#the banter is immaculate if i say so myself

[witchzoe]

Here are my overall thoughts on Rogue Trader now having played through the game.

The biggest thing is definitely how much it just absolutely nails the Warhammer 40k setting and the vibes. Not only for the Imperium itself, but also for all Xenos races you encounter. Immaculate in that regard.

The companions are all pretty fun and have some interesting stories that develop over the course of the game. There should be someone for everyone here.

The game is a relative straight lift of the Rogue Trader TTRPG, so it is relatively crunchy with a lot of possible choices of different talents, abilities and skills. That allows you to build a lot of different characters, but it can also be a bit overwhelming. I myself just picked the talents that fit into the archetype I envisioned and most of the fights in the game were relatively easy (on Normal difficulty). But I you could tell me that any Talent is overpowered/useless and I would probably believe you.

The additional mechanics of colony management, Voidship Combat and exploration were all pretty fun imo. I liked that every colony had its own storyline that developed as you built it up and changed based on previous choices. I also liked the in-universe story book sequences for events that wouldn't really work in the game itself.

The soundtrack does its job. It helps build the atmosphere and fits well into the game, but it also isn't something I would listen to outside the game.

The voice acting is fine, but I am not very good at judging that so I can't say much on that topic. I do wish that some of the emotional scenes had voice acting.

Normally I am not a fan of "morality points", but the division into Heretic, Iconoclast and Dogmatic as well as you earning points for these orientations makes sense in the setting. And I never really felt that my roleplaying choices were limited.

The game could have used a bit more content in Chapter 4 and 5. But there is DLC on the horizon, so that can change.

I would have wished to a bit more reactions from my companions to my actions. Especially during the Heretic playthrough there were some actions that prompted no reactions, that definitely should have prompted some. Also there was only one occasion on which my Origin/Homeworld was acknowledged in game.

There are still a few bugs in the game. The companion banter is definitely bugged. Fortunately most bugs fell into the funny category and not the annoying one.

Small one but I wish you could change your clothes. As a ruler of multiple planets it is weird to be stuck with the clothes determined by your origin.

The game needs to be gayer. Three of your companions are bisexual, but otherwise there exist no same-sex relationship. Trans people and Enbies also don't exist, not even as an option during character creation.

TL;DR: Fun game that really nails the 40k setting with a fun story and companions. Still a bit bugged and definitely needs to be gayer

[shadowxamyweek]

Hey I know you don’t like the Archie sonic that much, and that is understandable, but I would implore you to at least read Sonic universe 59-62. It is fucking awesome, and you don’t have to read the rest of Archie to understand what is going on. It made me bow to the king.

Hey @sharkrad08222222! I didn't forget this ask, I just needed a day off to sit down and read XD

Honstly, I'm glad you sent this in. You're right- I'm not the biggest fan of Archie, but I've got to give credit where credit is due- Shadow Fall is a lot of fun. If anyone else would like to read it, you should check out this Applebees gift card. ( @biolizardboils I'm never gonna get over that joke XD)

So anyway, here's Shadow Fall

As an aside, I'm really glad that many of the original Archie Sonic crew were able to move over to jobs at IDW and stay on Sonic. I cannot imagine the horror of watching that whole... everything... happen. As someone who has been in a similar (abet still different) position within my own field, it's a genuine nightmare. Furthermore, the fact that many who made that move from Archie to IDW are still there, and that we haven't heard any ill-will from those who have since left/retired- maybe it's the optimist in me, but I want to believe that everyone's doing okay at IDW, and that's good.

Anyway, you didn't ask, but I decided to kinda make this *a thing.* So many people, myself included, sometimes squint at Archie/IDW and go eeeeeeeeh a lot. That does the entire story a disservice though. There's so much fun in these comics. Better yet, you can feel when the comic team is having fun, too. There's moments where the dialog or the art is just immaculate and you can tell that people were really excited about these parts. It's a joy to see.

So, I'm gonna talk about some of the joys I saw in this, or things I just really liked and kinda would like to see again.

1- Shadow and Team Dark's relation to G.U.N.

I like this. I like this a lot. I like Shadow not being afraid to be a snarky bitch, I like the fact that Shadow doesn't really enjoy working with G.U.N, I like the fact that G.U.N doesn't trust Shadow let alone the rest of Team Dark really. It's an alliance by necessity. Each member of Team Dark stays together because they WANT to stay together, but they only stay with G.U.N because, for one reason or another, they have deemed that their best possible option for now. There's a palpable tension that has a lot of history and can still be used in really fun ways like this. I deeply enjoy it.

Speaking of Team Dark-!

2- We Love a Bunch of Freaks

You're honor, that's a family. I love the dynamics. I love the trust and camaraderie and banter. I love the way they rely on one another and make sure to be there for one another. They took what is visible in the games and cranked it up to a 12, but it feels natural, especially when you take into consideration just how LONG these comics had gone on for. I talk about the history between Team Dark and G.U.N, but there is a history between Shadow, Rouge, and Omega as individual people too, let alone being a team under the thumb of a military force.

This is love right here, and I love it.

3- I Missed the Critter Smiling

Shadow smiles... so much in Archie. I love it. And for those of you who are confused and might think this is out of character, I point again to SA2. He smiles rather frequently in that game, even if it's a smile that says 'oh I'm going to enjoy beating your ass.' He also smiles a bit in Heros, Battle, Rivals, and SHtH05, though not as much.

4- The Art, Story, and OCs are Fun

The art is FUN! That first set of panels in particular- I love that. What a clever way to set that up! That's what I mean by you can feel that people were enjoying themselves working on this! Plus, this comic doesn't shy away from horror. I know we got that (beautifully done I might ad) in the Zombot arc, Scrapnik Island spinoff, and Dr. Starline with Surge and Kit. Like, whoever liked horror and had the inspiration for this stuff at Archie either made the transfer to IDW or heavily influenced some of the people on that team, because it's the same vibe. It's a classic, timeless sort of horror that I enjoy most, and it's very palpable here.

As an aside, they did a REALLY good job of making you like these new characters off the drop. I'm not saying I don't like the OCs of IDW (although I don't like Lanolin and, frankly, I don't think I'm SUPPOSE to like Lanolin. She's that perfect example of wanting more to be right than she does to help and I LOVE THAT because you get those people even in the best of causes but anyway). Eclipse though? As soon as that freak showed up on page and I read what he was saying, I loved the little gremlin. You feel for him, and for the Black Arms, which is excellent. They are still CLEARLY the bad guys- they don't HAVE to eat people, they CHOOSE to- but like... damn- you wish there was a way to make things right, and when you watch it all fall apart, you grieve a little. I'm sure if I read more of Archie I'd find more OC's I was meh about but it's just something I was thinking about as I kept going back and looking at Eclipse's body language and facial expressions. Like- look at this bugger-

He lobbied on Shadow's behalf for Black Death to NOT kill him because he so desperately wanted a 'big brother' who could join his 'family' and meet all the new babies and everything. He wanted so badly for Shadow to like him and like being with the Black Arms and make a new life and lkajsdfl;jasd augh....

5- Shadow feels like Shadow

Oh fuck yes.

Mind you, there are other times in Archie where the characters DON'T feel like a natural progression of their game counterparts. I've seen and read moments where Archie Shadow feels very... wrong... but in this? You're 100% right. They are VERY themself in this and it's a treat, a little hard candy for the soul to suck on. I am delighted.

6- It's The Little Things

Maybe it's just because I get the volumes and not the individual comics, but I don't see the fanart submissions or the Q&As. You use to find those sorts of things in all kinds of publications. I remember when I was getting my first game magazines in the mail, there would be stuff like that. It was always fun to page through.

I would adore if they brought those back, but I can also see why they wouldn't. While I think the fandom has gotten much more relaxed in some ways, in others, it's still nutty and weird and, frankly, a little terrible sometimes, but maybe that's just all fandoms. I dunno.

Anyway, it was nice to see that sort of stuff again. I missed it <3

So yeah, this was a lot of fun to read

Thanks again for the recommendation. I deeply enjoyed it.

It's wild too, because there are so many people who are now a part of Sonic's comic history that I remember on here just... goofing off. @bumblekast's Ian Flynn went from working as a writer at Archie to being a head writer at IDW, but I remember reading random posts of theirs online. @chibijenhen and @spiritsonic I remember being on Deviantart and following them. I remember finding bits and pieces of @tysonhesse's work online. I just, all these people, kinda showing me that, if I wanted, I could give a shot at tossing my hat into that ring, too. I ended up going a different way career wise, but now, I'm seeing all these awesome people AGAIN in an online space I'm in and going, 'You know... maybe I can try this for real.'

I don't know. It's just... it's been giving me a lot of hope, and hope is nice, especially when you're stubborn enough to foster it and give it reason to grow.

Maybe one day, that'll be my name in the credits, if I work hard and I'm lucky.

Keep your fingers crossed for me, yeah? <3

[words-after-midnight]

Five things I never get tired of writing.

Open tag!

Thank you @rsdan for tagging me. 😊

1. Foreshadowing. I love narrative symbolism in general, but my forte is absolutely foreshadowing, and that's because I've had a lot of practice with it from a young age. Life in Black and White - my main project since I was 17 - being an ending-centered story (ie. the ending is the "point" of the story, and impacts your perspective in a way that your first and second readthroughs should each be a fundamentally different experience - think Lehane's Shutter Island, if you've read it/seen the movie), it is foreshadowing-heavy. Foreshadowing begins from the first page and permeates the story - it's present structurally, in titles, in motifs, in symbols, in formatting, and in the text and subtext of the story itself. Number of readers who have guessed my ending before I wanted them to? Zero. I'm really proud of this, especially considering how blatant some of the foreshadowing is, lmao. Anyway, thinking of good foreshadowing and executing it in a story never gets old for me.

2. Motifs and recurrent lines. I love to use motifs as representations of different aspects of a story and/or its themes. Motifs/symbols present in Life in Black and White include:

- Midnight

- The moon/moonlight

- Storms and wind

- Candles/fire

- The number twelve

- Clocks/time

- The butterfly effect

- The song "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear" (yes, the Christmas song)

- Examples of recurrent lines: "Something's wrong"; "dead silence"; "is something burning?"

3. Dialogue between characters that have good chemistry and/or an interesting dynamic. Dialogue is one of my strengths and favorite things to write, and I absolutely love writing character relationships where the dialogue/banter just flows effortlessly. Fun fact, this factor was single-handedly responsible for my character Jeff's promotion from guest comic relief character to major character, and ultimately to antagonist of Life in Black and White. His chemistry with my protagonist was immaculate from their first written interactions. Despite the fact that I have extremely complicated feelings about their relationship, I absolutely love writing their interactions. I usually get all of the dialogue for their scenes first, write it down in sequence, and then fill in the blanks with tags and descriptions/body language as needed.

4. Dark queer relationships. A centerpiece of most of my stories is relationships (not always romantic in nature) between queer characters that are toxic, abusive, or otherwise unhealthy. Some will say it's bad representation, but it's these kinds of intense, complex, and dark relationship dynamics that I personally find interesting to write. Luckily, this is not at all reflective of my real-life relationships, and I do have "healthy" queer relationships in my fictional universe - they just typically are not the focus of stories. Don't forget that I'm a crime and horror writer. My characters aren't always good people, so it naturally follows that their relationships are not going to be beds of roses, either.

5. Character-driven stories. This is kind of funny because my long-form stories are pretty much always predominantly genre (usually some combination of crime fiction and horror/horror subgenres), but they typically have at least a bit of a literary-esque narrative style or format, because I really love focusing a story around 1-3 central characters and making those characters super complex and fleshed-out. The con of this approach is that my "side" characters (and their relationships with the central characters) often wind up seeming lackluster in comparison, but I pride myself on creating memorable central characters that readers find fascinating, because I work super hard for that result.

[minkdelovely]

I literally don’t know how many times I’ve said I’m gonna be insufferable but I need y’all to actually take me seriously this time (especially since this is being released in parts — I anticipate to be INSANE over each).

Words are honestly escaping me… not that all of Hazel’s work doesn’t have that effect on me lmao but this is like… touching on so many tropes and themes that I am genuinely NOT normal about 🙈

Reasons why you ABSOLUTELY NEED to read this: 1. EXCEPTIONALLY WRITTEN 2. BANTER is IMMACULATE 3. PREMISE is original and fun and cute and exciting and —

Okay I had to stop myself before I start sounding manic (teehee). Some highlights/reactions below because I am NORMAL and obviously react to things in such a completely casual way I actually come off as aloof (sorry for fooling you all — it WILL happen again).

✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧     ✧     ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧ ✧

“Are you a doctor?” Hotel manager and doctor would be an unlikely combo, but the day had been odd from start to finish.

I couldn’t help but laugh… this made me think of “shoe making and obstetrics”. We love a twin passion.

What’s some sex between nuns? 

that’s what I’M saying 😔

His chest pressed into your back, nearly forcing you to fall into the armoire, to assist you.

I love feeling small tbh 🥲🥲🥲

You stood there for several moments, staring at him with purple fabric pooled around your ankles, him staring at you with a shiteating grin.

so bitchy, I’m a sucker for it (shh don’t worry about my red flags y’all) 🫠

You felt Alastor’s hand again, now on your hip. You took three steps to the right, slipping from his fingertips.

oh goddd it’s already starting 🥲❤️‍🔥

Flustered, Lucifer fumbled with his phone before dropping it. “Oh! Shit! H-hello!”

the way I can see & hear this in my brain, I adore him

“Oh no! That’s— you’re gonna be here awhile.” Lucifer pulled at his collar in a mock attempt to release the awkward heat of the conversation.

SCREAMING

You saw the sky less often than Alastor’s grin and you couldn’t stand it.

babyyyy 🥺

The next morning you awoke to find your floor littered with strips of something. Flinging open the armoire you found two empty hangers. You turned back, noticing the white and purple color to the fabric confetti.

I literally gasped — NAUGHTY BOY

Alastor’s ears folded back, eyes looking to the left and up, “Odd. Are you sure? Maybe you accidentally threw them away.” That devilish grin you’d come to expect. He knew damn well how stupid that was.

CATTY

His voice was so low and close, had anyone ever spoken to you with such a commanding tone? A new feeling twitched in you. You blocked it out.

🫠🫠🫠

His other hand came to press on the door, too. An arm to either side of you, trapped, as he leaned in. You pressed yourself against the door to make distance from his body

A FULL FUCKING KABEDON???!!! I AM SHAKING!!!

A choking noise from behind the bar made you stand up in your seat, eyes flying from Husk to Alastor. A glowing green leash dragging Husk across the floor, his hands desperately pulling at the collar as he struggled to breath.

HUSK NOOOO 😭

You hit the hand Alastor offered you but were surprised to see his face painted with concern.

MY IMAGINATION WILL HAUNT ME WITH THIS FOREVER (even though he was literally just being so evil)

“I said stop.” After rolling to your feet you began to march away. “Every time I find something nice in this piece of shit domain you remind me I’m in hell.”

tell him baby!! 👏🏻

His chest was shaking with every breath. Why didn’t you move? Just walk away. Knock off that touch as you had been doing. You hadn’t noticed how quickly you were breathing, too, until his hand was pulling your chin up and towards his face.

SWEATINGGG

A laugh, “At least pretend you mean it.” 

GIRL 🫠

“What a terrible reply!” You slid down the wall and slipped under his arms, “If you shadow work your way into this room I will fuck that horny spider on camera just to spite you.” You opened your door, pausing to make sure he was still down the hall, “Angel on Angel, working title.”

…I’d watch it

Tasked with making a demon believe in true love or you can’t return to heaven, things immediately go off the rails when you hurt yourself and Alastor catches one of your most troubling arrows; Mania

I managed to finish this despite, ya know, the aforementioned: (´°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥ω°̥̥̥̥̥̥̥̥｀)

˚₊ · »-♡→ Week 1 and Week 2 (keep reading)

˚₊ · »-♡→Week 3 and Week 4 smut💦

⏳QUEUED 4/17⌛️

˚₊ · »-♡→Week 5, Week 6, Week 7, and Prologue smut💦 ⏳QUEUED 4/18⌛️

「warnings/promises: Alastor x CupidFemReader, broken bones, feet washing, normal sized Luci, you know the outfit in my PFP? You’re wearing that but soft purple and the bottom half is ambiguous because idk baby whatever you feel best in it’s your story, Husk has a bad time, Alastor has a bad time, You have a bad time, Charlie has a great time 👌🏼, not choking」

Minors this one is chill but the next two imma need you to Dani 💋 ♥️ 🧹lovingly

You had made a mistake, yes, but Hell? Really?

Sure, you had dropped an arrow into the water supply of a nunnery which did lead to some unholy behaviors. But! The nuns seemed quite happy. Wasn’t that the point?

Tossing you to Hell through a hastily opened portal was honestly unprofessional. You ended up dropping three stories, upside down, in front of a butcher's shop.

In the seconds between Sera telling you, ‘You can return when you’ve made a sinner believe in true love.’ and Lute kicking you square in the chest through the hell door, you thought it wouldn’t be so hard. True, you couldn’t use your arrows as that wouldn’t be “true love” and also too easy, even gods weak to your shots, but ultimately sinners were still human. Humans were pushovers! Pliable, gentle at their hearts, desiring love and tenderness. How bad could the naughty ones be? 

