#running around the garden with a sleigh

[lulublack90]

Prompt 15 - Snow

@wolfstarmicrofic December 15, word count 590

Finally, the day Sirius had been waiting all year for had arrived. The first snowfall. The entire view from the window was a blanket of white, with fat flakes falling thickly. He raced to the fireplace and threw a handful of floo powder into the fire and bellowed into the emerald flames. 

“JAMES, IT’S SNOWING!!!! BRING HARRY!!!!” And he pulled his head back before rushing over to the coat cupboard and pulling out the beautiful miniature sleigh he’d bought especially for this moment. 

Remus came out of their bedroom, yawning loudly. 

“What’s going on?” He asked before he noticed the sleigh in Sirius’s arms. He looked at the window as understanding came to his eyes. “First snow, is James bringing Harry?”

“I just called him on the floo,” Remus yawned again, and went back into their bedroom. 

“Please, will you make me a coffee,” Remus called through. Sirius set the sleigh down beside the bay window, so Harry would see it the second James brought him and hurried into the kitchen to get breakfast started. 

James and Harry arrived just as Sirius and Remus were finishing up breakfast. Sirius jumped up and raced through to the living room. 

“Wow!” Harry's excited little voice cried out. “Thank you, Uncle Moony!” 

Sirius skidded to a halt with his mouth agape. How could his precious godson think that Moony could have got such a good present for him?

He snapped out of it when Remus kissed his cheek and Harry started dragging the red sleigh towards the front door. 

“Hang on, Harry, and I’ll help you,” Sirius called and rushed over to pick both of them up and run out into the fresh snow. 

He put them both down and dug around the footwell of the sleigh, pulling out a leather harness. He laid it out in the snow and, after helping Harry into the sleigh, transformed into Padfoot. He needed James’s help to get into the harness, but soon, he was dragging Harry around the garden, the snow crunching under his paws and the sleigh skis and the bells on his harness tinkling as he trotted around. 

They rode around until Remus called them in for lunch. The garden was covered in crisscrossing lines and paw prints. Padfoot shook out his coat before transforming back into Sirius and going inside the warm cottage. 

“You know Harry knows it was from you, right? He just loves pulling your tail,” James said as he stuffed the struggling toddler into the highchair Sirius kept there for him. 

“Yeah, I know,” Sirius said more confidently than he felt. Remus came up behind him and wrapped his arms around him. 

“You looked so sweet out there. I got some photos for the album,” Remus murmured into his ear as he kissed soft kisses onto his cheek. 

“You did?!” Sirius said excitedly, spinning in Remus’s arms as he beamed up at his boyfriend. 

“Of course I did. Lily would kill me if I didn’t.” 

They spent the rest of the afternoon taking it in turns dragging Harry around the garden, building snowmen, and making snow angels. By the time it began to get dark, they were all exhausted, apart from Harry, who, after a power nap, was running circles around them again. They all felt relieved when Lily appeared in the living room, and Harry jumped into her arms, telling her about his day at a thousand miles an hour. Sirius loved having Harry over but was glad it was just him and Remus once he was gone. 

[dontforgetukraine]

Hryhoriy Bakalo, Photo - 1953

"I am Bakalo Hryhoriy Omelkovych. I was born at the end of 1923 in the village of Bohuslav. There were seven children in our family. We lived together with our grandfather and grandmother, Yavdokha.

We were not wealthy, but, for those times,we were not poor either. We were considered well-to-do. They demanded our father join the collective farm: they often came to our house and threatened him.

Little Vasyl was afraid of strangers and cried,so our mother took him out of the house. So he caught a cold and died.

When joining the collective farm, my father gave away the horses and all the livestock, so only a cow remained in our own household. As a successful owner, my father was appointed either foreman or head of the collective farm stable.

The farmers from the collective farm reluctantly accepted the collective farm (it could be called silent sabotage), and treated the collective farm poorly. A rider could leave a horse warmed up by running in the cold, etc.

In the end, poor care, lack of fodder, and unsuitable premises with the onset of autumn cold led to the death of horses. My father was accused of this.

He had an opportunity to "make amends": they offered him to organise the seizure of horses from those people who had not yet joined the collective farm. He did not agree, so he was arrested.

My father's arrest was a signal that a brigade would come to confiscate property.They came to us to seize our property on a horse-drawn sleigh (late November - early December 1932).This entire confiscation brigade included local peasants, but as they said, "not ours" led them.

It was very difficult to hide something from the brigade of collectors. They took everything with them, even clothes and canvas. They burned the icons right in the middle of the yard.

Using sticks, they found two sacks of wheat, one of flour, pine cones and seeds buried by my father in the yard. The utensils from the oven, including the dish in it, were also taken.

In total, they took eight carriages of goods (food, clothing, household goods, utensils, cloth, potatoes). They also took the cow, chickens, ducks - meat; before that, my father had slaughtered a heifer, so they took it too (it was hanging in the attic).

They did not find only the bag of flour, hidden in the barn under the barrel. I think that the older ones could have gone somewhere and there, maybe even survived, but they were "blacklisting" right after the arrest of our father. They were not allowed to leave the village.

Our mother cooked soup from the bag of flour left, and what she managed to exchange for clothes and jewelry (a necklace): water and a little flour...

By the spring, in February, when it got a little warmer, everyone was so exhausted that they could only lie down. Only I walked. I remember my sister calling: "Hrysha, go catch a frog and bring it to me."

I walked around the garden, went down to the river and then came back. "No," I said. And she asked: "Give me the scissors, I'll cut my hair and eat it." I handed over them and stood at a distance. She suddenly threw them at me, almost hitting me.

Later, my sister bit the skin on her fingers. Our mother beat her and wrapped her fingers with rags, but she took off the rags and again bit and sucked her fingers.

Our mother poured soup,and I carried it to my brothers.When I ate my share,I was sitting waiting, maybe,something else left for me.Mother:"Take it to Arkhyp." I brought it,and he said:"Put my bowl down,I don't need it." Then he died. Ivan didn't ask anything, he died quietly.

In March and April, everyone died except for me, Kolia and our mother. Our mother periodically, twice or even three times a week, went away to exchange that junk. And my brother and I wandered around the village.

My brother did not want to walk because he was thin, his legs and arms were like sticks, and his stomach was huge and transparent: the liver and intestines were visible.

My father returned seven months later after he had been taken away, in May, unshaven for seven months, scary, barely able to move his swollen legs wrapped in rags. My mother wasn't at home.

And I said: "Dad, now we will survive - there are only four of us: you, mom, Kolia, and me," and Father only replied: "They took all my strength there." The next morning, he went to the collective farm to sharpen scythes.

In the evening, he brought a quarter of a beet and some soup - he earned for the day. He gave it to us, told us to eat little by little, and lay down and wheezed. Foam came out of the mouth and nose. I ran to our neighbour, saying: "Something is wrong with dad."

She came, looked - "your father died." She covered him with a black blanket. He had been lying like that for two days until our mother came. Everything she earned was spent on the coffin and digging the grave..."

The carriage came to take him to the cemetery, and our neighbour came, asking: "Take my Pylyp to the cemetery too (the neighbour's son was my age). As I won't be able to take him there..." They took Pylyp away. On the way, someone else was taken away.

A storm broke out there. Thunder, lightning, rain, wind. The diggers quickly left. My mother covered the hole with her own hands..."

Source: Holodomor Museum

[gatheringfiki]

The following ficlet was written by @lazysaturdayonthebeach based on this photoset.

Fili/Kili, T

You might also be able to read this story on AO3.

If you’ve enjoyed this story, please leave a comment either in replies or on AO3.

Christmas Memories

—

Prince Fili Valison, Lion of Erebor, son of Princess Dis Thrainsdottir, grandson of Thrain, King Under the Mountain, lay in the snow beside his cousin, Prince Kili Frerinson also grandson of Thrain, King Under the Mountain.  They waved their arms and swung their legs in and out to make snow angels.  It was a good time to talk about important things like pets and cocoa and cookies and Christmas.

“What’s your favorite Christmas memory?” Fili asked.  He was ten and Kili was seven.

“I don’t remember it exactly, but I remember someone had a mouse they let me pet.  I remember a bunch of dogs and flying across the snow.  I remember being really happy and feeling loved,”  Kili answered.  He nodded solemnly, his dark wavy hair bunching up under his head.

“I remember that.  It was the first time Uncle Frerin brought you to the winter palace for Christmas.  The dogs were pulling a sleigh and we were sitting with great-grandfather Thror as we raced through the grounds in the snow.”

“Did you still have the mouse?”

“No.  He fell asleep and didn’t wake up.  We buried him in the gardens.”  Fili suddenly looked sad and tears gathered in the corners of his eyes, beginning to spill down his cheeks.  “He was my best friend.”

Kili crawled over and hugged his cousin.  “It’s okay, Fee.  I’ll be your best friend now.  Daddy says we’ll be living here since mama died.”  Tears began to run down his cheeks too.

Fili returned the hug, and sat back, blond curls bouncing around his shoulders.

“Do you remember anything else?”

“I remember a boy with golden hair that made me feel happy.”

“That’s me.  I’m that memory you don’t remember.”  Fili said.

Kili nodded again.  “That’s good.  You make me feel happy now too.”

Fili stood and held out his hand to help his little cousin stand.  “Want to go to get cookies and hot chocolate?”

Kili nodded enthusiastically and they ran inside, hand in hand.

[fantasticthundermuffin]

Blog Post on The Snow Queen and eBooks

The Story of The Snow Queen is one of the most classic tales by Danish Author Hans Christian Anderson (1805–1875). Hans Christian Anderson is responsible for many classic pieces of literature. The story revolves around two children Gerda and Kai. The story starts off with the Devil trying to use a mirror on God which focuses everything beautiful onto its bitter side. As the devil makes their way to heaven, the mirror is shattered and splinters still possesses the power of the mirror when it hits an eye and heart of those unfortunate enough. One day, while Gerda and Kai where in their rose garden Kai gets hit and was no longer interested with anything except for snowflakes. In the market, Kai ties his sled to a white sleigh only to find out that that it was the Snow Queen. Months pasted, the townsfolk and Gerda believe that Kai died by drowning in the river but the sun, birds, and the roses encourages Gerda that Kai is still out there. She investigates the river but accidentally falls on a boat and brought to a shore where she would meet a Witch that removed her memory of Kai only to regain it whilst spending time in a rose garden. She was told by a crow that the princess was looking for an intellectual husband and one managed to sway her. She suspected it was Kai so she infiltrated the princess’ quarters to find it was not Kai. After explaining her dilemma she was sent on her way on a golden carriage but was later raided by bandits. The daughter of the bandit requested Gerda to be her friend and when she told the daughter of the bandit she was sent on her way with supplies on a reindeer which was among the many pets of the daughter that told Gerda they saw Kai being taken by the Snow Queen.  She ventures to the Castle of the Snow Queen but was intercepted by animated snow creatures. Gerda prayed for her safety and her warm breath turned into two angel warriors that fend off the snow creatures. Gerda finds Kai trying to spell Eternity using ice but doesn’t notice that he is freezing to death. Gerda embraces Kai as she cries and her tears managed to dislodge the shard that hit him. Kai reverted back to normal they return home but they did not notice that the puzzle solved itself. When they arrived home they noticed that they have grown up insinuating that a great deal of time has passed by.

Depositing these classical stories into Ebooks are inevitable. If there are books meant to be immortalized, there are none more worthy than these Classics. As time goes by stories passed down from generations to generations tend to have slight changes, misinterpretations, and etc. There goes the saying "The internet never forgets". One of the primary purpose of computers is to store knowledge. The expansion with the internet enabled easy access. The concept of Ebooks is a noble ideal since it is an optimal method of preservation whereas books are fragile and susceptible to time and nature. There are also cases where access to certain books are difficult due to various reasons but more often than not is the book’s availability. It is also more mobile compared to carrying around tens to hundreds of pages of books. Not to say that Ebooks are perfect in every way, like all that exist within the realm of reality there are ups and downs. It is useless if there is no Wi-Fi unless it is downloaded. It is unaccessible if the device runs out of power. One cannot deny that there is a certain charm to reading the actual book. The feel as you turn the page, smell the ink on the paper, and the firm yet gentle touch of the cover.

