#protect-chopin

[polish-art-tournament]

sculptures* round 1 poll 1

*and installations and some other stuff i didn't know where to put

Smok Wawelski (The Wawel Dragon) by Bolesław Chromy, 1969:

propaganda: This is a famous and beloved statue outside of Wawel Castle (pronounced Vavel) in Kraków. The story of Smok Wawelski goes that he'd been eating all the animals (and people?) in Kraków so the king ordered his sons to kill him, but obviously the dragon is very dangerous. The princes tricked him by filling animals with tar and leaving them out. He ate them and when he tried to breathe fire, his insides burned up. There is a second version that says a cobbler tricked him into eating a tar-filled sheep and the tar made him so thirsty he drank the Wisła (the Vistula, the river that runs through Kraków) until he burst.

Fun fact, those are not extra arms but rather extra heads. Also, you can text the dragon to ask him to breathe fire, and then he does. He gets thousands of texts a day.

about the artist: When I was a kid, I was sure this statue was the actual Smok Wawelski that had somehow carbonized over a thousand years, but alas no, a guy made it in 1969 out of bronze. Bronisław Chromy was an artist, a professor, and Dragon Mother. He passed away in 2017.

Pomnik Syreny (Monument of the Warsaw Mermaid) by Ludwika Nitschowa, 1939:

propaganda: The Warsaw Mermaid is the symbol of Warsaw, and her image is all over the city in various forms. She's a warrior and is depicted with a sword and shield. She lives in the Wisła River (the Vistula), which runs thru Warsaw. There are different variants of her legend, but they all have something to do with her involvement in the foundation of Warsaw and her eternal role in protecting the city.

There are several statues of Syrenka around Warsaw, but the one I picked was created by Ludwika Nitschowa in 1936. It is made of gunmetal, and it stands on the bank of the Wisła. The model for this statue was a Polish poetess named Krystyna Krahelska. Krahelska joined the Home Army during WWII and participated in the Warsaw Uprising. She was shot and killed while rescuing a wounded colleague. I think it's really special the way the myth of Syrenka played out like this -- she really did protect the city, like in the legend. Incidentally, this statue was one of the few pieces of art in Warsaw not destroyed by the war.

tldr: badass warrior mermaid, made by a badass woman, modeled on a badass woman. women!

about the artist: Ludwika Nitschowa is the creator several famous statues in Poland, including of Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Copernicus, and several of Fryderyk Chopin.

both statues were submitted by @slaviclore 🐉🧜‍♀️

[erisweekofficial]

Fanfic

One Year Later (OC x Eris) by @afandomangel 👑

Until I see you again (OC x Eris) by @mika-no-sekai-blog

Protection (Eris x Reader) by @littlest-w01f 👑

All’s well that ends well to end up with you (Eris x Reader) by @daycourtofficial 👑

yea, though i walk (Azris) by @brunetterebel010 👑

What Could Have Been (Eris x Elain) by @nocasdatsgay

Suffering his Scent (Azris) by @neciebee 👑

Falling For You (Eris x Reader) by @bubybubsters

Hold Me While You Wait (Eris x OC) by @fieldofdaisiies

Bedroom manners (Eris x Reader) by @lady-of-tearshed 👑

Pinky Promise (Eris x Reader) by @pit-and-the-pen👑

Still Beautiful Things by @climbthemountain2020 👑

Pull Me in Deeper Ch 17 (Eris x OC) by @zenkindoflove 👑

Ensnaring Marks (Eris x Reader) by @surielstea 👑

A Bond of Song & Flames Ch 1 (Eris x OC) by @sadiegirl2021 👑

Under the Weeping Beech (Azris) by @chunkypossum

Waiting for You (Eris x Reader) by @mcuamerica 👑

Day 1 - Bonds | Bargains by @clockwork-ashes 👑

A Wound So Deep (Azris) by @acourtofladydeath

An Unconventional Bargain by @hellcat8908 👑

Just Enough Light to Cast Shadows Ch 22 (Azris) by @jules-writes-stories 👑

Of Our Own Devices (Eris x Reader) by @illyrianbitch 👑

Gone Through Enough (Eris x Reader) by @thelov3lybookworm

The Uncertainty of Spring (Eris x OC) by @daycourtofficial 👑

Tomorrow Can Wait (Azris) by @myromanempiree 👑

By Turns by @jon-snows-man-bun 👑

Roots In My Dreamland (Eris x OC) by @lucienarcheron

Always An Angel, Never A God (Eris x OC) by @chairofchaos 👑

Your Scars on My Pulse (Azris) by @shadowsandlint 👑

To Dust or To Gold Ch 2 (Neris) by @queercontrarian

An Exchange in Etiquette (Eris x Reader) by @qwimblenorrisstan 👑

Into the Dark (Eris x Reader) by @prythianpages 👑

Lady Luck (Eris x OC) by @ginandtobacco 👑

Bond (Azris) by @thomasisaslut 👑

Being Seen (Eris x Elain) by @vague-shadows 👑

The Crushing Burden of Those Before Us (Eris x Reader) by @dee-writes-smut 👑

A Page From Another's Book (Eris x Reader) by @readychilledwine

Autumn Leaves (Eris x Reader) by @mirandasidefics

Fanart

Eris' bond with Autumn by @elleybug 👑

Eris x Alexius comissioned by @luciensdefenseattorney (commissioned by @zenkindoflove)

Neris Art by @rosesncarnations

Worried Eris by its.miriart (commissioned by @secret-third-thing)

Eris and his mate by @/artbyellat (on instagram)

Azris Art by @lucychanart (commissioned by: @moonpatroclus & @cauldronblssd

Eris Week, Day 1: Bonds (Azris) by @the-darkestminds 👑

Misc.

day one : bonds ( m o t h e r ) by @spore-loser 👑

Eris Week Moodboard by @fieldofdaisiies

Chopin by @chairofchaos 👑

Vanserra brothers in a modern AU by @wishfulimaginings 👑

Thank you for all your contributions! It’s incredible and almost unbelievable how many stories and creative ideas you’ve brought to life on just the first day!

There was a bit of confusions about the crowns- so sorry for that. If it's your first eris week, let us know! If we missed giving you a 👑, please let us know so we can add it to the masterlist. We'll make sure that all masterlists are up to date before the full event masterlist is released 🧡

(divider by @tsunami-of-tears)

[naoristerling]

Hueningkai fic rec

like the moon ☆⋆｡𖦹°‧★ huening kai | 8.4k @beom-pyu

you love the ocean more than anything else in this big, wide world. you treasure the crisp air and the salty, but comforting scent of the atmosphere, the way the rays of the sun would bounce off of the rushing waves and onto your skin fills your heart with an uncontained warmth, and the sunset reflected on the surface brings you a sense of serenity. you have loved the ocean since you were little—growing up on the coast, the sea was basically your backyard.

[duality.] ─── ⋆ h. kai | 10k @miupow

An unexpected discovery about a friend sends you spiraling-- sure, hueningkai was cute, but he wasn't your type. at least, you thought he wasn't.

to the mountains - huening kai | 5k @beomie3

your friend group decides to take a weekend getaway trip to the mountains, but it isn't until you stay in a cabin in the woods that your crush on one of them begins to make itself known. mutually :)

Berry Sorbet // Huening Kai | 9k @banggyu0308

in which you share one of the five senses with your soulmate, and the taste of your lipgloss is on Kai's tongue all week.

stupid cupid! ` . ᡣ𐭩 ་ જ⁀➴ |6.5k @jjunieworld

hueningkai, better known as cupid, is known for his art in helping people fall in love. shooting his arrows here and there, getting those who are meant to be together. what happens when after he shoots one of his love arrows at you, the other one somehow ends up hitting him?

policy of truth and lies | ☆ |3.3k @wave2tyun

a little white lie never hurts sometimes. to what lengths are you willing to go to protect it?

two best friends in a room ❀.* | 7k @beomgyuslilracha

if you had a thousand won for every time you heard the question "are you two dating?" or just the words "you two should just date already!", you and kai could probably afford to buy a house together.

in which two childhood best friends are the only ones in all of seoul who can't seem to see that they're obviously in love with each other.

Soulmates | 1k @yournameloveskpop

Hueningkai has a strange heart on his wrist. He doesn’t know how it got there but recently he’s been getting mood swings that were not his own, getting bruises for no reason etc. That’s when he meets Y/N who works at the cafe that txt walk into one day.

Geralmente não leio histórias tão pequenas mas essa foi tão fofinha <33

NAKED IN MANHATTAN | 4.6k @sook9i

⋆｡°✩ After a drunk conversation leads you to question your feelings for your bandmate and friend, Hueningkai, maybe a night together in Manhattan is just what you need to clear the air.

or else what? | 4k @hyukalyptus

hueningkai x fem!reader | enemies to enemies with benefits(?). NSFW/MDNI!