And then you landed shoulder first onto the pavement. It hurt. Things didn’t hurt in heaven…

Your arrows scattered, quiver spilling when you inverted. Wincing, you scrambled to grab as many as were within reach. Your right shoulder was burning, a new sensation.

You counted them by name as you gathered: Eros, Agape, Philia, Pragma, Philautia, Ludus, Storge… panic. 

ErosAgapePhiliaPragmaPhilautiaLudusStorge— Mania wasn’t there. Arguably the arrow that caused you the most trouble, the sting of Mania would cause a madness that led to obsessive behaviors, possessiveness, jealousy. 

Pulling yourself up, arrows clutched in one hand, the other holding the place near your collar was throbbing, your eyes were frantic in their search.

“What’s this?”

You finally looked up from the sidewalk, a man’s back to you before he turned. Bile rose and burned your throat as he pulled Mania from where it had pierced his chest pocket.

His eyes, shades of red heaven didn’t even entertain, made a simple trip from the arrow's head to your face.

The man went so still you thought for a moment he was a hologram, but you could see the tiniest rise and fall of his chest. A deer facing down a bright light, he remained frozen in place as you began to approach him.

“Excuse my manners, but that’s mine and I really need it back.” Your injured arm moved first and the pain made you see white, a cry so sharp people turned to look. He snapped back to his senses, and with an odd sound you couldn’t quite place, he seemingly disappeared into the ground.

Mania was left behind, shining smugly against the dirty pavement. You didn’t want to make a reach for it, fear flooding you. You’d never felt pain before.

You’d seen it in humans, but never in your existence had you experienced it. Would both arms hurt?

You let the left hand abandon its guarding place and grabbed the errant arrow. Tucking into an alley, you crouched and returned the arrows to their quiver with immense difficulty.

Okay, yes it was Hell but maybe you were a little paranoid. A sense of being watched wouldn't leave you even after you re-emerged from the darkness of the alley. 

The enormity of your task set in as you surveyed the area. You, an obviously heavenly creature even without your wings out on display, would need time to make anyone believe in any form of love. Where would you go in the meantime? And now injured for the first time in your life? How long would that need to mend?

Expanding your view, you saw the currently defunct doomsday countdown hovering above the embassy. Perfect, holy ground would atleast keep you safe for the night, which was falling with a malignant speed.

They couldn’t have given you some time to change? Or pack a set of clothes? Your short sleeved button up a (literally) glowing shade of white was attracting too much attention, golden sandals now cloudy from various fluids across Pentagram city’s streets. Your heart shaped overalls a powdered purple, you looked like an adult child among a sea of very tired professionals. 

When you got to the embassy you only had one good arm to open the heavy doors, which unfortunately didn’t budge. Perhaps you needed two? Trying to muster up some adrenaline, you began to pant. Deep breaths like the women in labour you sometimes worked your magic on.

As soon as you gripped the handle you saw something that made you jump back, muscles flexing around whatever damage you’d done in your body from the fall. A large black snake? Some demonic squid’s appendage? Something unholy grabbed hold of the handle as soon as you had and gave such a tug the doors violently shook.

You spun around to the dark neighborhood behind you. Nothing. Turning back the thing was gone. And so was all of your hope. It was locked. The tears were unwanted and unnecessary, but just-- you were hurting so much, you were dirty, you were alone, and now essentially homeless.

If there was ever a reason to cry, you decided to let yourself have this one. 

The lamplights flickered and the entire street went pitch black. Because of course it did.

Hyperventilating now entirely without intention, you watched as one light to the left popped on with a static buzz. Desperate to be out of the darkness you ran to the spotlight. As soon as your foot entered the beam, the light beside it lit up. Your eyes wandered to heaven above, were they helping you? Had you not been entirely abandoned?

Of course! Yeah. They sensed you at the doors and sent off some guidance. How silly of you. Relief washed over you as you ran through the lights until your foot left one spotlight but the next hadn't popped on.

Twirling back to the embassy, you saw all of the lights shut off in succession behind you.

Just you and the one lamp now, and the glow of some TVs in the shop window to the right. What was the meaning of this? 

That weird sound you heard earlier but couldn’t place… electricity but dusty and barely contained. Your gaze was drawn to the radio in the shop window in front of you. You hadn’t noticed it until it buzzed to life. It lit up faintly, dial turning on its own until a high and smooth voice rang out, “Looking for your way to heaven? You’re in luck! The Hazbin Hotel is now accepting any and all willing to find redemption!”

This must have been the message, I mean, heaven was never good at being subtle.

“Just make your way to the left and toward the looming building atop the hill!”

Your head turned to your left and then up slightly. Bathed in red and white lights stood a behemoth of a building on the edge of a cliff.

Head still facing the hotel, your eyes flitted back to the radio.

“Reception is open 24 hours a day!”

You touched your arm, then patted at your pockets. Not a wallet or ID card on you. You were the 17th Cupid incarnation, why would you have a fucking ID card? But didn’t those places need such things? You’d seen every romcom earth had ever produced. There was always some issue with hotel check ins. 

“Not a red cent needed! We literally do not care who you are!”

Oh. Wait. Was this a trap?

“Created by the Lucifer Morningstar’s daughter! A foolish young woman who genuinely believes in reforming sinners!”

Lucifer?? The former angel, yes, but the word angel carried much more weight now. Perhaps he would have a modicum of pity given your circumstances.

You took an unsteady foot forward and toward the hotel when the street lights all buzzed back to life.

The path to the hotel was long, many demons stopping you on your way but quickly losing interest after a second or two of pestering you. You gave a silent prayer to the archangels for that blessing.

It must have been nearly 1am when you finally made it to the hotel’s doors. When you entered you found an empty reception desk and a poorly written note:

Before the bell’s hammer even hit the metal, a man popped up from behind the counter.

The man.

The man you shot with Mania.

“Welcome to th-,”

You were outside and leaving the awning before he could finish, but just as quickly as you left he appeared in front of you, “Still missing your manners?”

He blocked your path with his remarkable size. Why were demons so tall? What was the use of it?

“Deer got your tongue?” He bent over unnaturally at the waist.

“What?”

“Would you like-,” he began.

You walked around him and down the driveway. He moved briskly beside you, slowly growing larger and larger until his body was several stories tall and entirely blocking the gates of the premises.

A horror. Hell was full of horrors.

He crouched, large toothy smile now baring down at you.

If you stabbed him in the eye with an arrow, which would cause the least trouble? It was a rule to never give a double love bite but this was a dire situation.

But if you were sent to hell for a little nun love fest, what would purposefully stabbing a sinner do?

He rapidly shrank, hands coming to his front to catch a summoned microphone…Cane? Staff?

“You’re injured. Just, come back inside. I promise I don’t bite without consent.” His head cocked to the side, a quiet, “Usually” tacked on.

We’re you visibly hurt? How bad was it? You looked past him to where sounds of yelling and music were rolling up the hill.

“You don’t have many options, angel.” He hissed the word through clenched teeth. Disgust almost seemed to lace his voice, but why, then, was he offering help?

“Not an angel. Cupid. Different.” Kind of. You gave the quiver a shake.

“Ah yes. That explains why you shot at me earlier.” A large hand came to your side and directed you to turn back around. He kept it there, pushing softly to keep you moving.

“I didn't shoot you.”, You huffed, crossing your arms before doubling over in pain. He stopped walking, hand resting now against your spine. Regaining your composure, you continued towards the hotel lobby, “My arrows fell out and…you caught one. With your body.”

“My pocket made quite the lucky catch. Now!” He snapped, a key appearing and floating into his hand with a sparkle of neon green, “Let’s get you to a room and cleaned up.”

“Do you work here?” You asked as he escorted you to one of the upper floors. The room was surprisingly clean and well decorated. You had expected a dingy highway motel. And while the room was largely dark wood and rich colors, it wasn’t as offensive as the rest of hell had been.

“Ah! My my, forgive me! I am Alastor, the radio demon and hotel manager here.” He bowed and offered his hand for you to place yours in. You did so without thinking, and he kissed your knuckles once but his mouth lingered over your flesh. Eyes half lidded, he glanced back up at you, “It is an absolute pleasure to meet you.”

There was no way to reverse Cupid’s arrows. Not by force. Love could only die by the hands of the ones who held it. Others could definitely bruise it, but ultimately it was up to the beholder. Mania was a little different, obsession could be dispelled by shattering whatever illusion the holder felt.

If the holder thought someone was the epitome of genteel chastity then a show of wanton sexuality could break the spell. If someone was convinced the object of their desire was very smart and savvy then acting ignorant could make the obsession fall flat. But there was no indication he had any illusions of you. Not yet, atleast.

Mania was now his, and he would keep it in his heart until he lost it or killed it. He could, technically, be possessed by, and be in the possession of, Mania for eternity. A sinner had never been shot before, that you knew of.

He didn’t noticeably react as you took back your hand. With a hum, he snapped again and you found a chair pulled up behind you and knocking into the back of your knees. You fell into the plush armchair, watching a metal basin of steaming water slide against your feet.

“Excuse you— ExcUU-,” you pulled your legs back but he pulled harder, Alastor removing your dirty shoes and tossing them off to the side like trash.

“You can't clean yourself with that broken collar bone. Allow me.” His hand gripped your ankles and dunked both into the water, “I insist.”

“It’s broken? How could I break a collarbone…,” the humor wasn’t lost on you, sinner washing holy feet, but your focus was entirely on the concept of a broken bone. 

“Falling twenty five feet head first, apparently.” Alastor rubbed soap into your calves.

“But I don’t break.” What happened to you, what had that kick into hell done? “You saw me? Also, that isn’t dirty.” you pointed at your calf.

“Peripherally.”

Did he mean the dirt or witnessing the fall? You sat in silence while he hummed, returning your feet to their original color. 

“Now,” he rose, patting his hands dry on a small towel, “Unbutton your top.”

Your expression was apparently quite loud, Alastor putting his hands up quickly, “Not like that. I’ve no interest in that sort of thing. I need to see your shoulder and upper chest.” He waited patiently, staring at you the entire time. His smile was so wide, teeth yellow and sharp. Unsettling. 

He really did look like he could eat you. You’d heard of such demons.

You slipped off the straps of your overalls, and began to open your shirt. He did away with the water, coming to kneel directly to your right as he watched. You couldn’t see anything without some kind of mirror. If it was bruised or swollen, it was out of your line of sight. Long clawed hands came to the front and back of your shoulder, pressing inward. You pulled away, a firm grip now as his right hand held at the left side of your waist.

“Are you a doctor?” Hotel manager and doctor would be an unlikely combo, but the day had been odd from start to finish.

A shake of the head, “But when I was alive, I did have quite a lot of experience with the inner workings of anatomy.” You grimaced, how could he say such sinister things with such a lovely voice? “Maybe not broken. But I’d say at least a fracture. Perhaps your heavenly body didn’t take full damage. It hurts when you move your arm, correct?” You nodded. 

He hummed, another click of his fingers and a fabric unfurled into his waiting hands. “Take it all the way off so I can set this.”

You were exhausted. The pain was gnawing at your nerves. No more fight in you, you just wanted rest, so you slipped off the shirt entirely and let him wrap your arm up into a simple sling. You were surprised his hands were so warm. Demons seemed like they’d be cold to the touch. Like lizards or pearls.

When he finished, you sitting in the large chair with your arm wrapped in a silky black sling, no shirt, and pastel purple heart-shaped overalls folded down your torso, you considered having another cry. You felt your chin tremble. You couldn’t recall ever crying from sadness before today.

It was just a mistake. You hadn’t meant to drop your arrow. Why were the archangels so angry? What’s some sex between nuns? 

Alastor bristled, hand coming to your cheek. It was an unwelcome gesture. You batted his hand away with your only free one, but he just sighed and set it on your thigh. You pushed it off, shooting him a glare. The audacity.

You thought you saw his eye twitch.

With what little energy was left in, you stood and open the door for him, “You have been very kind and helpful. Thank you very much. You can leave now.” Oh, right, “Please.”

He stood, pausing as he passed you. He was so tall. Shoulders wide. You felt your heart rate pick up. Even with two good collarbones you knew you couldn’t take him in a fight.

Alastor leaned down to your level, you backing up and into the door, “Until the morning.”

When he said it you had thought he was just going about formalities. But he wasn’t. You awoke some hours later to a knock. When you opened the door he was looming in your doorway again.

You tried to close the door but he put his foot in the gap, then a strong hand wrapped around the door’s edge and he pushed his way into the room.

You sputtered, arm flailing a little as you choked on which reaction to give first. You were undressed, in just your under things.

“I don’t want you to hurt yourself further when you get dressed. I’ll undo the sling and help.” Closing the door he then spun back around to face you, smile as bright as it was earlier that same day. 

“No! Absolutely not! Leave! Please!”

As he guided your arm through the shirt, you struggled to process what had happened. One minute you were indignant and stubborn and then he was so close to you, hands warm and gentle, and then already he was untying the sling and your shirt was just there and-

“See? Wasn’t that easy? No harm in accepting help.” Alastor looked you over from top to bottom.  

“Accepting? What part of any of that did I accept.” You stood bottomless in a button up, trying to get the overalls from the hanger with just your left hand. His chest pressed into your back, nearly forcing you to fall into the armoire, to assist you.

“The part where you didn’t actively fight me. I think we can call that acceptance until you learn better.” His words shook through your ribs and to your front. 

Annoyance rose in your chest, what was he thinking? Humans had no right to touch you let alone a sinner. “You’re an eldritch horror, please back away from the divine creature before you.” Alastor laughed, backing away with the clothes in his hands. Hand out, you motioned for him to pass it over. He tossed it on the floor, and took a seat on the bed with crossed legs. “Oh, I see. You’re an asshole. Perfect.” Pretense gone, manners not needed.

You grabbed it with your left hand and managed to get both legs into it before slinking it up and onto your left shoulder. While you tried to figure out how to do the right side, realizing the flaw in your order of processes, Alastor leaned over and unhooked the left strap, overalls falling to the carpet with a soft thud. 

You stood there for several moments, staring at him with purple fabric pooled around your ankles, him staring at you with a shiteating grin.

After finally getting dressed, preferring to not think about how, you were followed down to the lobby. 

“Breakfast?” He asked, you both in the elevator as he hadn’t gone more than three feet from you since he entered your bedroom. 

“No, no appetite. I need to find Lucifer.” You were sure he could help somehow. Somehow he could do….something. Details about Lucifer’s powers and abilities, his strengths and skills were all kept hush-hush. But if nothing else, you could find someone who understood your position. 

Your hand was being vigorously shaken before the elevator doors even closed behind you. Charlie Morningstar was not what you expected.  Chipper and bright, she was bursting with energy. 

“Gentle, Charlie. Our dear Cupid is injured.” Alastor’s hand came to the small of your back. You reached back with your left hand and knocked it off of you. 

“Like, the real actual cupid?!” Charlie’s eyes were shining, you could almost see the hearts floating up around her face. You felt Alastor’s hand again, now on your hip. You took three steps to the right, slipping from his fingertips.

“Yes, that is exactly what I-.” You were cut off, Charlie launching into a speech about sinners and heaven and redemption and so much more you couldn’t process. 

The energy she gave us was very angelic, which was confusing. Until you saw her father entering the common area.

The most hated creature in all of creation. Your best hope for a tiny sliver of comfort. 

Alastor’s hand reached for yours, fingers trapping your wrist and stopping you from approaching the king of hell. 

You shook your arm. His hold stayed. You tugged. He was unaffected, talking to Charlie now about your injury as if you weren’t right there. 

As Cupid, or at least as a cupid, you weren’t physically strong. You really weren’t meant to exist for a long time, just for as long as your body held up to repeated trips to the human realm. But, in heaven, you were never capable of being harmed. And of course, on earth, you weren’t really corporeal so no harm could come to you. You weren’t built for tug of war with a 7 foot tall demon.

“Mr. Devil! Sir!” You waved your foot, shouting out to the normal sized man. As he saw you, his eyes widened, “Hello there! Sorry to be a bother, I’m from heaven and-” You jerked your hand free, power walking to Lucifer, “I’m here on punishment. It’s a pleasure to meet another member of Elysium’s caretakers. Former or otherwise.”

Flustered, Lucifer fumbled with his phone before dropping it. “Oh! Shit! H-hello!”

You reached down to retrieve it for him, seeing black and red shoes behind you as you did. 

“What — why are you here?” Lucifer was looking at Alastor now, which was great news because for a second you thought he was talking to you. A sneaking feeling leaked into your chest that heaven hadn’t actually told him you were coming. 

“Just keeping an eye on my guest! As you can see she got injured and I’ve taken to the task of her safety while she’s in hell.” 

“No one asked him to do that, sir.” Your smile was strained, you could feel Alastor’s shoulder was touching yours. You looked to where you were connected and then back to Lucifer, “Are all sinners like this?”

“Honestly? Yes. They’re all pretty terrible.” Lucifer sighed, “What did you do?”

A cold sweat, “Misused an arrow. I can’t leave hell until I make a demon who doesn’t already believe in true love…believe in it.”