[qocsuing]

Irish households using old Christmas lights could be hit with massive electricity bills

Irish households using old Christmas lights could be hit with massive electricity bills

With Christmas just around the corner, Irish households will decorate their homes and trees with lights as part of the festivities. Most houses will use some form of a combination of indoor tree lights, outdoor rope lights, and light-up garden decorations.To get more news about led bar decor, you can visit htj-led.com official website.

However, rising energy costs are a huge concern for people this year as research from Wizer shows that households could on average add around €62.25 to their electricity bill this December by illuminating their homes with old incandescent bulbs. However, there are ways to keep the bills down, according to Martin Desmond, MD of Wizer Energy. Read more: Energy bills could be slashed by €35m with battery storage power

He said: "Thankfully technology has come on leaps and bounds, LED bulbs are far more durable and energy efficient than the old incandescent bulbs, meaning there's no fear of racking up a sky-high bill come January"

So how much are your Christmas lights costing you? The following figures were calculated using an average energy price of 43.2c per kWh.

Christmas tree lights

According to Wizer Energy, most Irish households will use 2 sets of LED fairy lights to decorate their tree (around 25 metres of length in total). If you switch on the lights between 4pm-12am you can expect to pay around €0.0207 per day. That works out at around 64c for the entire month of December.

However, the older incandescent bulbs are far more expensive. A string of lights with 100 bulbs will consume roughly 40 watts, which would cost you €0.1382 per day, or €4.28 per month, an increase of €3.64. LED rope lights usually consume around 1 watt per foot, so a 50-metre length of rope light that's left on for 8 hours a day is going to cost you €0.5668, or €17.75 for the month of December making them the some of the biggest energy consumers.

Again, the incandescent bulbs will cost you way more in bills. The same length of lighting nearly triples the price, as these bulbs would use around 3 watts per foot, working out at €1.70 per day or €52.70 for the month.

Outdoor decorations

Outdoor decorations are another common sight in many Dublin gardens. This Reindeer & Sleigh decoration from the Range for example is a great one to give your garden some Christmas cheer. Martin says: "These decorations can be a little bit deceptive as they are relatively inexpensive, not too big and look great in front of the house - however they utilise LED rope lights too, this one features around 5m of rope light, which means it'll cost you €0.0567 to run for 8 hours, or around €1.75 for the month"

[lewvithur]

merry dang christmas @acornscorns​! here’s some good lewvithur content for you! it works as a lock screen if you really want, like so 

and because i couldn’t freaking stop myself, i got you a short confession drabble to go with under the read more

Christmas celebrations in the city had a way of getting one in the festive mood.

The procession of marching elves brought warmth to their hearts to beat the chill of winter and the gray clouds above. Bells chimed in the streets as the parade turned into the next corner, and the cheering of the crowd drowned out the music blaring over the speakers. Toward the edge of the crowd stood Arthur, Vivi and Lewis, all of which were paying attention, but only enough to the general movement of the parade, and not the finer details. A large red sleigh signalled the end of the parade, and the majority of the crowd followed the sleigh into the streets. The three young adults stayed behind, reclining against a brick garden.

The audience had now scattered, making their leisurely way to their next destination. Groups of friends chatted and walked towards the roads, and couples posed next to the fenced off Christmas tree nearby for yuletide photos. Arthur watched the couples bitterly, wondering if Vivi and Lewis would want him to take a picture for them in front of the tree. As he pulled his phone out, he saw the time on his lock screen and turned to Vivi to try and get their attention.

"Well you two better go and get ready for your date. It's almost 7," Arthur said, shuffling from foot to foot. Vivi could tell how jittery Arthur was, and her stomach dropped. She just knew what she was going to say next would make him even more jittery, but it was something that she and Lewis wanted to sort out for a long time now.

"Uh- Arthur, you do know we made a reservation for three, right?" Vivi threw her hand in the direction of the stuttery mechanic. 

Arthur’s eyes widened for just a moment, and then faded back into blankness. “Eh- Oh,” he mumbled. The warmth from the parade and the jolly atmosphere dissipated in an instant, and Arthur felt the winter bite at him. Part of him tried to think back to what Vivi and Lewis told him. He knew they said the word date, he swore they did, but if he was coming along then they must have been lying. After all, he was Arthur Kingsmen, the perennial third wheel. As he was, is now, and ever shall be.

A glum look crossed his face, turning his mouth down into a frown. This gave Vivi pause. Why would being invited out upset Arthur so? Maybe he wasn’t as into them as she first thought. Maybe she was just projecting her feelings for him onto him. As she gripped her hands together for just a moment, Lewis stepped forward and put a hand to Arthur’s shoulder.

“We really do want you there, Arthur,” Lewis said, pulling him in close to have the three of them huddled together. In the December chill, this proximity had its perks, but there was a tension in the air that they could all sense. Arthur wasn’t frowning anymore, but the bemusement on his face was undeniable.

“...Let me get this straight, you want me to come with you both to that really pricey restaurant with the fancy hot pots?” Arthur started, trying to wrap his head around what the two of them were proposing. “You know, the restaurant you were lamenting getting reservations for because it would be packed this time of year? The restaurant whose usual run of customers are couples who are very much in love with each other?” 

Arthur had worked himself up into a state of fear again. There was no getting around it. They must really want to humiliate their third wheel. He tried to stop the tears from running, so he held them in as his face went red from the exertion. Something was wrong here, and he couldn’t put his finger on it. Were they just wanting to get his hopes up so they could rub it in his face? 

But one look at their faces said that that was not the case. Both of them were staring at him without a trace of irony or mockery. Instead, the crinkles of their eyes and the soft curve of their mouths suggested… fondness? No. Couldn’t be.

“Funny thing about the couples,” Vivi started, but Lewis cut her off in haste. He did not want to give the impression that the two of them were breaking up. Far from it in fact. There was no use. They dug themselves in deep, and the only way out was through.

“What Vivi’s trying to say is, well, we were thinking of asking you something, in fact. Not just, 'do you want to come on our date', but, 'do you want to be our boyfriend?’” Lewis sputtered like he was choking on air. He had never expected him to be the one to ask Arthur out. It was Vivi who broke the ice and transitioned their relationship from friends to lovers, so it made sense that he would be the one to bring Arthur into the fold.

Meanwhile, Arthur stood on the marble tiles, dumbfounded and trying to piece together what was being said. 

He asked: “Do you want to be our boyfriend?” Our. Not my, not his, not her. Our. Both Vivi and Lewis. 

It was like some wonderful dream. It had to be a dream. Arthur couldn’t just say yes.

“...” Arthur’s mouth hung open, leaving a cavern large enough for flies to swarm into unnoticed. “...Are you… are you really…” God, he could kick himself! He was making a fool out of himself, melting into a puddle in front of the nice people who wanted an answer, for Pete’s sake.

Lewis and Vivi linked hands, gripping them tightly. They looked into each other’s eyes, nodded, and turned to Arthur with such immaculate timing he could assume the whole routine was rehearsed. 

“We mean it,” the two of them said in unison.

“After all the crazy things that have happened to us within the last year, I’m surprised this is the hardest thing for us to do,” Vivi said, stepping forward. “But speaking from my experience, I knew you were a good friend. You were there for me after Lewis died, and I didn’t even know why you were being so kind to me. When everything fell into place and I remembered that I loved Lewis, I didn’t want to forget about what you meant to me. It’s just, with all the shit we had to sort out, I kind of just left confessing my feelings about you lower on the totem pole until we were all comfortable again. Then one night, I just admitted to Lewis that I liked you too, and I was surprised that he thought the same!” As Vivi laughed, the spectre beside her hid his mouth and chuckled before starting his spiel.

“I actually forget that all of that stuff happened. To me, it feels like years ago. To think I once resented you and hated the ground you walked on! But then it all came back to me, and I remembered how much I loved you. I felt guilty for months, thinking about what I almost did to you. But I needed stability for just a while. I’m sorry if I ever made you feel left out during that time, Arthur. I’m just glad that Vivi decided to admit her feelings, and then we can really talk about where to go from there. And here we are now. We’ve been through too much to ever hate each other again. I know deep in my heart that I love you, and Vivi loves you too. We want to know if you feel the same about us.” Lewis put an arm around Vivi and stretched a hand out in the direction of the coward who was no doubt in shambles.

Here they were, bearing their hearts out for him, standing in front of the beautifully decorated Christmas tree in the middle of the city. How could Arthur not be swayed? The butterflies in his stomach raced from one wall to another, and he gripped his metal arm with his right hand. He could feel the cold metal under the cover of the warm zip up jacket he had on. At least now he was grounded. 

Arthur swallowed a mouthful of doubt. He had his answer.

“Jeez, I wish I could spit out that many words to say what you both mean to me. But I’m not good at that. And I’d rather not take up your time after you spent all that time saying all those things about me, so I’ll just say… yeah, I’ll be your boyfriend. I’ll be a boyfriend to both of you.” 

Lewis pulled Arthur into his barrel chest, holding him close to his thrumming heart. Never before had Arthur been held this close. Blood rushed to his cheeks as he tried to hug Lewis back, but he was startled by the tackling leap of Vivi. The three of them stood, interlocked, cuddling in the shadow of the Christmas tree.

“Think fast, guys!” Vivi cried, and as Arthur turned his head to face her, his cheeks met her lips. He must have been burning like a meteor against her mouth; it was a surprise that she didn’t pull away. Lewis kept his arms around Arthur, holding him close in the hopes that he would be able to calm the racing heart of this boy in love.

“Now smile!” Vivi shouted, holding her phone in the air and catching the three of them in the limits of the lens. As the shutter snapped, Lewis rested Arthur against him, looking down at him with a loving smile. Meanwhile, Arthur looked like a deer in headlights with eyes as wide as saucers.

“There we go, our first couple selfie! And in front of the Christmas tree too,” Vivi proclaimed, saving the photo and setting it to her lock screen. She proudly showed the boys. Lewis ran his hand over Arthur’s shoulder while the scrawny blonde stared at the picture. He could have looked so much better, but the phone screen showed all he wanted. It was a picture of him in front of the Christmas tree as part of a couple.

A few minutes ago, he was trying to fight the jealousy of seeing couples together. Now, he was in one. He wanted to cry. He really did. The joy was spilling out of his brain, unable to be contained all at once. 

Vivi locked her phone and shoved it in her pocket, taking Arthur’s hand and starting a stride. “Now come on, boyfriends! The best hot pot in our lives awaits!” Her grand steps pulled Arthur forward, and he linked his other hand with Lewis. They were right, it had been a crazy year, and the craziest part was that it was going to end like this.

[cinnamonest]

Welp I'm doing a resume of my resume of my idea

Snezhnaya figures out why so many yanderes come to their country and divide it in zones, the zones with stricter laws are more costly while the more lax ones are cheaper.

I see the rich characters buying homes there for when they kidnap their darling.

Diluc would buy a country house with the nearest neighbor being few good miles away. The country district has a country guard/ security so no darling can escape or anybody aside from the yandere can enter. In the winter they ride a sleigh with huskies ( that can run up to 40 km/h) and in warmer days horses (88 km h)

Ninnguang and keqing don't want to be related to the fatui or Snezhnaya bc of their bad reputation so they keep it on the down low with similar houses to diluc, very isolated and not a lot of people around. Different from diluc they don't want anymore evidence than needed so they stick with a cabin so isolated that could be a death sentence to try and escape alone

The fatui, childe Scaramouche and la signora, maybe could have a compound of houses as a gift from the tsarista to keep them docile, they have 24/7 security so no darling can escape. The compound has everything they could need, a little supermarket for food, a tailor for clothing, the houses are rather big and have gardens and a communal greenhouse, and the tsarista lets the darlings use the royal medic team when she doesn't use it. The compound is wrapped in metallic fences

🌸

Diluc on his rampage a few years ago: huh that spot over there would be a kinda nice place for a secret cabin to hold someone captive in if I ever need it. Better keep that in mind

But also ugh you KNOW the fucking Fatui have like. Their jobs probably get them benefits for this kind of shit. It's a perk of working for them, you basically get free darling storage. After all they need their stress toys to function properly so it's a work necessity :)

[goatskickin]

When we last left the Springs-Eternal family, the heir Justice was just about to grow up to be a teenager. Hope took the baby Mercy to work on accident. A certain stray dog stuck around. Patrick might FINALLY get a job.

What will happen next?