Series

Anyone Else But You, a six-part series @harmonicakai

It's starting to feel like you're the only person in the world that Huening Kai isn't best friends with, and you're determined to figure out why.

[r-aindr0p]

Cooking a nice piece for my sideblog rn so I don't have much being worked on for here sorry :'>

I draw most stuff on impulse and saw a Liszt fanart (it's his bday today (22 oct) I think) and it spiraled into classicaloid nostalgia, here it is, my fave irl and in anime my dude Chopin 🙏

Favorite absolute loser in the anime, uses vocaloids in his songs/musik, never touching grass or seeing the sunlight, spirals in a social anxiety attack and summons towers of cardboard to protect himself on his first introduction to the show. Surprisingly one of the only composers that actually pays the rent in the house...

(so close to put on the "erm" glasses on and yap abt that vocaloid song used in guardians of the galaxy 3 and how it's actually a classicaloid ost originally and other stuff related that ticked me off hhhgsrehh)

[emjayewrites]

fouled by fate • aurelien tchouameni (3/10)

SYNOPSIS: Aurélien Tchouaméni, one of football’s rising stars, is used to navigating the pressures of the pitch—but nothing could prepare him for an arranged marriage. With his family’s legacy and cultural traditions at stake, Aurélien reluctantly agrees to marry a woman he barely knows. But as they’re thrust into the public eye, sparks fly in unexpected ways. The two must navigate the complexities of love, duty, and fame, all while figuring out if they’re playing on the same team—or if their hearts are destined for different paths.

PAIRINGS: Aurélien Tchouaméni x Zuri Awanto Nchang (faceclaim Samira Ahmed @/iamsamiira)

WARNINGS: cursing, football b.s., dry humor/wit, slight arguing, friends to lovers, instant attraction, eventual smut (18+/minors dni)

TAGLIST: @trenterprise @f1-football-fiend @lettersofgold @hopefulromantic1 @deonn-jaelle @vile-harlot @perfecttrashface @queenshikongo3 @2serenity0 @essaysbyciara @saturnville @trentswrld @planetmimi @muglermami @shepgurl @sucredreamer @julescpu @tchouathon @greyishbach @shelovesfootie @certifiedlesbianbaddie

A/N: Please let me know if you like to be removed/added to the taglist. Also, a surprise mention in this chapter that links to another story!

Aurélien's fingers danced across the piano keys, the melody of Chopin's Nocturne in E-flat major filling the study. It was the night before their trip to Poland, and he found himself seeking solace in the familiar notes.

The past week had been… interesting, to say the least. He and Zuri had fallen into a sort of routine, sharing meals when his training schedule allowed, and watching movies and true crime documentaries in the evening. They'd even managed a few genuine conversations, tiptoeing around the elephant in the room that was their impending marriage.

But lately, Aurélien had noticed a change in Zuri. She'd become more withdrawn, her usual sass replaced by a melancholy he couldn't quite understand. He'd catch her staring off into space, her phone clutched tightly in her hand as if it were a lifeline to a world she'd left behind.

As he transitioned into a softer passage, a raised voice from the next room cut through the music. Aurélien's hands stilled on the keys, his brow furrowing as he listened.

"Papa, please…" Zuri's voice, muffled but clearly distressed.

The responding male voice was loud enough for Aurélien to hear clearly, even through the wall. "You need to take this seriously, Zuri! This isn't some game!"

Aurélien felt his jaw clench. He'd never heard Zuri's father before, but the man's tone made something protective stir in his chest.

"I am taking it seriously!" Zuri shot back, her voice cracking slightly. "You're the one who threw me into this situation!"

"We've been over this. It's for your own good. For the family's good."

Aurélien sat frozen at the piano, feeling like an intruder but unable to move. Was this why Zuri had been so down lately? How long had these arguments been going on?

He thought back to his loft bedroom, realizing with a start that he wouldn't have been able to hear these conversations from up there. Had Zuri been dealing with this pressure alone all this time?

The argument continued, Zuri's responses becoming shorter, more defeated. Aurélien's hands hovered over the keys, itching to drown out the harsh words with music, to offer some kind of shelter from the storm raging next door.

He exhaled slowly, his mind racing. Tomorrow, they'd be in Poland. Away from the pressure of family, of expectations. Maybe it would give them both a chance to breathe, to figure out what they really wanted from this arrangement.

"You're being stupid, Zuri! I need you to understand what this means for you as well. You lack discipline; how can you go to university for all those years and then be so reckless to throw it away?!"

Deeming he heard enough, Aurélien stood abruptly, his decision made before he could second-guess himself. He strode into Zuri's room, barely registering her shocked expression as he plucked the phone from her hand.

"Monsieur," he said smoothly into the phone, his French crisp and authoritative. "C'est Aurélien. Zuri va très bien, vous devez vous détendre. (Sir, this is Aurélien. Zuri is doing great.)"

Zuri's father sputtered on the other end, caught off guard by the unexpected interruption. Aurélien continued the conversation, his tone firm but respectful, reassuring the older man about their situation. After a few minutes, he ended the call with a polite "Au revoir" and placed the phone on Zuri's dresser.

He turned to face Zuri, who was staring at him with a mix of surprise and something that might have been gratitude. "How long has this been happening?" he asked, his voice softer now.

Zuri shrugged, trying for nonchalance but failing. "It's not a big deal. He's just… worried."

"Is he usually like this?" Aurélien pressed, feeling a surge of protectiveness.

"Sometimes," Zuri admitted, her eyes downcast.

Aurélien stepped closer, his jaw clenching. "I don't like him talking to you like that. If it happens again, I might have to punch him in the mouth."

Zuri's eyes widened at his words, a small smile tugging at her lips despite herself.

"Come here," Aurélien said, opening his arms slightly. Zuri hesitated, her stubbornness kicking in. Aurélien's eyebrow raised. "Don't make me say it again."

With a sigh that was more for show than anything, Zuri stood and stepped into his embrace. The hug was awkward at first, but as Zuri relaxed into it, Aurélien found himself breathing in her scent. She smelled like coconut and something spicy - cinnamon, maybe?

As they pulled apart, Aurélien asked, "So, how are your brand deals going?"

Zuri bit her lip. "I… kind of took a break from influencing."

Aurélien frowned. "You don't have to do that. You can post, just keep our relationship under wraps for now. I'll talk to my PR team about how to handle it."

"Really?" Zuri's face lit up. "Can I post about Poland?"

Aurélien thought for a moment, then shrugged. "Yeah," he said. "Don't want your followers to think you're dead in a ditch or something."

Zuri laughed, the sound genuine and warm. Aurélien found himself smiling in response, the tension from earlier dissipating.

"Get some sleep," he said, heading towards the door. "We've got an early flight."

Aurélien was almost out the door when he heard Zuri's whispered "Thank you." He turned to see a lone tear sliding down her cheek.

"No problem, ma chérie," he replied softly, then froze. Sweetheart? Where the fuck did that come from? He closed the door quickly, his mind reeling. "Allez, Zeus," he called, desperate for a distraction. The dog padded after him as he headed upstairs.

In the bathroom, Aurélien cranked the shower to its hottest setting, letting the scalding water pound against his still-aching muscles. He needed to clear his head, to make sense of this slowly but surely growing attraction to Zuri.

And her father... Christ. The man's bullheadedness reminded Aurélien of his own father, minus the yelling. No wonder the two had been best mates in school. Both pushing relentlessly for their children's success, consequences be damned.

Aurélien had gotten the brunt of it as the eldest, but he could only imagine how Zuri had it. His father had mentioned once that she was the youngest and only girl. That couldn't have been easy.

Stepping out of the shower into the steam-filled bathroom, Aurélien wrapped a towel around his waist and padded to his bedroom. He flopped onto the bed, grabbing his phone and opening Instagram almost on autopilot.

Zuri's profile popped up in his suggestions. Without overthinking it, he hit the follow button.

His eyes drifted to the packed bags in the corner of the room. Tomorrow would bring... what? A new challenge? A chance to figure this mess out?

With a sigh, Aurélien shut off the lights. Zeus hopped up, curling against his side. As sleep began to claim him, Aurélien's last coherent thought was of Zuri's smile when he'd said she could post again.

I'm so fucked...

Zuri sat cross-legged on the hotel bed, her fingers flying across her phone screen. The familiar rush of crafting the perfect post filled her with a sense of normalcy she hadn't felt in weeks. She hit 'share' and watched as the likes and comments immediately started rolling in.

A smile tugged at her lips. God, she'd missed this. The break had been necessary, sure, but coming back felt like slipping into a favorite pair of jeans. Comfortable. Right.