“Oh no! That’s— you’re gonna be here awhile.” Lucifer pulled at his collar in a mock attempt to release the awkward heat of the conversation. He saw you wither, and Alastor seemed to bloom, so he quickly changed pace, “But! Uhhh, you can totally do it! Charlie has some of the best of the worst here. If I can ever help, just ask!” Nervous laughter that did not put you at ease. He seemed so silly. So sweet and easily flustered. 

You felt your hope dash for a second time in less than a day. How long would you be in hell? How long was awhile?

“She is my responsibility now. She won’t be needing anything from you, your majesty.”

A darkness came over you as the two demons began to bicker. You now had your own obsessed shadow; a large and creepy sinner following you around. How on earth could you get close enough to a demon to complete your task? Convincing someone of true love would require trust and time. This would be impossible with Alastor attached to your side. 

You spent the first week in hell in the hotel. Everytime you got the courage to leave and explore the areas outside, you’d find yourself shadow portaled “back to safety” by Alastor. It was like the human film ‘Groundhog Day’, always starting over back in the lobby. 

No matter where you went in the hotel, he was either beside you or where you had been headed. You saw the sky less often than Alastor’s grin and you couldn’t stand it. You took to hiding, leaning against darkened stairwell corners and sitting on the floor of the ladies restroom. 

It bought you a little time to yourself, but the second you moved he was there again. Asking if you were a lost little doe, hand reaching for your waist to pull you near him, red eyes threatening to swallow you whole.

Toward the end of the week, while helping you get dressed as he did daily, Alastor took a step back. “I could get you some new clothes. Cannibal town has the finest duds.” He lifted the lace that lined the top of your  pocket, “You stick out. No demon is going to let you trick them into believing in true love like this.”

You could have screamed. No, no demon would even approach you with Alastor standing behind you. It absolutely wasn’t the clothes. You politely rejected the offer and went about your day.

The next morning you awoke to find your floor littered with strips of something. Flinging open the armoire you found two empty hangers. You turned back, noticing the white and purple color to the fabric confetti.

The march to Alastor’s room was easy, as it was 10 feet in front of your door. He had placed you directly across from him, because, ya know, Mania.

He clearly hadn’t expected you to leave your room in your underwear, eyes like saucers as he yanked you in.

“What in heaven are you doing?! Anyone could see you.” He hissed, closing the door with a little too much force.

“Whose fault is that?!” You seethed in return. Anger was something you rarely ever felt but he was inspiring new things in you. “Someone shredded my clothes.”

Alastor’s ears folded back, eyes looking to the left and up, “Odd. Are you sure? Maybe you accidentally threw them away.” That devilish grin you’d come to expect. He knew damn well how stupid that was.

You stomped your foot, if you had two working hands you’d try to rip his antlers off, “Are you serious?!” You turned to leave, kicking the door before attempting to open it.

A large hand pressed back on the door, slamming it shut. His breath was dropping down the back of your neck despite his considerable height, “You will not be leaving this room in such a state of undress, my dear.”

His voice was so low and close, had anyone ever spoken to you with such a commanding tone? A new feeling twitched in you. You blocked it out.

“You don’t get to make decisions for me,” said too softly.

His other hand came to press on the door, too. An arm to either side of you, trapped, as he leaned in. You pressed yourself against the door to make distance from his body.

“Oh, I absolutely do. Who is going to stop me? You?” Alastor’s voice had noticeably dropped an octave as he whispered what felt like a challenge against your hair.

Who indeed…you had no strength, an arrow would either be useless or complicate things. Lucifer seemed preoccupied and jittery. Heaven wasn’t returning your prayers.

He took your silence as an answer.

“Exactly. Now, I’ll only ask nicely once.” His hands left, warmth on your neck fading. You turned to look at him, sensing his eyes burning holes into your back.

He was holding a two piece set. Older style, 1920s American maybe. Black and burgundy. When did he have time to get this when every hour seemed to be spent near you?

“May I help you get dressed?”

You’d gotten quite close with the few residents who didn’t run at the sight of Alastor. Husk was one of them. You became fast friends, often drinking and lamenting about Alastor’s general existence as Alastor sat some 15 feet away on the sofa. Still not allowed outside the hotel gates, your second week you spent many hours at the bar talking to the surprisingly kind grump.

To your delight Alastor didn’t seem bothered by it, oddly, as long as you were in eyesight he seemed content.

You thought maybe his mania was already waning. Sure you hadn’t attempted to leave the hotel, and you hadn’t argued when he dressed you, but…Ah, hm. Fuck.

Mania can look like Love when you don't struggle against it. A fly motionless in a web can elude the spider for a little bit.

Don't push against the restraints and you can forget they are there entirely.

But push you did, accidentally. Husk was making some new cocktails, trying to enjoy himself and be creative. 

“Yeah, that’s it.” He grinned.

“Good?” 

He took another sip before handing the glass to you. You grabbed it, taking a taste. Sweet but a bite as it went down. Something with citrus. When you looked up from the glass, he was gone.

A choking noise from behind the bar made you stand up in your seat, eyes flying from Husk to Alastor. A glowing green leash dragging Husk across the floor, his hands desperately pulling at the collar as he struggled to breath. 

“Stop!” You shouted, crawling over the bar and grabbing the chain with your good arm. You tried to pull back, to slow the choking force, but got pulled along with it. “Alastor!” You screamed as your shoulder hit the floor and sent searing pain down your arm. 

You could hear Husk gasp, the green glow disappearing from past your clenched eyelids. 

“Why can’t you-,” Alastor started to speak a he came to your side. Husk scurried away, crawling back from the demon. You hit the hand Alastor offered you but were surprised to see his face painted with concern.

“I said stop.” After rolling to your feet you began to march away. “Every time I find something nice in this piece of shit domain you remind me I’m in hell.”

You had almost made it to your room when a hand pulled you by the good shoulder and pushed you against the wall. It still hurt. 

“Don’t you know? Sharing a drink, it’s as close to a kiss as you could get without bringing your mouth to his.”

“It was a drink, Alastor. You had no right.”

His hand settled on your throat. No grip, just a gentle placement, “I have every right.” His brows knit together in worry, in confusion. “What should I do to make you understand me?” His hand came to your chin, thumb ghosting over your lips.

“If I let you go too far, someone will surely take you. Who wouldn’t? Please. Stop pushing me so much.” His eyes were almost loving as they shined down at you. His breath was picking up. You could hear the desperation in his voice. 

Those damned eyes were unrelenting in their stare into your own. There was no creature in presence or audacity in heaven like Alastor. You’d never encountered anything like him. 

“Of all the Love you had to take a stray hit from, Mania really was the cruelest accident.” You held your hand at the crook of your neck, wondering if you did more damage. No, if he did more damage.

“Mania? Is that the arrow I caught? How fitting.” His finger pulled down on your bottom lip. You’d seen this movie, you’d been there for these scenes in dorm rooms and under rainy awnings, in darkened beds and sunny fields. You could move, no part of him was actually holding you physically. “Yes, maybe I am obsessed. But whose fault is that? Will you take responsibility for it?” His chest was shaking with every breath. Why didn’t you move? Just walk away. Knock off that touch as you had been doing. You hadn’t noticed how quickly you were breathing, too, until his hand was pulling your chin up and towards his face.

It only came out as a whisper, half said as it was only half meant, “don’t.”

A laugh, “At least pretend you mean it.” 

Your knees came together in some desperate attempt to stop the feeling creeping up your legs and to your lap, “Apologize to Husk.”

“Why would I ever do such a thing?” His breath was so warm on your mouth, face tilted to keep his nose from hitting yours.

“What a terrible reply!” You slid down the wall and slipped under his arms, “If you shadow work your way into this room I will fuck that horny spider on camera just to spite you.” You opened your door, pausing to make sure he was still down the hall, “Angel on Angel, working title.”

Your whole body went slack, the sounds of a wild animal loose in the hallway rocking the door as you took shaky steps to the bed, paintings on the walls rattling as he did unseen damage. Sounds of an unknown, unholy animal raging just past the thin drywall. 

Had you ever seen Mania work so quickly with so little fuel? Hand coming to your mouth, a burning where his finger touched you. 

No one had touched your lips before. No one could ever hope to. Humans were beyond the realm of feeling you, and you didn’t allow kissing with the partners you took in heaven. Personal rule. As in, it was too personal.

The lights in your room flickered, briefly shrouding you in darkness before coming back to life.

Deja vu.

Oh.

What had he introduced himself as? The radio demon? It wasn’t heaven who brought you to the hotel. Of course not. 

No. Obviously not.

ᡣ𐭩ˋ°•*⁀➷ masterlist

∰ Summoning the Horny Little Deer Cult (general tag list):

@cxrsedwxrlds , @nonetheartist , @tsunaki , @janchei , @wettiny-in-smutland , @moonmark98 , @hoebihoeshi , @pansexual-opera-house , @polytheatrix , @lorddiabigmommymilkers , @backinthefkingbuildingagain , @harley2223-blog , @coffee-colored-hopeless-romantic , @poinappel , @midnightnoiserose , @spookieroz , @missmidorima , @ivebeenthearchersstuff , @downbadforfictionalppl , @xx-all-purpose-nerd-xx , @sleepylittledemon , @aether-th3-enby , @dontfuckbutimfab , @breathlessaura , @aperfectidiot , @certainlygay , @jth12 , @star-kujo-platinum ,

@ivebeenthearchersstuffn, @rubyninja1 , @simphornies , @alleystore , @readergirlstuff , @berry-demon , @chirimeimei , @fairyv-ice , @olive-frog , @thonethatflies620 , @tiredkiwiii , @ilikemyteawithmilk , @whateverlololo , @psipies , @howabouticallyou , @roxxie-wolf , @ive-no-idea-what-to-call-this , @fizzled-phoenix , @fjorjestertealeaf , @phobophobular , @surusurusuru , @mariaclarade-la-cruz1 , @whateverlololo , @simplyonehellofanotaku , @xixflower , @i-am-nonbinary-bean-deal-with-it , @roxxie-wolf , @a-case-of-attachment , @multifandomfanatic02 , @watereddownmilk , @raynerrold , @crazii-saber-wolf , @valkyrie-expeditions , @bontensbabygirl , @sillyb0nez , @oo0lady-mad0oo , @jazzmasternot , @pseudobun , @fraugwinska✨, @alitaar , @straows , @alastorssimp , @angelicwillows , @b-o-n-e-daddy , @one-and-only-tay , @asleeponelmstreet , @tremendoushearttaco , @mutifandomkid , @sapphirecaelis , @itzzzkiramylove  @saccharine-nectarine , @viannasthings , @looking1016 , @ultimate-duck-king-lucifer , @blakeaha , @astraechos , @reath-solia ,

🏹Alastor stalkers: @celestial-vomit , @amurtan

@faeoffaith , sailorsmouth , @jeannyjaykaydeh , @jyoongim , @cosmic-lavender , @saturn-alone , @lustylita , @radio-darling , @kaylopolis , @dickmastersworld , @leviskittywh0re

[dudeshusband]

Title: There’s A Great, Big Beautiful Tomorrow: Part Two

Ship: Mike x Robert Chase

Words: 1988 (yeah, sorry)

Description: Mike and Chase explore Disneyland together.

Warnings: none

When Chase rented a car to take them from Los Angeles to Anaheim after they landed, as Mike didn’t drive, it became more and more apparent how out of his element he was. If this were Mike’s first time in the city rather than more than their 15th, they would be hopeless. Mike was the navigator, a bit of a tour guide.

They pointed out the Citadel outlets when they passed them and talked about how much cooler they looked at night. Then they talked about the Travelodge that their family most often stayed at because it was fairly cheap and close to the park. Then, once they got to the hotel, they talked about Goofy’s Kitchen and the character dinner they had there once.

Mike had talked so much, they worried they had talked their boyfriend’s ear off. He didn’t seem all too annoyed so they left it alone.

Mike got them checked in and then started talking about the places they could go for dinner, “Well, there’s this Denny’s on Harbor that I once saw a gentleman selling those flying toy things at. Or we could go to the Bob’s Big Boy across the street from the old Walt Disney Studios but we’d have to backtrack to Burbank. Or there’s a lot of places in Downtown Disney. Ohh, we should go to Tortilla Jo’s! They make the best guacamole, table side.”

“Sure,” Chase said, with a whole lot less enthusiasm than Mike but still smiling.

Tortilla Jo’s always had quite a bit of a wait but that was the true Disney experience, from one wait to another. Besides, Mike had years of conversation material. They told Chase about the tiny toilets in the restrooms and the time their mom took a photo of one because it was so funny to her.

Then, they finally got into the restaurant and ordered.

Mike got what they normally couldn’t get at most Mexican restaurants, a burrito that was actually intended to be vegetarian, and Chase ordered pork carnitas. He also got himself a margarita, and since Mike didn’t drink, they got horchata.

Chase was actually kind of impressed by the table side guacamole.

They talked about everything and anything until the bill came. Then there was something of a debate.

“You’ve paid for this whole thing so far,” Chase said. “Let me get this one.”

“No, absolutely not,” Mike said. “This trip is my treat and I’m paying for anything and everything. I saved up to be able to.”

“At least let me pay for the margarita.”

“Nope, I got that covered too,” Mike said, sliding their credit card into the black booklet that also contained the receipt. The waitress took the booklet to the register. “You’re used to people buying you whatever you want out of guilt. Let me buy you whatever you want because I love you.”

Chase didn’t say anything, even when the waitress returned Mike’s card.

The next morning, Chase was surprised to see Mike up earlier than him, trying to wake him up.

“Come on!” they shouted enthusiastically. “We have to get to the opening thing. I don’t really remember what they call it but that’s not the point. I made reservations for Carnation so we’ll eat there when we get into the park.”

Chase rubbed the sleep out of his eyes, “Are you high?”

Mike laughed, “Yeah! High on life! Let’s go!” Mike gave his arm a tug and nearly bought him to the floor.

“Whoa, okay, I’m awake,” he said quickly. “Jesus Christ.”

“Get dressed,” Mike prompted. “I love your bedhead” — they tousled his hair with their hand — “But I’m not going anywhere with you like this.”

“Give me a second.”

He blinked and noticed that Mike was already dressed. “When did you wake up?”

“About a half an hour ago,” Mike said. “At 6.”

Chase looked a bit shocked.

“What? I get up earlier for work every morning.”

“Reluctantly. Like an angry bear.”

Mike whacked him with one of the hotel’s pillows. “Shut up and get dressed.”

He did so and joined Mike about 25 minutes later.

Mike tossed him his muffin.

“Banana nut, hmm,” he said when he caught it.

“We should probably get going,” Mike said.

“Don’t we have 35 minutes?” Chase asked.

“Yeah but you should see the crowd.”

Chase ate his muffin on the walk to the park.

Just as Mike suspected, the crowd in front of the front gate of Disneyland was large and more people were coming up behind them.

“Damn,” Chase said. “I guess you were right.”

“Don’t doubt me on my Disney knowledge, Robert,” Mike said, trying not to laugh. Chase was trying to fight a laugh too.

After a while, music started playing and the Disney characters started coming out. It was a cute little performance but Mike could tell that the look of wonder on the kids’ faces all around him was the thing that ended up making him smile.

“My mom used to say that Walt Disney wanted somewhere he could take his kids where he could have a good time too,” Mike said, “And out of that came Disneyland. Whatever all that has become, I’m glad that it's still something magical for kids.”

“Kids whose families can afford it,” Chase said.

“Yeah,” Mike said, a bit sadly.

The gates opened and people began filing in.

Mike handed the person working at the turnstyle the tickets they’d printed off the internet and then the person took their picture and handed them a small paper card. The same went for Chase.

“Whatever you do,” Mike told Chase. “Don’t lose that.”

Chase nodded and looked at the mini garden that had been grown to resemble the head of Mickey Mouse.

“Come on,” Mike said, dragging him to the right, “Main Street’s this way.”

“Here you leave today and enter the world of yesterday, tomorrow, and fantasy,” Chase read off the sign of the mini tunnel that led to Main Street. “Huh.”

“First we have to get the hats with the Mickey Mouse ears,” Mike said.

“We do?”

“Of course!” Mike said. “You’ll look cute.”

“I’ll look like an idiot,” Chase said.

“A cute idiot.”

They walked past several people and the sign for the double decker bus to one of the many places one could buy a Mickey Mouse hat.

“Nothing like the classic,” Mike said as they bought two black Mickey Mouse hats with an image of Mickey Mouse stitched to the front.

“Do I have to put the string under my chin?” he asked.

“Only if you want to wear it on the rides,” Mike said. “Which I wouldn’t recommend.”

They each put the hats on their heads.

“See, I told you you’d look cute,” Mike said, giving him a kiss to the cheek.

“Hey, there are kids here,” Chase joked.

Mike rolled their eyes. “Worse happens in The Little Mermaid.”

“Come on,” Mike said. “We have breakfast reservations.”

Mike showed Chase the 8th wonder of the world, the Mickey Mouse waffle and talked about how Main Street is modeled after the United States at the turn of the century 1900.

Then, it was off to find their first ride.

“Usually,” Mike said. “My family and I would go to Tomorrowland first and ride the Buzz Lightyear ride but we can go anywhere.”

