverse Taglist: @valkyriepirate

[happiness-of-the-pursuit]

2023 Fic Round Up (Part 1: Fic List)

I have been tagged in about a million different round ups of sorts, so here's Part 1: A Comprehensive 2023 Fic List sorted by month posted (if a multichap, I listed it the first month it posted), featuring the major details and a single-sentence summary/quote (so a fun challenge for me).

I'll post Part 2: Favorite Quotes and Part 3: Channeling Nora Holleran to Bring You My AO3 Data over the next two days (for the data I want to wait til the last possible day).

Without further ado, here is my 2023 Fic List:

January:

Nothing, I was still a lurker.

February:

Prince Henry and FSOTUS Alex Claremont-Diaz Answer the Web’s Most Searched Questions (T, 2.4K, YouTube Script Fic)

10 Things Alex Claremont-Diaz Can’t Live Without (T, 3K, YouTube Script Fic)

10 Things HRH Prince Henry Can’t Live Without (T, 2.5K, YouTube Script Fic)

March:

Prince Henry and FSOTUS Alex Claremont-Diaz Take a Couples Quiz (T, 5K, YouTube Script Fic)

The Super Six Take a Lie Detector Test | Vanity Fair (M, 7K, YouTube Script Fic)

Baby's First Pride (E, 10K, WIP Multi-Chap)

Post-canon, canon-compliant (ignoring bonus chapter) look at the Super Six celebrating their first pride after the emails—I want to come back and finish this (I got interrupted by Life) but my writing has evolved a lot since March and I'm daunted by all the editing I'd have to do, lol

ALEX CLAREMONT-DIAZ COMMUNES WITH HIS ANCESTORS WHILE EATING SPICY WINGS | Hot Ones (T, 3K, YouTube Script Fic)

April-June

Trying to survive the end of the school year as a teacher before I left my job :)

July

PRINCE HENRY SENTENCES US TO THE DUNGEONS WHILE EATING SPICY WINGS | Hot Ones  (M, 3K, YouTube Script Fic)

August

FirstPrince Sings Queen, Lil Nas X, and Taylor Swift in a Game of Song Association | ELLE (T, 2.5K, YouTube Script Fic)

Claremont 2008 (M, 26K, Complete Multi-Chap, Canon Divergence)

A world where Ellen gets elected in 2008 instead of 2016, and the friends-to-lovers path that puts Henry on. If you want to relive the early 2010s, enjoy epistolary fics, or want a glimpse of a world where Alex & Henry go to college together, you might like this.

September

How well you play...that's up to you (M, 4K, FirstPrince Week)

Grey's Anatomy-Inspired AU, where Alex & Henry are both surgical residents—currently a one-shot, but I plan on writing a multi-chap prequel for this at some point.

Keep this Love in a Photograph (T, 2.6K, FirstPrince Week)

Post-Canon: Henry finds Alex's old photo album and they take a stroll down memory lane.

The Starwand (T, 1.7K, FirstPrince Week)

Three vignettes from Alex's life (two featuring Henry) where a sparkler makes an appearance—both a kid fic of Alex and Alex with his kids.

Somebody Call 911 (M, 2.4K, FirstPrince Week)

College AU where Alex is sneaking around with Henry behind his roommate's back—until it all goes to shit.

October

Sets on the Beach (M, 4K, FirstPrince Week)

Crack Treated Seriously, Alex and Henry are on rival queer beach volleyball teams.

Water over Blood (G, 3K, FirstPrince Week)

Post-Canon 5+1 of five times Henry's niece loved Alex, and one time she loved Henry

L(ate) S(leepy) A(morous) T(exting) (M, 1K, FirstPrince Week)

Text-fic of a missing moment from the book, because I am convinced that Alex did, in fact, study for the LSAT (it's just more realistic if we're to believe he scored well enough to get into NYU)

November

Freaky Friday (I woke up in my enemy's body) (M, 9K, Halloween, Huh?)

Canon Divergence, Freaky Friday-Inspired Body Swap AU, Crack Treated Seriously: Between Cakegate and Alex's visit to London, the boys swap bodies and proceed to learn a lot about each other. And themselves.

December

Alex Claremont-Díaz Answers Your Questions | Actually Me |GQ (M, 2K, YouTube Script Fic)

Super Six and the Siren's Call (T, 111K Total, Posting Bi-weekly)

The Percy Jackson AU, co-written with @read-and-write- and @inexplicablymine. Quests and Greek References abound! Check out more @auntiepezzasupdates

(Dil)Do It Yourself (E, 16.7K, New Traditions Advent Calendar)

Alex attends a DIY Dildo Workshop for the holidays, where he meets Henry, who's helping to lead the workshop—and eventually, helps Alex in other ways. The tags will tell you all that you need to know.

Thanks to @rockyroadkylers @hgejfmw-hgejhsf @kiwiana-writes @welcometololaland and anyone else who tagged me that I missed! I was waiting to post all my fics for December before I did this :) Since I'm pretty late, I'll tag @ssmtskw @matherines @affectionatelyrs and an open tag to anyone who's made it this far and wants to do this!

[cocrante]

I Start Over With You

[SOLANGELO FANFIC]

summary: After the great battle against the forces of Gaea, Camp Half-Blood and Camp Jupiter had formed a long-lasting alliance. Everything had gone well, and everyone was ready to start anew. This included Nico, who, after confessing his feelings to Percy, was prepared to open a new chapter in his life—perhaps the happiest one the Fates had ever written.

note: the chapters will be updated every Wednesday. If you want to read upcoming chapters of the fanfiction in advance, I invite you to follow me on Patreon. Subscribing is not necessary, these chapters will be added for free on the platform on Mondays and Fridays. Following me there is just a kind and free gesture to support my work c:

Reblogs are highly appreciated c:

[CHAPTER 15]

NICO STOOD STILL, GAZING INTO THE DARKNESS THAT SHROUDED HIS NEW ROOM. That room seemed to have grown colder after the message. He sighed before lying down on the bed, staring at the ceiling of his room and thinking about that one boy who could unsettle his mind with just one smile. He tossed and turned, wanting to try to really sleep for the night.

He fell asleep around three in the morning, with Will's sad eyes on his mind, somehow looking shattered. He had never seen that expression on that sunny face before. He was certain that whatever Will hadn't been able to tell him that night in the woods must be something important to so affect the son of the sun god.

With his head full of thoughts, he managed to fall asleep. It didn't seem like a long sleep to him; it felt like just five minutes, but the alarm clearly stated otherwise. He got up with a grunt, dressing and preparing for the first day of school.

He brought along a few things, some pens and a notebook, hoping they wouldn't start lessons right away on the first day.

The outside was kissed by the cold morning rays, slowly awakening the city. Nico took a deep breath of that air that seemed to smell like true Rome.

Lost in his memories, he made his way to the school. There was already a hustle and bustle of people on the streets accompanying younger children, and then there were older kids in groups making their way to the building. The building looked very welcoming; he hoped the inside would be too.

Finding his classroom was a real challenge. The school was larger than he had expected. But once he found it, he went to sit in one of those desks at the back of the class, near the window overlooking the courtyard.

Soon, the classroom began to fill with boys and girls, all cheerful and excited to start the year. They filled the air with warm and contagious laughter, asking each other how they had spent their holidays, ignoring the war that had just passed.

Then the bell rang, and with it came the teacher of the day. She introduced herself as their literature and Latin teacher, and then went on to outline the program they would be tackling throughout the year.

The morning seemed to fly by, perhaps because it was just an orientation day. Nico wrote down some notes on a piece of paper, names and class schedules along with the names of the books to bring.

During the break, someone had tried to strike up a conversation with Nico, but it died down when he mentioned which camp he came from or that his father was Hades. He was already used to those reactions; he had seen them in the eyes of his companions at Camp Half-Blood, although by now they had gotten somewhat used to it there.

He left in the afternoon, heading towards his new home. Outside the building, his sister was waiting for him, wearing the usual purple T-shirt from the camp. He smiled at her, hugging her as he always did when he saw her, then inviting her to come up.

Still, the apartment was empty; he had nothing to offer her except running water. He would make sure to stock the pantry the next day.

At the table, they began to talk a bit about school, how the first day had seemed to him, which according to Nico had been considered "normal" or rather, it went more or less as he expected. He also mentioned those two boys who had come to talk to him. Hazel shrugged, accustomed like him to the same welcomes.

"Speaking of more pleasant things" his sister changed the subject. "Jason sent a message to Reyna a little while ago, he said he'll come tomorrow to see how the work is going" she told him.

"Good" he managed to say, not expecting him to arrive so soon.

"Anyway, aside from Jason, what happened yesterday?" she asked, with that kindness that seemed to have been forgotten. Nico sighed, leaning back in his chair. "Do you know Will Solace?" he lowered his gaze slowly, wanting to lift that weight off his chest.

"Yes, by sight" he replied. "Has something happened to him?" she asked, immediately concerned. Her brother shook his head, crossing his arms over his chest.

"No, he's fine" he reassured her. "We spent time together, as friends" he told her everything, about the week in the infirmary, then about the canoeing, archery and even fencing lessons. He didn't spare her a single detail of those days spent smiling again. He also told her about the awkward conversations with friends, and there Hazel had to refrain from blushing, in those times people were really very explicit about certain things. "Then there was capture the flag" he said with a sigh, also telling her about that night when he had held his hand in the dark. "And that's not all" he lifted his gaze, resting his arms on the table. "On the hill, before coming here yesterday" he began, recalling in his mind that warm and pleasant memory. "Well, he kissed me. Right here" he pointed to his cheek, which still seemed warm.

Hazel remained silent, nodding at her brother's words. She knew that look; it was the same one she had when she got lost in memories of Sammy's smiles. "Nico, do you like him?" she asked.

The son of Hades didn't answer immediately, but the answer was obvious, clear as a fresh water spring. "Yes, Hazel, I like him" he confessed, unable to meet her eyes. "I like him in a completely different way than I liked Percy" he said, lifting his gaze to her amber irises. Pluto's daughter pursed her lips slightly, she wanted to see him happy finally, much like everyone else. She wanted to do something, but she knew she couldn't interfere in her brother's life; she would never forgive herself. "Nico, you have to tell him" she reached out, taking his hand, locking her eyes with her brother's dark and brooding ones.

"Hazel, I can't" his voice trembled; he had been there once before, hating the pain that emotion brought. "Who's to say he feels the same way?" he asked more to himself than to his sister.

Hazel didn't respond, Nico's question was a difficult one.

"No one tells you" she replied. "But you should try, from the way you've talked about him, it seems like this Will is looking for a different kind of relationship" she smiled. "Trust what you feel and tell him" the girl added, placing her hand on his wrist.

"I don't know, Hazel, I don't want to lose him as a friend" he looked at his sister, revealing his biggest fear.

"Trust me" she smiled.

Nico sighed and lowered his gaze. He knew Hazel was right, and so were the others. In a corner of his mind, he also wanted to talk to Will about his feelings that had developed over the course of the summer. Even Zephyr had warned him about his own feelings. He had to be honest and talk to Will, he couldn't keep it inside. "I'll try"

Before it got dark, Hazel said her goodbyes, hugging him one last time before leaving the apartment.

The boy went to his room, putting on something more comfortable, then glanced at the books still sealed in plastic wrap on the desk. He hadn't had a chance to take a peek yet. He randomly picked one, removing the protective film and started reading a few pages. They weren't bad, the words were large and spaced enough for him to read without them starting to blur together. Of course, it was still a struggle; his vision started to blur after the first two lines, but at least what he read more or less stuck in his mind.

The next moment, he remembered the schedule for the following day, where he had marked the books he needed to bring. He put them in his backpack, which suddenly felt heavy.

He resumed reading, occasionally flipping through some pages, eagerly awaiting Will's Iris message, and as he had thought, the air folded in on itself, revealing a window into the son of Apollo's room.

"Hi" Nico greeted.

"Hey!" Will replied, instinctively spreading his lips into a contagious smile. "How was the first day?" the boy asked, taking a seat. Nico shrugged, closing the book. "Normal, I think" he replied, briefly recounting what he had also told Hazel, mentioning those guys. Will couldn't help but let out a gentle laugh. "I've already told you, when you greet someone, you have to smile. Just like I do" he gave him a quick demonstration, still stretching his lips into a smile. Nico rolled his eyes, shaking his head, wanting to keep up the banter. "I swear, I tried. Smiles don't work even with me" he sighed theatrically.

"Then they must be blind, because you have a nice smile" he said, without any hint of joking. Will really meant it.

Nico was taken aback by that statement, then chuckled. "You must be blind too, it's not true that I have a nice smile" he replied.

"I like it" he said seriously. Once again, Nico fell silent.

"I like yours too" he murmured, trying not to lower his gaze due to embarrassment. Will smiled gently at him. "Thank you"

They remained silent for a few moments, with Will occasionally parting his lips as if to say something and then closing them as he reconsidered. It was Nico who broke the awkwardness, clearing his throat first.

"So—" he said. "Will I ever get to know what you wanted to tell me?" he asked, with a slight smile. Will's lips trembled a bit, he had been pondering it all day, even discussing it with his mother, whom he couldn't hide anything from. She had advised him to tell Nico, just like his half-siblings from Cabin Seven.

The boy took a long sigh, reorganizing his thoughts. Nico stared at him, patiently waiting to hear what he wanted to say that night, when they had accidentally held hands.

Will met his gaze, his heart beating loudly in his chest. He was convinced it would eventually burst out of his chest. "Well—" he began, stuttering a bit. "The thing, Nico, is that I—well, in a way, I admire you" he said, cursing himself for being so cowardly, but he couldn't bring himself to tell him the truth, not there, not in that barbaric way. He would tell him one day, for sure, but he would do it with the real Nico, not with a projection of himself that couldn't even touch.

Nico looked at him, slowly lowering his shoulders and slightly parting his lips as if to utter a weak "oh". A part of him was disappointed to hear this, he had hoped Will would say something else, something he had thought and hoped for all day. It seemed he had been so wrong.

The two talked a bit more before Nico asked to end the conversation, saying he was tired and that the next day would be a very heavy one. It wasn't entirely false, but he couldn't bear another moment looking at those blue irises, not now that he was sure Will considered him only a good friend.