Her DMs were already filling up with brand deal inquiries. The New York market had been good to her, but now... Now she had a whole new city to explore, new trends to set, new stories to tell. The possibilities made her head spin in the best way possible.

As she scrolled, her mind drifted to Aurélien. Their... arrangement (she still struggled to find the right word for it) was as unclear as ever. But the way he'd handled her father... Zuri felt a warmth bloom in her lower regions at the memory. No one had ever stood up to him like that before, not even her mother. Whatever Aurélien wanted, she'd happily give it to him on a silver platter for that alone.

She made a mental note to research Madrid's influencer scene when they got back. New city, new strategies. But for now, she was in Poland, and there was content to be made.

The knock on her door startled her out of her planning. She wasn't expecting anyone - Aurélien was at a team dinner, and she'd appreciated the space, even if a small part of her missed his presence.

Opening the door revealed a familiar face, though not the one she'd been half-expecting. Lila Hamilton stood there, all 5'3" of her radiating effortless cool. The famous fashion designer, model, and younger sister of the greatest motorsport driver alive was standing outside her door. Her light brown skin glowed under the hallway lights, and her normally curly hair was styled in intricate goddess braids.

Ho-ly shit! What the hell is my life?!

Pushing her inner fangirl aside, she gave Lila a smile. "H-Hey."

"Surprise!" Lila grinned, pushing past Zuri into the room. "Aurel thought you could use some company."

As they settled on the couch, chatting and laughing, Zuri felt some of the tension she'd been carrying melt away.

Lila's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, Jude told me about your situation with Aurélien. How are you holding up?"

Zuri sighed, running a hand through her hair. "It's... a lot. I mean, one minute I'm in New York, the next I'm in Madrid with a fiancé I barely know."

Lila nodded sympathetically. "I can't even imagine. But hey, at least Aurélien's a decent guy, right? Jude speaks so highly of him."

"He is," Zuri admitted, a small smile tugging at her lips. "He's been... surprisingly understanding about everything."

"That's good," Lila said, her tone softening. "You know, Jude mentioned that Aurélien seems different lately. In a good way. Maybe this arrangement isn't so bad after all?"

Before Zuri could respond, another knock interrupted their chat. This time, it was Aurélien.

"Hey, Aurélien," Lila said, standing to give him a quick hug.

"Hey, Li," he greeted with a small smile. "Jude's looking for you, by the way."

Lila rolled his eyes good-naturedly. "Of course he is. You'd think he'd have better things to do than worry about where I am."

Aurélien smirked. "You'd think."

"Alright, I'm out. Z, see you tomorrow at the game," Lila said.

As the door closed behind Lila, leaving Aurélien and Zuri alone, the air seemed to shift. Aurélien gestured to the couch. "Mind if I...?"

Zuri shook her head, scooting over to make room. As he sat, she caught a whiff of his cologne - spicy and warm.

"So," Aurélien started, his voice low. "About next month, when our parents visit..."

Zuri felt her stomach clench. Right. Reality. She nodded slowly, her fingers absently playing with the hem of her shirt. "Right. Next month."

Aurélien leaned back, his arm draped casually over the back of the couch. "I was thinking," he started, his eyes meeting hers, "maybe we should come up with a game plan. You know, figure out how we want to handle things."

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "A game plan? For our arranged marriage?"

A small smile tugged at Aurélien's lips. "When you say it like that, it sounds ridiculous."

"That's because it is ridiculous," Zuri said, but there was no bite to her words.

Aurélien nodded, his expression turning more serious. "Look, I know this isn't ideal for either of us. But we're in this situation now, and I think... I think we could make it work. If we're on the same page."

Zuri studied him for a moment, taking in the sincerity in his eyes. "What did you have in mind?"

"Well," Aurélien said, shifting slightly to face her better, "for starters, I think we should be honest with each other. About our expectations, our boundaries, all of it."

Zuri felt something in her chest loosen at his words. "I'd like that," she admitted softly.

"And about your work," Aurélien continued, "I meant what I said. I don't want you to give up your career for this. We'll figure out how to make it work with the PR team."

Zuri blinked, surprised by his support. "Thank you," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Aurélien's hand found hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. "We're partners in this, Zuri. Whatever happens, we face it together. Okay?"

As Zuri looked at him, she felt a warmth spread through her that had nothing to do with the room temperature. "Okay," she agreed, a small smile forming on her lips.

Aurélien cleared his throat, his eyes darting away for a moment before meeting hers again. "There's also the matter of... living arrangements."

Zuri felt her heart skip a beat. "Oh?"

"I mean, eventually, we'll need to share a room," he said, his voice low. "For appearances, if nothing else."

Zuri couldn't help the giggle that escaped her lips, feeling her cheeks warm. "Right. Appearances."

Aurélien's lips twitched, amusement dancing in his eyes. "And then there's the matter of... you know."

"Sex?" Zuri supplied, her voice higher than usual.

Aurélien nodded, his tongue darting out his mouth to lick his bottom lip. "Yeah, that."

They both burst into laughter, the tension breaking.

"And kids?" Zuri asked, once they'd calmed down.

Aurélien's expression softened. "I'd like at least one, eventually. You?"

Zuri bit her lip. "I hadn't really thought about it. I mean, I'm only 24. Having a baby now seems... crazy."

"Yeah, of course. There's no rush," Aurélien assured her quickly. "We've got time."

As if on cue, Zuri's stomach growled loudly. Aurélien grinned, reaching for the room service menu. "Hungry?"

They ordered room service - a juicy burger with truffle fries for Aurélien and a Caesar salad with grilled chicken for Zuri. As they settled in to watch an episode of a true crime documentary, Zuri couldn't help but marvel at how comfortable this felt. Just days ago, they were strangers thrust into an impossible situation. Now, here they were, sharing a meal and casual conversation like old friends.

As they ate, Aurélien mentioned tomorrow's game.

"You're going to learn about football whether you like it or not," he teased, popping a fry into his mouth.

Zuri smirked, spearing a piece of chicken with her fork. "Maybe I should just watch Ted Lasso instead."

Aurélien's eyes narrowed playfully. "Don't play with me, ZuZu."

The nickname sent a jolt through Zuri, her mind going into overdrive. ZuZu? When did that happen? And why did it make her heart flutter?

As they continued watching, Zuri found her thoughts drifting. Their conversation earlier about honesty, expectations, and boundaries echoed in her mind. It was surreal how quickly things were progressing, how easily they seemed to be falling into a rhythm. Part of her wanted to resist, to remind herself that this was still an arranged marriage, still not what she'd chosen for herself. But another part - a growing part - was starting to wonder if should just see where things could go with Aurélien.

After three episodes, Aurélien eventually stood to leave, stretching as he did. His shirt rode up, revealing a sliver of toned abs that made Zuri's mouth go dry. All thoughts of resistance fled her mind at the sight.

"See you tomorrow?" he asked, oblivious to the effect he was having on her.

"Y-yes," Zuri managed, her eyes still fixed on his midsection.

"Goodnight, ma chérie," Aurélien said softly, before heading out.

Once she was all by herself, Zuri flopped back onto the couch, one hand clutching at her chest dramatically. "That's a man, Savannah," she breathed, a dreamy smile spreading across her face.

The next morning, Zuri found herself in the stands of the PGE Narodowy Stadium in Warsaw, surrounded by a sea of white and royal blue. The UEFA Super Cup match between Real Madrid and Atalanta was about to begin, and the energy in the stadium was electric.

Zuri leaned towards Lila, having to raise her voice to be heard over the roar of the crowd. "Is it always this intense?"

Lila grinned, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "Oh honey, this is just the warm-up. Wait till the match starts!"

As an American, Zuri was used to the spectacle of NFL games, but this... this was something else entirely. The chants, the flags, the sheer passion of the fans around her was unlike anything she'd experienced before.

"I've been to Giants games back home," Zuri shouted to Lila, "but this is on another level!"

Lila laughed, linking her arm through Zuri's. "Welcome to European football. It's not just a game, it's a religion."

As the teams took the field, the stadium erupted. Zuri's eyes immediately found Aurélien, his tall frame easy to spot even from their seats. She felt a flutter in her stomach that had nothing to do with nerves and everything to do with how he looked in his kit.

"So," Lila said, a mischievous glint in her eye, "on a scale of one to 'climb him like a tree', how are you feeling about your arranged husband right now?"

Zuri felt her cheeks warm. "Lila!"

"What? I'm just saying, seeing Jude in his kit still does things to me." Lila's eyes found her boyfriend on the field, a soft smile playing on her lips. "Trust me, it never gets old."

Zuri shook her head, laughing despite herself. As the whistle blew to start the match, she found herself swept up in the excitement. She might not understand all the rules yet, but watching Aurélien move across the field with such grace and power, she was beginning to see the appeal of the beautiful game.