“Hello hello and welcome back to another day in paradise. This is Ajay, bringing the blues and the news.”

“The local militia has strongly advised that all persons stay inside from the hours of 8pm to 6AM PVT. The curfew is in effect for your protection. If you or a family member is displaying symptoms of the rotting sickness, please report to the nearest medical facility immediately. 

And now, on to Mamma Marguerite’s Story Hour.”

“Hey ya’ll, Mamma is not feeling well today, so this is Wendy filling in. When we last left Laura, Christmas time was coming, and the cousins were coming to visit them at the little cabin in the big woods…”

“The day before Christmas they came. Laura and Mary heard the gay ringing of sleigh bells, growing louder every moment, and then the big bobsled came out of the woods and drove up to the gate. Aunt Eliza and Uncle Peter and the cousins were in it, all covered up, under blankets and robes and buffalo skins.”

“They were wrapped up in so many coats and mufflers and veils and shawls that they looked like big, shapeless bundles. When they all came in, the little house was full and running over. Black Susan ran out and hid in the barn, but Jack leaped in circles through the snow, barking as though he would never stop. Now there were cousins to play with!“

“As soon as Aunt Eliza had unwrapped them, Peter and Alice and Ella and Laura and Mary began to run and shout. At last Aunt Eliza told them to be quiet. Then Alice said: "I'll tell you what let's do. Let's make pictures."”

“Alice said they must go outdoors to do it, and Ma thought it was too cold for Laura to play outdoors. But when she saw how disappointed Laura was, she said she might -”

“Drip, turn that off”

*click*

“So, you’re certain they are moving product independently?”

“Yes. You and the family control the supply lines for food and all other products. The only conclusion that I’ve been able to come to is that they must be growing it themselves. I’m having Benji scope the place for evidence. What makes the most sense is that it’s being grown using a hydroponic system.”

“Hydroponic?”

“Yes, hydroponic.”

“I heard you the first time. Care to explain what that means?

“It’s a way of growing plants without soil. The roots of the plant are in direct contact with the support material, usually nutrient-rich water. I’ve looked into it and it seems like they started the hydroponic growth system right about the time Pitstop Valley was able to reinstate its plumbing system. It explains, (but also hides) the recent spike in water usage for the radio station.”

“Huh. Makes sense Drip. College did you some good after all. So that means that Monty fucking lied.”

“Yes.”

“He lied to your face, which means he lied to my face. Fucking ungrateful, disrespectful...call up Caden to take care of him.”

“Yes sir….sir, a thought?”

“Oh yes Miss College?”

“If the hydroponic system is there, we can take it and use it. Grow food to supplement food supplies.”

“A regular farmer Jane over here! You want to grow more food, do ya? Cute idea, but who the fuck knows how to use that water shit anyway?”

“Tiffany Zarubin and the other former garden club could be…encouraged to provide such a service. Could be another revenue stream for the family as well. Grow food and set the cost. There would be high demand for vegetables that didn’t come from a can.”

“God, if I don’t have to eat another can of green beans that will be the fucking day. Could Tiffany grow some oranges? I’d love a real orange.”

“I don’t know sir. But with the right encouragement, I’m sure she could figure it out”.

“….okay, when Benji comes back, get in touch with Tiffany. Don’t say shit to Caden unless Benji confirms. You’re dismissed.”

“Yes boss”.

~~~

Back at the founding Witch’s Hut, Justice is a teen! Looking like his mom mostly.

Hope and Patrick make short work of embarrassing him immediately of course. “MOMMMM, GOD”

“Oh Justice you should have seen her in college dear. Regular town bicycle that one.”

Before the Education restriction is lifted, all needs must roll for the aspiration. Wish me luck trying to keep Justice out of the red!

Justice gets right to work being a big brother again.

I also realized at this point that I was dead sick of taking dark photos. So even with the Science restriction saying I can’t have lights, I am making a small exception.  

Though they may not have working electricity, an apocalypse almost certainly has candles, right? I’m going to go ahead and say candles are okay.

Justice has inherited Patrick’s love of the Dance. They may be subsisting on hot dogs but no on can take dance from you!

Patrick gets a job in the Culinary career track so that we can start working on the Culinary restriction fucking finally. 

As Patrick heads off to his first day, the Matchmaker drops off the genie lamp which we almost certainly are not allowed to use. 

Culinary

“Hunger is the best spice”

The gas lines and power grid have been severely damaged. Running a gas stove or electric appliance carries too much of a risk. The radiation levels are too high to risk using a microwave either. Food is scarce. The quality of the food the Sims can get is very poor and can bring illness to some. Coffee is now scarce in the region due to supply cuts. Fresh food is non-existent.

-Sims may not purchase or use anything from the “Ovens” or “Small appliances” category except for the cheapest grill.

-You may only prepare food once per sim day. Once any sim has prepared food, no other may do so for the rest of the day. A sim making a one-serving meal counts. (An easy way to keep track of this restriction is to turn the fridge backwards after a sim has taken food from it, and keeping it that way until midnight)

-Sims pulling out baby bottles does NOT count against this limit and may be done as many times per day as needed.

-Sims may not prepare food on community lots

-Sims may not eat at restaurants on community lots.

-You may not use the “Delivery” menu on the phone to order Pizza or Chinese food.

-Sims may not purchase prepared food from community lots (such as pre-made cakes from a bakery)

-Sims may not hold food in inventory.

-Sims may not flag any food item as ‘for sale’ with the wholesale tool.

-Sims may not purchase or use birthday cakes, wedding cakes, the bakery display case or any catering buffet tables.

-Only Sims in the culinary career track can make use of the Chocolate maker.

-Filling any pet food bowl, the wormrat cage or bird cages counts against the family’s “one meal per day” limit.

-Sims may not “give treat” to pets.

-Sims may not purchase or use the Juicer

-Sims may not stock fresh food in their fridge

-You may grill fish, even with the culinary restriction in place.

-You may NOT store fresh food in the fridge until the restriction is lifted.

-You may NOT use the juicer until the restriction is lifted.

-You may NOT put cooked food away as leftovers until the restriction is lifted.

As it’s a Sunday, everyone but Patrick is home.

Justice makes quick work of befriending Benji, Koda’s son. He needs friends, not only for his social meter, but when his parents eventually pass, so does their combined friends count. He’ll need that for needed for work. 

Stray dog: “Don��t like that Flat-top lookin boy :P”

“My dad is the best cook there is! We eat a lot of hot dogs, but he’s described the most amazing vegan chili to me so many times that I can practically taste it.”

Stray dog: “Got any beds to eat?”

“Wow Mrs. Springs-Eternal, these hot dogs are way better than the ones my dad makes! A super-babe like you must feel lucky to get to eat so well.”

“Benji I’ll take the compliment and pass it along to my husband Patrick”.

The only one not invited to the hot dog feast is Mercy, who is attending to other matters. 

Benji sticks around for the whole day.

He’s even here when Patrick comes home from work WITH NO PROMOTION AHEM PATRICK.

“Ah I see my dear wife used the quinoa-cannellini dogs I had in the freezer. An excellent choice for our guest.”

Max the stray: *continues to stop by every single day*

Yep, another blissful day in this wintery hellscape.

And soon enough, it’s time for Hope’s birthday too. This one is a little bittersweet, as due to the Service Animal restriction, once any Sim turns elder, you may no longer issue any direct commands to them, nor cancel any of their actions. 

“I’m worried Patrick. I see elders at St. Circe’s all the time. My medical staff reports that they are often malnourished, starving even. Many have wet them selves and most are fatigued. Many have their wits about them, but some do not. They seem to have their full memories, but it’s like they’ve ignored their most immediate needs, to the point of concern. Several of them come to us picked up by locals - none of them have made it to the hospital of their own accord. They seem to wander out at all hours, and we aren’t entirely sure why. They are at risk for falls, for serious injury and of course, for exposure to the rotting sickness. Many arrive to us frostbitten. I am afraid - I don’t want to be a burden to you and the kids. I have no reason to expect that all of that will not happen to me.”

“Oh my little fava bean, you could never be a burden to me. We cannot always be our best selves all of the time! We will take each day as it comes. You are hard-working and intelligent; there comes a time for rest for all of us.”

“Ugh GROSS can you guys cut it out?! I have a friend over!!”

And with that, Hope grows up well in a semi-decent outfit.

Our founder still looks pretty good! Jaunty ascot and all.

And almost forgotten (sorry kiddo) is Mercy, who is now a child.

Grew up into a lighter hair color for some reason, but of course I cannot change  it.

“Daaaamn Justice, your mom Hope sure is putting the “Hope” in, “I HOPE this MILF doesn’t mind if I -”

“Benji, please shut up.”

After over half a day Benji does finally leave.

Max the stray: “And you stay out! This is my property to stalk”.

Already untethered from commands, Hope chooses to do a lot of resting on the Murphy bed.

She does a fair bit of staring waiting to interact with her mini-clone as well. 

And desperately wanting to use the computer. 

There’s also a lot of her going up to rotten food, considering eating it, then she cancels the action herself. Good job Hope. Last thing we need is a food poisoning death.

She also does a lot of tucking the kids in while unsupervised. Aww.

Monday comes around too soon again and Joey the Comb takes his cut. Sheesh! The cut seems steeper but really the family just has less money, with needing to buy another bed for Mercy.

Mercy is just as playful as her brother, though not as nice.

“Dad, what’s another name for zucchini noodles?”

“Oh! I’d love to make some zucchini noodles for you! Did you know, that in the spring, when we had spring, there would be wild onions growing called ramps, and you could harvest them? That would be excellent with zucc-”

“Impasta. That’s the answer Dad. IM-pasta-A, it was a joke. You ruined it.”

Speaking of her brother - I’ve got him meditating before 8am rolls around so that he doesn’t get on the school bus. The “no school for teens” restriction prior to unlocking the Education career track is still huge bummer to me. :(

Mercy’s still okay to go though. 

To celebrate the small win of Patrick getting a job in the Culinary career track, the family invests in 2 countertops. The addition of which means that they have one more thing that can be cooked - hamburgers. 

“I’ve used kidney beans as our base protein, and aquafaba for a binder. I know it might seem a little wasteful not to use chickpeas in addition to the aquafaba, but I’m going for a different texture than chickpeas can offer, plus the kidney beans provide a more appetizing color. I can just use the chickpeas later. With the aquafaba, a 1/2 cup of crushed tortilla chips as a dry binder adds much needed flavor! I only wish I had fresh garlic instead of powdered.”

Justice gets through his ever-falling grades through the power of meditation. I’d let him get a teen job, but I’ve read that a teen with bad grades will get fired almost immediately. :(

He’s also taken to exercise and yoga to pass the time.

“Max, my dream to get so jacked that no one can mess with me or my family.”

“Mercy, can you call out the fractions you are doing? That’s how many sets of jumping jacks I am going to do.”

“Justice shut UP! I’m doing history homework anyway you boob”

Patrick is still skilling as he is STILL not at the top of the Culinary career. I know I’m being impatient, but with Hope being undirectable and Mercy being a child, getting everyone fed enough and on time has gotten a lot harder.

“Justice you must be the biggest meat-brained dork I know.”

“I’ll swing you around if you let me read your spelling homework.”

“...okay.”

“WEEEEEE!”

Maybe Mercy is all crabby because she’s hungry. It’s seriously hard to keep this kid fed and satiated with all of everyone’s different schedules.

The realities of Hope’s elder state are starting to make themselves known. 

Gee thanks Hope, not like that’s not one of the family’s most expensive and oft-used objects. She’s the only one on the lot with full mechanical skills, but without her being directable (and I can’t use influence either, as per the Politics restriction), we have to buy a new one instead of fixing it.

“Hope my crumpet, now I know you didn’t mean to break the computer on purpose, but this is very inconvenient for me, as the entirety of my children’s novel was on there, as well as the perfect lemon-rose black rice pudding. You’ve got to me more careful.”

“If you are feeling restless, you are more than welcome to sort through the cans I’ve found at the dump this week, and toss the dented and swollen ones.”

“Patrick you are so attractive when you chastise me.”

“Don’t try to distract me Hope, my vegan chili recipe was also on that computer.”

“Mom does stupid stuff because she got old and her brain is all full of holes like the paper snowflakes we make at school.”

“Mercy! That is not a kind thing to say.”

“Why does everyone keep saying that to me? Sometimes true things aren’t kind.”

“UHM YOO-HOO the fridge is turned around? I am starving?!”

*sigh* “Mom, you’re as busted as this computer.”

Now that there’s a counter on the porch the family has taken to eating meals alfresco.

Elder Hope does about as well as expected. She bothers everyone and wanders around until her bladder and energy are in the red.

Luckily Hope’s inner drive to do well hasn’t waned, and she still manages to go to work. Needed, if only for the paycheck and to get her fed for the day. 

Mercy continues to be sassy, whether or not it’s from the lack of food, who is to say.

“Cool wig bus driver man, I didn’t know that hair could look clumpy and shiny at the same time.”

Justice continues to pump jump and jog to pass the hours. 

He also greets walkbys intermittently. This one’s name is Courtney Allen and she’s not very interesting. 

“I’d love to start the Mutant League Football league, recruiting the best players from all over the area to come together and show this town the real meaning of athleticism and community. Girls would be allowed to join of course. I come from a very progressive family.”

“Hehe sure get, can you progress to give me some food?”

“And you should have seen me with a protractor! Damn, even the teacher was like, ‘this kid knows his way around a protractor’.”

“Uh huh....so like, do you have any food?”

“My report card says, ‘needs to use kind words with people?’. Um, my friends are dumb and they need to know.”

At least someone is bringing home the bacon. Come on Patrick, fingers crossed, promotion...

Bupkis! Rats.

“Dad, why are you frowning at that book?”

“Mercy, my butternut squash, I’ve gotten feedback that my recipes are excellent. But management says I’ve got to work on my leadership skills. So I am reading up on it.”

There is not a single thing in the rules about catching fireflies, so Mercy’s welcome to do so.  “Justice says that they glow because of radiation!”

“Mom, I’m a big kid now, why do we still have my baby toys laying around?”

“Well Mercy there might be babies in this house again some day. So we are  keeping them around for them to play with.”

I am also unable to delete or even move a single object until the Athletic restriction is lifted.

YAY Patrick finally - squints at other notification - Patrick nooooooo

“*cough* *cough* *hack*”

Damn you Patrick! This flu is going to run its course through the household now. With basically only 2 rooms there’s no avoiding it. 

Hope’s mind, bit by bit, continues to slip.

“Hehe yeah I’m sure he’s the worst....but don’t know the guy you’re talking about, sorry.”

One helpful thing that Hope does to autonomously is clean like crazy. Doesn’t help too much when the tub is busted, but hey, it keeps her busy.

“Patrick, my brain is as fried as an egg.”

“Hope, you interrupted my coughing fit for this?”

Damn it SHIT! Damn flu. Hope’s at even more risk of death/general need decay than Patrick being undirectable and all. 

OKAY if you say so. $10 says that Patrick gets sick again, either from his wife or from the rotten  hotdogs on the porch.

Hope relives good old college times in the bathroom by falling asleep standing up. This is how we find out that she can only awaken by herself, not from another interacting with her. Joy.

“HOPE my dear stir-fried green bean I need to use the restroom, if you could PLEASE sleep elsewhere -”