“The castle is the way to Fantasyland, yeah?” Chase asked.

“Yep,” Mike said. “It’s Sleeping Beauty’s castle.”

Mike and Chase made their way down Main Street and through the castle into Fantasyland.

“So we have one where you ride in a Dumbo, the Carousel, the Peter Pan ride, the Mad Tea Party, a personal favorite; Snow White’s Scary Adventure, and Mr. Toad’s Wild Ride, and lots of other stuff.”

“Mr. Toad from The Wind in the Willows?”

“Yeah,” Mike said. “Also the Disney adaptation The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad.”

“Let’s go on that one.”

Mike shook their head, “No, no, not that one. It’s really boring and it’s really hot in the Hell part.”

Chase laughed. “It’s hot in the Hell part?”

“Yeah,” Mike said. “It’s a really silly ride. Not very fun.”

Chase looked at their partner and got an amused look on his face. “You’re scared of that ride, aren’t you?”

“What, no!” Mike lied. “I’m an adult. I’m not scared of the toad ride.”

“Come on,” Chase said. “I’ll be there to protect you.”

“Stop it!” Mike said all the way there. “Stop milking this!”

When they got off the ride, Chase said, “You’re right. It is really hot in the Hell part.”

Mike, feigning grumpiness, said, “I told you.”

The pair rode several more rides, one of which was the Matterhorn, where they laughed at the announcer’s awful Swiss accent.

Then they left the park for dinner.

“What’s so special about Rainforest?” Chase asked on their way through Downtown Disney. “There were a lot of good places inside the park.”

“Don’t they have one in Atlantic City?” Mike asked.

“Yeah but I’ve never seen it.”

“Then you’ll see.”

Outside the restaurant were several torches with fire in them. Then inside was the register, which was a large elephant, and a gift shop. Beyond the gift shop was a large fish tank.

After checking in at the elephant, Mike told Chase what they knew about Rainforest, “It’s two floors with indoor and outdoor seating. It’s got a really cool ambience and I like the food.”

“You should be their spokesperson,” Chase said.

“We should split a Volcano!” Mike said excitedly.

“Split a what?”

“You’ll see.”

They were called back to the elephant to be seated a little beyond the fish tanks, which were at the sides and overhead of a doorway.

Chase looked around at the audio animatronics all around them. “I see why they call it Rainforest.”

They ordered and ate. Halfway through, the room began to simulate a thunderstorm and Chase was briefly scared out of his skin.

“I wasn’t expecting that,” he said. “For fuck’s sake.”

“No swearing,” Mike said. “This is a family establishment.”

“It’s hard not to when a thunderstorm just happens while you’re eating.”

“It’s cool though, right?”

“Yeah, a little.”

Chase was equally surprised when some waiters bellowed the word "volcano" while carrying a tower of brownies and ice cream with a stick with a poof shaped like a firework sticking out of the top.

"That thing is massive," Chase exclaimed. "How are we going to eat all that?"

"You'd be amazed by what I can eat," Mike joked.

They waited for Chase's look of shock before adding, "Eat the ice cream first, we can get a to-go box for the brownies. I've never eaten this with less than 3 people present."

They returned to the park and rode as much as they could before the ten o’clock fireworks.

“Are my feet supposed to be killing me?” Chase asked on the way to the castle.

“Yep,” Mike said. “You just gotta keep going.”

They were in the middle of a large crowd.

“This is where being tall has its conveniences,” Mike said. “Except when some jerk puts their kid on their shoulders and won’t let you step in front of them.”

“Then I’ll just put you on my shoulders,” Chase joked.

“And one of us will end up breaking something or someone,” Mike said.

Just then, the lights dimmed and the announcer could be heard saying the fireworks show was about to begin.

Then came the music and accompanying fireworks.

Mike put their arm around Chase much to his surprise and it stayed there until nearly the final firework.

The grand finale boomed in the sky. Mike pulled Chase closer to themselves and pressed a passionate kiss to his lips.

An old woman could be heard awwing and a kid ewing but all Mike could sense was the sound of Chase’s beating heart and the blush that had crept up his face.

_____________________________________________________________

tag list: @cosmicselfship @pucksfictionallovelife @romancologist @holy-heck-i-love-my-fo @cozyships

[missmagooglie]

Ok, so here is something I love about the 6.04 Kitchen Scene (aka Chris Gets Caught):

It has been noted that both of our favorite Diazes are Kings Of Sass. Eddie is a petty, snarky bitch (affectionate) and he has passed his love of snark onto his son.

Up until now, we haven't really seen both Eddie and Chris at Peak Sass at the same time. The interesting thing about this kitchen scene is that we're starting to see how some of the patterns Eddie has fallen into as a parent are gonna become strained and need adjustment as Chris gets older.

The banter was still very light-hearted teasing, but you could kinda see how Chris is getting more opinionated and more willing to challenge Eddie's authority. And you can see, too, how Eddie kinda smarts at that. He responds to Chris criticizing the mayo selection by taking a (again, very mild and teasing) dig at Chris by saying "Great, I'm raising a condiment snob" and then tries to pull it back to a place of reassurance and love by saying "you're lucky you're cute". (Spoiler alert - Chris is quickly approaching the age where that's no longer something he wants to be)

And, like, the phrasing is so important here. Chris says, "YOU got the WRONG mayo". He doesn't say "why'd you get this one?" He doesn't say "Ugh, this one is gross." He tells Eddie he did something *wrong*, which activates Eddie's defenses.

Eddie has done a LOT of work over the past few years toward trusting himself as a father and believing that he is a *good* father, but through it all the one person who has never doubted how good a dad Eddie is has been Christopher himself. The relationship has been "this kid loves me and trusts me so much, and I need to prove myself worthy of the trust he has in me".

Even with the skateboard incident, the reason Chris was so upset when he felt like Eddie had lied was *because* he trusted and believed Eddie so implicitly. And because Eddie was able to level with Chris and find a solution, they were able to repair that trust very quickly.

As Christopher hurtles at lightspeed toward his teen years, he is gonna realize that Eddie is not always right by the simple virtue of being his dad, and for the first time it's going to be CHRISTOPHER telling Eddie he's not good enough at being a dad. And as much as that is a normal and healthy thing for Chris to be going through, it is going to dig directly into all of Eddie's deepest insecurities.

The thing about that snarky teasing way Eddie and Chris were talking to each other in the kitchen? Is that it is SO EASY to take it too far when feelings are hurt. So it will be interesting to see how Eddie navigates those types of conversations when that foundation of love and trust starts to get shaken by Christopher's growing pains....

(Also, ugh the parallels of Eddie and Ramon addressing the mistakes Ramon made as a parent decades after the fact and Eddie making mistakes as a parent but being able to recognize them and adjust while Christopher is still a kid? Immaculate. Gorgeous. Inspired.)

[dramione-literary-analysis]

Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love

Genre: Rom-com, Action Comedy

Author: @isthisselfcare

Word Count: 199K

OVERVIEW: Draco Malfoy and the Mortifying Ordeal of Being in Love, (hereafter, referred to as BATMOBIL), is a whimsical, amusing delight of a rom-com set against the backdrop of an Auror protection job. Right off the bat, it is worth mentioning that this is a highly indulgent fic, border-lining on crack, I daresay. It’s chock-full of tropes and clichés that rom-com lovers will be familiar with. If a reader swapped out the magical references with their muggle counterparts, the Dramione vibes generally disappear. But if you’re looking for a low-stakes, feel-good summer read—well then, grab your ice cream, coziest blanket, fuzzy socks and dive right in to have your heart tickled and soaring with glee!

TECHNICAL WRITING: Isthisselfcare’s writing voice is one of her greatest strengths, full-stop. It is immaculate, masterful, sharp, idiosyncratic, and clever. I would wager to say that this is a top reason why so many people love this fic, even those who typically don’t prefer rom-coms! If you scroll through the top comments in each chapter, reviewers literally dissect favorite lines that stood out to them—there are a lot). The author expertly plays with puns and double-meanings. The level of banter, quips, and comedic timing is reminiscent of olivieblake’s work, one of the most respected banter-writers in the fandom. I oftentimes found myself re-reading certain lines to fully appreciate the layered jokes that flew over my head the first time. And there are hidden gems in nearly every line.

For the more quiet moments when comedic levity isn’t needed, the author’s use of prose is absolutely beautiful. I would include some lines as examples, but really, the only way to appreciate the power of the writing is by reading it yourself.

SETTING: Tonally, I thought the sets were absolutely gorgeous, immersive, and visceral. Without giving too much away, a large part of the story is set in various places around the world that Draco and Hermione travel to. And those places (which exist in real life) are described beautifully—I felt right like I was there with them; every location felt like a postcard moment. The places that D and H traveled to by far felt the most “alive” to me, and overall, added to the mood of the rom-com. Special nod to the Hogwarts trip, in which the author’s description of the castle through the eyes of two adults was very pragmatic, relatable, and actually made me nostalgic for my very own childhood.

DRACO CHARACTERIZATION: Yes, out-of-character to canon Draco, very much so. However, since everyone’s preferences and tolerances of Draco characterization vastly differ, I won’t interject with my opinion as not to sway others. Here are general observations: In times of levity, Draco is debonair, clever, casual, vain, flippant, and a bit of a scoundrel. In times of gravity, he becomes highly competent, protective, and reliable. Because this is a light-hearted rom-com, we don’t get to see any of the angsty “tortured soul in love; we can’t be together because I’m me and you’re you” characterization that we see in so many fics. Take with that what you will.

HERMIONE CHARACTERIZATION: Not quite in-character, not quite out. There’s truly nothing wrong with her at all. She is, however, rather one-dimensional throughout the whole story—she’s there mainly as Draco’s love interest. I’m personally okay with this, because this fic was obviously written with Draco’s POV transformation so the reader can experience his transformation from a suave bachelor in the prime of his life to being whipped for a dazzling woman far beyond his league.  Personality-wise, Hermione is brilliant, clever, pure, innocent, diligent— bit of a Mary Sue, and nothing quite fresh or new. However, it’s worth mentioning that her character is enhanced by her many accomplishments, accolades, and goals, and I loved that about her. This alone is why many readers consider her to be a BAMF.

SIDE CHARACTERS: Loved them. They definitely were not part of an ensemble cast (mainly there for comedy and to make Draco very uncomfortable), but they were lovely, nevertheless. My absolute favorite was Theo. Honorable mention to Tonks. Hermione didn’t interact with them much at all, if I recall correctly, which indicates that they really weren’t critical to the overall external plot.

EXTERNAL PLOT:

 For a rom-com, I thought the external plot blended quite nicely. The first half was a bit slow for me, as it was setting the foundation for Draco’s feelings, and the action didn’t really exist. But about halfway through, the plot and action really picked up, and continued on at a satisfying pace until the end. As I mentioned earlier, angst is really quite non-existent in this fic, even throughout the action scenes. It reminded me of a fun, summer blockbuster MCU movie (in which despite the highly competent superhero action, there is still levity). I didn’t feel like I was sitting on the edge of my seat with bated breath. Nevertheless, there was a lovely external plot that kept my interest because there were *real stakes to the wizarding world.*

ROMANCE ARC:

I don’t want to spend too much time on this because I don’t want to spoil when the sexual and emotional payoffs occur, but all I can say is: OUTSTANDING. Though really, that should come across as no surprise to anyone, given that the title of the fic literally indicates the entire romantic arc of the story. As mentioned in my earlier post of “what makes a GOAT Dramione”, a well-paced romantic payoff is highly important to me. And in BATMOBIL, this was very well done.

FINAL THOUGHTS: I put this fic down with a big, silly grin on my face, grateful to have experienced a truly euphoric and fun tale. However, it didn’t leave me with the “empty satisfaction” feel that I love in heavier fics, in which it ended perfectly but I’m desperate for more because I’m not ready to part with this world. I’d love to read one-shots or drabbles about these two idiots in this universe, although I wouldn’t want them to focus on the romantic development (as that is a closed chapter for them). But perhaps ones about future wacky shenanigans they get themselves in. And Theo. More Theo!

If you enjoyed this fic, you may also enjoy:

Love and Other Historical Accidents, How to Win Friends and Influence People, Universal Truths

[softmafia]

Hisoka falls in love with Gon's sister reader whenever he saw her with gon going shopping at some mall.

I always love those fanfictions where Hisoka falls in love with somebody related to Gon. One of my favorite tropes. It’s like Gon’s sister starts dating somebody who literally wants to kill him and now every time he’s with his sister Hisoka is just there.

Gon’s Sister

(Stacy’s mom)

Warnings: Fem y/n, Hisoka being Hisoka, NSFW themes

For the sake of this oneshot, Ging will be around 42 because in Hunter x Hunter, Ging is 32(at least from my knowledge) so if we’re going by that logic, Ging would’ve been at least 14 when he had the Y/n in this fic; which is pretty weird. So even though Ging isn’t written in, I have to change his age so it makes sense.

“Are you sure this is the place you buy your clothes at?” Y/n wondered, mockery evident in her tone, “These clothes seem a little too... big for you.” She says as her and her little brother stood in one of the kid’s stores. Gon fumed at the ears, his face reddening in embarrassment as he heard some of the employees of the store giggle behind them. “Y/n quit it!! Why can’t you just let me shop by myself!!”

Y/n threw her hands up and shrugged, “I would love too but what kind of sister would I be if I abandoned my baby brother?” She teased, relishing in her poor brother’s embarrassment. Killua is going to be here any minute!! Gon fretted, I have to get Y/n away or she’ll definitely humiliate me!! He could handle Killua’s banters, but both Y/n and Killua poking at him would be his death day.

Gon shifted his gaze to the mall’s fountain, which wasn’t far from the store they were currently in, there he saw his semi-acquaintance, Hisoka. Gon gulped, yes, this was going to be risky, but he knew his sister was strong enough to protect herself if anything happened. “Hey, Y/n!! Look!!” Gon grabbed her wrist and started dragging her, “I want you to meet somebody I met at the Hunter Exam!!” Y/n scoffed, thinking it was just going to be some other snot-nosed nerdy kid.

“Awww another one of your kindergarten friends-Oh! Hello~!!” Y/n was about to tease him until she was met with a broad chest and a perfectly chiseled and muscular body. Gon sighed in relief, knowing how his sister was, he could finally have some peace and spend time with Killua, who was just making his way around a far corner. Gon waved his hand as he ran away from Y/n and Hisoka, “I’ll see you later, goodbye!!” He called. Hisoka giggled as he watched Gon run off, his eyes quickly fixated on his sister, amazed by how gorgeous she was.

Y/n was eyeing up Hisoka hungrily, which made the taller man smirk, “Wow~ So you know my brother~?” Y/n said, her arms wrapped behind her back and her hips cocked to one side, enhancing her curves with her stance. Hisoka’s brows raised, “Oh~? Gon is your brother~? I never knew he had a sister~” Hisoka observed her, and her body, he couldn’t help but lick his lips as his eyes feasted on this delicious piece of eye candy. “Honestly I never knew I had a brother either! We met each other at Heaven’s Arena when the announcer introduced us with the same last name!” Y/n giggled, finally looking up at Hisoka’s face to admire his handsome features.

The aura that radiated off of Y/n was so intense, and it made Hisoka want to shiver in arousal, Gon had potential, but his sister was just immaculate, nothing he had ever experienced before. He knew in those few seconds she was to become a new toy for him, though having no desire to kill, he had so many urges to want to break her. “I’m actually a champion at the arena~ you should come and see me some time~” Hisoka flirted, engaging in the conversation. Y/n smiled and batted her eyes cheekily, “I just might~!”

“Might I say your arms are amazing~!” Hisoka noticed as his eyes glossed over her beautifully muscled, yet petite arms. Y/n blushed and flexed playfully, “Thank you~! I’ve beat up so many people with these~!” They both shared a laugh. I want her to show me her legs.. mm, not now Hisoka. The man chewed on his bottom lip eagerly as he examined Y/n even further, This fruit is ripe and ready to pluck~ I just have to wait for the perfect moment~. “So you took the Hunter Exam? That makes you a Hunter right?” Y/n pressed, then gave him a coy smirk, “Or were you not good enough, and got kicked out~?” She squinted. Fierce, she has a quick tongue, it’ll be fun to make her submit~ Hisoka grinned and raised an eyebrow, “Audacious aren’t we~?” He laughed, then closed his eyes gently, “Ah but I did pass~ I wasn’t so lucky last year though, I almost killed somebody~”

Y/n’s eyes lit up, this man had dangerous written all over him right down to the soul, and she loved that, “Oh wow!” She couldn’t hide the blush that was oh so evident on her dainty cheeks, “They must’ve been really lucky~” she winked at him, biting her bottom lip playfully. Hisoka couldn’t help but let out an aroused sigh, which he smoothly hid by forcing out a breathy laugh, “Hm~ I wouldn’t be so sure~” he stepped closer to her. Y/n smiled at first, but his bloodlust hit her, giving her a small sense of dread. Hisoka saw her shift of attitude in her eyes, which excited him even more, he gave her a devious grin.