The crowd around them surged and swayed with every play, their emotions rising and falling like a tempestuous sea. Zuri found herself joining in, shouting and cheering along with everyone else, caught up in the infectious energy of it all.

As halftime approached, Zuri turned to Lila, her eyes wide with exhilaration. "Okay, I get it now. This is amazing!"

Lila smirked. "Just wait till you experience the rivalry match with FC Barcelona. This? This is nothing."

Zuri couldn't imagine anything more intense than this, but as she watched Aurélien jog off the field, catching his eye as he glanced up at the stands, she realized she was looking forward to finding out.

As the second half kicked off, the intensity in the stadium only seemed to increase. Zuri found herself on the edge of her seat, her heart racing with every near miss and spectacular save. She was surprised at how quickly she'd become invested in the game, cheering loudly whenever Aurélien or Jude had possession of the ball.

The match remained scoreless well into the second half, the tension mounting with each passing minute. Then, in the 59th minute, it happened. Federico Valverde put Real Madrid ahead from close range, converting a precise pass from Vinícius Junior.

The stadium exploded. Zuri found herself on her feet, screaming in jubilation along with thousands of other fans. Lila grabbed her in a tight hug, both of them jumping up and down in excitement.

"Did you see that?" Zuri yelled, her voice hoarse.

Lila grinned back at her. "I told you it was something else!"

Just nine minutes later, the crowd erupted again as Kylian Mbappé, making his debut for Real Madrid, fired the ball into the top corner from Jude Bellingham's pass.

"Oh my god, Jude assisted that!" Lila screamed, her pride evident.

The remaining minutes of the game were a blur of nervous energy and excited chatter. When the final whistle blew, confirming Real Madrid's 2-0 victory and their record sixth Super Cup crown, the celebration in the stands was deafening.

As the team did their victory lap around the pitch, Jude broke away from the group, jogging over to where Lila and Zuri were standing. In a move that had clearly been practiced, he leapt up, grabbing the edge of the barrier to pull himself up to Lila's level. Their kiss was brief but passionate, eliciting cheers from nearby fans.

Zuri watched, a mix of amusement and envy swirling in her chest. Then she saw Aurélien approaching. Her breath caught as he came to a stop in front of her, his face flushed with exertion and triumph.

"So," he said, his voice barely audible over the crowd, "what did you think of your first football match?"

Zuri found herself grinning widely. "It was... incredible. You were all incredible."

Aurélien's smile widened, his eyes locked on hers. For a moment, Zuri thought he might follow Jude's example and leap up to kiss her. Instead, he reached up, his hand finding hers and giving it a gentle squeeze.

"I'm glad you enjoyed it," he said softly. "Maybe you'll want to come to more games?"

Zuri nodded, suddenly breathless. "Yeah," she managed. "I'd like that."

As Aurélien jogged back to join his teammates, Zuri turned to find Lila watching her with a knowing smirk.

"What?" Zuri asked, feeling her cheeks warm.

Lila just shook her head, laughing. "Oh honey, you've got it bad."

As they made their way to the locker room, the team's voices echoed through the tunnel:

"¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid! ¡Hala Madrid y nada más!"

The chant reverberated off the walls, their jubilation palpable. Aurélien felt the rush of victory coursing through his veins, his grin wide and unrestrained.

In the showers, the celebration continued, steam rising around them as they rehashed the game's best moments.

"Mbappé!" Aurélien called out, his voice carrying over the spray of water. "Not bad for a debut, yeah?"

Kylian's laughter rang out. "Just getting started, bro. Just getting started."

After cleaning up, a smaller group decided on a quieter celebration. Aurélien, Kylian, Jude, Ferland, and Eduardo made their way to the designated family area, a secluded section just off the main corridor. It was a haven away from the prying eyes of the media, where partners and families could wait in relative privacy.

As they approached, Aurélien's eyes immediately found Zuri.

"Hey," he said softly, approaching her. "Tag along with Lila, okay? We'll meet you at the restaurant."

Zuri nodded, understanding the need for discretion. Aurélien could see the flash of cameras beyond the security barriers, hear the distant shouts of reporters hoping for a quote or a clear shot. He felt a protective urge rise within him, wanting to shield Zuri from the chaos that came with his world.

When they walked out, Aurélien couldn't help but steal glances at her, admiring how she fit in so naturally with the group. Lila had linked arms with Zuri, the two women chatting animatedly as they navigated the gauntlet of paparazzi. Aurélien made a mental note to thank Lila later for taking Zuri under her wing.

At the restaurant, they settled into a large, semi-circular booth tucked away in a corner. Without thinking, Aurélien's arm found its way to the back of the seat behind Zuri. He wasn't quite touching her, but he could feel the heat radiating off her body, acutely aware of every small movement she made.

He watched, amused, as Lila perched on Jude's lap, the couple sharing a quick kiss. The easy affection between them made something twist in Aurélien's chest - a feeling he wasn't quite ready to examine too closely.

"Careful there, Bellingham," Aurélien teased. "Don't lose her in your lap. Might need a search party to find her."

Laughter erupted around the table, Lila sticking her tongue out at Aurélien good-naturedly.

As the waiter approached, Aurélien leaned in closer to Zuri. "Trust me?" he murmured.

At her nod, he took charge, ordering for both of them with a confidence that surprised even himself. He'd paid more attention to her likes and dislikes than he'd realized.

"The grilled salmon with roasted vegetables for the lady," he said, his voice smooth. "And she'll start with the butternut squash soup."

Zuri's eyes widened slightly, impressed. She caught Lila's gaze across the table, the petite woman's smile widening into a Cheshire cat grin. Lila leaned in to whisper something to Jude, whose own smile grew to match his girlfriend's.

"Look at you, Tchouaméni," Camavinga teased, "already ordering for your wife like a proper gentleman."

Jude chuckled, his arm tightening around Lila's waist. "He's learning from the best, mate."

"Oh please," Lila rolled her eyes, but her fond smile betrayed her. "As if you knew what a vegetable was before you met me."

The table erupted in laughter, Jude feigning offense. Throughout the meal, Aurélien couldn't help but notice how Jude's eyes constantly drifted to Lila, how his hand always found its way back to her, even when reaching for his drink or gesturing during a story. It was like Lila was his anchor in a storm of excitement and celebration.

Later that night, as Aurélien and Zuri walked to a nearby ice cream shop, Zuri brought up the couple.

"I follow Lila on Instagram," she said, licking her vanilla cone. "Their photos are cute, but seeing them in person… they can barely keep their hands off each other."

Aurélien chuckled, his own chocolate ice cream forgotten for a moment. "Yeah, Jude's had it bad for her for a while now. Even before they started dating, he'd get this dopey look on his face whenever someone mentioned her name."

Zuri raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

"Jude had a crush on her for months before he worked up the courage to ask her out," Aurélien replied. "Nearly drove the rest of us mad with his pining."

They both laughed, the sound echoing in the quiet street.

As they entered the hotel, Aurélien felt a strange reluctance to end the evening. "Want to watch another episode of that crime documentary?" he found himself asking.

Zuri nodded, a small smile playing on her lips. "Sure, why not?"

In her room, they settled on the couch, noticeably closer than before. Aurélien couldn't help but appreciate how comfortable Zuri seemed around him now, her body slightly leaning into his as the episode played.

Halfway through, he noticed her breathing had evened out. Glancing down, he saw she had fallen asleep, her head dangerously close to resting on his shoulder. For a moment, he didn't want to move, content in this peaceful bubble they'd created.

Eventually, though, he knew he had to go. Gently, he shifted her to lie fully on the couch, draping a blanket over her sleeping form. He turned off the TV, the room plunging into a soft darkness broken only by the city lights filtering through the curtains.

Before he could overthink it, Aurélien leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Zuri's forehead. "See you tomorrow, ma chérie," he whispered, then quietly left the room.

Aurélien headed to his floor and he couldn't shake the realization that he was in deep. Every moment with Zuri revealed something new to like about her, and it was both exhilarating and terrifying.

Lost in thought, he almost bumped into a shirtless Jude at the ice machine.

Jude's eyebrows waggled suggestively. "Coming back from Zuri's room, eh?"

Aurélien rolled his eyes, but before he could retort, Jude pressed something into his hand - a condom.

"You're going to need this more than me now," Jude said with a wink.

Aurélien snorted. "Pretty sure you'll have better use for it, Mr. I-have-an-actual-girlfriend."

Jude shrugged, a smug grin spreading across his face. "Not anymore. Lila just told me she's on birth control now."

Aurélien made a face, tilting his head to the side. "T-M-fuckin'-I, Bellingham, but I don't think Lewis would be too happy if you knock up his baby sister. You're on thin ice as it is."