~~~

And that’s where I gotta leave it for now, as the chapter is getting mighty long.

Will this flu be the end of our family? Will Justice reach his goal of getting super jacked? Will Mercy take a chill pill? Can Hope not die in a stupid way, please?

Until next time, Carry On, Woman!

[noxtms]

❝   THE MALFOY FAMILY HAS ASSURED US here at the daily prophet that their annual christmas party will not only proceed as planned, but will be bigger & better than some of the more recent years passed ! i’ve been given a bit of a hint in that the theme this year will see the party moved from the impressive ballroom - a tragedy, in some ways - to the EXPANSIVE gardens, and a little house elf has told me that over a dozen reindeers have been loaned for the duration of the night. on top of the rumor from last month that spellbound themselves were going to receive a tidy sum to perform at this years event, it does seem to be shaping up to be another impressive evening to be enjoyed by wix across the country - provided, of course, that you managed to score your invite !  ❞

WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE :  

the malfoy family christmas party - more commonly referred to as the malfoy ball - is held annually on december 24th or december 25th, this year falling on christmas day. in spite of the ‘midnight’ end they put on personal invitations, it often runs well into the early morning, and seems unlikely to be any different this year. invites are sent out by owl on the first of december, first to influential families in the community and then to whoever is left. not being invited when you’re someone of quite a high social standing is rare, but a big deal when it happens - it constitutes a major slight, and usually only happens when the malfoy’s have some sort of problem with the family in question ( notably, the weasleys have never received personal invites... at least, not from narcissa & lucius ). it doesn’t matter MUCH - the malfoy’s don’t give security a guest list ( one will always act like it was an oversight on their part, but truthfully, they just enjoy the drama specific partycrashers can cause ), and there’s usually far more individuals attending than they pretend they planned for. it’s always been their favorite way to show off the things they have, especially so now that lucius has been free of azkaban for one year and counting. 

there’s always a theme, and this year it’s a very cliched WINTER WONDERLAND, with the party itself moved from inside the manor like years past to the expansive gardens. don’t worry if you didn’t come prepared with a hat and scarf that perfectly matches your mandatory formal wear - the complimentary cocktail at the door might look chilly with its icy blue hue, but one sip will keep you comfortably warm for the entirety of the night.

every year, all the stops are pulled out to make yet another party that the prophet will laud as the event of the season, the very next day - this year will be no different. the main area consists of a huge sea through bubble that glows blue in the moonlight, inside of which is an ice rink looking dancefloor and what looks like hundreds of spindly white chairs & lavishly decorated tables. the band - spellbound live and in the flesh - have been booked all night, and the themed food has been prepared by the worlds finest chefs. most years, there’s so much alcohol leftover thanks to the themed cocktails being most popular with guests that the malfoy’s send late leavers home with a bottle or two as some kind of party favor ( though rest assured, there’s usually a specific one to give invited guests, too ). outside of the bubble, you can find reindeer driven sleighs that will take you around the estate, lanterns to carry with you on a walk through their icily decorated ( on grounds ) forest, and, if you’re interested, feed to give the malfoy’s many magical animals from the palm of your hands. lucius’ albino peacocks blend in perfectly with the snow that covers the estate - a curious thing, given that it hasn’t yet snowed in their area. 

it’s a really magical experience if you turn up, and the only stipulation is that you give even the smallest donation to the peacock academy, an institute for magical children overseas - and a well known for profit founded by abraxas malfoy and still kept in the family. 

OUT OF CHARACTER :

last year was the masquerade ( that coincided with the events of event nine ) and this year, i hope you’ll all enjoy the winter wonderland ! the malfoy family ball was always something i wanted to make into an annual thing, and i can’t tell you guys how excited i am that it’s rolled back around, again ! 

this is an event i’ve tried as much as possible to open up to every character in the rp - even if they wouldn’t have received a handwritten invite, it’s totally fine to show up ! if that’s not something you think your character would do, then no worries there, either ; the world is your oyster, and the other event will continue even on the discord ! 

event twenty one kicks off at midnight, december 24th, and will carry us through to the new year ! event twenty also continue to run ( for anyone who strives for realism and doesn’t believe their characters would attend / for anyone who was just kinda digging the setting ), though an announcement of its ending will be made separately.

the vote about whether threads on dash should be paused in the mean time will be posted in the announcements channel along with a link to this post & finish when the event begins ! 

the setting for this event is specifically malfoy manor, for anyone who tags that sort of thing. 

event related starters ( including private ones ) should be tagged with nox.event021 & nox.wonderland if posted on the dash, and should be kept in the appropriate channel, if started on the discord ! likewise, you can post outfits either on dash - using the same event tags - or into the channel located in the main discord ! 

if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to message the main, and just give this post a like once you’ve read it ! 

[perseusjackson-jasongrace]

the story of us

this was requested by @fantasylover16. I genuinely had so much fun with this thank you! I hope you enjoy. Also I said nb jack frost rights and I meant it.

masterlist; my links

This is a story about two people.

One died three hundred years ago and has been alive since then. They have white hair, whiter than the stars, than burning light, than heaven itself. They have blue eyes that remind you of cracked ice in melting winter. They have ivory skin, some say like porcelain, it's more like liquid opal.

The other is twenty two years old. He has black hair, like jet fuel, and midnight. He has green eyes that hold oceans lost to time, that hold memories. He has brown skin that reminds you of cool forest floors and water glistened rock.

This is a story about who they are.

"Percy!" His roommate shouts from the kitchen. "Get your butt down here and tell me if the blue skirt goes better with these glasses!"

He laughs as he pulls a sweater over his heads and grabs his phone, slipping it into his back pocket. He feels the press of his pen as he pats himself down to make sure he has everything and when he is satisfied he bolts down the passage and stops short of the kitchen where Hazel Levesque is parading in front of their grand mirror on the opposing wall. She is decked out in black platform ankle boots, white fishnets that draw out the colour of her skin, slightly dark than his, a bright blue skater skirt and a soft pastel blue crew-neck not unlike his own.

"You Hazel Levesque," He grins bright and unrestrained, "Are a vision."

"Yes," She mutters still swopping between two pairs of clear-framed glasses and scrunching her nose, "But is it enough to bring my crush to their knees?"

"If Reyna doesn't bow down to you I think we can assume she's in desperate need of glasses."

"Well then maybe I should take both pairs and offer her one." She muses, pulling at her afro distractedly.

He snorts, turning to the counter and grabbing a bowl and whatever cereal he can reach first.

"Well," Hazel turns to him, he can see the smile she's trying so hard to hide, "Shall we be off then?"

He blinks at her, blinks again, points an unsure finger at his chest.

"Oh you don't expect me to brave Reyna on my own do you? Besides we're matching today it'd be quite ridiculous if we went out separately."

"But—" He looks to his bowl, as barren as the desert, "But my cereal?"

"I'll buy you breakfast on the way!" She waves the concern off, grabbing his hand and pulling them both out the door.

Despite their height difference, she makes it look far less like he's letting her pull him and far more like she has the strength to straight up carry him across the country.

"Hazel," He giggles, "Slow down."

"I can't Percy," She shakes her head vigorously, practically running through the park next to their building and into the bustling streets beyond. "If I don't do this now I'll lose all my courage and spend eternity in self-damned misery." Her brown eyes, turning honeyed as they catch the sun through the round glasses framing her face, flash bright and bold.

He stops them, pulling her in for a hug, unable to stop the laughter shaking his body." You have never been a coward Hazel Levesque. No matter the day, time or outfit you have always been brave enough to stand up and do what's needed. And telling Reyna you have a crush on her is just another battle you absolutely can win." He pulls them apart, setting a steady green gaze on her excited one. "Now let's get some coffee, and a mint tea for you because you're hyper enough as it is, and then we'll go find the love of your life and I can finally show you the google-doc I have for your wedding."

She strangles his ribs in another hug and then takes a deep breath as she steps away. "What would I do without you Percy Jackson?"

"Let's never find out," He smiles, slinging an arm over her shoulder and directing them towards the Chaos House.

As per its namesake, walking into the café is like being lost in a crowd of sleep-deprived, adhd kids all connected to caffeine IVs. In short: it's chaos. Its their favourite place on earth.

Being hit with a wall of noise after the quiet of awakening nature feels like being sucker punched directly in your ear canal. Percy cannot help but grin as he takes in the racing patrons and the sound of coffee beans being ground and the smell of cinnamon and honey and endless activity.

They immediately spot a group of their friends and bolt for the booth they're all squished into.

"Reyna isn't here." Hazels voice is pitched with panic, "Oh gods what if she's sick today? What if she fell in a ditch on her jog this morning?" She stops right in the middle of the café, brown eyes wide. "What if she knew I was trying to do this and decided to stay home today to avoid seeing me?"

He grabs her arms already shaking his head. "My darling, I need you to take a deep breath. You are spiraling."

Wildness is still tracing her expression but he feels her shoulders rise and fall as she gulps air.

"Okay," He says gently, "Now we're gonna go to our table, have a good time with our friends and if and when Reyna shows up you're going to tell her how you feel and I'll meet you back at home so you can let me know when the wedding is."

She smacks his shoulder gently, nervous giggles escaping her. "Alright fine. I hate when you get reasonable. It's very disconcerting."

"Good thing it's rare," His lips twitch, and they finally start towards their friends.