Y/n gulped, “Uh.. I should probably go check on my brother and his friend, they must need money or something, I’ll uh.. talk to you later?” As soon as Y/n began to walk away she felt a cold hand grab her forearm and pull her back. She gasped as her back was pressed against Hisoka’s impressive chest, “Aw~ leaving so soon~? I never got the chance to properly introduce myself~” Y/n was shaking, her breaths were panicked and labored as she felt the magician’s breath trail from her temple, down to her earlobe, his teeth ever so slightly grazing against her skin.

“I’m the king of diamonds~ and every king needs his queen~”

Y/n’s eyes shift to her chest, her face flushed with fear as she saw Hisoka’s fingers delicately dragging a card against her cleavage,

the queen of hearts.

I want you all to take a shot every time one of my fics ends with a suspenseful sentence in italic font.🤠

Anyways I hope you enjoyed!! Kudos to the anon who requested!!

[wistfulrat]

a 4-part rec list of my fave drarry fics - the thrillers, dramas, soft bois, and wankbanks getting me through 2020′s shitstorm

[the soft boi list is here and truly i’m not surprised this rec is going to be the longest bc if there’s one thing a bitch is going to do, it’s yearn.

as always! if you love a fic, follow the authors, leave kudos & comments, send them nice msgs bc free art is still labor xoxo]

part 3: soft bois

mood: for when I need respite, a balm to the all-consuming shittiness of life

includes: fluff, comfort, low-stakes, slow-burn fics. a wistful look, a rainy morning, an unexpected grace, a stupidly disarming joke. i could live inside these fics. the smallness of human lives removed from the site of that which hurts & irreparably changes. the story-equivalent of a deep breath after a long day. pregnant silences & pensive mundanity & shy smiles. banter with bite but without the cruelty. the color lavender. weirdly whimsical. soft fics are not necessarily conflict-averse (no drarry fic rly can be, considering the context) but, they offer the reader a generous distance from the initial harm. they’re the quiet cleaning up after a storm. sometimes healing is an exacting surgical knife and other times it’s a slow scabbing. you read these fics to be reassured that the way forward is not always ruthless. and honestly?? they deserve a semblance of peace godDAMmit.

The Way Down by @letteredlettered - 65k - T “and I thought that if someone talked to you as though you were a human being you might—maybe you could act like one” --the way i think about this line daily. the characterization of draco in this fic is one my favorites bc he’s earnest and neurotic and tired of harry’s shit. which is to say, he cares so so much. and harry doesn’t know what to do with that bc he’s got a monster in his chest and lives as a recluse. but they both humanize each other in ways no one else can. “you’re just a person” has to be some kind of drarry ethics of belonging and it makes me CRY. -

Little Deaths and How to Avoid Them by @greaseonmymouth and dustmouth - 96k - T “Maybe it’s not about deserving it? Maybe you just get to have it anyway. . .I’m allowing myself to want something and to let myself have it and to fight for it.” --harry runs a daycare and also works at a library. draco spends a lot of time in said library. they bond over sci-fi books and therapy anecdotes and quiet philosophical conversations held over cafeteria soup. and harry’s struggling to understand his asexuality. draco’s learning how to live with anxiety and depression. they both want to be deserving of love. incredible fic with beautiful art by dustmouth. - 

Open for Repairs by @drarrytrash - 35k - T “A few leaves rustle in the gutter and the muggle world pays no mind to them, to two lost boys holding on for dear life.” --all of their fics feel exactly like this. like you’ve been allowed to look at something private, tender, unexpected. draco, known abba fan, is a repairman in the muggle world & harry can’t stop breaking thrifted things in order to see him? say less, i'm thERE. also “I think I have a crush on you” goddddd  - other faves by them: Counting Down By Ten - 2k - T: draco’s stepped outside of the party for a smoke. harry follows him bc of course he does. i could read this 100 times and not get tired of it. - Clouds That Veil the Midnight Moon - 36k - E: FUCKING HILARIOUS I CACKLED THROUGH THE WHOLE THING. draco’s wolfy problem and harry helping him and harry being flustered by how much he likes draco and draco’s hot heroic moment. shutup it’s perfect. “He almost asks if Draco ever gets tired of being a miserable complaining shit all the time, but he knows that he, personally, never ever gets tired of being a miserable complaining shit.” and “It’s the traumas,” Harry says gravely” --lines that live rent free in my head -

Harry Potter and the Future He Doesn't Really Want, Thanks by seefin - 70k - E “That was the only logical thing to do here, wasn’t it? It was the next step, it was the end of hurting each other and the beginning of the exact opposite.” --harry lives with luna and neville and also he dreams about the future sometimes? and he keeps running into draco. draco thinks this is sus as hell, until he doesn’t. feat. taxi rides, museums, cinemas, rooftop conversations beneath a lunar eclipse, mid-sex innocuous banter, draco and harry discussing nicki minaj. this fic charmed my ass off. seefin writes the most effortlessly hilarious dialogues. i smiled at my phone like an idiot at least 7 times. -  other faves by them: Wild - 93k - E: “he liked feeling needed, for the things that he was needed for back at the house in Ireland. For cooking and gardening and driving. Easy things.” --this shit makes me cry it’s so good. harry lives in Ireland with these three brilliant, hilarious, wandless witches and draco’s a potions student who's come to study under one of the housemates and the boys have so much shit to work through but their love becomes so tender and honest. draco yells at harry a lot and harry lets him and they both keep each other grounded in something real and fuCK.  - Divination for Dickheads - 7k - G: “I’m terrible at having crushes. I’ve never played anything cool a day in my life.” -- oh harry, we knOW. a bus ride, a fortune teller, an aquarium birthday party. god i love this fic. -

Modern Love by @tackytigerfic​ - 61k - E “But we’ve worked so hard at this, haven’t we? Yeah, I know it’s a horror to have to talk about it, but fuck it. We’re friends now, but it took so long to get here. Have you ever had to work so hard at something before?" --the steady blossoming of their friendship in this fic is so goddamn beautiful i want to yell. it’s draco and harry learning to trust each other and the whole thing unfolds so slowly, in this whimsical mix of london streets, wizarding politics, church halls feat. a Hot vicar, and a magical antique shop owner who’s married to literal poseidon?? goD the environment of this fic. immaculate. [also there’s a tender shower scene that makes me cry every single fucking time so if you read this fic pls dm me so we can be embarrassing about it together tbh] -

Nice Things by aideomai - 22k - M “He kept waiting for the weird shock of touch to not knock him clean out of his head, leave him quiet and warm and happy.” --8th year. harry forms an unlikely friendship with draco that begins with smoking weed on a windowsill. harry is touch-starved and draco touches him like he touches all his close friends - like it’s easy. the quiet affection in this fic, the way harry burrows himself into touch bc he’s been without it for his entire life. reading this is like being held. -

Running On Air by @tinyhistory​ - 74k - T “do you remember when we were eleven?” --alexa play coldplay’s the scientist it’s sad girl hours and we’re about to fucking yearn. you’ve seen this fic rec on every drarry list under the sun and i'm here to be redundant. the hype is so goddamn real. this story is a lyrical masterpiece held together by lines that act as refrains that will rattle around your brain until you die, probably. draco’s been missing for 3yrs. harry goes to find him. it’s their odyssey of homecoming. -

Title of Their Sex Tape by @cibeewastaken - 12k - T “But Draco, Draco was everything but boring. Draco made sitting in the rain watching an empty house fun.” --auror partners pining and draco being eccentric and harry being very earnestly gay about draco’s eccentricities!! god this fic is so genuinely fun skskd feat. undercover missions, murderous faeries, a book heist, a stunning navy dress, harry’s eyelashes. -

How We Throw Our Shadows Down by @thistle-verse - 14k - T “Draco is about to say something else— to thank Potter for what he’d done, however poorly— but Harry is smiling at him again, and it’s so soft and perfect that Draco holds in any inadequate words, lest he spoil it.” --draco collects tea cozies and of course harry has the one he wants. the sad and tender gays are at it again feat. conversations in the rain at a train station, melancholy Blaise, muggle photos, wizarding e-bay, the Dursleys.  -

Helix by Saras_Girl - 92k - E “Draco sighs in his sleep and Harry clings on to consciousness, needing to hold on, to give this tiny, insignificant moment the attention it deserves” --I think maybe you can describe every soft Saras_Girl story as giving tiny, insignificant moments the attention they deserve. like, this is an 8th year fic about snails and it’s full of whimsy, grief, compassion, and easy humor. an absolute must-read author in this genre if you want languorous, episodic fics full of distinct OCs and affectionate creatures. - other faves by them: Light up the Night Sky - 98k - M “Draco, sometimes you make my head feel like soup” --the one where harry is a fireworks artist and has a pet chameleon named ken. draco is on the wizarding arts council. they both pine like hell. - Headlights in the Snow - 71k - M “they stare at each other in silence, Harry’s heart beating so loud in his chest that he thinks the biddies must be able to hear it over the sound of their card game.” --the one where draco drives the knight bus and carts around the biddy club, a group of rambunctious old ladies who knit and drink tea and gossip. harry can’t help but fall in love with the everything about this. -

Follow the Water by @xanthippe74 - 38k - T “Harry’s heavy thoughts lift at the sight, like dark clouds blown away from the sun by the wind. The tent doesn’t feel so cramped and stifling now. It feels cozy. And safe. It’s the same feeling that Harry gets when he’s at the Burrow for Sunday roasts, when a group of people who care for each other deeply are crammed into too-small a space.” --harry wanders to the lovegood house on a sunday afternoon. he’s baffled to see that luna’s taken pansy, greg, and draco under her wing. what follows is a summer of forest walks, scavenger hunts, gardening, water fights, odd cakes, faerie rings, and picnics. so many picnics. i love the pace of this fic, the innocent return to childhood things, the way luna brings out the best in all her friends. reluctantly soft slytherins are just *chefs kiss*!! -

Going Postal (A 125pg comic) by dustmouth - T what. a. beautiful. ass. comic. the wizarding fashion, the textures, the character design!! harry travels a lot for his job as a resourcer. draco works in the regulations dept. they pine like a bunch of lovesick idiots via field report notes. god i love dustmouth’s art. -

All the Earnest Young Men by @tepre​ - 29k - E “Draco is twenty-seven layers of personality wrapped up in drama and humour, and a wit so sharp it still stings when he doesn’t see it coming. But there is something below that, too. Something that makes Harry ache just looking at him.” --the way i would lay down my little life for tepre’s characterization of draco, whom invented the word earnest. he’s a magical art theory expert and portraits are disappearing all over London and harry’s the auror assigned to this case. and well. they’re both so very avoidant about how gay they are for each other and it’s like!! shutup and kiss!! which they do in fact, shutup and kiss.  -

Trenches by sara_holmes - 3k - M “Somewhere in the distant part of his mind that hasn't frozen solid, he thinks that maybe he and Draco are about to become more than auror partners, smoking buddies, wine-mates and co-inhabitants of a snow filled trench somewhere in western Scotland.” --the plot line here is literally “it’s cold and i need a fucking cigarette” but let me tell you how I never tire of the shared loaded-silences of two emotionally repressed gays. -

The Years Before Love by lomonaaeren - 13k - M “That’s one of the meanings of peace, he thinks, as Hermione hugs him...That he can do things slowly, softly, without worrying that they won’t be there tomorrow.” --andromeda taking harry under her wing and harry finding solace in teddy. narcissa and draco showing up and the tentative relationships that slowly develop in the quiet calm of andromeda’s house. found families and kisses in the snow and special xmas gifts ugh what’s not to love -

The Moon Looks Lovely Tonight by Omi_Ohmy - 35k - M “I want this to be a house where people are welcome, where they don’t have to be any one way or another” --in which harry collects lost things--owls, best friends, inept bakers, potions experimenters--and turns the mausoleum that is grimmauld place into a home. feat. your fave drarry tropes like shared-beds and reluctant waltzing partners. -

[part 1: thrillers | part 2: dramas | part 3: soft bois | part 4: wankbanks]

[dracosaurusrex]

In His Eyes (Draco x Reader)

Summary: When you find yourself swamped in your insecurities, Draco provides a different perspective in hopes to make you see your beauty.

Wordcount: 1.7k

Genre: Fluff/Angst

Warnings: Insecurities w/ body image, swearing

A/N: Got this idea when I was doing the dishes today. I didn’t edit it oops. But, I hope you enjoy! Feedback is very much appreciated!!

‘Mildly’ seemed like an accurate way to describe how Y/N felt about herself at the moment: She was only ‘mildly’ satisfied with the way she looked.

Having an eye for detail was frequently associated with regret, for the smallest things would never go unnoticed. Details such as the thickness of her thighs, the size of her waist, and the small flab that was characteristic of her stomach never failed to pique her attention. Furthermore, details such as the definition of her collarbones and the sharpness of her jawline determined her underlying mood on a day-to-day basis. Some days were better than others--she’d actually smile at the reflection of her figure. Most days, however, were spent admiring the figures of others, which was typically accompanied with the sense of longing for particular features on her own body. 

‘So many flaws.’ She’d repeatedly think to herself as a frown would grace her lips. 

The long table in the Slytherin common room was occupied with students after a tiring day of classes. Concentration was embedded on her facial expression as she stared at the assignment laying in front of her. Her eyebrows furrowed, her lips pulled into a tight line, and her fingers twirled the quill within her grasp. Sitting across from her was Draco Malfoy. The relationship between the two began to bloom as a result of being paired frequently for different class projects. Overtime, Y/N became accustomed to the little quirks of his personality, which ultimately led into a gradual development of fondness for the boy. Small smiles were a common exchange between the two, and was followed by the occurrence of fast paced heart beats and reddening cheeks. As weeks passed, the admiration for one another surpassed the initial levels of attraction, only heightening a little more with every meeting. Unfortunately, this also meant that with every meeting there was an utmost desire to look her best.

Today, the girl felt pleased with the way her hair framed her face. So much so that she actually felt pretty. There was something about the way it highlighted the shape of her eyes, accentuated the shape of her nose, and complimented the manner in which her lips had pulled into a smile. Today, the word, ‘mildly’ was but a distant whisper.

--

Sounds of laughter interrupted the solemnity that filled the common room as Pansy Parkinson and Daphne Greengrass came into view. They were much closer to Draco than you were, and had actually shared the same friend group. You greeted one another, however your mind drifted as you took notice of their appearance. They had the body you would dare dream of having, and the fact that they embodied modelesque faces did no justice to your insecurities. The two took a seat with the boy in between, engaging in conversation that consisted of playful banter, inside jokes, and illuminated smiles. They were beautiful, all of them. 

You knew it wasn’t their intent to make you feel that way, but the longer you stayed within their presence, the deeper your heart plummeted. The three words that you had managed to shove in the back of your head began to reemerge, only growing louder as time passed. Soon enough, ‘mildly’ satisfied transformed into insatiable as your self-criticisms overtook you.

You began to observe their small details. Pansy sported short black hair that ended just beneath her jaw. She was equipped with well-defined facial features: pretty lips, deep brown eyes, a pointed nose, all complemented with a personality that oozes charisma. Daphne was no different. Her light brown hair flowed effortlessly over her shoulders, her lips took on an immaculate pink sheen, and her eyes took on a stunning shade of green giving her a goddess-like glow. She was the opposite of Pansy in the sense that she radiated elegance and poise, but both were able to stand alone with looks so inherently artistic yet different at the same time.

With discomfort settling in your chest, you excused yourself from the table to get a breath of fresh air. As soon as you exited the dungeons, harsh commentary began to trickle in. You glanced down at the ends of your hair, your view then shifting towards your stomach, to your thighs, and down to your feet.  

‘Why am I so fucking ugly?’ 

Tears threatened to fall from your eyes, a sob stuck to the base of your throat, and the tight clenching of your chest was aggravated the longer you stayed outside. You bit your knuckle to prevent yourself from breaking down. The tears were immensely close to falling now. You would never be satisfied. 

‘Never enough’

‘Never enough’

‘Never enough...when will I ever be enough?’ Deep breaths were taken to control your sobs. However, that didn’t stop the build up of tension within your chest. As the words continued to repeat themselves, you could feel your heart crack open, tears streaming down your face. 

It had been about ten minutes since the two girls left Draco to his own devices. Your extended absence caught his attention, and soon drove him to contemplate your whereabouts. Unlike you, the boy admired the way you looked and who you are in general. He paid no attention to the details that haunted you. Rather, he marveled at your features, and was drawn most specifically to the smile you gave whenever you were around him. It was bright, it was homely, it was infectious and absolutely adorning. Your eyes would take on the form of crescents, while a melodic laugh was produced from your lips. Cheeks flushed in a warm pink shade, your nose scrunched up in delight--the image of you in your entirety reduced his heart beats into a fluttering rage. You were angelic.

The boy held you to such a high regard that the sight of you crying in the hallway placed him in a momentary state of shock. He approached you with much caution--the sound of his footsteps prompted you to hurriedly wipe the tears off your face.

“Are you alright?” He asked. He was now standing at a close distance, examining the details of your saddened expression. Of course you weren’t alright. That was obvious.