Jude scoffed, already heading back to his room. "No one's afraid of Lewis."

Aurélien chuckled, shaking his head as he continued to his own room. As he closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but wonder what the hell he was getting himself into, but as he fell into bed, his last thought before sleep claimed him was of Zuri's peaceful sleeping face, and he found he didn't mind the complication one bit.

TO BE CONTINUED....Read Chapter 4

[theseshipsshallsail]

MUSIC (THE SHORTHAND OF EMOTION)

It was his high school Latin professor who claimed one must be au fait with a number of languages in order to appreciate the world’s hidden meanings, and if Oliver’s learned anything in regards to the walking enigma known as Elio Samuel Perlman, it’s that while he may be fluent in English, French, and his native Italian, the medium of music remains his preferred method of communication; and via which, he expresses himself perfectly. 

The frustrated chords of Chopin and Rachmaninoff, for example, born of their initial games of cat-and-mouse. 

The melancholic strains of Elgar’s Nimrod when they were no longer speaking.

The beckoning call of Bach’s Capriccio when they were.

But then came the berm. A kiss that shocked him to the core. Two endless nights spent staring at the stars whilst Elio hammered away at the Bösendorfer’s ivory keys. Chain-smoking a pack of unfiltered Gauloises as he clung to his mantra of being good. Grateful. That what they had - a friendship unlike all others - would ultimately suffice.

Only it couldn’t.   

Of course it couldn’t.

Under the harsh Riviera sun he’d been reborn, and not even the threat of familial disownment was enough to prevent his leap into the unknown.

The music was different, after that.

After I’ll see you at midnight. 

After I don’t want you to go. 

After I spoke to your father. He’s happy to extend my stay. 

It was richer. 

Brighter. 

Infused in every carefree giggle: tap-tap-tapped over his too-full heart in the burnished light of dawn.

And Oliver? He loves it. 

Loves him. 

The inscrutable maestro who toppled his house of cards, and whose unconditional acceptance settled deep and warm and forever in his rib cage.

They’re ensconced in the villa’s living room, the pair of them, one perfectly idle Wednesday afternoon: Elio plunking bits and pieces at randomas he makes the occasional note on a sheet of ubiquitous staff paper. Sometimes just a scale. Sometimes a whole refrain. Head bowed. Lips pursed. Seemingly unbothered by the portly bumblebee that entered through the unshuttered windows, and has since taken refuge atop the tall glass of apricot juice forgotten on the credenza.

Ostensibly, Oliver’s double-checking his next chapter’s pages for Signora Milani when the other man arches in a cat-like stretch; the hem of his Lacrosse polo-shirt revealing a pale swathe of skin at his hip. Rising from the plush piano bench, he wanders over to the corner, and Oliver’s curiosity sees him setting his revisions aside as Elio casts an eye over his parents’ extensive record collection: running his thumb along the stiff, cardboard spines.

His face is unreadable as he makes his selection. Slides the vinyl from its protective sleeve. Blows the dust from the vintage turntable, then aligns the stylus with the album’s outer groove. But the moment Édith Piaf’s voice crackles through the air - smothering the din of the knife-grinder’s whetstone - Oliver finds himselfcaptivated.

Non, rien de rien, it begins as Elio closes his eyes, swaying gently to the mournfully poignant tone. Non, je ne regrette rien… 

He’s across the room without conscious decision: feeling a tad self-conscious when he offers an unsteady hand.

Feeling decidedly more so when Elio blinks at him owlishly, before finally reaching to take it.

Ni le bien qu'on m'a fait, the powerful lyrics continue, and his dance partner swallows - clearly bewildered - as Oliver pulls him closer, one palm cradling his slender waist whilst the other flattens their tangled fingers over his left breast pocket. 

Time distils as he guides them into a rocking back-and-forth: Elio’s grip sliding from wrist to elbow, then further, lingering on the sweat-damp hair at Oliver’s collar. If he didn’t know better, he’d think him the picture of innocence, yet the fact that he does - know better, that is - has him grinning like an idiot when he recognises the genuine emotion beneath his slightly-flushed features. 

The three little words that thus far remain unspoken, shining explicitly in his imploring gaze.

“No, I regret nothing,” Oliver translates in a halting whisper, thanking the decisions of his past that irrevocably shaped his future. “Because my life…” he continues, ghosting a kiss to the shell of Elio’s ear. “My joy…” Another, to the hinge of his jaw. “Sweetheart…” The anticipation is glorious. “Today, that starts with you...”

[daily-clace]

“I wonder sometimes,” he said. “My father—Valentine, I mean—loved music. He taught me to play. Bach, Chopin, Ravel. And I remember once asking why the composers were all mundanes. There were no Shadowhunters who had written music. And he said that in their souls, mundanes have a creative spark, but our souls hold a warrior spark, and both sparks can’t exist in the same place, any more than a flame can divide itself.”

“So you think the Shadowhunter in me . . . is driving out the artist in me?” Clary said. “But my mother painted—I mean, paints.” She bit back the pain of having thought of Jocelyn in the past tense, even briefly.

“Valentine said that was what Heaven had given to mundanes, artistry and the gift of creation,” said Jace. “That was what made them worth protecting. I don’t know if there was any truth to any of that,” he added. “But if people have a spark in them, then yours burns the brightest I know. You can fight and draw. And you will.”

City of Heavenly Fire, Cassandra Clare

[dutifullynuttywitch]

Dance féerique

(A magical bayou waltz)

Pairing: Cal Lowell x Aurélie Bajolière (f!mc)

Choices Nightbound

Rating: general (fluff)

Wordcount: 700 words

Image credit: madsmikkelsen7161 on pinterest

Tags: @choicescommunityevents for the faeries event 🧚‍♀️ @choicesficwriterscreations

It’s an unusually cool evening in the bayou. Aurélie sits on the small wooden dock behind the cozy home she now shared with Cal and his brother Donny. She looks up at the starry sky, her toes trailing lazily in the balmy water.

They had opened all the windows to let the refreshing breeze flit gently through the house. Which meant she could enjoy her own personal concert.

Cal was seated at the piano, playing her favorite song, Chopin’s Nocturne No. 9 E major.

The soft notes float up to her, carried by the cool breeze, evoking feelings of immense tenderness for this man who had become her rock, her everything during the recent trials. Fighting terrible enemies. Realizing she was half-fae. Losing her father so soon after finally meeting him. Dying.

Sometimes she’d wake up still wondering if the past weeks had been nothing but a fever dream.

Though tonight, resting under the immensity of the cosmos reflected in the calm waters in front of her, the beautiful melody flitting in soft waves, it felt more like a moonlit reverie.

As she gazes out into the confines of the bayou, Aurélie notices white specks of light twirling over the mirror-like water, seemingly dancing in sync with the melody.

Curious, she squints her eyes, trying to make out the dazzling forms. They slowly near the dock, floating on the wind.

As they get closer, Aurélie’s breath catches.

Tiny wood fairies!

Their shimmering, iridescent wings flutter daintily as they twirl and dance. Soon, the ethereal creatures encircle her, their giggles like soft chimes as they joyfully twirl, raise and dip all around her.

“Well, hello, you’re quite graceful.”

Aurélie smiles at the fairies. They grin and chatter, a few fluttering in her long wavy hair, tickling her, while others pull at her blouse, inviting her up.

Laughing, she complies and starts twirling around the yard along with the fairies, in absolute awe at this magical moment.

“You’re a sight to behold, ma chérie.”

Aurélie turns towards the house to find Cal leaning against the frame, observing her with a tender expression, a sparkle in his eyes.

The fairies pick up their chatter, a delicate symphony of windchimes now replacing the night’s melody. Inviting the newcomer to join their magical waltz.

“Well, what are you waiting for, handsome?”

Aurélie beckons him over, smiling playfully. Cal doesn’t need further encouragement. He tenderly gathers his girlfriend into his powerful arms and leads her into a slow waltz.

As always, Aurélie is amazed that this beast of a man is capable of such gentleness. Always so careful around her, protective, attentive to her needs and attuned to her emotions. He had captured her heart so easily with his kind soul.

And she fell in love with him all over again every day, through his many small gestures, gentle touches, daily bouquets of fresh wildflowers, private moonlit concerts. Countless little reminders that he cherished her.

The fairies seem to approve as they increase their wild ballet, surrounding the couple with their ethereal beauty, lighting up the air brighter than the billions of flickering stars.

Cal gazes fondly into his love’s sparkling blue eyes. He bends down to capture her lips in a languid kiss.

Aurélie melts into his strong arms, feeling his intense warmth envelop her. She parts her lips, inviting him in, relishing in this magical moment.