"Shall we talk tomorrow?" he asked before ending the conversation. Nico didn't respond; at that moment, he wasn't sure if he wanted to spend another night talking to Will, who "admired" him only. "Maybe" he replied vaguely, his gaze now lowered and his eyes slightly stinging. "Will you call me?" he asked, extending his gaze in an attempt to see those dark eyes again, which he knew didn't only contain sadness but also joy.

Nico simply nodded. "Goodnight, Solace" he said, trying to sound stronger than he actually was.

"Goodnight, Nico" the boy replied, his voice sounding more subdued, he should have told him what he really thought.

The son of Hades looked away, quickly passing a hand over that steam-made window, thus wiping out the light from his room.

[CONTENTS]

1 • 2 • 3 • 4 • 5 • 6 • 7 • 8 • 9 • 10 • 11 • 12 • 13 • 14 • 15 • 16 • 17 • 18 • 19 • 20

[casspurrjoybell-33]

Unlikely Places - Chapter 17 - Part 1

*Warning - Adult Content*

Chapter: 17 - A Shoulder To Lean On.

Archer and I walked into my living room late Friday night.

Cicero greeted us with his usual exuberant self.

Archer hugged and loved on him as I walked into the living room and flopped down tiredly onto the couch.

We had just come from the wedding rehearsal and dinner.

I was exhausted.

The rehearsal and dinner itself hadn't required much from me.

That wasn't why I sat here now with my head back against the cushion and staring blankly at the ceiling.

No, it had been the socializing required during the dinner that left my mind numb.

It felt as if several musical jolly chimps had clanged their horrid cymbals repeatedly in my ears.

It was the same sensation you got when you left a concert, only concerts were fun.

As much as I love Archer, I can't really say his wedding rehearsal could classify as the same.

My cheeks had been pinched by so many elderly people I had wanted to leave.

Archer and Percy had arranged the seating so we all were together.

Being me amongst the five of them when introductions were made, comparisons naturally got made.

My sore cheeks were paying the price for my being baby faced and vertically challenged.

Branson and Noah had enjoyed my discomfiture.

Mick had been suitably understanding.

I hadn't said a word though, not wanting to rain on Archer and Percy's party.

I had instead smiled until it hurt.

By the end of the gathering my cheeks hurt from the inside out.

Archer, with a giddy boxer following close behind, walked over to the sofa opposite me and sank down.

He sighed aloud.

It sounded tired but happy.

I opened my eyes to look at him.

His eyes were closed but a large smiled stretched his face.

Without realizing it my mouth copied his.

Archer opened his and looked at me, his umber colored orbs widening at me in surprise.

I raised my brows at him only then recognizing the beaming grin decorating my face.

My smile faltered, slipped and then disappeared completely as I blushed.

"Oh no," Archer exclaimed, quickly closing the distance between us to plunk down beside me and grab my hand turning me towards him.

"No, no, no, no, no," he uttered shaking his head with a determined look on his face.

I tilted my head and frowned slightly back at him and his reaction. Archer grinned down at me.

"I opened my eyes but it was like I was still dreaming. When I opened them and saw you beaming at me instead of giving me that typical small Jackson smile you give everyone, everywhere, every day I knew it couldn't be real but I knew I wasn't when I saw it disappear. Now I want it back."

Archer had placed his hands on my shoulders as he spoke and was now mock shaking me by them.

He was cajoling me and harassing me and all but bouncing me around demanding his smile.

Without meaning to, I did and more.

I started giggling and then laughing, the large man literally shaking the unusual sound from my mouth.

Archer started laughing as well while my dog jumped around us wanting to play, too.

Archer stopped his shaking but he didn't let go of my shoulders.

Both of our laughter finally died down.

I still had what felt like a silly grin plastered on my face while Archer's look became more thoughtful.

It made me blush.

"Something is different about you," he finally commented.

His eyes traveled over me from head to toe then.

He gave me a thorough inspection that made my blush deepen.

It wasn't sexual.

It was more personal than that.

"I noticed you did better at dinner tonight but I knew you were trying really hard for me but just now," he grinned down at me.

"Just now you had this genuinely lovely smile on your face that brightened those almond eyes of yours in a way I have never seen."

Archer's eyes roamed over my face.

I knew he was seeing my pale but oddly creamy skin tone, the gift or curse from my dual heritage.

He also saw almond eyes the color of brown which were average, lips that were pinkly average, a nose that was... average.

The final result, a very average looking man with a good but boyish complexion.

Nothing to write home about.

My mind for a split second flashed to Pierce and his words.

'Far from average' he had said about me.

I just didn't see it.

"Why are you frowning now?" Archer asked, breaking into my thoughts.

He let go of my shoulder and absently pet Cicero's neck as his eyes once again roamed my face.

I could tell he was putting two and two together which would lead to four and ultimately to an infinite number of questions being asked.

I debated on staying silent.

It was my go-to move.

Archer was used to my not sharing because I usually didn't have anything to share.

He wouldn't be surprised if I shrugged his question off.

Only now I did.

I had a lot to say.

It started with Pierce and pretty much ended up there, too.

I looked at Archer and suddenly wanted to talk.

I had the desire to share my inner self in a way I usually didn't.

I typically kept my own council though I was always willing to lend my ear to my friends.

For the first time I wanted to be the one talking.

I so longed for a friendly and hopefully helpful ear to listen considering I was completely out of my element with anything Pierce related and it was all Pierce related.

Still it felt awkward.

I wasn't sure how to start or even if I should, considering this was Archer's wedding-eve so to speak.

Was it fair of me to put the focus on myself?

Even as I thought the question, I knew immediately it wasn't.

We should be discussing whatever Archer wanted or needed to talk about.

I could wait.

I smoothed out my frown and replaced it with old school Jackson.

If I maintained it for the rest of the night then Archer would not feel compelled to look closer and then we could focus on what was important right now.

Archer.

Only Archer wasn't having any of it.

He made it clear as soon as my face slipped back into its familiar expression, that he had other ideas.

"I've seen a new you Jackson so don't even try to pretend. We're going to sit here until you tell me everything... and I mean everything," he emphasized with a snap of his fingers and swipe of his arm across the space that divided us.

"And I'm getting married tomorrow so if you keep me up all night being uncooperative, I'll tell Perky it was your fault why my eyes are so puffy for our wedding pictures," he threatened for added measure. I swallowed.

That was a serious threat.

Any threat that included action from Percy was serious.

He was more lighthearted than all of us.

He was also the toughest.

No one but no one wanted on Percy's bad side. Ever.

"That's a low blow, Archer."

Archer grinned.

"Only if you don't talk," Archer replied with a laugh and carefree shrug of his shoulders.

[tomorrowedblog]

Friday Releases for June 23

Friday is the busiest day of the week for new releases, so we've decided to collect them all in one place. Friday Releases for June 23 include I’m A Virgo, C-Smash VRS, BUSINESS IS BUSINESS, and more.

God Is A Bullet

God Is A Bullet, the new movie from Nick Cassavetes, is out today.

When detective Bob Hightower finds his ex-wife murdered and daughter kidnapped by a satanic cult, he quits the police force, gets tattoos, and infiltrates the cult to hunt down the charismatic cult leader, Cyrus, with the help of the cult’s only female escapee, Case Hardin. Bob is led down the rabbit hole to save his daughter while Case seizes the opportunity to claim back her power.

No Hard Feelings

No Hard Feelings, the new movie from Gene Stupnitsky, is out today.

Maddie (Lawrence) thinks she’s found the answer to her financial troubles when she discovers an intriguing job listing: wealthy helicopter parents looking for someone to “date” their introverted 19-year-old son, Percy, and bring him out of his shell before he leaves for college. But awkward Percy proves to be more of a challenge than she expected, and time is running out. She has one summer to make him a man or lose it all.

I’m A Virgo

I’m A Virgo, the new TV series from Boots Riley, is out today.

From visionary filmmaker Boots Riley (Sorry to Bother You), I’m A Virgo is a coming-of-age joyride about Cootie, a 13ft tall young Black man in Oakland, CA. Having grown up hidden away, Cootie soon experiences the beauty and contradictions of the world for the first time. He forms friendships, finds love, navigates awkward situations, and encounters his idol, a real life superhero named The Hero.

Swagger S2

The second season of Swagger, the TV series from Reggie Rock Bythewood, is out today.

A basketball prodigy must navigate a maze of pressure if he’s going to overcome the odds against him and learn what it truly means to have swagger.

C-Smash VRS

C-Smash VRS, the new game from Wolf & Wood Interactive and RapidEyeMovers, is out today.

Imagine playing the ultimate sport while feeling both stimulated and relaxed, your mind and body at one with the best music and stunning visuals. A truly transportive experience.

BUSINESS IS BUSINESS

BUSINESS IS BUSINESS, the new album from Young Thug, is out today.

[supermellon64]

could I get the redwood run gang roller skating for the doodle requests(Percy is really bad at it)

Oh my god I love that Idea sm!!!! I can totally see that!

I Have some head cannons about the rest of the gang. (sorry in advance for longer post then usual)

Molly, Trixie, and Feenie: I feel like they would go to a roller rink together and stay as a group the whole time. Molly probably wouldn't want to go skating very often even if she had time because it would be pretty loud, but once in a while the trio would go there when it wasn't busy. They are all equally bellow average at skating and have trouble keeping their balance. they hold on to each other for the whole time trying to keep their balance and roll around pretty slowly and bump in to the wall a-lot, but they laugh it off and have a pretty good time together.

Giovanni: Giovanni has absolutely gone to mother son skate nights every Friday since he was 5. He is pretty damn good and can easily hold his own. He wears rollerblades over roller skates as they are easier to make sharp turns in. He also gets very competitive with the other people on the rink. He uses his steam jets to go much faster than everyone else. Then promptly slams in to the wall. He also definitely wear's a dumbass outfit complete with flame decaled sweat band on his head. All the employee's know Gio, and groan when ever he comes in.

Sylvie: Sylvie doesn't strike me as someone who would skate as a sport or for fun in a roller rink. He might be convinced by Molly and Gio to go to a roller rink one night in which he reluctantly agrees. He's really shaky on skates and can barely keep his balance. He swings his feet opposite ways attempting to catch him self but ends up falling a-lot. He gets even angrier when Giovanni speeds by him. Sylvie tries to race Gio but ends up falling directly on his face and cracking his glasses. After that, Molly and Gio convince him to hang on to both of them while they skate the rest of the night. He's pretty pissed about it but he holds on pretty tightly.

Mera: Mera blows Giovanni out of the water in terms of skill. She's better at ice skating and definitely takes classes but is also insanely proficient at rollerblading. Girl did a triple axel like it was NOTHING in episode 4. She absolutely has her own rollerblades and ice-skates. Mera's insanely graceful and can pull off some high level maneuver's. Mira is extremely carful when she skates though and makes a point to swerve away from people as to not bump in to anyone. She's had some close calls, but anyone who has gotten too close had the unfortunate of being tackled by Indus.

Indus: At first glance Indus doesn't seem like he would be very good at rollerskating but he's learned to keep up pretty well with Mera. He's definitely not as skilled as her but he's just good enough so they can skate together. He cant rent skates at any of the roller rink or ice rink establishments because no one had the size for his gorilla feet. so Indus had some custom fitted. Unfortunately Indus is now banned from a couple of their favorite places on account of panic tackling other skaters to the ground when they got too close to Mera. He was dragged out by the ear by Mera.

Percy: Aforementioned, Percy absolutely sucks at this and has NO coordination for roller skating. She constantly whips forward and backward violently trying to regain balance and ends up slipping with her legs in a 90 degree angle and falling on her back. She has a rough start, but eventually starts to get the hang of it. She see's it as overcoming a challenge and is very proud of her self for it.

Zora: Zora is a hazard to those around her. She also has absolutely has NO coordination for skating and she flails around and manages to accidentally hit a couple people in the face with her flailing. She hates every minuet of it and despises that Ramsey is much better at it then she is.

Ramsey: Ramsey is actually pretty decent. He probably skated in collage and has a bit of experience under his belt. Although he's a bit rusty he can pick up Percy's slack and help her not fall down as much. He constantly teases Zora for being an elite gunslinger yet terrible at skating. She promptly uses her epithet to stop his skates and make him trip and fall on his face.

Rick: Rick does not know what a roller skate is or what to do with it. After the employee's stop him from trying to shove the skate in his mouth and explain how to use it, he roll's out to the middle of the rink and immediately falls on his face. He try's to get up 3 more times and falls on his face every subsequent time. After that he cries face down on the floor and waits till the employee's of the roller rink drag him pathetically off of the rink.

Naven: Bambi on ice. From the moment he gets out on the rink he starts shaking like a chihuahua. Moves at the speed of a snail and is a huge side hugger. He does not enjoy himself the entire time and after one lap he immediately goes back to the seating area for the rest of the night.

Yoomtah: DO NOT LET THIS WOMAN IN YOUR SKATING ESTABLISHMENT! SHE IS A MENICE TO EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE AROUND HER. SHE IS TOO FAST. YOU WILL LEAVE WITH A BROKEN EGO AS WELL AS SEVERAL BROKEN BONES.

[chudleycanonficfest]

Dancing

Day 32 Post 1 by @honouraryweasley12

Title: Dancing Author/Artist: honouraryweasley12 Pairing: Ron/Hermione Prompt: Masquerade Ball/Special Event Rating: M Trigger Warning(s) (if any): Smut, Language

The knock on her office door interrupted Hermione's thoughts. She'd been hunched over for several hours since lunch, studying the tiny, almost illegible text of an ancient book about Centaurs.

"Come in!"

The door creaked open and Ginny strode into the small, cramped office, waving a piece of parchment. She tossed it onto the desk, covering the page. Hermione recognized it immediately.

"Just thought I'd pop in. Are you and Ron going to this thing next week?"

She had read the invite to the Ministry event the night before, amidst a flurry of complaints from Ron.

"Yes, it's mandatory."

"Did you see the date?"

"I know, the first of March. Ron was not thrilled that we'd have to postpone his birthday celebrations."