“Not at the moment.” You responded in a whisper. Draco stared at you, not quite certain about an appropriate course of action, yet still felt the weight of your hurting in his chest. The air was filled with silence, and awkwardness was beginning to take form. In a quick attempt to make you feel better, he took grasp of your shoulders and pulled you into a warm embrace. The sudden action caused tears to form again, and you soon found your facade disintegrate within his arms. Tears were accompanied by short gasps for air, while the boy held you close, stroking your hair with much care. He was warm, and the sound of his heartbeat was calming. As your cries began to soften, you slowly lifted your arms to wrap them around his torso. 

“Thank you for being here.” You spoke with a voice that was soft and melancholy.

“Will you tell me what the matter is?” He asked. You relished the sound of his voice before responding. 

“Why? Do you care about me?” You ask half-jokingly.

“Yes, I do. A lot actually.” That certainly caught you off guard. You pulled your head away from his chest, and gave him an incredulous look. He looked down at your tear-stained eyes--your eyelashes were glistening. At that moment, all he could think about was how impossible it was for you to look so stunning after a cry session.

“Don’t pull my leg, Draco.” He chuckled.

“I like you, Y/N.” Your eyes widened as you pulled away and took a step back.

“I swear on Merlin’s beard if this is a prank I-” Draco rolled his eyes.

“Oh shut up, Y/L/N.” The boy grabbed your wrist and pulled you back in for another embrace. It took you a moment to ease into his arms, but once you did, it was hard to ignore the ecstatic sensation that overtook you entirely.

“I like you too.” You say quietly. Draco didn’t respond verbally. Instead, he displayed his contentment by tightening the grip he had around your waist. After a while, he released you only to interlace his hand in yours, and led you to the edges of the hallway. He leaned his back against the wall, and pulled you closer so you were standing in between his legs. With his hands now holding your waist, he looks at you with concern evident in his features.

“Will you tell me what the matter is now?” You bit your lip, feeling hesitant to tell him the truth. Nevertheless, you do so anyway.

“I felt lacking.” You say looking down

“How so?”

“I feel ugly, Draco. I don’t deem myself as pretty as other girls. I rarely ever do. It’s hard to resist the temptation to compare. I never feel satisfied with myself.” His heart drops at the sound of your words. Without much hesitation, he grabs your wrist again and drags you back into the dungeons, swiftly past the common room, and into his dorm. He then takes your shoulders and spins you, so that you’re faced with a mirror with him standing right behind you.

“Y/N, look. What do you see?” The reflection in the glass taunts you as a frown meets your lips once more. You shake your head.

“I don’t think you understand how beautiful you actually are,” He places his hands firmly on your shoulders.

“Everything about you is so breathtaking. Your eyes, your nose, this waist,” You stared as his palms moved down from your shoulders, briefly stroking your arms, before wrapping them securely around your waist. Your heart was beating ferociously within your chest

“Your smile, your laugh, your personality in general,” He turned you around to face him.

“And these lips.” He brushes his thumb across your bottom lip before looking into your eyes.

“May I?” He whispers. You respond with a ‘mhm’, making him lean in to press a delicate kiss on your lips. As you break away, you wrap your arms around his neck again before locking lips with him once more. Your eyes close when they take in the gentleness that comes from its velveteen texture. He then eagerly cups your face, bringing it  even closer to his. With every second, he attempts to remove the negative thoughts that have corrupted your mind. The moment ends with one last peck before he presses his forehead against yours, enclosing you into another embrace. Within said moment, it comes to your awareness that your insecurities won’t disappear overnight. Nevertheless with the support that you now received, you feel more than confident to take on each day as it comes.

A/N: I just wanna let y’all know that you are beautiful! I hope you have a great day!

Tags:

@beiahadid @hahee154hq @mushi98

Message me or add yourself to the taglist! The link to the form is in my pinned masterlist post :D

[lady-divine-writes]

Good Omens - A Historic Blunder (Rated NC17)

Summary: Crowley shows up in the Bastille to rescue Aziraphale, but for some reason, when he snaps his fingers, it doesn't only release Aziraphale from his chains, it switches their places. Miffed at all of Crowley's mean comments about his beautiful suit, Aziraphale doesn't just opt to free Crowley, but forces him to earn his way out of his chains by putting his smart mouth and sharp tongue to better use. (1999 words)

Notes: Written for the @coldomenszine - nsfw digital-only edition. Warning for bondage and oral.

Read on AO3.

“What in the …?" Crowley glares at the shackles clamped around his wrists and Aziraphale's gold brocade suit miraculously tailored to his body. His eyes dart over to Aziraphale, clothed in the burgundy coat he arrived in. "Why am I wearing your clothes? And your chains? How the Heaven did this happen?"

"I don't know," Aziraphale says, massaging his wrists, rubbed raw by the shackles he'd been locked in. Indeed, how did this happen? Just moments ago, between pleasant banter and derisive remarks in regard to Aziraphale's unfortunate clothing choices, Crowley had snapped his fingers, performing a demonic miracle to set Aziraphale free. Which he did, so, of course, well done him. But now Crowley is the one in chains ...

... while Aziraphale is dressed like a peasant. 

"Are you losing your touch?"

"Very funny.” Crowley snaps his fingers again. And again. And again. But no matter what he does, he can’t break free. 

Most of what he'd intended when he snapped his fingers happened. Aziraphale is unbound, and the guard who had been sent to fetch him standing paralyzed in the corner. Other than that, nothing else worked the way it was supposed to. 

It's almost as if his spell backfired.

"Could this be a punishment from Hell for you rescuing me?" Aziraphale asks with genuine confusion. "You said your lot don't send rude notes. Could they have taken away your power instead?"

“Don’t know," Crowley says, examining his hands for answers. "Does seem like something they'd do.”

Aziraphale gasps. "Maybe they know you're here, and this was a test! Or maybe this isn't Hell's doing at all! Maybe this is Heaven's!" He looks up and around, trying to sense any Holy influence in their midst. If he finds any, he's going to be very put off, seeing as they made no move whatsoever to aid him.

"All interesting theories," Crowley agrees, giving the shackles a tug, checking their strength. "Theories I would love to discuss with you at length somewhere other than here. So why don't you get me out of this mess?"

Aziraphale tuts at Crowley's tone. He's every inch a demon of Hell, with demon manners, too. "What's the magic word?"

Crowley rolls his eyes. He considers not saying it out of spite, but what other option has he? "Please."

"Could you possibly say it nicer?"

Crowley fixes Aziraphale with the fire of his fierce, yellow eyes. "No."

"Fine." Aziraphale raises a hand to snap his fingers, but he hesitates. 

"Wot?" Crowley shakes the chains to remind Aziraphale what he should be doing. "Wot's the matter?"

“I don't know."

"Wot do you mean you don't know?"

"It was nice of you to sweep in here and help me, but you're being mean to me."

"I'm being mean to you?"

"You made fun of my clothes!”

Crowley sputters like a car struggling to start. “You’re ... you're ... you're going to let me get discorporated because I made a comment about your outfit?”

“It was rude! I'll have you know that suit was a gift from Marie Antoinette herself!”

"Pfft. Fitting you'd be wearing it here then."

Aziraphale tsks in disgust. "Was that really necessary?"

Footsteps overhead, coupled with the sounds of cells opening and shrill cries for mercy, draw Crowley's attention away, make him swallow hard. "Okay, look, none of that matters right now! I got you out of your chains, yes? Tit for tat, angel. Bust me out!"

"Quite right, quite right. I could do that. Bust you out, as you say. But what’s in it for me?”

"Aside from you not losing your head?"

"Yes. Obviously. Aside from that."

“I’ll take you to lunch," Crowley offers.

Aziraphale shrugs. “Alas, I’ve already eaten.”

Crowley pulls a face. “That’s never mattered before!”

“Yes ..." Aziraphale grins "... but today it does.” 

"Wot else could you possibly want?"

"What are you willing to give me?"

Crowley crosses his arms over his chest, fumbling with the cumbersome metal links so he can manage it. "I know you've got something on your mind, angel. So could you help me out? Give me a hint?"

"Well ..." Aziraphale rolls his eyes to the ceiling, stalling in the hopes Crowley might figure it out "... it's been terribly stressful here, locked up by myself, waiting to be executed ..." He busies himself picking nonexistent lint from Crowley's jacket, feigning nonchalance. He has no intention of letting Crowley lose his head. He's having a bit of fun with him. 

But maybe he can finagle a little something more. 

"So you're wanting something to relieve your stress, is that it?"

"Perhaps ..."

Crowley smirks. "The stress of being locked up or the stress of being an arsehole?"

Aziraphale huffs. “Remember, my dear, I can’t stop time the way you can so we don’t have a lot to play around with.”

“How much time are we talking about exactly?” Crowley asks, dropping to his knees. Aziraphale hides his triumphant grin behind a scowl when he sees the immaculate hem of his pants and the toes of his satin shoes come in contact with the grimy floor.

“There are guards strolling the halls, checking on prisoners several floors above us. There’s one a few floors down doing the same, coming up this way. So I’d say you have roughly twenty minutes.”

"Twenty minutes!?”

“Nineteen now.”

“Knowing the response time of your cock when faced with my tongue, I’d say that’s more time than I need.”

Aziraphale glowers. "Eighteen ..." 

"Alright, alright! Help me out! Undo your trousers!"

"You're already down there. I'd say you're in a better position to undo them, don't you?"

"Bastard!" Crowley growls. He snaps his fingers, quadruple checking that it won't work. Wouldn't it be the dog's bollocks if his magic came back in time to shove Aziraphale's snarky attitude right back in his face? 

But it doesn't.

Crowley unfastens the fall-front of Aziraphale's trousers, the rough metal of the shackles doing no favors for his wrists in this position, but that barely fazes him, focused on this particular task.

It's been ages since he's seen angel's cock.

He removes it from the confines of angel's trousers, holds it in his hand, and wonders - has it gotten bigger since? Has Aziraphale been putting extra effort into this part of his anatomy since the last time they were together?

Or is he doing this now for Crowley's benefit?

To make Crowley desire him?

Crowley opens wide, takes him in his mouth, but slowly. More slowly than usual. They might be pressed for time, but Crowley feels a need for vengeance. He's going to drag this out, use all of the eighteen - no, seventeen - minutes they have to frustrate the Hell out of Aziraphale.

Teach him a lesson he won't forget anytime soon.

Crowley's lips around Aziraphale's cock nearly discorporate Aziraphale in an instant. It's been too long since he's sampled this demon's pleasures - his warm mouth, his quick wit.

His exquisite company.

"That's is," Aziraphale moans as Crowley wraps his serpent tongue around him, then drags it down his length. "That definitely hits the spot."

Crowley pulls away. "I'm glad you're enjoying yourself. My knees are aching like Christ on the cross."

"Too soon, my dear," Aziraphale mutters, eyelids fluttering shut to block out sounds of clattering chains, guards coming ever closer, screams of prisoners dragged to their deaths, the ominous drop of the guillotine. "Too soon."

This is the way things have been between them for as long as Crowley can remember. These small indiscretions, stolen taboos, are all they're allowed. They never know when they will have time together, so they relish it whenever it comes along. As fun as it is riling angel up, Crowley can't help wishing he could do things up proper: in the quiet of his flat, on a bed of rose petals, with a bottle of champagne, a bowl of fresh cream, and all the time in the world to enjoy it.

“Crowley!" Aziraphale whines, hips bucking, desperation saturating every breath. "They're coming!"

"Are you?"

"This isn't the time for humor!"

"How much time do we have left?"

"We don't have any left!”

As if on cue, the guards Aziraphale has been sensing arrive, going on loudly about what could have happened to their companion (Marcel - the man stuck in the corner). They stop, do a double-take, then go bug-eyed when they spot Crowley, dressed like a member of the haut monde, on his knees in front of Aziraphale.

At first, they don't know what to make of it. They would chalk it up as a victory if not for the fact that, even dressed like one of them, they have no idea who Aziraphale is. And though they recognize the fancy suit Crowley is sporting, they have no clue how the man inside went from plump and pale to thin with flaming red hair and dark glasses.

They try to think up a practical explanation, but as former men of faith, they come to the conclusion that what's going on inside the cell is the work of the Devil. They hurry off, presumably to summon back-up, screaming about witchcraft and perversion. Aziraphale doesn't know for sure. They could be yelling about the weather. His grasp of conversational French isn't as good as it should be. He could ask Crowley to translate, but he wouldn't remove his mouth from his cock for anything.

Tragically, Crowley does so himself. "I think we've been spotted." 

"How did you guess?" 

"Are you even close?"

"Yes! Yes, I am! I ... oh, let me! May I?" Aziraphale grabs Crowley's head but waits for a consenting nod before he holds him still and fucks his mouth to the finish. And Crowley lets him. He may as well have some fun with his mouth before he and his head become strangers. Not that he thinks Aziraphale would leave him there to be beheaded.

But would he? 

"Oh! Oh, dear! Oh for Heaven's ...!" Aziraphale comes down Crowley's throat in a wash of Holy light enough to burn straight through to his stomach, but that's part of what he enjoys about letting angel use him.

That taste of Heaven that accompanies his orgasm.

"Oh my goodness!" Aziraphale pants. "That was exceptional, my dear. Bravo. You really know how to rise to a challenge."

"I'm glad you're satisfied." Crowley wipes his mouth with the back of his hand, then licks up every last drop. "But there's still the matter of you breaking me out."

"Yes ..." Aziraphale awkwardly clears his throat "... that."

"You are going to free me, right?"

Aziraphale shoots Crowley an offended look. "Of course, I am! I'm an angel of my word!"

"A-ha. And how do you intend on doing that when you didn't want to use a miracle to free yourself?" Crowley asks, kicking himself for not considering that at the beginning of all this.

"Oh! Well, you see, I nicked the key from that chap over there ..." Aziraphale pats down the pockets of Crowley's coat, then the pockets of his own, chirping a tiny, "A-ha!" when he finds it.

"Why didn't you tell me!?"

"You didn't ask!"

"How did you get it off him without his noticing?"

"Nu-uh." Aziraphale sticks the key in the lock and gives it a twist. "A magician never reveals his secrets." 

"Wait! That means you could have gotten yourself ... and me ... out of those chains this entire time!?" Crowley hisses, shaking out the throbbing in his wrists as the chains fall to the ground. But Aziraphale sidesteps Crowley's question and helps him to his feet.

"Come come now! Let's get moving!" With a snap of Aziraphale's fingers, Crowley is re-dressed in his original clothes while Aziraphale reluctantly switches outfits with the still frozen guard. "We mustn't hang about!"

When the guards return, there's only one prisoner in the cell. 

The aristocrat on his knees and the revolutionary he was servicing are gone.

[washymylifeaway]

MatsuHana fanfic recs

HI LOVES :D MatsuHana is one of my FAVORITE ships and I always love reading their fics! I’m procrastinating my other wips rn, so that do be why this is coming out rn LOL. Also that ask really made me get onto writing this, so anon thank you for sending it in LOL. There are some with VERY sensitive topics and they’re very BOLD, but I hope you all are safe while going through this list <3 (also matsuhana leans more to lots of drinking, spicy smut scenes, and teenage boy humor (like d*ck jokes and sexual innuendos) and sometimes I don’t remember to warn for that, so again CAUTION)

As always, pls check WARNINGS, TAGS, and SUMMARIES for fics before reading and make sure you’re taking care of yourselves (since mental health is key!) Stay healthy loves <3

CP:

plus one by orphan_account (G) 6.1k // this fic made me feel so warm and fuzzy inside LOL. It’s also hilarious and is definitely worth a read! When will I get to share a heart shaped bed with someone :( But I really love it when they just go with the flow of things, and other people are like,,, aren’t you already dating? BUT THEY’RE LIKE UMMM NO? HSAKJSH.

rated m for by orphan_account (T) 10.7k // I love this fic it made me laugh so much throughout the whole thing! The vibes in this fic are immaculate and give me life (we love a good reunion with mystery writers), it is SO good! That’s why you should never leave/stop listening prematurely (@ iwa when he was a single dad fic). 

This gets annoying fast, Makki by Ink_stained_quills (G) 2.3k // IM IN LOVE WITH THIS FIC PLS I COULD NOT STOP CRYING TEARS OF LAUGHTER. This AU needs more fics PLEASE. It was SO freakin’ funny and the other teams KILLED ME. Like how they all approached the problem differently and how some of them (KUROO) asked for help LOL. Please this is so freaking funny go read it.

quidditch gloves, parchment, and custard cream by h_lovely (T) 12.4k // THIS IS SO GOOD, I love this fic. It really takes you through the emotions, and I love all the development in it!!!! Their relationship with one another (but only as homies right? ofc ofc), and even their families loving the other, this fic is so good! Read it even if you don’t like slow burn, you won’t even notice <3333

call me maybe by totooru (T) 33.6k // okay yea another (semi) chat fic,,, fight me. MatsuHana are just funny in general but throw some other characters (like Kuroo) into it and it turns into a comedy show. But the main point of this fic was like the near miss meetings and I think that the misunderstanding were hilarious (as much as I hate misunderstandings LOL).