A loud chorus of hellos and how are you’s ring around his head as they get nearer and he feels right at home amongst it all.

"What's up losers?" He flops down next to Jason, pressing a shoulder into the blondes side in a hug.

Annabeth sits next to the blonde, squished between him and Piper, a leg over Jason's thigh and her hand intertwined with Piper's. Frank is on the opposite side, a casual arm slung over Leo's shoulder. Hazel squeezes in besides Leo and sighs dramatically.

"What's wrong Levesque?" Piper frowns, reaching over to clasp the girl's hand.

"She's feeling put out because she had something very important to do today and her plans are being delayed because a certain someone isn't here."

And just as their friends start reassuring and ribbing her in equal parts Percy's phone rings. With a frown he pulls it from his pocket, as he gets up and waves to say he'll be back in a minute.

"Hello, this is Percy Jackson."

He's not paying attention to his surroundings as he listens to the person on the line so when his shoulder slams into somebody he almost topples to the ground. When he turns around to say sorry there is nobody there; his frown only deepens but then the voice on the phone is pulling his attention and he makes his way outside.

This is story about they meet.

The conversation is a whirl of information about his upcoming course and what his supervisor needs from him. By the time he ends the call and tucks the phone back in his pocket his whole body feels like it's taken on the sky all over again. He has the urge to check if another grey streak has graced his hair. Instead he leans against the wall, ignoring the way his clothes catch against its roughness. He can feel the cold seeping through the cracks in the brick and into the threads of his sweatshirt.

He looks down, pulling his arms over his chest in an attempt to keep the warmth in but as he takes his arms away from the wall he sees the frost outline of his fingers. A clear, already melting handprint marking the brick like a graffiti tag. He steps back, away from the wall, to find his whole body outlined. It reminds him eerily of the chalk markings they do at murder investigations. He's not entirely sure this isn't prophetic.

The frost, little beads of ice skittered in shape, is melting at a rapid rate but the colour catches Percy's eye. It's not the usual dulled, muddy ice that coats his windows in the morning and sits atop the grass each night. It is blue, bright and pure, and looks... happy?

He's definitely going insane. The lack of coffee is getting to his brain and he has officially going mad. He should go inside and get warm and sit with his friends and have 3 espresso shots in a row.

But the phone call is still rattling his nerves and he can't bare to face the café without all his wits about him. So he studies the melted frost outline, curiosity moving him forward to trace it with his fingers. He doesn't expect to feel cold like winter mornings and snowball fights and sleigh rides coursing through his bloodstream. It's shocks him right into a new state of being. It reminds him of a poem his mother used to say at the beginning of each winter. The poem was long enough that he was always asleep by the end of the last verse but he recalls the first part clearly now

Jack Frost was in the garden;

I saw him there at dawn;

He was dancing round the bushes

And prancing on the lawn.

He had a cloak of silver,

A hat all shimm'ring white,

A wand of glittering star-dust,

And shoes of sunbeam light.

The thought is so ridiculous Percy has to laugh. It bursts out of him unexpectedly but once he starts he cannot stop. It feels like the world has turned on its side but he's still walking upright. Everything is slightly dizzying but strangely amusing from this angle. He laughs harder, ribs aching, cheeks stiff, and eyes bright. He's sure people are staring at him like he's mad but he cannot stop. Until he stumbles over the pavement and is falling to the inevitable crunch of his facial bones.

It happens almost in slow motion. He sees the ground coming towards him, bubbling up like it's going to swallow him whole. He stared it down, refusing to close his eyes, as if challenging it to hurt him, to take him as he goes. But then hands, freezing cold even through his layers of clothing, wrap around his waist and he is being hauled up in a rush of wind and dizzying speed. He bumps into a hard chest and feels as if he's stepped into a freezer.

"Hey," A voice low and playful crackles through him, "You okay?"

He turns around slowly, and is not at all prepared for the site he is greeted with. There is so much all at once, startling and glowing and fracturing. His eyes catch an warm icy gaze, blizzard white hair, pale skin, cold-kissed lips, hands running with blue veins and silver rings.

"You okay?" The stranger repeats, looking at him with concern.

He honestly doesn't know if he has the ability to talk. His mouth opens, his throat bobs, but words are lost cargo.

"Can you hear me?" The stranger asks, accompanying the question with sign language.

Percy responds automatically, raising a fist and moving it back and forth; his head accompanies the action but still no words come out.

They smile at him, and start signing another question. He doesn't bother to stop them, tell them they aren't deaf, he can hear, he just can't talk. He's speechless.

Are you okay? They sign.

He nods, and the words stuck in his throat finally tumble out. "Yes, yes," It is croaky with overwhelming emotion, "Thank you for catching me. I’m sorry I uh—" He doesn't have any respectable excuse for being mute for the entire first half of their interaction. He is just completely struck by everything the stranger is.

"Ah so you can hear me," The stranger laughs. He decides the sound is what makes stars. "Well I'm glad you're okay. I'm Jack."

Percy snorts. This cannot be real. Ice, him thinking about Jack Frost, and suddenly his saviour's name is jack? What has the universe been doing with its time to plan this?

“I'm Percy," He stares at them curiously studying the snowflakes that seem to cling to their floppy white hair despite the snow season being weeks away, and the blue eyes that hurtle him to the Abraham lake in Canada. A holiday his family had taken a mere year ago and one of the most beautiful places he's ever seen.

His demigod senses are peeking out their window, as curious as he is. The action puts him on high alert. His instincts are usually only alerted when he's in danger or............. in love.

"What are you?" He cannot stop the question. His mouth has a self-controlled function and no way to override it.

Jack raises their brow, "What are you, Percy?" His name sounds like luxury rolling off the stranger's tongue.

But the question throws him off guard and before he has time to drool over them again he is pulling his pen out and twirling it between his fingers anxiously. "Are you here to kill me?"

That barks a laugh from Jack, who looks so entirely amused he can't help but wonder if he can frame the moment to keep with him forever; a brow quirked, a slight dimple on their right cheek as their smile grows, and bunched freckles as their nose scrunches slightly.

"Get a lot of assassination attempts do you?"

“You have no idea," He feels his eyes roll in annoyance, an automatic reaction after all these years.

"No Percy," Jack says softly. It brushes across his skin like cool paint and snowy pine leaves. "I am here because the moon told me to be."

"The moon?" He sputters, "What do you mean the moon?"

"I mean exactly that. I talk to the moon and it answers."

He can feel his legs grow weak. "The moon— the moon— the....... moon," He mutters, staring at Jack.

They are silent as he attempts to compartmentalize his thoughts. "You know what?" He finally speaks, "That's not the weirdest thing I've ever heard. The children of Demeter talk to grain so this isn't that far out of reach."

Jack just looks at him with a patient, gentle smile on their face.

"So what are you? A child of Selene?"

"I am not a demigod." They shake their head. "I was chosen by the moon three hundred years ago. I am the spirit of winter."

The silence stretches between them like taffy. He isn't sure he's heard this right.

"You're—" He cannot even bring himself to say it.

"Yes, I'm Jack Frost."

Percy's legs give our from under him. Jack is not quick enough to catch him but he lands on a pillow of snow right before he bruises his knees. "You're Jack Frost?"

"Yes. And you are Percy Jackson."

"How—how do you know?"

"I've been alive for a very long time. I know a lot of people."

He just hums, trying to wrap his head sound another layer of myth and fable that makes up the fabric of the world.

"Why are you here?" He finally gutters out. "I mean I know the moon told you to come but why?"

"I uh have a theory but I need to ask something of you in order to know if I'm right."

He frowns, staring up at the stranger. No not stranger. Can you even call someone who's been around for centuries a stranger? What are they a stranger to? They have seen and heard and learnt and loved more than he ever has or ever will. It's more like he is the stranger. "What do you need me to do?"

"I just need you to summon water for me."

A thousand questions sit like caught snowflakes on his tongue but he let's them melt instead of spilling them into the world. Instead he gets up and concentrates on all the water sources surrounding them.

A reservoir one hundred miles away, fire hydrants near bursting with unused pressure, a small pond in a small park about five miles south, and of course the ocean in front of them, no more than fifty miles within reach.

"How much do you need?"

"Give me fifty liters."

He closes his eyes and imagines the pond, the water rippling within it. He imagines holding it in his palm as he would a basketball ball. When he feels a cool sensation wash over his skin he opens his eyes once more and sees a swirling blob of water surrounding his hand, dancing to the beat of his pulse.

"Is this enough?"

"Plenty," They smile and then their hands are reaching out and as if the water knows they're calling to it, it bounces over in little bubbles. As it touches their fingers a ray of light bursts from the contact and it turns to ice. Jack sucks in a breath, watching in amazement as the water freezes and hits the ground in a flurry of snow.

"What?" Percy cannot hold in his curiosity any longer. "What is it?"

"The moon was right." They look at him, eyes sparkling with something more than awe or curiosity.

"About?" He prompts.

"We're soulmates."

This is a story about their destinies.

"We're what?" Percy whispers. He has never gotten loud when he was surprised or angry or sad. He has always been soft.

"I usually need my staff to solidify water but if I use elements touched by my soulmate I can do it without aid."

"This is ridiculous!" He sputters. There is absolutely no way this is real. Seriously? Soulmates? He would laugh if he wasn't so outraged.

"You don't believe in soulmates?"

"It doesn't matter what I believe in!" He growls, "This whole ordeal is completely insane."

"What would it take to convince you Percy Jackson?" Jack just smiles, it is shining with happiness like it hadn't before.

"I have no idea because I have never heard of or encountered a soulmate." He hisses.

"Do you know why you can see me?"

He shakes his head, thoughts swirling faster than the hurricanes his further looses.

"Because you believe in me."

"I thought you had control over who sees you and who doesn't?" He raises a brow.

"Only with children. I can choose to show myself whether they believe or not. I have the ability since enough of them do believe." They say. "But adults are different. If they don't believe I cannot make myself appear to them. I am simply a ghost of their childhood past."

"I don't understand." Percy cannot wrap his mind around this. "How do you know you can only make ice out of whatever water I touch?"

Jack looks around for a brief moment before catching sight of something behind them. In a split second they are there and then they're back.

"Watch," He pours the water from the bottom he'd nabbed over his hand. It falls to the floor as liquid as it had started out.

"That doesn't prove anything, how do I know you're not just making sure you don't turn it to ice?"

"I cannot touch anything without freezing it, especially water." They worry at their bottom lip with their teeth, thoughts flying across their face. "It's like your friend Leo." They nod their head towards the café where Percy can still see his friends snuggled into the booth. "He doesn't necessarily turn everything he touches to ashes but he will always leave a warm imprint no matter how or what he has touched."

"How do you know that?" He gapes.

"Immortality gives you a lot of time to know the world." They shrug. "Now do you believe me?"

"I don't know." He answers truthfully. "I mean if we are soulmates..." He tries to form the question into some semblance of sense and order. "Does that mean I'm tied to you? That we have to like I don't know get married and spend eternity together?"

"No," Jack says gently, "No you can deny this bond if that is how you feel. It does not mean anything except that the universe put our souls in the same constellation. We are free to pick and choose who we love."

“And how will it work if we do decide to get together?” He frowns, “I will age but you will always stay the same.”

They look at him, head tilted, ice eyes bright. “But you know that’s not true.”

Everything in him barrels forward like a tidal wave. It cannot be. No-one knows. Not even his mother. “What isn’t true?” He will play this carefully, like the strings of a harp. He will not let his life crash through the ground.

“Why are you hiding it?”

“I’m not hiding anything.” He is adamant in his stance. He will not bow.

“You are denying the life you chose.” Jack considers him. “Why?”

“I’m not denying anything.” He huffs, “I’m just taking it slow.”

A snort bursts of them, arrogant and amused. “You are taking becoming a God slow?”

“I want to live with my friends before they figure it out!” He cries, all the fear and terror and worry burning through him.

Jack moves closer, presses a cold hand to his shoulder. “It is okay to be scared and angry and worried but do not forget that you are worthy of the title and you should wear it like a crown, not a burden.”

“There is always some burden in this much power.” He is bitter. He is right.

“Come,” Jack pulls them together, “Go meet your friends.” The hug is so cold but comforts him to the bone. “And when you are ready to make a decision, just whisper my name and i will answer, no matter where i am, or how far apart we are.”