"I can imagine." Ginny smirked, before waggling her eyebrows. "Did you have anything special planned?"

"What we do in the privacy of our bedroom—"

"Who said anything about the bedroom?" Ginny asked innocently, trying to get a rise out of her friend.

Hermione wagged a warning finger. "I know you, Ginny Weasley." She frowned. "It would be nice to do something for him on the day; he was so disappointed."

"At least it's in a nice place," Ginny remarked, referring to the estate where the event was being held. "The food will be good—that alone should please my brother."

"That's true," Hermione remarked glumly. "I'm sure it'll be fine, but I know his birthday is important to him."

"What's the big deal? He's turning twenty-three. It's not exactly a milestone."

"I know, I know. He told me once that growing up, his birthday was the only day when he felt like he was the centre of attention, so I like to make an extra special effort."

Ginny nodded. "He's not wrong, I suppose."

Hermione rolled her head from side to side, a cracking sound from her stiff neck echoing around her office.

"Looks like he's not the only one who needs some pampering."

Hermione waved her hand dismissively. "I'm used to it."

"You should do something nice for yourself. Even I know you're working yourself too hard."

"Like what?"

Ginny pondered for a moment, before bouncing up in her seat. "I have an idea."

Hermione looked at her wearily. "What is it?"

The redhead nodded toward the invitation on her desk. "Did you see the part about muggle clothing being encouraged? What are you planning on wearing?"

"I don't know. I guess a gown. Maybe the one I wore to Percy's wedding last fall."

"You always wear things my mother would approve of. You're still young! How about something fun and sexy?"

Hermione scoffed. "I've seen some of the things you wear, Ginny."

She raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong with what I wear?"

"You show a lot of… skin. Which is completely fine, but you don't work with these people."

"C'mon, live a little. I know my brother would still be mad about you if you were wearing a potato sack, but just imagine his reaction if you wear something a bit different."

"I don't know…"

"I promise, I won't go too crazy. It's Ron's birthday after all, wouldn't he enjoy seeing you in something less… proper?"

Hermione sighed, her willpower slipping away. "Yes, he would."

"Harry and Ron will be away this weekend taking new recruits into the field, so it's the perfect opportunity to go shopping." Ginny stood up and grabbed her invitation, before making her way to the door. "I'll meet you at yours at noon on Saturday."

"I don't see how this is treating myself."

"We'll stop at a bookshop then." The determined look on her friend's face was enough for Hermione to throw her hands up in the air.

"Fine!"

"That's the spirit." Ginny flashed her a cheeky grin and closed the door behind her.

"Weasleys," Hermione muttered to herself, before returning to her book.

~*~

Hermione stepped out of the ornate fireplace, her magically-extended clutch in hand. Ginny followed closely behind her, the two stopping to admire the tastefully decorated ballroom of the old estate house.

The brunette witch glanced around, hoping to see the familiar red hair of her love bobbing above the crowd, but was unable to spot him. She glanced at the thin silver watch on her wrist, a gift from Ron when she graduated from Hogwarts.

Ginny thrust a flute of champagne into Hermione's hand. "Will you relax? They'll be here soon. You know they have their Friday evening briefing first. Harry told me they were going to shower and change at the Ministry, then come straight here."

"I'm just nervous, that's all," Hermione replied as she nodded hello to a member of the Wizengamot who passed by, before taking a gulp of the fizzy sweet drink.

"You look great! Ron is going to go mental when he sees you."

"Are you sure?" Hermione asked, referring to the outfit she'd purchased with Ginny's help before downing the rest of her glass.

The result of their shopping excursion was a shimmery silver cocktail dress that hugged her curves and stopped mid-thigh. The two thin straps holding up the garment revealed her uncovered back and shoulders. All of this was set off with a pair of black heels. Her normally bushy hair tumbled down in soft waves, aided by half-a-bottle of Sleekeazy's.

Ginny nodded. "Absolutely."

A slight murmur behind them signified the arrival of one Harry Potter, his presence causing the usual stir, even years after the end of the war. He shook a few hands as he made his way over to the two of them, kissing Ginny and giving a hug to his friend.

"Wow, you look great, Hermione! I heard all about the new outfit."

"Thank you, Harry." She glanced over his shoulders, searching. "Where's Ron?"

He chuckled. "He's on his way, should be here any second."

Hermione held her breath as she spotted ginger hair towering above the crowd. She put a hand in the air and waved him over.

Ron fought his way through the guests that were starting to amass, making a beeline in their direction. Just as he was about to reach them, Ginny winked at Hermione and jumped into his path, wrapping him up in a hug and drawing his attention.

"Happy birthday, Ron!"

He patted her on the back. "Thanks, Gin."

Before letting go of the embrace, she whispered. "The dress was my present."

"What dress?" he asked as she angled him toward Harry and Hermione.

Ron's jaw dropped as he took in the outfit Hermione was wearing. She blushed at his hungry gaze, as she herself gawked at how fit he looked in his suit.

"Hey, Ron."

Harry's greeting went completely unnoticed as Ron stepped forward, his eyes never leaving Hermione's. He pulled her against him, his hand splayed across the bare skin of her back.

"You look fucking hot," he growled into her ear, causing her to shiver.

She ran her own hand up and down the back of his dark suit jacket, relishing how solid he felt. "So do you."

He teased her ear, hidden by her hair. "We'd better get on with it. The sooner we're done mingling, the sooner we can get out of here and… celebrate my birthday."

She nodded as he pulled away, her face flush. As he turned to speak to Harry, another server passed by and she grabbed drinks for the two of them, needing to calm herself down. His reaction had far exceeded her expectations.

She caught Ginny's eye, the look on her face clearing stating I told you so. Hermione shrugged and grinned, before passing Ron his glass.

The night went on as they moved from dignitary to dignitary. Every so often, she'd catch him staring down at her, his desire clear. She didn't shy away though, challenging his gaze and communicating her own wants.

The teasing went on as they mingled, her hand reaching up to play with the red locks at the back of his neck. Hermione knew Ron loved it when she did that, causing him to give her a subtle squeeze as he laughed at the joke of some minister she wasn't familiar with.

His arm had been around her waist the whole time, almost possessively. As the minister turned away, she shuddered as he ran his hand up and down her side, his feather light touch just grazing the side of her breast.

"Want to dance?"

She nodded and downed her drink, dropping the empty glass on a nearby table before he led them out to the dance floor. She smoothly slid her small clutch into his jacket pocket, before wrapping her arms around his neck.

His strong arms encircled her waist, his thumb teasing patterns across her skin. "Have I told you how much I like it when you wear stuff like this?"

Hermione grinned. "No, you haven't told me, at least not with words."

Ron smiled, his hungry look returning as one of his hands dipped lower, brushing her backside as they turned in slow circles—ignoring the music but enjoying the game. He closed the distance and pressed a kiss to her lips, dragging his teeth across her bottom lip, leaving her aching for more.

He buried his face her neck, inhaling her scent before whispering in her ear. "Want to find somewhere quiet?"

The combination of his hot breath, his arms around her, and the loosening of her inhibitions from the alcohol brought on a sense of recklessness. They had been dancing around it all night. He wanted her, and she wanted him just as much.

"Yes."

They stole away from the crowded ballroom, their hands clasped together as need drove them to find some privacy. They checked a few doors in the massive estate until they found a small parlour. Ron whipped out his wand and fired off protections.

Their lips crashed together in a matter of seconds, frantic with the desire that had been building up all evening. Ron lifted her up, mimicking their first kiss, and walked her to the far end of the room. He set her down and turned her around, breaking their heated kiss. Pinning her against a wall with his firm body, he pushed aside her hair, his mouth finding that spot on the back of her neck that he knew so well.

"Oh, yes!"

He continued downward, kissing and tasting her naked back, causing her to gasp, her ragged breathing the loudest sound in the room.

"You look so fucking sexy in this," he said, before sliding his hand up her thigh and underneath her dress.

"Yes, touch me. I want to feel your hands on me."

His large hand palmed her between her legs, causing her to moan even louder. "Fuck, I love that sound."

"More," she cried out, grinding against his fingers. She loved the feeling of him taking control and pleasuring her.

His other hand snaked up to the front of her dress, reaching for her covered breast. Having his amazing attention in two different places was sending shockwaves to her core.

She mewled as he increased the pressure, his actions becoming rougher and more primal. She loved it but wanted to feel him. Wanted to feel what she did to him.

"Are you hard for me?"

"Check for yourself," he grunted, letting go of her and turning her to face him.

He kissed her hard, his hands cupping her face as she stroked his obvious arousal through his tailored suit pants. He moaned in her mouth from the contact. She in turn threw her head back as he trailed his lips to her cheek, then down to her neck, sucking and biting. They were ravenous for each other.

Her hand flew into his hair, jerking at the ginger strands as she pleaded for more. "Ron, please."

"Please what?"

"Please fuck me, quickly!" she begged, her words brazen in the elegant room. Her hand went to his zipper and tugged it down, before slipping into the opening and wanking him forcefully.

"Shit, Hermione."

"Now, Ron, please! Take me from behind!"

In one quick motion, he spun her around again and pulled roughly at her hips. He bunched the dress around her waist, exposing her delectable bum. The smack of his hand across her arse cheek echoed, leaving a pink mark on her flesh and causing Hermione to groan and push herself toward him in overheated desperation.

"Yes, more!"

He slapped her other cheek this time, eliciting another strangled groan. Her wanton reactions were too much for him as he yanked aside her soaked knickers and guided himself into her.

She moaned loudly as he entered, her cries shrill as he filled her completely.

"Yes, feels so good!"

His fingers dug into her hips as he thrust slowly at first, his grunts increasing in time with his efforts.

"Fucking take it, Hermione."

She called over her shoulder, her fingers clawing at the wall in ecstasy. "Harder, Ron! I've wanted this all night! Wanted you all night!"

He continued his pace, his groans mingling with her own. Half-leaning against the wall now, she found her most sensitive spot and began rubbing furious circles, urgently needing to get off.

"Love it when you play with your yourself," he panted as he thrust into her. "You gonna come on my cock as I fuck you?"

She nodded, his raw dirty words and relentless pounding spurring her on. Her lips were pressed into a thin firm line as she felt herself reaching her peak, crying out his name. That was enough to set him off as well, as he throbbed and spilled inside of her, burying his face in her hair as he fought to catch his breath.

She sagged against the wall, his delicious weight pressing against her as her chest heaved. After a moment, she turned to face him, seeking out his lips as they shared a lazy kiss, the taste of alcohol prevalent. They broke apart, and as they stared at each other, Hermione couldn't help but flash him a big smile.

"Enjoyed that, did you?" His deep voice rumbled.

"Mmmm, very much so. I take it you liked the dress."

He grinned. "I think that's an understatement."

They quickly cleaned themselves up and got their clothing straightened out. The effects of the champagne were still working on Hermione as she leered at him in his suit and licked her lips.

"Shall we finish our rounds and then go home? It might be your birthday, but I have one big candle to blow."

Ron laughed and shook his head. "Happy fucking birthday to me."

[lfcology]

you’ll float too | fred weasley

summary: another part of the phobia series. FRED LIVES AU! two years after the war, victoire weasley is turning 1 year old! hermione plans the party with muggle surprises including a clown -- something you’ve had a crippling fear of since you were a child. fred is a bit insecure.

pairing: Fem!Reader x Fred.

word count: 1.7k

warnings: None besides the fear of the clowns.

*

When the war was over, and all the rubble was gone, everyone in the Wizarding World did their best to return to any sense of normality they could. For Hermione and Ron that meant finally exploring a relationship together. For Fred and George, it meant opening up the shop again. Bill and Fleur however had arguably the most exciting change of all.

A year after so many lives were lost, little Victoire Weasley was brought into the world. Molly and Arthur made it their goal to spoil the first Weasley grandchild like no other and all of the siblings were enamoured by the tiny angel. Her hair was a gorgeous blonde that matched her mother’s, but her eyes held the Weasley mischief inherited from her father.

Charlie made it a point to move closer after the war and being away for so long and Percy made sure to stop by every Sunday after he made amends (Molly welcomed her boy back with open arms). Fred was one of the only constants in your life over the years so when he asked for you to move into the flat above the shop with him and George, it was a no brainer. Family time was at an all-time high for the Weasleys so with Victoire's first birthday approaching it was going to be a monumental celebration.

Hermione suggested she plan the party so Bill and Fleur could finally have some much-needed rest (for once). As expected, she was an excellent party planner. Everything was mapped out but the most exciting part for her was her plan to incorporate some muggle traditions into the party. With the Weasleys having never experienced muggle treats like blowing out candles, pinãtas, or (your least favourite) clowns. You were over the moon to be part of this special day, however, when she mentioned bringing a clown you knew you couldn't go. Without thinking, you made up a quick apology as to why you couldn't attend –  something about needing to work, covering a shift for someone on short notice.

Being muggle-born meant you were exposed to clowns at a fairly young age through carnivals, parades and parties. You were never overly fond of them, always finding them quite strange but when a friend of yours suggested you read Stephen Kings It, you despised them. They scared you in a way you could barely put into words. From their laughs to their makeup and wigs, it made your skin crawl. As much as you hated them, however, you knew how excited everyone else was to have this muggle experience: Fred and George specifically.

Once Hermione had explained to them that the whole purpose was to tell jokes and make people laugh, the twins were hooked. Much to your dismay, this meant they didn't stop talking about it around the flat and both had quite the pouts when you said you couldn't go (they were almost convincing enough to make you change your mind).

"You've never worked a Saturday until now," Fred said as he crossed his arms. "Can't someone else cover? Why does it have to be you?"

You sighed from your spot in the bath. You'd set up a lovely spa evening for yourself as Fred was supposed to be working late like he did every Friday. However, 10 minutes into your bubble bath and champagne time, he was home and questioning you. You two had been dating for 2 years and friends for even longer so it wasn't hard for him to tell you were hiding something.

"It's a scheduling mistake I made." You shrugged. "It's too late to get someone to cover."

His only reply was a not so intimidating scowl. Which made you sigh and sit up from the tub a bit more (the bubbles hiding all the important stuff). "Everyone else will be there Freddie, it'll be okay." Fred sat on the closed toilet seat and undid his tie from around his neck. He was tired from a busy work week and didn't feel like arguing with you but he wanted answers.