Magical Mishaps and How to Deal by plumtrees (M) 10.9k // I lost this fic once and I searched for it FOR THE LONGEST TIME. But that’s cause I wanted to reread this masterpiece. IT’S SO FUNNY AND CUTE AND DOMESTIC AND UGH. Also the small angst made me SO SAD. But the ENDING? THE KISSES AHHHHHHH. (I’m yelling a lot BUT that’s cause I really love this fic <3333)

hang out fall in love by carafin (T) 8.6k // I love the Makki hates Mattsun initially but then falls for the irresistible charm he posses trope. It might be my favorite trope for MatsuHana specifically LOL. Like I really love this fic and it has MAGIC. It’s like a magical version of the VA one LOL. But like no radio shows or reunited best friends in this one :(

THESE ARE VERY ANGST!!!!!!!

boiled frogs by reginagalaxia (E) 91.5k // is it possible to hate a character this much? I never realized how much hate/rage I had in me. Really. Like. Imma boutta fight this MF LIKE SQUARE UP. The way I tried to manifest a fake characters death like,,,, Anyway. If my RAGE doesn’t explain how good of a freakin writer they are, then idk what will. PLEASE READ THE TAGS AND WARNINGS, THERE ARE VERY SENSITIVE TOPICS!!!!

Even Though it All Went Wrong by plumtrees (T) 9.2k // THIS IS THE REASON THIS POST CAME TO BE. I love this fic with all my heart (or what’s left of it). Like LOVE as in, this fic really broke me beyond just breaking me. Like. When Oikawa says what he says to Mattsun after the thing (you’re sorry __ _____ __ ____) and the Iwa right after (we know __’__ ___ ______ to make you ____ __ ____) (if you’re wondering wtf I’m putting here, just ctrl F you’re sorry and you’ll see), you cannot believe how hard that hit. GOD. (I am okay if you’re wondering :’)) This is my #1 favorite angst fic of all time and if you are okay mentally and have read the tags and warnings and are fine with them, then please read it. PLEASE READ THE TAGS AND WARNINGS, THERE ARE VERY SENSITIVE TOPICS!!!!

The Truth Comes Out by Your_Friendly_Neighborhood_Pigeon (T) 10.2k // this made me so sad and empty after I read it. Like I just sat there being like wtf did I just read I’m sad now. Again read the tags, there is a suicide attempt but there’s also some cheating in this one. This one also ends happy. PLEASE READ THE TAGS AND WARNINGS, THERE ARE VERY SENSITIVE TOPICS!!!!

New:

kiyala // this writer has a LOT of fluffy MatsuHana and I really love their works! It’s just all (for the most part) really cute and there’s a lotta blurred lines and boundaries that get cleared up (they define what their relationship is but with ~love~) in their fics :) My fav? Making Sense by kiyala (T) 1.5k // it’s very cute and I am one who loves when things just fall into place :D

tookumade // this writer has some of MY FAVORITE MatsuHana fics in it and I’m kinda really sad I don’t get to ramble on about them here :( (dw I will elsewhere LOL) If I had to choose, I would say Remind Me by tookumade (T) 28.6k and Zenith, Nadir by tookumade (T) 10.7k were my absolute favorites, but I cannot choose between them so don’t make me.

plumtrees // I LOVE THIS WRITER OMG. Again, someone who has written my all time FAVORITE fics (did I mention OF ALL TIME?) and I’ve obsessively read some of them too many times :’) Because I already recommended my other faves above, Captured Light by plumtrees (T) 3.5k will be my acting favorite rn. It’s really cute and depicts some really sweet moments between MatsuHana too!

h_lovely // this writer has SO MANY GOOD FICS! I really love their series and their getting together fics are all SO GOOD UGH. I recommended my favorite teen one above, but the other ones I loved are explicit so just check out this writer in general LOL. (I REALLY love mirror flower, water moon, it’s my favorite but it’s E cause some smexy scene happen, but it’s really SO good omfg. Also the roses series IS AMAZING as well!!!!)

cream puffs and carnations; by crossbelladonna (series) 11.6k // AU SERIES!!! I love the AU’s in this series and I really liked the prompts they chose for this MatsuHana week :D My favorite from this series might’ve been there he is again by crossbelladonna (T) 1.6k cause a) I love the mattsun hc in this (for his appearance) and b) IT’S CUTE :D I definitely related to Makki and his not very subtle crushing, and also I like the IwaOi + Makki as friends trope (and then they meet Mattsun), if you couldn’t tell yet LOL.

on the anatomy of crushes by carafin (T) 2.3k // (kinda cp but not LOL) it’s very short and cute and I love it a lot LOL. I love medical AU’s (even though it’s very back burner LOL), but also, like Mattsun saves the day is the move. Like the dedication he has even going on the bus? Especially for a guy? Amazing. I could never :’)

Parallel Lines by orphan_account (T) 16.3k // IN LOVE WITH THIS FIC LIVES IN MY MIND RENT FREE CONSTANTLY. I hate math. Just putting that out here. And while it’s a math fic, IT? IS? SO? GOOD???? And like I love it when characters are smart, like I love intelligent characters so like this was just ajndf. (also same Mattsun, I am allergic to normal math.) 

live it up, drink it in by punybastard (T) 2.1k // GAH this one! This is a pretty iconic fic in MatsuHana hell (in my personal opinion) and if I didn’t have that two fic limit on my staple fics, this would be there. I really loved the ending of it (v cute and v well done), but also the small side stories that were inserted made it all the more entertaining :D (aka the volleyball) But they are drinking underage, so if you’re not about that BE WARNED.

it's cold out here by bishounen_curious (M) 8.6k // PLEASE I LOVE THIS FIC. YES READ YESYESYES READ. OKAY FIRST check tags and warnings, there’s a lot going on in this fic. Like don’t be stupid like them, drinking underage, and don’t do drugs not a good idea very very bad. Aside from that, I am in love with sad sad sad Makki (along with stupid IwaOi) and him being a sad drunk made me ajhkjdfs. Just read it and feel the akfnakjs with me LMFAO.

poolside by tothemoon (T) 4.1k // I’m starting this out with I LOVE the ending and I REALLY LOVE the way this confession panned out. It’s such a great concept and it made me ajhfldshf inside!!! Also, recursive endings are some of my favorites (if you couldn’t already tell LOL), and I think it really makes something so nostalgic and adds depth to a fic.

The Courage of Stars by FairyLights101 (T) 7.1k // AHHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THIS FIC YES!!!! OKAY TW CANCER THERE’S CANCER IN THIS NO DEATH JUST PAIN and chemo (which basically is pain). Some controversy, but the angst part of me wanted him to die DONT GET ME WRONG, I’m glad he lived, but like imagine. I really love this fic, and his efforts in the bucket list were admirable :’)

we could be the greatest team by anyadisee (T) 5.7k // it’s my crack fic :D Yes, this is just Seijoh messing around, boys being boys, relationships being compared with other relationships. No pining, just me with my established relationships (and Iwa fanclubs cause those are a thing. ALWAYS).

Wet Your Whistle by darkmagicalgirl (E) 5.4k // SMUT ALERT okay but like while it’s a major plot point (lmfao I can’t believe myself), the storyline itself is good. Also, I’m all here for bartender Makki and tattoo Makki and not subtle at all Makki and basically everything Makki. I like banter and stupidity okay?

[obnoxious clucking noises] by parenthetic (renaissance) (T) 3.4k // some more crack fic for you <3333 Literally, just idiots being idiots. That’s the fic. LMFAO but seriously, I would like to participate as well,,,,, I have yet to lose a game of gay chicken cause of my lack of fear akdjaslk.

that's what you get (for waking up in vegas) by skittidyne (T) 4.2k // THIS IS SO FUNNY. I love Elvis cause he’s always officiating marriages in my fics LMFAO. But also IwaOi in this added some real nice comedy, and overall another crack fic but I really liked this one (AGAIN LMFAO).

A Bouquet of Flours by guyfierimpreg (G) 5.2k // first I want to know how they got the flour to scream, I just can’t figure it out so if anyone would like to send me pictures that’d be great. Second, they would do this bs and this is all canon. I said what I said, and I don’t take criticism. Like, matsuhana best parents proven by the magical mishaps fic (LMAO).

texting (with a capital S) by parenthetic (renaissance) (M) 2.1k // okay I just wanted to say that the accuracy in the math stuff being mentioned makes me feel like this writer was in calc ab or something and that’s trauma right there. Anyways, it’s a texting fic kinda sorta getting together kinda sorta not? Idk how to explain it, but it was funny and then smut LMFOAJIAHFSJS (the derail was just like IwaOi in gay chicken, someone call the police LMFAO).

nebulas by tothemoon (T) 10.8k // I like the casualness of it. Like the confession was just so casual (smooth Mattsun) and like the progression was GOOD. Like, it’s a very poetic fic and there’s lots of thinking of deeper meaning, but its still got some comedy sprinkled throughout. I really loved the flow of it!!!!

my heart beats for contract law by orphan_account (T) 4.4k // I too would have a breakdown over school (me pretending like I haven’t already done that ahaha), but I really love so many things about this fic! Everything was just so ajsdfljdsn and I really love the 3 part plan Mattsun comes up with :DDDD (esp pt 3). Also, to propose while having an emotional breakdown at 3am in a McDonalds drive through. A mf dream.

Reflex by hiuythn (T) 2.3k // PLEASE IF THEY DIDN’T MEET AT HS THIS WOULD BE CANON ASF. You cannot tell me you don’t think this would not be cannon asf. They would meet like this. Also poor Teuchi stuck in the middle of all of this. I haven’t watched naruto, but it doesn’t really matter. What matters is random emotional sexual bonding over something. That is important. (THE ENDING AJKFHKJ)

You're in Pink (and I'm in blue) by Hyeyu (T) 4.4k // whooooo Hanahaki whooo anyway, despite how it seems, I like the hanahaki trope. I don’t fully understand it sometimes (most of the time tbh), but it adds some nice angst and desperate confessions, and I do appreciate those :D Honestly, I really liked the way this fic panned out, and I felt really bad for Iwa LOL.

stranger things by tinypersonhotel (G) 10.2k // I really like this one :D:D:D I love Makki + Oikawa friendship and they’re really the best to each other :’) The ending was satisfying, and the PLOT omg. It was SO good. I feel like I say this a lot though LOL, but I’m just really into fics with good plot progression (or else I don’t read them OOPS).

something of a disaster by latenights (T) 1.4k // chaos ahahhaha. Another crack fic? I hope no one is surprised LOL. It’s just a really short and simple, cute getting together fic with a LOT of insults LOL. I love this one in particular, “Tooru’s dinner special”.

snakes, meth labs and something like love by orphan_account (G) 3.6k // THE ROOMMATE AD PLEASE. I honestly would never think Oikawa would get a snake, but that doesn’t matter LOL. This was me indulging myself in the makki IwaOi best friends and mattsun stranger agenda but it’s a great agenda okay? It’s a good fic and there’s a microwaved fish :D

Lemonade by carriecmoney (T) 4.1k // okay once again, responsible drinking and don’t drink underage bad idea smh. But MatsuHana just making out where they want? I could see that. Yeah. Anyway, as much as public make out seshes make me *gag* feel embarrassed, what made me feel more *gag* embarrassed was the fact that the girls? just? stood? there? Like why are you watching this. Is that just me? I feel like they should’ve left smh.

surprise, surprise by airblends (T) 7.6k // some more pining and dancing around the issue whoooo. As much as I hate them not getting to the point (almost as much as I hate misunderstandings), it was a great fic. This is nosebleed c*ck block (idk if I needed to censor that but I did fight me).

A God for Every Season by timkons (T) 18.4k // I love the Hades and Persephone trope! Okay, I just love mythology leave me be, but anyway I really love a lot of this fic. Like how Mattsun thinks it’s a little brighter with Makki? CUTE I LOVE. But also, the fish funeral is ridiculous but also very on brand for Oikawa. And some BokuKuroo (idk is that their ship) in here as well :DDD

The Best/Worst Places to Cry in the City by AngryKitten (T) 4.4k // literally it is the title. Just you know, looking for the best place to cry in the city,,,, I’d like to say, don’t cat call people cause we’re not about that here. Even if it worked out for them, just don’t do it :/ Also don’t follow strangers. I feel like that’s a given but jic ya know?

this isn't exactly how i thought i'd be spending my adult years by jadedpearl (NR) 7.5k // okay petty Makki is yes and so is my Makki + IwaOi agenda LOL. (I’m thriving here can’t you tell? Yes regular skype/phone calls constantly) Anyway, blackouts and sickness really be here getting people together. (I’m asking nicely, nike.) And Makki is smooth with his words. (SHORTER MEN MADE ME LAUGH)

chocolate by tellalie (T) 3.6k // the dedication in this fic was amazing. Like making a whole a cake? Someone go do that for me. (For mankind.) Fake dating is really something else, but fake dating to out gag your best friends? Seems like I need to step up my game (but no seriously, my best friends are PDA monsters I hate it here). Also practice confessions are wack.

FINALLY I MADE IT. You don’t know how many times I almost gave up on finishing LMFAO. Is this my longest list? Idk. But I just know that I would’ve finished faster if I didn’t end up rereading almost every fic on this list LMFAO. Like no seriously I almost had to make a post saying this wouldn’t be coming out cause I got distracted by one of the longer fics (I’m blaming Mirror Flower, Water Moon specifically). But I hope you enjoyed this, and once again go thank that anon for spurring me into finishing this list LMFAO (am I a horse? Yea, probably but if one thing, I’m not sturdy).

[heybaetae]

I know this is a Tae related blog but in your own words what do you love about each members(besides from Tae)

i’m an ot7 blog hun, tae is just my bias 😂 let me gush about the rest of my boys !!

jin has such a unique sense of humor that i honestly envy him for it so bad. some of the funniest jokes from those boys have come out of his mouth lol. he has a very quick wit and i really admire how much the rest of the group gravitates to him so naturally in certain situations. he seems like such a good person and when I think of little moments of him (like that scene in bv2 where he was bantering with that checkout lady about his name being J and called taehyung a liar and was making her laugh) his charisma is just so natural and endearing!!

yoongi is Such an impressive person to me, because he’s just so professional and cool and grounded and knows what he’s doing like damn i wish i were as talented as he is cuz we are the same age, but he’s the type of guy who sees the good in other people even if they don’t. he is just a very comforting human being and I could listen to him talk about anything for hours. he’s also a deep thinker, i love that about him

namjoon always always always knows exactly what to say. his way with words is immaculate. I’ll get choked up if I get really into it but I admire him so much and hope he’s reminded every single day how special he is!!! he is so so kind and patient and polite. he’s a total softie too and i love how dedicated he is, like in general, he’s just. Good

hoseok was the sole reason I got into bts and was my first bias, so he’s very important to me. his soul is so beautiful and i am never not blown away by his talent. he’s such a great secret weapon for bts to have. also he thinks everything everyone does is the most impressive thing ever and everyone needs a friend like him. BEST HYPE MAN! sweetest boy in the world

jimin. raised the bar for me in terms of like. all people. on the planet. he makes me laugh the most and has a giant heart. he’s so considerate of everyone around him and makes me feel so very loved as a fan, I just think loving someone like jimin makes someone a better person!!! he’s taught me how to be gentler with myself and with others. i love him dearly

jungkook drives me insane in the best way. he is so fascinating to watch. he’s introverted (like me) but so willing to take the risks and I admire him for that so much, he makes me want to try new things and step out of my comfort zone too. i think he’s such a dear, he’s always so kind and curious about things and I love his humor as well. it’s very particular, it’s hard to describe it but he is such an interesting person to me and incredibly selfless. maybe too selfless sometimes. he deserves the world

[pebbles628]

Is This Thing On?

Hi! I don’t know how this works or if anyone will read this but eh who cares I’m bored and this seems fun. I love to talk about my books but there’s only so much rambling my friends and family can take so why not shout into the void of tumblr and talk about my favorite books! 

I’ll start by introducing myself. You can call me A if you want, or come up with something of your own I’m not picky! Anyways, I’m a 20 year old pre-nursing student and I love books, like a lot. When I’m having a bad day, I re-read one of my comfort series, it’s one of my healthier coping mechanisms. I like fuzzy things, and have been spending way too much time on tik tok recently. Now that we’re aquatinted random internet reader person, I’ll tell you about my favorite books and why I love them. Let the nerding out begin :)

1. The Red Rising Saga by Pierce Brown- Listen this series is just *clenches fist* SO GOOD. Favorite series hands down. A big reason why I made a tumblr is because I fell down the rabbit hole of RR tumblr and I love it. I read the first book in the series a few years ago, and over quarantine my brother told me to finish the series because it gets better and HOLY SHIT was he right (we’re now thinking about getting tattoos together that say howler 1 and howler 2 which I think is adorable). This series came into my life at exactly the right time. Not to get emo in the chat but I had some mildly-traumatic-friends and family stuff go down right as I was reading this series. Seeing the characters that I love so much be so resilient helped me tap into my own resilience to fight my own battles. Also Pebble is a tiny pudgy murderous mom friend and I’m obsessed with her and the rest of the howlers (thus my username lol). I could (and probably will some other time) go on much more about exactly how much and why I love this series but for now I’ll leave it at that. Omnis Vir Lupus Baby! Onto the next book!