He studies the person before him, beautiful and strange in an inviting sort of way, like no matter how much he learns about them he'll always want to know more. "Well you are very pretty."

They laugh, and the sound lights up the ocean inside him. "Thank you."

“Live Percy Jackson.” Jack Frost whispers.

And then Percy is standing outside a café, an icy wind dancing between his fingertips, and the impression of a freezing hug still clinging to his clothes. He realizes he feels happy. He feels safe.

This is a story about their love.

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

[image id: a poem by John P Smeeton titled "Jack Frost in the Garden" the poem reads:

Jack Frost was in the garden;// I saw him there at dawn;// He was dancing round the bushes// And prancing on the lawn.// He had a cloak of silver,// A hat all shimm'ring white,// A wand of glittering star-dust,// And shoes of sunbeam light.

Jack Frost was in the garden,// When I went out to play// He nipped my toes and fingers// And quickly ran away.// I chased him round the wood-shed,// But, oh! I'm sad to say// That though I chased him everywhere// He simply wouldn't stay.

Jack Frost was in the garden:// But now I'd like to know// Where I can find him hiding;// I've hunted high and low —// I've lost his cloak of silver,// His hat all shimm'ring white,// His wand of glittering star-dust,// His shoes of sunbeam light"

the background is a light blue and white marble. end id]

Tags: @fantasylover16 @queen-of-demons-and-hell @nishlicious-01​ @leyontheway @caffeinated-croissant

[shilohsylvanian]

Marshmallow Mouse Family

Released around 2018 in JP,UK, & US.The official description says that they have a flower petal pattern in their ears, but I always thought it was a heart.This style of newborn babies started to become popular around this time. They are SO tiny, roughly a half inch smaller than the standard baby size. Other families like the Kangaroos, Splashy Otters, and Grey/White Persians have these new styled newborns as well. In the official mini series on Netflix/Youtube, the mom runs the Village Grocery and the Dad runs the Village Pizzeria. The UK description references the mom doing so, and the box for the village pizzeria shows the dad running it.

Descriptions (US):

Bernard loves making delicious food, especially cheese. He’s very proud of his homemade cheese collection and loves to cook yummy meals for his family and friends.

Bianca is very quick-witted. She keeps everything running smoothly at home, and often has to help Bernard out! She’s also good at taking care of her energetic children, and is someone they can rely on. She loves to make food with Bernard, and her original recipes are very popular among the other mothers.

Christopher has a great memory, although he’s not so good at math. He’s very precise and a hard worker! His one bad habit is that once he starts talking, he can’t stop! Sometimes his sister gets annoyed about that, but they always work things out in the end.

Katherine is very good at math but she’s a bit forgetful. She’s always saying “Oh, I forgot about that!” But she’s not too worried - her brother remembers everything, so she can always ask him! She’s a hard worker too, and likes keeping the triplets happy.

Albert (orange baby) is clever for his age, and very curious too. He’s very fond of the new triplets, and the role of ‘big brother’ comes naturally to him. He can’t wait until his little siblings are a little bit bigger and can come out to play in the garden.

Stephanie Older Sister, a furniture designer.

Triplets Maryis a ball of energy. She’s always on the go, and can often be seen laughing with Elizabeth. Edward is a sleepyhead. While Mary and Elizabeth are often heard laughing, Edward just nods off! Elizabeth is always in a good mood. Whenever she sees Mary doing something fun, she can’t help tag along!

Sets: 

2018 Family of 4 : Mom, Dad, brother, sister.

2018 Standing baby (UK): standing baby in orange with cot and bottle

2018 Triplets -newborn size triplets

2019 Baby Shopping Series: standing baby in orange with pizza 

2019 Baby Outdoor Series: standing baby in orange  with marshmallow on a stick.       

2018 Gingerbread Playhouse: standing baby dressed as Santa with a sleigh and gingerbread house.                                                                               

2019 Town Girl Series: Fancy Green dress with with gold belt and a pink bag. 

2020 Fashion Playset: Older sister with a variety of accessories and 2 dresses.

[almaasi]

3 million words fic rec (Destiel)

I’ve officially posted 3 million words on my AO3 account!!

Here’s all 115 of my Dean/Cas fics (as of December 30th 2019). They currently make up 85% of my total fics. I posted 42 fics this year, with a new Destiel fic once every 2 weeks on average, with 24 total.

(The rest, as of the last 6 months, are Crowley/Azriaphale (Good Omens) and Garak/Bashir (Star Trek: Deep Space Nine). There’s separate fic recs for those. And here’s one Cockles fic.)

Fics listed by year (newest first), then by word count (shortest first).

--

2019

Just a Sniffle (2k / canon, Cas has a cold, Dean gives him a foot rub)

Hanukkahn't Resist You (2k, AU, teacher!Dean gives autistic Jewish teacher!Cas a Hanukkah greeting card containing a pickup line)

Brothers Don't Do That (3k / canon, Cas talks to Sam about how their feelings for Dean differ while ordering take-out)

Taste the Rainbow (In the Rain) (4k / AU, strangers sharing Skittles in the rain and kissing to help Dean quit smoking)

Hit Pause Kitty Claws (4k / AU, Team Free Will are cats belonging to Death!Billie, soft fluff and feline antics)

Weird But Confident (5k / canon, Cas finds Dean’s panties in his bag and thinks Dean slept with a woman)

Enemies Closer (5k / teachers AU, Dean keyed the wrong car, Cas runs AV club and Dean joins him so he has an alibi for his crime)

Snugglebird (5k / canon, Dean’s clothes are going missing, Cas is building a nest

Texted My Ex and Got You Instead (6k, AU, title explains it, fluff, asexual!Cas)

The Angel Cake Challenge (8k / canon crossover with Good Omens (book), Dean tells Crowley & Aziraphale they’re a cute couple and they encourage him to make a move on Cas)

Let's Play Doctors (8k / canon, smut, Dean asks Cas for medical roleplay and they use the machines to watch themselves have first-time sex)

Good For You (11k / canon, Dean teaches Cas to masturbate over the phone, then shows him properly in person)

BFBF (Best Friend's Boyfriend) (11k / AU, ft. Eileen - Cas has an absent bisexual boyfriend named Dean, Sam has an absent straight brother named Dean, oops they’re the same Dean)

Dean and Castiel's Lagoon of Love (12k, canon, Cas is cursed with tentacles and that’s Dean’s kink, they roleplay Dean’s favourite anime, smut and feelings)

Measure of Thigh Love (14k / canon, Dean is turned on by big muscles, Cas has some of those. smut, bottom!Cas)

Eleven Erogenous Zones of a Fallen Angel (15k / canon, Cas accidentally has physical wings and he hates them, Dean bathes and grooms Cas to soothe him, wing kink smut)

Two Heart Pose (17k / AU, overwhelmed papa!Dean, yoga instructor!Cas helps out with baby care)

Through the Lace (18k / office romance AU, desperation & pee kink smut, Dean in panties)

Sycamore Smile (18k / AU, professor!Cas, barista!Dean with a pet bunny, both are a hot mess, Dean helps Cas KonMari his life, ft. the purest fluff and sunshine)

Circuitry and Dust (23k / AU, demiromantic antique dealer!Cas, gaming lounge owner!Dean, Cas wrongly assumes his love is unrequited so helps set Dean up with an ex-girlfriend)

He's Kind of a Hairy Fairy (24k / AU, Team Free Will & co. running a summer camp, there’s only one bed in Dean & Cas’ cabin, Rowena curses Dean with fairy wings and he has to confess his feelings to get rid of them)

First and Only (35k / AU, Dean bets Sam he can have more sex in one year, Dean & Cas become fuck buddies, but Dean wants more so asks Charlie for help)

☆ Sleigh ☆ (46k / Christmas AU, makeup artist!Cas also works for Santa, Dean tags along delivering gifts on Christmas Eve, later a long distance relationship and eventual smut)

He's a (Zoo) Keeper (74k / AU, when zookeeper!Dean isn’t dating anyone, he and beekeeper!Cas have a BFF-roommates-with-benefits thing, but then Cas becomes a wedding planner and plans their fake wedding, drama with smut and feelings)

2018

Gulls N’ Roses (2k / canon, Dean hands Cas a rose, Cas interprets it as romantic)

Lost Night (2k / canon, Dean has nightmares, Cas dreamwalks to help)

He Called Me Honey (3k / canon, breakfast fluff, Dean dreamed he kissed Cas, talks to Sam, Cas shows up)

Note to Self: Cas Loves You (3k / canon, very drunk!Dean, Cas confesses his love)

I’m Dreamin’ of a Grey Christmas (4k / canon, Team Free Will 2.0 snow fight, Cas has some new grey hair, Dean has hearteyes, season 14 divergent)

Dry in the Downpour (5k / Pixar-short-inspired AU, umbrella-sharing)

Prince of the Ether Realms (5k / canon - season 13, must get married for a spell, Sam officiates)

Never or Forever (5k, canon, family dinner, Jody POV)

Without Further Ado (5k, canon, Dean has a list of “reasons not to be with Cas" but they’re all irrelevant now)

Wee Little Love Child (10k / canon, de-aged!Sam thinks Dean and Cas are his parents, gets them together)

Room for Two (The Mattress AU) (14k / college roommates AU, autistic!Cas, fake relationship, ALL the bed-sharing tropes)

Paramour by Post (18k / historical-ish AU, mail delivered to the wrong address, love letters, agender!Cas, bisexual!Dean)

Barbershop Duet (22k / Christmas AU, smut, shaving kink, domesticity, family gatherings)

The House That Wanted to Be a Garden (32k / AU, famous musician!Dean, gardener!Cas, fairies, accidentally moving in)

Duck Duck Boots (92k / ex-daredevil kindergarten teacher!Dean, agoraphobic Cas, small town magic realism & fate AU, looking after ducklings together)

2017

Unconditional (2k / canon - season 13, Dean explains why he loves Cas)

Mostly in Silence (4k / canon, Cas is depressed, Dean helps with self-care)

Restaurant Revelations (4k / canon, Dean and Cas tell Sam they’re engaged)

Whoa There Cowboy (5k / canon, cowboy-kink smut, porn-watching, magic fingers bed)

Pretty Panties and the Pool Shark (6k / kid!fic AU, autistic!Cas is scared of an imaginary shark in the school pool)

Purple Horse in a Coffee Shop (8k / ultimate office romance, pride parade, coffee shop AU)

Lucid Nightmare (10k / siren!Cas AU, dreamwalk-or-die, spooky fluff)

Stumble and Fall (20k / Team Free Will as dogs AU, search-and-rescue adventure, fluff & pining)

A Place and A Feeling (24k / AU, real estate agent!Cas, Dean looking for a house)

Night Exhibition (26k / AU, security guard!Cas at museum at night, friends to lovers, sex everywhere)

The Emporium of Christmas Enchantments (28k / Christmas, magic toyshop AU, kind of like a Disney movie)

Marshmalloween (33k / Halloween AU, Dean takes Sam’s teen friends to a haunted swamp, meet old bestie Cas, ghost adventures)

Our Garden Home (36k / everyone is a garden fairy, AU disabled autistic!Cas, found families)

The Wireless (58k / solarpunk carnival adventure AU, famous hunter!Dean, famous radio presenter angel!Cas, tent sex)

What We Ache For (93k / sex worker!Cas AU, Dean wants to make love, trauma recovery, Team Free Will & found families, a dog)

2016

Fight and Fool Around (5k / AU, bartender!Cas, Dean realises he’s bisexual, alleyway smut)

Tickle Fight Wasteland (5k / AU, fluff in a post-apocalyptic world, everyone is alive, tickle fight & cuddling)

Raising Hell in a Hotel (29k / kid!fic, living in a hotel AU, friendship, pining)

Welcome All Winchesters (60k / AU, snowy Christmas cabin, fake relationship, friends to lovers)

The Moonlighter and the Magician (67k / 1920s historical AU, asexual jewel thief!Cas, bisexual!Dean, running away together)

2015

What’s a Hickey? (1k / canon, Cas has a hickey, talks to Sam about it)

A Postcard for Castiel (4k / AU, kid!fic, autistic!Cas exchanges compliments with Dean, teacher!Charlie)

Symbols of Affection (4k / canon, Dean accidentally texts Cas a kissy-face emoji)