"Georgie and I are closing the shop for it.... 'Mione is getting time off from the Ministry too. Even Harry ended an Auror mission early!" You rubbed your temples and sighed: if there was one thing about Fred Weasley, it was that he was stubborn as hell. What you didn't expect however, was what he said next.

"Listen, George thinks it's something else but you're hiding something and avoiding me and-" He sighed looking away from you as his shoulders sagged. "Are you cheating on me?"

You stared at him with your mouth agape. Did he have so little faith in you?  You needed to make sure he knew the truth ASAP – you never meant your white lie to lead to this. "I never meant to-" You began.

"Who is it?" He asked, jaw clenching.

"Fred-" You said getting up and wrapping yourself in a towel. "I would-" He tried to cut you off again but you'd had enough of him pointing fingers. "I'm scared of clowns!" You all but shouted at him.

He was confused, to say the least.

"What?"

"I'm scared of clowns." You repeated more firmly as you walked closer to him. He was still quite speechless, to be honest, he'd prepared himself for the worst after all. Fred, despite many thinking he was incredibly carefree, overthought absolutely everything. George tried to be a voice of reason and calm him down but once the idea of you hiding something from him entered his mind –  it spiralled.

"Freddie, I would never ever cheat on you. You're the only one I'll ever want." You reassured as you stroked his shoulders. He sat up straight and looked up at you from where you stood between his legs. "I knew you and Georgie were excited about the clown coming so I didn't want to ruin the mood and mention that they scared me." You said softly.

His hands found their way to your hips and he ducked his head in embarrassment. "I-I'm sorry... I didn't mean to assume the worst but you know how I can be sometimes." He chuckled sheepishly. "You wouldn't have ruined the fun love, I'm sure if we mention it to Hermione she can cancel the clown."

"No!" You interjected. "Victoire will probably love it and I don't plan on ruining even more peoples fun..."

"Victoire also loves you," Fred reassured and squeezed your hips gently. "And she may not remember her first birthday but I'm sure she'd rather see you in the photos than a grown man dressed up in a silly costume."

You leaned down and kissed his softly feeling relieved for the first time in a while – he always had a way with words. "Why don't we change into some PJs then talk about why you're scared of them?"

Fred, having so many siblings, was extremely good when it came to being open and communicating one's fears and dreams. The pair of you got into comfier clothes (you donned in one of his old quidditch sweaters for an extra sense of comfort when discussing such a daunting subject). Once you two were settled on the double bed you shared, you reached under and pulled out a worn down box. Inside you found a few knickknacks that never found a place when you moved in with Fred and a tattered copy of It. Despite being the bane of your existence it looked well-loved from being lent out to friends, cried on and thrown around over the years.

"This is It." You said laying the book in your lap. Fred quirked his eyebrow in confusion and took the book as you explained more. "When I was younger, my friend suggested I read this. It's about an evil killer clown named Pennywise."

Fred nodded along and read the description on the back of the book. His brows furrowed in concentration as he looked through the worn-out pages.

"This does seem rather frightening." He said after you looked at him expectantly. "Especially if you read this as a kid!" You nodded and felt relief wash over you when he didn't laugh or make fun. You'd always thought it was a stupid fear to have – something that was meant to bring joy to people ended up terrifying you.

"What really got me was the film." You began. "There's a muggle adaptation and seeing the clown made it so much more real." You shivered as you explained.

"I reckon I could take him." He said puffing his chest out proudly. It wasn't what you expected him to say but when has Fred Weasley ever been one that someone can easily read? Your hand came up to your mouth and you stifled a giggle.

"In what way?" You teased.

"Well, in terms of comedy I've got him beat hands down! Eating kids isn't funny so I reckon he's a terrible clown." He replied not quite understanding that you were egging him on. He was more focused on proving his superiority over Pennywise. "And phyically! I'm 6'4" and even though I don't play Quidditch as regularly anymore I don't doubt I'm still more fit than some old cannibal git."

You couldn't hold back your booming chuckles anymore and leaned back in bed laughing as he stood up. "I'll give him the one-two Weasley special!" He continued as he adjusted his PJs more comfortably. The contagious smile on your face was enough to tell him that his plan was working.

"He'd try to-" He took a bite of the air as if Pennywise was biting at him. "And I'd-" He followed up with a swing of his arm and a kick of his leg.

"My hero..." You said climbing off the bed and hugging him around his middle. He gave you a dimply smile and pressed his lips to yours quickly. "'M the only clown allowed in your life. I promise to fight off all the others."

"You have got the red hair and pale skin after all." You chuckled poking him in the side.

"Don't act like you wouldn't let me bite you." He replied cheekily.

By the time the next day came you felt much more at ease with Fred knowing how you felt. The icing on the cake was that the clown wasn't funny at all. Fred and George stepped in to do their own show after the comedy flop and the finale was Fred challenging the other clown to a brawl before sending a wink your way. Victoire had the time of her life and unanimously everyone agreed that the twins were a much more fitting form of entertainment.

Maybe clowns aren’t so bad after all.

[kookie-doughs]

Y/N L/N AND THE HALFBLOODS

Percy Jackson X Reader

-Y/N L/N met Percy Jackson and everything was now ruined.

CHAPTER 6: WE HAVE BATHROOM INCIDENT

We passed the volleyball pit. Several of the campers nudged each other. One pointed to the minotaur horn Percy was carrying. Another said, "That's him."

Anxious if all the attention, I scooted closer to Percy holding onto his arm. Most of the campers were older than us. Their satyr friends were bigger than Grover, all of them trotting around in orange CAMP HALF-BLOOD T-shirts, with nothing else to cover their bare shaggy hindquarters. The way they stared at me made me uncomfortable. Though I am aware the attention was on Percy. I still felt like they were expecting me to do a flip or something.

I looked back at the farmhouse. It was a lot bigger than I'd realized—four stories tall, sky blue with white trim, like an upscale seaside resort. I was checking out the brass eagle weather vane on top when something caught my eye, a shadow in the uppermost window of the attic gable. Something had moved the curtain, just for a second, and I got the distinct impression I was being watched.

"What's up there?" Percy asked Chiron.

He looked where I was pointing, and his smile faded. "Just the attic."

"Somebody lives there?"

"No," he said with finality. "Not a single living thing."

I got the feeling he was being truthful. But I was also sure something had moved that curtain.

"Come along, you two," Chiron said, his lighthearted tone now a little forced. "Lots to see."

We walked through the strawberry fields, where campers were picking bushels of berries while a satyr played a tune on a reed pipe.. . . . . . . . . .

Chiron told me the camp grew a nice crop for export to New York restaurants and Mount Olympus. "It pays our expenses," he explained. "And the strawberries take almost no effort."

He said Mr. D had this effect on fruit-bearing plants: they just went crazy when he was around. It worked best with wine grapes, but Mr. D was restricted from growing those, so they grew strawberries instead.

I watched the satyr playing his pipe. His music was causing lines of bugs to leave the strawberry patch in every direction, like refugees fleeing a fire. I wondered if Grover could work that kind of magic with music. I wondered if he was still inside the farmhouse, getting chewed out by Mr. D.

"Grover won't get in too much trouble, will he?" I asked Chiron.

"Yeah, I mean... he was a good protector. Really." Percy added.

Chiron sighed. He shed his tweed jacket and draped it over his horses back like a saddle. "Grover has big dreams, Percy. Perhaps bigger than are reasonable. To reach his goal, he must first demonstrate great courage by succeeding as a keeper, finding a new camper and bringing him safely to Half-Blood Hill."

"But he did that! He brought two!"

"I might agree with you," Chiron said. "But it is not my place to judge. Dionysus and the Council of Cloven Elders must decide. I'm afraid they might not see this assignment as a success. After all, Grover lost you in New York. Then there's the unfortunate... ah... fate of your mother and Y/N's parents. And the fact that Grover was unconscious when you two dragged him over the property line. The council might question whether this shows any courage on Grover's part."

"He'll get a second chance, won't he?"

Chiron winced. "I'm afraid that was Grover's second chance, Percy. The council was not anxious to give him another, either, after what happened the first time, five years ago. Olympus knows, I advised him to wait longer before trying again. He's still so small for his age... ."

"How old is he?"

"Oh, twenty-eight."

"What! And he's in sixth grade?"

"Satyrs mature half as fast as humans, Percy. Grover has been the equivalent of a middle school student for the past six years."

"That's horrible."

"Quite," Chiron agreed. "At any rate, Grover is a late bloomer, even by satyr standards, and not yet very accomplished at woodland magic. Alas, he was anxious to pursue his dream. Perhaps now he will find some other career... ."

"That's not fair," I said. "What happened the first time? Was it really so bad?"

Chiron looked away quickly. "Let's move along, shall we?"

But I wasn't quite ready to let the subject drop. Something had occurred to me when Chiron talked about Percy's and I's parents' fate, as if he were intentionally avoiding the word death.

"Chiron," Percy said. "If the gods and Olympus and all that are real..."

"Yes, child?"

"Does that mean the Underworld is real, too?"

Chiron's expression darkened.

"Yes, child." He paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "There is a place where spirits go after death. But for now... until we know more... I would urge you to put that out of your mind."

"What do you mean, 'until we know more'?"

"Come, Percy. Let's see the woods.". . ..

As we got closer, I realized how huge the forest was. It took up at least a quarter of the valley, with trees so tall and thick, you could imagine nobody had been in there since the Native Americans.

Chiron said, "The woods are stocked, if you care to try your luck, but go armed."

"Stocked with what?" Percy asked. "Armed with what?"

"You'll see. Capture the flag is Friday night. Do you have your own sword and shield?"

"My own—?"

"No," Chiron said. "I don't suppose either of you do. I think a size five will do you both. I'll visit the armory later."

I wanted to ask what kind of summer camp had an armory, but there was too much else to think about, so the tour continued. We saw the archery range, the canoeing lake, the stables (which Chiron didn't seem to like very much), the javelin range, the sing-along amphitheater, and the arena where Chiron said they held sword and spear fights.

"Sword and spear fights?" I asked.

"Cabin challenges and all that," he explained. "Not lethal. Usually. Oh, yes, and there's the mess hall."

Chiron pointed to an outdoor pavilion framed in white Grecian columns on a hill overlooking the sea. There were a dozen stone picnic tables. No roof. No walls.

"What do you do when it rains?" Percy asked.

Chiron looked at me as if I'd gone a little weird. "We still have to eat, don't we?"

Finally, he showed me the cabins. There were twelve of them, nestled in the woods by the lake. They were arranged in a U, with two at the base and five in a row on either side. And they were without doubt the most bizarre collection of buildings I'd ever seen.

Except for the fact that each had a large brass number above the door (odds on the left side, evens on the right), they looked absolutely nothing alike. Number nine had smokestacks, like a tiny factory. Number four had tomato vines on the walls and a roof made out of real grass. Seven seemed to be made of solid gold, which gleamed so much in the sunlight it was almost impossible to look at. They all faced a commons area about the size of a soccer field, dotted with Greek statues, fountains, flower beds, and a couple of basketball hoops (which were more my speed).

In the center of the field was a huge stone-lined firepit. Even though it was a warm afternoon, the hearth smoldered. A girl about nine years old was tending the flames, poking the coals with a stick.

The pair of cabins at the head of the field, numbers one and two, looked like his-and-hers mausoleums, big white marble boxes with heavy columns in front. Cabin one was the biggest and bulkiest of the twelve. Its polished bronze doors shimmered like a hologram, so that from different angles lightning bolts seemed to streak across them. Cabin two was more graceful somehow, with slimmer columns garlanded with pomegranates and flowers. The walls were carved with images of peacocks.

"Zeus and Hera?" I guessed.

"Correct," Chiron said.

"Their cabins look empty."

"Several of the cabins are. That's true. No one ever stays in one or two."

Okay. So each cabin had a different god, like a mascot. Twelve cabins for the twelve Olympians. But why would some be empty?

I stopped when Percy stopped.

"Percy?"

He stood in front of the first cabin on the left, cabin three.

It wasn't high and mighty like cabin one, but long and low and solid. The outer walls were of rough gray stone studded with pieces of seashell and coral, as if the slabs had been hewn straight from the bottom of the ocean floor.

I held his hand and we got closer to the cabin. We peeked inside the open doorway and Chiron said, "Oh, I wouldn't do that!"

Before he could pull us back, I caught a glimpse of the interior walls glowed like abalone. There were six empty bunk beds with silk sheets turned down. But there was no sign anyone had ever slept there. "Come along, you two."

Most of the other cabins were crowded with campers.

Number five was bright red—a real nasty paint job, as if the color had been splashed on with buckets and fists. The roof was lined with barbed wire. A stuffed wild boar's head hung over the doorway, and its eyes seemed to follow me. Inside I could see a bunch of mean-looking kids, both girls and boys, arm wrestling and arguing with each other while rock music blared. The loudest was a girl maybe thirteen or fourteen. She wore a size XXXL CAMP HALF-BLOOD T-shirt under a camouflage jacket. She zeroed in on me and gave me an evil sneer. She reminded me of Nancy Bobofit, though the camper girl was much bigger and tougher looking, and her hair was long and stringy, and brown instead of red.

I kept walking, trying to stay as close as I could to Percy. "We haven't seen any other centaurs," Percy observed.

"No," said Chiron sadly. "My kinsmen are a wild and barbaric folk, I'm afraid. You might encounter them in the wilderness, or at major sporting events. But you won't see any here."

"You said your name was Chiron. Are you really..."

He smiled down at me. "The Chiron from the stories? Trainer of Hercules and all that? Yes, Percy, I am."

"But, shouldn't you be dead?"

Chiron paused, as if the question intrigued him. "I honestly don't know about should be. The truth is, I can't be dead. You see, eons ago the gods granted my wish. I could continue the work I loved. I could be a teacher of heroes as long as humanity needed me. I gained much from that wish... and I gave up much. But I'm still here, so I can only assume I'm still needed."

I thought about being a teacher for three thousand years. It wouldn't have made my Top Ten Things to Wish For list.