They feel a soft breeze as the fairies excitedly spin around them, then float up high into the air. They bid their farewell in melodic chimes, softly flitting into the dark woods.

Watching the little specks of light disappear, Cal murmurs, “You have such a beautiful soul, even the wood fairies want to be close to you.”

“You’re the one who drew them here with your wonderful moonlight concert.”

“Hmm… and here I thought I was playing only for ma douce moitié.” He kisses her nose. “Shall I continue?”

“Yes please. Though I’ll come sit with you. I love watching you play.”

They turn their backs to the serene bayou and its magical inhabitants as they head towards the brightly lit house.

Their home.

[mxlfoydraco]

hi! i hope its okay to ask but, i was wondering if you have read any fics where theres also draco's son? i really like their relationship and i would love to read something with him and drarry as a ''main'' topic!

I absolutely adore Scorpius and dad Draco, I'll do this so happily! I'm adding onto these lists: Drarry + Scorpius & Draco and Scorpius are mutually protective

Close Behind by @oflights (134k)

To rescue Draco from the Underworld, Harry has to look forward. Unfortunately, Draco has to look back.

Burn the Witch by @lettersbyelise (95k)

When Harry Potter is sent in to investigate Draco Malfoy’s successful potions company, posing as Draco’s bodyguard, he doesn’t know the case will launch a series of events that will change his life — and Draco’s.

A story about choices, scars, Chopin piano pieces, and finding all kinds of love in the most unexpected places.

Fire Meet Gasoline by @lettersbyelise (62k)

When Draco’s anger management issues land him in St Mungo’s, he thinks his Quidditch career is over. But Harry, A&E Healer and notorious workaholic, is faced with a similar predicament. To save their jobs, the two of them decide to fake a relationship. All they have to do is convince their friends and employers… and not fall in love in the process. Simple, right?

Shibboleths by @lol-zeitgeistic (109k)

Muggle Immersion co-Professor Harry Potter spends his days hanging with his son, reading to his “dog,” teaching magical kids about the internet with his cousin Dudley, and irritating Snape’s portrait. He’s understandably annoyed when his cosy life is interrupted by the Headmistress hiring on Draco Malfoy to be Hogwarts’ new Ancient Magical Cultures and Spellcasting professor. But then the explosion happens, and it turns out they’ll all need Malfoy’s knowledge if they want the magical world to survive. The one with the scary things and Professor Dudley.

Harry Potter: DILF Hunter by @vukovich (11k)

Auror Potter doesn't know what a DILF is, but if Malfoy's one, then Harry's gonna be the Ministry's best DILF Hunter ever!

Or, five times Harry heard Draco was a DILF, and one time he found it to be pleasantly true.

Freedom to be by @quicksilvermaid (169k)

Harry Potter is the Boy Who Lived. 12 years after the war, he's become the Boy Who Lived For Everyone Else. He has the perfect wife. The perfect house. The perfect job. The perfect friends. Only nothing feels perfect. Until one day he stumbles across a club called Release and begins a journey of self-discovery that takes him to a very different place.

Take the Moon by @tackytigerfic (15k)

Harry Potter has always wanted a family of his own, and when a deadly blood curse forces him into a marriage bond with his best friend Draco Malfoy, it looks like he might just have found one. Living with Draco (biscuit-lover, no work/life balance, good hair) and his son Scorpius (also biscuit-lover, colour-codes his bricks, proud bearer of plastic swan-shaped garden ornament) gives Harry the routine and companionship he’s always craved. There’s also the matter of the really great sex (because what’s a marriage of convenience without a little fun, after all?) It's just a shame they’d always planned to break up after a year… This isn't the story of the marriage. This is the story of two hurt and damaged men who learned how hard they could work for the sake of love.

Play Dates by @bixgirl1 (7k)

Harry never thought seeing Malfoy as a dad would affect him this way.

All I Want For Christmas (Is For You To Stop Talking) by @femmequixotic and @noeeon (162k)

The Niffler's Garden is the most prestigious wizarding nursery school in England and has been for the last century or more. Harry Potter's boys are both enrolled as pupils at the Garden. When he volunteers to assist with the Yule pageant, he has no idea that he'll be working closely with another parent, Draco Malfoy. Although they haven't seen each other much since their own school days, Harry faults Malfoy for not being a hands-on dad to little Scorpius. Will the intense weeks of preparation fan the fires of enmity or something else entirely?

Predictable Little Curses by brightowl (14k)

Two single fathers. One rather inconvenient bonding spell.

Harry Potter's biggest fan by @gnarf (9k)

Ever since Scorpius heard about Harry Potter for the first time from one of his friends, one could say that he was his biggest fan. So naturally, it would be the thing he needs to talk about while visiting his grandparents for Sunday dinner. Draco's father could not hold back the comments on why he had to go through this again, and Scorpius understood just enough to know that his father actually knew Harry Potter in person. That's when the pestering started. Not much later and Draco found himself face to face with Potter, all thanks to his son.

In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning by @sassy-cissa (16k)

Fourteen years ago Harry and Draco had one night together. It takes a stunt from Scorpius to bring them back together.

Harry Potter and the Great Cat Caper by @kbrick (78k)

Harry’s lonely in the aftermath of his divorce. Except for the weekends that he has the kids, Harry’s cooking gourmet meals for one in his big, empty farmhouse, with only his seven cats for company. Until, that is, Harry finds Al and Lily playing with Scorpius Malfoy in the front yard, and learns that Draco Malfoy is his closest wizarding neighbor. Oh, and also, Harry’s favorite cat is stolen (multiple times!) by someone who had the audacity to put a sparkly pink collar on her, with a nametag that reads “Plumeria Seraphin Snugglybug”. These things (Malfoy and the cat-snatching) may or may not be related. Featuring: a cat-loving Harry who loves to cook, has playdates with Pansy Parkinson, and tends to rap when he’s wasted, and good-dad Draco Malfoy who’s still a prat, albeit an irritatingly attractive and charming one. Also featuring: a slew of adorable children, a stolen cat named Stormy, copious amounts of sexual tension, divorce betting pools, amoral yet charismatic Slytherins, peeping-tom Harry, foot massages given while under the influence, Harry’s first time with a bloke, and did I mention cats?

Our Time by @m0srael (39k)

Draco Malfoy is an expert in Ancient Runes at Oxford University’s College of Advanced Magical Studies. When he isn’t at the head of a lecture hall, he spends his time alone in cavernous libraries with only crumbling scrolls and runic dictionaries for company. One day, a group of Ministry officials interrupts his research with the aim of recruiting him to lead an elite team of investigators in a top-secret race against time to decrypt a set of recently uncovered ancient runes that threaten the very fabric of time. Draco feels certain he can save the world, if only he didn’t keep getting distracted by his co-lead, one Chief Cursebreaker Harry Potter. If only that distraction didn’t evolve into something so much more.

the long ways by @oknowkiss (10k)

Five times Harry thought he was seeing Draco for the last time, and one time he didn’t.

OR: what it’s like to fall in love, slowly and without realizing it, over the course of 20 years.

Destination: Wedding by @mars-bar81 (31k)

Harry keeps accidentally getting married by not knowing the customs of cultures he visits and Draco is his long-suffering divorce attorney. Is Harry doing it on purpose? Are the people he’s marrying doing it on purpose? Is everyone involved just an idiot? Read on and find out!

All Missing Things (Can Be Found) by daisymondays (100k)

After a drunken hook up ends badly, Harry Potter and Draco Malfoy have no intention of ever speaking again -- but when they're assigned to solve a case of young child disappearances, they have to put their past behind them.

A Down and Out Christmas by @maraudersaffair (20k)

It’s Christmas and Draco and Scorpius have nowhere to go. Enter very sexy and very single Harry Potter.

The Opposite of Amnesia by @burning-up-ao3 (39k)

Draco's home has layers of old, dark magic that he can't remove. He has to hire the best person to keep him and Scorpius safe. Even if that person is Harry Potter.

When Hippogriffs and Pygmy Puffs Collide by oldenuf2b (32k)

Harry Potter bakes cakes, brilliantly. Draco Malfoy inks tattoos, brilliantly. Owls deliver post, including messages from clients, with an occasional lack of brilliance.

Trust In Me by unadulteratedstorycollector (7k)

Harry is met with blinding pain and Draco Malfoy. And Draco Malfoy's beautiful son. And suddenly a family is something that seems very within Harry's reach.

Misunderstandings are as easy as A-B-C by @veelawings (3k)

A slow blink and Potter seemed to catch himself, clearing his throat and nodding, his smile friendly and bright when directed at Scorpius and Draco. “Hey Mal—” “Mr Potter,” Draco spoke up rudely, but necessary. “This is my son, Scorpius Black. He’ll be one of your students this year.” Potter looked completely wrongfooted for a few seconds before his mind appeared to latch onto the most likely conclusion. His expression cleared up as Scorpius took a step forward and offered a tiny hand. “Hello, Mr Potter. It’s nice to meet you,” Scorpius said, enunciation steady and practiced.