In Which Dean Frogs Up (6k / canon, Dean’s turned into frog in Moondoor, needs true love’s kiss to fix)

The One Where You Are A Guinea Pig (8k / canon, title says it all, Cas takes you to the bunker, Team Free Will interact)

We’re the New Romantics (8k / gifted & talented high school camp AU, aromantic!Cas, pop culture geek!Dean)

Waiting For That Final Moment (8k / AU, Cas interrupts Dean & Lisa’s wedding at a roller rink to declare his love, polyamory)

Delirium and Doctor Sexy (9k / canon, bisexual!Dean high on magical gas, thinks Cas is Dr. Sexy)

#ThankYouSammy (9k / canon, Sam prepares a Valentine’s Day dinner-date for Dean & Cas)

Dean Winchester the Puppydog (10k / canon, puppy play, submissive!Dean, hurt/comfort, non-sexual)

Father Material (12k / AU, asexual uncle!Cas, babysitter!Dean, kid!Claire, romantic attraction)

The Tailor of Fairy Ridge (17k / fairytale AU, tailor!Cas, fairy!Dean helps with clothing designs, good witch!Charlie, evil witch!Rowena)

Take You To The Country (18k / 1920s historical AU, pining, Dean reads an elopement proposal in the newspaper and realises it’s for him, running away together)

Sharing the Rain Dog (19k / AU, musician!Dean, FBI agent!Cas, sharing custody of a dog, have to move in to look after her)

Drop Anchor (42k / pirate!Cas, sailor!Dean, trapped on a deserted island and accidentally achieve domestic bliss AU)

Snow Place Like Home (But My Home Is With You) (47k / canon, Team Free Will in a B&B over Christmas, softness, smut & domesticity)

Held in Your Tender Hands (59k / AU, agender tattooed masseur!Cas, customer!Dean, workplace sex, paintball, found families, somnophilia)

2014

Cheek on Your Shoulder (1k / canon, Dean misses Cas, hugs him and can’t let go)

The Literal Bear Hug (1k / canon, Cas is accidentally a bear, cuddling)

If I Fall For You (2k / canon, Hannah likes Cas but Cas loves Dean)

If You Could Go Anywhere (3k / canon, Team Free Will ponder: all the drama is over, so what now?)

Cherry Pink Wedding (4k / AU, Dean & Cas both cry at Sam’s wedding)

Lettuce Share This Moment (4k / canon, Dean secretly likes salad… and Cas)

The Joke Is on You (And So Is Castiel) (4k / canon, April Fool’s Day, Cas pranks Dean & Sam when they pray for him)

Some People Would Call This Romantic (5k / canon, Dean and Cas take a long walk on the beach)

Panic Kiss (5k / AU, Dean has a panic attack, Cas calms him down, accidental kissing)

Boutique du Ballet (6k / canon, Dean loves ballet and wants to try the outfits - either crossdressing or trans-curious!Dean)

Minty Fresh Kisses (7k / canon, Dean teaches Cas to brush his teeth)

Sexier Than Doctor Sexy (8k / AU, doctor!Cas, Dean gets a prostate exam and enjoys it more than he should)

Sam Accidentally Sees the Whole Picture (10k / canon, smut, Sam is in the room while Dean & Cas do it for the first time, Sam POV)

Understanding Your Body in Ten Easy Steps (12k / canon, smut, Dean teaches Cas how to masturbate)

Roost (12k / AU, Dean and Cas are rescued fighting roosters, for some reason not that interested in girl chickens)

Dead Body Disposal 101 (14k / canon, angel!Cas wants to be a hunter so Dean & Sam show him how, Dean & Cas are bad at expressing feelings)

Of Shampoo and Fruit Flies (17k / roommate AU, autistic!Cas, confessing feelings surrounded by supportive friends)

Love Him in His Sleep (Love Him Always) (32k / canon, Dean has wet dreams about being cuddled, Cas is into somophilia and dreamwalks to gain consent)

Preacher Comfort (42k / AU, hurt/comfort, asexual preacher!Cas, nurse!Dean, hugs & cuddling, Halloween)

Nine Times We Met (And One Christmas We Parted) (58k / queer historical romantic angst AU, teacher!Cas, firefighter!Dean, meeting over the years & falling in love)

Hart of the Storm (119k / historical AU, hunter!Dean turned into a deer by shapeshifting god!Cas, magic forest)

2013

For a Scarf in October (1k / canon, Halloween, Dean wants to buy a ~women’s~ scarf, Sam tells him it’s okay)

Of All the Bars in the World (There Are None Between Us) (2k / prison AU, Dean and Cas are cellmates, discuss past and future intimacy)

Dean’s List (3k / canon, Dean writes a list of men he’d ~go gay~ for, Sam has a suggestion to make, bisexual!Dean)

Nobody’s Daddy (3k / canon, accidental baby acquisition, Dean breastfeeds, then Cas arrives with actual milk)

Foal Delivery Service (4k / AU fusion with ‘My Little Pony’ - kid pony!Dean finds out how heteronormative the world is, then meets agender pony!Cas, later have baby ponies together)

Winchester’s Rouge (6k / canon, angst, Dean tries on makeup and remembers his mother)

Manscaping (6k / canon, Cas cuts himself shaving his junk, Dean does first aid, boners)

Sharing Hands (6k / canon - season 8, smut, Cas is possessing Dean, masturbate together)

Play Nice, Kids (10k / AU or alternate canon, reverse-verse, angel winged!Dean, wing kink masturbation, sex toys)

Hello Night (11k / historical AU, demon possessing Dean, priest!Cas, crossroads sex to save Dean, Cas/demon & Cas/Dean)

Shadows Across the Camera Lens (13k / AU, smut, dominant bottom photographer!Cas, submissive top crossdressing underwear model!Dean)

Faerie Strange Circumstances (30k / AU hunters, fairy!Cas, fairy realm adventures, Bobby’s house, Charlie, Jody)

Bad Things With You (31k / AU or alternate canon, smut, catboy!Dean, catboy!Cas, mating urges, biting, licking, fake relationship is actually real)

Cowboys and Real Estate Angels (36k / AU, bisexual retired musician cowboy!Dean, old fan!Cas, lovemaking, falling in love in one night)

Try-Something Tuesday (48k / my most popular fic of all time, teacher!Dean, librarian teacher!Cas, smut in strange places, school trips, moving in together AU)

The Feline Perspective of a Guilty Conscience (51k / canon divergent - season 9, hurt/comfort, Dean transformed into a cat, sad angel!Cas, Team Free Will, forgiveness)

Foxfire Blossom (283k / AU, florist!Dean, rich!Cas, affairs, soap opera-level drama, sex, highly problematic lies, and cheating, ALL the characters)

2012

Angelhawke (407k / epic medieval fantasy AU, Dean and Cas are cursed to be animals in the day/night, travel with Sam and Bobby as they tell their story in flashbacks, quest to be together, based on ‘Ladyhawke’ but ~70% original story)

--

New fics are on their way in 2020! 

☆ Subscribe on this page if you want new fics in your inbox!!

☆ And you can support my writing, art, and other creative projects here~

Thank you all so much for supporting me all these years. I’m so excited to see what I end up writing next~!! ♥

Elmie x

[snek-snuggles]

FIRST LINE CHALLENGE

I was tagged by @zadusk to participate! Thank you lovely 💜

Give the first line of your most recent 20 works (or however many you have, and want to include) on AO3 and see if any patterns develop!

Because I have so few on AO3 (maybe one day I'll put some stuff from here on there) I decided to make my own rules and include from fics I have posted only here! They start at #6

1. It might be an easy assumption to make that two souls who have known one another for six thousand years have likely run out of things to learn about one another. - Home

2. Aziraphale had become quite accustomed to sleeping. - Away in the Night

3. Back, all the way back, in the Garden; Crowley took one look at Aziraphale and knew.- Hold On With Shaking Hands

4. Crowley took his hand as they stood from the bench.  - Afterglow

5. It surprised neither of them, how effortlessly they slipped into a closer relationship. - The Demon of Small Death

6. Rain spattered Soho in that one particular way Crowley loved; with large, slow drops accumulating in deep puddles and hitting the windows in his shop loudly.- Good Omens (yes, I did title a fic like that)

7. "Dear? Don't you want to...well, you know, add a little festive spark around here?" - Snek's Winter Holiday Prompts- Decorations

8. "Something bothering you, angel?" SWHPs- Cheers

9. Crowley wasn't sure what he had expected when Aziraphale had told him he had a surprise, but this definitely wasn't it. - SWHPs, Sleigh Ride

10. "Ah! Dear boy, there you are! What kept you so long?" - SWHPs, Mistletoe

11. "Ready, my love?" - SWHPs, Wintertime in the City, Twinkle Lights, Music

12. Crowley stood, taking his and Aziraphale's plates over to the sink. - SWHPs Stroke of Midnight, Bells, Ghost Story, Cozy

Observations -

Omnipotent statements about feelings, Crowley thinking, and Aziraphale speaking sweetly. Yep sounds about right!

I'm tagging anyone who sees this and wants to do it- consider yourselves always invited! Please tag me so I can see too 💜

[eiraonfroi]

The Main Six as Christmas Songs You Probably Haven’t Heard

Asra: “There's the snow. Look out below and bundle up 'cause here it comes. Run outside. So starry-eyed. A snowball fight breaks out and winter has finally begun... I twirl through the driveway with angelic grace 'til I slip on the sidewalk and fall on my face. This peppermint winter is so sugar-sweet. I don't need to taste to believe. What's December without Christmas Eve?” - Peppermint Winter by Owl City

Julian: “Is this the Yuletide? It's such a mystery. Will I be denied, or will there be gifts for me? Come down the stairs, look under the tree, and see. I'm such a bad boy I get no sympathy cause I've been raising Cain, raising hell; don't behave very well. Waiting for the sleigh bells, Christmas really matters to me.” - Christmas Rhapsody by Pledge Drive (You know he definitely would listen to this kind of stuff.... don’t ask why I know it)

Nadia: “When December comes, I bet you want to wrap me all up and take me home with you, see what I look like under them lights. We'll keep it quiet, whatever we do. I'm just tryna keep my baby warm through the wintertime. I'm just tryna give you something to remember through the summertime, and whatever is on your list, I'll do it.” - December by Ariana Grande

Portia: “ Last year I was on my own; hibernating in my empty home. Santa didn't even help. I left a plate of cookies, but I ate them myself. This year feels so brand new. Tie a ribbon around me and you. Santa is checking twice; he's trying to figure out if we're naughty or nice.” - Warmer In The Winter by Lindsey Stirling

Muriel: “I wander around the store again and again, but all I do is shrug cause I don't have a clue what to get you and I'm ready to say ’Bah humbug’! I could get her a gift card to Olive Garden, but what if Red Lobster is way more her thing? I don’t even know... Well, how 'bout a bike, or like a ukulele? Or how 'bout I jump out the window?” - Humbug by Owl City

Lucio:  “I’ve always tried to be as nice as I could, but underneath the mistletoe, it’s hard to be good. Couldn’t resist, it was just one kiss, but now Santa Claus put me on the naughty list. I wanna be good, but I’m just good at being naughty.” - Naughty List by Forever In Your Mind

Bonus no one asked for: Eira: “No matter where we go, as long as you’re here, we’re warmer together, it’s that time of year. Every day’s a holiday with you. Rooms filled with family and stories and laughs, reminiscing on times that we’ve had.” - Holiday With You by Oh Honey

[purpleyin]

in parallel we bleed fanmix by purpleyin

A fanmix for The Flash 2014 and a very messed up relationship between Savitar/Barry. I wanted to do a 7 days of Savibarry with this and other fanworks, but I’m not good at holding off posting things once they’re ready, so this is getting posted now.

Content warnings for language, violence and generally very dark themes.

Ao3 listing here. Can listen on Spotify here or on YouTube playlist here. It’s not on 8tracks yet (the site came back!) but if anyone wants it on there let me know.