"Doesn't it ever get boring?"

"No, no," he said. "Horribly depressing, at times, but never boring."

"Why depressing?"

Chiron seemed to turn hard of hearing again.

"Oh, look," he said. "Annabeth is waiting for us."

* * *

The blond girl I'd met at the Big House was reading a book in front of the last cabin on the left, number eleven.

When we reached her, she looked us critically.

I tried to see what she was reading, but I couldn't make out the title. I thought my dyslexia was acting up. Then I realized the title wasn't even English. The letters looked Greek to me. I mean, literally Greek. There were pictures of temples and statues and different kinds of columns, like those in an architecture book.

"Annabeth," Chiron said, "I have masters' archery class at noon. Would you take Percy and Y/N from here?"

"Yes, sir."

"Cabin eleven," Chiron told me, gesturing toward the doorway. "Make yourself at home."

Out of all the cabins, eleven looked the most like a regular old summer camp cabin, with the emphasis on old. The threshold was worn down, the brown paint peeling. Over the doorway was one of those doctor's symbols, a winged pole with two snakes wrapped around it. What did they call it... ? A caduceus.

Inside, it was packed with people, both boys and girls, way more than the number of bunk beds. Sleeping bags were spread all over on the floor. It looked like a gym where the Red Cross had set up an evacuation center.

Chiron didn't go in. The door was too low for him. But when the campers saw him they all stood and bowed respectfully.

"Well, then," Chiron said. "Good luck, Percy, Y/N. I'll see you at dinner."

He galloped away toward the archery range.

I stood in the doorway, looking at the kids. They weren't bowing anymore. They were staring at us. I knew this routine. I'd gone through it at enough schools.

"Well?" Annabeth prompted. "Go on."

So naturally Percy tripped coming in the door and made a total fool of himself, almost taking me with him but I had let go of him as he fell. There were some snickers from the campers, but none of them said anything.

Annabeth announced, "Percy Jackson, Y/N L/N, meet cabin eleven."

"Regular or undetermined?" somebody familiar asked.

I didn't know what to say, but Annabeth said, "Undetermined."

Everybody groaned.

"Now, now, campers. That's what we're here for. Welcome, Percy and Y/N. You can have that spot on the floor, right over there. Y/N can have the bed over there."

"Luke." I smiled. He replied with a grin and ruffled my hair.

"Uh?"

"This is Luke," Annabeth said, and her voice sounded different somehow. I glanced over and could've sworn she was blushing. She saw me looking, and her expression hardened again. "He's your counselor for now."

"For now?" Percy asked.

"You're undetermined," Luke explained patiently. "They don't know what cabin to put you in, so you're here. Cabin eleven takes all newcomers, all visitors. Naturally, we would. Hermes, our patron, is the god of travelers."

I looked at the tiny section of floor they'd given Percy. He was a few spots away from mine.

I looked around at the campers' faces, some sullen and suspicious, some grinning stupidly, some eyeing me as if they were waiting for a chance to pick my pockets.

"How long will we be here?" Percy asked.

"Good question," Luke said. "Until you're determined."

"How long will that take?"

The campers all laughed.

"Come on," Annabeth told us. "I'll show you the volleyball court."

"I've already seen it."

"Come on." She grabbed Percy's wrist and dragged him outside. Percy took my hand to come with him, I could hear the kids of cabin eleven laughing behind us.

"See you at dinner." Luke waved.

When we were a few feet away, Annabeth said, "Jackson, you have to do better than that."

"What?"

She rolled her eyes and mumbled under her breath, "I can't believe I thought you were the one. Maybe it was Y/N."

"What's your problem?" Percy was getting angry now. "All I know is, I kill some bull guy—"

I gripped his shoulder trying to calm him.

"Don't talk like that!" Annabeth told me. "You know how many kids at this camp wish they'd had your chance?"

"To get killed?"

Previous | Masterlist | Next

Hahah typo and originality go brrr

Taglist?

@gayer-than-the-gayest-gay @the-natureofme @booknerd-3000

[altoinkblots]

To celebrate fic back Friday, here are some of my favorite fics that I’ve read within the last year in no particular order. This got really long, so the fics are under the cut

sew my lips closed (i’ll tear your heart) by The-Immortal-Moon (LunaKat)--a fluffy, funny fic where Ed comes out as bi to Winry while drunk off of his ass and it makes me laugh every time I read it. Go read it.

The House That Ed Built by ArtemisRae--Ed builds Winry a house while leading up to their wedding. It’s filled with fluff, healing, and there’s a pretty nice house at the end.

Galeotto was the book by luffywhatelse--a wonderful slice-of-life into Ed and Winry’s friendship as little kids. It actually reminds me of a friendship that I had when I was around their age, and it’s a good feel-good fic

Names (or Scar’s Worst Nightmare) (or, No, you can’t die for someone platonically) by GuestPlease--I have read this no less than five times and each time I read it I end up in peals of laughter. Royai wedding, Edwin shenanigans (mostly Ed’s fault), Mei and Scar, Scar and Miles, Scar and everyone. The ending is super sweet as well.

A Little Pinch by @wrongnote--I would be remiss if I left out one of my favorite Edwin fics. It’s an excellent insight into Ed and Winry’s character with an interesting twist on a soulmate au and how everything pans out is *chef’s kiss*

your dust from mine by @mithrilwren​--Teahaw was wonderful while it lasted (aroace Cad for the win tho), and this is a fairy tale au which is something that I don’t see too often. A friend and I actually read this at the same time, and we’d scream/text each other whenever it updated and our thoughts on the latest chapter. There is so much I could say, this one is definitely amazing.

Serendipity by wrongnote--Again, another favorite. I absolutely love the ambiguity of this one and that it leaves a lot of unanswered questions, but it’s written in such a way that the characters truly shine.

A Sanctuary, Safe and Strong by hufflepirate--PARENTAL. GROG.

Uneasy Lies the Chosen of Farore by @drsteggy--this one explores a reincarnation where Link is in his 40s and where pulling the Master Sword is a complete accident. I read this in about a day, and it’s just so real and relatable and good.

Breathe by @quirkle2--I’m just going to copy some of the tags here because they’re so good: i wrote this as sort of a challenge, to see if i could write an entire oneshot about Link being guilty, without ever using the word “guilt” once

Vanilla, Soft Touches, and Thick Blankets by hiya_zelda(hiya_girlie)--easily one of my favorite fics. The imagery is spot-on and it’s pure, shameless fluff, and I’ve read this multiple times.

Narcolepsy by Salt00--A Linked Universe fic that explores Sky’s (oft headcanoned) narcolepsy, written by someone who actually has it. This was a phenomenal read and Sky’s emotions and how he expresses them in the fic are wonderful.

Orenda by DaydreamingDuma--a Vox Machina post-campaign where the gods of Exandria talk to Grog, Keyleth, and Percy about their souls and the afterlife. I love this fic so much, I think I talked about it for an hour straight to a friend of mine as it was still updating because the themes and the conversations are so good... and the god who gets Percy was surprising, but almost expected at the same time. A happy ending, obviously. They deserve it.

[maddalynhatter]

One mothers day, everyone was off visiting family, or seeing their *gasp* mothers. Nico was pretty lonley, so he said screw it and went to go find Leo in bunker 9. Leo was a bit shocked, but he was chill with it. Nico asked why Leo wasn't visiting his mom, and Leo told him the story. In return, Nico told him his. They started to get along. Over the course of the winter they became pretty close friends. Everyone thought Leo was in his Bunker, and Nico was doin' somethin' satanic.

Over Christmas, Piper came down and went to go find Leo. She came to bunker 9 to find Nico and Leo talking and laughing while Leo finished his first monster-proof phone. "Uhm, hey? You two busy?" She slightly laughed. Nico turns around on one of the boxes in the corner and goes "Not at all, wanna join us?" And they have the best time. By the end of her visit, these three were inseparable. They had inside jokes and everything. Piper visited over her spring break as well.

~

The year rounders were just doing their routine. Just a normal Friday afternoon, when a nymph comes stomping out of the forest and screams, "Somebody better come get these damn demigods out of MY forest or I swear to the gods!" Of course, Annabeth and Percy (whom of which came to visit for the week) go into the woods to find out what's going on. Once they got deep enough into the woods, they start to make out a huge circle of creatures.

There was a few monsters, multiple skeletons (from all eras) and quite a few nymphs, all doing the Hokey Pokey with- "I-is that.. Piper and Leo?"

"Holy hera.. it is.. wait- NICO?!" The group continues dancing, with no acknowledgement of the couple watching them. At the end of the song, Nico sees them. "Oh, hey! We were 'bout to do the macareyna, wanna join?" He asked, the smile on his faces stretches. Percy looks at Annabeth, then at Nico and responds with "Our Nico's back." By dinner, the five demigods have almost exited the forest. They continue laughing at whatever happend, when Piper challenges Nico to a MythoMagic duel after the fire. The campers are all pretty confused, but they go with it. After a while, they start to see that Nico Di Angelo isnt as scary. He's just like the rest of them.

[captainsophiestark]

The Best-Laid Plans

Platonic!Annabeth Chase x Reader

Masterlist - Join My Taglist!

Written for my personal fic writing challenge for 2024, Sophie's Year of Fic! Featuring a new fic being posted every Friday, all year long :)

Fandom: Percy Jackson

Summary: Annabeth's best friend and older sibling figure since she ran away at seven helps her execute the perfect birthday surprise for Percy in their first year at college.

Word Count: 1,306

Category: Fluff, Humor

A/N: To those new to the fandom from the tv show, weclome! This fic has hella spoilers for future books, so be warned

Putting work into an AI program without permission is illegal. You do not have my permission. Do not do it.

"I just want to do something special for him. It's his first birthday away from home, and I can tell it's bothering him."

I hummed, twirling my dagger and staring at the ceiling while kicked back on my couch. Such was the life of a demigod, that we fiddled with weapons like fidget toys.

"And there's no way you guys can go back?" I finally asked. Annabeth, my little sister in every way but blood, shook her head.

"We've got orientation for the next week and a half, including his birthday. It's the only reason we're here so early in the first place. We can't miss it."

I frowned. Annabeth and her boyfriend, Percy Jackson, had just started college at New Rome University. They'd gotten to the Bay Area yesterday, which I'd been incredibly excited about. Annabeth and I had been attached at the hip since I was eleven and she was seven, when we'd met as runaway demigods. Out of our little group, Annabeth and I had stayed the closest. After the Titan War, I'd decided to go USF, the muggle university in San Francisco. Leaving her had been the hardest part.

Now, luckily for me, she and Percy had moved out here too. Annabeth had finished unpacking and setting up her dorm room within a few hours of arrival, and so had some free time this morning to spend hanging out with me. Percy had not, so he was otherwise occupied on their last day before school activities started.

"Well, I'm happy to help with whatever you want to do, Annabeth," I said. She sighed, chewing at her lip and staring out the window of my apartment as she thought. "Maybe you could show him around the Bay Area? He probably hasn't spent much time out here, has he?"

"I really haven't either," she said. "I've barely been back since I was a kid."

"True..."

"Maybe we could go on a tour of New Rome? Percy told me he wanted to show me around, but I don't want to make him be the tour guide for his birthday."

"Yeah."

The two of us fell silent for a moment, thinking things through. Then, like a blast of lightning from Thalia, an idea hit me.

"What if you baked him some cookies or something? He's probably already missing his mom's baking."

Annabeth shot up straight in her seat, staring at me with wide eyes.

"That is the perfect idea. Can I make them here?"

"Of course! I'm not going to make you use the shared freshman kitchens."

Annabeth grinned, then stood and headed to the kitchen table. I watched her go with interest as she pulled out a notebook and pen and started scribbling away.

"Uh... Annabeth?"

"Making a plan. Don't worry about it."

I grinned to myself. My little sister was nothing if not predictable.

A few days later, Annabeth managed to sneak away from Percy and orientation to come back to my place for a baking party. Percy's birthday was tomorrow, so we only had tonight to get everything ready.

"I came up with the perfect plan," she said in lieu of greeting as she pushed past me and into the apartment. I smiled after her, joining her in the kitchen as she plopped down a massive bag of baking supplies. "I got the recipe, I timed everything out, I got a ton of blue food coloring. By the end of the day, the perfect birthday surprise will be completed."

"I'd never doubt a plan from Athena," I said, giving her a smile. "Just tell me what to do, and I'm on it."

"Right. Well, first we need to preheat the oven."

That was about the only part of the plan that ended up going off without a hitch. Annabeth didn't bake often, and she'd happened to choose a pretty difficult cookie recipe. I did my best to help, but I didn't have a lot of experience in the area either, so things went quickly off the rails. Just under two hours later, the two of us stood in the kitchen covered in flower, eggs, and bits of way too watery dough, staring at the absolute disaster of a mess we'd created on the counter.

"This was not part of the plan," she said. I couldn't help it—I burst out laughing.

"I don't know, I think sugar cookies are supposed to be so wet we can't pick them up," I joked. I turned to see Annabeth with a very serious frown on her face.

"I haven't had a plan fail this miserably in... a long time."

"Well, I think it's probably time for plan B. That can be your redemption."

Annabeth's frown just deepened, so I did what any good sibling would do and took it upon myself to cheer her up. By throwing a wad of dough in her face, of course.

Her mouth dropped open in shock as sugary, goopy dough dripped off her chin. Then she whirled on me with a fierce look and fire in her eyes that I recognized from the few times she'd really been on the warpath for capture the flag.

"That was a mistake."

She picked up the nearest glob of dough and chucked it at me as I tried to dodge. It hit me in the back with a thunk, and I cackled before turning around to reengage with a clump of flour.

The baking battle raged for a few fierce minutes, before Annabeth and I slipped in some dough on the floor while wrestling to smear more of the stuff on each others' heads. We collapsed in a heap, both of us laughing like crazy people.

"That was so worth everything that came before it," I declared, slumping against the nearest kitchen cabinet. Annabeth immediately followed suit, leaving us shoulder to shoulder in the middle of the mess.

"What about the cleanup that comes after?"

"Also worth it, especially since I have you here to help me."

Annabeth snorted, but didn't say anything. After a minute of comfortable silence, she sighed.