The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins- When I tell you Katniss Everdeen seriously influenced my personality..... Anyways I first read this series in middle school and most of the gore went straight over my little head. But luckily the message stuck with me and is still with me to this day. This series is responsible for my rebellious streak and my knowledge of hair braiding lol. Not to mention Joanna Mason was 500% one of my first book crushes. This book series had a MASSIVE influence on me growing up, and every time I re-read it I pick up on something new, which in my opinion is the sign of a great book! This series always has a place in my heart, and is responsible for many of my adolescent ramblings against the establishment (I say that as if I’m not still rambling against the establishment currently)- anyWAYS NEXT!

The Martian by Andy Weir- Ok first lemme just say this GIF and Matt Damon hehehe. I read this book years ago and it’s always been one of my favorites. The science, the resilience, the characters, what’s not to love?!? And the movie adaptation is amazing too so added bonus (I can’t make it through the movie without crying and immediately reading the book again). The humanity and resilience combined with the humor always make me happy. Mark Watney might be one of the best characters ever. He somehow manages to have immaculate banter when he’s literally the only person on a planet. Seeing everyone band together to do the right thing and help always makes me feel hopeful when humanity in the real world isn’t doing too hot. Also “I’m gonna have to science the shit out of this” might be my favorite quote maybe ever. 

Holy shit that was long. If you made it through any of this and actually read it thank you so much! I’m flattered and honored! Feel free to respond (however you do that on tumblr I’m still learning) and tell me about your favorite books! Anyways I’ve rambled enough and have a low fever from my second covid vaccine so I need to go to bed! 

Bye Random Internet Reader Person! :)

[enviedear]

satin and boots → draco malfoy

DESCRIPTION ⌙ in which draco attends a gala hosted by a fashionable y/n and her elegant best friend. draco learns they love a good boot. and a good treehouse.

PAIRING ⌙ draco x fem!reader

WORD COUNT ⌙ 2.4k

*:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

“that’s absolutely hideous. makes me want to wretch.” lukas groans.

“it’s not that bad..” you say, looking down at the magazine.

lukas scoffs, “y/n for someone who’s been to countless fashion shows, you have zero taste. that dress,” he says pointing to the teal chiffon garment in the magazine. “well that dress should be a crime. and not in a good way.”

you laugh a little and flip to a new page. adorning the page is beautiful spread of satin mauve gowns.

“this is the one!” you exclaim, pointing to a tighter fit version of the colored gowns.

“place an order for it! it’ll come in time for my parents gala! i’ll make sure to get a matching tie.” your friend gleams.

the two of you are gushing over what accessories to wear when you’re interrupted.

“look blaise, the hufflepuffs have moved on from planting and cooking to pursue something more meaningful... shopping.” draco smirks.

you roll your eyes at the boy. malfoy could be such an annoyance for no reason.

“draco i think you’d benefit from a day with us. those shoes are so ghastly.” lukas snorts.

you giggle and tell your friend to play nice.

“whatever, avery. you and your blood traitor parents wouldn’t know the first thing about luxury.” draco seethes.

your best friend, lukas avery, a part of the sacred twenty-eight pure-blood families. not like he or his parents care. that fact, annoys malfoy to no end.

“malfoy leave us alone, i don’t see why you constantly have to instigate with everyone.” you say.

blaise grins at you, “draco you’ve upset the poor girl. you know how sensitive the ‘puffs are.”

lukas gets up from his seat, pulling you with him. he glares at the two slytherin boys before leading the two of you to the hufflepuff common room.

“i cant believe my parents invited their families to the gala. i swear i’m going to kill zabini and malfoy if they ruin my night.” lukas complains.

“don’t worry, i doubt they’ll cause a scene there. they can’t afford to make their perfect families look bad.” you joke.

—

the day of the gala comes quickly. on one of the hottest days of the summer. you wouldn’t have cared if it weren’t for the fact that the avery’s had you and their son setting up the outside for the gala.

“mother, do we have to bring all the tables in the gardens? cant the servants do it?” lukas asks.

his mother, jane, gives him a sharp look.

he quickly gives up on his idea and the two of you walk to the gardens, tables and chairs in tow. the avery’s gardens are lovely, full of green grass and a pleathora of gorgeous flowers.

“this wouldn’t be a problem if we could use magic.” you say, placing a chair by a small metal table.

“you stop complaining! i carried way more than you.” lukas scoffs, fanning his flushed face.

“you’re such a dic-” you stop before you finish, spotting his father beside the two of you.

“hi thomas!” you greet the tall gentleman.

he eyes you before saying, “i hope you can improve your choice of words by tonight, y/n. i’d hate to have to send you to bed early just because you start using you colorful vocabulary.”

lukas snorts as you sulk.

“you two can start getting ready, take your time. when you’re done i expect you two greet guests with me and your mother.” thomas tells the two of you.

“us? greeting everyone? even the malfoy’s?” lukas grimaces.

“yes lukas, even the malfoy’s.” thomas chuckles.

getting ready definitely distracts the both of you from any thoughts of annoying pureblood families.

you help lukas into his grey suit. the suit jacket is asymmetrical and he wears a mauve silk turtleneck under it.

“black boots or snakeskin?” he questions.

“snakeskin. you have a statement to make.”

then he helps you slip into your mauve gown. it hugs your curves wonderfully. the dress is held up by two thin straps and drapes down your chest. it’s a simple gown, but the tightness and texture make it a a sight to behold.

lukas does your hair to your liking and helps you clasp your necklace.

“we look dashing.” he smiles at the both of you in the mirror.

“i must say, we clean up expertly. also, i better get my earrings back after tonight. you stole my last pair, and i won’t let you this time.” you say tugging slightly on the crystal earrings he’s wearing.

lukas waves you off and holds his arm out for you, leading you down the spiraling staircase.

“look at how beautiful they are, thomas.” jane smiles, winking at you.

you thank her and take your place beside the family, beginning to greet the guests.

most of them you know through school, and easily sparked up converstation.

besides pansy, she wasn’t too keen of talking to you.

after an hour you began to feel tired of sparking up the same converstation with people. you were beginning to wish could banter with malfoy just for a change in conversation.

almost on cue, the malfoy’s enter the room. lukas glances at you and playfully rolls his eyes, earning a subtle shove from his father.

“lovely gala you’ve put together, jane.” narcissa says before greeting the rest of you.

“i’ll have to agree with my wife. everything looks immaculate,” lucius says. “and your son is growing up quite nicely. he takes after you, thomas”

as the parents drift off into a conversation, draco clears his throat. you look at him and smile.

“i see you’ve gotten new shoes, malfoy. i must say, you can’t go astray with a good boot. good choice.” you say.

lukas snickers, “although an off white suit? thats questionable.”

draco glares at him before retiring hs attention to you, “you look nice. i almost didn’t recognize you.”

you scoff, “i look extactly like myself, draco. i’m just in a tight dress.”

he doesn’t say anything, but instead, looks you up and down and smirks. you don’t know why, but the gesture sends a shock down your spine.

soon the malfoy’s make their way to a dining table, and you continue to greet guests for a few more minutes.

“lukas, escort y/n to the dance floor for the first dance. and please, do not try any new dance moves you saw at the ballet. we don’t need a repeat of last winter.” jane tells her son.

“it wasn’t my fault.. y/n didn’t practice.” he mutters.

you and lukas make your way to the middle of the ballroom. his right hand envelopes your own and he allows his left to sit at your waist.

suddenly the music begins and you and your best friend float around the room elegantly.

you hear a few ooo’s and ahh’s. that eases the awkwardness you feel about being the opening dancers.

“malfoy has a crush.” lukas whispers.

“how riveting.” you huff, focusing on the steps.

“oh, not just any crush. it’s you, love.” he says, dipping you down and winking.

“are you sure he’s not smitten with pansy.” you say, quirking your eyebrow up.

lukas raises you back up and spins you, “that’s a stupid question, no one likes pansy.”

“that’s rude.” you chastise.

“well she doesn’t know i said it. i think you should ask him to dance.” lukas grins.

the music stops. the guests clap respectively.

“i thought we hated malfoy?” you say.

“we don’t hate anyone. just ask him.” lukas tells you.

before you can protest, lukas leaves you going to dance with leo greene.

there was no way you’d ask malfoy to dance. so instead, you go to sit at your table. there’s an array of foods and cocktails to indulge, and indulge you do.

a boring hour passes and you decide to escort yourself to the gardens. by now, the stars are out and the guests are all inside. you’re all alone. as you walk through the hydrangeas you faintly hear your favorite song being played on the piano. you smile to yourself and gently sway to the beat.

“cant find a dancing partner, y/l/n?” draco asks, poking his head out in front of you.

you shriek and cover your mouth.

“don’t scare people, malfoy!” you say, slapping his wrist.

“oh please, i didn’t mean to,” he pauses and looks up and down at you again. “want to dance, y/l/n?”

you give him a questioning look but take his hand anyway.

“please refrain from stepping on my feet.” he teases.

“if i step on your feet it’s deserved.” you reply.

he rolls his eyes, and begins dancing with you.

“lukas is under the impression that you, draco dear, are harboring a crush on me.” you tell him.

“a crush? i’ll say i find you beautiful, but i don’t have a crush on you. you’re a half-blood hufflepuff.” he snorts.

you knew it. there was no way malfoy could have a crush on you.

“that’s what i said.” you say plainly, allowing him to continue guiding you through the gardens in a simple dance.

“what’s that over there?” malfoy asks nodding his head in the direction of a tree.

you look over and see he’s talking about the treehouse lukas and you built your first year. you smile and look back to him, "would you like to see?"

"i guess.." he says, letting you go.

you lead him to the tree house and tell him to climb up, you follow suit.

inside sit a conglomeration of things lukas and you have collected over the years. there’s a badger plush toy, bean bags, a muggle radio with stickers covering it, a love letter a muggle boy wrote you fourth year, an empty bottle of whiskey, and a hufflepuff flag.

draco looks the place over and picks up the letter.

“what is this?” he asks, shit-eating grin covering his pale face.

“that is none of your business!” you say, grabbing the letter.

“no no, hand it back. i want to see.” he says.

you glare at him, “you’ll just make fun of me.”

“i swear i won’t make fun of you, now give it here.” he says, snatching it up.

he scoffs before looking back down to the letter.

he begins to read aloud, “my dearest y/n, i get very sad when you leave for school. i wish i could go with you. i miss seeing your pretty face all the time. the boys back home miss you too. when you get back i think we should all watch the rest of the star wars movies. josh’s dad got them all for christmas! i miss you so much. i think i like you a little too much now. the other day while i was in the shower i started thinking about your pretty eyes. and now, i’m certain they’re my favorite thing about you. i hope school is going well! i was sorry to hear about that guy that was making fun of you.. drago? don’t let him get to you. he probably doesn’t know how to talk to a pretty girl like you. some guys are insecure like that. oh and can you send those weird chocolates again? last thing, i remembered you liked my jumper i had on the last you saw me, so i sent it to you. i hope you’ll wear it! i cant wait to see you.” he finishes and looks over to you.

“drago? i assume that’s me.” he says.

“yes, draco.” you reply

“i wasn’t that mean to you fourth year.” he insists.

“oh, you were beyond mean. you were a complete git, malfoy.”

he laughs and places the note back in its place. turning to look at he the bean bags.

“what are those?” he quizzes.

“you sit in them, they’re called bean bags.” you relate.

he glances around the room once more before sighing.

“what now, malfoy?” you ask.

“i lied.” he declares.

you furrow your brows, “about what?”

“when i said i didn’t have a crush on you. i do. i like you. you’re... nice.” he admits.

“i’m nice?”

“well amongst other things, but i didn’t want to fuel your ego. salazar knows you have enough of that from hanging around avery.” he replies.

“i would like to say i as well have a crush on you, but i feel like this is some sort of prank you’re pulling on me with blaise and pansy.” you quip.

“it’s not a prank. i wouldn’t go this far for a prank. y/l/n, i’m in some stupid treehut you made back in first year just because i like you. i made sure zabini and parkinson didn’t annoy you or your bloody friend tonight. and i danced with you in a garden of flowers. i don’t know how much more obvious i can be.” he nags.

you raise your brows, “okay okay, i believe you. i like you too draco. you’re... unique.”

he rolls his eyes at your joke.

“seriously. you’re a sight to behold. you’re beautiful, charming when you want to be, intelligent, and you know what you want.” you smile.

he returns the gesture and relaxes.

“but you have to stop being a dick or else i won’t entertain you.” you say, firmly.

“i can do that.” he remarks.

you laugh and pull him toward you. his eyes scan your face before leaning in.

“no way. seriously no way.” you hear lukas guffaw.

you look behind you and see your friend and leo, eyes shooting out of their sockets.

“oh fuck off lukas.” you giggle, throwing the badger at him.

“i’ll leave, i just-,” he blinks rapidly while pointing at you and draco, “that was just unexpected.”

you roll your eyes and wait for him to be far away from the treehouse before you lean back into draco and kiss him.

it’s a delicate kiss, full of innocence. it makes you feel utterly weightless.

“i have to get back to my parents. i’ll write to you though. i hear the avery’s are throwing another party before school. i’d like to have you as my date.”

“your date? but what about your parents. they wouldn’t like that one bit.” you ask.

“i couldn’t care less. at least you’re not a bloody muggle.” he teases, earning a slap on the wrist from you.

“i really like you draco malfoy. don’t mess this up.” you say, watching him ascend down the ladder.

he looks up at you and smiles, “never.”

[zigsexual]

Hey! I see you have good story telling recs for like video games and stuff and I just got a ps4, is there anything you recommend? I have wolf among us and Detroit become human on my list THATS all I have so far

omg girl u have come to the RIGHT place ! story-based games are my shit ok... im gonna start by doing a lil self-plug which is that i’m streaming one i really love called firewatch tonight (at 7pm PST hehe) on my twitch so we can start with that one. its such a pretty game and has a really touching story. but that aside, non-exhaustive list below:

the last of us — i havent played the second one yet, but both 1&2 are playstation exclusive i believe and the first one is probably one of the greatest games ever made. better than most movies i’ve watched story-wise; i fell in love with the characters and i doubt anyone could play this without shedding a few tears.

the walking dead by telltale — same studio that made the wolf among us (which i fucking love also), and all four seasons of this game are a masterpiece. clementine is probably my all time favorite video game character, and there were some side characters who i really sobbed over during the course of the game. plus all the characters you play as are characters of color so there’s a specific attention to diverse viewpoints there!

life is strange — i would hope you’d have played this already if you like story games, but if not, go play the original game ASAP (LiS2 is alright, but the first one is what really shines) and you can also play the prequel before the storm. beautiful atmosphere, attention to detail, gameplay mechanics, etc. good good shit

dragon age — HELLO my fave shit omg, again not to self-plug but i’m gonna be doing a stream series of this and starting with an intro to the lore for beginners because there is serious worldbuilding for these games and the storylines are immaculate. there’s three so far and including the various DLC you will be entertained for weeks if not months.

mass effect — made by the same studio as dragon age, essentially it’s dragon age in space. same great characters, worldbuilding, plotlines, etc. just... ignore andromeda and only play the main three ME games.

uncharted — i will fucking die for naughty dog games omg so they also made the last of us plus all 4 uncharted games and these ones are SO much fun. much less emotional turmoil, think indiana jones in the present day with an extra serving of wisecracking banter and there you go. really excellent fully fleshed out female characters as well. nathan drake is a treasure.

until dawn — more of a horror game but has weirdly excellent actors (hello rami malek???) and a super cool/creepy story with not so much focus on combat (more QTE based) which helps when you’re just there to be entertained. i love this game, i’m not a huge horror person myself but it’s just so good and your choices really impact the outcome.

oxenfree — deeply underrated game with some of my favorite voice acting ever, such a gorgeous art style, and an incredible and resonant story. so much lore to unpack here too, this game was really made with so much love (like there is deadass a morse code message hidden in the beat of the main song that leads to an irl mystery... google that shit its so cool) and it has major replay value. lots of choices to make and they all impact the ending in a ton of ways.

pillars of eternity — i actually liked the second one more than the first one and i enjoyed them both a lot so that’s saying something! you can play on easy mode and ignore the fighting and there’s tons of quests and choices to make and an interesting story/mystery to uncover. plus in the second one you get a pirate ship.

divinity original sin 2 — played this recently and it’s definitely more of a combat game, but as with POE you can just play on the easiest setting lol and then explore the game for its world and storyline. similar to POE in that it’s quest-based as well, the characters are super well done, and it’s all voice-acted which is nice.

star wars knights of the old republic (aka KOTOR) — listen this game is old as hell and looks like ass but its so good. idk what else to say i mean its literally like 20 years old and people are still playing it. there’s a ton of mods you can download to make it look better, but the storyline and the plot twist hold up as one of the all time greats. i’ve replayed it and the sequel multiple times. even if you don’t like star wars, worth it.

stardew valley — HELLO THIS GAME IS SO CUTE its essentially just harvest moon and yes it’s pixel graphics but it’s so charming and the characters are very enchanting. there’s not a ton of story but it’s still worth a play as it’s just very soothing and earnest. i’ve logged like 200+ hours in this game lmao

hopefully you haven’t heard of all of these already!! i love all of these games and i love sharing story-based recs because there aren’t a lot of them out there. if anyone knows of any other good ones please drop ur thoughts in the replies!