1. My Violent Heart (pirate robot midget remix) - Nine Inch Nails

You have set something in motion / Much greater than you've ever known / Standing there in all your grand naiveté / About to reap what you have sown

2. The Scale - Interpol

You think they know us now? / Wait 'til the stars come out / You see that? / I made you / And now, I take you back

3. Worst In Me - Unlike Pluto

Playing games from the start / Sinking your nails in my heart / You bring out the worst in me

4. Any Minute Now - Soulwax

Run / Think fast / It'll catch up with you / Any minute now / Cause it's not my style / To cover up so hurry up

5. It’s Just Us Now - Sleigh Bells

I'm having a hard time / Remembering what's important to me / A lifetime just waiting around / For moments like these

6. Best of You - Foo Fighters

Everyone's got their chains to break / Holdin' you / Were you born to resist or be abused? / Is someone getting the best, the best, the best, the best of you?

7. The Good Soldier - Nine Inch Nails

Cold metal in my hand / Hope you understand / The way that things are gonna be / There's nowhere left to hide / 'Cause God is on our side / I keep telling myself

8. nihilist blues - Bring Me The Horizon (feat. Grimes)

Won't somebody raise the roof / I'm going white, I'm going black, I'm going blue / Do you mind if I'm exhumed? / I'm the ashes in the plume / I'm a beggar in the ruin

9. Faster - Within Temptation

I feel so free, I'm alive, I'm breaking out / I won't give in, 'cause I'm proud of all my scars / And I can see I've been wasting too much time

10. My Dark Disquiet - Poets of the Fall

And here now comes the sweet corrupting reality / While now I'm free, will I once cease to be / Will I awake, will I get a ride with you / In this race of two

11. You’re Going Down - Sick Puppies

I wouldn't put my money on the other guy / If you know what I know that I know / It's been a long time coming / And the table's turned around / 'Cause one of us is going / One of us is going down

12. Shake The Disease - Depeche Mode

Nobody knows me / As well as you do / You know how hard it is for me / To shake the disease / That takes hold of my tongue / In situations like these

13. Break Me Shake Me - Savage Garden

So you're the kind who deals with the games in the mind / Well you confuse me in a way that I've never known / So break me shake me hate me take me over / When the madness stops then you will be alone

14. Temptation Waits - Garbage

You come on like a drug / I just can't get enough / I'm like an addict coming at you for a little more / And there's so much at stake / I can't afford to waste / I never needed anybody like this before

[peaches-of-1]

Day 7 | Lost in the Snow

Fem!Reader x Goddess!Chung Ha

When you stormed out of the winter lodge after a fight with your boyfriend, you were expecting him to run after you. Instead, he stayed inside to flirt with one of the waiters. Of course, when you called him out on it, he “wasn’t flirting” and just “being friendly”. However, you knew him well. You had been dating for nearly two years now, not to mention you half expected the man to propose to you on this trip.

Anger boiled up inside you and came out as hot tears that threatened to freeze on your cheeks, so you wiped them away with bare hands. Wait, why was skin brushing against skin? Where were your gloves? Panicked looking around your body to make sure you were wearing your padded coat which he had bought matching versions of for this very winter vacation. However, nothing was there. No gloves, no scarf, no vest. Nothing to protect you from the cold.

“I’d better go back to our room.” You said, sniffling and folding your arms against your chest.

As you looked towards your building, you couldn’t help but sigh and try to decide whether or not you should break up with him. He had been an affectionate guy from the start, but...shouldn’t he prioritize you instead of complete strangers especially on vacation? Your footsteps were disappearing in the snow as the wind got more and more intense, making you have to lean against it in order to make any leeway. With every step forward, you began to forget about your boyfriend and your feelings since all you could feel was the cold threatening to leave your body bitten by frost and forcing you to become part of the landscape.

You were 100% lost by the time the snow storm finally subsided.

How stupid could you be? Couldn’t you have just put on your jacket and gloves or even just your scarf before marching out into the cold? Why didn’t you just go straight to your hotel room, anyways? Your breath was white and heavy as it left your body. At some point, you had fallen to your knees. Your jeans were basically frozen now along with your nose. No amount of blowing hot breath into your cupped hands could bring any sensation to your fingertips.

A scream of frustration tore through your vocal chords emitting a sound that would put any winged harpy to shame. Your thoughts were a conflicting mess of needing to survive not only your previous heartbrokenness but also this snowy landscape that could quite easily become your grave. You needed to breathe before moving again, though.

It’d be getting dark soon, probably. You had no sense of time out here. No landmarks. Hopelessness began to blanket you as if it were snow on a naked tree.

“Why?” a voice that was not your own, asked.

You looked around, shocked to hear someone else. A woman that was barely a wisp of existence began to walk towards you. It seems as if she were gliding, but you saw no footprints.

Part of you thought you were hallucinating a Yuki-onna, the Japanese spirit who would make you hug a child or shove you into a dark snowy valley. However, the woman was not a black haired ghost with blue lips, but a blonde haired woman with red lips. Her cheeks glittered as if there were her own frozen tears permanently on there.

“Why are you here, stranger?” The pale woman asked. “You are not supposed to be in this location.”

“I got lost.” You said, sniffling your blocked nose.

She giggled, “Let me fix that for you.” a crystalline fingernail reached out and tapped the top of your nose.

A rush of air went through it and you could breathe out of it once more. Bewildered, you looked up at the woman and thanked her. She put her cloak about your shoulders and helped you into a standing position.

“I saw you get farther and farther from the place where humans usually reside after I felt your sorrow from miles away.” She kept your hand in yours. “Do not speak. Just relax for now.”

You looked at her with terror as she helped you into her sleigh. She only giggled and assured you that she was not here to take your life, but to save it. You rested your head against her side as the fur of the coat warmed your body. She said that the ride was long, and you needed your rest.

When you awoke, you began to realize you weren’t at the lodge nor at your regular bed. Where…

“Glad you’re awake.” The blonde transparent woman from before said as she entered your room with tea and treats, setting it at your bedside table.

The room was too dark to be made out of ice and yet it had an odd sense of coldness hovering in the air, as if you just opened your freezer and there was a condensed haze of fog around. However, it was easy to see through.

“Hello.” You said, sitting up. “T-thank you for saving me. I should get going.”

“No, please stay. Just for a few days.” She said, sitting by your legs underneath a transparent but heavy comforter. “You’ve surely caught a cold being out in my weather in such light clothing.”

You shook your head, trying to deny it, but that shake must’ve loosened up all the sneezes your body contained as a barrage of sternutations lept from your chest. The lady did nothing except hand you a box of tissues. You nodded your head in thanks before blowing your nose.

“Oh, I do not believe I ever introduced myself to you. I am ChungHa, the goddess of the snow mountain.” She said, bowing in a sheer and glittering robe which touched the ground, fur lining every edge.

She gave a simply breathtaking smile while promising you that it’d be ok if you stayed for a while.

However, you stuttered out, “M-my, my boyfriend. He’ll be wondering where I am.”

She furrowed her brows and touched your cheek, “The boyfriend who didn’t chase after you?” ChungHa pulled her hand back and into her lap. “I heard you talking to yourself during the storm.”

“Oh…” So she knew.

“Humans really like communicating even to the wind. I find it endearing.” She giggled. “Though you insist on destroying my mountain for mere entertainment, you have a few redeeming qualities. Especially faces like yours.”

ChungHa suddenly stood, “Oh, um. My apologies. I brought you tea and some cookies. Both have herbs which help to heal the body. Take as much time as you need. When you feel like you can, feel free to roam inside.”

With a sharp and serious face, she looked at you from the doorway, “Do not go outside without me. Understand?”

You nodded and she gave you a smile before leaving. The door was at the foot of your bed, and there didn’t seem to be any windows. Natural light seemed like it came through the walls. A lamp next to your bed was shaped like an icy chandelier and added extra illumination to the room.

Maybe he wouldn’t worry about you. If so, it served him right. He shouldn’t have ignored you in the first place.

ChungHa was a sweet goddess. A kind heart that had been frozen by years of solitude and yet it still beat strongly in her chest. Her lips were the only part of her which emitted true heat in their fiery redness. The glittering stones on her cheek were her ever flowing tears which froze on her face, so they did not appear to grow or move to mortal eyes.

She healed you up in what seemed like two days at most. The food which was served for every meal was delicious and natural, fresh and rich with every bite being as satisfying as the first. However...there was something lonely about her.

You didn’t want to go.

Part of you had thought to have fallen in love with her, but you were sure it was just because the blonde goddess had saved you from your certain death.

“It’s almost dawn, my dear Y/N. I believe it is best if I take you back to your lover.” She said, her hair now in a ponytail. “There’s no reason for you to stay since you are completely healthy thanks to my care.”

ChungHa dressed you in an iridescent cloak of your own. You had worn it outside when she let you see her garden. It was a magical place where flowers seemed even more beautiful and bright dusted in snow and encased in frost. You had particular fondness for the plum blossoms. They were so small and yet had a charming purple-magenta color that caught your eye.

The goddess and her fuzzy footmen made sure you were secured safely in the silver sleigh before taking off back towards the main area where you’d be put to walk back to your hotel room alone. She couldn’t go all the way with you and if you stayed with her for too long, you’d become trapped on the mountain with her. Magic rules and all that stuff.

The ride was mostly quiet until she spoke up, “Um, did you...were you comfortable there at my home?”

You nodded swiftly, holding the bouquet of plum blossoms she had gotten for you as a goodbye gift and turned into a flower crown to place upon your head. Part of you wanted to tell her that you wanted to stay, but you wanted to see your boyfriend. What had he been up to while you were recovering?

“Not many people know about you, huh?” You asked.

“No. I’m too minor to have my specific name known by humanity as a whole. They group me with dokkebi. I am more than a simple goblin.” She scoffed.

You smiled, “Well, I’ll write about you. Everything that you’ve told me, I’ll create a page for you. I don’t care if anyone believes me. I’ll let them know about ChungHa. The kind goddess of the snowy mountain that saves lost travellers and guests that wandered too far out. Platinum blonde hair and lips like roses. Eternal tears that sparkle like the first frost upon her cheeks. Like rhinestones. Like stars. Whose touch is like fresh mint, burning but comforting since her heart has been frozen.”

She kissed your forehead before hugging you tightly.

“Thank you, my dear. You are too kind for a spirit like me to know.” She giggled softly.

The sleigh stopped to halt.

“It is time for you to go.”

When you entered the lobby, you saw your boyfriend yelling at police officers. He looked over at you mid sentence and then did a double take, stopping in the middle of his words. He was saying how badly the mountain men were doing, that they should’ve found you already. The two of you just stared at each other.

“Y/N?” He squeaked, tears already falling from his face and choking him.

“It’s me.”

Your lover ran towards you and he gave you kisses and hugs that were deeper and tighter than any he had given you before. He promised he’d be a better boyfriend. That he’d take care of you and would give you the attention you deserved. And you believed him.

And he kept his promise, proposing to you during dinner that night. You soon went home to spread word of your engagement but also writing your article on ChungHa. There were a few details you had to fudge here and there, saying it was word of mouth instead of first hand experience.

Your friends were so happy to hear of the marriage to be, how he’d become your husband. Yet you couldn’t stop thinking about her. Your goddess. ChungHa.

Months passed, and you thought of her every day. Your article had barely picked up any traffic, but you still checked to see who looked. People asked who you talked to. Told you it could be a new thing. A new goddess to praise. In your heart of hearts, you knew what you had to do.

There was no doubt in your mind.

The wedding was tomorrow. You had decided to hold one at the lodge resort where you had been proposed to in the first place. He was in the bed next to you, your fiancé. Still, you didn’t want the ring on your finger to have come from him. On top of the letter you prepared weeks ago, you set the ring on top.

It was an apology and a warning to not look for you. Also assurance that you were ok, but you’d be happier without him as your husband, the one you’d be promised to for the rest of your life. There was someone you loved more. Someone who wouldn’t leave your head nor your heart.

ChungHa.

You threw on your cloak and walked up the mountain, ignoring the coldness of your feet as they were in boots. You were warm. Scared. But you didn’t look back. There was nothing for you at that resort. Your heart was in the mountain. Your head came across a branch of plum blossoms.

“You came back?” The unmistakably crisp and sweet voice questioned.

You looked to see her standing behind you and couldn’t help but smile.

“Of course I did, ChungHa. I love you.” The words came out before you could say the speech you had rehearsed a thousand times. “I love you and I couldn’t stop thinking about you. I don’t care if I get stuck on this mountain as long as I’m with my goddess.”

Her tears seemed to fall past her cheeks as she hugged you tightly, “I love you too, Y/N. I’m never going to let you go again.”

“And I won’t let you.”