"What am I gonna do for Percy's birthday tomorrow?"

"Well, were the cookies the only plan?"

"No... He took me to one of his favorite spots in the city a few days ago, so I planned a picnic for the two of us there. The cookies were going to be the final surprise."

"Well, there you go then. The rest of the plan remains intact. If you wanted to, you could even make him a little coupon or something that promises 'one day of baking cookies' or something like that, and the two of you can pick an easier but still delicious recipe to try."

Annabeth looked at me with a skeptical eyebrow raised.

"Would you let us use your kitchen again?"

I shrugged. "Sure. Maybe Percy's better at baking than us. And even if he's not, having someone who can control water to help us with cleanup will at least make a round two of this easier."

Annabeth smiled and huffed a laugh, leaning against me.

"Thanks. For this, and for everything. I'm really glad you're here in San Francisco with us."

I smiled too, reaching out to put one arm around Annabeth. We'd known each other more than a decade, and we'd both changed so much. But our relationship had stayed the same.

"Any time, Annabeth. You know I'm always here for you." The two of us sat there for a minute, taking a breather and appreciating each other's company, and then I sighed. "Alright, time to get the cleaning stuff out. This is going to take hours."

"You know, I actually have a lot of coursework I need to get started on-"

"Nice try, but it's orientation. And even if you were in the middle of finals, you wouldn't be getting out of this."

"Fine. But next time, let's plan to avoid the massive kitchen food fight."

I grinned. "Sure. We can plan on that."

****************

Everything Taglist: @rosecentury @kmc1989

Riordanverse: @valkyriepirate

[my-random-ocs]

Rise Up Prologue

Pairing: Stiles Stlinski x OC (eventual)

Warnings: Swirlies, water, mentions of death

Author’s Note: Hi, everyone! I am really excited about this. Honestly, I woke up one day and was like, what if I made a Teen Wolf PJO crossover? So, of course I had to make one. Zia already existed in the Teen Wolf universe, but I also made her exist in the PJO stories. This will cover Battle of the Labyrinth through the Heroes of Olympus, as well as seasons 3-6 of Teen Wolf. Her love interest is Stiles, which will happen eventually. Hope you enjoy!

|| Masterlist || Next >>>

“Hey,” I greeted, walking over to Annabeth, who was sitting by the door of the Hermes cabin, reading a book.

“Hey,” Annabeth repeated, looking up from her book.

“So, the drooling boy is on his way?” I asked, sitting next to her.

She sent me a look. “You’re never going to let me live that down, are you?”

“Nope,” I said cheerfully.

She groaned. Out of the corner of my eye, I spot Chiron leading Percy Jackson over to us, and nudge Annabeth, causing her to follow my gaze. We stood up to greet them.

“Annabeth, Zia,” Chiron said. “I have masters’ archery class at noon. Would you two take Percy from here?”

Annabeth and I nodded. “Yes, sir,” Annabeth said.

“You got it,” I added.

“Cabin eleven,” Chiron told Percy, nodding toward the building. “Make yourself at home.”

With that, he left, and Percy turned to Annabeth and I, looking nervous.

“Hi,” I smiled, sticking my hand out. “Zia Banerjee.”

“Percy Jackson,” he said, shaking my hand.

“Come on, you two,” Annabeth said, waving us inside.

I stepped right inside. Percy tripped on the way in, causing some kids to snicker.

“Percy Jackson, meet cabin eleven,” Annabeth announced.

“Regular or undetermined?” A voice asked. I recognized it as Connor Stoll.

“Undetermined,” Annabeth answered, and everyone groaned.

“Now, now, campers. That’s what we’re here for.” Luke Castellan, cabin counselor and my sister’s boyfriend, stepped through the crowd. Nisha herself was right behind him. I gave my sister a little wave, and grinned, winking at me. Luke smiled at Percy. “Welcome, Percy. You can have that spot on the floor, right over there.”

“This is Luke,” Annabeth introduced. She had a slight blush. “He’s your counselor for now.”

“For now?” Percy asked.

“You’re undetermined,” Luke elaborated patiently. “They don’t know which cabin to put you in, so you’re here. Cabin eleven takes all newcomers, all visitors. Naturally, we would. Hermes, our patron, is the god of travelers.”

“And this is my sister, Nisha,” I said, gesturing to her.

“And our mom!” Another voice called out. Travis Stoll’s this time. Everyone giggled.

Percy looked confused at that, but asked instead, “How long will I be here?”

“Until you’re determined,” Nisha said.

“How long will that take?”

Most of the cabin laughed.

“We don’t know yet,” I said, and nodded toward the door. “Come on, Annabeth and I will keep giving you a tour.”

I heard Nisha quieting the kids’ laughter as the door shut behind us.

As we moved away from the cabin, Percy turned to look at me. “So you and that girl are…”

“Nisha,” I answered. “We’re full siblings. Pretty much raised me. She’s dating Luke.”

“Did you have a mom or a dad?” Percy asked.

Annabeth was quick to glare at him, but I didn’t mind the question.

“Our mom is Aphrodite,” I said cheerfully. “The gods aren’t really around enough to raise their kids. Our dad… he died two years ago. Monster attack. It’s how we got to camp.”

“I’m sorry,” Percy said softly, and I knew he was thinking about his mom. “Someone called her ‘Mom’. Is she his mom?”

I laughed, shaking my head. “That was one of the Stoll brothers. Nisha is not his mother. Nisha is nineteen, and older than most campers. She’s sort of a mix between mom and older sister for a lot of the younger campers. Since she’s the oldest Aphrodite kid at camp, she’s our senior counselor. Cabin ten, over there.” I pointed to a pink cabin a few feet away.

Percy nodded in understanding. “Are you from Long Island?”

I shook my head again. “Beacon Hills, California, but I live here full time. Most campers go back to their mortal families for the school year, but there are some, like Nisha and I, that stay year-round. We’re… homeschooled here, I guess you can say.”

“Do you miss it?” Percy asked.

I nodded, feeling sad then. “Yeah. I do. I loved it there- it was home. I had friends, did well in school, despite the learning stuff. I even skipped second grade. I think about going back all the time.” I started to finger my camp necklace, with the locket charm that held pictures that were special to me.

Percy opened his mouth to respond, but Annabeth noticed the look on my face, and said suddenly, “Let’s go see the volleyball courts.” She grabbed his arm and dragged him along with her, leaving me to follow.

“But I’ve already seen them,” Percy protested.

“Jackson, you have to do better than that,” Annabeth said.

“What?”

“I can’t believe I thought you were the one,” Annabeth muttered, and I rolled my eyes.

“Oh, don’t be dramatic,” I said.

“What’s your problem?” Percy demanded. “All I know is, I kill some bull guy-”

“Don’t talk like that!” Annabeth interrupted. “You know how many kids at this camp wish they’d had your chance?”

“To get killed?”

“To fight the Minotaur! What do you think we train for?”

Percy shook his head. “Look, if the thing I fought really was the Minotaur, the same one in the stories…”

“That’s the one,” I confirmed.

“Then there’s only one.”

“Yep.”

“And he died, like, a gajillion years ago, right? Theseus killed him in the labyrinth. So…”

“Monsters don’t die, Percy,” Annabeth said, exasperated. “They can be killed. But they don’t die.”

“Oh, thanks. That clears it up.” He rolled his eyes, and I snorted.

“They don’t have mortal souls like we do,” I elaborated. “You can eliminate them for a while, maybe a whole lifetime if you’re really lucky. But they’re primal forces. Chiron calls them archetypes. Eventually, inevitably, they will reform.”

Percy thought about that for a moment. “You mean, if I killed one, accidentally, with a sword-”

“The Fur-” Annabeth cut herself off. “I mean, your math teacher. That’s right. She’s still out there. You just made her very, very mad.”

“How did you know about Mrs. Dodds?”

“You talk in your sleep,” Annabeth stated.

“You almost called her something,” Percy noticed. “A Fury? They’re Hades’ torturers, right?”

Annabeth glanced at the ground nervously as I told Percy, “You shouldn’t call them by name, even at camp. If we absolutely have to call them anything, we call them the Kindly Ones.”

“Look, is there anything we can say without it thundering?” Percy asked. I understood what he was feeling. I felt the same way on my first official day here. “Why do I even have to stay in cabin eleven, anyway? Why is everybody so crowded together? There are plenty of empty bunks right over there.”

He pointed to the first couple of cabins, and I immediately shook my head. “You can’t just stay in any random cabin. The cabin you stay in depends on who your parent is. Nisha and I, we stay in the Aphrodite cabin because that’s who our mother is. We can’t stay in, say, the Apollo cabin because we aren’t Apollo’s children.”

“My mom is Sally Jackson,” Percy said, not quite getting it. “She works at the candy store in Grand Central Station. At least, she used to.”

I sighed. “I’m really sorry about your mom, Percy. I remember what it was like when my father died- how it still is sometimes. But that’s not what I mean. I’m talking about your other parent.”

“My dad is dead. I never knew him.”

Annabeth sighed. We’ve both had this conversation with other demigods before. “Your father’s not dead, Percy,” she said.

“How can you say that? You know him?”

“No, of course not.”

“Then how can you say-”

“Because we know you,” Annabeth countered. “You wouldn’t be here if you weren’t one of us.”

“You don’t know anything about me,” Percy said.

Annabeth raised a challenging eyebrow. “No? I bet you moved from school to school. I bet you were kicked out of a lot of them.”

“How-”

I took over. “Diagnosed with dyslexia. Probably ADHD, too. Maybe even on the autism spectrum, too. You’d be surprised how much ADHD and autism overlap. I’m all three.”

“I’m ADHD and dyslexic,” Percy confirmed. “What does that have to do with anything?”

“Grouped together, it’s almost a sure sign,” Annabeth said. “The letters float off the page when you read, right? That’s because your mind is hardwired for ancient Greek. And the ADHD- you’re impulsive, can’t sit still in the classroom. That’s your battlefield reflexes. In a real fight, they’d keep you alive. As for the attention problems, that’s because you see too much, Percy, not too little. Your senses are better than a regular mortal’s. Of course the teachers want you medicated. Most of them are monsters. They don’t want you seeing them for what they are.”

Percy looked like he was trying hard to process everything. “You sound like… you went through the same thing?”

“Most of us did,” I said. “If you weren’t like us, you couldn’t have survived the Minotaur, much less the ambrosia and nectar.”

“Ambrosia and nectar,” Percy deadpanned.

“The food and drink we gave you to make you get better,” I explained. “That stuff would kill a normal kid. It would have turned your blood to fire and your bones to sand and then you would be dead. Face it. You’re a demigod.”

Percy looked like he had a million questions, but didn’t know where to start.

Before he could figure it out, a voice called out, “Well! A newbie.”

Clarisse La Rue, head counselor of the Ares cabin, sauntered toward us. She had three of her sisters behind her, wearing matching camo jackets.

“Clarisse,” Annabeth sighed. “Why don’t you go polish your spear or something?”

“Sure, Miss Princess,” Clarisse said. “So I can run you through with it Friday night.”

“Erre es karakes!” Annabeth cursed. Go to the crows! It’s a worse curse than it sounded. “You don’t stand a chance.”

“We’ll pulverize you,” Clarisse promised, but we all knew she wouldn’t be able to go through with it. She turned to Percy. “Who’s this little runt?”

“Percy Jackson,” I said, “meet Clarisse La Rue, daughter of Ares.”

“Like… the war god?” Percy asked.

“You got a problem with that?” Clarisse demanded.

“No. It explains the bad smell.”

I covered my snort with a cough, but I knew this may not end well.

“We got an initiation ceremony for newbies, Prissy,” Clarisse growled.

“Percy,” he corrected.

“Whatever. Come on, I’ll show you.”

“Clarisse-” Annabeth tried.

“Stay out of it, wise girl,” Clarisse snapped.

It took everything I had not to get involved, knowing that Percy would have to be the one to prove himself. He handed Annabeth his Minotaur horn and squared up, but Clarisse grabbed him before he could do anything, dragging him by the neck toward the girls’ bathrooms.

“Like he’s ‘Big Three’ material,” Clarisse mocked. “Yeah, right. Minotaur probably fell over laughing, he was so stupid looking.”

Her friends snickered.

Annabeth and I hovered in a corner. She was watching through her fingers as I clutched my camp necklace anxiously.

Clarisse forced Percy to his knees and started pushing his head toward the toilet bowl, but he tried hard to keep his head up.

Suddenly, the pipes started to groan, and a stream of water shot out of the toilet, straight over Percy’s head and into Clarisse’s face so hard she fell right onto her butt. I would have laughed if the other toilets hadn’t exploded, as well, and even the showers, spraying everyone in the vicinity with water. Gross.

By the end, the entire bathroom was flooded, and Clarisse and her friends had been pushed out the door. Only Annabeth and I, though soaking wet, were standing in the same place. She stared at Percy in shock while I grinned. That’s when I realized that Percy was still dry. There wasn’t a drop of water on his clothes, or in his hair, or anywhere. There was a circle of dry floor around him.

He stood, shaking slightly.

“How did you…” Annabeth started, then trailed off.

Percy looked just as mystified. “I don’t know.”

The three of us stepped outside and found Clarisse and her friends sprawled on the ground, and a bunch of other campers staring at the scene. She gave Percy a look of seething hatred. “You are dead, new boy,” she said. “You are totally dead.”

“You want to gargle with toilet water again, Clarisse?” Percy said. “Close your mouth.”

Her friends held her back, dragging her with them back to cabin five.

Annabeth stared at Percy. I knew her pretty well, and even I didn’t know whether or not she was about to pummel Percy for dousing her with gross toilet water.

“What?” Percy demanded. “What are you thinking?”

“I’m thinking,” she said, “that I want you on my team for capture the flag.”

Later, after dinner, everyone headed down to the amphitheater, where the Apollo kids would lead a sing-along. The Hermes and Aphrodite cabins sat in the same area so that Nisha and Luke could sit next to each other. I sat on Nisha’s other side. My sister and her boyfriend held hands, smiling at each other as they sang songs about someone’s grandmother getting dressed for war. Percy, who was next to me, did his best to follow along. We ate too many s’mores, and laughed, and joked around.