Potter-Malfoy Negotiations by dracogotgame (1k)

It's Al's first day at preschool and Harry is a bundle of nerves. But he's certainly not alone.

Head in the Game by Samyiswriting (16k)

Harry and Malfoy shagged. But it’s fine, Harry doesn’t have feelings for him or anything. Yet he isn’t too thrilled when Malfoy gets hired as a Sports Therapist for Harry’s team – Puddlemere United. Of course, he gives massages. And of course, Harry has to bear witness to Malfoy making player after player groan in pleasure.

Have A Little Faith by @erin-riwen (16k)

When a sick child brings Harry and Draco back together, it’s up to Harry to figure out how to convince Draco that dating him really is a good idea.

Rebel, Rebel by @makeitp1nk (28k)

Thirty-six year old Harry Potter is the coolest bloke in muggle Camden Town. That’s right — he’s left the wizarding world behind and has been living his best life ever since. But will one chance encounter with a certain blond from his past change everything? Yeah, probably.

destination, destiny and definition by panicparade (17k)

It all starts with a blind date and a very confused Harry Potter..

Thanking You In Advance by @ladderofyears (13k)

When Draco Malfoy fled from Harry Potter's life it was without even a goodbye. He was left lonely and bereft. Now, almost nine years later it is Christmastime and Draco has returned to London, complete with a Scorpius-shaped surprise that Harry truly wasn't expecting. Can the two wizards get over the hurt of the past and seize the happy future that they both deserve?

[elektrischemaidchen]

Lisztober #16: Paris, Ville de l'amour

‘I would like to make to song for Lisztober #16.’ ‘Okay, sure. But why... so suddenly?’ ‘Just because.’ ‘Can you at least put in a bit of Chopin-discovers-Paris and @franzliszt-official?’ ‘Absolutely.’ ‘It would be nice if it had a bit of a Moulin Rouge flair, with Freedom, Beauty, Truth & Love. ’ ‘Hmmm.’ ‘You’re up to something.’ ‘Hm.’

Scary Spice-Maidchen is back for good. ;) This is, indeed, so scary, I don't even know what to write about it. And: I doubt that those were @chopinski-official's exact words, to be honest ;)

This one was tough. So tough that we sat in the studio until well past midnight last night (and today is Lacelove's birthday) because the recording contained two technical errors we couldn't get out. That's how much we love each other. And since a complete re-recording at 1 a.m. would probably have cost us the original drive of the song and our nerves, we unfortunately don't have to present you the most perfect version today. At least we were able to correct one mistake.  That annoys our inner perfectionist, but the time pressure, the time pressure. (Normally we would spend two months working on something this complicated, but this time we only had two nights.)

By the way: Happy birthday, Honeybunny! Thank you for doing this with me, even though we're both obviously going mad ;) You are the greatest person in the world! And, God protect our souls, she owns a TD-3 now xD

Paris This is hell Paris is a Moloch Every third person here is an artist One in two is an arse...hole Everyone here is armed With sheet music to the tooth They steal your tunes To go round the world themselves In her salon, at the cool La Comtesse That's where they all meet And get on later Into the trap together Paris This is hell Paris is a Moloch Every third person here is an artist One in two is an arse...hole The  broad next to me Smokes in my face again That’s what all the fuzz is about The highly priced „Madame Sand“-Finesse Every evening There are the same „Free absinthe! - faces Every strumpet thinks she's the greatest Poet Over here a kiss on the hand Then another souper You're all so mega fancy Oh, I could puke When I see them! Paris This is hell Paris is a Moloch Every third person here is an artist One in two is an arse...hole You can get syphilis From the sink alone Vive la Bohème This must be the city of love [Hey! Did anyone ever tell Franz Liszt that he was a musical voyeur who polluted the salons of the world with his posturing, his falseness, his egocentricity, like a mangy jackal?] [Yes, Debussy.] [ Good!]

[doubledyke]

Hey! I know you’ve said you can’t imagine Edd and Eddy to get married or have kids but what do you think they would be like as parents? How about Ed and May?

sorry it took me so long to get to this one! i love some good adult eds discussion. this is a long'n.

so ed and may would be super cute as parents. i've seen lots of art with ed as a dad, and all of it melts my heart. he loves babies, guys. and he really would be a great dad. unconditionally loving and accepting, appropriately protective while encouraging his kids to be themselves and dream big.

and may would be a sweet mom. she's shown to also love babies, even if it's during a scene where she's tormenting jimmy a bit lol. anyway, also a very loving parent, cautiously encouraging, and accepting even if she doesn't always "get" it.

i think they'd be the cool parents, the ones that their kids' friends would be jealous of. and their kids are the type to wear halloween costumes out to run errands, and are allowed to dye their hair from a young age. like they're showing up with blue temp dye streaks on the first day of second grade. they probably own rats and tarantulas and lizards, etc. just a very "alt" family, for lack of a better word.

-

along with marriage, i don't see edd and eddy having kids, and haven't given much thought to what they'd be like as parents. i typically think of them as fun aunt eddy and boring but lovable uncle dee.

i feel like edd would be extremely hesitant to have a kid, being terrified that he'd fuck something up. and even if they did everything right, something could still go wrong, etc. his anxiety and ocd would be running rampant at the thought of being responsible for raising a whole ass human being. probably also sees it as ethically questionable and ecologically irresponsible. well unless they adopt.

eddy thinks owning a fish is too much responsibility, so it's hard to imagine him wanting a kid, but then again i think he's vain enough that he'd want to try and create an even mini-er version of himself. i do think he has a nurturing side as well though.

all that being said, if they did decide to have a kid, they'd likely be a bit older, like late 30s, possibly early 40s.

edd would agonize over everything, reading 'what to expect when you're expecting' despite not being pregnant, among dozens of other books on child development and psychology, parenting methods, genetics, etc. makes the baby listen to chopin and debussy and the like. all organic foods, purees them himself if he can, makes the kid's toys and clothes himself to have control over the quality and materials used. uses cloth diapers. and that's just in the infant stage.

eddy's of course more laid back, taking most of his advice from his mom, who smoked during her first pregnancy and was feeding eddy chef boyardee as soon as he could eat solid foods. he's adamant about exposing the baby to more culturally rich music, like the gap band and madonna. for sure helps design the clothes edd makes. lets be real, they're wearing matching outfits for all their family photos.

idk the idea of those two raising a tiny little baby is really amusing so i had to talk about that in more detail. but overall i do think they'd be good parents. the kid would have a good mix of stern but loving guidance and encouragement via edd, and fun, creativity and approachable openness with eddy. edd is doting, and a might be a bit of a helicopter parent if not for eddy frequently reminding him to chill out.

edd has a lot of parental trauma so i think he's the most interesting one to explore regarding this topic. ed does too, but i don't think he'd let it affect him as much. ed's mindset is that he's gonna be the best dad he can be and it's kind of left at that. edd on the other hand is going to attempt to calculate the exact number of hours of affection it takes to make a child feel loved lmao. i think, again, with eddy's help he'd loosen the reins a bit over time, but he's still gonna cry on the first day of school and insist on dropping off and picking the kid up from school every day to shield them from the horrors of the bus.

there's also the possibility that he'd end up being like his own parents :/ not that he'd leave sticky notes and be gone all the time, but that he might struggle to communicate with the child in a parental way, since he's not sure what that actually looks like in practice. there's only so much you can learn from a book, yknow. but that's where eddy comes in. his advice is to "just be normal", which is both extremely helpful and unhelpful at the same time.

eddy said himself, a little childhood trauma builds character, and that's not to say he'd expose his kid to fucked up shit on purpose, but that he's not gonna go out of his way to protect the kid from reality. very much the type not to overreact if the kid falls and scrapes their knee, or throws a tantrum. doesn't cover their ears to block out expletives. doesn't use euphemisms- which i don't think edd would do either. makes sure the kid can come to him about things that double daddy dee would have a panic attack about. and does expose their kid to all kinds of art and culture, and makes sure they aren't afraid to express themselves

one of their biggest arguments is about whether they'll tell the kid about santa. eddy says its harmless fun, edd believes it instills distrust and discourages critical thinking. eddy would probably win that one.

aaaaanyway i'm tired so i'm gonna shut up now, but yeah edd and eddy as parents is definitely an au worth exploring. it's not really for me, but i mean hey i might warm up to the idea eventually. there's this one really cute sketch by sweeteggy that makes me reevaluate my aversion every time i see it. forgive the shitty link, i can't find the original post.

thanks for asking lasagna!! <3333

[yakool-foolio]

NOOOOOOO THIS IS THE SECOND TIME A PROTECTIVE CHARACTER I LOVE IS ASSOCIATED WITH NOCTURNE WHY IS THIS HAPPENING TO MEEEEEEEEEEE

First Yakou with my analysis of Chopin's Nocturne (Op. 9 No. 2) being the song that encapsulates Rain Code in its entirety for me. Also him literally naming his detective agency after himself: 'Nocturnal'.

And now there's Kazuma with his reminiscent theme titled Nocturne. I weep for them both. STOP KILLING OFF MY POOR SWEET MENTOR CHARACTERS GODDAMNIT!

[bharv]

songfic tag game

I'm finally getting to this!

Pick a song to accompany each of your fics or as many as you like. This might be the fic's inspiration or just pure vibes that you'd like to share with readers. Tag as many people as fics you feature (or do as you please!)

Tagging @smoreofbabylon @razrogue @secondsundering @nullshocked @gale-sized-hole

Some of these are songs that were listened to around the fic, others are just vibes, but let's goooo!

Even if Love 

Title: Even if Love by Bonnie Prince Billy (there is also a very cool cover on spotify)

This is easy mode, since the lyrics are right at the top of the fic! But I love it, and it makes me think of all of them.

And I have been yours In foul and in praying And I loved to look at you From the side at night with music playing And love will protect you To the edge of the wood Then a monster will get you And love does no good

The Portrait

Title: Mon Coeur s'ouvre a ta Voix from Samson et Dalila

I listened to this LOADS through the development of this fic!

My heart opens to your voice as the flowers open to dawn's kiss But, my love, to dry my tears, let your voice speak once more

Monster, Mine

Title: You and I by Jeff Buckley

I love this song and while the fic wasn't written with a soundtrack, this one from the playlist takes me back

Where you think you'll fall, I adore you. Where you shut your soul, I will open for you.

Blood and Bone, Bone and Blood

Title: Chopin Nocturne E minor op. 72 no. 1

This on repeat for days. Obviously no lyrics!

The First Leaf on the Tree after Winter

Title: Pagan Poetry by Bjork

Honestly the whole of Vespertine was a huge part of this fic. Also the link is to the explicit music video which is still... wow.

Morse coding signals They pulsate They wake me up From my hibernating

On the surface simplicity But the darkest pit in me

And it's pagan poetry Pagan poetry

I love him, I love him I love him, I love him I love him, I love him I love him, I love him, I

Breath and Rosewater

I'm cheating and linking to the whole playlist because I can't choose a song ;)

[dapurinthos]

;_; i just want to have adorable jedi younglings to heal my own inner child

Hawk-Bat Clan is hurried into the lift and back up into the morning sunshine. I set my shoulders and finish my ration bar, crumpling the wrapper up and shoving it into the deep pockets of my robes that can hold so many things. I hold onto Rael’s closest sleeve for balance as the lift rises and I slip one foot then the other into my outside shoes so that my soft-soled in-Temple shoes are protected and kept clean. By the time the lift opens back up on the roof, nine pairs of feet are all the saffron-gamboge hue of the flexible outside shoes that end just above our ankles. They make me think first of pattens and chopines, platformed shoes once worn to keep clothing that was hard to wash above the muddy mix of dirt and refuse and animal waste that unpaved streets inevitably descended into, though these soles are maybe a single centimetre. They and the rest of the shoe are made in one piece, of a rubbery, but breathable, material that doesn’t even have a seam around the vamp or down the centre like one-seam moccasins. They're not really rubber, though. Every time a pair gets too beat-up or worn-down, it gets put in a box labelled especially for outside shoes. When there are enough shoes in the box, it gets sent down to a room somewhere below the actual truncated pyramid of the Temple so they can be recycled into new shoes. Rubber is a thermoset, its form set after it cools. Any after-heating just results in the outside becoming unbearably sticky and disgusting, needing to be dissolved with rubbing alcohol. Unless there’s someone whose job it is to solely focus on unlinking the chemical bonds and sifting through impurities with the Force, it’s far more likely they’re just some sort of thermoplast that is of high enough quality to be able to reheat, melt, and reform. Actual recyclable plastics: an outright miracle. They must have been recycling them over and over again for nearly a century, these shoes that carry that warm hue of the late years of the High Republic forward and make us look like a bunch of pelikki, orangey-yellow feet with swooping short robes in hues of warm greys and soft tans above.

[skyeventide]

the queer language in Doktor Faustus is actually insane.

Adrian hides everything about his passion for music, he hides that he plays piano on his own, even from his childhood friend. then he flees from the pursuit of music by trying to study theology, which however bores him. his private music teacher wants to convince him to take the final step and finally abandon the study of theology for music. the narrator, Serenus the childhood friend, points out that Adrian's mother would have no reason to think the study of music as something disturbing or unbecoming, and yet she displays a certain hostility towards the music teacher and an unexplainable protectiveness towards Adrian in his presence.

there is an entire letter from Adrian to his teacher where he tries to reason his way out of studying music and gives a series of explanations as to why his personality is not fit for it. he shows this letter to Serenus.

and like:

the way music stands for sexuality after this is then reiterated. Adrian in Leipzig is led into a brothel by a devil-like individual, who sells him the place as a tavern. only inside does Adrian understand where he is, but instead of accepting the girls attentions, he goes to a piano and plays. until one touches him with an arm, then he leaves with nothing done. he writes about this to Serenus who is, oh my god, balls to the walls mad about it, but deflecting the reason why. he tells us no less than three times that we shouldn't read this worry and apprehension and fear as a tell on Serenus' own character. it only speaks as a reflection of Adrian's character. and like, you're saying this a bit too much for it to sound legit my buddy. methinks it's about both of you.

Adrian's letter also has gems such as

Chopin and Delacroix, ok lmao

Adrian seeing the piano in the brothel:

that absolutely unnecessary clarification (gazing at me, not you), the piano as a friend. are supposed to assume he simply sat down and played piano instead of doing what you do in a brothel? and if he really did simply play, even the mare fact that the act of music stands in substitution for what should technically have happened...

and Serenus commentary of it all, because oh my god. oh my god. and note the repetition of "angel" as a descriptor for Adrian which is the same thing Adrian said of, uh, Chopin.

I'm just copy-pasting parts here but this entire section is literally insane:

and last but absolutely not fucking least:

[stobinesque]

♡☮♦ for jeff 💗

♡ - romantic headcanon

That man is a gentle smooth talker if ever I saw one oh my god. Like, actually, I think more charming than Steve. Because he's not as like...ostentatious about it? Steve is trying (and excepting s3, succeeding) at being charming, but Jeff is just charming without trying. He's a naturally kind and bighearted kind of person. Very doting, and just kind of exudes that at everyone around him, whether platonic or romantic. Also definitely has a playful, snarky side, but that's not where he lives, y'know?

I think he's very physically affectionate, and big into small romantic gestures (randomly picking up a bouquet of flowers from the drugstore, surprising his partner at work with a cup of coffee, picking up something small because it made him think of them, etc.).

☮ - friendship headcanon

So, so loyal, but in a very level-headed kind of way. I think for a lot of ST characters loyalty can manifest in some violently protective ways, but I don't see that for Jeff so much. He can hold a grudge, but he needs to know All The Facts of a situation before he will because the truth of the matter is he sees his friends with such rose-colored glasses that he actually fundamentally can't understand why someone wouldn't like them. This means that he's also good at playing peacekeeper amongst the CC boys (a la S1 Dustin, actually). But if you do trigger a Jeff Grudge??? There is no coming back from that. You're on his Shit List for life. Doesn't matter if his friends forgive you. That lane is now closed to you.*

I....might be projecting onto him.

*This never applies to Steve, because I never headcanon Steve as having ever been actually shitty to any of the CC boys. Jeff is maybe wary of Steve at first, but is the most willing of the group (after Eddie) to give him the benefit of the doubt

♦ - quirks/hobbies headcanon

So he's obviously into metal, but I think he's also big into black musical history in general, too? Loves spirituals and blues music and jazz. Like I think he's an all out nerd about it. He'll also listen to absolutely anything with a sick guitar line, doesn't matter the genre.

I know the 80s is early for this, but I can sooo see him as a hacky sack enthusiast?? Idk love the idea of Jeff having a sort of mindless fidgety hobby. (Yo-yo is also a little too after his time but would also fit this).

Also in JISBA verse he's kind of like a...classic romance (and erotica) enthusiast? Austen, Chopin, Lawrence etc.

also bonus random headcanon is that to me his last name is Lincoln so i'm just gonna start tagging my personal jeff posts that way from now on lmao.