And as much as I missed my hometown, I looked around at the campers- my family- and knew that I was home.

If I had known what would happen next, I would have enjoyed it more.

[spiltscribbles]

211 please! Any ship!

Notes: Thank you bubby! This actually helped me get out a slump lol, i really really hope you enjoy this fluffy mess and I would love to hear your thoughts!

A Reblog saves a life!  |  Send Me A Prompt

.-

Annabeth is a fully fledged adult now, honest.

She subscribes to the New Yorker, listens to podcasts in the morning while getting ready for her crummy, right out of college internship in one of the most prestigious architecture firms in the city. She votes even in the primaries  and remembers to reload her metro card before it’s out and has even got a God forsaken schedule that she relies on like a lifeline.

All this to say, Annabeth had really once thunk that becoming an adult meant your life turns stale and your days become monotonous. But that was before she began boarding with three literal definitions of spitfires in a Bushwick apartment way too small for four girls, and way to run down for the countless prank wars waged between them and the boys across the way. 

Annabeth tries telling Piper this one Thursday afternoon while she’s loading her Nerf gun with the water balloons that Rachel’s preparing with such precision that it kinda terrifies Annabeth shitless, if she’s being frank.

“’s too late to surrender now Chase!” Piper bellows, cocking and then setting down the toy gun in a neat row  for the next to be prepared. “It’s about honor now.”

“Honor?” Annabeth repeats in a voice that’s flat enough to cut.

“They’ve won the last two rounds Annabeth,” Rachel tells her, point blank as she ties the next water balloon to be passed off, alabaster skin freckled with paint like always when she comes back from one of her classes. “They’re getting too big headed over this.”

“Yesterday Leo offered to buy me a latte! The little fuck.”

Annabeth’s fair brows knit  together, totally confused to Piper’s sudden flash of anger, but reckons that it would be impossible to understand the perceived slight even if she asked Piper to explain.

“You guys are off your rockers,” Annabeth informs them instead, flickers her gaze over to Hazel for some support from someone who is actually sane. She in turn only shrugs, endeared looking as she returns to her sketches. 

“Et tu Brute?”

“it’s fun,” Hazel says in her southern drawl, which Annabeth once thought was sweet because it reminded her of venturing outdoors in the Virginia foothills when she was a tot. Though now Annabeth has decided  that the accent is actually a ploy  to make her sound welcoming for her pray  before she killed them off. Knows it for a fact that she’s done it with that friend who visits enough that he’s practically living with the guys too, which obviously means he was roped into all this ridiculousness.

“You’re either with us or against us baby doll,” Piper winks Annabeth’s way, starts a new round of ammunition with Rachel. “This one’s for Mama Fisher in the stars!”

“Insane! Fucking insane! Annabeth repeats emphatically before storming out there apartment to grab the mail, suddenly feels accosted with unwelcome nerves when she steps into the elevator only to be met face to face with one of the aforementioned boys across the hall, the objectively good looking, but impossibly kind one.  All ebony locks and crooked grins and eyes the color of sea glass.

Oh fuck.

“Annabeth,” he crows, positively gleeful sounding, which only makes it so her cheeks begin to redden, and her chest contracts.

“Percy, hey how’s it been.”

“Fine,” he says with a one armed shrug, begins scratching the back of his head sheepishly. And God fucking damn it, he doesn’t also get to be cute! That’s not fair! “You headed to work?”

“oh, ah yeah, I mean just for some overtime. We got commissioned for this new thing in Germany of all places, and they kinda need all hands on deck.”

He whistles, low and impressed. 

“Why do I get the sense that they’d crumble without you?” He asks with a quirked brow.

“Because flattery is a great way to make friends,” Annabeth smirks, strolls out towards the back row of mail slots  to get the inevitable pack of bills and adverts that’s waiting for them.

“Oy, I take offense to that Annabeth,” he sniffs, leans against the wall besides her, one leg crossed over the other, effortless in the whole CW pretty boy with a mysterious past shtick he’s got working for him. An even more hilarious thought on account to Annabeth knowing how his ma sends him a basket of homemade, blue cookies every Sunday afternoon, and that he spends most of his free time protesting for action against  climate change with his best friend from literal childhood, a scruffy, adorable dork named Grover.

“Is that right?” She snorts as she shuffles through the letters, tosses away the offer for a free garden gnome from some Lady named Aunty Em, crams a  coupon for a free panty from Victoria’s Secret into her bra, and texts the group chat for Rachel to pick up a letter from her dad and Hazel one from her older brother. 

“Course,” Percy sulks, big eyes glittering a thousand shades of green that it kinda takes Annabeth’s breath away. “I thought we’ve been friends, at least for a while now.”

“You know what they say about assuming Perseus,” Annabeth snorts, hip checking him as she makes the track down to the nearest subway stop, at least a five minute walk. She totally is not utterly elated over the fact that he’s still walking besides her, dimpling down like there were no where else he’d rather be.

“You know I didn’t even think you could allude to curse words,” Percy guffaws, impossibly bright and impossibly real. “I thought you were too prim and proper for that sorta behavior.”

“Shut up seaweed brains,” Annabeth laughs, can’t help the smile that breaks her face in half whenever he’s around.

“No deadass Chase!” he defends, emphatic. “I even bet Jason that you were related to like Grace Kelly or some shit, that it’s like illegal in your familial bylines to present yourself as anything other than perfect in public.”

“You are such a pain in the ass.”

“Oh my God! You did it again! It’s like it’s  Christmas!”

Faux aggrieved, Annabeth rolls back her head in exasperation, eyes alone definitely not enough to emote the proper level of feeling.

“Hey don’t blame me,” Percy raises his hands in concession. “You’re the one who refuses to have fun, like you were a forty year old lawyer.”

Annabeth hikes up her brows, affronted. 

“i have fun!”

“Right,” Percy snorts. “I’m sorry babe but Friday night board games don’t count.”

“Those are fun Percy!” Annabeth argues.

“You wouldn’t know fun if it hit you in the face!” Percy insists, stopping outside the stairwell. 

“And what? Pelleting one another with water balloons like we were Freshman’s in college again, that’s fun to you I suppose?” Annabeth charges, glare firmly set and weight slung to her left hip.

“Why yes Grandma, it is,” Percy tells her, words hugged in a playful cadence that really could entice anyone to commit a felony with him. The bastard.

“You are a prick,” Annabeth informs him waspishly.

“And you don’t always gotta be so stressed. I mean I respect the hustle Chase, but you’re allowed to just chill once in a while, let down your hair and all.” 

“You couldn’t handle that,” she sniffs, pulls out her card to swipe. “If I actually tried me and the girls would ruin you fools.”

“Is that right?”

“Wipe the floor with you,” Annabeth assures.

“Well then, looking forwards to the challenge Chase,” Percy beams, softly tugs on her high pony before walking back to the apartments. It feels like a legion of butterflies are swarming down deep in Annabeth’s stomach over the small contact alone.

“Damn you Percy Jackson.”

.-

“Remind me again why you’re helping? Hazel asks for the third time that Saturday morning as the four sum are crowded around the makeshift map Annabeth had sketched out for them to follow, fully determined now.

“Shh,” Piper swats at her arm, as if physically trying to shoo the question away. “Annabeth we don’t care as long as you explain the plan just one more time.”

“Slower,” Rachel tacks on, gnawing on her thumb nail nervously. 

“Right, well just listen closer ladies, this is a one and done deal, okay?” She’s met by a chorus of nods before she repeats her game strategy, one where each girl takes one of the four main hotspots around the building, skulking in the shadows until the predicted guy ends up there, surprised and defenseless when met by the water balloons of doom.

“I’ve already casually told both Jason and Leo that my parents were throwing us a brunch up state, so they don’t even know that we’re here.”

“God Annabeth if I didn’t think it would ruin our friendship I’d kiss you right now,” Piper sighs dreamily.

“Focus that pretty little head McLean,” Annabeth instructs, elbowing her side caustically. “You’re position is by the gym, Jason always goes there Saturday afternoons cause he thinks it makes it alright for him to get plastered that night.”

“You’re fucking a nerd,” Rachel tells Piper and both Annabeth and Hazel can’t help but nod along.

“No judgment zone!” Piper demands petulantly.

“Whatever,” Annabeth waves her off.  “Hazel you’ll be in the front, waiting for Frank to  come visit, and Rachel you’ll be waiting in the garden area where Leo comes to build one of his freaky gadgets.”

“Totally, you can count on me babe.”

“And what about you Annabeth?” Hazel asks.

“I’ve got Jackson,” Annabeth tells her, tone mock grave as she cocks her own toy weapon determinedly.

“So sexy,” Piper marvels.

.-

Their building rents out a corner on the bottom level to a small bistro with friendly smiles and tasty enough brew that it keeps them coming back. It’s where Annabeth and Percy had first met when he had moved in with the others nearly six months ago. It’s also the first place Annabeth heard his laughter, and where Percy listened when she went on a tirade about her crazy parents and their crazy expectations and how sometimes she just needed space away from all of it. It’s where Percy told her that his mother is the most important person in his world and how he thought he never cared what his father thought of him until he had to make a decision on what he’d major in, and of course he followed in Poseidon’s footsteps. It’s where they stayed up late trading stories about their complicated childhoods and dreams for their futures and the place that Annabeth knew for sure that if she let herself, she really could fall for Percy. For the candor in his brilliant  eyes. For the pretty smile he sports for the sake of his loved ones over himself, and for  the conviction in his beliefs.

Annabeth tries not thinking of any of that when she crouches down deeper in the dark nook behind one of the decorative plants as Percy gets up from his table, tossing out his latte and shouldering his work bag.

It’s now or never.

The moment Percy steps through the threshold Annabeth pounces up and aims. What she doesn’t expect is for him to keel over to block her, and instead of hitting his insanely chiseled pecks, the water balloon hits straight in his face. Close enough and hard enough that the water suddenly darkens to red, mixing with the blood pouring out his nose.

“Holy shit!” Percy cries, pinching his nostrils shut.

“Oh my God!” Annabeth yells, frantically grabs for a pile of napkins from the counter besides her— toppling over a mess of straws and sugar packets in her wake— and then dashes over to press them into his grasp. “I’m so so sorry! I didn’t in my wildest dreams imagine that would happen! I swear!”

Annabeth expects at least for Percy to bemoan the injury, but instead she’s answered by a frankly terrifying boom of cackles.

“Percy? Have you cracked? Did I knock your brains out permanently?”

“When you said you’d ruin us, I didn’t think you’d literally cause physical harm Chase,” Percy retorts, still fighting down bubbles of laughter.

“You’re manic,” she pouts, long suffering.

“And you’re terrifying.”

“Bet it works for you though,” she preens, can’t help but be boastful over the way a blush touches  the tops of his cheeks.

“Talk about adding harm to humiliation,” Percy grouces. 

“Poor baby,” Annabeth mock croons, thinks that today actually might turn out pretty amazing.

.-

She brings him upstairs to properly clean off the blood from his face and to come up with the conditions with at least a temporary truce, definitely not so she can finally trade a totally thrilling snog with him in privacy.

“You drive a hard bargain Chase,” Percy tells her, settling into the sofa as Annabeth unfolds her game of monopoly for them, having proclaimed that it’s a perfect time for her to prove how much fun board games can be.

“Oh hush,” she cuffs him on the back of the head playfully. “You’re just mad I won.”

“More like you committed battery,” Percy contends, pouting moodily, is only consoled when Annabeth leans forwards to kiss him again.

“You looked pretty bleeding— Oh God! Did I just say that out loud?”

Percy dissolves into a peals of laughter once more, and Annabeth tries her damndest to melt into a puddle right on spot.

“I can’t believe I’m so into such a maniac,” Percy tells her, eyes and smile glittering.

“SO rude,” Annabeth sniffs, arms crossed against her chest. 

“But accurate Chase.”

Annabeth doesn’t bother to argue anymore because Percy’s already slanted their lips against one another again, and he’s doing this insane thing with his tongue that it makes her toes curl.

Yeah, today turned out amazing indeed. 

[hms-chill]

Prompt: While living in the poor end of London, Monty sees his family. They don't recognise him. He's not sure how to feel about that,

“Changed for the Better”

“Monty, Darling? Will you tell me what’s wrong now?” Percy asks into the darkness of their little flat. They’re in bed together, Monty lying with his ear uncovered as they wind down for bed. Percy’s hand is in his hair, and Monty would have been happy to drift off and not address the way he’d acted when he got home from work today. It was embarrassing, to say the least, He’d followed Percy around the flat like a rich woman’s lap dog, looking for any excuse to touch him without being overwhelmingly obnoxious.

“What do you mean?” Maybe it’s something else. Maybe they won’t have to talk about today; maybe they’ll just move on and go to sleep.

“Something’s wrong. You’ve been quiet ever since you got home.”

“It’s nothing. I just… I saw my father today.”

“You what?” Percy pulls back a bit, so Monty does, too, his eyes falling automatically. When he answers, it’s directed to their blankets.

“I saw my father. I was… I was down sort of near the Exchange. He was getting out of a sedan chair as I was crossing a street. He… he didn’t recognize me.”

Percy pulls him in close again, and Monty lets out a shaking breath as he cuddles in. He realizes dimly that his hands are shaking.

“I just… I don’t know how to feel. I… It was strange. He had my mother and the Goblin with him, I think. I didn’t look too closely. I… I hid from him. I thought for sure he would hit me, or try to drag me back to Cheshire with him… I couldn’t go back there, Perce. I thought I was fine, but now that I’ve had this, and we’ve built a life together, even if it is sort of shit sometimes, I can’t go back to him. I can’t be his son again.”

“You don’t have to. You’re not his anymore, you’re mind and your own.” Percy’s hand is back in his hair, twisting it gently around his fingers.

“I was so scared,” Monty mumbles, hiding his face in Percy’s chest, “I thought… I couldn’t stop thinking about what he’d do if he took me back, or what would happen to you or Felicity, or if he found one of you instead and took you away from me. I can’t lose you, Perce, either of you.” Percy’s hand moves from stroking to simply holding Monty’s head close.

“You won’t. You’ll always have us, I promise.”

“But what if… What if he comes back? What if we see him again? He didn’t recognize me, but that’s… my face is different. You don’t want me to say it’s ugly, but it… I don’t look like myself. You and Felicity do. He’d recognize you, and he might… I can’t lose you.”

“It’s okay. You won’t. Honestly, I think my aunt and uncle are probably glad to have me gone, so it wouldn’t make sense for your father to try to bring me back, and when was the last time he went to Edinburgh? Besides, from the maps I’ve looked at, the new construction happening in Edinburgh should keep him away from her. Their Exchange isn’t between New Town and Cowgate, and with North Bridge, he should be able to pass right over her head and won’t ever have to go down to her street. There are plenty of ways for the rich to avoid Cowgate, so we don’t have to worry about her. We’re alright.”

Monty nods, but he doesn’t move his face from Percy’s chest. Percy sighs, rubbing his back gently, then asks, “What else is bothering you?”

“He didn’t recognize me. I’m his son, and he didn’t know me. I… I don’t think any of them did, and it’s not that I expected the Goblin to know me, and I don’t even know if I wanted them to recognize me, really, but they… they’re my family, sort of. I don’t… I don’t really know what they are to me anymore, I guess.”

“That’s alright. Families… families are strange, especially for us, and I think it’s okay to not know how you feel about yours. But we have our own family, too. We’ve got each other, and Felicity and Scipio and his crew. So it’s not… It’s not that you don’t need your family or shouldn’t miss what they could have been, but just… you don’t need them.”

“I know. It…” Monty flops onto his back suddenly, staring at their cracking ceiling. Percy reaches down to grab a hand and rests the other on Monty’s chest as he continues. “It’s not that I miss them, or think I need them, not really. I don’t even think I was sad they didn’t know me. It was just strange. It’s strange to realize you’re different, even when it’s a good different. I don’t… it’s not that I miss the person I was; he was awful.”

“Be nice, Monty. You’re talking about the man I fell in love with.”

“Percy, Darling. I adore you and know you can do no wrong, but you fell in love with a rude, selfish idiot.”

“I fell in love with a man who is loyal to a fault and would do anything for the people he loves who just so happened to be a bit of a cad at times. And I’m in love with a man who is getting to be more and more loyal and kind every day.” Percy kisses Monty’s cheek, and Monty gives him a sheepish smile, then props himself up on an elbow. Percy rolls onto his side and twists their ankles together.

“That’s the thing. I’m getting better, I mean, as a person, but it’s strange to be different. It’s almost scary. What if I don’t stop changing?”

“I don’t think any of us ever completely stop changing Darling.”

“But what… what if I change into someone you can’t love anymore?” Monty’s voice has gotten suddenly small. He’s never really been afraid of who he is before, but he’s scared now. He can’t lose Percy. It would destroy him. Yet Percy has pulled back a bit, and Monty tenses up until Percy’s hand makes its way up his neck to cup the scarred side of his face, the side of his face that he wishes no one could ever see. Monty closes his eyes, trying to focus on the feeling of Percy’s hand tethering them together.

“I don’t think that’s possible. Could I become someone you don’t love?” Percy asks softly, and Monty’s eyes fly open. He puts a hand to Percy’s face, looking directly into Percy’s eyes so that it’s impossible for him to miss a single word.

“Never. I could never, ever stop loving you, no matter how you change. But you… you’re you. You’re Percy Newton; you’re wonderful and always have been. I’m… I’m me.” He lets his eyes drop a bit, ad his hand slips from Percy’s cheek to rest on his chest. Under his fingers, Monty can feel Percy’s heart beating, and he focuses his attention on that. Gently, allowing him plenty of time to pull away, Percy puts a hand under his chin and moves his face up until their eyes meet.

“You’re my Monty, and you are the great love of my life. No matter how you change, you will always be my Monty, and I will always love you. The more time we spend together, the more we’ll change, but that change… I think it’ll bring us closer together, I truly do. And even if it doesn’t, I’ll admire and love you. I have for years, and I’m not changing that now.”

Monty kisses him then, finally, long and slow. Percy pulls him in closer, twinning their legs and pulling their bodies flush together. When they pull apart, Percy rolls a bit to let Monty lie on top of him, his deaf side pressed to Percy’s chest.

“I love you,” Monty says softly, “I’m glad we have our own family.”

“I’m glad, too. I love you, and I can’t wait to change with you. Someday, we’ll go back to cause chaos at one of your father’s parties, and he won’t recognize either of us.”

Monty laughs, and he drifts off to sleep wrapped in the arms of the only family he truly needs.

Notes: Sorry this took ages! The play I’m working on opens on Friday, so the past week has been rather hectic on my end. But this was fun! I miss these boys (though not the research I have to do to write them), and navigating how Monty can be touched/loved without scaring his is always a challenge that helps me build my non-dialogue writing skills. Thank you so much for the prompt!

[lovelykristenbell]

ET Interview with Jason Dohring after the revival

"It is sad to have to have a sacrificial lamb in order to keep the show pumping, but Jason's so gracious about taking one for the team," star and executive producer Kristen Bell told ET on Friday when she and her Veronica Mars co-stars stopped by the Comic-Con video suite. "But we love each other so much. We were mourning him on set." Dohring, who has played Logan off and on over the course of 15 years, admitted during a lengthy sit-down interview with ET that he didn't initially understand why his character had to die for Veronica Mars to continue on. It wasn't until he had a conversation over the phone with creator Rob Thomas that the puzzle pieces started to fit together, and he came to accept and understand his character's fate after some time. "When Rob said that, my f**king heart just fell out of my body. And I was like, 'Oh my god,'" the 37-year-old actor recalled. Here, in an in-depth chat, Dohring opens up to ET about the pain of saying goodbye to Logan Echolls, why he hasn't told close family members about the stunning ending and why he understands that fans will have opinions "one way or another" about how his story wraps up -- "even though it's not necessarily what people [may] want." 

ET: What did Rob tell you about this season of Veronica Mars, since it ends quite tragically for your character in the end? 

Jason Dohring: Rob called me. He was like, "We're going to do this. I feel like we're far enough along now," and he started to lay out the story of where Logan was. His idea was Veronica's in a bad place, we're going to see her move from there and into a different state. That's the the arc. And then he said, "They're getting married. Then, Logan goes out to check the car and Logan is killed in the blast." When Rob said that, my f**king heart just fell out of my body. And I was like, "Oh my god." He spent the next five minutes explaining the reasoning for it. And I cannot say that I understood or agreed with what he did. Rob wanted to shed the teenage drama aspect of the show with this on-again/off-again [relationship between Veronica and Logan] and as long as either one of them is still around, I feel like we've told those stories. They're kind of meant for each other. So I think, in that way, it's cool that Logan's exiting this way, and also that he served a role to get Veronica to reevaluate her life. I think that's really cool. Rob also talked about her being an underdog and that people really respond well when she is in that sort of determined state. I think that this really throws her in that and yet opens the door to a brand new life, a brand new setting, a brand new possible list of characters that she could be involved in. It really gives freedom and determination from her point of view for a new start anywhere. 

You mentioned that Rob called you ahead of time. How long were you sitting on this secret that Logan dies?

JD: Before we even started shooting, by a few weeks at least, or a month or so. You're thinking with that secret the whole time, and then just getting to the end of that four or five months of production.

What was your initial reaction when you learned Logan wasn't going to survive the season? 

JD: Devastated. And then for about three days, I was sort of sitting with it, digesting it. 

Were you mourning a little bit? 

JD: I had a hard time telling my wife because she has certain family members -- there are family members I haven't even told yet -- who are going to see it. They're so excited, and they're having these huge parties. I'm like, "F**k. I'm really sorry." That party's going to have a sour ending, at least on my family's point of view. I eventually came to terms with it, in no small part, thanks to Rob's explanation of it, and understanding it for the greater good of the show. I told a couple of the cast members who didn't even know. I told Percy [Daggs III] and I told Ryan [Hansen], and they were devastated. They'd come up to me hours later and be like, "J, I just can't believe it. Like, I just can't believe it." And I'm like, "Man, I know buddy. I know." At first, they were like, "That's bullsh*t, man. That's bullsh*t. I don't believe you." And I was like, "No man, it's true." And they just kept saying, "That's bullsh*t, man. You serious man, you f**king serious? Oh f**k." And then it hit them. It was crazy. 

You've been in and out of this world over the past 15 years, playing this character for four seasons and a movie. Did you have any worries or concerns about Logan's fate?

JD: I have complete faith in Rob's ability to write the story and when you have somebody like Kristen Bell leading the show the way she does, that's the driving force. I think they're going to be super fine with whatever direction they choose to go, especially now that they have a new possible lease on where they can go with the story. 

Had you thought about where you wanted Logan's journey to end at any point? 

JD: Adding the military aspect to the role was very cool, and gave a new dimension and helped ultimately serve the story with Veronica's character. I think I did everything that I wanted to do with the role. I got to fully explore this guy in various ways. 

It's disheartening to know that the Echolls family has basically been wiped out. Well, with the exception of Logan sister, Trina (played by Alyson Hannigan in the original series). It's almost like there's an Echolls curse. 

JD: I know. And when you're on a drama for a few years, that's just what happens. Your character's f**king life just goes downhill. 

Because Logan's death was such a violent one and we didn't see a body, fans may speculate or theorize plausible theories about why he's not really dead. Are you anticipating those types of conversations? 

JD:I don't know. I mean those are all beyond me. I just hope ultimately the fans are pleased with the whole project. You can look at it that way, and understand that this will launch the series in a new way that's not tired or redundant. 

It's hard to swallow knowing that Logan's death is the catalyst for Veronica to finally make that leap and work through her inner turmoil through therapy, even though he had been pushing her all season to look inward. In that sense, Logan is a martyr. He ended up serving that purpose. 

JD: There was another scene where we're on a couch. I don't what was understood from that scene, but I feel like Logan was, at that point, willing to sacrifice their relationship if it meant that she'd be happy with her life, and that she would move on. Maybe move out of Neptune, do something that she wants to do and fulfill her potential. I think that's pretty sweet that he would be willing to sacrifice their relationship for that. It's a heroic death that sparks new life. 

You're so positive about it all! I'm like, I just need to curl up in a ball on the corner and cry. 

 JD: Yes, I know. When you're in a corner and you're crying, it's like, what do you do then?

If this is the end of your time with this character and the show, are you ready to say goodbye? If there is another season, do you hope there's room for you to come back in some way? 

JD: I think that would be a question for the team, you know what I mean? If that could fulfill any purpose in a story... I have to see what they want to do, but I assume that it would be happier times. Flashbacks to a good life? I can't really speculate, but I would hope it would be something joyous if it were to be anything. 

I do want to ask you about Veronica and Logan's wedding at the courthouse. How did you feel knowing that they at least had a moment of bliss, however temporary it was? 

JD: It's so funny that you ask these questions and I never really think about it as an audience member. (Laughs.) 'Cause I'm never thinking, when I see it, "Veronica and Logan really had their time..."

It was a long time coming for a lot of Veronica Mars fans... 

 JD: I think so too. I always felt that they were so awesomely compatibly incompatible, you know what I mean? In the best way. Both had strong wills, which is just fireworks ready to happen. She has care for the world and he has care for her. She has ways that she wants things done and it's not necessarily the way he'd do them, but yet there's this love [between them]. And Logan's relationship with her, everything rolled into it and made it something special. I think that's what you see in the audience appreciation for it. 

Was any part of that wedding scene ad-libbed?

JD: No, it was all scripted. Rico was doing his thing. He was crying. Kristen was telling stories about her real wedding in a similar setting in a courthouse. She showed us a picture of her literally crying and [her husband] Dax [Shepard] is laughing at her. I thought that that was pretty funny. 

Did you ever think that Veronica and Logan would ever reach a point in their lives where they would both actually agree to say "I do"?

JD: Hopefully, they were on that track. And I think giving Veronica that scare toward the end got her to have this mini wake-up call. But I go back to that conversation on the couch right before. I thought that was noble: I'm willing to sacrifice us, but I want you to be happy. And if you're not going to be happy, then goodbye. When I was rehearsing that scene, I was f**king crying. As much as I love you, I care more about you than that. Brutal. 

 What was the toughest or most challenging scene from this season?

JD: I think that. Working on that. Sometimes it would really hit me as we're rehearsing, like, what he's really saying is he wants her to leave him right now if it's not going to make her happy, because that means more to him than us.

Logan's journey has been the most dramatic out of all the characters on Veronica Mars. Has that been gratifying for you as an actor seeing how far he's come? 

JD:Yes. I appreciate variation. To start out being the antagonist and then getting this romance that was never intended to be. Then feeling that so strongly. Then that's all on the rocks and shredded... And then the military, and then on top of that having a ridiculously sharp sense of humor and looseness of morals. All that is such a joy to play as an actor. I was always trained to look for those choices, so that's where I would try to branch out and make some of those decisions where I could. 

I was rewatching the pilot recently and Logan is a completely different person from then until now. 

JD: He'd be like, "Where are the hookers? Where are the boobs?" 

What do you want to say to fans after they've finished watching the season and may need a second?

JD: I don't know. I mean, they'll have thoughts one way or another. I think if you really step back and you look at what was told and where the show may be going, and how this opens up the door for Veronica... this relationship between Logan and Veronica is just one aspect of Veronica, right? But her helping the world and solving cases and her personal happiness, I think you may see more storylines there. I think that was what really helped me understand the whole thing with Logan -- putting it in context for the future. 

You're so glass-half-full about it all, when you could be like, "Ugh."

JD: I know. I was like that. But if you really think about it, you can't just play that over and over. (Pauses for a moment.) I mean, you can... Part of the cool thing is Veronica Mars is a smart show. Rob is very creative and he has his ideas, and I think that people like that. At the end of the third season, the CW came up to him and said, "We're probably going to end the show at the end of this third season, so if you want to wrap it up, you can do that." And he did the exact opposite. He f**king left it open. And that's probably the reason that the movie was made, which is the reason that season four comes. Really it ties back to the creative aspect of an artist who has integrity to his vision. So I respect that and people respect the result of that, even though it's not necessarily what people want all the time.